Sammy's Fishbox Restaurant

I must have been to a completely different Sammy's. All these reviews are nothing like our experience. Five stars? really? expensive, overpriced, and very crowded, our group was seated at the most cramped table in the middle of the restaurant. The waiter who couldn't even understand us, was passing sodas down from person to person, because he couldn't reach the middle of the table, it was so packed.

I don't get why this place was packed. I could think of more reasonably priced places to eat in the city. We had to go here cause our relatives live there, and we heard such rave reviews about Sammy's we figured it was a sure thing.

Not a pleasant dining experience at all. Avoid avoid avoid.

Pros: chicken parmigiana for $20, cheapest dish on menu!

Cons: crowded and unpleasant

Posted 08/31/09

I love great steak as well as great seafood, however it is almost impossible to find a restaurant to satisify both needs.. But I did find one on City Island, Sammy's fishbox. I ordered a steak and maine lobster surf & turf. It was incredible the losbster was tender, full and sweet and the steak was cut with a fork tender and delicious..I highly recommed this place..a real surprise but one I can't wait to repeat.

Pros: fish & staek

Posted 06/24/09

took my mom here for lunch this past Wednesday, never been to City Island before. Was so impressed with the food here! I read some bad reviews about how it's overrated (from yelp) but I didn't think so at all! They had a twin lobster special for $30! And they were so fresh and SO well cooked! Each lobster was like 1.25 lbs, so def enough, when u also get a plate of salad, broccoli, yellow rice, baked potato, and then the bread and veggie dish at the beginning. We only ordered the special from the menu tho so they charged an extra $5 for the single plate charge. Still worth it tho cuz the sides are excellent and couldn't even finish them!! I will definitely be coming back, but just wish I could try more things! Everything looks so good, menu selection is huge. Free parking lot and great service from the staff too!

Pros: great twin lobster special

Cons: too full to try anything else!

Posted 06/19/09

We visited Sammy's this past Monday evening. The restaurant was busy, with an animated atmosphere. We were greeted at the door, and seated promptly on time for our reservation. Our server, Bud, was attentive and friendly and provided some great menu recommendations. The carb cakes and the baked clams were both great. Our dinner was accompanied by some the yankee game on a huge flat screen TV, . We never felt rushed during dinner. We left more than satisfied with our meal - the restaurant provided a great mix of quality, service, and value. We'll certainly be back.

Posted 06/09/09

My wife and I have gone to Sammy's a few times. We usually go there on special occasions. I have never had a problem with it. The food is super excellent, service is awesome, ambiance is lovely. The pricing is a little steep, but it's well worth it.
I especially enjoy the martini's. They have such a variety, you'll never get bored.

Pros: Drinks and food

Posted 06/02/09

Sammy's has fine seafood! You have try their jumbo fried wild shrimp, it is the best fried shrimp I have ever tasted in my entire life. I love seafood, and this is definitely one of my favorite seafood restaurants!

Pros: service & food

Cons: very busy

Posted 05/25/09

I truly thank Sammy's and their great staff for helping pull off the best party ever.............the food is still being raved about, and the location is beautiful. I would highly recommend Sammy's Fishbox for any occasion. Totally a warm, funky and fun atmosphere.

Pros: Great Party Place

Posted 05/25/09

The seafood is the tops in the Bronx and beyond, as far as I am concerned, huge portions of super fresh and delicious food. Lot of freebees as well, including a free menu for my kids, which certainly hepls in these trying times. But I would go to Sammy's anyway even if nothing was free, The place rocks and I love it.

Pros: Food and staff

Posted 05/23/09

My first time there was a bad experience. They forgot to seat us so we were waiting for at least 2 hours. They ended up giving us a complimentry return pass. The next time i went it was amazing. It was a little less busy and they waitress was so sweet. The food was just about the most amazing thing i have ever had.

Pros: Food & Atmosphere

Cons: always a crowd

Posted 05/22/09

The service was beyond incredible, the waiters are so friendly and eager to cater to your every need. The fresh shucked oysters and clams were ice cold and delicious LOVE THEIR free house SALAD! As for the meal, I am absolutely amazed by their surf and turf combinations! It was unlike any other! There's an amazing selection of seafood and meat So you better come HUN-GRY! And trust me, you WILL BE SATISFIED for DAYS! My favorite is definitely the prime rib & maine lobster! Overall, the experience was truly beyond amazing.. I didn't even want to leave the restaurant! Me and my girlfriend will definitely be going back there soon! It is our ultimate favorite place to dine!

Pros: giant portion, fresh seafood

Cons: always very busy

Posted 05/17/09

We had expected a bit of a tourist trap, but were greatly surprised. Everything, including the service, was first rate. I had a 3 lb Maine lobster steamed to perfection. My partner had halibut which was as fresh as could be. We had to wait about ten minutes for our 8:30 Friday night reservation.

Pros: Food & service

Cons: a bit noisy

Posted 05/14/09

I dined there two weeks ago with some friends from work. We all had a wonderful time the food and the service was outstanding. We got a lot for our buck and were surprised at our server?s knowledge and personable attentiveness. I had the crab cakes and the wild salmon it was delicious, my friend the rib eye and he said it was terrific. Oh at last we finished with this chocolate berry Cake "OH MY GOD". I was in heaven. I also enjoyed the warm pine decor, we felt very much at home and will definitely return.

Pros: so fresh fish

Posted 05/13/09

It is almost impossible to find a restaurant for a romantic dinner or a fun lively time with some friends or a great party setting with such reliable service and continually fabulous food. Maybe that is why there are so many regulars at Sammy?s Fishbox on City Island The food is consistently delicious, always go for the fish and beef combination to their incredible feast for two that can feed four. The wine list is good, there is always a nice Red available and the staff is friendly and competent. I'm there every couple of weeks and from all the friendly faces I now recognize, so are a lot of other Bronxites.

Pros: Food, Value, Dessert

Posted 05/12/09

We went to Sammy?s Fishbox on City Island for Mothers Day. The restaurant has a very nice atmosphere; the food was very good and also had an excellent service. Oh, I got to compliment on the free breads and cheese, olives and relish tray as well. They were all excellent! (I'm originally from San Francisco and very picky about food) I'd definitely go back to Sammy?s again for dinner next time

Pros: Great breads and cheese

Posted 05/11/09

I love this restaurant. They have the best food. There seafood selection is amazing. The last time I ate there I came home with leftovers for two days. I would highly recommend them to others.

Pros: Never had a back meal

Posted 05/10/09

Ate dinner here this evening, and was very impressed overall. The place has a nice ambience, without being pretentious. Service was very attentive and helpful. The wine selection was substantial without being overly pricey. The food was the star though. Our dishes were outstanding, from the mahi tuna to the baby back ribs and halibut mains. They were prepared to perfection and were delicious. I wholeheartedly recommend this place...

Pros: absolutely the freshest food

Cons: Very Busy

Posted 05/07/09

If you are looking for some fresh fish and many varieties, Sammy's Fishbox on City Island in the Bronx is the place . You can get Grouper,Flounder,Mahi Mahi,Tuna and many more selections.They fixed them either broiled,fried,pan seared,or sauteed, or baked.Its so good to actually taste fresh fish and have it cooked correctly.We will be back.

Pros: Fresh fish and tender beef

Posted 05/04/09

This is the best place for fresh seafood & steaks. We drive 2 hours from Staten Island just to eat here. Every time we have eaten here the food is great & service is top notch. Watch out for the Mojito's they will sneak up on you

Pros: Food is outstanding

Posted 05/04/09

I have been here several times and have tried many different dishes and they have all been excellent! The food also comes out very fast! I would especially recommend their famous fried Jumbo shrimp which comes with various other items, like king crab legs, snow legs, baby back ribs and more. I couldn't believe the variety of combinations our table tried many and they all were great. I can't wait to retiurn to Sammy's again and again.

Pros: Freshest seafood ever

Cons: long wait sometimes

Posted 05/01/09

I have been going to Sammy's since they first opened in a small shack like restaurant in City Island and have never been disappointed. The food is always fresh, the service friendly, and the prices reasonable. Sammy's has a casual atmosphere with great seafood and even the Ribs and steaks are fantastic. Their fried foods are the best on the planet and are worth the splurge!

Pros: Fresh food prepared perfectly

Posted 04/29/09

Highly recommend the selection of fresh catch of the day and the New England Clam chowder as well as the huge selection of surf and Turf combinations, You dream it and Sammy's menu has it. I never get tired of comiong back tpo try something different. Try a Mojito at the friendly and fun bar or ask Amad to make you one of his specials. Fresh seafood, prof & friendly Staff and good music make this place easy to recommend

Pros: No Doubt the Best Seafood around

Posted 04/26/09

Nearly every dish that lands on the table is overwhelming, , but a few standout starters include roasted lump crab cakes with a 20-year-old Ambroshante sherry based sauce, the Maine lobster bisque and the classic house fresh salad were perfect. For the main course, fennel-butter basted twin south African lobster tails melts away and fresh, flavorful fishes like Alaskan halibut or wild salmon will not disappoint the most discerning seafood connoisseur. I can,t want to return to Sammy's next week for my birthday.

Pros: Fresh Fish, lobster and king crab legs

Posted 04/23/09

I've taken out of town friends here twice and it was great both times. It's got a classy, warm log cabiney decor -- but the best thing is the
fresh seafood.
One time we went crazy and got a huge platter of shellfish-- on my second visit I had the best piece of fish I've had in a long time.
I highly recommend this place !

Pros: Fresh Fresh fish

Posted 04/21/09

I went there with my friend who was visiting me. The service was excellent and very professional. Seafood was nice, fresh, well prepared. It might be a little pricy to go every day. . But overall I am very satisfied with what I paid and I had a giant doggie bag to take home and food for two meals.

Pros: great lobster and swordfish

Cons: very busy

Posted 04/19/09

I go to Sammy?s quite often and always find it to be great. While they may slip every now and again, keep in mind that this place is ALWAYS very busy; they remain a great sea-food restaurant. We have always had the most professional service. The manager is always the most approachable manager I?ve found anywhere. He once heard it was our anniversary and came out with two glasses of champagne and balloons and congratulated us. It was a very nice touch to a wonderful evening.

Pros: Food and service

Posted 04/15/09

I have never had a bad meal at Sammy?s Their calamari and their blue cheese salad are the best I've ever had. Their steak and seafood is phenomenal. It's amazing that many people don't know about this place.
The atmosphere is pleasant but not ritzy, so it's a good middle-ground place to go when you want great food without the pretentiousness. They have some open air seating, which is nice in the summer. The staff is also extremely friendly. Sammy?s is a great place to meet with clients or dates.

Pros: Food and service

Posted 04/14/09

We were seated promptly as we arrived for our reservation, even though we were a few minutes late due to traffic. The food was wonderful and the waitstaff very helpful in describing the selections and their favorites when we were unsure of what we wanted. As we were with an out of town guest, our request for a table next to the fireplace was accomodated.

Pros: king crab legs and crab cakes

Posted 04/14/09

Quite frankly the best restaurant experience I have had anywhere. Celbrity crowd, great people watching, awesome food and service. An interior that makes you never want to leave, they not only have the finest seafood dishes ever, but on my last visit I tried one of Sammy's Prime shell steaks, that were as good any any of the city's top steak restauarnt I've eaten at

Pros: Great Food, Creative presentation, Nice atmosphere

Posted 04/12/09

First time writing a review, I went to Sammys Fishbox on City Island on Saturday night with some friends. We were greeted promptly by a very pretty hostess and seated shortly after that. There was a buzz of conversation all around; everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. As I looked around to see what others were eating as our server Larry greeted us. He suggested we try the Martinis, I tried the Apple and my friends tried an assortment of awesome mojitos needless to say we had many. The menu has so many wonderful items I could not decide. Again, Larry came to the rescue and suggested an assortment of fantastic Appetizers followed by the best stuffed giant Maine lobsters ever Overall a great experience, young and knowledgeable server with personality. Will be back with more friends...Thank you Sammys

Pros: Everything I look for in a great restaurant

Posted 04/10/09

I recently had dinner at Sammy?s Fishbox on a Friday and had one of those memorable dining experiences that seem to be few and far between lately in this city. From the moment we were greeted by the lovely hostess we felt so welcome by the staff. Our server was very efficient and knowledgeable without being intrusive.
We began our dinner with appetizers that were outstanding. Our main courses continued to impress. We had Swordfish and South African Lobster tails, again, so yummy! We split a dessert and almost wished we had had another as our Chocolate Raspberry Fudge cake as surprisingly one of the best desserts we have had in awhile.
We will be back and continue to go back.

Pros: Fresh seafood, great service, innovative cocktail menu

Posted 04/09/09

Everything that we ordered was well-prepared and delicious. The scallops and crab cake cakes were excellent. Our wait-person was very attentive and even came back to the table to ask me if a certain ingredient in my meal was acceptable, so she was very mindful of dietary restrictions. An overall great experience, and we plan on returning. We also had the best Pina Colada ever, tall frozen and delicious

Pros: Great food, great service

Cons: can't think of any

Posted 04/08/09

This is one of my favorite restaurants but definitely my favorite seafood restaurant. Fisherman that we know love eating here and ordering from their wide selection of fresh fish. That's all you need to know. We love it so much. The food is just awesome. My favorites include the whole baked Red Snapper (always must order it) The main dishes are delicious. My favorite dessert is the mile high chocolate layer cake.. Yum!!

Pros: Food and friendly staff

Cons: NONE

Posted 04/07/09

Sammy?s is the place to go if you want a no-frills, old fashioned seafood dinner. The fish is amazing. Even my husband, who generally prefers steak, really enjoyed the fish here. The Fried giant shrimp are fantastic as well. Seriously treat yourself. The prices may seem a little high but are completely worth it. I would rank it as one of the top three seafood houses in New England.

Pros: Freshest fish

Cons: always quite busy

Posted 04/04/09

I just got back from Sam's on City Island. Another great experience. I had 6 kumamota oysters and a crab feast. I'm in heaven. Everytime I go to Sams I tell myself I'm going to try something else but I just love the Crab feast. I did try the hallibut with the other night. That was to die for. So good. I'm a creature of habit though and the crab is my thing It's a great place to go, the food is excellent and I'm always treated nice. I highly recommend it.

Pros: Food and service

Cons: very busy, sometimes the wait a little long

Posted 03/29/09

I?m a Brooklyn born girl and this place is my home for seafood and ribs in the great NYC. Great raw bar, very fresh seafood, I especially love the giant lobster stuffed with crabmeat baked to perfection. The service as well was excellent . Even the valet was good. Go here.

Pros: Fantastic food, decor, service

Cons: Pricey but worth it

Posted 03/10/09

I was surfing Citysearch looking for a good seafood restaurant when I happen on Sammy's Fishbox and viewed the video on your site, it looked great so I visited Sammy's and boy I wasn't disappointed , The place was incredible, giants platters of seafood flying out of the the kitchen people were happy and really seemed to be enjoying the food and the atmosphere. We were a party of four and started out with frozen pina coladas followed by two seafood feasts that were better that they looked in the video..this place is a major find..thank you Citysearch

Pros: food

Posted 03/09/09

The sophisticated seafood menu features imported delicacies like fresh big eye tuna from Kona and Pacific Northwest mussels. From the raw bar, I tried plump, bi-coastal oysters selection which are a must. The Blue point from long Island were particularly sweet and succulent. My South African broiled lobster tails were outstanding as well. The Grilled wild king salmon was flaky and moist, brilliantly prepared to perfection. We were to full for desert but the table next door had a number of deserts that looks yummy.

Pros: food, service, free parking

Cons: very busy

Posted 03/06/09

My wife and I celebrated our anniversary at sammy's last weekend. It was a great place to go for a special dinner or just a regular dinner too. It was a very warm and comfortable environment. The service was great our waiter was very friendly and helpful. They had a great special on wine that night.. The crab cakes were absolutely delicious and my husband and I really enjoyed our Shrimp stuffed with crabmeat and baked Lobster awsome, Beautiful Presentation! We were too full for dessert, but looked great! We will definitely be back. Sammy's is highly recommended!

Pros: food, atmosphere

Cons: busy

Posted 03/05/09

Hello,
I am a semi-professional restaurant reviewer (I work with a local magazine who sends me out to the top restaurants in the New York area, to bring back my experience). Sammy's Fishbox has a very warm and comforting feeling to it from the moment you walk in and are greeted by one of the lovely and welcoming hostesses, to the moment you sit down at your superbly comfortable table and are introduced to the "Sammy's Experience" by, what I can conclude to be, a highly trained and friendly server. You can tell from the warmth of the place and the overall aura it gives off, that someone put a lot of care and work into this establishment. Very rarely will I return many times to a restaurant that I review, yet after my time at Sammy's Fishbox, I felt compelled to return again and again, only to receive the same high quality of service and food. After you select your drink order, you are greeted by a complimentary salad, relish tray, full loaf of delicious bread, and the best cheese around. I decided to order a few items, so that I could get a complete feel for the type of food. To start, I ordered fried shrimp and a half-rack of ribs. The shrimp were, by far, the best I have ever had. The quality is unbelievable in comparison to what all other seafood restaurants serve. The ribs were delectable and slid right off the bone. For my entree I ordered the baked lobster as well as the shrimp piri piri. The lobster was unbelievably delicious. It was done just right without too many unnecessary "add-ons" from the chef, making it just a regular succulent lobster (something that is hard to find anywhere else, oddly enough). The shrimp piri piri, which my waiter told me was a fairly new dish, was fantastic and refreshingly novel. It was a bit spicy and mouthwateringly flavorful. For the quality and quantity of food you receive, the price is very reasonable. Overall, I highly recommend Sammy's Fishbox and I congratulate "Sammy" on a fine establishment! Bravo!

Pros: Fantastic food, great service, parking on site, family environment, comfortable, lost of fun, great place to bring large groups of people and the whole family!

Cons: Depending on the night, it can be VERY busy, though I do not really see this as a "con"

Posted 03/01/09

My fiance was in town from Chicago and wanted to take me to a nice dinner for my birthday. I surfed around on city search in the Bronx and that's where I found Sammy?s. Our waiter was very friendly and down to earth. The decor was trendy, classy and instilled a warm atmosphere. I had the New York strip steak and Maine lobster combination and it was WONDERFUL! I highly recommend this fine eatery.

Pros: complete package for a great restaurant

Posted 02/28/09

No question, overall this place is a complete package. Food, service, and value. Do not hesitate to test this place out. You will be satisfied. Fried oysters are my favorites but I can't leave out the Catfish and whole fried snapper which I had never had before until we started eating at Sammy?s. If you are considering eating here, just go!

Pros: Great service and food

Cons: Price but I still think it's worth the quality of the food

Posted 02/25/09

Being fortunate enough to live close by my wife and I regularly go to Sammy?s. The food is consistently delicious, in particular I love King crab legs and they have the best I ever had. The rest of the menu is diverse and good. Great family spot. Not a chain restaurant, great desserts.

Pros: professional establishment

Cons: often wall to wall busy

Posted 02/24/09

I ate at Sammy's recently on a recommendation of my sister, who goes to City Island often. She told me to go to Sammy's because hands down it?s the best. I went with my husband and my three kids. I had a stuffed Jumbo shrimp plate stuffed with a giant portion of whole pieces king crab meat. The dish was topped the butter scampi sauce that was wonderful. My husband had a 3lb Maine lobster stuffed with shrimp. Both of our entrees were mouth watering delicious. To our delight our Kids selected their dinner from a child?s menu and guess what no charge, that is amazing they feed kids under 12 free at Sammy?s. I don't know how they do it, but who is complaining, thank you Sammy's for an outstanding meal and those free kids meals were greatly appreciated...

Pros: great food and my kids eat for free

Cons: can't think of any

Posted 02/23/09

We had a wonderful experience at Sammy?s on City Island last weekend. From the moment we entered the restaurant, the staff was friendly, pleasant and professional. It seemed like they really enjoyed working there. The General Manager, Steve Gilmore, even came to our table to see how things were. The crab cakes, oysters and grilled shrimp were excellent. Both the bartender and waiter were very knowledgeable about the wines, which we found reasonably priced. The service was excellent. There was the perfect gap of time between the completion of the appetizers and the arrival of the entrees. Our water glasses were never empty and we never had to pour our own wine (the waiter was very attentive). Overall it was an excellent experience.

Pros: food, staff and decor

Cons: zero

Posted 02/23/09

Im not sure what the people below are describing, but my visits are always awesome. The staff is friendly and always prompt. And I asked if the place changed hands and guess what , Sammy himself came marching out of the kitchen in his chef whites and confirmed that in fact the place has not changed hands and that in fact he was in the process of opening a 3rd Sammys very soon. He also introduced me to his wife and sister-in-law who were also working in the restaurant at the time of our visit.
Hey everybody! don't believe the bunk, I have eaten at Sammy?s on City Island numerous times and their seafood is to die for. They have awesome soups, lobster bisque and new England clam chowder favorites the staff always checks on us to make sure everything was is going well and there drinks are great too. I love their main courses because they have so many great shell fish platters. I totally recommend this place to anyone and everyone who loves seafood. There not the busiest restaurant in the bronx for nothing.

Pros: food and frozen drinks,kids eat for free

Cons: always busy

Posted 02/23/09

jan: i frequent the fishbox and i didnt hear a thing about the place being bought by new owners but my god sister went to shrimp box for valentine day too and told me the same thing as your saying. she always goes to shrimp box but she said it was defintely new owners on valentines day and the quality and service was not as good. i think she may have even left without tipping. maybe its because it was busy and a holiday, most places are not top notch on holidays. i think the same person owned both sammys before so im really not to sure about the fishbox. ill give you my email address if you want i can give you my favorite seafood restaurants in the city, if you live nearby. im a big seafood fan.your girl will love them

--Latoya--

Posted 02/17/09

WENT TO SAMMYS SHRIMP BOX FOR VALENTINES DAY BECAUSE I KNOW THE FISH BOX IS ALWAYS BUSY ON HOLIDAYS. TOOK MY GIRL THERE AND WAS COMPLETELY DISAPOINTED. THE WAITING AREA WAS OUT OF CONTROL, IT WAS DIRTY AND HORRIBLE SERVICE. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE WHILE WE WERE WAITING MYSELF AS WELL AS OTHER FELLOW CUSTOMERS REALIZED THAT IT IS UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP. A BUNCH OF EUROPEANS WHO BARELY SPEAK ENGLISH BOUGHT IT. THE OWNER AND THE HOSTESES WERE SO UNPROFESIONAL. HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE, I WONDER IF THE FISH BOX CHANGED OWNERSHIP TOO? DOES ANYONE KNOW? WILL NEVER RETURN TO SHRIMP BOX AGAIN, MY GIRL IS UPSET! PLEASE HELP!

Cons: new owners, dirty

Posted 02/16/09

My friends and I went to Sammy?s for the first time last Tuesday. The menu was fantastic it provided us with a fantastic variety of foods and flavors. It was hard to choose from the menu since everything looked so fantastic. The grilled tuna was delicious, and the seafood combination plate was the best I ever had, really everything we had was amazing! The mile high 24-carrot cake is a must try. We really enjoyed the ambiance and overall vibe of the place. Service and staff was great as well. I am officially addicted and will be back VERY soon!! Try it I know you will be too.

Pros: Food and ambience

Cons: none

Posted 02/06/09