Definitely one of the best Thai food places in Merced. We've eaten there for years and I've never had a bad meal. Friendly staff good service and excellent Thai food. read more

I have to give this rating based on "my" experience here, which is why I'm giving it 4 stars, whereas my three friends that went with me to Sam's 2 days ago (Sunday) on this cold evening will probably give this 5 stars. It's pretty far away from UC Merced, just for some Thai Food. The area is also a little sketchy, but it's fine. However, Sam knows this and even told us that he understands that it's far away, and that he appreciates that students go to him, because without us he wouldn't have much of a business. He also thanked us for coming and he said it was getting pretty boring because no one was there for a few hours and he wasn't doing anything. As you can see, Sam's a really nice guy. Now to reviewing the food: The food was really good...at first. I had a combo Pad Thai #5 (There are 10 spice levels, 1 being practically nothing and 10 being you can't feel your mouth). I was doing okay at first, but then I just couldn't eat anymore. My mouth was on fire, I was sweating like crazy, and my friends noticed too and were like "dang Gabe!" because I was just sweating everywhere. I drank 10+ glasses of water, and it was just a very....interesting...experience. The $9.75 price tag is the only 'eh' part of this experience. I wouldn't necessarily say that it was worth that price, but it was still good nonetheless. (You can eat at a decent buffet for $9.75.) I didn't like the fact that I could no longer taste what I was eating. But that's just me. I'm weak. I can't handle spicy food. My friends like this place, and it's a nice atmosphere. Next time I come here....I'm definitely getting a 1 or a 2... read more

Come to this unassuming little place off the 99. Sam, the owner, is a wonderful guy full of energy and you can tell he loves what he does. He's always helping out the students at UC Merced by helping with fundraising with his cooking. He will come around and talk to you and make sure the food is to your liking. The pad thai is incredible. You wouldn't think some of the best pad thai would be found in the Central Valley, but it is!!!! Don't see something on the menu that you want? Explain it to Sam and he'll create it! Wonderful! The restaurant is located in the sketchy part of town, but if you don't venture too far away from the eatery and just come to eat in this area, you should be fine. read more

As far I'm concerned, this is the best thai food in the central valley. The man who owns the restaurant-- Sam -- is as kind as they come. But let's be honest, without kick@$$ food, we wouldn't return to Sam Cafe time after time after time. The food, in a word, is awesome. First of all, do yourself a favor and order a combo pad thai. Hooray, you no longer have to choose between chicken or shrimp-- you get both at once. And it's delectable. At Sam Cafe, you choose your spiciness level (out of 10). I have tried many levels of heat, and anything over 6 provides quite a kick. To those who venture into the 8 and above territory, tread carefully. You may shed tears tonight. I have ordered so many dishes over the years, it's hard to pinpoint anything in particular. My advice: get a combo pad thai and a tom yum soup to start things off, then go from there based on your personal preferences (the hot peppers tend to get absorbed in the soup broth, so a 7-level soup will seem hotter than a 7-level pad thai.) The curry is good. The various vegetable dishes are good. Honestly, it's all good (man). The only dish I've ever tried here that didn't quite do it for me was a mussel dish. I love mussels, and they were arranged beautifully on the plate, but the taste was a bit underwhelming. Overall, Sam Cafe is an excellent option. Merced has a surprising amount of decent Thai places for being a smaller-sized town, and Sam Cafe stands high above them all. This is the best Thai food in town, and probably the best thai food for many many miles. read more

Went here for lunch today and the food was delicious, probably the best Thai food I've ever had. I had the Pad Prik curry with a spicy level of 8, which was perfect. My friends had the Pad Thai with a spicy level of 6 and they said it was the best they've ever had. The customer service was phenomenal, the staff was very friendly and checked up on our table often. The only reason that I am giving 4/5 stars is because I ordered plain rice to go and it had a piece of hair in it. I know this happens often at restaurants but I was still disappointed that I had to make my own rice for my leftovers. read more

I enjoy eating the Pad Thai combination plate. Everything on the plate is yummy. For a few selected plates, you're able to choose the level of spicy was ranging from 0 (no spicy) to 10 (very spicy). If you're not a fan of spicy food but still want a little spicy, I recommend the 1 or 2 because you can't really taste the level of spicyness in the food. Their Thai Milk Tea is a little too sweet in my opinion. Usually I ask them to put less cream in my drink but if you like it sweet then go for it. The Thai lemonade is also too sour in my opinion again. It has lime and lemonade. FYI. I tried a noodle soup. Can't remember the name but it was like a typical combination pho bowl that you usually get in Vietnamese restaurants. It was okay. Nothing outstanding. Just enough to fill your pho craving. I haven't really tried other plates because the Pad Thai is just that good. But I'm looking forward to trying something new next time. Also the owner Sam is very friendly and welcoming. read more

Sam Cafe - Thai Lemonade (middle) and Thai Tea! (: - Thai Near Me - Merced, California

I am an Asian. Wherever I went somewhere, I tried to find any Chinese or Vietnamelse food. Luckily, I found one in Merced, Sam cafe is a good one. I loved to eat spring roll and pad Thai. Thank you read more

Sam's Cafe is so delicious! Best Pad Thai I've ever had. Don't forget to try the sticky rice with a bbq pork. Also the owner is one of the best people I know. He came and asked us if we were full if not he would serve us more :) read more

Wow this place is a gem. Got the veggie pad see ew and vegetable egg rolls. Hands down 10/10 Road Trip Must Stop!! Owners were very pleasant and warm walking in the door. Instant welcome. read more

For me it was just ok. I've eaten at another local Thai Restaurant that had bigger portions and better flavor. But I had to try. Going to stick to my other Thai place. read more

Sam Cafe - Thai Near Me - Merced, California

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Usually it's a 5 stars for me when I go. But when I went recently the roasted duck tasted old like they just rebaked it and the padseew wasn't all that great more veggies then noodles and to wet. read more

5 stars every time for Sams Cafe. Fair price. Delicious food. Wonderful service. The location isn't the best but it's definitely worth it. Even with Covid-19 they were open for pick up and every time my husband or myself went in to get the food we came out with a big smile! Sam is a really nice man. read more

We were passing through and found Sam Cafe on Yelp with great reviews. It was exactly as described...YUMMY!

It was my first time there and Sam's personality blew me away! He was so bubbly I can see why people love coming here!

Best thai food in merced!! Comfort food! Great prices! The pad thai is amazing! The owners are super sweet!!

I was originally planning on just checking in here but the coconut milk soup was so freakin bomb i had to give this place its due respect with a 5 star review! Bomb af!!! read more

Wow, I mean WOW! I have never had a meal let alone Thai food from a restaurant. This place is an avoid at all costs. Nothing is fresh, sauced are watered down to make more profit and nothing tasted anything like authentic Thai food. Plus the place is dirt, old and the customer service is really horrible. We left most of the food behind. Don't waste your time there. read more

The food at Sam's is always consistent and affordable price. The ambience does need some work like replacing the seats that are torn at most of the booths but maybe we're not there for that were there for the food. read more

Omg!!! So, glad I googled. Sam, you're so pleasant. Your food is outstanding. Parking was difficult, but so worth it!! We had combination pad Thai. A definite 10! read more

Best Tom Kha Gai I've had in my life! Cannot emphasize enough how flavorful the broth was. Also got sticky rice with jackfruit, which was also deliciously warm and comforting. 10/10 recommend, will definitely return soon. read more

Food is delicious, service is always amazing and it's nice inside... big plush seats to sit on and the lighting is just right for me.

We ate Dinner here while driving back from Yosemite! The food was delicious, the staff is very courteous, the owner Sam is full of joy. I never had a reason to stop at Merced, but now we will make sure to stop by Sam Cafe for a good meal! Btw, we visited during Covid times. Everyone kept their masks ON at all times, and they had opened Dining with 25% capacity and they managed it very well. read more

The building was at a random spot.. Lots of parking. We thought it was closed because it was so empty and dark. They young man greeted us and sat us at a booth. The Xmas decor was still up, it was late mid February when we visited. I got the yellow curry w rice and my hubs got pad thai, both were good.The inside is very dark and feels awkward. The staff there was attentive and friendly. Although, the condiments on the table seemed like nobody's touched it in years. Not appealing at all. read more

Best Thai food in town, bar none! Decent prices, fresh ingredients, great food. Others may try, but simply cannot compete. Sam travels back to his native Thailand often to stay educated on ingredients, technique and authentic dishes. Side note, if Sam can make Chinese food taste better than a Chinese restaurant, then you KNOW his Thai food is on point. read more

The food I tried was the chicken Pad Thai and it was so delicious!! I recommend it. I haven't tried other dishes but I really liked it. And the owner and workers are very nice and welcoming. Great first experience. Can't wait to go back again. ! read more

This is my first and last time at this restaurant. We order take out with over $100+ in food for a family dinner. The portions were very very small and disappointing. When the lady handed me the bags, I already felt something wasn't right. She had 3 orders of food in each bag and the bags were so light, it didn't felt like any food was there! We ordered 8 different dishes and they were all very small portions and either overloaded with sauce or had no taste. Such a disappointment. At least give a decent give a decent size portion! read more

If you want spicy food this is the place. The food is good, however if you want a mild spice then say 0 when they ask you "from 1-10 how spicy do you want it?" I like mild food and we got a 3 and I still had to drink a glass of water after every bite- and I don't consider myself super sensitive towards spice. Good food, good flavor. They kind of skimp on the to go portions for curry. Maybe thats because it was 10% off day. ‍ read more

Best Pad Thai that I've ever had! Not too dry but not too much sauce and great flavor.

The best pad Thai and spring rolls I have ever had! Sam, himself came around to our table to personally thank us for coming in! The service was great and are food came 10 minutes after we ordered it. My go-to place in Merced! read more

LOVE , LOVE this place !!! I usually order the Pad See Ew , but have also tasted [husband's] order of orange chicken ,pineapple cashew fried rice and the Pad Thai ( on another occasion) . You can't go wrong ordering either one though , that food is fire lol. Went in for the first time because of the "Yelp reviews/ratings" , and I was not disappointed. I for one usually don't post reviews unless I was really really satisfied or dissatisfied. This place delivers on great service and great food so kudos to Sam's . The staff is very friendly and will not keep you waiting forever for your food ! Love the fact that they check on you to make sure you are enjoying your food and just in case you may need anything else during your meal . All in all here is my final assessment! Taste of food Portion size (Based on what I ordered ) Service Prices ( of course won't be as cheap as "Panda Express", but you get what you pay for) read more

There are many mixed reviews of this place. I for one always enjoy my beef ball pho ! I've tried other dishes but they don't stand out to me. read more

It was really nice meeting Sam and enjoying such great thai food in an unlikely location. My husband went to UC Merced and always talked about how Sam's had the best pad Thai he had ever had. Was glad to finally experience it. read more

Great food, great staff, needs a little love. We dined at Sam Safe because of raving recommendation by a friend. Located in a mini-strip mall right off a road I drive constantly, yet I never knew it existed until I received the recommendation. Hidden treasure? Upon arriving, we were quick to notice the place was a bit dark, outdated, and ceiling tiles, flooring need some love. It did have a pretty nice bar for cocktails and other adult drinks. We were quickly seated, and the drink order was taken. I like to mention the waitress nor the restaurant did not have any problem with our custom requests and modifications to menu items. Wow! My wife ordered the chicken Phat Thai, and I ordered the Combo Phat Thai and we wanted them in a bowl because, for us, it makes less of a mess when you stir it all together. The meals were served fresh and hot, and the flavors were amazing. Better Phat Thai flavors than the other three Thai restaurants in the area I have eaten. Our waitress was always on-point and had such an outgoing, positive, and helpful attitude sure made the experience even better. At the end of the meal, a gentleman (assuming owner) came to our table to find out if everything was to our expectations. In summary, we will absolutely return to the restaurant again soon to try more menu items, but I think the building interior needs some attention or makeover. If it weren't for that I would have rated it a solid 5. Maybe contact Robert Irvine Restaurant Impossible for the free 10K makeover? read more

Sam's is probably my favorite restaurant in Merced and I'm surprised it's not packed regularly because the food is fantastic and the atmosphere is great. Sam is a very personable host and treats you like you're his family. My lady and I have been here probably 25+ times and for me, the combination Pad Thai (heat level 6) is my go-to dish. The menu is vast and everything is delicious . Service is fast and everyone is attentive to your needs, and the prices are budget friendly too. For lunch or dinner, Sam Cafe is an excellent choice! read more

Sam Cafe - Combination Pad Thai - Thai Near Me - Merced, California

This is one of my most favorite Thai restaurant I've ever been to. We live a few miles away but we try to get in every two or three weeks for lunch or dinner. My most favorite is the basil chicken and my husband always changes and tries different dishes. Sam, who is the owner makes the best sauces you could ever eat. I crave the spices and sauces that they have there and that's what drives me back as often as possible. This restaurant is a little hole in the wall and I give it a very high mark. If you love Thai food you really need to try this place. It's in Merced, CA. read more

I always come here with 15+ people and the service that they provide is very good. I'm mostly writing this review because of how the staff was able to efficiently get all our dishes out in a reasonable time frame. The food is very flavorful with big portions, and the prices you pay are very reasonable. All my friends always leave feeling satisfied, which is something that's very rare. Overall, I would come to Sam's Cafe regardless with who I am with. read more

Food is decent for when you're craving thai food. Nothing to rave about. We were the only ones in the restaurant so the workers stared at us alot which was uncomfortable to eat. My in-laws love this place though, but they aren't Asian so they aren't exposed to a lot Asian food like me. read more

It's always a treat coming here. It does get busy during lunch time but it's not that bad. Staff is friendly and really quick. The place it's self is pleasant is really clean. I would highly recommend the pad Thai and pad see ew, Or just everything off menu. read more

Will probably not be coming back. The water was terrible leaving a nasty after taste. Ordered beef paid thai. It was alright. Ordered 3 bowls of the combo pho, with one extra noodle on the side. Also ordered raw beef laab. All three bowls of noodle came out along with the pad Thai. All the pho was the same size. I question the waitress and she was confused as to why they were all the same size. She took one back. 10 minutes later, she came out with the same bowl of pho that she took back and with the extra noodles on top along with the beef laab. Problem with the laab, it was cooked. I asked for raw. Problem with the pho, the pho that came out originally the first time was already soggy and soft. My husband didn't want to make a big deal so he just ate his bowl of pho. Waitress took the cooked laab back and came out to let me know it was another 15 minutes. My party had already started eating because they ordered pho. You can't let pho sitting out in the broth or it'll soak up the broth and not taste good. So I decline and shared pho with my children and husband. Left unsatisfied and disappointed. read more

This place remains my favorite Thai food anywhere. Not only is the food always incredible but the service is out of this world. If you're lucky Sam himself will be in the restaurant and makes sure to stop by your table to say hi. Give this place a try, you won't forget get! read more