This is a pricey place but the food was good. I had half a dozen of blue crabs. The crabs were seasoned ver well. I ordered it with their own seasoning. It was fabulous. Also ordered hush puppies. These were tiny elongated hush puppies. I find it to be very stingy in size. They could have made these things bigger. It would not have cost them more. The market price for my crabs was $45. My husband ordered crabs cakes. It came with three small hush puppies, two crab cakes (made entirely of crab meat ) and two sides. My husband said it was excellent and he was full after the meal. All in all, it was a nice place to check out. Ambiance was great and the place was very clean. read more

We are new DE residents since 2017. We are looking for great seafood. Sambo's comes up on every seafood search - so we went there. They told us they were serving Louisiana crabs because DE crabs were out of season. They were serving clams from Louisiana. We ordered Crab Bisque and raw clams. These clams were full of sand - the worst I have ever had. The crab bisque was good. Expensive. Wine was expensive. We spent almost $80.00 there read more

We enjoyed the seafood here. Two of our party of 4 split the crab cake platter. We each received one large crab cake, a hush puppy, and a side (coleslaw). Just right, portion-wise, and delicious. Our companions with bigger appetites each ordered a platter: one the seafood platter, the other the scallops. Both said the food was excellent. All the seafood was fried. We enjoyed looking out over the water while we ate. read more

It was quite the journey to get to this hidden tavern. The service was good and the people were nice. They had a very simple menu which made selecting an option very easy. I chose the seafood sampler this time around. The platter consisted of Rockfish, clams, oysters, shrimp, and scallops; all of which were deep fried. It came with the standard hush puppies, the choice of two other sides. I opted for a coleslaw and french fries. The platter was ok overall, nothing spectacular but it did satisfy my hunger for seafood. The coleslaw wasn't the best I've had, but it did look like it was finely minced for a baby to eat. For an appetizer, platter, and sweet tea I paid ~$30. The only thing that would get me to come back is to try their crabs. However, the clock is ticking for they'll be closing from 29 Oct - 2 April 2012. One more thing that I read on the menu. "It is a tavern afterall" so no one under 21 is permitted. Overall, Sambo's Tavern was an ok food adventure. read more

Sambo's Tavern - Bars Near Me - Dover, Delaware

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Rockfish sandwich was fantastic. Friendly place with down home cooking. Highly recommend if you're passing through.

The last of the seasonal crab shops! The crabs are so fresh you can watch them unloaded on the docks. Yum!

Here is the quick and dirty. I had the flounder, they told me it was fresh, vs the frozen tuna, but it came out in a way that screamed pre-packed frozen goods. That is not to say it was bad, it tasted surprisingly good considering it looked like something from the Gordon's Fisherman. Fries where luke warm and swimming in Old Bay. They get some more stars off from me a few reasons. Mainly being, that my buddy ordered the crab legs and they where both cooked and frozen at the same time. Tells me again, their menu is not fresh off the boat. No one in our group of almost 30 people seemed blown away by what they got, be it the crab cakes, bisque, fried green beans or steak. Service was slow, but we where almost 30 people with another table of 12 right next to us, all at 9;15 pm. For a beer snob, selection was pathetic with Dogfish 60min, a sub par beer there days. But it is a tavern in the middle of BF nowhere. My expectations for a seafood joint right on the water is that everything is fresh and made to order. And even with a minimum of effort in prep and seasoning, along with proper cooking, it should be fantastic. But, here again, I find that a place on the water falls flat to my expectations. If I can find better seafood in Atlanta, Chicago or Denver, you are doing something gravely wrong my seaside friend. read more

The hush puppies were very tasty! I didn't order their speciality so maybe that's why I wasn't impressed with the rest. It was just fried seafood... read more

I've been to a lot of seafood restaurants and have never ever had such bad food. The crab cakes were full of flower and the fish was frozen and pre made. My other friends had crabs and some of them where dead before they were cooked. I would not recommend Sambo's if the food was free. I was severely ill from the bad food. read more

This was my first time eating here with my in laws who are life time customers of this place and as soon as we got there they told us we were not allowed to set by the window that was for guest who made reservations even tho all of the window tables were not taken the whole time we were there and spent a $100 on our meals the owner of this place needs to read a book on how to treat customers that have been dining here for the past 40 years. The food was ok but not the best I've ever had. If not for the in laws we would have walked out as soon as the owner made that statement . I will not ever eat here again it's not worth the money. read more

I have been going here my entire life. Before I was 21 (Sambo's is a tavern and only those 21 and over can enter per Delaware law), I used to go to the kitchen door with my neighborhood friends on our bikes and order bags of pick 'n peel shrimp and fries. After I turned 21, Sambo's became a regular place to eat when I came to visit my parents or brought friends to town. I can't come to Delaware between Mother's Day and Labor Day without going to Sambo's. Note to the person below who accused this of being a tourist trap - early April is too early for fresh crabs in Delaware and if you don't know that, it's not the restaurant's fault - Sambo's opens around Easter weekend so you probably went there the first weekend of the season and not everything is available yet; during that time some products will be offered because there is demand for them, and because it's so early, some of them will have to not be local. Also, seafood delivery trucks at the back door are not necessarily evidence of the seafood being "imported." How do you think the local fishermen and crabbers get their goods to the restaurant? I am certain that I am the only person who has commented on this page who was born and raised in Leipsic, so I will be happy to tell you all exactly what to order for a party of 3-5 people during the summer prime season here: a dozen crabs, the clam strip platter, oysters (raw if they are in season, otherwise fried), pick 'n peel shrimp, fries, hush puppies, a pitcher of Coors Light, and a pitcher of Pepsi. Also, Sambo's is not a racial term as used here. It is the Leipsic nickname of the original proprietor, Sam Burrows (shortened to Sam Bow or Sambo). Please don't perpetuate any idea that it has another meaning. This place is an institution in my life and I will always love going here. read more

Sambo's Tavern - Bars Near Me - Dover, Delaware

I was recently visiting the area and a friend told me about this crabhouse / pub that many Nascar drivers / crews used to hang out at, and sometimes can be found at. Not really a Nascar fan myself, but if guys who make millions make the trip here to eat, I imagine it must be an interesting place. It's actually in the town of Leispic (if I spelled that correctly) and I can tell you that many might drive by thinking it is kind of a dive bar due to the PBR and Budwiser old school light up signs outside. Further, this town can pretty much be measured by three good baseball throws........not very large at all and off the beaten path mind you. You stumble upon the place though that when you walk inside has a very friendly local staff, and clientel that is riff raff free, and at least on my trip, were presentably dressed.....which in my tshirt and scruff hair from a day at the beach made me feel a bit out of place, but was assured by the staff it was not a problem at all. We ordered some Miller Lights, fries with old bay, hush puppies, and a dozen crabs (which came with a choice of old bay or the house seasoning......I'm telling you...GO HOUSE...excellent......kind of a saltier old bay or J.O.'s...but not as strong). A dozen was $35 and which seemed as if they threw in a few extra claws which was fun. Very heavy crabs (as I've had them at many different places...these were full)......and at the beginning of the meal I felt I was paying too much for crabs, was feeling well worth it when I discovered how much meat I was getting from each one. Atmosphere of the place is pleasant as Nascar memorabliia is scattered throughout the walls, and the main dining area overlooks a small commercial fishing harbor (of about 8 boats). SIDE NOTE: if you like music...the good news is that the juke box is loaded with the only two types you'd think are in existance....country AND western...not much else :-) Great place.......great food, and an experience. read more

This is one of those places that you find that is just overflowing with natural homegrown kitsch. Others try to emulate what Sambo's Tavern pulls off naturally. The walls are covered with a homage to the nearby race track with photos of the old-time drivers intertwined with pure Americana artwork. The long tables (think family style sharing) are covered with newspapers, just perfect for cracking those sweet crabs. The windows look out onto the water and marsh and this small little Delaware town. But really, the decor is just a bonus to what you really come here for... the crabs and local seafood. We ordered the crab legs and they were the best we have ever had. The meat was fresh, sweet and flavored just right with their "secret" seasoning. The wait staff never stopped working hard, and were very welcoming to us being from out of town. Our waitress even offered to show us how to crack the crabs open. If you find yourself in the downtown Dover area, take the extra drive to Sambo's. Skip the chain restaurants and head to this special little spot. We are losing our Americana ma and pop shops and Sambo's is one not to be missed. read more

Not pointing any fingers. Actually, I am. A crab place is a place to eat crabs. Not a place to seek out other fresh seafood. Of course, when you go in April and use words like "arse," you're apt not to know these things. The place has been there forever. And is indifferent to the presence of visitors from our nation's fair capital. read more

Sambo's is simply the best crab that one can get. Not fancy preparation (but a lot of fried goodness), but just plain good quality meat. The crab cakes are baseball size portion of pure lump crab meat. The restaurant is very unassuming. Newspaper placemats and paperplates + a comfortable setting overlooking the water + a beer = As close as you will get to heaven while in Delaware. I went to Sambo's often when I worked in Dover. I return to Dover every year for a reunion bbq and literally the first place we stop is Sambo's. We wouldn't miss it. read more

This place is a bit of a tourist trap posing as a hidden local gem. Don't fall for it. 1.5 stars, but I'm being generous (the prices at least are fair). "Fresh" seafood my arse. Upon questioning, the only fresh, local seafood they had was flounder and oysters. Great... but why hide that fact? How about the "yummy local" crabcakes. Umm... it's dungeness crab, from the WEST coast. It's not local. As for the flounder, it's only served fried.... even after I asked nicely for them just to pan fry it. Hamburgers (for the nonseafood types) can not be made with bacon. Manhattan clam chowder? ONLY comes with bacon. Sweet tea tasted suspiciously like it was made from a powder. I'm getting the sense that some of this food comes to the restaurant pre-made. read more

OMG, I just went nuts about this place. Not being from the area, I was definitely hoping for a good lunch spot for crab cakes, crab bisque, and sweet tea, and this place delivered! The crab cakes were nothing but crab, I'm not even sure what held them together. Admittedly, it was a bit pricey. read more

We hit GOLD again!!! The best soft shell crab sandwich I have ever had. Great steamed crabs. The nicest people work here. They have a cool device they put in the pitchers that keep the drink cold. I will fly here as there is a small airport real close. YOU MUST STOP HERE!!! read more

Sambo's Tavern - Best crabs around - Bars Near Me - Dover, Delaware

We just had a wonderful authentic summer experience at Sambo's Tavern, crabs and beer at a newspaper covered table overlooking the river. This 55 year old tavern (no kids allowed) is clean and well kept, with authentic knotty pine decor. We'll definitely be back and I think we've just made ourselves a summer tradition either on the way to the beach, or heading home! http://retroroadmap.com/2010/08/10/a-vintage-summer-treat-crabs-at-sambos-tavern-leipsic-de/ read more

Walked in, but was turned away because we had a 2 year old and infant. It was lunch time and they were maybe at 15% capacity. Very bizarre, I've never come across a restaurant that didn't allow people to sit and eat because of kids... It's not like this was a fancy establishment. It's a hole in the wall. You must be 21 or older to eat here. read more

I knocked off two stars for exorbitant price alone which is a shame because that killed the whole experience for me. 4 dozen crabs, a fried seafood platter, and 2 pitchers of powdered iced tea shouldn't literally be the most expensive 3 person meal I've ever been a part of. I mean seriously, at least throw in some corn, shrimp, chicken, or something if you're going to have prices like that. That must be the reason it wasn't crowded at all for Saturday dinner and why hardly anyone was eating crabs. I guess I'm used to how it is at Old Mill, Red Roost, and Hoopers. I don't care how many NASCAR drivers go there. This is Delaware, not New York! Eventhough the crabs were all number twos, they had good flavor and were mostly heavy. They don't use as much Old Bay as some places, which is good. Definitely not the best crabs in the history of the world considering the price. The service was great, but it's not like it was busy or anything. It's a little out of the way location wise. Not too bad though. It's a crabhouse, so the interior is what it is. read more

It's been a tough season for crabs. Have had a couple bad experiences at different establishments this season. Crabs were $55 a dozen. Period. No choice of size. I would call them number 2's. They were heavy, meaty and perfectly cooked, and Seasoned. If they can be this good this season I would love to go back when crabs are running good. read more

"1 star food - 4 stars waterfront view". Remember Howard Johnson's? I ordered the seafood sampler platter - Very pricey $29 for a "freezer bag to platter" quality meal and $6 for a draft? Perhaps the "fresh" crab options are the "signature dish" - this frequent traveler / seafood diner was NOT impressed. read more

Yes, I am a fan. First, the crabs. They were the biggest I have had this season for the price. Nice! We did not choose the house seasoning and will the next time. The Old Bay was a little light, but friends have told me there is a shortage right now and they are having trouble finding it. So I'll give them a Covid Pass. The soft shells were small so they gave us one extra on the platter. Very much appreciate that! They were perfectly coated (lightly) and fried up. So yummy! My first impression when walking in was "these people are serious about their crabs". Most of the tables were covered with newspaper and by the time we left, all the tables were covered. My kind of place. It was early so no drinks/beer was ordered. Next time. In the days of Covid, it would be nice if they had outdoor seating. Even it it were picnic tables set up on the gravel out back. All the staff wore their masks properly and no one was whining about it. Thank you! We will be back! read more

I am sorry that they have declined. My meal was not well cooked. The scollops were almost burned. All food tasted alike. We've been going there for years. read more

Cute little place. It's old looking and on the water. You can watch crabber coming in No outdoor seating tho. Old time crab house atmosphere. Crabs were great. We split a fried seafood platter w crab cakes. Crab cakes had no fillers and tasted good. Sides small but didn't matter. Hush puppies were good. I never order those, but will when we return. Bloody Mary was horrible. You must have cash for this joint bc no credit cards. Not fancy at all. You could probably go your pajamas if you wear any ;) read more

I got a cup of the crab soup, crab cake sandwich, side of slaw and a bottle of beer. Total was $27. Everything is specifically portioned. I paid extra for a slice of tomato and lettuce and sides were extra. Service was great but the food wasn't worth the cost. read more

Not really worth the trip. The food was average. The prices were high and the service was slow. For the price I think they should offer a little bit more. You can't beat the view of the meadow however. Like another posting, we too came in and asked for a window seat and were told that they were reserved. We sat at a long table and for the entire time we were there the window table sat unoccupied. So if you plan to dine there make sure you make reservations ahead of time. For three of us the cost was $106.00. That was for two crab cake sandwiches, one crab cake platter, 2 bowls of soup, four beers and 2 glasses of wine and an order of fries because the sandwiches did not come with anything extra. . If the sandwiches were platters I could live with that price but these were just two sandwiches and that was it. I do not anticipate coming back. read more

I'm so glad to have been able to eat here before they closed for the season. The staff was friendly, we ate Crabs and they were was amazing, and the prices were equally perfect. Great beer too and amazing dessert! read more

Lump Back Crab cakes are excellent! I ordered the platter. The French fries were flavorful, hush puppies were tasty, and the macaroni salad was delicious! The only crab cakes I know better than these is two hours away at Fagers Island in ocean city! If you want to save yourself that long drive Sambos to me is worth it. Like Arnie said, I'll be back! read more

Sambo's Tavern - Crab Cake platter, delicious! - Bars Near Me - Dover, Delaware

If your looking for Fried, Fried, More Fried and over a Fried food coupled with poor service. You have found your place. Several visits same same. The location is unique the food isn't. Possibly hiring some folks that enjoy customer interaction would help. The extremely seasoned veterans of the staff are confident they are doing you a favor by providing service. Save yourself the trouble. read more

I realize that this is an old school crab house but they really need to catch up with the times. Portions are way too small for what you get and the food was average at best. $30 for a "freezer to fryer" platter is just silly IMO. The best thing I had was the sweet tea. Our server was very nice and friendly but for an establishment to not take credit cards in 2018 just blows my mind. Too many other good seafood restaurants in the area and we will not be going back. read more

I have always heard great things about Sambos but I was not impressed. 1st thing make a reservation! We didn't and got sat in the bar side of the room next to a stack of chairs with a milk crate on them. 2nd thing don't order the seafood platter...all freezer to fryer, nothing fresh! The potato salad was literally 2 forks of food. And it cost 30.00! Next bring cash no credit cards... They do have an ATM. So it was our anniversary siting in a ugly bar "no view because no reservation" eating frozen fish....I could have done better at home. Crab cakes were good, not the best I have had. Total bill with tip 80.00. And we didn't have alcohol. NOT IMPRESSED AT ALL! read more

$175.00!!! That's how much my friend, Bill, had to pay to get his car back from being towed from Sambo's parking lot. We dropped his car off at 10:15 am. Intent on having lunch there but with the restaurant not opening until 11:00 am, we took a short trip to Port Mahon to look for birds. We arrived back at 11:00 am to have lunch. Bill's car was gone - the lot was empty. The lady in Sambo's said they had it towed because they "looked all over town" to find out who owned the car, and with it being parked "the wrong way," she had it towed to get it out of the way for customers. The lot was empty! We asked what the "wrong way" was. She said it was parked facing a different way that cars should park in that lot. We informed here that the lot had an unpainted stone surface, and that there were no signs. How would anyone know which way to park!?! At that point a rude miscreant in a Sambo's t-shirt stood up and started yelling at us. "You cannot park your car on private property and not expect that it will get towed!" He was screaming. We tried to explain that we were dropping off a car and were returning when the restaurant opened at 11:00 to have lunch. He interrupted us and said "you've had your piece, it's my turn to talk!" With that, and with the fear that he would become violent, we left. I would NEVER support an establishment that would treat people that way. They were trigger happy calling the towing company and Bill is out $175! I will add, they charge way too much $$ for what you get. Avoid. read more

I've been living on the Eastern Shore for 13 yrs and these are the best blue crabs I've had in DE. I wish I would've found this place much sooner instead of wasting so much money at places that fell extremely short. We paid $60 for a dozen, which is kinda pricy it is still early in the season.. The crabs were worth every penny, though. The staff is friendly as it gets, atmosphere is extremely laid back. It kinda reminded me of my grandparents old basement with the wood paneling walls. It's a quirky, hole in the wall dive bar with excellent food. You can get extremely messy and nobody will bat an eye, everybody was having a good time and crab shells were flying at every table. This is our new spot and I doubt we'll be getting crabs anywhere else. Oh, and the hushpuppies were super good too. The only reason I gave it 4 stars was because I ordered a small cream of crab soup and it was extremely salty.. Almost unbearably salty. The flavor was good but I couldn't get past the salt. Maybe they had an off night with the soup, I'd be willing to give it another shot. read more

This establishment has been around for years , the way the business is run today is awful . It used to be a busselling business. The only way i see that happening is if outsider show up , yes there are some loyal followers but even they have dwindled. I see everyone commenting on prices , most of us do not mind paying for a good , well porportioned meal with great service. The service people there have always been good , it is the quality of the food and the portions that have been going downhill for quite a while. I refuse to return after paying premium prices for a Scallop dinner only to receive five pencil eraser sized over cooked scallops and menial sides , " THE BEER WAS GOOD" and the poor server was embarassed , i thought it was a joke at first , not so. I asked for the manager which ended up being the owner , (she was not very nice at all and needs training for a service person and how to talk to customers) never the less i paid my tariff and let her know i would never return , she had no comment! This is a small Family Busines that needs help , i love my comunity and try to patron all that i can , but Sambo's is in trouble , would like to see them hire someone to come in and return this place to her glory , it is in a great place for a small town eatery with immense history. I can only hope that someone from this establishment reads this and take it to heart , i am writing this to envoke change and hope thy read it as well intentioned crtitical information so they can evoke the interest of returning this place to what it used to be. LOCAL YOCAL WANTING THE OLD SAMBOS! read more

The lady that answers the phone here is very rude and seems very iritated. make me not want to spend my money here. customer service is everything. just saying.‍ read more

You would think Dover's proximity to the water would open them up to a bevy of great seafood restaurants, but boy would you be wrong. So instead, you can drive to the two-block town of Leipsic where you can find the best crabs the city has to offer, though they're listed among a lot of other pitfalls on the menu. The restaurant is located on the edge of a little marina, and they buy their crabs right off the pier there. Problem is it's not a very big river, so they presumably pay a good deal for them and pass the costs onto you. A dozen crabs, boiled and tossed with some salt, were $45. Still, it's about as good as you're going to find around here. The freshness of the crabs extends to their other crabby products, most notably the crab cakes, which were so lacking in binder that it was a wonder it held together. The answer probably laid in their deep-fried preparation, which resulted in a nifty golden brown crust, though I prefer my cakes pan fried. This habit of deep frying extends to almost every other item on the menu - rockfish: fried; shrimp: fried; clams: fried; mussels:fried. All of these ingredients, along with a couple of crab cakes, were on the sampler platter I ordered. It was a shame to see so much fresh seafood taken to the easiest, unhealthiest, and most obstructing method of preparation. But then again, we're in a crab shack in the middle of nowhere - it's not like Escoffier is in the kitchen doing up this seafood. I guess I'd rather have well-fried seafood than poorly-executed other preparations. At $27, this wasn't cheap, either, but you got to try a lot of things. They even included the world's tiniest hushpuppies as an additional value. I don't know why they have to classify themselves as a tavern, but if it means I don't have to put up with any screaming kids, I'm all for it. That dining room can get loud enough as it is. It comes back to the crabs: if you want fresh crabs in Dover, this is the place, though don't think you're getting out of here paying less than $30. read more

So good. The crabs are top notch. The sides are delicious. The fish is tasty. The pitchers of beer are cold and inexpensive. They only take cash. read more

Well worth the shirt drive from Dover to get here! Had the fried scallop platter and it was delicious! Great service, friendly staff! Someone even took the time to show my friend the correct way to eat the crabs! read more

Sambo's Tavern - Bars Near Me - Dover, Delaware