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    Sami’s City Diner

    3.6 (353 reviews)
    ModerateDiners
    Open 7:00 am - 8:00 pm

    Sami’s City Diner Photos

    SAMI’S CITY DINER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Sami’s City Diner

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    Wendy C.

    I, as a kid growing up in England, saw these American diners on tv, and we didn't have such things where I lived in my tiny little village, and oh how I longed for the diner experience - sitting at the counter, having a breakfast and coffee, "just like in the movies" And, so of course, when I moved here at the ripe old age of 41, there, shining in all its chrome beauty, was the epitome of all my teenage fantasies beckoning me inside, to pop my diner cherry. As yet, I have still not sat on one of the counter stools, but they are there! Just like on tv! And I, who has lived here now for almost 14 years feel such pride in our beautiful shiny diner, which in my humble opinion, is better than any I saw on tv, because it's metal. I challenge any movie maker (pfft, like that gonna happen) who might be planning a movie based in Alaska, and needing a 50's style diner, to find anything so beautifully retro, even in the Lower 48, and probably needing very little styling to make it meet their vintage needs. It has booths, it has counter stools, it has a lovely floor, great art on the walls. Anyway, I digress. We've been coming here for years, ever since it was still called City Diner. They have a good, large, wide ranging menu, covering breakfasts lunches and dinners. I've never had anything bad here. Service is great, and you're almost always seated immediately. It's always busy, but never seems chaotic if you catch my drift. I love that if you order a soda, they bring out the soda, as well as a jug full of said soda, so you can have top ups. Not that I drink loads of soda, I just think it's a nice touch. Today I got a BLT, husband got the Lika chicken wrap, I got fries with mine, and he got tots. We both got coffee, in a good old fashioned diner mug. They are always THAT style of mug, you know the one I mean, kinda got a slim waist, unlike myself. Food came out unbelievably quickly, I was gonna give 4 stars, but I just changed it to 5, cos you know what? Yeah, it's not fine dining, or an amazing dining room, linen tablecloths etc, but it is exceptional for what it is. So it's a 5 star diner. My BLT. Can I just say, this is the best BLT I've had in quite a while, and I get them a lot. Bacon was plentiful and the exact right crispiness, lettuce was fresh, not limp, tomato sliced decently thickly, and I'd normally pick it out, as I find it bland, and doesn't really enhance the sandwich for me, but I ate every bit of it. That bacon man, it was so good. So flavorful. The fries too, crisp and hot. He got that chicken wrap based on my recommendation, as I'd had it on my previous visit. He said it was moist and juicy, and he ate it all. The coffee's very good too. I don't drink a lot of coffee, but our server came round offering refills which I didn't have, but not because it didn't taste good. The worst thing I can say about this place is, I find it difficult to choose what I want to eat, as they have some very desirable options. bathrooms are very clean, and echo the 50's diner style, with the same flooring as throughout the dining room, and black and white tiling on the walls. Often some places dining rooms might be clean, but then the bathrooms are not kept clean - almost an afterthought. I'll continue to frequent Sami's diner, it's one of my go-to lunch spots.

    Traditional item

    I come here regularly, and while the food isn't exceptional, it's consistently good and satisfying. The atmosphere has that classic, old-school diner feel, which adds to the experience. Even when it's busy, the food comes out fairly quickly, which I appreciate. What really stands out, though, is the service. The servers are always friendly and welcoming, even when they're clearly busy and under pressure. That kind of attitude goes a long way. I usually stick to breakfast items, and they've never disappointed. And the milkshakes are absolutely great--definitely a highlight. Everyone I've brought here has enjoyed their meal. At the end of the day, sometimes it's the people that elevate a place beyond just "good food," and that's exactly what happens here.

    Side salad
    Robin W.

    We ended up eating here twice during our Anchorage stay. It was my mom's favorite place. The service was friendly each time. I enjoyed the breakfast food a bit more than the dinner, but my mom and brother would disagree. They were both craving comfort food. I feel like this is a must go to place for breakfast, you won't be disappointed!

    Reindeer Sausage
    Aminah C.

    I had a friend visiting from California who was craving "diner food," so after a quick online search, Sami's City Diner came up as the most popular option in Anchorage. I'll admit, I was a little apprehensive--I've lived in the city for almost four years, and for some reason, I hadn't made it to Sami's. But hey, my friend was excited, so off we went! We were greeted immediately upon walking in and seated right away, which was nice. The service was great--our server was friendly, attentive, and made us feel very welcome. The menu was extensive, with many options, and the prices were fair for what you get. They also offer a small alcohol menu for anyone interested. We all went for breakfast, and overall, the food was decent. My friend raved about the hot chocolate--definitely a winner. I tried the French toast, which was fine, but I wouldn't get it again. It was presented nicely, though, so I give it points for that. The bacon, on the other hand, was fantastic and perfectly prepared; I would go back just for that! My friend ordered an egg scramble with pancakes and French toast, and he cleaned his plate, so he was a fan. Everything he had was solid. As for drinks, I was underwhelmed by the cranberry juice. I wouldn't recommend it, but I liked that they serve soft drinks with a little pitcher for refills. Overall, Sami's City Diner isn't somewhere I'd rush back to, but I'd return, especially if I'm in the mood for some delicious bacon. This place works if you're craving a no-frills diner experience with a decent menu.

    Walt N.

    In town for work and saw this place on the way to my hotel from the airport. It is a retro 50s style diner and I was looking for good home cooking. I had the chili cheeseburger, and it was good, portion sizes were large, it was served as I had ordered it. The fries were a little bit snail, but edible. Returned for breakfast the following morning and the biscuits and gravy were probably some of the best that I had ever had! Portions were good biscuits were light and flaky. Hashbrowns left a little bit to be desired, but they definitely edible. My only criticism was the service was friendly, but not attentive. They did not appear overworked, but I had to flag them down every time I needed something - they delivered the food and never checked back on us.

    Chicken fried chicken
    Kenny O.

    We came here because Snow City was packed, and the Gweenies weren't open. Both times, Sam's city diner hit the spot. Great food and service,

    Michel S.

    I was hangry and I was looking for a place to get something to eat. As I am driving I came across this Dinner and I decided to pull in. The hostess greeted me Nd she was pleasant. I waited at the bar to be serviced. I ordered eggs , bacon , hash browns and toast . Everything was cooked to order and delicious. The staff is pleasant and very attentive. My glass was always full, i was checked on continuously. If you are hungry on on the way to the airport and don't know where to stop. Well, now you know.

    Chicken bacon wrap with tater tots.
    Joy O.

    Super good food along with excellent service with a nostalgic feel! I highly recommend visiting this quaint little restaurant while you're visiting Anchorage.

    Chris S.

    Great diner with standard diner fare. I enjoyed my Monte Cristo & am always delighted to find a place that offers tater tots. The service was friendly and helpful and the location was convenient from my hotel. I always love a good diner. There's just something comforting about them.

    Orange juice
    Aislinn A.

    Food here is nice, warm and hearty. The service is fast to seat and very friendly and without stopping by too frequently while eating. I recommend Sami's to anyone looking for a decent old fashioned diner meal with some Alaskan charm on the menu.

    Brut champagne mimosas

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    11 months ago

    Ambiance of course. It's a fifties Diner in the middle of Anchorage. Classics like Breakfasts from 50's and 60's plus modern junk food.

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    Lucy's

    Lucy's

    4.6
    (14 reviews)
    3.2 mi
    $$

    Fabulous Meal! The UAA Culinary Students knocked this meal…read moreout of the park. I had the Filet Surf and Turf. My Filet was cooked and seasoned to perfection. I would say my steak would have given Whiskey and Ramen a run for their money. A true medium rare and juicy. Nearly tender enough to cut with a fork. The Scallops. I don't usually care for scallops but I will say there was a perfect sear and they were not over cooked. Sweet Potato Gnocchi was really good and the Gorgonzola Sauce was balanced flavorful and I will be trying to replicate it soon. My son enjoyed a flank steak, delicious, a good sear and just enough lime to enhance the experience. We skipped the desserts I have to address the prices which are ridiculously low. I hear reservations fill up quick so watch their website.

    This year I was able to book one of the reservations, and immensely enjoyed my experience. I…read moreordered a 3 course meal (appetizers, entree, dessert), and left very satisfied. I do think some of the items were on the pricier side for what you are receiving as well as considering it's a student run lab, and not an operating restaurant. Although the restaurant is in more of a cafeteria setting thru do a very nice job of making it feel more high end with their table settings & fresh florals. The students are also dressed very professionally, and the menu is a great selection of higher end items. My favorite part of the meal were the desserts (Lady Palmer & Black cherry chocolate cake). They were exemplary quality, and I feel were restaurant ready. For our entrees I ordered the duck breast, and black cod. I really enjoyed the basil & pea puree that came with the cod, and for the duck breast I thought it was seasoned well though I would've preferred it a little less well done. For appetizers I ordered prawn fritters & a bread plate. I really enjoyed the different components of the bread plate; my favorite being the whipped honey feta. The fritters were tasty, but I wish they had more prawn pieces in them. This restaurant is a learning experience for the students so you should not go into this meal expecting 5 star perfection, but it's a great way to get involved in helping to educate the culinary students in a real life setting. The meal includes comment cards that they ask you fill out, which will really help the students improve. Lucy's was a very fun & unique experience, and I hope to be able to get a reservation again next year!

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Appetizers
    Appetizers
    Jicama slaw salad

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    Jicama slaw salad

    Sami’s City Diner - diners - Updated July 2026

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