Really good home cook meals, great service and daily specials! Small salad bar but it's always fresh, with some sort of soup. Baked potatoes are always cooked perfectly! read more

Love their fresh salad bar. We had an early Dinner at Sammy's Restaurant in Castroville earlier today and it was great. Endless salad bar, iced tea, AND a slice of fresh homemade Strawberry Pie. We drive here for their fresh and delicious salad bar. It never disappoints. Excellent. The Strawberry Pie was awesome and well worth it. After 3 visits we finally found a slice. Last time a lady bought a whole pie right as we had just gotten here. Worth the drive from San Antonio. read more

Sammy's - Fresh salad bar. Crisp and delicious. Slice of fresh homemade Strawberry Pie, and some fresh iced tea. - American Near Me - Castroville, Texas

always aa gret lunch special at Sammys you cant go wrong with the chicken fajitas

This was our first time eating here and we will most definitely be back. Our server was Leslie, who was extremely friendly and gave us excellent food suggestions. Fried pickles are offered in both spear and slices, but we chose slices. I had the southwest chicken which was the perfect portion and quite flavorful. I can't remember all the sides, but I loved the onion rings. ( ask for ketchup and Tabasco to mix and dip them in-YUM!) I also tried the French toast, which was not overwhelmingly eggy, but rather thick, airy, and cinnamon-y. We asked for 3 orders to go for the kids at home. I am not sure if the cheese soup is offered everyday, but you must definitely try it. read more

Decided to stop on our way back home. Initially our server was good, however her shift ended and our new server was horrible. Delivered our food and never came back. But went to the other 4 tables around us, which my 10 year old daughter noticed. The lady checking is out also had a shit face as we checked out. Never going back there again. read more

Sammys was awesome! The staff was extremely friendly and the food was delicious. I probably ate too much but I regret nothing. If I had a six star option I would give it that. read more

I've only been here for breakfast the food and service was not bad but today...i have to say this place for being in Castroville a small community had some of the worst food and service I've had in a long time. Had the special which was steak fingers, mashed potatoes and carrots best part of my meal was paying $4 more for a small bowl to the salad bar. Daughter order fried cod w/friescan we say burnt cod... Husband ordered fried chicken, some of the smallest and driest chicken ever, was like chicken jerky. That's the food experience in a nut shell. The service...well let's just say we were a table of 5 not a difficult table at all and simple order straight from the menu nothing difficult. However, 3 parties ranging from 2-4 ppl each table come in after us and ALL rec'd their meals before us, ALL!!! Be warned, food and service not worth the stop, I'm all about supporting local businesses but when i pay $80 for 5 people and no one is able to eat their food cause it's overcooked and warm at best, i would much rather spend my money at Bill Miller's across the street. read more

Most of the food here is cooked from frozen. The few items they do get right is the fried chicken, wings, and some of the specials- hence the one star. Once, I had an open face roast beef sandwich that was pretty good but the mashed taters had a protective crust on top from the heat lamp. I'd go more often if they had more prepared from fresh items. But, they are nearly the only game in town and C-block any restaurants that would threaten their place as top-dog. Cracker Barrel would shut this place down if they came to town. The only part of this establishment that would come close to the DDD experience is the decor. This place should be set up with Restaurant Impossible. #robertirvinecouldntsavethisplace read more

My family and I tried Sammy's after a camping trip at Garner State Park. We stopped for lunch and loved our experience. From Lynda, our friendly, patient and helpful waitress to the roast beef daily special. The ranch dressing on the salad bar was tasty, the homemade bread was soft and delicious (we even bought a loaf to take home), and the strawberry pie was amazing. We already plan to come back next time we are in Castroville. read more

Ok. We have been to this place several times. It is a hit and miss type place. I am not a country girl but my mom is. So i bring her. She luvs it. She doesn't love the service tho. Me. I think it's OK. I'm used to being in the city but I enjoy small hometown places too, if they are just that good. The food is excellent. It is always hot and very very good. So kudos to the cooks. The service is what you call blah-zay. They can be really good or really bad. There is no in between. I am going to be honest here and I am in no way stereotyping... the guys are way friendlier than the girls. They smile more and seem to be happier. They are more willing to help you whether or not you are seated in their "section" or not. So again, kudos to the guys. Now on to the part I absolutely hate. The cashiers. They are the most hateful, spiteful people I have ever had the mispleasure of dealing with. Don't expect a greeting, a thank you, or even a screw you unless they know you by name. They speak to each other and ignore the guest standing in front of them. This has happened on every single visit I have had. It really leaves a bad taste in my mouth. When you come to a place like Sammys you think you are walking into Mayberry. Think again. But like I said. As long as my mom wants to keep coming back I will oblige. Your best bet is probably to just beg your server to take care of your check for you and avoid going over there yourself. When the service gets better and the cashiers attempt to do their job correctly and stop being so rude I will change my review and add stars. The only reason I give it 3*s is because of the guys... and the food ... they are fabulous. They make the place worth tolerating. read more

Stopped by while in Castroville Tx and this place was very good and worth us stopping . People were friendly and food was superb. read more

See all

My boyfriend and I Came in for the dinner special with his parents and I was so excited! They all speak so highly of the hometown restaurant I was expecting something more than this. Im from a small rural town in deep east Texas and I adore a home cooked meal His parents both enjoyed their meals (nachos, chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and a salad) The staff were all very friendly and a very nice older woman struck up a delightful conversation about the history of the place and I fell in love with the restaurants roots and how much it meant to the town I adored the charm, and homey feel. The salad bar was well stocked and all the ingredients were fresh and his dad really enjoyed his. I ordered the jumbo cheeseburger special with a side of seasoned fries and a water. Boyfriend had the bacon jumbo burger special with a side of onion rings and a sweet tea. My burger I ordered dry and I didn't think I was ordering the patty that way. It tasted from the store, it was very thin and had a heavy taste to it. Very dry and halfway through I decided to smother it in ketchup because the lettuce and tomato weren't doing enough. the few fries I got with seasoning on them were delicious, but they tasted store bought. Very rubbery as if they had been in a microwave. Dipped them in ranch and it fixed the problem. My boyfriend was satisfied although he said his sweet tea lacked sweetness on all three refills. Over all a very down home restaurant with a nice homey vibe to it, Very friendly staff and I will be back. I'll just order something different. read more

After spending a long day shopping at the city wide garage sale, my friends and I stopped by here cause I wanted some home cookin'. As soon as I walked in, it was exactly what I imagined it to be. It looked like an old school diner! I ordered the beef vegetable soup and the chicken fried chicken. The vegetable soup was on point! For $3 they give you a bowl and you can fill it up yourself. There's also a basket full of crackers you can help yourself too. My chicken fried chicken was very delicious. The gravy on top with the mushrooms and tomato was fantastic. The fried orca, however, was quite disappoint. My friend got the chicken fried steak and it was cold and the gravy was kinda smeared on top. My other friend didn't even get her food until we finished eating cause they forgot to put in her order! All in all, the food is either hit or miss and the service is slow, but I guess that's what should be expected at a small place like this? read more

I was passing through Castroville on a Sunday night and this was the only non fast food restaurant that was open. This place has been around since 1948 - and my guess is they don't have too much competition, for basic diner type food in this area. The food and service was ok - nothing special, nothing horrible. It's an old style dinner, including service at the bar countertop, in addition to table service. They have free Wi-Fi service. They also have large selection of beers and mixed drinks; much more than I would expect from a non-bar. They have a daily lunch and dinner special which is stuff that is on the regular menu, just slightly cheaper. The menu has your usual selection of burgers, simple sandwiches, and obligatory TexMex offerings. I had the chicken fried chicken for $9. It was a "normal" size portion and not the ridiculously gigantic portions you get at most Texas locations. I was not hungry when I finished it, but I also had no leftovers. The batter had a nice texture to it, but I don't think it had any seasoning in it, not even salt and pepper. It came with a cream sauce on top that was also bland. My husband had the fried catfish for $10. I thought it was awful, but he said it was edible. It was a corn meal batter over a very thin piece of fish. I have never seen such thin fish filet, it was barley thicker than an anchovy. And in spite of the small fish to batter ratio, it still tasted very "fishy" and not in a good way. Both dishes came with a side of French fries that I thought were very well done. A great combination of a crisp exterior and moist and chewy interior. read more

**Update: We tried the restaurant again (several times) and it was better. Maybe we had a cook on their last day or just a bad meal. We have not tried the country fired steak again, but have had the chili cheese fries and the salad bar. We learned that you can substitute a side for a trip to the salad bar which makes it a better deal. The salad bar is delicious and something you look forward to. The kids menu had a great selection and is very affordable. *** Country Fried Steak had no flavor and fries were a frozen brand. Salad bar was nice but they want $3+ for it and it wasn't very big. Tea was tasty and so were the chili cheese fries. Everything come in large portions and prices were descent. Don't believe we will be back, but maybe. read more

Sammy's - Country Fried Steak, Chili cheese froes, Chicken dinner - American Near Me - Castroville, Texas

We came at 5:30 and we where helped within a few minutes a great big pitcher of dos xx and a jack and coke... They also Handed me the remote to the tv and said put on whatever you like!!...... Ok so sex and the city it is lol well at least until more folks started to drive I then changed it to march madness on ESPN because I like to please the masses ... Anyways we had some awesome blue Hawaiians and I mean the best darn blue Hawaiian you ever had in your life!!! We had a few rounds all where brought on time my glass didn't set Empty for 10 minutes like most places we go.... We finally ordered our meal.... To go. Of course because we are those folks who like to eat in bed in front of our 80 inch tv lol this is s awesome place full bar Bomb food and great folks that work here!!! read more

Sammy's - Happy st pattys - American Near Me - Castroville, Texas

Never disappoints. Hands down Castrovilles gem. The ambiance of the restaurant is perfect. Their sweet tea is delicious and salad bar has plenty of fresh veggies to choose from. I've had breakfast and dinner here and I'm always satisfied. Their appetizers are tasty I just have to remind myself to leave room for my food! A must while in Castroville. read more

Sammy's - American Near Me - Castroville, Texas

Went to Sammy's today with two of my brothers. The service was really good, but the food is too pricey for the quality. It was very bland and Luke warm at best. Won't be making a return visit. read more

We are evacuating from Hurricane Laura and thought this would be a great place for dinner! WRONG! Horrible everything. Super slow service, food was frozen food heated up, chalupa and nacho chips were so stale you couldn't even bite them, the enchiladas were a plate full of beans smothering some crunchy tortillas....just awful! read more

I'm quite surprised at some of the reviews for Sammy's. we have always loved eating here. it is a common meeting place for birthdays and special nights in our family. I love their salad bar and their cheese soup. I have always loved getting their nachos, sometimes for an appetizer, and sometimes as a meal. and of course their burgers and chicken strips. yes their decor is a little outdated, and the restrooms really need to be redone, but it is a family friendly tasty little restaurant. read more

Ignore the bad reviews, especially the ones based on the looks. This place has that old school cool feel. Now the food is good, prices are fair. Breakfast is cheaper and ten times better than Denny's or jims. If you just want some good cheap home cooked food, come here. The service was also amazing. read more

Got the ribeye, took ahour and well it wasnt worth the wait STEAK WAS THIN! I will not eat here again

What a night. Usually receive pretty good service but not tonight. We were there 15 minutes at my table with no acknowledgement. At first I thought it was because I was at a table set for 4 by myself, but even after the rest of my party got there, we still didn't get acknowledged. They waited on both tables on either side of us, but we didn't even get a " I'll be right with you." Sad part is, even when I was on my own, I was ready to order everybody's drink. This is not the first bad experience there, but I'm pretty sure it will be my last for a long while. I won't go back anytime soon. read more

This place has decent food but the atmosphere is really dark dingy and old (like they haven't remodeled since the 70's) which kinda ruins my experience because I'd rather go somewhere else that's more modern. When I first walked in I immediately regretted not going to Castroville Cafe instead. The pancakes are good, the rest of the food overall was good but it wasn't anything special, I didn't love it or hate it. I don't plan on going back though. read more

While I really prefer to eat at hometown places, this place was a disappointment. My husband ordered 2 eggs sunny side up and Alsatian sausage. The eggs were heavily salted and the sausage was tasteless and bland. read more

Service was fine, the waitress was attentive but not very interactive. I order fried zucchini, which was very good! Got the 1/3 cheeseburger, which was very plain. Tasted like an overcooked frozen patty. I was really expecting a good home-cooked burger and was massively disappointed; took 2 bites. However, I love the salad bar and desserts are on point! read more

Very disappointing! The information on the website about their food is amazing until you actually try it. The "chicken fried chicken breast" is a processed piece of meat. We ordered several items to try and everything was an epic fail. read more

I have always loved Sammy's when I come through Castroville. However Service was pathetic today. They put us in the from where the bar is at. Large dining room for just one server. No refills, we had to ask. Order tea and haven't gotten yet. She was very scatter brain. What happen Sammy? read more

Went for dinner. A little pricey and it was ok. We had chicken fried steak, it was just ok. The salad bar is questionable. Just dishes on a table with lettuce, cucumbers, etc. Not on an official salad bar w sneeze guard or anything. A little concerned about gnats flying or landing on the salad items. Also had sirloin. They promote Th local meat market, which is amazing. But the sirloin was also just ok. Love that they use local bakery and meat market. But they need an update and maybe a new chef. Very cute place. You can tell people have been going for years which is nice. read more

Horrible I wish I could give it no fucking stars , I will not be returning even if this was the last place on earth to get food . Got everyone I was with sick as a dog and the service was the worst . ABSOLUTE GARBAGE ! read more

Stumbled across this place on the way through town. Great home cooking diner. Lots of choices. I'd recommend stopping by

I grew up in Castroville and never understood why Sammy's was still open for business. The food is terrible and overpriced, and the service is equally as bad. The place is dismal, with no windows and dark, gloomy lighting. I stopped going a while back. The location is great and there are loyal locals, which I guess answers my initial question. Save yourself the disappointment and go eat at any other restaurant in Castroville. read more

Didn't really like the salad, but I definitely loved the chicken with cheese. And the tasty baked potato!

Long time mainstay restaurant in Castroville. Very nice service with Texas courtesy and friendliness. Fried chicken strips were subpar. I bit into one and left the rest. Good stuffed baked potato. I emphasize that I go to an eating place for the food, not the ambiance, but Sammys needs to remodel big time. It's the same since the 1960s. Depressing to eat there. I wish them the best. I want them to be around for another 70 years. read more

Was looking forward to trying Sammys, so today at lunch, hubby and I stopped by, figuring the lunch crowd had died down. Went in and waited by the wait to be seated sign...and waited and waited and waited while we were completely ignored by waitresses and the woman at the register who was busy. So, can not give a review on the food at all because the poor customer service saw to it that we left and have no intention of returning, there's a very good steakhouse down the road that greeted us enthusiastically and we had a great meal and will be returning. Update on old review My daughter and I ventured out in the drizzle to try Sammy's this evening. She had her son in his carrier and we were seated in the far back corner of restaurant which was fine with us, we were out of harms way. I ordered the catfish with French fries and she ordered the chicken fried steak with a baked potato. Hers came with the salad bar. My plate had 4 big filets of fish and a big side of French fries. Both fish and fries were very good. Downside was I had to ask for ketchup and a tiny container of very good tarter sauce. Daughter's steak had NO seasoning. Gravy was good and nice size potato but on bill I was charged .50 for cheese. I really think that should be disclosed when they list what comes with your potato. I ordered a piece of strawberry pie and it wasn't fresh but was still pretty tasty. I'll come back if invited but don't believe I'll be suggesting this restaurant. read more

This place needs a good cleaning and remodel. Dark, dingy and very outdated. Food is what you would expect from a Denny's or IHOP. Very mediocre. Cob webs hanging from ceiling. Whatever you do don't look up as it will ruin your appetite. Dirty ceiling and grates. Had the homemade beef vegetable soup and could not eat it as it had a rank smell. Also ordered the fried mushrooms and hamburger. Mushrooms were flavorless and hamburger dry and over cooked. read more

The chilli said homemade but it tasted and looked like hormell chilli. I'm so sure it was canned chilli and when I asked to have something else a bald man who I'm assuming was the manager came over and was very rude. The pork chops were ok. read more

A classic home-cooking southern restaurant with local sourcing of meat and baked items. Even as a vegetarian, I enjoy the salad bar and indulging in the tastes of my youth like fried okra and onion rings. We've always had suburb service as well. (Try the lemon meringue pie!) read more

Military steer clear. The military discount will leave you shaking your head. It is a whopping 1 %. My bill was $42 and they wanted to give me 7 cents back? What a slap in the face. Next I decided in honor to write the owner but she didn't bother returning my email which was written with respect and from the heart. As an active duty combat veteran I have to warn the community and all my brothers and sisters in arms. Even the staff that work there including managers are embarrassed to have to explain the discount to every military customer. I will not be back until Sammys learns to honor and respect military service or honestly just have no discount at all if respect is not in your blood! read more

Sammy's nachos are the best! So is Sammy's house salad dressing. It's super rich, thick and delicious-- nothing like you've ever tasted. I take my chihuahua, Chiquita, all the way to a vet in Castroville, just so I can stop by Sammy's when we're done, and I can have one of their juicy cheeseburgers and slurp a scrumptious chocolate shake! (Okay, I also travel to the vet in Castroville because they're much cheaper than SA! And they're very nice, of course!). Sammy's was a regular family dining experience when we lived in Lytle. They have great chicken-fried steaks, shrimp baskets, club sandwiches, and enchiladas. Yum! read more