We ate at Sam's on the patio mid week during the Covid-19 pandemic. They took great care to distance the tables offering each group atleast 10+ feet of distance from the next, I really appreciate that they are doing this. I like the vibe on the patio, we sat next to the fig tree. I had the turkey sandwhich with side salad and my partner had the pancakes with side of scrambled eggs and bacon. Both of them were very good and everything was cooked perfectly. We both noticed the exceptional quality of the ingredients used, you can tell they take pride in the quality of the food they are serving up. Oh, and the servers were all pleasant and attentive. We're definitely going to end up regulars here. read more

I had Sam's bookmarked for a couple of years so you know I had to finally check the place out when I woke up before 8AM on a Saturday. From the outside, Sam's looks like well... a log cabin. When you get here you sign your name up on a list outside the door and walk to the right to the back garden area that also functions as their waiting area. The waiting area is so cute and has seating all over their garden. TBH it's a great place to come with kids because they can roam around to work up an appetite. I also saw customers coming with dogs so I assume the outside seating area is dog friendly as well. A plus of the waiting area is that they offer freshly brewed coffee! | WHAT WE GOT | + Basic breakfast w/2 pieces of bacon - Can't go wrong with this breakfast! I really liked the sourdough bread they paired with the eggs because it was thick and soaked up all the egg yolk. I thought the potatoes were decent and crispy, but they were a bit hard to bite. The side of bacon was overcooked for my liking so I'll probably pass the next time I visit. + Hardly Working with a pancake & side of chicken apple sausage - The buttermilk pancake was delicious and so addicting to eat. It was nice and fluffy and paired well with the fresh fruit. I wasn't a huge fan of the chicken apple because I think it had an herb that didn't hit my taste buds in the right way (maybe dill?). They're 2 huge pieces so they're a nice pairing for a simple meal. $3.5-$4 for 2 pieces of bacon or chicken apple sausage is a little steep in my opinion, but it was worth trying this time. Overall, I can see the appeal of this place because it has such a cute ambiance, but the dishes we got this trip were underwhelming. I would come back to try their other specials & scones because they sounded delicious. read more

Sam's Log Cabin - Basic breakfast - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

Had a great visit here and liked the vibe ! I ordered French toast but my son had a great omelet . We will go again !

First place I ate out at since California opened up outdoor seating again...and I was not disappointed. Breakfast burrito (added bacon) was awesome. Regarding COVID guidelines, they also do a really great job here by the looks of it. Oh, and they have those heat lamps throughout the back patio. Highly recommend. Girlfriend loved it too. She got the huevos rancheros. read more

Sam's Log Cabin - Happy girlfriend once you feed her - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

A key part of loving and enjoying this place is avoiding it when the waits are long. Most places don't hold up to 1 hour wait. Just come back. The staff are friendly and the outdoor space and building are charming. It's a solid diner place where the food is freshly made (how could it not be with that turn around!) and everything is satisfying and filling. Coming here hoping you'll be mind blown by the best version of something isn't the point. Their savory dishes stand out more than the sweets but their baked good are fun. Good coffee and relaxing environment. Specials can really impress. Above all, this is a place to let your hair down and enjoy a slow weekend. A gem in the neighborhood. read more

What a gem! Interesting menu in a lovely setting outside with heat lamps and good service. We tried the lake trout and eggs with flannel hash- the fish perfectly cooked, poached eggs done just as requested and crispy rye toast, and huevos rancheros nicely done served with a small ramekin of guacamole! Service was attentive and efficient. A great find! read more

Great! The Grilled cheese and specialty soups is amazing. The food is really good. I highly recommend.

We came here off a whim to have some morning weekend breakfast. Below are my observations! Food: A The food was really solid. The bacon was perfect and the french toast was spectacular. I also got the burrito with added bacon and sausage. Everything came out great and pretty quickly. Nothing bad to say at all. Price: A- This was one of the few places where we thought the prices were indicative of the quality and quantity of the food sold and offered. This was awesome food for a solid price. Service: A Staff was great and always asked if we needed anything and refilled our drinks when they were about 1/3 full. Vibe/Environment: A Everything was outdoors and theme of the percussion style ringers and hand sanitizers was really cool. All tables were social distanced and the outdoors/backyard feeling was just overall nice to be around. Parking: C+ In comparison to proximity of the restaurant to the side of the road and to nearby side streets for additional parking, this place didn't have great parking options unfortunately. We were lu ky to find parking very close, but I imagine that's the case a majority of the time, especially peak hours. read more

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A great brunch spot! We put our name on the list and went for a stroll down the block to get coffee while we waited for a table. It's definitely bustling and worth the wait, so plan ahead. The staff was very nice and the food was delicious. I had the omelette special which had turkey, mozzarella and snow peas --which I was skeptical of but came out SO TASTY! They know what they're doing in that kitchen. It's a cute outdoor patio and super accessible. read more

Disappointing Got 3 pieces of French Toast with a few strawberries & blueberries thrown on top for $15!! NO sides or anything - will NOT be returning. read more

Left in no man's land without a waitress for 30 min. No acknowledgement. 45 minutes from being seated to food arriving. Was given the wrong bread, when I asked was told they had "just ran out". No apology. Some kind of supervisor came over and repeated that they had just run out of bread, and when I said maybe it wouldn't be an issue if the waitress had taken out order 30 minutes earlier. I also pointed out that everyone seated around the same time as us had already finished eating and was leaving. No apology. Just a statement that "she is in training". Ok then where was the person who was supposed to be supervising her? The attitude of the wait staff is terrible and lack luster. Deadpan and it's clear they don't care. This seems to filter down from their supervisor who also does not care at all. The hostess was excellent and very friendly and communicative. I hope she finds a better place to work, these employees seem miserable. I have been coming here for years and whoever is in charge of the wait staff needs to get it together, I won't be back no matter how good the food. read more

I was meeting up with my friend from Sacramento who I haven't seen since before the pandemic. I googled "Best Brunch in Albany" and decided to try Sam's. It looked cute, had great reviews and used fresh ingredients. Yes, there was a line. It was a Sunday but it was only a 35 minute wait and sooo worth it. Seating is in the garden setting of the back "yard" with heat lamps. It was delightful! I was too engrossed with eating to even take pictures!!!! My friend got the current french toast and I got the grits and eggs. Both were delicious though I would say my new obsession are their HUGE scones!! OMG!!!!! We both got the pineapple/coconut scones. Crunchy edges, soft in the middle, a bit of sugar on top. They were DIVINE!!!! Flavors change and get there early for best selection. I will definitely be returning as there were lunch items I would like to try as well as MORE SCONES!!!! read more

This is a great place to have breakfast. You sign up on the waiting list out front and then walk to the back, grab a cup of coffee and sit on the bench to wait for your name to be called. The servers are super friendly and make the meal fun. The daily specials are my favorite. We ate outside and sat next to a heater and enjoyed the cool morning. Must try. read more

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Amazing breakfast served in a quaint urban garden setting! We loved everything about our breakfast and the fact that they offer local seasonal ingredients is always a huge plus! The staff kept were attentive and friendly. The only thing I wish they would do differently is not squeeze the parties into such a small table. We had a tiny table for 3 people (2 adults and 1 child) and had trouble fitting our plates and drinks. read more

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The server was terrible, she very unfriendly. She could tell us in a nice way but she chose to have bad attitude to us.

They don't have parking lot. Street parking was not easy too. But once you got through all these, you can relax and enjoy their delicious food and cozy environment. Friendly customer service. Mind you, kitchen closed at 2pm. read more

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Amazing brunch; I can't believe I've never been before! They gave a lot of outdoor seating that is covered from elements and has heat lamps so it was very comfortable even in the cold rainy weather we've had recently. I got the chilaquiles which was SO GOOD. Every element was so delicious: chips covered in some kind of mysterious red sauce, beans, gauc and salsa, eggs were all perfectly cooked. I also tried some of the pancakes, which were special orange and poppyseed that day - also amazing. Not overly sweet, light and fluffy. I will definitely be back. A very homely establishment with great food. A new favourite brunch spot! read more

Sam's Log Cabin - Chilaquiles - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

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Sam's use to be one of my favorites but I have been disappointed the last few times I have eaten here. The blue plate special of fish tacos was not very good-it came with a piece of trout and some cabbage and tasteless sauce. I use to order the pancakes here but stopped that as well as they come out cold and hard. Had the collard greens as well and it was soupy and a disappointment. The scones are good, the service is great and the back patio is very nice. If I go again I would just order eggs and toast, can't go wrong with that. I think overall they need a better menu. read more

This place is one of my favorite place to eat truly incredible service and incredible food!!!! They have the most beautiful garden in the back of the restaurant and this is where they serve the food at this time, you will be surrounded by fruit tress and heating lamps, following COVID-19 guidelines so the tables are 6 ft apart, the food is ridiculously good!!! Look at my pics!!!! We have eaten here so much they know us lol!!!! If you want fresh food with exceptional service by a warm welcoming staff here is where you want to be, it's where I will be!!! See you here!!!! read more

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I always love Sam's when I go! Love their cornbread pancakes, fresh scones, and the fact they have so many breakfast choices - chilaquiles, biscuits and gravy, as well as the home fries are highlights for me! Everyone there is always friendly and helpful too! read more

What can I say when food meets ambiance? How 'bout wow! Tried their seasonal nectarine almond pancake and chilaquiles! A flavorful experience in your mouth. Whether it's Saturday or Sunday, brekkiie will not disappoint. read more

Sam's Log Cabin - Chilaquiles and Nectarine Almond Pancakes (seasonal) - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

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This spot is a restored old home from a sears catalog with a cozy outdoor setup for brunch. The wait can get a bit long over the weekends so be prepared to wait a bit. The service was very good and the food was delicious. They have organically and locally sourced produce and meats. They provide the details on the menu on which farms and farmers they partner with. The food is a mix of America traditional breakfast as well as some Mexican influenced option. The food is delicious and the freshly baked scones are a must try. Parking is street parking only. Definitely try this spot for brunch. read more

Food was good, service was good, nice to have organic options! Long lines always come with time to spare cause you most likely will have to wait for a table read more

This restaurant is adorable and intimate. There aren't many seats so be prepared for a wait. The great thing is you put your name on the clipboard list outside of the front door, head to the back waiting area outside, grab a cup of coffee and hang out. Coffee isn't free so don't forget to bring your cup with you, but it's so nice to have a cup while waiting. Once seated the staff was really attentive, gave us all the specials quickly, and our food came out within a decent time. We started off with a blueberry lemon zest scone (delicious!) Then I ordered the hardly workin with a pancake and over easy egg. The pancake was fluffy and the egg was delicious. I ordered the fried chicken wings and my brother ordered the sausage breakfast sandwich with a side salad. I was most sad about the fried chicken wings. We talked to the manager and he was kind. The wings were just dripping with oil. The breading didn't stick onto the wings once you took one bite because it was just so oily. The manager took them back for us as we both had one wing and couldn't handle that kind of oil. If you like that kind of wing then definitely order it, but it wasn't for me. The side salad was also over dressed, the dressing was good but just too much of it. I'm hoping it was just a bad day for them because I really want to like this restaurant! I'll go again and try another dish and see how it goes. read more

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This is one well oiled machine of a breakfast place! We had tried two other times to get breakfast/brunch at Sam's, but were met with crazy long wait times. On this most recent visit, we managed to get there before 9am and only had to wait 5 minutes (the early bird gets the worm doesn't it?!). There's a pretty unique process that goes down at Sam's... they have a front door, but there's a clear sign saying to just write your name down and head to their back courtyard area. There's self serve coffee back there, which was nice. We really didn't sit for long until someone came out and asked if we'd like to be seated inside or wait for an outdoor table. We gladly took their next indoor table for two. It's a cramped and lively space inside. Service is incredibly quick and attentive and all of the staff are working at light speed. It was difficult to decide what to order given all the tempting options and specials. We finally decided on: - Huevos rancheros: I really enjoyed my choice! I got mine with scrambled eggs, black beans, and it came with this super delicious sauce on the tortilla chips. Also served with guac and salsa. It was a very generous potion so I took half of it to go. - French toast: Didn't get to try my partner's choice, but he said he'd rather try something else next time. - Special scone of the day: blueberry and lemon Would definitely go back. There's street parking around. read more

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This was a fun and tasty find in the area. Thanks Yelpers for some of the tips for getting in. The restaurant is pretty small, but they have a another space out back, not only for dining, but for enjoying some coffee while waiting for your name to be called. We sat inside, right by the kitchen and got to see how well they were all coordinating with each other to get the orders out. Everyone in this place was having a great time, including behind the kitchen counter. The braised pork, collard greens broth with poached eggs was excellent. May sound odd at first. Yes, the eggs are on top of the broth. Think of it as a ramen-ey dish without the ramen. Collard greens were not bitter or tough, just a nice combination of flavors. Partner had the grits with eggs, (and he ordered the collards and pork as well) and that was really good too. It's nice to see a menu with some classic standards, and some not so standard dishes as well. read more

Sam's Log Cabin - White grits with eggs, and added braised pork and collard greens - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

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Wow - I didn't see this coming! Upon walking into Sam's, I wrote this place off to be another mediocre hipster diner. Boy, was I wrong. The food was anything but mediocre, and the service was very similar to Aunt Mary's. From the seating inside to the very cool patio outside in the back, it really seems like Sam's is dedicated to making a great experience for its patrons. The menu was both unique and awesome. I had the corned beef hash, which I rarely have because most times it's from a can and very salty. This I'm glad I did because it was very, very good. See you again soon BB read more

Party of 6. With 5 year old twins and so much to catch up on we chose Sam's for an important holiday breakfast. Great food. Smooth sailing. Excellent service. Again, Sam's delivers. Even at their busiest. read more

Sam's is definitely one of my favorite breakfast places in the East Bay! I love the backyard patio, which allows you to bring your dog. Our server was kind and attentive, but did not pressure us on anything. All of our dishes were delicious, in particular the scone! We will definitely be back. read more

I hadn't been in since before the pandemic. Same great food as before. So nice to have it again! As before, I had the daily scramble, which seems more often than not to be my go to at Sams. Next time I'm in town, you know where I'll be grabbing breakfast! read more

This place is off a really busy street and if you pass it without really looking, you won't really see it; but if you do, it is the cutest little log cabin with amazing food and a really cute outdoor patio where you can go to wait and have a FREE cup of coffee while you're at it. We waited around 30 minutes on a Sunday afternoon for brunch and were seated outside (definitely will be back and try to be seated inside since it's so cute!). I ordered the huevos rancheros and my friend got the biscuits and gravy, which we both definitely recommend. We were beyond pleased with the portion we got for the price we paid. Parking was a little difficult just because we came when the Solano Street Fair was happening, but it is mainly free street parking so no complaints there. This place is definitely a hidden gem in Albany and I can't wait to bring more of my friends back here! read more

Sam's Log Cabin - Huevos Rancheros - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

Sam's Log Cabin is definitely one of the better breakfast spots in the Albany/Berkeley area. It's a very simple diner in an actual cute looking log cabin. There are some spots inside and some outside but there isn't that much seating in general so be prepared to wait for a spot on the weekends. The staff here is friendly and make the place feel very homey. The items on the menu are very simple and some have a sort of Mexican taste (burritos, huevos rancheros, etc.). I really enjoy getting the Workin' Hard or Hardly Workin' which are just pancakes, corn cakes (yummy) or french toast with eggs on top. You also have the option of adding sausages to any of the breakfast dishes. My friend has also gotten some of their breakfast sandwiches and scrambles, which have also been delicious. I highly recommend trying their potatoes, because they're very flavorful and juicy. The first time I came here the prices were definitely cheaper and more affordable, but the prices unfortunately have been rising, making this place less appealing now. read more

Sam's Log Cabin - 10.29.16 Workin Hard - 2 eggs on corn cakes - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

I've driven past this place a million times and never figured out it's a brunch spot until a friend recommended to eat brunch there. Outdoor seating surrounded by heat lamps a greenery, very cozy like eating in the woods. Food was delicious especially the pancake. Soooo fluffy and tender. I'll definitely be back. read more

We've been coming here for years, and always enjoyed our meal, but something has changed. To begin with, service seemed a little perfunctory, the young man who seated us waived sort of generally toward the specials board and mumbled something as he walked off, I guess it was the specials. Then our waitperson told us that cream or milk and sugar and refills for coffee were available at the counter and we could help ourselves . (One thermos of milk, one of half and half for the whole restaurant.) Then as we ate no one stopped to check in to see if we were ok or needed anything. Pretty poor service overall. What happened? Service used to be so nice there. Then, my breakfast.... Aargh. I've making and eating grits for 70 years. This was the worst plate of grits I have ever eaten bar none. Underseasoned, overcooked, terrible texture and watery. I would have returned it if I could have gotten the attention of any of the employees, but we were pretty well ignored. We haven't given up on Sam's. Maybe it was just a bad day and some poor organizational choices. We will try again. And not order grits. read more

Rude staff for sending a "last warning: or you got to take it outside." message. Our dog barked at another dog and we get it but just thought she could deliver the message amiably. What a shitty interaction that ruined our morning before the food arrived. We added an order of OJ before she came over and it never arrived. Now we wondered it was done on purpose. read more

There are places you go to sometimes where you can instantly tell is an "institution". Where the food and ambience isn't fancy but has so much legend and love in it. Sam's is one of those places. The cabin was originally a Sears Roebuck catalog item, and nowadays it's a bustling breakfast/brunch eatery that looks so cozy and humble on the inside but serves creative takes on anticipated goodies like tangerine chocolate scones and blackberry almond pancakes. Not being the biggest fan of American breakfast foods, I got the Hardly Workin', an organic egg made how I like it, with a choice of pancake, corn cake, or French toast. Little did I know how creative they would let me be - I asked for the egg scrambled, they let me have cinnamon currant French toast as the carb option, and I also got a side of chicken apple sausage. Let's just say they know how to convert a girl into being a fan of breakfast - it was fresh, hot, and best of all, fragrant. I ate everything off the plate. Also you can't tell from the front, but there's an entire backyard to this place, strewn with a variety of seating options where they usually let the waitlisted folks relax with a cup of coffee. Truly lovely hospitality. read more

Sam's Log Cabin - The Hardly Workin' - an organic scrambled egg and a slice of cinnamon currant French toast. Oh, and with an extra sprinkling of fruit! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

Excellent breakfast options. The sourdough French toast, orange zest poppyseed pancakes- come try.

OMG! This is truly, the best breakfast I've had in a long time! Organic eggs. Organic locally sourced Gravenstein perfectly cinnamon infused applesauce. Amazing country potatoes and hearty, thick sourdough toast. Icing on the cake was the offer of apricot jam - what restaurant offers apricot jam?! Finally, service was outstanding! Friendly, attentive, professional! Wow! If I lived in Albany, I'd be a regular for sure! read more

Sam's Log Cabin - And this is just the "basic" breakfast! Wow! Truly extraordinary! - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Albany, California

This is one of my all time favorites in the area. Food is always great, they do some incredible specials. The patio seating on a nice sunny morning is the best. Highly recommend. read more

So yesterday, I came to this establishment for breakfast. I signed in at the kiosk and decided I would have a cup of coffee. I went to the backyard seating area and asked a young ( and I learned new) waitress if I could purchase a cup of coffee while I wait. The young waitress said I could get a cup once I was seated. I explained that I just wanted a cup while I waited and that if easier I could do a to-go cup. The young waitress went and asked an older waitress and apparently more experienced about my request. The older waitress approached me in what I received as an agitated demeanor and asked if she could help me. I was confused. All I wanted was a cup of coffee. I asked again to purchase a cup of coffee. She said they weren't selling to-go coffee. I explained that I was waiting to be seated. She simply repeated that I couldn't purchase coffee. I found this troubling. I have NEVER been denied being able to purchase coffee at a restaurant. Has anyone else experienced this here or anywhere else? Well, I left seeking coffee and found a place on Solano that was eager to sell me coffee. I also found a place to eat as well. read more