Great appetizer and dinner. Tuna appetizer and jerk chicken unbelievable which makes a huge difference. Best ever dinner. read more

Very Good and interesting food. Great 1970s ambiance for people of a certain age. Excellent service and fair prices. Not to mention the pool table and local beer selection. read more

As locals, we want to support local businesses. It was our second time here and it was very bad experience. 1) wait for our meals was about an hour, wait staff was indifferent to our request to know status, every other table had been served and done before we got any food and 2) the fried chicken sandwich was soggy outside and rubbery inside; the "special" was flank steak w red wine sauce and pasta, which was not linguine but basic egg noodles. It was no better than out of a can frankly. And hed asked for no onions, but they got that wrong. They comped our meal, which we appreciate and just paid for the beer. But I wont be back there. read more

A very cute restaurant/pub. Service was nice and fast. Food was good. Serving sizes were reasonable. I tried the house salad and the Korean barbecue chicken tacos. May come again to try their crispy chicken. read more

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This place has some unique features. The most noticeable is the decor and all-around general vibe... seems like it should be in a college town. The food is hit or miss. We have visited several times, and usually only half of our party loves the meal. This is a great spot to have a cold beer and an appetizer. read more

I gave them a try and found the food disappointing. Reasonably priced though. I had a Heady Topper along with my order which is a big plus. In general the beer selection is good. I did find the service to be annoyingly vague as others have said in their reviews. My order was taken promptly enough but I never spoke to her again despite being in the same room for almost an hour! One of the cooks brought me my sandwich, again, promptly, and another server brought my beer. After that, during the next 45 plus minutes, despite 2 servers, the place not being very busy, and others being waited on: No one ever asked if everything was ok (it wasn't, the sandwich was not great quality). No one ever asked if I wanted another beer (I did). No one brought a check! It was like I was invisible! They need some serious training in basic customer service. I did the math in my head and luckily had enough cash on hand to cover the cost. I left the money and a half eaten sandwich on the table. I won't be back. read more

We were three trying this place on a Thursday night. The place was busy when we arrived, but as we had our appetizers the rush disappeared. We shared lobster rangoon and spring rolls as appetizers and had cast iron seared tuna and popcorn chicken general Tso. The food was great however the service was lacking a bit as we ran out of drinks during the meal. Food is worth 4 stars but the service level reduces the overall impression. read more

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Sadly, I've had snafus with order mix-ups the last two times I've been here. Our server was wonderful, but the kitchen isn't reading tickets correctly, resulting in delivery of food we didn't order. All was corrected, but after long wait times. The food is good, though I can't call my tuna "seared" and too much gloopy sauce and sweet mango obscured the delicate taste of the tuna. A textural crunch factor would have balanced the dish as well. The fish tacos are good, and servings generous. Just wish I got the fried version I ordered first, and didn't have to wait so long for the kitchen to correct the error of sending out the pan-fried fish version. read more

Samurai Soul Food - Cast Iron Seared Yellowfin Tuna - Soul Food Near Me - Fairlee, Vermont

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My wife and I had such high hopes when we walked into Samurai, but everything after that felt like we were in an episode of Bar Rescue. On arrival, the bar scene and atmosphere looked awesome. The menu was great, they had a solid drink list and we were pretty excited to sit down. What followed, was quite frankly unacceptable to see in a restaurant. Firstly, they were short staffed but the staff that were there were perfectly fine. They took our order pretty quickly but then we just sat... and sat... and sat... until, we saw a cat strolling through the restaurant with no one seeming to bat an eyelid. My wife and I are both animal lovers, but there's a time and a place and a restaurant is not the place to have animals walking around. This is a SERIOUS health/sanitary issue, regardless of how well behaved the animal is. I don't allow my own dog in the kitchen when I cook at home, so I was incredibly concerned to dine at a place that didn't seem to care. Shortly after that, my wife started to flare up as she's deathly allergic to most animals (without medication) and, of course, she didn't think to take her medication before... um, going to eat at a restaurant... Anyway, after about 35/40 minutes, we hadn't seen my drink order (I ordered an IPA...) or our food and as my wife's allergies started to get worse, I asked the waiter if we could get our food to go instead and explained the situation. The waiter was apologetic and polite and we knew they were short staffed, so didn't mind the wait, but were more annoyed at the owner for allowing a cat to roam free around the place. Even more so as they were so short staffed so the cat likely had even more freedom. We eventually got our food and brought it home and the food was perfectly fine. But I can't recommend this place in good conscience. To the owner: you're letting your staff and bar down by allowing an animal to roam free around your restaurant. Everything would've been great if it weren't for that and judging by other reviews (that I wish we read beforehand), it sounds like the owner doesn't give a rats ass and is doing his staff, food and restaurant a massive disservice. It doesn't matter if "most people like cats", there are many people who are allergic and many people that are not okay with seeing animals walk around a place they're soon to be eating in. Do better for your staff and restaurant. read more

This is a great Asian fusion place in the area! We had the Korean Chicken Tacos and Fish Tacos. The service was prompt and friendly. The atmosphere and music is 70s-style, eclectic. There are records and Asian influences as decorations. It feels somewhat like a taco-stand as a restaurant. The fish tacos were crispy and full of flavor. The Korean chicken tacos were very tender. I don't think there's anything particularly Korean about the tacos, maybe a little bit of sesame oil. Overall it was really delicious. There was a little bit too much mayo in both of the tacos. read more

Samurai Soul Food - Fish tacos - Soul Food Near Me - Fairlee, Vermont

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I had heard about Samurai Soul for some time now and was excited to finally try it out when I met up with a friend for dinner. I ordered the tuna nachos. I was surprised at what a large portion size you receive. Instead of chips for the nachos you get wanton crisps that are perfectly crunchy and salty. The tiger mayo added an interesting flavor. My friend ordered the muscles special of the day and said they were good but the lobster sauce with them was just a bit too salty. The only other complaint was that our waitress only checked back in with us when we were finished eating, which didn't allow us to get drink refills during the course of the meal. We were the only two eating in the restaurant so I'm not sure why this happened. Overall, if you're looking for a unique spin on some classic bar food favorites, check out Samurai Soul Food in Fairlee, VT. read more

Samurai Soul Food - Tuna nachos - Soul Food Near Me - Fairlee, Vermont

Food exceeded our expectations in every way. Service was slow but it was busy. Server had great beer recommendation. Would do it again. Tuna nachos made this a life-changing event. Kung pao chicken wings were an addictive substance. Southern fried chicken sandwich redefined the genre. Fish tacos were perfect yet seemed merely average after the rest. My husband is still talking about it on the way home. We may never be the same again. read more

I went in very hopeful. And before I get to the food, I will say that the vibe is great. However, the food left much to be desired. None of the food tasted authentic at all. It wasn't even a well done fusion- no taste of Asian authenticity. The orange chicken was so intensely "orange", which was neither authentic nor desirable. The party rice was not only full of a strange and tangy barbecue sauce, but it was also drowning in confusing flavors. The sweet and sour was not that bad, but it was only a special. The tuna nachos were actually great - I would say that you should order them as an appetizer to share. It's a large, generous bowl. I ordered them as an entree and quickly realized it was not filling enough (and quite repetitive). Last thing, the only time we were visited by our server was to give us our orders. I won't be returning. read more

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A group of seven of us dined at the Samurai Soul Food tonight. For most of us, it was our first visit. The restaurant is decorated in a kitschy tiki bar theme. I love tiki bars. The place was surprisingly busy on a Tuesday night. They have seating at the bar, at the restaurant and outside in the patio. The noise level was high and was not helped by the loud music. However, it fits into the overall theme of the restaurant. Our young waiter seemed a little inexperienced and unsure of himself. A few mistakes were made in our drink orders and he could have been more attentive. For cocktail, I was intrigued by and ordered the Saketini. I was excited to try a cocktail with sake and looked forward the cucumber slices in my drink. I was disappointed with this cocktail. It just tasted like a bad dirty martini. Oh well, maybe I was expecting something different. But the food, ah the food, more than makes up for the slight negative in service. I would say the menu is fusion Asian. Notice I didn't say Asian fusion, because it was more fusion than Asian, if that makes sense. However the menu is fresh, inventive, and the execution superb. My entrée, House Special Fried Chicken, was the highlight of my evening. The chicken was accompanied by a soy dipping sauce and sesame noodles. The sesame noodles were as good and as flavorful as my own. Bravo. The soy dipping sauce was perfectly light and tasty. The chicken batter was crunchy and light at the same time while the chicken breast meat was most juicy. There was no way I could have finished all three large pieces of chicken. I love this dish!! We ordered and shared several appetizers. The deconstructed lobster Rangoon was in my opinion, just so-so. Their version of the Summer Roll was pretty good, very fresh and light, but I would have preferred them to be tighter rolled and have more ingredients. Their fries with garlic aioli was top-notch. Others in our party ordered the Tika Masala, Party Animal Fried Rice and Garden Party Fried Rice. We all enjoyed ourselves tremendously. This is an excellent restaurant! We shall be back many times. read more

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Just really hit or miss. The food is good the atmosphere is good. Good vibe and service staff. I just think the chef is really too flippant with his customers. He seems to have some type of distain for people who wish to eat at his restaurant. Sometimes he's happy to prepare food other times he kicks you out and makes you feel ashamed that you even showed up. Just too weird. read more

This was a gem of a find in Fairlee The food was excellent the service was spot on. I highly recommend this restaurant read more

Something different and refreshing. Loved the atmosphere. I felt like they could have been a bit more attentive but whatever. read more

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Has an ok beer selection of ipas cider etc. Not my first choice for food but I always can find something to eat. Good for the area, especially during this time. For god sakes get the cat off the bar top!!! Nobody wants mrs kitty staring at your plate while you're trying to eat. read more

Samurai Soul Food - a can of fairy top - Soul Food Near Me - Fairlee, Vermont

GET IN MY MOUTH!! That's basically all I can say about the food. I would and have devoured most things on the menu and have yet to be disappointed. By far I love anything with Tuna so I pick these options most often. Everything is so fresh and satisfying that you really can't go wrong with anything off of the menu. As a local, there just isn't enough places around that offer as good of quality as these guys. The beer selection is also the best by far. It's rare to find Craft Beers being offered in small town New England unless your right by a brewery. However these guys have stepped it up and really represent. I am extremely happy they are within a short drive from me. Anddddd now I'm hungry for the food read more

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The cute name & logo caught my eye when I was hunting for places to have dinner while at the Lake Morey Resort. Their menu seemed to have an eclectic array of offerings and it was close by, so I took a chance. While pulling into the parking lot, I noticed that it was mostly dirt with large holes and muddy areas. It should have been a sign for me but I was hungry. When I arrived the decor was fun and the host very friendly. I thought....cool! I've found near little spot. I get it will be yummy. Having lived in Seoul, Korea....I was especially excited about the Korean BBQ chicken Rick bowl and their signature onion rings also sounded tasty. I picked up the order and brought it back to my room in hopes of a delightfully tasty bi bim bop and some crispy onion rings to satiate my immense hunger. Unfortunately, I ended up throwing the entire dinner away, as it was borderline inedible. The onion rings were soggy and the Korean dish had chicken that did not taste fully cooked. Overall it was a highly disappointing venture and I felt I had wasted over $35 on a bunch of tasteless inedible food. I would never advise anyone to go here nor would I return. read more

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Fun, lively, affordable restaurant. I went with a work colleague who enjoyed Samurai just as much as me. Tuna nachos and fish tacos... awesome. We left paying $30. This place is worth checking out especially if you are looking for a casual event. read more

My Airbnb host recommended this place to me, and really, it was curiosity that led me here. The Yelp reviews and the giant pothole in the parking lot didn't inspire confidence, but we all know what curiosity did to the cat. The decor is all over the place. There were Christmas lights outside and a string of lights shaped like chili peppers inside. The walls were covered with pictures of all kinds of celebrities from decades past, from Bruce Lee to Marilyn Monroe. The tv was playing cheesy, old kung fu movies. There is a giant painting of polar bears on a see-saw. The speakers were loudly blasting rock and roll music from the '50s. There is a cat that just randomly wanders inside the building. The menu, much like the decor, is all over the place. With a name like "Samurai Soul Food," I knew I was in for some fusion, but apparently, the fusion rabbit hole goes far deeper than I thought it could. What a country we live in that this place exists because never have I ever seen a more ludicrous bastardization of ethnic cuisine. But here's the thing: it was freaking amazing. My brother ordered something called a Thai Short Rib Quesadilla. I was less adventurous and ordered the Samurai Chix-Sandwich. Both of them were so good. I don't know what's going on in that kitchen, but holy crap, the food was unbelievable. I don't know what type of mushroom-induced hallucination inspired this restaurant to exist, and this was hands down the most confusing eating experience of my life, but I regret nothing. Everything was incredible, and I hope this place never changes. read more

Food was great and the decor was fun. There is a cat that roams throughout the restaurant- including walking on the bar. My 3 year old was terrified of the cat and we asked the staff to keep it out of the front room. They said they would but ended up even feeding the cat on the bar. The cat was in and out throughout the night and the staff consistently handled him/her without washing their hands. read more

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Big hole in the driveway is a concern But doesn't detract from the taste of the food. Great chicken lo-mein and fried rice. read more

Samurai Soul Food - Fried rice - Soul Food Near Me - Fairlee, Vermont

Oh my gosh, this place just hits the spot! their food and beer are awesome!! Our waitress, Ty, was really friendly and made us feel very welcome! Definitely will come back when we visit! We had Shrimp Pad Thai and General TSO bowl! River Roost IPA to go with our meals! yummy! read more

Samurai Soul Food - Soul Food Near Me - Fairlee, Vermont

Amazing! Phenomenal! You will love it! This place rocks! I have accommodations in the area and my guests love this place

I hate to have to update my review in a negative light, but it seems SSF has gone a bit downhill. Went for the first time in a few months despite seeing some recent negative reviews. We were seated quickly, but that was about it. The food portions have significantly decreased while prices stay the same or are higher (I do understand as a place finds it groove this can happen, but my wife's portion was tiny and she left with an empty belly and empty wallet). We were tucked into a strange corner, cramped and seemingly forgotten about for most of our time there. No drink refills, no checking on how our meal was. The poor folks next to us ordered a good 10 minutes before us and we were already done by the time they got their meals. And quite a few things were wrong with their order. The beer list is still great. Good music on the radio but sadly the service was severely lacking. I wish I could be writing a better update, but alas I cannot. Hoping this was just a bad night or something along those lines and that Samurai ups their game and keeps serving the area as best as they can since there isn't much around these parts to get excited about food wise. read more

Tip: Indoors can get extremely hot. Sit outside if you can. The bartender is pretty cool. The food here was below average and honestly disappointing. The fries were okay but the aoli tasted only of mayonnaise. Summer rolls were bland and textureless. The shrimp pad Thai was also very bland. Service was okay and part of the reason I'm giving this 2 stars is because the bartender was cool and approachable. Overall a disappointing experience since the food was quite pricey and pretty much inedible. read more

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I like their scene, the decor is pretty awesome and pool table is always nice. I do wish they had a better cocktail menu besides sake listed and would like a beer list printed. It's hard to decide what you want based on memory alone.. the bathrooms are outdoors kinda which was odd but the staff were nice. Kinda wish they had later hours they are only open until 9 which is super early and the kitchen closes on time. Review may change based on more experiences. read more

Samurai Soul Food - Soul Food Near Me - Fairlee, Vermont

Quite the surprise in sleepy Fairlee, Vt. It was raining so we had to do takeout but the outdoor dining area looked festive. I had the shrimp tempura tacos which were amazing! Just wished we'd discover this place earlier not on our last night in VT. read more

Ok. I really, really wanted to love this place. It has a super cool name. I live in Fairlee! If I had young kids a 5 start. If looking for an awesome meal, sadly one star. Honestly, I can cook better but I am a decent cook. The staff was awesome and it is clear the people who work here are awesome. The price was excellent for what I got and thus 3 stars. Not to get all foody on you but I felt like they were trying to hard to be all foody but didn't get it. I got their chicken wings and I liked it because was hot and spicy with nuts and lots of sauces drizzling with line patterns. I liked it. I got the Indian dish of chicken Marsala with Nan. I like spicy food but this was spicy to the point of non interest. The rice was ok. Veggies were ok but slightly under cooked. read more

Wow, what a place. Peculiar. Good food but so loaded with extraneous extra weirdness. Read these reviews. Read the owner light into a patron telling him he missed an opportunity to somehow change a child's fear of a cat, on the bar, eating? Blaming the patron for the cat's removal? smh. I don't think I've ever seen a business owner so hostile, in writing. And a server's response blaming a different patron for having tried to express patience and understanding with transient difficulties?! Like, wow is all I have to say. I visited with my family and liked the food. I would look forward to returning however, the vibe I read here is just weird. I definitely felt some of this when we visited but for a variety of reasons the only way it got under my skin was to try to leave as fast as possible. I guess I'll leave so fast this time we just won't make it over. Creepiness just isn't an ambiance worth pursuing. But as I said, I liked some of the food a lot (not all of it; we shared many dishes. The tuna nachos (maybe it was tacos?) were great, as many others have noted too). read more

Very unpretentious place with delightful chicken tacos, splendid waitstaff; comprehensive menu. Supported by locals (which is always a good indicator), easy parking. A fun place. read more

I was displeased with my meal for a few (3) non-trivial reasons that I won't go into, because my family REALLY likes this place. I gently brought these issues up with the waitstaff assuming that everyone makes mistakes and that the kitchen would want to know. Unfortunately, none of the issues were conveyed to the kitchen nor was the bill modified to reflect the errors (despite a promise to do so) because the front end staff were too terrified. We didn't force the issue because we did not want our servers to catch any more flack than they were clearly getting already. This is not ok, cooks/owner/managers need to ensure a positive working environment for their staff because such hostility prevents their otherwise excellent servers from doing their job effectively. If the issues had been addressed or even acknowledged, I wouldn't have bothered write this review. To the management: Look at the reviews, you are quirky restaurant in central Vermont serving mostly the locals. This isn't a Michelin star or Hell's Kitchen where terrifying your employees is acceptable. I look forward to going back again soon for a better experience because, again, my family loves this place and will drive an hour to get there. Hopefully the errors represented a one-off and the back end staff have decided to be kinder to their waitstaff. read more

Healthy food and great portion sizes. Food has heat so if you don't like spice, make sure to inform your server.

Amazing cozy place. If you're new, definitely worth trying it out. Mac n Cheese quesadilla was AMAZING! Service was great! Beer was great, ambience was more like home. read more

Staff: very friendly and helpful in answering our questions about the menu and beer selection Food: Tuna. Nachos. Need I say more? Excellent starter (shared between two, but I could haven eaten all of it by myself, but wouldn't have had room for the really tasty fried rice w/ kbbq chicken. oh and the beer selection was pretty good too. read more

First timer ... Food was great. Small but not too small portions. Def filling. Short wait time after placing orders. Restaurant was nice, music was playing, not crowded around 2:00pm on a Saturday! Staff was very friendly with warming smiles. Bathrooms a little chilly but still nice. read more

I love this place. They just upped their game with an outdoor seating area that is wonderful. Food was fabulous as always. Their take on chicken & waffles was their marvelous chicken and deep fried French toast. Paired with a local salad and sesame noodles. YUM read more

Samurai Soul Food - Another awesome dinner. Never a bad meal here. Definitely eat outside - Soul Food Near Me - Fairlee, Vermont

Amazing food! We ordered so much and it was all good! We had the tuna nachos (AMAZING), samurai salad, house salad (both super fresh and tasty, garden party fried rice (the tofu is fried and amazing, the whole dish works so well together), and I heard the general tso, jambalaya, chicken tacos, spring rolls, chicken wings and burrito were also all wonderful! Would definitely love to return!! read more