Sam’s Hof Brau
2500 Watt Ave, Sacramento, CA, 95821
Sam’s Hof Brau Menu
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Address :
2500 Watt Ave
Sacramento, CA, 95821 - Phone (916) 482-2175
- Website https://www.thehofbrau.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:30 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : No
Caters : Yes
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Jason G.
Old school, baby. It's been around and the decor say's "I'm old but proud of my heritage." So, I of course had to have the prime rib, mashed potatoes, clam chowder, and beans. Comfort food, sort of like your grandma's, yum.
(4)Kevin J.
You have to get over the cafeteria factor in play here. For some people, that can be a problem, because it can get a little funky and trigger flashbacks of high school. The sides are going to be mediocre here, and you will get an iceberg salad, so don't come here for just that. What you come here for is awesome, hot, juicy carved meats on mashed potatoes or bread. That is all.
(4)Kawasaki R.
Great Pastrami sandwiches. All ways order them on a onion roll. Never had a bad meal eat here at least three times a month for the last 35 years...
(5)Chelsea C.
I've been coming here forever. This place has been here FOREVER. Nothing has changed at all.... For a verrrry good reason, too. Sams is everything you'd expect from a real delicatessen. Carved meats, sandwiches, potatoes, beans, gravy, pie....the list goes on. Everything's perfectly cooked and has that special old school flavor that you can't get if your joint was established after 1965. I really hate the word cheap, as it insinuates a lack of quality, so I'm just going to say this place is dirt inexpensive. You can't beat it, if you haven't been here and you've lived in the greater Sacramento area for more than a year, I'm sorry for you and go right now :)
(5)Douglas Y.
This place has been in business forever and it looks that way too! We love the Tri Tip sand wichs here. A good portion of tender flavorfull beef piled on a roll. None of the side orders are very good so it isnt worth it to order the dinner plate. The coffee is decent and the Coconut pie is good as well. Dont come here if you want a nice atmosphere as this place is not junky but I wouldnt classify it as nice either.There is also a full service bar with televisions as well.
(3)Franky C.
I've lived in the area for years and never went in, the lights were always a little too much for me, a few weeks ago my friend was raving about how much he liked the place after the new owners changed some things around inside and said that the food was still amazing. I took my girlfriend there last night and we had a great time. The food was delicious, it is definitively the best value in the area. The cooks let you sample nearly everything before you make the decision to put it on your plate, that's awesome, I've never been to a restaurant where they allowed you to do that. I got the Pastrami Reuben and my girl got a Turkey Dinner, we were both incredibly satisfied. They had a sports bar area with a full bar and the bartender knew how to pour'em. All in all it was a cool ass place and I would recommend it to anyone; I even left with less than I expected to pay, when does that ever happen?
(4)David E.
Awesome food, great prices.
(5)Brian M.
Been eating here since i was a kid in 1980s and its hasnt changed since opening in 1958. AWESOME Fresh carved samwiches roast beef turkey corned beef pastrami EVERYHING here is good. Ask For free au jus when u get a samwich. Awesome awesome friendly staff.
(5)Sumi L.
After spending most of my life in Sacramento, I finally ate at Sam's Hof Brau today, and I have to say it did not disappoint! No, this place is NOT fancy in the slightest. It's old, it's kind of dated and dive-y on the inside, and don't expect to find much for your vegetarian friends; however, I don't get the feeling like Sam's has any aspiritions to be anything that it is not. It's like your blue collar friend who listens to country music and drives a truck, but he's nice, he's honest, and he knows who he is and doesn't apologize for it. This place makes some really tasty roast meats, and yummy simple sandwiches with that meat; the sides are there to make sure you've got a good square meal, but they aren't the star of the show. When we came in, the place was full of local Arden/Arcade and Carmichael townies, people whom you could tell that going to Sam's was a weekly routine. Friendly, family sorts. Old, young, and in between. Oh, and it was FULL of people. I was kind of worried that the only sort of people who would still frequent a cafeteria-style roasterie would be some oldsters, and not many of them, so I was pleasantly surprised to find this place still alive with all sorts of patrons. Folks talked to us easily, smiled at the baby, and enjoyed their meaty foods. Mike got the corned beef dinner, and I had just a pastrami sandwich on a house roll, since I had a big lunch. Both were excellent, and the pastrami was tender, juicy, and the swiss cheese and jus on the sandwich were just the right touches. Best of all, the portions aren't too big or small, so neither of us felt bloated or like the food disagreed with us. It was like a good home cooked meal without the work! So, next time we're feeling like some good roast meat dinner, and I don't want to work all day for it, we'll be heading back to this local Carmichael gem!
(5)Stephan M.
The food is yummy, reasonably priced and consistent. The Reuben (especially toasted) is superb. The bar is nice too! Love this place!
(5)Marianne L.
SAM's is our go-to place when were craving good, old fashioned comfort food. We can always depend on fresh, hand carved portions & their stuffed bell peppers on Thurs. night remind me of the ones I had growing up. My husband just loves the hand carved roast beef open faced sandwich with a side of mashed potatoes smothered in gravy and rarely orders anything but that, it's that good! I love their pastrami sandwich with a side of pickled beets & their signature homemade kosher pickles which are always free. What a treat to be able to get a real, fresh carved turkey sandwich or turkey dinner with tasty stuffing & gravy without having to wait for Thanksgiving. We often share dessert, usually a piece of their wonderful pie and we always leave happily stuffed. Prices are reasonable ( they give Senior discounts) and Sam's is a perfect example of staying power by serving good food at good prices in a great, fun atmosphere.
(5)S. R.
Pretty good food, they skimp a bit on the portion size but it's a quality place for lunch or dinner. I'd recommend it.
(4)Denny T.
This place is still around. Classic offerings, okay service, and good taste. It was over 15 years since I last been here, and it still brings back the memories. Service is quick, taste is not compromised and food is still classic.
(3)Thor S.
I love this place!! Sehr Gemuchlichkeit! Walking through the door is like going back 3 decades and eating out with your not so well off grandparents. It doesn't matter that it's a cafeteria where you stand in line to be served and pay. It doesn't matter that it's not gourmet. You go hear for a square meal and more importantly the ambience. When you try this place you'll either get it and can't wait to come back or you'll be disgusted and never come back. I know that if this places ever closes I'll cry.
(5)Neon C.
5 STARS, and if you don't think the same, hmmmm? My wife turned me on to this spot, and we try to go at least twice a week. We both know everyone who works their and the service and staff are great. Are portions are just fine along with every thing else. We always sit in one of the hide away booths and read the history. **** They do have FREE WI-FI ****
(5)Coral H.
A great Sacramento establishment. Cafeteria style with many carving stations serving sandwiches, prime rib, and sides. Reasonably priced. The staff could not be more helpful and friendly. The place is also extremely clean. French dip was admirable and the Reuben was also nicely done. Salads are what you might expect -iceburg lettuce with loads of dressing.
(4)Lisa A.
Amazing!! Roast beef with au jus! So yummy
(5)Kevin S.
It appears to be very cheap but once you get your food you realize why. The portions are tiny! I took 5 bites and the prime rib was gone, I tried some turkey and it wasn't anything great. The baked potato was, you guessed it, tiny! Also quite dry even with their packaged butter. There are better places in Sacramento, Sam's is not worth it.
(2)Darren Y.
50th Review! Open face roast beef sandwich with mashed potatoes! Old school cafeteria american style bistro fare, This place has alot of good memories with my father and I. We used to come here when mom wasn't around to cook. You can see flashing red and white lights of a mustasche guy holding a beer on the corner of the restuarant and seeing roasted turkey and roast beef in the window remind's me of any casino strip. It is alot bigger than it looks from the outside, when you first walk in you have the deli counter on the right where you pick up a tray and choose from a menu over head. Bar is on the right and dinning tables straight in the back. Their open faced sandwich'es and turkey leg's are a staple here. Decore is rustic and dated with dark mood lighting. Large parties are welcome with a room in the back for private parties or meetings. The food is decent, all the meats are cooked to perfection. Service is good and the staff are friendly. Older crowd, one of the last original establishments on the strip mall. Good times =) Recommendations: Prime Rib, open faced sandwiches, Turkey Leg, French dip
(4)Scott S.
Great lunch spot; one way you can tell it's a good place is the sheer diversity of patrons. Even when the line is long; you always seem to have your food in less than 10 minutes. The ambiance is old school, perhaps a bit out of date, but the food is right on. My favorites are the french dip and the turkey pot pie. It is the best pot pie I've had in a restaurant and also a great value. The great part about the french dip is getting to use the tasty horseradish at each table. Also love that I can get turkey dressing year round.
(5)Alex G.
Prime rib, prime rib, prime rib. I had the prime rib sandwich with swiss cheese. Amazing. Meat was sooo flavorful and I bit through it like buttah. My boyfriend got the french dip which was equally as good. The horesradish and dijon mustard on the table completed my sandwich. I can still taste it and we went there weeks ago. We were a little overwhelmed walking in there for the first time, the cafeteria style line moves fast. I felt like a kid in a candy store staring at all that meat in front of me. Definitely going back to try the sides and maybe some of that pie. The only reason they don't get 5 stars is they didn't give us two sides of au jus.
(4)Jennifer E.
I LOVE THIS PLACE AND HAVE BEEN COMING HERE SINCE I WAS A KID! Ladies, some advice. If a guy ask you on a date and tells you to pick the place, you pick this place you will impress the HELL out of him. Men love this place. I'm hungry now
(5)Teresa D.
What can I say about this place that hasn't been said before? I've lived in Sacramento's north area for most of my existence, and cannot remember this place not being here. I recall it being called "Sam's Hof Brau," then "Plaza Hof Brau," then back to "Sam's Hof Brau." Regardless of the name outside the building, the food inside has remained the same. Very tasty, comfort food such as prime rib, hot turkey sandwiches, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, stuffing, etc.... There is a salad bar, desert offerings such as pie and a full bar for your drinking pleasure. The employees are always friendly and helpful in the food service area as well as in the dining room. Don't miss Sam's!
(4)Sam B.
Surprisingly good! I'd driven by here probably 100 times and never given it a thought, but once I finally checked it out, it's quite enjoyable. The portions are generous and pretty much everything is good. Not GREAT for the most part, but pretty good. The German potato salad IS great, though. I get that any time it's available. Also, they have all the pickles you can eat. No, seriously. I'm tickled by that for some reason.
(4)Dale N.
I would love to experience the Sam's that the other reviewers experience in order to give it more stars... But that did not happen today. Pretty much wasted our money today. Two of the party ordered the beef ribs...ohhh, they looked sooo good thick, gooey bbq sauce slathered all over each rib. Serving up huge portions.. three big ribs plus two sides. yelp.com/biz_photos/_LXc… Looked great on the plate. But once you get to the table and start eating...omg, bad bad bad. No wonder they hid the ribs under all of the sauce...they were like jerky. I love jerky, but not when you pay for ribs. They were literally dried out. When one of the employees came by the table I said something to him about how we were disappointed in the ribs. He said, yeah, others have mentioned the same thing. Omg... throw the ribs out and start over. This is NOT the way to make a first impression. The side dishes are home made. The mac salad was better than the stuff that comes out of a five gallon bucket... but not by much. The smashed potatoes were ok. The beans came out of a can. One of our party had a ham sandwich which she said was good. It was served on an overgrown hamburger type bun. I mean, how can you mess up a ham sandwich. I had the pastrami dinner. It was just ok. yelp.com/biz_photos/_LXc… Not a dominant pastrami flavor. For a couple of bucks more you can get extra meat...and I did and felt it was worth it. I think I am just 'spoiled' eating at Tommy's Joynt in the city. So now I would compare any hof brau to Tommy's. Is that fair? This meal was about 1/3 as good as Tommy's. I understand that this place is an institution and has been around forever. It has a great atmosphere and a few big screens so you can keep up with the games. Now that I have been there and sampled a few of their offerings, I will return and try other items. Maybe the turkey or tri-tip or? The price is right for what you get. But if they are going to try and maintain the "Sam's tradition" of fresh, stick-to-your-ribs food at "piggy bank" prices, they will have to try harder on the 'fresh' part!! Oh yeah, and they have my sweet green tea! :)
(2)Billy T.
Sam's Hof Brau has been a family favorite for the last 30 years. The food has always been quality comfort food and the service is excellent. Prices continue to be reasonable and the place is very consistent with each visit. However, I noticed over the last year that the restaurant is beginning to show wear and tear. The old tile floors are no longer polished to a glossy shine, seams of the wallpaper are evident, and several of the light bulbs in the fixtures were burnt out. Also, a few staff members were "tatted up" with body ink. I realize I'm being picky but I also hate to see successful restaurants enter into a period of neglect and eventual demise. I hope this isn't the case with Sam's Hof Brau, a true Sacramento icon.
(4)Michael F.
Sam's was absolutely delicious!! Upon entry it was everything that I had expected from a hof brau. Delicious smelling German food and a flashy yet old school decor. I had the Prime Rib Samwich w/ Beef Au Jus that had such a robust flavor that my taste buds were going crazy. I also appreciated the customer service of the one gentlemen that was patrolling the table area. Before my gf and I had left to go watch a movie at the theater we stopped by their pub for a cocktail and a beer. I found the bartender to be EXTREMELY knowledgeable on beer and he was definitely made us feel at home and very welcome. The only reason that I didn't dish out that 5th star is because the food servers made me feel rushed and a little uncomfortable. Overall, I was very pleased and I will definitely return to try other dishes!!! =)
(4)Christopher L.
If you don't love meat, don't go here. Otherwise it's a great nostalgic place to get a plateful of good food. Not the best beer selection but they do carry a couple of nice things on tap. All of the sides are standard cafeteria quality, but that's not why you come here. You come here for a steaming pile of juicy, a slow-cooked sliced dead animal of your choice! Oh, and the pies are great too. MEAT, BEER, PIE.
(4)Michelle S.
The Hof Brau always gets me thinking about my Oma and Opa...it's the kind of place that you keep returning to, year after year, after visiting as a kid. I had not been in quite a long time, but Chris recently discovered it and suggested we go in last weekend. I am sooo happy we went! Being inside the restaurant makes me feel like I've been transported to 1950's Midwest...the dark furniture, old fashioned bar, and communal condiment station are not typical of restaurants these days. But somehow, the restaurant doesn't come off as gross or dingy--that might have something to do with the food! All of the food looks fresh and homemade, and it is so difficult to decide on a single dish as you patiently wait your turn in line. This time, I decided on the pastrami reuben with a side of macaroni salad (and a few homemade pickle chips on the side!) The pastrami was sooo tender and delicious! I usually avoid pastrami due to the occasional rubbery gross experience, but I'm glad I went with my gut on this one! I definitely could have split the sandwich with Chris, but he was busy enjoying his french dip. His mashed potatoes with turkey gravy (which I stole half of) were yummy too! I think next time I will order the turkey leg...because where else (aside from a renaissance faire) can you do that??
(4)Reena R.
Apparently SAMs Hof Brau has been around since 1959 and has been a Sacramento staple since then. I went here with my mom for St. Patty's day and its a great place to go, for Cornbeef and Cabbage. It was a bit crowded, but it was a holiday and there Cornbeef and cabbage came with some potatoes, carrots and a dinner roll, all for $7.99. It was a great deal and they gave perfect size portions. You can tell this place has history and they seem to cater to the senior citizen clientele quit well. The Cornbeef was tender and the veggies were perfectly boiled. Just make sure you go light on the horseradish, cause if not, it could bring a tear to your eye. Descent food at a good price...
(4)Smelly C.
Coming to eat at the Hof Brau-- 4 stars for me. But recently I brought a large party for dinner with no reservation and my expectation was exceeded by the staff immensely. They were professional. They were nice. I couldn't ask for anything more. I had a large party and they set up a table in their back room for us and we weren't forgotten.. Alex would come and check on us, clear our dirty dishes, make sure we were happy, take photos for us.. Great guy! Penny (the manager) and her team orchestrated a great experience for us. For a party of 16, an automatic gratuity wasn't even on the bill. Everyone was so great that I left a nice tip and Penny double checked with me to make sure I knew I left that much. I cannot express enough how wonderful it was.. If you're thinking about having a banquet or wondering if the Hof Brau is the spot for your gathering-- I definitely recommend it. Without even calling or coordinating these plans, we received the best service. But, if you must call-- Penny will take care of you. 5 stars.
(5)Garret J.
I've been here before, but tonight was St. Patrick's Day, where they served an abundance of corned beef and cabbage! And that's what I ordered tonight, the corned beef and cabbage plate, with carrots and little potatoes. It was packed with people, some taking a $2 green beer they offered while in line (I had an iced tea with lemon). The line looked long but it took less than ten minutes to get through. The food was yummy, though the corned beef was a bit chewy. But that could've been me, since my teeth aren't as great anymore. But it was a great dinner. The atmosphere was fun and active, on a busy night! Kudos to the staff for keeping the line moving and making it a fun place to dine!
(4)Bob A.
I used to give this place 4 stars but this last trip was terrible...do not ever order the tritip gravy crap and you will probably have a great meal. On my last trip I decided to ask the low life chef what was good on the menu...so what does he do? He tells me the tritip is the best...knowing full well that the meat was over cooked and tough. I wish I could give this place 4 stars and perhaps that will happen the next time I visit...unfortunately that will probably not happen. Shitty service doesn't ever deserve a revisit. I have been going to this place for over 20 years, now it is a piece a shit place that is now history in my book. I know they won't miss me as I have referred hundreds of customers to them in the past.
(1)Loves G.
All I can say is that the food is good all the time. I travel alot and I eat on the road - this is a decent place if you want a home cooked meal. Simply put its a good place.
(4)Liza L.
Anyone who discovers Sam's Hof Brau knows that you need to starve at least a minimum of 24 hours before entering this dark but yummy smelling joint! Holy Carnivores! Sam's is all about old fashion comfort. If you dream of Roast Beef, Pastrami, Turkey and Prime Rib....then this is your place. The food is very delicious. That pastrami sandwich is best - reminds me of the sammies (Yes, I went RR!) in NY. I had the opened hot turkey sandwich last night with mash and gravy and I swear I heard a Christmas carol playing in the background. Yeah...Sam's Hof Brau will always take you to a happy place in your head and tummy! LoL Oh and another great reason to frequent this great place.... its pretty damn cheap! Good food at very very good prices.
(5)Chris K.
They used have a slab of meat hanging by chains turning slowly in the window, CHAINS! Just to make you hungry. The remaining turkey rotating in the window still does a good job. This place is epic. There is ALWAYS a line but it moves quick. I have no idea why there are not dozens of these places everywhere. Great food, Great prices, Good portions, Friendly servers. Hof Brau is kind of a cafeteria style service but its definitely not cafeteria food by any means. The chefs can slice meat quicker than you've ever seen. The decor is dark and old school, with tons of historic photos of Sacramento lining the walls. Exactly what you'd expect and old-style hof brau to look like inside. You can get a giant turkey leg and stuffing, you can get old style chicken a la king, chicken pot pie, beef stroganoff, stuffed peppers, corned beef and cabbage. They have various specials throughout the week, a lot of this stuff you just cant get anywhere else, and man is it tasty. My absolute favorite is the Hot German Potato Salad on Saturdays. You can get it with sausage and sauerkraut. Mmmmm. And they have every type of hot carved sandwich imaginable. Any sandwich here is going to be good and you can also get your sliced meat as a dinner plate with sides, and there are always good sides. I particularly like getting the reuben, with BOTH pastrami and corned beef in it. They can do that. And they have incredible pies. Don't forget to get a slice. Hell, everything in this place is tasty. I could randomly pick anything behind the glass and i would be happy with it. They have a banquet room too, just in case you want to party old school. I am so going there for lunch today.
(5)Heather R.
I cannot believe I have waited this long to review Sam's Hof Brau! I have been going here for about 4 years and loved it every time. It is cafeteria style and when you drive up there is usually a nice juicy turkey turning in the window. You step up to order and you immediately forget what you were going to order because of the row of succulent meat. I usually just point at whatever looks the best and get a sandwich made out of it. I have tried about every meat there is here. I love the pastrami best. They have an incredible French Dip as well. I am not a huge fan of most of their sides. They do have good french fries and onion rings, but I prefer to fill up on meat because this is a meat place!!! One exception is if I get an open faced turkey sandwich..bread, turkey, mashed potatoes, and gravy. Another really yummy treat is the teriyaki turkey wings. You can also get a turkey leg! If you like spice try the horseradish on the tables on your sandwiches! Also try the homemade pickles!!! The prices are really good. Sandwiches start at $4.50. Mostly everything is really inexpensive and they do have specials. You can check those out at their websites. A really fun spot to go to. The decor is a lot of dark wood. The people are great- just an all around great place to eat.
(5)Alex L.
I've frequented Sam's too many times since my initial review NOT to write an update. Sure it's dark, somewhat dingy and outdated. But oh, the glory on the plate. This is old school food, style and service. As soon as you walk in the aroma of several different freshly cooked cuts of meat fills your nostrils. I usually order a french dip with fresh, juicy, tender slices of meat and au jus. Add a side of mashed potatoes and gravy and beans and a salad and you have pig out heaven. Find a dark corner (preferably with a view of the tv above the bar) pigout and feel guilty about it later.
(5)Brittany R.
I am a bit of a Reuben snob. I can't help it. But when someone screws it up, I take note. I ordered the Reuben to go and was told it would be ready in 10 minutes. Walking in there is a huge line which I was told I had to stand in even though I ordered ahead. After standing there and inching along in the cafeteria style line I asked another gentlemen who told me it would be about 20 minutes in actuality to prevent people from calling from the parking lot. He told me to wait in the corner near the assembly line of customers where I stood for 30 seconds before one of the line cooks came up and told me it was all taken care of already. I paid and was on my way. The meat was very tender but there was barely any sauerkraut and zero thousand island or other form of dressing. Major disappointment. I would not have minded as much if there was a good amount of 'kraut...but that wasn't the case. I would try here again but wouldn't have such high hopes.
(3)Shannan W.
Call me a fatty, but the serving sizes at this place are ridiculously small for the price. The prime rib sandwich is all roll, with a wimpy slice of meat in between. The roll is good. The meat is good. However, the ratio of roll to meat is all wrong. Bummer! The macaroni and cheese was ho-hum. The potato salad tasted like the stuff you'd get in the deli case at a grocery store. Underwhelming all around. The bottom line is we spent $27 on 2 prime rib sandwiches, each with a side of mac n cheese, one additional side of potato salad, and two drinks. For $27 I shouldn't leave hungry. The prime rib was good, but for that price, I need more of it. Over all, it just wasn't a good value. I wish I had tried a slice of pie though because I'll probably never go back. The pies looked really good in the case. What a waste.
(2)Kristin M.
Awesome food at a GREAT price... A friend and I ate for less than $20.00.. Beef tips over rice an enormous amount. Included rolls, soda's, and side of Potato Salad. McD's canNOT beat that for the lunch rush hour. Very friendly service as well and clean bathrooms too. They got my vote!!
(4)Tracey L.
Stopped back here on Sunday noon for the tri-tip. It was not crowded (summer time?) so the food was hot when we returned to the table. Delicious with mashed potatoes and cole slaw! Such a deal.
(4)Mark H.
The food was decent for the price, but I was looking for German food in an unfamiliar town and this place is listed as a German restaurant. There there wasn't even an authentic German beer on tap. If you want a cheap dinner with average at best quality, eat here.
(2)Nancy L.
Great hofbrau The ever present lines show that many Sacramentans agree. Portions are huge so sharing or getting a take home container is a good idea. They have a nice senior discount. The background music a bit on the loud side. They have a great back room for groups.
(4)David L.
I enjoy the walk down memory lane every time I get a chance to stop in for a pastrami sandwich. In 1972 (wow, was it that long ago?) I worked here as a busboy. It was essentially the same restaurant back then, just a little different table configuration. At that time, you were provided whole pickles rather than the thin slices now available. The menu is tried and true, basically unchanged over the years and the staff is pleasant and efficient. The wait in line is a little challenging, but it's been that way since the beginning. When businesses try to change things up, even for a more efficient system, sometimes it backfires on them. I assume that's why they've kept things the same for so long. Considering the number of customers standing in line seemingly at all times of the day, the staff does a remarkable job of processing the people through the food line and keeping the dining area clean and tables available when others have finished and left. It this restaurant on the same level as Carnegie Deli in NY or LV, certainly not. But, for what it is, a small neighborhood restaurant, the food is consistently satisfying and reasonably priced. This leads me to the following comment. When I worked there 41 years ago , I never received a tip as it was the belief that people didn't tip at a buffet since there was no waitress. Now, we have tip jars everywhere for simple tasks like pouring you a cup of coffee to go at Starbucks. The staff and especially the buspersons and dishwashers work very hard at keeping up with the crowd so the next customer can find a clean table and clean surroundings. When I worked there, I made $1.65 per hour (minimum wage) and I'd bet that minimum wage is still the rate for the service staff. Please consider leaving a tip on the table to acknowledge these hard working service people. From someone who's "been there", I can tell you that it would be appreciated.
(5)W S.
Food: The food looked good but a little cafeteriaish and lower quality. More about quantity then quality. The Asian lady who was passing out the rolls dropped one on the floor and picked it back up and put it in the basket like no big deal. The reason is that she knows she does not have to eat it.
(1)Amy J.
Can a non-meat eater dine at Sam's Hof Brau? You betcha! Sam's is carnivore central... But- surprise! It can be done. I used to come here with my family, growing up, and my Pops says it's been around since the late 40s. The Tower Records next door may be gone, but I'm glad to say that Sam's is still alive and well, and still has the buzzy carnival lights flashing outside. Definitely an experience... Now, onto the food... back in my meat-eating days, I loved their platters. They gave Thanksgiving a run for its money with a generous meat serving, potato, extra side (like green beans or stuffing), gravy and roll. Never did I leave hungry. I hadn't been in awhile, but tonight I was pleasantly surprised that they had a line that ran almost the length of the restaurant. It was good to see that, economy be damned, Sam's was hoppin'. So for the meat-free options: bottomless salad bar and a fried assortment of goodness. Yum! I had their fried zucchini (they also have onion rings and fries), which was fresh and flavorful, and a couple runs to the salad bar, also fresh. The highlight of the salad bar for me was the four bean salad and their yummy special pickles (which you get to grab out of a barrel). I love that Sam's hasn't changed its decor and that it's still apparently in its heyday. Go Sam's!
(5)Courtney M.
Many a time I've passed those bold blinking lights and wondered, "what exactly IS a hof brau?" and now, I wish I'd never asked. Tonight my boyfriend and I decided to give it a try because I'd read somewhere that one of Friday's specials is macaroni and cheese, and lord knows I love me some mac and cheese. It was cold outside, and just a little bit warmer inside the restaurant...they could afford to bump up the heat some. The interior is definitely something to look at - giant chandeliers all over the dining room, and walls covered in historic photos that I was too lazy to examine very closely. The food looked good - there were a couple of smiling guys ready to slice meats or build whatever sandwich you desire. I ordered a reuben sandwich with corned beef and a side of macaroni and cheese, and the boyfriend ordered the corned beef entree with sides of mashed potatoes and baked beans. As soon as they dropped my bowl of mac and cheese on the tray I was disappointed, and I hadn't even tasted it yet. It didn't even look cheesy. After sitting down, I took a bite of the macaroni and cheese - which I will, henceforth, refer to as tasteless soggy noodle casserole. Such a disappointment. The corned beef was pretty good, I'll give 'em that. Boyfriend's mashed potatoes were flavorless and so was his dinner roll. We determined that all of the sides were in dire need of any sort of flavor whatsoever. The best part of my dinner was the cherry coke. The people that worked there seemed friendly too...to the point that I would have felt guilty ever complaining to anyone about my crappy food. In this cold weather, all we were in search of was a warm, tasty meal. We finally got it...but only after we wandered over to Raley's and grabbed a couple of cans of Campbell's Soup at Hand. Long story short, flashy lights don't mean quality food. Sam's Hof Brau was a perfect reminder of this.
(2)Mowdukes H.
I got the Pastrami Sandwich on a Kaiser Roll, dipped in au jus with a mini bottle of Sutter Homes Chardonnay and a side of pickles. This was the best pastrami sandwich I've ever had, so I recommend you come and get this. My family and I came here for Easter lunch and it was BUSY. There were people busing their own tables because there wasnt' enough staff around. The line moved faster than expected but it went well into the rear of the restaurant. In the middle of our meal the worst smell flooded the restaurant. It was like burning rubber or burning electrical. The staff didn't open the rear doors but other customers were. It's definitely known for the cheap good food and not for the service.
(3)Amy S.
i ordered the french dip with a side of mash potatoes and gravy and green salad. My friend went here for the first time based on the reviews. we gave it a try the meat for the french was dry, and the sauce was gross. Never again this place is way overpriced.
(2)Seth M.
As far as Sacramento landmarks go, Sam's Hof Brau is the one I am most fond of. My grandma took me to Sam's very often as a kid, but eventually we stopped going when the Tower Records went out of business. But as I made a trip down Watt Ave. the other day and saw the old Hof Brau still standing, still attracting customers, I knew that I'd be paying another visit. As a kid I was a major picky eater; it was Ham & Mashed Potatoes or nothing at all when I went to Sam's. Nowadays I'll eat damn near anything, so when I stepped into that dark, comfy building for the first time in five years and saw those giant hunks of meat ready to be cut into, I was salivating instantly. After all these years (and a change in management from what I hear), I'm glad to say that Sam's is still just as good as I remember. Ordered pastrami on a dipped roll with mashed potatoes and a salad on the side. It was just as tasty as it sounds. Not five-star cuisine or anything; just good old-fashioned comfort food at a great price. I brought my girlfriend in and she was very pleased with the roast beef. It's good to know that after all these years and a lot of changes, the one thing that has remained constant is that Sam's Hof Brau is still alive and kicking. The day that place goes under is the day my childhood officially dies.
(4)Ken G.
In all the years I lived in Sacramento, I'd had the chance to visit Sam's, but I recently had the chance and I'm glad I did - it was great! I had their Pastrami Dinner meal. The pastrami was savory and tender. It came with two sides and the mashed potatoes were pretty good. The next time I'm there, I'd like to try the Turkey as well as the Prime Rib since they both looked incredible. It's an old-time style restaurant and it's cool they've maintained it after all these years...it's hard to find places like these nowadays.
(4)Candace H.
My family and I were in Sacramento visiting family. My great aunt insisted we go here because it was delicious and the best food in the area-- and maybe my family and I should have taken that as a warning? I'll be honest-- I'd never been to a Hofbrau before. My parents HAD been to a Hofbrau before. They tried to explain it to me, but I didn't get it. Apparently, a Hofbrau is like Subway (or Togos or Pinkberry), except with meat. And I don't have a problem with meat-- I love meat. I just don't know if I like the conveyor method of dining. It puts me on the spot and I freak out. I ended up with what could have been a thanksgiving dinner-- turkey and mashed potatoes and gravy. This was in the middle of July, 2011. And my great aunt tried to set me up with the 'Handsome,Young, Latin-Looking Gentleman" who was serving up the meat. It was a strange experience and the food wasn't impressive-- my parents could vouch for that, even though my great aunt made yummy-noises the whole time she ate her prime rib. The desserts were great, although my chocolate creme pie didn't quite make up for the strange experience.
(2)Steve L.
Ok, so your parents ate here, and maybe your grandparents. The interior is comical - resembling either a card room in that old Western starring James Garner or a Gay 90's Nevada pleasure palace. Those guys carving the meat - can they lose the clownish chef hats? And, yes, those are canned green beans overheating in a steam tray. Sam's Hofbrau works despite all that, or maybe because of it. Nothing fancy - just a nice, old-school hot meat sandwich and some sides at affordable prices. Sometimes that's all you need.
(3)Julie T.
Once you get up to the front of the line, you better order quickly! Not much time to hem and haw - point and get out! Haha. The good: Their meats are AWESOME. Old-fashioned, slow-cooked, not greasy, and delicious. They also have root beer on tap! The bad: There really aren't any healthy options here. Their "salad" is some iceberg lettuce, and I think I saw some overcooked, canned green beans. When we came in at about 6:30 we stepped right up to order, but by the time we left there was a 20+-person line to the back of the restaurant. Overall, I wish they offered more options for sides - a salad bar (which they used to have years ago during my last visit), more steamed vegetables, fresh biscuits, etc. I'll be back, but it'll take a while until I get the Hof Brau bug again.
(3)Mike C.
I have to say there has been a major up swing in the level of service at Sams! After tonight (5/6) I am very impressed! In the past, other than getting your food, you really didn't have much interaction with the staff. Now the staff is very attentive, very friendly, eager to help, and just all around happier! I recently spent almost $1k on a dinner at "The Kitchen" and I really feel like i got better service at Sam's Hof Brau!
(5)Kimmy D.
My home away from home for meals! Every time I eat here it reminds me of thanksgiving! The prices are great and the meats are roasted to perfection! I usually get the French Dip or corned beef ruben sandwich with potato salad and it is always delicious. Go to Hof Brau if you are looking for a hearty, home cooked meal. The staff is very nice and welcoming! Adam always is so helpful and brings us anything we need! And they have a full bar too!!
(5)Milan P.
I've been coming to Sam's since I was a kid. Always get a double-dipped, roast beef sandwich with a slice of pumpkin pie when I come in. The meat is all super juicy, and the staff is very generous. I love the atmosphere, even though it is a bit of a retiree hang out spot. Still, the food is excellent, the line is never too long, and the energy is great!
(4)Eric B.
Been going here since I was a wee child. This is the absolute best place to go when you just want hot comfort food and a cozy, secluded booth to enjoy with your friends or family. I've been digging their Reubens lately, but just about everything is fantastic. Try a samwich, extra-cut, with roast beef and pastrami. Trust me. I'm also a pretty big fan of their desserts, especially the boysenberry pie. The staff is probably the best reason to come here besides the food and ambiance. I went with a few friends and was trying to finish up my soda when a staff member comes up, hands us each a styrofoam cup w/ lid, and says "stay as long as you'd like and take your drinks with you!" Small things like that are why I keep coming back.
(5)Janelle M.
I absolutley, love, love, love Sam's hof brau!!! I like the caferiteria style concept. I ordered the french dip with a side of macaroni salad and mash potatoes w/ gravy, and for dessert a slice of banana cream pie. I mouth is watering talking about it. I spent under $20.00 including my beverage. The food is great, staff is wonderful and I will be going back real soon.
(3)Jenna T.
I. Love. Meat. Period. Sam's Hof Brau is my go-to when I need to satisfy that carnivorous craving for meat. And I don't mean any meat, I mean meat in the truest sense of the form. There is nothing frilly or fancy about any of the food here. The restaurant is set up cafeteria style and there is always a line. You step up to view the counter and place your order to an employee dressed in white wielding a knife and serving fork. Your meat is cut to order and then you are moved down the line to the sides. Once again, nothing fancy here. Just the basics like potato salad, macaroni salad, green salad, green beans, and even peaches with cottage cheese...who does that?! Sam's my friend...Sam's. Once you grab your food and slide your tray down the rail and load up on the homemade pickles. These pickles are awesome. I have seen people fill up plates with these pickles. Me, I am just fine with a little plastic cup full of them. Finally, you slide your tray past the display case of slices of pie, each in a bowl and wrapped individually. Now the dining room is not much to look out. I don't think it has ever changed. I take that back, on my last trip here I noticed the dining room had much more light than what I was used to. Along the walls are old black and white historic photographs of Sacramento. Slide in to a cozy booth line with red velvet curtains and devour your food. There is also a full bar so you can partake in an ice cold beer to complement your meal. My favorite here is the roast beef sandwich on an onion roll. I am a big when it comes to this place, so I get a "heavy cut" which is more meat. I also am a sucker for their macaroni salad. It is on the sweeter side and goes well with the roast beef. I don't think there is anything here that isn't filling and delicious.
(5)Yolanda A.
Live down the street and I love this place
(5)Mars A.
AMAZING! love the food as well as the atmosphere. and the horseradish is to die for!! not that sweet creamy stuff you find elsewhere! my ma's been coming here since she was a kid and i can't wait to bring my kids here someday =]
(5)Naomi C.
The nice folks who work here are enough to give this place a five-star rating. My french dip was nothing to write home about, but that classic Reuben pastrami I got for my boyfriend was to die for. Overall a great experience and I look forward to frequenting again.
(4)Christa B.
This used to be my favorite place to come for prime rib. It's so disappointing to see how much it's gone downhill over the years. After today, I don't think I'll be back. My prime rib was so undercooked the guy grilled it which of course dried it out and made it taste horrible. I couldn't believe it.
(1)H H.
I still need to find something i love at this cafeteria, home kitchen kinda place... prime rib french dip. plane the bread was sourdough and yum the a'jus yes another cup please. turkey wing, tender and worth going during happy hour (3-6_??) 3.99 during happy hour mash -smooth pickles- salty dessert- cheese cake was gone before i finished my meal. Next visit i will try the cheese cake.
(3)Molly B.
I come from a very culturally diverse family. One of the dominant cultures comes from the Prussian/Swabian area... in other words Germany and the countries that skirt it. Sadly for me the family member who did most of the cooking representative of that culture passed away awhile ago leaving me to miss his quick wit and crave his delicious food. It was during one such bout of missing and craving that I remembered Sam's Hof Brau. "I need some wiener schnitzel," I told my boyfriend. "You want hot dogs?!" "Er, no. Not Wienerschnitzel, wiener schni- oh, you know, a breaded meat dish." I hoped that Sam's would have it. It seemed like just the place. So I talked him into taking me there. Luckily he is a meat and potato kind of guy so I didn't have to try too hard to convince him. It was kind of dark inside, like a bar, but in a cozy way. There was the usual queue of stout businessmen and old folks. We hopped in the line and gazed at the menu board while we waited our turn. I was in luck, wiener schnitzel was on the menu! Woo hoo! When I made it to the ordering area I told the guy carving all the meats what I wanted and he put it on a plate with some mashed potatoes and gravy. I moved on down the line as my tray was passed to the lady handing out sides and rolls. I took some sauerkraut for a side (hey, PMS does weird things in the way of cravings). I was tempted by the desserts, but managed to avoid them. We found a seat and dug in. My boyfriend devoured his [insert meat here] roast and veggies. I tried to devour mine, but only managed about 3/4 so he ate the rest of that too (for a slender guy he sure eats a lot!). The wiener schnitzel did the trick and satisfied my craving. The potatoes were... meh. They tasted like instant potatoes and that was kind of a bummer (hence the missing fifth star). I like Sam's. The service is friendly and I enjoy watching them banter with each other as they work. The atmosphere reminds me of being a little kid when Germany still had such a heavy influence in my family culture. It's the perfect place to go for some comfort food.
(4)Robert S.
Oh man. Soo good. I've had the prime rib sandwich and the french dip. Both are exceptional. If I wasn't hook on those two, I'd probably try something else because it all looks good. Fresh food. Lots of meat. The sides look good too.
(4)Soo S.
Not to be confused with the Sam's Hofbrau strip club in Los Angeles as I mistakenly did when my husband suggested Sam's Hof Brau for lunch. Good choice for carnivores who are in the mood for home cooked comfort food. They have Prime Rib, Beef Brisket, Roast Beef, Pastrami, Turkey and a decent selection of sides. You have a choice of ordering an entree, sandwich, an open faced sandwich and french dip. Lunch was busy with 60+ year old retirees, but the line moved relatively quickly. Not a place I'd visit too often since I'm not much of a meat lover, but it's totally worth trying at least once.
(4)Amanda V.
I've only been at this restaurant twice in my life and today (mother's day) was the second. I was so pleased with the staff and customer service we vowed as a family to make a tradition every year of returning! I have a son and asked for a hair chair, I received one promptly but before I was "allowed" to let him sit down the man made sure he sanitized it first! WOW!! I have NEVER had that offered before, and I greatly appreciated it. The baby changing station was just as clean and even had disposable towels for the baby to rest on while changing diapers. Also never saw this before. It's the little things that mean the most in life and today was a few of those moments. I am very satisfied with this outstanding restaurant and will be recommending it to everyone I know! Thanks again. I'm not sure of the servers name, he was a white male, mid 30's, tall with a pony tail. If you know who he is please thank him because he is representing your company extremely well.
(5)jul m.
Haven't been here in years and could hardly wait to experience this with the kids! Walked in with kids to wonderful decor, great atmosphere, friendly and courteous staff, and amazing feeling. Smelled great, too! We had: roast beef, prime rib, turkey leg, french dip, friend, potatoes and gravy and loads of pickles. Sat down in a nice dark booth and got comfy for a nummy meal. It never happened. The turkey was dry, the sandwiches flavorless (perhaps in deference to older patrons who are watching salt intake), the potatoes instant, the gravy bland and flavorless. The fries were so meh that the kids didn't fight over them. Even the pickles were odd. We came home and ate strawberries and were much happier. It was so disappointing to not be able to share the magic of a nice solid meal there with the family, especially with so much potential and staff trying so hard. I really wanted to rate this higher, but couldn't in good conscience.
(2)Karen F.
Fun people watching and decent food. When I am feeling down or grumpy and need a mashed potato pick-me-up my Hubby brings me here. The food is good and the atmosphere is usually amusing as it is a great date place for senior citizens. Great choice for no frills comfort food.
(3)Joshua H.
I love the feel of the place, and the food Is to die for. To top it off the customer service just adds the push to make this a fantastic place.
(5)Aieabo y.
Okay, before we go any further, the food itself is 3 stars. Add 1 extra star for the ridculously low prices. Basically, 7-8 bucks for a plate dinner. We ordered the REAL roasted turkey, dry, but added heaps of gravy to moisten it, REAL pastrami dinner, REAL corned beef sammich and the REALLY SALTY salsbury steak special. All came with 1 or 2 sides. The usual canned greened beans, mashed potatoes, slaw, bread n butter, and sliced pickles. Total bill was $35 WITH a REAL beer. Tons of food. Solid, stick to your colon, old school food. 3 stars for the food PLUS 1 star for the really LOW prices. Solid 4 stars.
(4)Jasmine M.
After getting completely soaked, and having to ditch my murdered umbrella in the midst of the storm of the century last Thursday, I felt the need for comfort food (you burn mucho calories when you've had a near hurricane experience). I ordered the Prime Rib dinner with au jus, salad, green beans, mashed potatoes and gravy, and a slice of lemon meringue pie. The meal was $11.19 and the pie was $3, plus tax. Where do I begin? First of all, I didn't get 6 ounces of meat. It was more like 2 ounces of untrimmed fat, and maybe 4 ounces of meat. The old Asian guy/ meat carver could have done a better job with that. The au jus was tasteless. I asked for blue cheese dressing on my salad. It tasted more like tinted water on lettuce. Very lame. Fresh Express bagged salads are chef inspired compared to this. The mashed potatoes were definitely instant (I would know, I eat them at home when I'm too lazy to peel potatoes), and the green beans came out of a can (Green Giant, perhaps?). My mother had a reuben sandwich. They gave her two slices of cheese and bread, leaving it on the side of her plate. Tacky. They were stingy with the thousand island sauce (she had to ask for it). Reubens are supposed to have melted cheese on them. Hof Brau obviously didn't get the memo. Her coffee was weak. Only because I have a sweet tooth does the pie barely get a pass. Yes, the ambiance is old-timey and comfortable. But when you offer Dollar Tree store-quality food at very non old-timey prices, it leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
(1)Dave G.
Sheesh, I just don't get what the big deal is about this place. The family and I decided to try it this past Friday night before taking the kiddies bowling next door, and I can't say that I was terribly impressed overall. High points - the cooks are awesome and will help you decide if you're a bit stumped. Very friendly and the portions are generous. Low points - Felt like "old Reno" both in decor and clientele. Lukewarm, bland side dishes. Gross homeless guy accosting diners as they exit the restaurant doesn't really leave a nice parting image, either. I had a roast beef sandwich and it was pretty okay. The kids split a turkey pot pie that was hot, plenty of it, and filling. The beans were right out of a can and the dressing and gravy were tepid and boring. Blah. I don't think I'll be back.
(2)Charlie O.
Stopped at the Hof Brau today for lunch. Was excited because I've heard that the place makes you feel like your in the 50's/60's. Well there are a lot of old pictures on the walls which look more like the 30's/40's. Anyway I wasn't impressed with the decor nor the way the place was setup. FOOD!!! I had the prime rib sandwich which I ordered to be medium well and it was perfect. Had the macaroni salad side dish and wasn't to crazy about that. There was way to much mayo on it with only a hint of mustard, it was edible, barely. Wasn't bad enough to complain about. Price for lunch was just a hair over 10.00 and that included the drink which surprised me. Service? It's cafeteria style. There was only one person working the tables and all she did was clean them off. I guess she was a bus-person. lol All in all it was a good experience and will definitely go back.
(4)Lauren H.
Hubby and I came here for dinner....after a long wait in line we both ordered a french dip sandwich with a side order of spuds 'n' gravy. The meat in our sandwiches was the rarest I have ever seen a restaurant serve...I kept waiting for it to start mooing on the plate. The flavor of the meat was extremely bland but both the au jus and spuds were superb. The desserts (I had red velvet cake and hubby had apple pie) were okay. My cake was NOT red velvet....it tasted like white cake that had been colored with red food coloring. The frosting wasn't cream cheese frosting, either. Hubby wished his pie's crust was flakier and thicker. Overall we found the food and the service to be decent but nothing overly special. The one thing that will keep us from returning was the "sticker shock" of our bill. $28.49!
(3)Samantha L.
Sam's Hof Brau: you can't miss it with the flashing lights out front. As my boyfriend put it, "it's like we're in Vegas" (only, it's behind a gas station and next to a Goodwill store.) My mom, sister, boyfriend and I came here on a Saturday night around 7:00 and it was pretty busy. Sam's Hof Brau is cafeteria style, so you wait in line, order get your food on a tray, move down the line, grab your sides, and wait to pay at the cashier. It's been like this forever, but the fact that there was only one cashier on a busy Saturday night was what caused the line to back up so much. It took about 10-15 minutes to get to the the food and order. We chose: -Prime rib sandwich ($7.49): This was the most dissapointing part of the meal. The prime rib did not stand out at all; the bread that it was on didn't suit the sandwich well and overall it was just "bleh." -Roast beef sandwich ($5.19): Very soft and works well on the Kaiser roll. I wish that it came with a side of au jus, but I just used the au jus that came with the prime rib sandwich. The roast beef could have been a little bit more flavorful/more seasoning. -Pastrami sandwich ($6.29): We had the double cut, so that we could get more meat, but there wasn't any more meat on the pastrami than the roast beef, which was sort of disappointing. The pastrami was good, I just wish there was more of it. -Turkey leg ($5.29): A large turkey leg with a side of mashed potatoes and gravy and a biscuit on the side. This was probably the best deal and the turkey leg was pretty good. I was hoping that it would be more roasted, with the skin a little bit crispy or more flavorful at least, but it was decent. The mashed potatoes/gravy were very buttery. -Uber Fries ($2.39): We asked the lady behind the counter what uber fries were and her response was "they're tasty." That wasn't really the answer I was looking for. I was wondering if they were garnished with some sort of special topping or if it was a really large order, or anything like that. But these are your standard french fries. They are served to you at your table, so they're fresh. -Potato Salad ($1.54): Very average. they give you one small scoop. -Macaroni Salad ($1.54): Very average. they give you one small scoop. Once you move through the cafeteria line and pay, you choose your own seat. There is a condiment and water station that is fairly organized and clean. Overall, decent food at a good price. It's nothing fancy, but it's pretty good when you just want some meat. Notes: -They have plenty of parking in front, they share a lot with Goodwill and other random shops. -Look for their daily specials. When we went, the specials were: turkey leg, german pot roast, and tri-tip sandwiches.
(3)Carrie T.
Ok, went the other day with my son and the food is back to it's normal standard. Maybe Mother's Day with mom they were having a bad run? Who knows?? Anyway... YayEE!! I even shot a pic of my usual meal. The Extra Cut Turkey Dinner (All white meat), cranberry sauce, and side. This day it was cottage cheese and peaches. Ahhh the predictable delight in home style comfort food.
(4)Erik Y.
Awesome food. Cooks are really personable. Let's say you order a Ruben; the cook grabs a slab of meat, cuts the portions, and makes your meal right in front of you. The most recent time I went, I asked the first cook "what's good today?" Without hesitation he suggested the pastrami. If you ask any cook what's good, and they immediately have something in mind... that's what you get. They'd be the ones to know! He was right. It was incredible. The staff is smiling and joking (with exception of the dishwasher putting cups back... he looked like he wanted to destroy everyone). After you're seated, someone comes up to be sure you're happy. This is NOT the usual "how'severything?good?great" before they run off, never to be seen again. The empathy is obvious. They seriously want to make your experience awesome. If you're thinking about going, you're halfway there. Just go.
(5)Chris B.
This is a future "Dive Diner" destination, so I will have a second chance to sample this place soon. I went on a rainy day and the windows of heat lamp meat summoned me like a siren song. It definitely is an old school, cafeteria-style experience. I had the hot pastrami reuben. I can't forget how the guy assembling my sandwich grabbed a piece of Kraft singles swiss cheese, held it (with his fingers, no less) in the hot au jus dish for a few seconds to melt it, and then placed it on my sandwich. Hey... I would've done the same had I been back behind the hot buffet counter! As is tradition with any good Hof Brau, house dill pickles are free. Grab a few on the side of your plate, tear into some old time comfort food and relax. This is livin', baby!
(4)Zato I.
Sam's is always a good go to place. Food is always good and reasonable the specials like the turkey drum leg and a scoop of dressing for a mere $3.09 they have been around for 50 years serving good priced food. I will be back.
(4)J F.
Came here based on a recommendation from my cousin as well as my parents... Restaurant is really dark/dim and is order, pay, then find a seat... Seemed mildly confusing for first-timers like myself. I tried the pastrami, roast beef, and prime rib "samwhich"... Wasn't a fan of the pastrami, but that was probably because I got the end piece. The roast beef was juicy, especially after being dipped. However, the prime rib "samwhich" was worth every penny; definitely going back for that. I also tried the turkey pot pie- it was a bit on the salty side, but it was still decent nonetheless. The coleslaw and macaroni salad sides were very good.
(4)Adrian B.
Does not get much better than this place, it's pretty much a landmark in Sacramento for great food, and experience if you like the old german style food and like Au Jus this is the place! NOTHING ELSE IN TOWN LIKE IT!
(5)Jeanie R.
Our family went out for New Years Eve to Sam's. At this time of year, Sam's Hof Brau looks especially pretty decorated with garland glistening with lights and a Christmas tree. I love the way it looks because it reminds me of what I imagine an old fashioned dark Bavarian tavern to look like. The booths are intimate and enclosed, as well as open tables and open booths. There's also a bar that serves both beer, wine and mixers. I ordered the Prime Rib, with a baked potato, salad and roll. My Prime Rib was well done, the way I like it...but they also offered Prime Rib very rare the way most folks like it. The meat was tender and the entire meal satisfying. Beware, however, of the horseradish! It innocently sits there, calling you -- but one tiny taste can almost make you faint, it's so strong, so ask someone for sour cream to mix it up in before you use it with your Prime Rib. My daughter ordered a French Dip sandwhich and said it was delicious. My husband ordered the Pot Roast, which was served with potato and seemed to enjoy it as well. New Years Eve they closed early, at around 9:00 pm. The menu at Sam's Hof Brau is very simple, but the food is usually pretty good.
(3)Linda M.
Eh, I just wasn't thrilled- dated atmosphere along with mediocre food just didn't do it for me.
(2)Sarah J.
Amazing! Love the food! I have to agree with the comment about the small serving of meat on the prime rib sandwich such a bummer! However! The rueben is amazing! Everything is amazing really! YUMMO
(4)Hillery G.
This place is kind of a throwback to the seventies or something. The food is good though and it is cut fresh for you.
(3)Logan M.
Upon casually inquiring about the place with the funny name a friend of mine described it as "the Mecca of carved meats." I knew I had to go immediately. And good lord, it did not disappoint. When you walk in the smell of slow cooked meats whacks you in the face. Your pace slows because you are now walking through air thickened with all sorts of meat aroma. Not only does it smell delicious, it straight soaks into your pores. At lunch time, the line is long and the place is packed with the 70 and older crowd, WHATEVER. The line goes fast and old people are generally polite. Watching the staff expertly cut the meat is like watching someone play Greensleeves on the piano with knives. Roast beef, turkey, or the prime rib, take your pick, it's a beautiful thing. It's art. The sides are meh (I do not recommend the cole slaw), the staff is very friendly, and the lunch prices are legit. Considering you could pick up a Subway sando for $5, or spend $6.60 at Hof Brau and have a meatgasm, I'll choose the life-altering option every day of the week. Well played Sir.
(5)Jessica L.
so my boyfriend woke up this morning and while watching the food network declared "i wanted a ruben for lunch"....and so, we were on a mission... we went to a few difference places in midtown...no rubens and way too packed, it was looking hopeless...until i suggested Sams, further away then we wanted to go, but it was worth the drive.... this place has been around since 1959, and i can see why, the sign outside is blinking and "vegas-like" (which can be off putting for some people. i'm sure) but the inside is an old school cafeteria type resturant, with dark wooden accents and "lived in" appeal.... the meats are top notch, and you watch them cut you portion right in front of you, which is fun....according to my bf, the ruden was great, the rye bread fresh and the horseradish was a perfect compliment. The french dip was tender and full of flavor.... the crowd in Sams is pretty interesting as well...a mix of young and old, different economic backrounds...it is just a relaxed no frills place to get a great meal....
(4)Brad H.
First of all, unlike the Sam's Hof Brau in LA, this is not a strip club. Despite that disappointment, this is a great place to go when you want good old fashioned comfort foods. The roast beef, turkey and corned beef are excellent. Get them with a side of mashed potatoes, fries or vegetables. Aside from Bud's Buffet, this is my favorite place to go for comfort food in Sacramento. It reminds me a little of going to my Grandparents house in Michigan as a child.
(4)Frank W.
I live in southern California and everytime we are in Sacramento to visit family we always stop in for a pastrami dip sandwhich. Simply the best and recomend everyone try it. The place is old and don't come expecting a fancy diner or anything. There is a lot of history here and the place is clean. Two thumbs up....
(5)Robin K.
This place is funky, but awesome. Definitely not for vegetarians, but good fun for those who are still willing to eat meat right off the bone. Located in a funky building off Watt (and a bit of a seedy part of Watt, let's admit), this old restaurant has been there for YEARS. And I don't think it's changed much. Huge slabs of tasty meats, not as awesome hot sides, but good potato and macaroni salads, and nummy desserts. There's always a bit of a line, but it moves swiftly. They could use another cashier, but the wait time is much less than at a 'normal' restaurant. There are usually plenty of tables available, and this past time, i find a booth where I could watch the Giants, too. Awesome! For a funky slice of the past (and especially for carnivores), this place is totally worth the trip and the few bucks it costs, too.
(4)Christy M.
What do you do when the line for Oktoberfest wraps clear around the Turn Verein, but you still want your German fix? Go to Sam's Hofbrau. The food is decent and well priced. I had the prime rib dinner for $10.25. Definitely get the free pickles - they are quite tasty. And, dress up the side salad with fixings at the salad bar. The tasty German beer is a little pricey, but worth it. Get the one with the large white tap. Ask the bartender repeatedly what it is called like I did (still can't remember), and be met with genuine friendliness and zero annoyance. Prost!
(3)Sandie R.
I remember eat at Sams as a kid but haven't been there in years. For Christmas Eve a friend and I decided to go there as we both had good memories of it. When we got there we went to the back of really long line. We took that as a good sign as the food still must be really good. When we got to the front the servers and cashier were very nice and helpful and the food looked pretty good. Then we went to a booth and settled down, looking forward to a delicious meal. We were decidedly underwhelmed. The meat was OK. The ham was a little bland and the turkey dry. Every thing else seemed like it was bought pre-made or substandard. The mashed potatoes and gravy tasted like powdered. Dinner rolls, macaroni salad, slaw and pies tasted like cheap store bought. As for the the dressing. it was dry, crusty, unappetizing and covered with the same powdered gravy as the potatoes. It was a real disappointment and we don't plan on going back.
(2)Mary G.
I've been coming here since the day I could eat solid foods. It is a basic meat and potato or hot, carved meat sandwich place with quality meats. My only gripe is that the mashed potatoes are instant, not freshly mashed. Nothing has changed (well one thing- now you can't walk next door and browse books and records for hours on end with a full belly). RIP Tower Records and Books:( If you like pickles don't pass the pickle barrel without getting a cup or two of their house made thin-sliced dill pickles, they are yummy. The bar attracts a very interesting and mixed crowd. Sit by the bar for some entertaining people watching.
(4)Mary F.
Open face turkey sandwich is great and I will be back if I am in need of comfort food. This place hasnt been remodeled since...... Nevermind I think its all original. It could use some updating.
(3)Nhu-Quynh N.
Cafeteria style type restaurant. Staff is super friendly. Meat falls off, cooked perfectly. 6oz Prime Rib for $11 dollars with the works, you can't go wrong. The chef's personally walk around and introduce themselves. Classic Reuben is delicious here also. Definitely worth the money and time to go.
(5)Joe H.
Great home style German hofbrau style cuisine. Great taste at a great price.
(5)Traci H.
A family tradition! Everyone in my family LOVES this place. I always order the same thing. An all white meat turkey sando on a sourdough roll. i also love the macaroni salad and potato salad, sure they are just basic salads but it goes perfect with the comfort food they serve. Oh and I also love the homemade thinly sliced pickles.
(5)Adolph E.
This place is cool for so many reasons. To me its like walking back into days gone by. The food is fresh and delicious, the service is always polite, friendly and welcoming. Lots of fresh cooked meats here alo0ng with fresh home style delectable sides. If you have never been here, I suggest you give it a try. Easy to find location, well worth the stop.
(4)Kellie S.
Sam's Hof Brau is the main attraction of the little strip of stores along Watt-El Camino if you ask me (besides the bowling alley I suppose). FOOD! Good food. The setup can be confusing if you're not used to it. You go up to the carving counter and put in your order right there, and they carve the meat off the roast right there in front of you. They have sandwich fixings, usually sausages or pot pies, just good hot meat-centered dishes. My favorite dishes I've tried over the years: Turkey sandwich, corned beef and cabbage, Shepard's pie, pot pie, turkey leg with rice, dressing with turkey gravy and their macaroni and cheese. But probably their main draw is their prime rib dinners. The pickles are good, the horseradish is spicy, and the root beer is chilled to perfection. Ambiance-wise, it's busy. In the time I've visited, I notice lots of old people flock here. It's quite dark, so just be aware. There are all sorts of large paintings looming over the dining areas, and tv's dangle in the corners showing sports usually. Oh, and on weekends it can get quite crowded. It's just a unique place that doles out good, hot food. The service is consistent, and so is the quality of the food. YUM!
(4)Inga B.
If you don't mind a dive full of old people go here! I love all the freshly carved meats, the pastrami, turkey and especially the Roast beef ( for the french dip sandwich) They make homemade dill pickle slices too, I fill my plate up with those! YUM! Banana cream pie is good there too, I hate the fake whip cream though I tried the warm German potato salad, never had it before. It was ok. Love the mashed potatoes and gravy !!! Great comfort food here, be prepared to stand in line, cafeteria style, I don;t mind!
(5)J L.
this is one of those places that I visited in child hood, and wished I had just kept the memory instead of trying to re-live the experience. We paid way to much for a sandwich that was just - bread with a lot of meat and not much flavor, and if there is anything I hate, its wasting money AND food. This experience was a waste of both.
(1)Anastacia C.
Last weekend I had held off on eating for long enough to think I could eat an entire side of cow. Where is there a place to get myself a side of cow in Sacramento, I thought? Finally I remembered the place my dad used to take me when I was a kid, Sam's. To use a cliche, in these tough economic times, I find myself going back to the places that remind me of a kinder, gentler time. A time when credit cards and SUV's were more accessible, gas was cheaper, and meat and potatoes was considered a healthy diet. We sat on the raised platform that is behind a brass rail. I do not recommend sitting here because everybody lines up there to order food. At first I thought the guys were checking me out. But they were just eyeballing my food. I ordered a french dip sandwich and my mother, Carla C. ( yelp.com/user_details?us… ), ordered the corned beef brisket Rueben. The meat on the French Dip tasted good. However, the au jus was pretty flavorless. Boo! My mom's Rueben was also "standard, bland, American style." We both used horseradish and she added mustard. If I go again, I will bring A-1 sauce! The bathrooms were definitely fabulous! I give them 5 rolls.
(3)Aslan B.
I have always liked Hof Brau, they make a mean French Dip Sandwich. My only complaint about the sandwich is the little cup they give you with au jus isn't quite big enough. Their potato salad is also very tasty and you must try the pickles they are so good and they have a huge vat of them so you can fill up a little cup full and take it to your table. If you go on Fridays they make Macaroni and Cheese and if you ask they will give you some as a side dish, my daughter loves it and so do I. This restaurant, as mentioned in previous reviews, can get quite busy being that it is cafeteria style there can be a huge line but it does move pretty fast. Also if you have more food or trays than you can carry, some employee will happily carry it for you to the register and then to your table. I love how the whole place is dark with the rich wood booths and tables and the dark red, and who can forget about the old school looking bar. Got to love it.
(4)Eric Y.
I haven't been to this one in a bit, and only a handful of times since it was "Sam's", but I would probably eat dog poo if they served it there (they don't, do they? just kidding...). How many other German food (or maybe just hofbrau-style) places are there in Sacramento, or really anywhere? La Trattoria Bohemia has a somewhat similar culinary lineage with their Czech-Bohemian food (don't include the Italian stuff), but a hofbrau it is not (with all due respect, La Tratt is in a different league). The American hofbraus make me think of mid 1900s Minnesota or Wisconsin for some reason. Anyhow, good comfort food chow. I'll have to just hang out at the bar some time.
(4)Ticoy L.
Greatest place to get your REAL food for reasonable price.
(5)Jessi B.
fine holiday fun! just head to the bar in the back, tell the bartender you're a fan, and make yourself at home! while i have never eaten here, i find the bar staff to be welcomming and amusing (there was one older gentleman with a handlebar mustache. a handlebar mustache!!!) and the drinks (especially beer) to be very well-priced. the hof brau will always hold a special place in my heart, as i have spent many an evening after church camp training nestled in their cozy booths. you have not lived until you've seen church folk booze in a herd.
(5)Grant y.
I go there once in awhile. Just don't like it when its busy. Sometimes there is no where to sit. Its good for a person that needs a quick complete meal and not into burgers at a fast food joint. Sometimes I get it to go.
(4)Brit H.
Had a turkey sandwich on a roll, salad and green beans. Turkey and roll was dry. Salad was limp iceberg. Only thing available to add was beets.
(2)M M.
It's been the same for 50 years that I can remember. Even after owner changes it's the same, and that says something right there. It's good food at good prices. It's also open late for people who work odd hours and dine at 9:30pm or so. Good bar at good prices, too. This is one of my "comfort food" restaurants. Also, the best pickles in the city. The pickles get "10 Stars"!!
(5)Michael E.
After a pretty decent ass kicking at Ultimate Fitness, the Fatman and I decided to feed at Hof Brau. Both of us were pretty fucking hungry and Fatman swore that this would hit the spot. Now speaking for myself, I have never been there nor did I even think that I heard the name correctly the four times that I asked Fatman to repeat it. Usually anytime that Fatman is going to show me a new spot it begins at his pad and walking through the grid to some new eatery, well last night it began by getting in his car...........That was new..........So we roll up at around 9 and at first glance this place looks as if its a misplaced old town Vegas buffet with horrible neons and unnessesary flashing. As we walk in it looks a little old tavern styling with old dark wood grain with low set lighting...The food ordering is kind of a walk through the cattle line and a ....grab-yo'-shit-for-your-cafeteria-tray-till-Âyou-hit-the-cashier..... with the exception of a "chef" who will prepare an entre for you (hot sandwiches, sides, fresh cuts of meats). I ordered the French dip and a side of mac salad.....All in all the meat was fresh and the mac was good. All of the staff seemed to be pretty friendly which is always a plus to me. Fatman ordered a small salad and a hot Pastrami and Provalone sandwich...Fatman loves this shi'ite, he kept raving about his pastrami sandwich.....So at the end of the day I would have given this place 4 stars but its just to far from downtown for me to be regular.
(3)Jennifer A.
Living in Sac for the last 15 years, I have been kinda scared to try this place because there is meat hanging in the window in front being cooked by what looks like heat lamps... but My husband and I decided to finally try it. It is always so packed during week day lunches that we went on a Sunday evening. Despite the funky exterior we found the inside Extremely clean and cozy. They have fresh Carved meats daily and you can order a dinner plate or sandwich. both come with one or two sides. The meats are delicious, I had the prime rib dinner(11 Bucks) and My Hubby had the Corned beef dinner (8 bucks for extra cut) the meat is actually "corned and briened" there! Both were Very Good . The German flair reminded me of a old time family reunion, I had some pickled beets on my salad which definitely took me back to my roots..(German Decent) There are certain specials for each day and then items that are there daily. All are Very affordable... Definitely worth a peek inside this place. Oh and it is served traditional Hof Brau style which is like Cafeteria except the food is good..
(5)Camille C.
i agree with everything everyone else has said. the sandwiches here are pretty good, decently priced, and you'll be FULL. i remember the first time i came here and got the roast beef sandwich on a kaiser roll--i thought it was really small so i ordered mashed potatoes and gravy on the side. bad idea. i needed an extra 30 minutes for my stomach to make room for it. the red meat is usually a little on the rare side, and the breads are nice and fresh. overall, really good food. i'm making myself hungry just thinking about it...
(4)ellen c.
i love sams hof brau and i love rootbeer and i love the rootbeer at sams!!! i also like the hee-uuu-ge cash register behind the bar. man, look at that cash register! it is HEE-UUU-GE! also my friend's grandpa is the bartender and he is super nice.
(5)Wombat A.
Good meat based comfort food. Decent prices for domestic beer. Excellent service. Meal prices are quite fair and during the week the specials are awesome. The place is packed at dinner and lunch, so that tells you something. Internet access and the game is always on.
(4)Cole T.
I once ate at this place 4 days in a row. I was addicted to the pastrami sandwich on sourdough. I've since come to my senses and stopped being a glutton and come here only occasionally now. I've tried the pastrami, corned beef, and roast beef. They are all great, but my favorite is pastrami. Yum, salty! I don't buy any sides here. The mashed potatoes taste like boxed, and the green beans look canned (I've never tried the green beans though). But hey, I can't complain that you put ALL your effort into your meats! I like it that way. I really like the pickles that you can take yourself in little containers. They are thinly sliced and taste good with the sandwich or alone. Staff is nice and package to go items very nicely. I haven't had any spills yet and au jus is messy! I'm predictable and now order the same thing every time. It's a pastrami on sourdough, extra cut (gotta love EXTRA meat), not dipped au jus (I hate soggy bread; and they will package it to go), and to go. Before the plain pastrami sandwich my order used to be a rueben, which is very good. Have them toast it for you. I feel like you can't go wrong with whatever you order, but I'd say get the pastrami or corned beef sandwiches.
(4)Mary R.
If I had to eat myself to death I would do it here. It would be completely enjoyable, make a thorough work of killing me in multiple ways at once (overeating, plus getting far too much salt and sugar in my body at once, AND successfully blocking every blood passageway in my smiling soon-to-be-corpse,) and thanks to the unique atmosphere I doubt anyone would really be that put off. Plus, I'd probably be able to accomplish the feat in under 200 bucks, the place's prices are fantastic. I even had a birthday party here once (hey, I like nice things too once in a while, but I'd rather have a great meal AND have a good time.) There's plenty of space, everyone could order what they wanted, no one got stuck at the end paying too much because someone else didn't pay enough, and it's not one of those places where people are gonna run up to you, tie balloons to your ears, make you stand on your chair and then sing to you. In its own way, this place is all class.
(5)Dave F.
Hello, For you from Sacramento - you have to know about Sam's. It has been great for over 50 years. I remember going there when I was 18 years old. (that was 49 years ago). It has always been great - great sandwiches, great potato and macaroni salads. Also great hot plates such as - turkey and roast beef. Again - GREAT FOOD AND GREAT PRICING ! ! ! !
(5)Fred M.
I love going to Sam's. First, their potato salad tastes just like my mom's. So whenever I miss home, I go in and get the potato salad. Second, I love the fact that the decor hasn't changed in at least 40 years, maybe more. It reminds me of the way things used to be. Finally, the fresh carved meat. No, it's not the best cuts you've ever had in your life. But they deliver exactly what they promise and you can't go wrong with that. If you want to experience dinner with the family but without your family, go to Sam's.
(5)C. L.
I go to sam's once a month. They changed the round rolls they use for their sandwiches about a year or two ago. The new round rolls taste like they are a day old. Even having it dipping does not help the taste too much. The crust is soft but dry tasting. They must buy them at the day old bread store or maybe that's the way it's suppose to taste. Anyways, I quit getting their sandwiches.
(2)Jacob C.
Heres the thing I am thirty and I have been coming here since I was a baby, the only things I can comment on is this: French Dip, Mashed Potatos, Beef Gravy, Salad with beets, Pickles, Root Beer I have probably eaten here 200+ times and this is all I have ever had. But its soooooo gooooood and I go back and see pastrani and turkey and pot pies and goulash and amazing smells and I cant stop myself from saying "French Dip Please" Im hungry.
(5)Rachael R.
So my hubby and I take G-Pa (his grandpa) here almost once a week, unlike his other no-good grand-kids. lol! The food is definitely "down home" and blue haired centric. G-Pa always gets the roast beef sandwich which he swears by, and I get the tri-tip. My husband is always switching it up. The sides are kinda out-of-the-box, but their carved meats are always tasty. I get a kick out of the fact that Sam's is trying to embrace that danged social media stuff by asking patrons to "like" them on Facebook, G-Pa just told the server he liked them.
(4)Brett Y.
Great meats. Corn beef, pastrami, and prime rib sandwich. Will have to come again.
(4)Kailie Y.
This place is delicious! Open faced turkey sandwhich is amazing! Their french dip is pretty good too but not THE best ever. We called ahead because I have heard that the line can get pretty long during lunch time. Glad we did! The cashier wasn't the nicest thats why it only got 4 stars.
(4)Mike D.
I will personally fight anyone in an alley who has anything bad to say about this place... (ex. vegetarians and all that)
(5)Eric M.
My girl loooooooves this place. I love the crazy asian guy carvin the meat. "wha you wan rite der rite now" The people in front of us were takin their happy a$$ time and the carver docked them points .. or shall I say skimped their roast beef. I felt bad, and knew I had to come with my order lightning fast. I'm up first. French dip roast beef with gravy and mash on siiiiiideee. Ooooh yeah, you got dat der yum. My girl up next. Turkey with some gravy, sourdough gravy with mash on siiiiiideee. Our portions were HUGE. Damn! My girls plate looked like a feast for two. Food was good. Service was excellent. Price was O.K. Overall a pretty good experience.
(4)Macus W.
Its good food a little overpriced but its a change
(3)Carla C.
Must get back to Sam's! Can hardyl wait!
(4)Kara B.
I haven't been to this place since I last visited the Candlerock Lounge and it used to be "Sam's" Hof Brau - nice stumbling distance across the parking lot. But, that was at least 12 years, and many beers ago. It's nice to know that the prime rib is still excellent. Recently, I enjoyed the prime rib sandwich with au jus. The line was long on a Friday evening, but moved along swiftly. The carver guy even asked if I didn't mind the pink parts .. . . who wouldn't want the pink parts of a beautiful prime rib? It would be sacrilegious to ask for anything else. As my fork tends to wander across the plates of all my dining companions - I sampled the mac n' cheese and mashed potatoes off my friend's plate, and they were just okay. The mac n' cheese could have been, well, more cheesy. And the potatoes were flavorful, but they almost had a "Molly McButter" aftertaste. Now my prime rib sandwich or "Sam'wich" (nod to Sam's) was perfectly pink, juicy, and tender - like butta', baby! Between the pink juices from the prime rib and the au jus, my sandwich roll must have been just as happy as my mouth was. Along with the horseradish (contained in self -serve jars at each table), I was a giddy lil' carnivore. Sadly, I was not able to finish the other half of thee lovely sandwich, and I ruined it by "warming" it up later, in the microwave. Don't be a fool like me . . . Do NOT do this - just eat it cold; it's still tasty that way too. I'm conflicted - I've been craving that damn sandwich and I wish this place wasn't so far away . . . but, I'm glad it's not a convenient stop for me. . . and for my arteries' sake. But, oh well . . . I'll probably head on over there again this week for my cholesterol fix. *Update* Went back on New Year's day for my meat fix. The place was packed. They had a pretty nice special going on - Some large-ish amount (can't remember the exact oz.) of prime rib with 3 sides and a roll for $9.99! Prime rib was just as delicious as ever, the stuffing and gravy were pretty good, and even the baked beans - more of a pork n' beans flavor vs. boston baked - were surprisingly good too. Can't say much for the potato salad, but the roll was good and I made a mini sandwich with it - mm, mm, good. Even my friend's goulash was yummy too . . and I'm not a goulash kinda gal. And I finally found the pickles - odd free side, but tasty lil dill suckers.
(4)Virgo M.
This place was super old school looking and scrump-dilly-lumpcious. Two can eat there and bring home left over comfort food for about 20 bucks--self-serve soda included. Cant be that. When in the area, I would surely return. Oh, and nice big TVs in the bar area to watch any relevant games. Try it, you'll like it!
(4)Elif F.
Ahh Sam's. Where to start, where to end? Well, if you are in the mood for some typical American cafeteria food here you are. The meat is OK, the sides to me are meh. I don't care for generic salad, macaroni salad, and jello. But that is just me. Also, I really don't care to come to a place the the windows are greasy like they hadn't been cleaned in a long time. The food isn't that memorable to me. It's more about coming here for the ambiance, the memories, and the fact that it's a Sacramento Icon.
(3)Kevin L.
Yes! The baked beans are definitely Bush's. The green beans are definitely canned. But the meat is 100% grade A unicorn flesh.
(4)Greg B.
We went to the Hof Brau on Watt Avenue tonight. Sam's is back! It's no longer Plaza Hof Brau...the sign says SAM'S Hof Brau. It was their big 50th anniversary celebration. I won a cool Sam's Hof Brau shirt in the raffle. They also had some older gentlemen singing a barbershop quartet to entertain the hungry Sam's patrons waiting for food. One of them bragged about being 85. They sang a nice tune for my wife. I think a lot of people were there for the 50 cent pastrami sandwiches. They were being wolfed down! The line was wrapped all the way around the restaurant and out the side door. I looked at the picture of the dancing Germans for awhile. Once we finally got to the front of the line the owner was there greeting everybody. I told him we're naming the boy Sam. He gave us a Sam's mug. The carvers were carving furiously. I ordered the roast turkey entree, mashed potatoes with gravy smothered over everything. Flood it, baby. Flood it! I like Sam's to flood the mashed potatos like Katrina. The potato levvee breaks and the gravy floods the plate. My wife got the same thing. I also got the cottage cheese and a cold cold glass of milk. Sam's has ice cold milk! We found an empty cozy booth towards the back and chowed down. It was worth the wait. I've been going to Sam's Hof Brau for 20 years. It hasn't changed a bit...and that's a good thing. Sam's Hof Brau is a Sacramento institution. We love that place!
(5)Francis E.
love, Love, LOVE this place. My grandfather used to bring me here as a young boy and i have been coming here for years whenever i'm in town. Nothing has changed since then either. Love the prices, the prime rib is way worth it. yum, Yum, YUM!!!
(5)Logan S.
This place is a staple in sac...and yet, it took me 24 years to finally try this place. The main reason I didn't go before was because I thought it was a strip club from far away (its the lights!). The place is super big on the inside, and its cafeteria style - you look through the sneeze shield/glass and point at what you want and go down the line. I Got the roast beef sammich with au ju on the side. Very good. Gotta dip it! The Ruben was super tasty. Lots of flavor. Highly recommend.
(4)Tepring P.
This is one of my favorite places in Sac. Maybe because it is a place we went to as a family growing up around the corner, but I would like to think it is because the food is actually good, rather than my memory just making me go there over and over again as an adult. They have lots of meats, but I get the same thing: turkey sandwich, mixed meat, dipped with cranberry sauce and carrot salad. Again, if you read my other reviews, you know I have a thing with consistency. Here it is always the same, I love it, the salad isn't more or less sweet or watery, or with fewer raisins, the bread doesn't change, nothing. Although in the case of this restaurant, not changing is taken to a different level....it has been in business for 50 years! And I could believe that nothing, at all, has changed, not the wall paper, wood enclosed booths with dim lighting, brick-like flooring, maybe not even the carvers =)
(4)Mr Bolo B.
I ordered the Roast Beef sandwich with Extra cut of meat and it was so small and tiny I almost walked out and cancelled my order when I saw how small it was, looked about the size of a Big Mac from McDonalds on a round bun, Ive had much better roast beef sandwiches, they should be ashamed to charge me for a Large sandwich. When the meat cutter was carving meat to make the sandwich he cut off all the nice brown part and threw it away! they definitely SKIMP on serving sizes here! I had to go get something else to eat soon after leaving because the sandwich just wasnt good enough, not very satisfying. I dont plan on going back , I should have went to the Taqueria instead
(1)Jason f.
Two stars for the awsome staff. The food on the other hand is beyond bland. Will not be going back.
(2)Regi K.
I appreciated the business owner offering me to go back and try them again with a gift certificate. 2 additional stars for customer service. We would go back to try again if we lived in the area.
(3)Jodie M.
Best meats ever! The potato salad is a must have. I recommend anything they have on the menu. I have been coming here for 18 years and it always satisfies. Good for Dine in or take out. Gets busy for lunch and dinner time. Prepare for a long line during those times. Cafeteria style, but delicious none the less!!!
(5)Lux K.
After getting a new snowboard yesterday i needed some new bindings for them so i drove up to Sac to Sierra Snowboard. After getting my new bindings from Sierra, i wanted to try something different besides Vietnamese food in Sac. So a buddy of mines yelped Hof Brau and found this place called Plaza Hof Brau. I'm glad he found this spot because the food was great. What made this place even better was the people here. From the food preparers to the register guy, everyone was super helpfull and friendly. I felt like i was in a movie. Everything was real old timey. The decor the seats the atmosphere, everything was real old school. The place has been around since 1959 and i think they will last forever, if they keep up the great food. I ordered me some prime rib and mashed potatoes and it was delicious. The meat was very moist and the mashed potatoes were great. Next time I'm in the area i will have to hit this spot up again. 4 Stars for Plaza Hof Brau in Sacramento
(4)Harrybobo L.
One of the best and only restaurants for roasted fresh carved meats aside from Tommy's Joint in the city. There used to be five or so Sam's Hof Braus in the area from downtown to Shingle Springs and Auburn Boulevard but they're all closed now except for this one on Watt. This is the only place where you can get Prime Rib, Turkey Leg, Pastrami, Pot Pie, Turkey Ala King and Open Faced sandwiches with stuffing, mashed or baked potato. Being the last hof brau in town this placed is packed even though the Tower record and book stores, and Country Club Plaza are closed down. (Country Club Lanes is still there) It's worth the the visit to Watt and El Camino just to come for the Prime Rib with horseradish and free pickled slices.
(4)Ang C.
With so many new places within the grid, it is nice to step back and go back to the basics once in a while and Plaza Hof Brau is one of those places. What more could you say about a place that has good comfort food and possibly can p'd off some Yelpers as "Sam'wich" is posted on the sandwich menu. Okay, folks, I do not think they are being "cutesy" or regional but rather it is a play on word since I recalled most of the Hof Brau's used to be called "Sam's Hof Brau." Looking at the selection of meat on hand, I decided to order a prime rib sam'wich with au jus. It was juicy and rare with the master meat cutter cut enough portion for the right price and it went down smoothly. The one other thing I also like about Plaza is the days I went when it is not busy, it is a quiet place to kick back and enjoy a meal. But on a Friday night, the place was packed and even though the line was pretty long, it went quickly in which it was no more than a 5 minute wait. The staff is attentive to getting condiments stocked up and tables clean as soon as possible. Overall, this is a reliable establishment with consistent food, friendly staff, clean tables and one of the best value in town.
(5)Amanda R.
This restaurant is one of the best things about my neighborhood (Arden Arcade/ Carmichael). Old school cafeteria style ordering but with food that Mom or Grandma would have totally made. Definitely go on meatloaf night or corned beef night. Your stomach will be thanking you later. There are also a bunch old pictures of Sacramento on the walls which is always a blast looking at what our city once was. : ) Under $20 for 2 people to have dinner and maybe watch a basketball game while sitting in the bar area. Sounds like a win win to me!
(5)Brittney M.
I have lived in Sacramento for almost my entire life. Over the years I have seen this place and wondered what it was all about. A friend told me they had the most amazing pastrami sandwich and after reading the reviews, I had to finally try it for myself. The pastrami sandwich... horrible. I didn't think you could really go wrong with it but believe me, you can. Togo's by far has a better sandwich. Mashed potatoes... now I love all kinds of potatoes, even instant potatoes. But this my friend was nothing I have ever tasted before. It was disgusting! I tried to cover it up with salt but the nastiness came through so I had to just set it aside. Thank goodness for the side of salad and the cherry coke. If not for them, I'd be hungry with nothing to wash down the white mushy stuff aka mashed potatoes. I gave it 2 stars because at least it didn't cost me a fortune to finally try out a place I have always been curious about. I am kinda happy it wasn't awesome like the reviews say because it's a little far from my place and now I won't ever have to make the drive again.
(2)Jacko F.
Are all you people in Sac braindead ?? This place is dogfood. HomeTown buffet is like the Ritz Carlton compared to this place. Asian cooks who don't speak English and have no clue. Food is gross and the place is filthy. The real Sam Gordon, God bless his sole, would be turning over in his grave, if he knew his name was on this dump. Now HE knew good food, but that was at least 30 yrs ago +. NAsty, Nasty, and more nasty. I would not eat there if it was free.
(1)Joey G.
We ordered 18 Beef dips for our business and they were really raw. We called in to express our concerns and their manager, CECIL, was completely rude to us. He was trying to defend it and put it on us, but 13 sandwiches in the trash can are proof that it was not us. The other 5 souls who ate the Beef Dips will surely be making frequent visits to the toilet.
(1)Dustin R.
This place has major nostalgia for me as I literally grew up visiting here with my grandma and grandpa throughout my childhood. My grandma has passed but I still manage to bring my grandpa here almost weekly to have lunch with my wife and I only now I get to pay. We love the service and food and you cannot beat the prices. Sides are a little over a dollar and all the sandwiches are roughly 6-7 bucks. With all the meat on each sandwich and with the quality in each bite you almost feel like you are taking advantage of their hospitality. I alternate between the turkey, roast beef, and tri-tip sandwiches and couldn't honestly tell you which one is my favorite as they are all sooo good. This place has great full dinners too but we manage to mostly come here at lunch so I mostly get their sandwiches. I love the root beer on tap and usually opt to add a side of mac and cheese or a green salad with my sandwich. You really can't go wrong here and I hear their desert is also quite good but to be honest I have never had room to try it myself as the portions here are more than healthy. All in all one of my favorite places in all of Sacramento!
(5)Heidi R.
This place is a hidden gem. I have passed by this place for the past 25 years and never went in until recently. It is an old style buffet with "meat cutters" behind the counter...you tell them what you want and they serve it up. The pastrami is the BEST that i have ever had. the portions are good but you can always ask for an extra cut and they make em even larger. I think this is a great hidden place in Sacramento. Wish i would've started going YEARS ago... Note to larger people: choose a table instead of a booth...they are pretty tight :)
(5)Amanda N.
if you're craving for some prime rib... come here! one of the best prime ribs hands down! for a meal its only about $8. comes with three sides.. one of mine and my boyfriend usual is the prime rib dinner with the macaroni salad, mash and stuffing. and extra turkey gravy on the side. the turkey gravy is MM MMM GOOD! i literally drink the extra gravy. it is THAT GOOD!
(5)Cam Y.
I came here when I worked in Sacramento many moons ago. Finally brought my family here. Can't go wrong with the pastrami plate or sandwich.
(4)Yod S.
I've probably been here 20 times since the last review, but this sums it all up: Last night at the Hof Brau... Cute Girl: Pastrami dinner, please! (This alone is great, one does not see cute girls order plates of cured meat often, but this is the power of the Hof Brau) Cute Girl: Um, can I get baked beans with that? Sides Lady: YOU'RE AT THE HOFBRAU. YOU CAN HAVE WHATEVER YOU WANT! Cute Girl: Awesome.
(5)Rosie D.
Not a fancy restaurant...just good home style food. Pastrami, roast beef, turkey sandwiches and entrees and other daily specials. My favorites: Pastrami sandwich on rye Bavarian Chicken with side of Stuffing Cafeteria style...and reasonable prices.
(4)Mollie W.
OMG, I LOVE THIS PLACE!! When you first walk in your taken back to a different decade but wow is the food super good. I have been going to Sam's since I was a little girl and I always take people there when they say they want a good Pastrami or Open faced sandwich. Everything they make is yummy!! If you haven't been here you need to go because you will just simply fall in love with it. I took my Grandma there when she came to town from Chicago and she got the ham sandwich, she has dentchers so she needs her meat to be cut extra thin, she got exactly what she wanted. She was very impressed with their food. Reminded her of when her and my Grandpa would go out to eat. Great food so you gotta go..OH and if you want to buy some really good horseradish, you can get it here.
(5)Anna Joy V.
It was recently a friend's birthday, so I offered to take her out to eat. She suggested the Hof Brau and I thought it would be interesting, as I hadn't been there since I was eight years old. I gotta say, it's pretty comforting when you walk into a place you haven't been for ages and everything is exactly the way you left it -- big hunks of meat for eight bucks and the senior citizens who love them. Just like walking into a time warp!! I only wished I could have gone next door to Tower and bought a "Please Hammer, Don't Hurt 'Em" cassette tape to complete the experience. I had a French dip sandwich with sides of potato salad and macaroni salad. The dip itself was a little too salty for my liking and the sandwich had a crapton of meat on it, but you know how I fixed it?? With a little bit of dijon mustard and some of those amazing pickles*!! Aww yeah! The mac and potato salads were great, but I ended up being so full from the monster meat stack that I could only finish about half of each one. I then handed them over to my friend's children, who wasted no time in smearing the food on all over their faces and grinning at me with mischievous glee, bless their angelic little hearts. My friend opted for some sort of roast beef/mashed potato/green bean combo with a bowl of salad. I thought the green beans looked a little peaked, but my friend wasted no time in tearing the whole thing up, so I guess she enjoyed it. I'm not a huge fan of the whole cafeteria style DIY thing that they have going on, since my spoiled self enjoys being waited on far too much. I wouldn't say no to coming back here, though...as long as I had a craving for a buttload of meat. *I have to say, as a pickle connoisseur who orders pickles at just about every restaurant I eat at, these pickles are incredibly exceptional. I'd probably go back just for the stupid pickles alone.
(3)Lucas N.
Best pastrami I've ever had. Hands down. If you go here, try the pastrami, you won't regret it!
(5)Sylvia N.
I really don't understand what all the hype was about, but I've been hearing about how GREAT this place is. I tried it for the first time last week and let tell you, I was disappointed. I had me some prime rib and mashed potatoes and salad. Sure the piece is pretty big and yeah, I got full... But honestly, I think I could've just made it at home myself instead of paying $12 for this cafeteria food meal. I'm not saying the food is that bad, it's just really not worth my money. The place from the outside looks like you just arrived to Reno or something. It's kind of in the middle of nowhere, and filled with old people. It's pretty dark inside too... Maybe they put something in the food and don't want you to be able to see it..? Anyways, I give this place two stars. The food wasn't too great, but it wasn't disgusting either. It cost me $12 to get full when I probably could've made myself a more delicious thick piece of steak in the comfort of my own home.... that has lights.
(2)Johnny C.
So me my bro Mike and my girl Ariel C. got screwed trying to go to the State Fair on Saturday night. The place was so packed that you had to park out by the Century theater, and the get shuttled over to the entrance in a fucking yellow school bus! But they didn't tell you that at the parking gate. Pass. We sacrificed the eight bucks and split. Drove up Watt to the Plaza Hof Brau, and stepped in and paid homage to a nearly forgotten American tradition. This is the last of what used to a common type of eatery/bar in Sacramento. I had the pastrami and the turkey ala king which is kinda like the inside of a turkey pot pie garnished with a biscuit. A biscuit garnish needs to happen more often. Ariel had the turkey plate and Mike had the French dip and a piece of pie. Jars of horseradish and mustard on the tables. Grab a booth and get nice and cozy. Everything is all good, but you already know that if you have eaten here. This place isn't as good as Tommy's Joynt in SF, but it's close. I don't know if there is new ownership or what but they have been stepping up the print advertising lately and promoting various food/drink specials. Perfect choice to get your grub on before getting your bowl on down at Country Club Lanes. Or before getting trashed over at the Pied Piper on Jim Beam and RC Cola.
(5)Will M.
This is a family restaurant... with a bar. It's not fine dining, but the food is usually pretty good, depending on what you order. You pick out your food cafetria style; no table service. I like the freshly carved turkey dinner. Their other carved meats are good, but too salty. They do a great St. Patrick's and Thanksgiving dinner. The pickles in their pickle barrel taste good, but too many kids get their grubby little fingers in there. Senior discount available if you ask.
(4)Mike L.
It's because of this beautiful place that I grew up with the word "Hofbrau" in my lexicon, and I'm eternally grateful for that. What a great lunch spot. No windows, and lots of meat.
(4)Leticia M.
I've grown up right down the street from Sam's and have always enjoyed their sandwhiches. The pastrami on wheat was my favorite, but all their meat is exceptionally tender and tasty. I recently went back last Sunday for their rib special and it is now my all-time favorite from their menu. You get 3, extremely saucy and meaty ribs with 2 sides and a dinner role for I think about $8:19. It's a good price for great food. Everytime I've ever been there (in the evening) there's always a long line, but it moves fast. The staff is always helpful and courteous and I appreciate how nothing has ever changed in the 12 years or so I've personally eaten there.
(5)Stephanie F.
Wasn't all that thrilled with the german pot roast. It was a little tough and lacked flavor. German potato salad was amazing and the french dip was good though but I've had much better. I hope to come again and give it another try. I like that its been around for so long and probably looks the same then as it does now.
(3)Alicia D.
This place is AMAZING. The people there are so friendly and the food is beyond delicious! When I get the chance, I drive all the way from Carson City, NV to Sam's Hof Brau just to get a pastrami sandwich and cheesecake from there. YUMMM!
(5)Metallic O.
The different meat offerings here are amazing. You have to try one of their sandwiches and stay for the cool decor!
(4)Greg F.
If you want a meal that feels like getting wrapped up in a warm blanket and placed by a cozy fire...Plaza Hof Brau is the place for you. Once you open the big wooden doors, soothing aromas of slowly cooked meats waft around you and pull your further in like a Siren's song. You can't leave now...you're home. Simple comfort food is the name of the game here. If you're expecting gourmet, you're in the wrong place. Prime rib, mashed potatoes, pot pie, bread rolls, and a wonderful assortment of sandwiches will soothe the cockles of the most bitter of souls. The cafeteria style service might seem *odd* to the uninitiated, but you get to see what's going to be on your plate before you order it. This may help the indecisive, or you might just end up choosing everything because it all looks and smells so good.
(5)Edwin S.
I went on their 50th anniversary, It is also now called Sams hof brau, which was it's original name. so they had a .50 cent pastrami sandwich. It was great, meat was flavorful and a good amount. The macaroni salad was the best I've had in a long time, my wife even liked it, she normally hates mac salad. This my first time going and I will be going again.
(4)Mark S.
I have only been here once. I wasn't impressed by the cafeteria style selection. The restaurant is essentially a hot bar. But I can go to Whole Foods' or Safeway's hot bar and get a better selection. I ordered the Reuben. It was OK. Beer selection was mediocre. Nothing out of the ordinary except a German pilsner I haven't had before and don't remember the name of. Bartender poured me the wrong beer and gave the bad pour to one of the patrons sitting at the bar instead of me. She should have offered it to me. The decor of the restaurant is old, very old. I'm not sure what they are targeting, but its interesting to say the least. A lot of the patrons were retired folk. I doubt I would go back to Sam's Hof Brau again.
(3)Doug H.
Love the roast beef sandwiches. My family and I eat here every time we're in town.
(4)Pretty P.
Best food, period.
(5)Elizabeth B.
2 1/2 If you're craving some good ol' comfort food this is definitely a good place to try! Turkey breast, mashed potatoes with gravy, and veggy dinner. yum.
(2)Sara D.
A buffet type place with various meats and all the complimentary sides. Except you'll have to pay for seconds. It was my first time eating here, and I'm not sure why, but my companion and I were expecting a little bit more. With that said, the food does satisfy. Reminds me of traditional, home cooked meals. Next time though, I'll have to try a sandwich like others have recommended. Average age in this place: 67
(3)Laura H.
Great food,Great service !!!!!!.Denise was great made us feel welcome! This was our first time we ordered food.I remember this place when i was a kid. The food was great !!!Will be back again.
(5)Paige B.
Yet another staple I've grown up on. I have always been a hof brau kid (I used to refuse McDonald's for a roast beef sandwich and mashed potatoes) After I moved from the bay area to Sacramento, I had to find another hof brau and this was it. Yummy roast beef, good mashed potatoes n beef gravy! While there I realized why I only order one thing, my grandmother, mother and myself all order rare roast beef on dipped hard sourdough with mayo, mashed taters with extra gravy and cherry coke. I hope Sam's stays around for my children to enjoy the same exact meal.
(5)Boad A.
The business! If you want some turkey with gravy and it's not thanksgiving this is the spot! The pastrami sandwich is also super delicious!
(4)Ann S.
Damn, my feet hurt. Working in a middle school office is not for those who like to wear heels - especially when the custodian is MIA and the lockers are jammed, and your TA has the flu and can't get your attendance and you have to go to every single classroom to pick it up yourself and the teachers don't have it ready and you have to stand there tapping your toe. I really don't want to cook tonight, and I don't want to drive far. Guess we're going out again. But, where to eat? "Sandwich," yells the kid! "Meat!" yells the husband! Close, says the mom, so that means it's Plaza Hof Brau. Like all wives and mothers, I'm self-sacrificing. I know I'm giving up table service to give my men some meat, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do (to get out of cooking,) so off we go. As I approach the entrance, I say a silent hello to the empty Tower Records store, where Metallica once played and before that, bouffant-haired teenagers swooned over Elvis Records. Those bouffant-haired teenagers are now elderly people ahead of me in line inside the Hof Brau. I wait, staring alternately at the glowing stained glass windows near the door and the glowing meat behind the counter. Carvers in white coats and tall toques stand behind the glass case, swiftly dissecting a turkey or side of beef with their sharp knives as people shout their order. The line inches towards the front, leaving plenty of time to examine the menu posted above the carvers. A french dip sounds good tonight. My husband asks for an open faced hot turkey sandwich, and child gets a turkey sandwich on a roll. The way it works is: you ask your carver for your food, he carves it for you deftly and places it on your tray. You slide the tray to the next station, where you get your side dishes. Husband and I both get a green salad with ranch dressing (real hidden valley ranch made from a package, not a bottle) and son gets canned peaches. Really. Canned peaches. You can even get cottage cheese with them. I love mid-century. Everything comes on a melamine tray and the bowls are cute little plastic things that make a satisfying sound as they get dropped on your tray - just like you used to get in coffee shops in the 60s. Next stop: pickles. They have a big bowl full of sliced pickles that - even if they are Clausen - taste better because they are free and you put them in those cute white paper bowls and can have as many as you want. It wouldn't be cafeteria style if you didn't get to slide your tray past a case of pies and cakes. We looked, we didn't touch. (We touched when we slid by the beer case.) We paid, we sat...ahhh....relief! I sip my beer, slathered my french dip with the horseradish out on the table, and dig in to the perfect au jou. Remembering I will review this for fellow Yelpers, I say, "Honey, can I have a taste of yours?" The open-faced turkey sandwich is exactly the way it's supposed to be: white bread, mashed potatoes, turkey all covered with gravy and just a tablespoon of cranberry. So good!! So very 60s! No wonder the bouffants like it. Okay, my feet feel better and the meat has entered my bloodstream. I can make it home to sleep, and start the next day. Bye-bye, Tower.
(3)Victoria E.
For excellent comfort food, this is the place to go. I absolutely love the hot turkey or roast beef sandwiches, mashed potatoes, dressing, cole slaw, french dips, meatloaf..... I can go on & on. The service is customized and very friendly. You have to stand in line to get your order (it's cafeteria style). They're always busy, so be prepared to wait a while. But it's so worth it! The place has been around for over 50 years and they still have the same decor. This place is a classic and the food is always consistently delicious!! And they're inexpensive. On Friday's the meatloaf and mashed potato special is only around $5.50!
(5)Ross A.
My absolute favorite spot to eat since my temporary move back to Sac. Of course I remember when it was 'Sam's' but hey, at least it's still here. Name change aside the place is basically the same old spot and really hasn't changed appreciably since my first trip there at the age of 5. A heavy, all white turkey on a roll with dip and cheese, stuffing with turkey gravy, green salad, pickles and a beer. There really isn't much else I need in life. The only kick-you-in-the-nuts aside is that with Tower Records and Books closed, my old tradition of hopping from Sam's to Tower Records to Tower Books is no more. That used to be a great (and sometimes lethal to my checking account) time killer, especially when I was visiting the fam during the holidays.
(5)Erin M.
I was over at Emigh Hardware in Sacramento to find some clearance priced outdoor items for our yard, when I noticed that I was nearby Sam's Hof Brau and it was getting to be past lunchtime. Since it was still well over 100 degrees outside, there was no way I was going to cook a meal once I got home, so I decided to give Sam's a try. The restaurant was very clean, and well maintained so I love that about the place. The food for me was just so-so. I had an entrée place of sliced roast beef, mashed potatoes just a little gravy, a side of green beans, and a side of corn on the cob with an iced tea. The total bill was very reasonable as it was under $12 and I left feeling full and satisfied. I guess I just did not care too much for the sides on the meal. The meat was good and well cooked. But everything else tasted like something I last had at a hospital cafeteria. The green beans were cooked to mush, and the mashed potatoes tasted like the instant kind. I really wanted to like my meal at Sam's more than I did. Maybe next time, I will just try a sandwich, as those looked a lot better than what I ordered.
(3)Jim H.
Had a great lunch there this weekend. Wife had prime rib sandwich and I had the classic ruben with corned beef this time. YUM! We've been coming here for over 40 years. We used to get a kick out of seeing the "old" people there and now WE ARE THEM! Back in the 60's my dad work security for Sam's 'cause of all those rowdy college kids hanging out at the bar! Oh, the banana cream pie is excellent as well. Oh, and the turkey leg. Oh, and the pastrami...........
(4)alex v.
Ive never been blown away by the food at this place, to be honest. but i keep coming back because i think it has such an interesting ambiance. it is definitely unlike any other place i have been to. for one thing, i don't know of any other German food places, and the plastic trays just bring me right back to middle school (which for some reason i find comforting). i love sitting in the back because its very quite and dark, and you can get a nifty little booth which comes decorated with old pictures of Sacramento. Every time i go there the people are extremely nice as well, which is a plus.
(4)Matthew B.
old school hof brau food. You will instantly feel like you are 70 years old or you are back in the 40's but either way the food is great. It is stick to your ribs comfort food not found many places anymore. Roasted meats and homestyle sides. Plain and simple. It does not beat some places in the Bay but this is not the bay and the rule Sac for this type of food.
(4)bob u.
Good Food and Great Prices. I have been to this place alot. Excellent during football season.
(5)Dave G.
This place is pretty cool, and the price is right. They have great prices and great Oktoberfest specials. It's what I would imagine hometown buffet or sizzler to be if it were from Munich. It has a great "seedy street in Las Vegas" feel to it with the schwag all over the walls and plenty of blinking lights on the outside. The only complaint would be that the beer selection has only one actual German beer on tap. But all in all a great experience.
(4)Alan H.
I've been going to Sam's Hof Brau for over 25 years now...why? Two words--Comfort Food! It's located next to the Old Tower of Records on Watt Avenue and El Camino Ave in the Country Club Area). I just love their sandwiches--turkey, roast beef, or pastrami to name a few--meat is moist and carved while you wait, layered on a roll dipped in au ju, accompanied by various side dishes such as potato salad or vegetables. Watching Pedro slice the meats is like watching an artist in action and just adds to the anticipation of a delicious meal. The price is reasonable--for example, two sandwiches and two sides = $12.75--not bad! I've also had their dinners with the meats, accompanied by mash potatoes and gravy, vegetables and a dessert. It's timeless food, with quality consistency. In addition, the decor (old Bavarian stuff, vintage Sacramento pictures, etc.) hasn't changed much in 25 years, but that's also what makes this place unique--you can watch a ball game on their tv, throw down a few brews with a good meal and then you're ready for a nap.
(5)Patti R.
Solid 4 stars here! Drove past with a friend and decided to turn around and try it. I had the Prime Rib dinner (prime rib, mashed taters, green beans, roll) for !0.99 and a piece of chocolate cream pie (shared!) with my friend. The manager came to our table to ask if everything was alright...was it ever! Dinner was wonderful and the pie was just great! The chocolate cream wasn't 'pudding-like' and thick and gross, it was...simply...heaven. I can't wait for Corned Beef nite! (Thursdays) Hee hee hee.....
(4)Victoria N Tino W.
based on a lot of reviews here sams hof brau is popular here in sacramento, i always wanted to try this place based on my experience at sams hof brau in oakland , the one in oakland was very good and i patronized it all the time. this one here in sacramento was lacking taste in their food, very bland tasting food, and to top it off the hispanic cashier lady short changed me by 50 cents and when i confronted her she wanted to argue with me until i showed her the receipt and the change in my hand, she brought my change to our table later and didnt even offer a apology and had a look like it was our fault, i must say thats alot of extra money sam makes on customers day in day out due to cashiering errors, needless to say i wont be stepping foot in there anymore but thats ok cause they wont miss me either!
(1)joshua j.
Really good food. Simple meat and potato's without one ounce of attitude. I was glad to see that the place was more than half full because this is the sort of place that communities fail to support. For 50 years however, Sacramento has supported Sam's Hof Brau and we're lucky to have it. Good food and good prices. Go! Eat!
(4)Mike S.
Okay dark and always packed with the elderly. Family resturaunt indeed. They have all the signs of an American food joint here. Plus a bar that serves popcorn. Nice sandwich selection they have large turkey leg with a side, prime rib sandwich and prime rib dinner plate. Turkey , ham, pastrami and corned beef sandwiches. Just average large dining area. Would I come back, maybe.
(3)PJ M.
Old school style - order your meal and its cut as you see it. Cafeteria style but folks who go to Chipotle can easily relate to FRESHLY prepared good FOOD. It has the old world flavor inside the restaurant. Great meatloaf, pastrami and roast beef. The open-faced turkey is a great value. Best MVP - the Prime Rib dinner (with three sides)!
(5)S J.
Friendly staff, huge portions, nice old atmosphere, price is about $10 per meal with drinks. Not bad at all!
(5)Lori L.
this is the sorta place grandpa used to take me to. cool and dark interior, like a blast from the past. check out the wall photos of old Sacramento scenes. cafeteria style ordering with the tray and all. prime rib, corned beef, heck all the meats make good sandwiches. no grilled bread for the reuben and the salads could do with a little jazzing up. but i'm not there for a salad am i?
(4)Mariana L.
Good food, good price! The pastrami is to die for and the pickles are the best! A must try!
(4)Linda Z.
*UGH* Can you say FULL!? Whoa that was a lot of pretty decent food! I am glad I read the reviews and knew about the line before hand, my daughter wasn't too excited to see how long it was though. The line wrapped all through the restaurant and to the back door kitchen area, I thought it moved pretty quick despite that. The Thanksgiving special was turkey or ham, mashed potatoes & gravy, green beans, sage dressing (kinda gooey,) soup or a salad, yams and pumpkin pie all for the low price of $8.49! I had the soup which was turkey & rice, my daughter opted for potato salad. She had the turkey but couldn't finish all of it and I tried the ham, neither of us finished all of our food - including the yummy pumpkin pie. :( We had sodas and I had a Heffenweizen (which could be why I didn't finish dinner) and with everything totaled up it was all under #30.00!! The place looks pretty cool too. There is soft lighting, wood walls, pink chandeliers and all kinds of old time photographs and paintings to look at. Even though the place was pretty packed (mostly with older folks) it was still pretty relaxing. I am gonna have to come back here again, maybe not for meat (since it's a rarity when I eat any) but just because I enjoyed it. P.s. I forgot to mention my "large" Heffenweizen was $5.75.
(4)Rita D.
Awesome pastrami sandwich!!! Perfection.
(5)Brandie L.
Looking for a good hot meal quick? This place is like home cookin! I love the turkey plate! Yummy!
(4)Becca B.
Ah The Hof Brau! Yummy! Yes you will stand in a quick moving line behind senior citizens older then your Grandma. But the food is yummy! Great dining for the whole family! The meats are cooked with spices and care. The servings are a good size and veggies and salad are offered for the healthy choice. The menu has a huge selection with a wide variety of choices. Great prices with daily specials. ( I selected $11-$30 per Adult allowing for dessert and beverages). The desserts are to die for. (The Carrot cake is great!) I think those old people know something I am glad I found out about. My husband and I will continue eating meals here often! We ate there this July 4th. The employees weren't happy they had to work because they were slower than usual, but I don't blame them. The food was still awesome! See ya in line! P.S. Greg S. I LOVE your review!!
(5)Jamie T.
Super Yummy! We just went to Sam's for dinner and it was just as I remembered from 15-20 years ago! My husband has been on a mission to find a really good pastrami Reuben and was ecstatic with Sam's freshly carved version. I got the prime rib sandwich and it was delish. I love the old school ambiance and hope it never changes!
(4)Andrew F.
Great low key comfortable atmosphere. Cafeteria style food counter. Get up close to see the choices. Pastrami Rueben was to die for. It was flavorful pastrami. Plenty of juicy meat on soft bread (he offered to toast). Real uncut horseradish on the table was a plus. Also came with sauerkraut on the side which goes well with the pickles they serve with the condiments. Would have been nice to encounter some mayo to dilute the horseradish, it's the real deal! A tasty indulgence. French fries would have been ok, too! Roast beef entree was moist and delicious. The mashed potatoes and green beans were a perfect accompaniment. Hot gravy on the mash and au jus on the meat. Beer wine selection super limited, but they have it. Mini bottles of Sutter Home, MGD, etc. Service was simple but efficient. The process is walk in the door, get your food on a tray, grab drinks, etc., pay at the cashier and continue on to the large dining and seat yourself. There are ice water stations in the dining room. The atmosphere is low light and casual. We kind of melted into our own space within the booth. Overall, we spent $18 for the 2 of us. Hard to beat that.
(5)Andy D.
Yelp asks us," what would your last meal on earth be?"... well, for a bunch of aging senior citizens waiting the long lines, this place has it. When you enter this palace of plush velvet, you notice a warm rouge glow cascading over the (insert tire screech sound fx)... cafeteria line! With the walls ado urned with red saloon style feel wallpaper you'll also notice old, vintage, black and white photos of Sacramento in its yesteryears. Along with the history lesson I always get the fresh cut turkey sandwich on a roll with a side of their green beans. Simple and awesome. Booths are uncomfortable... but it makes me feel like I'm in a horse drawn carriage. As close to a dining experience at a themed Disney restaurant in Sacramento.
(4)Keri H.
I've been eating here since I was a kid, when it used to be Sam's. The food is excellent and so are the homemade pickles! It's pretty crowded at lunchtime on the weekends, so get there early to avoid the long line. I sure miss Tower Records, which was right next door.
(5)Nick S.
This will be my first review, and what better way to start my yelp career then with a five star brau.... Yea i been going to the brau for over ten years now. Best time to go is Friday for the mac and cheese, with either a turkey or pastrami sandwich. The meals like the prime rib, or turkey dinner are good as well, but this place is all about the sandwiches for me ( and the mac and cheese.)
(5)Jill M.
Best turkey or rueben sandwich in town. Fast, tasty, inexpensive and friendly. Watch your timing, if you hit it at the wrong time you might have to wait in a long line (which will still get you fed in 10 minutes if you have the patience to wait).
(5)Joe W.
Ho hum. The lunch crowd is almost exclusively geriatric, and for them perhaps the small, low-fat portions are reasonable. I expect better. Also, the drinking water tasted terrible.
(3)Pippi L.
Yowza! Hof Brau is like Villa of Meats! You stand in line behind loads of senior citizens and order something savory on a tray. They pass it along and you add what sides you want (I recommend the bean salad and the green iceberg lettuce salad). You can get a hunk of turkey with dressing, or a nice slice of prime rib au jus, or a quarter hungarian style chicken, or corned beef and cabbage (on St. Paddy's day the line goes around the restaurant twice and you have to commandeer a table and it's mass insanity due to the $5.79 price per person and the lady singing irish songs off key and running her synthesizer), yeah. Hof Brau is the GREATEST. There are tons of old pics of Sactown to browse while you are waiting to eat. It's brilliant and you can't beat it. Must be experienced; similar to other Hof Braus, but with a Sactown twist all its own. Dinner: $8 per person, swear to god.
(4)Tim D.
Went to the Hof Brau for the first time tonight. I've always driven past and wondered if it was any good, now I'm kicking myself for not going sooner. The food was good, and the prices great. Me and my lady both stuffed ourselves for just over $10 each, with drinks and a dessert. I had the jumbo turkey leg, mashes potatoes and a side salad... mmm good, I felt like a caveman eating the turkey leg. My lady had the roast beef, which was tender and juicy, and turkey and rice soup... DELICIOUS, and dinner rolls were included. This place is open till 11pm on the weekends, perfect for those that eat late. The staff was friendly too! I will definitely be going back in the future. I want to try the sandwiches next time.
(4)Angelique H.
Best pastrami in town. Everything is served up cafeteria style. I'm happy to see they brought back the salad bar.
(4)Keri B.
This used to be Sam's and his image still haunts the place and apparently the pickles. I love this joint but I have to admit there's a hofbrau in the bay area that kicks it's ass, its called Harry's. Anyways, this seems to be the only one left in Sacramento, true it's all about the sandwiches esp the hot pastrami, the sides are nice too, love that macaroni salad. It's reasonable and the portions are decent, order the heavy cut for just a little extra you really get more bang for your buck. The cream pies are excellent as well. They need to do something about the muszac however, I was told by the staff some old lady got offended by the oldies, she's probably dead now, but I'm still eating there. Kudos to the festive decorations for every holiday.
(4)Nicole M.
SAMs is the classic feel of old Sacramento 50 years ago. I've been coming here over 20 years and my parents even longer. It's what you can expect from good old fashioned traditional dishes. The ambiance is old fashioned with not many updates or upgrades. It's also fairly dark inside. The food is fantastic. Great traditional meals of meat and potatoes with side dishes. If you have a sweet tooth they have a pie counter for a nice treat. They are Over priced for not being a full service restaurant.
(4)Janice L.
I've been here several times and I believe today is the second time I've dined in. It's a hole in the wall location tucked at the corner along South Watt, next to the Goodwill. It looks a bit run down on the outside but a saloon style restaurant on the inside. The line can get pretty long during lunch time and at dinner. Today we came a bit before noon so the wait wasn't that long. My sister ordered a pastrami sandwich with a side of mash potato and I had the Turkey noodle soup with a slice of berry pie, the total came to $16.17, a bit pricey for what it is. The food was solid. The pastrami was not as good as I remember. The mash potato was standard. I enjoyed the pie. The soup was a tad on the salty side but otherwise was good. My friend ordered the turkey pot pie, the crust she complained was not flaky. The filling was pretty good - flavorful. I can't speak for the tri-tip and teriyaki turkey leg but I hear they're pretty good. Overall, I think the food is solid and I would come again if I was in the area but would not intentionally go out of my way to dine here.
(3)Allison L.
I've been coming here for 10+ years with my family. It's definitely out of the way, so I don't come here often, but sometimes you just want a delicious french dip. It's located in the same strip mall as Popeyes, Goodwill, and Dollar Tree, so there's plenty of parking, but be careful because the spaces are extremely narrow. It's impossible to miss because the big sign and at night the lights flash. When you enter you'll feel like you stepped into different era. Everything is pretty old, but that's part of the charm. You get in line and wait til you make your way up to the carving station. They have pastrami, prime rib, turkey legs, roast beef - all of which can be sliced or on a sandwich - in addition to daily specials like corned beef, meatloaf, chicken wings, shepard's pie, etc. My favorite is the french dip. It comes on a soft sourdough bread and a side of au jus. I usually get it with a side of mashed potatoes, with which you have a choice of turkey or beef gravy. Other hot sides offered are dressing/stuffing and veggies. They also have cold sides like potato salad, macaroni salad, and green salad - but those are typical store bought/nothing special. It is pretty cheap though. They also have dinner rolls. After you get your food on your tray, you can get a drink from the fountain or water. You will also get your silverware here. Move on down more and you make your way to pay. Then, you can seat yourself anywhere. The establishment is pretty big - there are several booths and tables. There's also a bar. In the back there's apparently a banquet room which you could reserve for parties - why you would want a party at Hof Brau... I don't know lol. Overall, tasty food and pretty affordable. You know exactly what you're getting each time as they've been doing it for years. I'd recommend and return!
(3)Kandy F.
I haven't been here in over 30 years! I lived a few blocks from here way back in the day! My mom and I used to go for walks and this was our pit stop!!! After moving back I've decided to give my old stomping ground a try!!! I had the opened faced turkey hot sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy!!! Can you say "comfort food" ?!?! Yummy!!! My turkey was nice and tender and I lovvvvve gravy! My friend had the pastrami sandwich with their dipping juice ( that's probably the one that's for prime rib? ). This is like the cafeteria type place where you order stuff that you'd like on your plate. The meats are cooked and cut when you're ordering. You pick out your drink of choice. Then you pass the dessert glass and you can add dessert if you so desire. Then you pay at the register before you sit down. This is an old establishment and they've managed to keep it looking nice. The employees here have been working a long time, too. Lots of longevity and loyalty! If you're in the area and need a little comfort food....this is your place!!! Lots of loyal customers. I enjoyed my meal here and reminiscing the old memories!!!
(4)Vivian L.
I've been coming to Hof Brau since I can remember. I've always loved their pastrami sandwiches on white roll and dipping it in the sauce makes a PERRRFECT combo! Their mashed potatoes are also yummy. What I miss though are their specials. I'm not sure if they still have this, but I recall one of their pasta specials being really tasty. There's always a long line whenever I'm here, but it moves quick! We usually get to-go so I can't comment much on the service, but the people working the "assembly-line" are very friendly.
(4)Crystal C.
There isn't much I can add that years of reviewers haven't already covered. Since Trails closed down, we've been driving out to Sam's because it is a similar meat-and-potatoes, 60+ crowd, no bullshit gist that I enjoyed about Trails. The horseradish and mustard on the tables are perfect over a tri-tip plate, and we dig that everything is visible and cut up right in front of you. We will be back soon! Next time, I want to sit at the bar!
(4)Karen K.
3.5 stars. Very casual and this place has been around for Years!!! It was St Paddy's Day and where's the Corned Beef? Apparently here as we stood in line for our meal. There was a serious line out the door! They were apparently busy bc of the holiday. Their corned beef and cabbage meal was just enough for me. I had it without the roll. My HB made corned beef sliders especially with his dill pickles. There was a line even when we left! The food was good as the corned beef was not fatty. The cabbage cooked just right along with the red potatoes and carrots. We liked how the hostesses were wearing lighted bling bling shamrock necklaces. It was cool! Will we be back? Maybe as the shepherds pie looked yummy!!! Why aren't you here?
(4)Alvaro_Melissa S.
First time here, I had the turkey entree , turkey was juicy, sides were delicious. Lots of food, very impressed,staff was very friendly. Will take the family here next time around.
(5)Ray L.
Having lived in Las Vegas for 7 years, I have an appreciation for meat carving stations. Every casino buffet offers either turkey or roast beef to go with mediocre side dishes and stale rolls. However, there is something nostalgic about the entire experience. As a first time visitor to Sam's , I was unsure if I should go with a sandwich or an entree. Since I was holding up the long line of "regulars", I felt pressured into making a decision quickly. I opted for the french dip (tri-tip) sandwich and a side of french fries. The tri-tip was cooked perfectly - not overdone and dried out. However, I felt that the tri-tip may have been under-seasoned. I had to add a generous amount of salt and pepper to my sandwich before the " dipping " could commence. The au jus sauce was tasty --not too salty or oily. On a side note, I love it when the little bits of beef fall into the cup of au jus so I can find them later and enjoy them all over again. However, my wife had the same idea and stole the little bits of heaven that fell from my sandwich. Since I am relatively new to the Sacramento area, I don't really know the history of this restaurant. From what I can tell, this place has a loyal following. Sam's customers knew the carvers by first name and said things like "I'll have the usual". Because of this , I felt a little uncomfortable in the dining area. It was almost like I was crashing a private 90th birthday party for a guy named Irv. For 2 sandwiches , two entrees , and three soft drinks - I was out of pocket a little over $ 51.00. In my opinion , this was a little steep for a lunch that did not include alcohol. Will I come back- Yes! Where else can I go to for this type of old school experience that combines slabs of meat and good ol' down-home Elk's Lodge vibe?
(4)Sarita N.
The best place for a hot sandwich. I tried Katz in New York and they have nothing on Sam's in my opinion.
(5)Zach M.
For this my dear Sams... one star. Bad form. Shame on the bar manager. On Friday night 6/19 my good friend and I stopped by Sams for dinner as we do a couple times a month. As usual everything was great... but for one thing. Now mind you I've been going to Sams since Sam owned the joint, and never had, or even heard of anything like this happening. I'm still upset... !!!!! Ok... I wrote the above review a couple weeks ago after a rather unfortunate if not odd experience at Sam's. I also sent a note about the incident to Sam's and received a response from management sincerely apologizing and assuring me that the incident was reviewed and steps taken with staff to be sure that customer service remains a Sam's hallmark. There was never a chance I'd forsake one of my favorite places but I'm satisfied that management is both committed to the food and hospitality Sam's is widely known for.
(4)Keely M.
Food was not bad, the reason for the three stars was because I was torn. The people behind the counter serving food were great however the girl that was cashier was extremely rude. There was a nice guy there that helped me out he had gauges in his ears...really nice and helpful. There was a hair in my sandwich but before I picked that out it tasted good. I have eaten here before and the food was really good. I would try it again but I really hope the cashier isn't there. Also, I would like to add that I would like a real mayo option I hate miracle whip (I know the world doesn't revolve around me, that's just a suggestion)!
(3)Mark T.
I love buffet style comfort food like this served and cut to order in front of you. The atmosphere is friendly and spread out enough. The smell when you walk in the door makes your mouth water and when the line is long it just gives you more time to look at the juicy meat and salivate uncontrollably. It's cool they have specials on every day of the week. Few things on the food.... -Turkey is incredibly good and remarkably moist! -Roast beef appearance is great and cooked medium rare, but it's too tough IMO. -Prime rib looks good and medium rare but the cut seems chewy. -Beef Stroganoff is a nice portion and the meat is tender and the dish is packed with flavor. -Sandwich portions like the french dip or prime rib dip are a bit on the small side so you may want to pony up another buck for the extra portion. Sides: -Green beans are pretty good and not overcooked -Mashed potatoes and gravy are a step up from KFC's. Not too rich or salty -Rolls that come with your meal is cold and a standard roll -German potato salad is way too mashed up and too potato tasting IMO. Not enough vinegar or sugar and the potatoes need to be diced or sliced not mashed up into a paste. I didn't notice any bacon in it either. I make a killer german potato salad at home and have eaten at some really good german restaurants and I feel like I know good german potato salad but their's tastes like a budget Hungry Man version. -Stuffing sucks. Don't waste a side. Basically hydrated croutons. Waste. -Salad is pretty basic but the ranch dressing is good. I've tried to order the Teriyaki turkey leg and wings on a couple occasions and both times they were sold out. I can't wait to try their corned beef and cabbage dinner on thursdays. I almost tried the German pot roast but got turkey the last visit. Look forward to trying their Hungarian goulash as well. Overall prices are reasonable. Remember to ask for the extra cut on the meat and for the time being they rate about a 3.5 star but since they haven't had teriyaki turkey legs and wings available my last 2 visits i'm rounding down to 3 with room for improvement.
(3)Bliss F.
Great all time standard. The food is as good today as it was when I was a kid. Awesome rueben sandwich. The bartender was friendly and drinks are reasonably priced. If you are a meat lover then this is the place for you.
(4)Ariel C.
This place never disappoints. I had the hot open face turkey sandwich today, and it was fantastic. We had caught the end of the lunch rush, but their busters where on a roll, making sure no table was left dirty for long. My daughter particularly liked watch the expert carvers cut away at the meat. She thought they were ninjas haha. The definitely have a life time customer.
(5)Brandon B.
SAMs has been here all my life, heck it's been around my Moms entire life too. This is a staple of Sacramento. I've gone here for as long as I can remember. Today I was in the mood for a corned beef sandwich, brought me right back to Sams. I actually requested to have corned beef and pastrami on my sandwich, not only did they not have a problem with it, they didn't even charge me extra. Lots of good meats here, can't go wrong with anything on the menu. Do yourself a favor, if you haven't stopped here yet, next time you are in the area stop by and try it out.
(4)Jeannine C.
You really can't go wrong coming to Sam's. There's a great selection of entrées, with unlimited choices, hot food is hot and cold food is cold, with daily specials, a full bar, average seating, and the blast into the 1950's makes for a great meal. When you first come in there usually is a line but it typically moves quickly. There are always great chunks of roasted meat, sharp knives, with lots of grant choices to follow. One of my favorites is the hot potato salad and the carrot raisin salad. My children love this restaurant and the staff is excellent at dealing with food allergies. They always clean the cutting surface and put down a cover before serving my son. I would recommend Sam's to anyone wanting a meal that majority is homemade. Some things don't appear to be genuinely homemade but the quality is usually still good.
(4)Chachi E.
First time here and very disappointing. If you enjoy dry turkey, bland potatoes and gravy, gooey sticky dressing, Mac n cheese paste and "meatloaf" that taste like a frozen TV dinner? Then this is the place for you. I was expecting flavorful tasting comfort food and I didn't experience that not one bit. The presentation of the food itself was too sloppy for my liking. If you enjoy cafeteria food? this is the place for you. I read the yelp reviews before coming & they were all good reviews. I guess this just isn't the type of food I like. To each their own. Not worth 25$ sorry
(1)Kristian D.
I really want to like Sam's. It's a classic California hofbrau with roasted meats and classic sides and lots of nice history. Unfortunately the meat is just not right. I've had the turkey and pot roast before and have been disappointed both times. The turkey was overcooked and bland, and I needed lots of the homemade gravy to cover it up. Gravy works well in that regard, but it should not have too. I had to use a knife to cut the pot roast which is a big no-no. Pot roast should be fork tender with a hearty gravy. The German style roast gravy was rather underwhelming with little flavor. The sides are pretty basic. Not bad but nothing inspired. The employees are nice and friendly and the older clientele seems to enjoy the place, but for a meat place to have lackluster meat is a big problem. We need more roasted meat places to keep the tradition alive, but they need better meat than Sam's.
(2)Jeremy H.
I love the European/German design, meats and bar. Their meats are cut fresh right in front of you with very generous portions - they have killer pastrami too in case you're curious. The booths are comfortable and they have some in the back for a little more privacy if you prefer. Their bar is awesome, they always have some great beers on tap and their bartenders make great cocktails. I'm giving this score for the type of restaurant they try to be. There's no healthy salads here and unless you're going for soup you'll probably be eating meat, so if that doesn't sound appealing then you might want to look elsewhere. However, if some meat, a hot sandwich or some mashed potatoes and gravy sound good, then you found your place... through in some good drinks and the lively & friendly atmosphere that's always there and you'll want to be one of the regulars. Great to enjoy alone or with a large group. You can get away with a yummy meal for cheap or you can spend a little extra and get some drinks. Also, if you like pickles they have some great free pickles that will keep you getting up out of your seat to get more... until you hit your food coma.
(5)James M.
I've been a patron of the Hofbrau for many years. Its a unique, must-visit locale for great, comfort food. Atmosphere is uniquely homey. While advertised as German food (with cues embedded in the interior design), and you can get your brautwurst fix here the place is famous for its fresh, meat-on-the-spit sandwiches. Turkey, roast beef, and more are available not the least of which is what I can unflinchingly promote as the absolute best pastrami you'll ever eat. While I don't drink, there is a bar and a couple of televisions with sports playing. There is a salad bar which I'd grade as small and average. The dessert selection is wickedly good with the homemade cakes and pies. The cheesecake is a must. There are homemade dill pickles here which are honestly nearly my favorite thing in the world. This is a place you really just have to sample at least once.
(5)Cara P.
I remember passing by this place since I was a little girl, but never had the opportunity to eat there. Finally, I tried their BBQ pulled pork sandwich with mac salad on the side. Decently sized meal! I felt like I got my money's worth. The Mac salad needed a little work-- it almost tasted sour. The sandwich itself was pretty good, flavorful, and a good size. The interior was a little old fashioned-- wooden floors, walls, and pillars. There were pictures lining the walls and small props in the cupboards further back into the restaurant. To the right is their kitchen where you can place your order, a salad bar, drink stand, alcoholic bar (with TVs) and cashier checkout.
(3)Cheng S.
Well, what can I say about this place. It's not what I expected. From the pictures from other yelpers, this place looks delicious. But I was a little disappointed about the food. The experience was not up to the hype. Not sure why a lot of people on here rave about it so much. I'm not sure why, but I guess they lost its touch. So let's get down to the food. I got the prime rib dinner with mash potatoes and a salad. Sat down and excited to devour the food. To my disappointment, the food wasn't too great. It's average at best. The prime rib was a little chewy. The mash potatoes taste like it's out of the box. The green salad was just meh. Not sure how I like the food. One thing about this place is the concept. The cafeteria like style food tray is pretty awesome. I'm giving Sam a 3-star. Could be worst, but good concept.
(3)Erin H.
This place is great! The prices and portions are fabulous. If you love meat than this is the place for you. I've had the prime rib dinner , turkey dinner, prime rib sandwich and they are all terrific. The sides are great too , mash potatoes , stuffing, soup, cole slaw and home made pickles! Plus, tons of classic desserts.
(4)Scott M.
Sam wiches are my favorite. Ask for a mixed meat turkey on wheat roll with a side of potatoes and carrots. Don't forget the cranberry sauce! The banana cream pie is a tasty and a good value.
(5)Joe K.
First, the Sam's Hof Brau on Watt did not open in 1959. It opened on January 21, 1962. OK, now that I have that straight, let's get down to the wonderful establishment that all of us long time Sacramento residents have so many fond memories and are so proud to have been a part of: Sam's Hof Brau before shopping at the Stop n Shop across the street at Country Club Plaza. Sam's Hof Brou before going to Jack's House of Music across the other street. Sam's Hof Brou after going bowling. Sam's Hof Brou before spending hours shopping at Tower of Books, Tower of Records, and Tower of Posters, then rushing home to listen to your new In Da Gadda Da Vida album while you used thumb tacks to stick your psychedelic poster of Jimmy Hendricks to the wall. Sam's Hof Brau before going to the Elliot's Health Food for Squaw Tea. Sam's Hof Brau before going to Kid-e-Korral (e-shopping back in the 60's) Sam's Hof Brau after shopping at JC Penny at Country Club Center. Sam's Hof Brau after shopping at JC Penny at Courty Club Plaza. Sam's Hof Brau after shopping at Weinstock's. Sam's Hof Brau after shopping at Rhodes Department Store at Country Club Center. I think you are beginning to get the picture. In the past I always got the same thing, hot pastrami and mash potatoes with green beans with plenty of pickles.. I have always love the white outfits and big tall white hats of the servers, the huge chunks of meat, the tall ceilings, the dark brick atmosphere, and the long wooden bar. I can no longer have pastrami because I am on a low sodium diet so I am not sure whether it would live up to my fond memories. I probably should not have the roast beef either but once in a while you have to splurge. Thanks Sam's for not listening to people that think roast beef should taste like salt , herbs, and spices. Thanks for keeping it simple. When I order a pile of roast beef, I want the beef to taste like beef, not salt or teriyaki or smoke gouda. If they want something more spicy let them use some common sense and order corned beef or pastrami. Do I go to a Vietnamese restaurant and complain the Pho Ga does not taste like chicken noodle soup? Now, if they would just reopen the original Sam's Hof Brau at 1630 J Street.
(4)Michael N.
I've eaten here quite a few times. There seems to be a line, but the quick service makes up for it. They serve Erdinger beer on tap which is one of my favorites. Most of the time, I get the pastrami sandwich or the open face turkey sandwich. I love their turkey dressing. Everything tastes like a home cooked meal. The atmosphere is not elegant. Regardless, I give this place 5 stars!!
(5)John S.
A great Sacramento tradition that just gets better each year. Terrific food for cheap prices with an awesome atmosphere! I've been going since I was old enough to walk (32 now). I've seen 3 owners come and go, and every one of them understands what makes the place so great and just keep adding positives to the experience. Fresh carved meat, delicious sides, and the improvements to the restaurant/building itself have been astronomical over the last few years! They replaced all the ceiling tile, added rotisserie ovens, completely remodeled the kitchen and bathrooms, replaced the salad bar with a cleaner and modern one, and they also got rid of the bucket of ice in favor of a more sanitary machine. The employees are always friendly and courteous. It's just too bad everything around that business has gone in the dumper, thanks to the Wal-Mart opening kitty corner. Stores that cater to the low income have surrounded it, so the clientele has changed a bit since 1986. Nothing they can do about it though.
(5)Jennifer S.
I kind of butted my way into my boyfriend's dinner with a friend tonight, which resulted in me getting to finally try this place which I've heard so many great things about. The two people who I came with told me that I was in for a major treat, and they both ordered and recommended the French dip sandwich. Always an independent spirit, I decided to go with the beef open-faced sandwich instead. Well, let's back up. For anyone who's never been here before (like me) this place is a bit confusing. You walk in, navigate what I consider to be a very disorganized menu, tell the people behind the counter what you want, get your own drinks and silverware, pay, and then sit down. It's kind of like Ikea, but more intense, and with friendlier clerks. So I tell the guy I want an open-faced sandwich, and I should have had the guts to back off or change my mind when I saw him pull out two slices of cheap white sandwich bread, but I wanted to try something new, and stuck to my guns. So he slices a healthy amount of beef over the bread, and gives me exactly one perfect dollop of potatoes. The next clerk asks me if I want brown gravy, I ask if it's the best (because I was considering the country-looking gravy), and he says of course it is, and gives me four huge scoops of brown gravy. The next clerk asks if I want any sides, I say no, grab myself a Cherry Coke that is half Lipton Raspberry tea (side-note, I have no idea why I tried this combo, but it was amazing), and go sit with the boys. I straight-up just did not care for the food. The decor was really cute, and it was a neat place to visit, but the food was just not good. I'm pretty sure the bread was just white Wonderbread, the meat didn't have much flavor, and the potatoes and gravy tasted like instant potatoes and gravy to me, and I definitely know a thing or two about potatoes and gravy. I can enjoy any potatoes, but my favorite part of the meal was the soft drink. I noticed that the clientele was mostly over the age of 80, so maybe this place really is just about nostalgia and old times. I don't think I'll have any reason to come back. I feel bad saying that, because everyone was so friendly, but it's just not for me.
(2)Jen W.
This is the only hot brau place I am aware of in the Sac area. I have high expectations of any hot brau after growing up on Tommy's Joynt in SF. The outside of the restaurant is misleading. There is plenty of parking and you can't really look inside of the place. It looks like a ghost town until you walk through the door. Once you're in, you'll see that the place is packed and the line is long. So you start off by telling the guy what meat you want and how you want it...entree? Sandwich? Pick your sides...gravy or no gravy? Grab a roll, a soda...and then move on to the cashier. They have your usual hot brau fare...corned beef, pastrami, roast beef, turkey, daily specials, and prime rib plates. The prime rib is a steal...$13 for a good portion served with mashed potatoes, green beans, and an additional side. The prime rib wasn't seasoned very well but the meat was tender. I wasn't too thrilled with the sides we had. We picked up some carrot salad which also was quite plain...I felt like I was eating raw carrots. The beet salad was ok. The rolls were soft. So, the pickles...I am not a fan of thinly sliced pickles. When I think of a pickle, I think crunchy. Thin does not equal crunchy. It was mushy...not much texture to it although the seasoning was great. Blah. I ordered the pastrami which was tender...but ridiculously salty! My tastebuds were all over the place with what we ordered. Salty, not salty, mushy, good meat...etc. Although it isn't Tommy's, it's still decent and I wouldn't mind coming back again to give it another try. 3 stars for now.
(3)Duke W.
I forgot how much I missed this place until I came back for a turkey dinner. The dressing, mashed potatoes, salads and gravy are so good. I have had just about everything on the menu. Potato salad, macaroni salad, beans, gravy's are all good. The french dip, pot pies, pastrami (Reuben with swiss!) , corned beef are excellent . You really can't go wrong here. I would pass on the prime rib, It isn't bad but it doesn't live up to the taste of the other meats available. Nice little bar and decent desserts as well. Portion control would be my only complaint. When I first went to the original Sam's before they were bought out by Deli Foods (Denny's) the portions were huge. They don't give you as much food anymore but Denny's is out of the picture.
(4)Sam R.
I've tried this place many more times and I'm really liking what they offer. I generally get the roast beef entree and two cold sides (usually pickled beets and cole slaw). But I also like their carrot raisin and cole slaw. Potato salad is ok. I've tried all their cuts of meat except turkey or ham. They've all been very good. Haven't tried their desserts.
(5)N A.
Why does this place have 4 stars?? I ordered the hot turkey sandwich, mashed potatoes, stuffing and a side salad. My friend ordered the prime rib dinner. No wonder they have to smother the whole plate in gravy, but that didn't help my sandwich. The turkey was dry and had no flavor. The potatoes were decent, but bland. Don't even get me started about the stuffing (seriously EWW! Stovetop Stuffing is leaps and bounds over that mush!) My salad was the only saving grace. After tabasco, horseradish, and tons of salt and pepper my food was edible. My friend's prime rib was probably less than 2-3 oz. once he pulled the fat off the sides. So not worth the $13.00 and change. If I want good Hof Brau, I'll head to Harry's Hof Brau in San Leandro.
(1)Jane L.
Good place for meat lovers and desserterians, prices are reasonable and the meat here is so good! You order along the line and then pay for your meal at the end by the desserts display case. They have pies and cakes to choose from and I had their cheesecake, super yummy. Would definitely return when I'm in that area, just wish I live closer to this place!
(4)Adrian T.
I've been to Sams off and on over the past 8 years. I always order the Prime Rib dinner. It is not my favorite prime rib in sac but It has always been prepared well and the mashed potatoes and the pickles are delicious. Generally, the staff are always nice and friendly. However, the last time I went, there was an over-weight man serving the meats. I asked for a slightly larger cut. Usually the guys cutting the meat are very friendly and often times will not charge for a slightly larger cut. This man was very rude and began to give me attitude. I have never experienced this before, but definitely made me not want to come back. On various occasions, I have asked for a small sample of meat to try and on every occasion, the meat cutter was able to do so. I asked the same over-weight gentleman for sample of the turkey. He proceeded to tell me "it's the same turkey we've been making all these years. " He then told me that I must not come here often. I explained that I always get prime rib and I wanted to try a sample turkey prior to making my decision. He told me he was unable to give me a sample because it was all gone. Minutes later, patrons were ordering turkey and he continued to cut and serve turkey to those patrons in line. This one man alone has prevented me from going to Sams. In addition to the poor attitude and rude behavior, I have decided to take my business elsewhere. I don't have time for ignorant people in restaurants. The only service transactions are with the meat cutter and the cashier. The cashier was friendly as usual but because of this man, I decided to create a review for Sams. Food is generally on par, however, because of the service issue with this gentlemen, I have decided not to eat at sams any longer.
(1)Alexandria M.
If you're looking for fancy, this isn't the place for you. Hof Brau specializes in good solid food that sticks to your ribs. Nothing fancy, just house roasted meats with pretty good sides. Do yourself a favor and go to the bar for a pitcher of root beer and frosted glasses. Mmmmyeah.
(5)Rich R.
Good! Thought it was a little pricy but a good meal. It's a little confusing inside to order but the hostess explained her name was "Penny". Great hostess and she made us feel comfortable while in line. The atmosphere is pleasing kind of like an old tavern feel. Some TVs had sports but not really for viewing. If you want to watch sports you might not like it here. Overall try it and the food was good. I had Ham and Turkey, mashed potato & gravy with a slice of pumpkin pie.
(3)Cobie A.
This is my favorite place to eat in the whole world! Everyone is really nice, the place is always clean, and the food is to die for! Always cooked to perfection! St Patrick's Day is my favorite day to stop in and eat some corned beef and cabbage! I suggest going early if you want lunch because the line gets long around noon. Other than that, I have no complaints. It's always worth the wait.
(5)Alex C.
If you have a big appetite and don't want to spend a fortune, do not order a sandwich here! For nearly ten dollars I got a petite Cubano with one small shaving of ham inside and no sides. Got no hints of swiss, mostly just tasted the pickle and some sort of horseradish. The meat was tasty enough to give it a second star. What little meat there was I should say
(2)Summer M.
I really want to like Sam's Hof Brau. I love German (or even vaguely German style) restaurants, and there are not a ton in Sacramento. I love huge portions of meat and starch comfort food. I love that Sam's serves my beloved stuffing all year and not just on Thanksgiving. I love the German-beerhall-meets-Old-West-saloon ambience. I love that it's so close to my neighborhood. I love that in this restaurant-fickle town, Sam's has been around for decades. It's the kind of place your grandparents used to frequent back in the day... and still do, judging by the perpetual throngs of hungry seniors who frequent it. Despite all these loves and desires to give it a 5-star rating just on principle, I sadly can't bring myself to do that. The food is just... blah. When we moved into the Arden-Arcade area, I was thrilled that we were within walking distance of Sam's. I hadn't been there since I was a kid (with my grandpa, haha) and was excited to get reacquainted with it. We hit Sam's up hard at first, going a few times a month, and then it just tappered off. Then recently, before moving out of the area, we decided to give it one last try- and were reminded of why we stopped going. The food- while in very generous portions- is just meh. It's not bad food, it's just overall quite bland. Between us we had wienerschnitzel, lamb pot pie, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy and biscuits. The only item we did not salt liberally is the biscuits. Sad. All that said, I'd still recommend Sam's if only to experience it. It really is a slice of Sacramento.
(3)Laju L.
It was a bit intimidating at first- I think it's because Hof Brau was my dad's generation peace joint. Anyways, it is good eats and I recommend it.
(5)Carol P.
When you're craving some home-cooked, Thanksgiving-like comfort food, make your way over to Sam's and get in line! Cafeteria-style carving stations that serve up real roasted turkey, ham, pastrami, and all the usual sides, such as mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and cole slaw. Not only is it good, but it's CHEAP! One night I wanted meatloaf, and BAM! Sam's Friday night special happens to be meatloaf and mac & cheese (my other fave comfort food). I got a huge serving of meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, mac salad, and a side of mac & cheese for $10! I kid you not. Hella food! The meatloaf was seasoned well and had a firm, yet tender consistency. The mashed potatoes were pasty and the mac salad was too tangy. The mac & cheese though...yummy and definitely tasted homemade. All entrees come with a roll, of course, or you can have any of the meats made into a sandwich. There's a tiny salad bar and a barrel full of housemade pickles. Pay at the register and find a seat with the rest of the geriatric crowd. You'll be beyond satisfied!
(4)Mimi V.
Walking into this place makes me feel like i'm in one of those classic shows like Wonder Years. I tried their prime rib plate and the boyfriend tried their pastrami. The pastrami was a little too salty to my liking. The prime rib was good, but wasn't amazing. The price is very good for what you pay for because you get a huge slab of meat, and two sides. The boyfriend said the food kind of reminded him of cafeteria food. All in all, i think you get your bang for your buck here.
(3)Henry C.
I have been going here since the mid 1970's and love this place. The food is really good, the prices are just right, and the decor` is neat. Old but neat. They make THE BEST horseradish !!!!
(4)Shelly A.
Good old fashion home cooking. Best Au Jus ever! I always get the prime dip sammich. Amazing! I recommend getting the extra ounce. the Ruben is also excellent! Everything is fabulous. Plus they have a bunch of history posted very where regarding the area and a full bar! Love this place.
(5)Robert R.
Love this place! Can't go wrong with the French dip, or the rueben. It can get a little pricey if you don't pay attention to your impulses. That's the only negative thing I have to say about Sam's.
(5)Clarissa R.
Comfort food at its finest! Reasonably priced, delicious food, efficient people ... even with a long line, it moves quickly! Awesome! What more can I say?!
(5)Kristina F.
Sam's Hof Brau, where have you been all my life?!! Well, now that I'm a bit closer in location, I can visit you more frequently. I went last week for the first time in all my years being in the area and was kicking myself for not walking through the doors before. At first glance from the outside, one might think Sam's is just a hole in the wall dive spot. When I walked in, I was immediately reminded of a place in SF that was featured on DDD on Van Ness. This place also reminded me of my parent's restaurant that had been in the family over 50 years when I was a teenager. All the retro accents, simple comfort food, full bar, and old school seating together create that special something - a vintage moment to enjoy good food served by hard working folks. My cousin and I went for dinner around 7pm on a Friday night. All of the booths were taken, but we found a good spot. I had the prime rib dinner that included mashed potatoes with gravy, a bun, a side and a garden salad - I opted for the stuffing (it was kind of too mushy for my taste but I was fine with the rest of the food). The prime rib was tender and delicious. I appreciated there being horseradish at the tables. Next time I'll try their french dip sandwich. Oooh they also offer pot pies (one of my favorite indulgences). Congrats to Sam's Hof Brau for setting a great standard for other restaurants. You've been in business since the 50's and continue to provide great food to folks. Can't wait to come back and try out the rest of the menu!
(5)Joe S.
In reading some of the prior reviews of this place, some people appear to be confused as to what this place is or does. It seems expectations of some reviewers are out of line for what this place is. Sam's does one thing very well: meat. If you come here, order meat. Order your meat on bread. Order your meat with a side of meat. Do not order anything made of ground meat. Salisbury steak is a TV dinner dish. If you ordered it, you got what you asked for. Not to mention you can see your food before you order it. If you want gourmet, this ain't the place for you. However, if you order the "pastrami on a roll dipped with cheese", you will be presented with one of the best pastrami sandwiches I've ever found. Keep in mind that a majority of the clientele that frequents Sam's are older than 65 years of age. In the 60's, an open face turkey sandwich was two pieces of white bread, turkey, gravy, and a side of mashed potatoes. They were not served on artisan bread with aioli, arugula, capers, and a white wine reduction. If you order what this place does well, you won't be disappointed. I agree with some of the reviewers that the quality of some things has taken a down turn, such as the move from a bone in ham to a pressed ham loaf thing. But overall, just about the same as it ever was.
(4)Sara R.
I can't believe I ate here. Really. It was gross. I read some of the reviews before going the good and bad but we have been to hofbraus before and they were good so we decided to give it a try. Well we walk in and you can tell it's old. There was 1 person ordering and then 1 person in line then us. There was also 2-3 table fulls eating. Me and my son both ordered the hot turkey sandwich with mashed potatoes and a side of cottage cheese. My husband got the hot pastrami sandwich. We get our food and sodas and pay. It was right under $30 for all. So the price was ok. We go sit down to eat. On the table they have jars of mustard, horseradish ect. But they have plastic spoons in them which I really don't think is sanitary because god only knows who might lick it or put it in a body hole and put it back in. You just never know. So we didn't use any of that. Well if my husband was writing this review he would give 5 stars. He said his pastrami was good. I didn't try it so I wouldn't know. Also my son would give 5 stars and said his turkey was good. But I had the same thing and it was horrible. The gravy was so thick and a yellow glow in the dark color. I don't even know if it was gravy. The bread was stale. Turkey dry. Cottage cheese was slightly room temp like it was sitting out not kept cold. I couldn't even finish my food. I was nauseated so bad. I couldn't wait to get out of there. I know it was old and stuff but it was also kinda dirty/dusty and that also grossed me out. I know it's not a high end place but it was just not good for me. I would have been happier to go to Denny's or something. If my husband and son ever wanted to go back I would wait in the car.
(1)Guen S.
Nice decorations, food was good, service was fast, prices were very reasonable. Definitely will be coming back!! Prime rib dinner with mash, beans, and stuffing. Yummmyyyyy! Great for comfort food.
(5)Michael B.
Oh snap! These guys are still around. I remember the one in Oakland by the Coliseum. Not a lot of Hof Braus open these days. A tasty hot plate and don't forget unlimited pickles.
(4)Kate B.
We had the Bavarian chicken and turkey pot pie. The food was bland and is nowhere near traditional German fare. We've been to Bavaria, and while we didn't expect it to be as good for obvious reasons, it wasn't even in the same ballpark at all. It is cafeteria style and quality. The cakes look/taste store-bought. Maybe they do have better dishes than what we tried, but I'm not willing to go back. Just too disappointed.
(1)Michele N.
I've been coming here since high school. It's a casual place with great roast beef sandwiches. The decor hasn't changed much over the years, but the food has stayed great. Watch for the daily special.
(5)Adam A.
Excellent food if u are in the mood for some holiday grub like turkey chicken mash potatoes rolls. The whole sha bang!
(5)Lezlee W.
I don't know why I've never written a review for this place, I've been going since I moved to Sacramento in 1989. Look for the neon sign with curved front at night. Near where Tower Records used to be. This place is a Sacramento ICON. This place always has a long line that moves really quick. cafeteria style. There is always a place to sit once you get through the line. Lately the line is shorter so I really would like to see more people going! Antique western style ambiance with a HUGE railroad painting over the beautiful brass and wooden bar. Check out the fabulous brass cash register - it's just for looks now - what a cool piece. Red velvety style wall paper may have been there since 1910. Don't bother looking at the menu, wait till you get right up next to the window and point at what looks good to you! The people that work there are super courteous and what is most important is that the pastrami is the best pastrami I have eaten anywhere ever. cut in front of you, trimmed to perfection. I often wish to have a slice of what they throw away. I recently started trying other dishes and am now a big fan of the teriyaki turkey wings which are so huge you will have to take some home. Turkey leg is every bit as good as the renaissance fair. Salmon on Friday, was decent but not over the top like the pastrami. Did I say you need to try the pastrami? All the bartenders are awesome and fun. I am not a bloody mary fan but one day I needed one (for reasons I will not divulge publicly, everyone I hung out with the night before knows), well, Shawn made the best one I've ever had. I guess I'm a regular, although I'm willing to sit in various seats I always sit at the bar, there is not a placard with my name on it YET! If you sit in a booth, I warn you about knocking your knee against the wood piece that holds the booth table up. My knees are short but I see almost everyone do it, consider yourself warned and swing your legs in S L O W. Penny is awesome and keeps the ship running smoothly. You'll figure out which one she is if you go! She might be the one to help you find your table or carry something if your hands are full.
(5)John D.
Very congested during lunch. However, staffs are very friendly and efficient. Tried the French dip and it was flavorful. Beef stew on the other hand was dry and not much beef with it.
(3)Sanjeev B.
This is the place to go for a hearty meal. The carvers were helpful in answering my questions. I had a prime rib sandwich with au jus, and a teriyaki turkey wing. The food was good, but I felt the sandwich was missing something. I felt it needed something on it, and will be requesting sides to pair with the sandwich. The cakes are ok, but I would recommend going somewhere else if you're going to have dessert. This place presents itself too well for me to not come here again.
(4)Stacey S.
Always good, reliably fresh and very affordable. If you like meat of all kinds - this is the place! Oh and their housemade pickles are a great compliment to all of their savory meat.
(4)John J.
Very good food and I liked the beer selection. Cafeteria type line set up and service varies depending on the line. If you hit it at a good time the food is perfect and the people working the line can explain the menu to you. Too many in line - quality goes down. I still love the selection of food here. It is unique and right up my alley, but it is not for everyone.
(3)Rikki T.
Don't be discouraged by the restaurant exterior and abundance of blue hairs - if you're looking for an authentic German-American menu, this is your spot. I ordered the roast beef and Fridays special "Mac and cheese". Lightly drizzled with au jus, the roast beef melts in your mouth. The Mac is classic and over-baked with a crispy top layer. This was an unexpected meal - this is my first visit, but I'll definitely be back!
(5)Joshua S.
Food was good but a bit over priced for what we got. I wasn't expecting the cafeteria style ordering which was a bit off putting as well.
(2)Sonny H.
Concept and heritage of the restaurant is appealing however the sides and salads are anything better then marginal. Reminds me of being in highschool carrying around a tray with cheap plates and forks. Tables and chairs are disgusting and service is just OK. Stick to the main dish and its not too bad of a place, such as prime rib, turkey, tri tip sandwitch.
(3)Felisa M.
Grate customer service! Went in tonight with my friend for dinner and didn't like my prime rib thought it was a little to well done. I caught the manager while she was walking by and asked her if she had any pinker meat. She didn't hesitate to offer to find something pinker and even suggested another meal that might be for my liking if she didn't have more prime rib. At the end of the night I got a hell of a good meal and even better customer service. I will be back!
(5)Kimmy N.
I'm giving 5 stars based on their pastrami sandwich. Man, it's like heaven! A simple pastrami sandwich with cheese dipped in au ju (idk how to spell it) and the bread gets dipped in it as well. I always ask for a side of the auju and dip it after every bite be a useful it's so delicious and addicting. Just add some pickles from the barrel and you've got a great pastrami sandwich!
(5)Issy D.
I adore hof braus! Why? The reasons are endless 1) simple quick food! 2) generally cheap 3) dark and cozy seating Are just a couple reasons Sams falls under all three of these perfectly. But the food is here is what is really top notch. Giant portions of moist meat, flavorful gravy and the best au jus I've ever had. To top it off get yourself a slice of pie. The coconut cream was amazing and hit the spot. Of course I'll be here again in the near future.
(5)Jessica A.
Sam's was my April Fool's. I was devoted for 15 years before I strayed from Sacramento 3 years ago. All the old timers behind the counter were gone. So was the prime rib. There was a newer crew of country bumpkins. So I asked for a pastrami, french dip style. My husband asked for the same with an extra cut. No extra cut, no au jus. And I had to practically beg for my bread to be dipped. Thank God I got that because my pastrami was dry. DRY PASTRAMI?!?! Yup. Seriously the fattiest meat you can get, dry as a powder house. We were all just being shoved down the line, which I get- it's super busy. But all that fuss for disappointing service and food?! I'll pass next time and keep the memories good. Sorry, Sam.
(1)Lynette B.
Very good! I love french dips & their prime rib dip is rather yummy. They give you a nice, perfectly cooked slice of prime rib on a sourdough roll. The regular french dip was not great but I will certainly go back for the prime rib.
(5)Shannon V.
My boyfriend and I have been here twice. Last time i had the beef stroganoff over mashed potatoes Instead of pasta and it was So Comforting in my mouth mmmmm. This past sunday afternoon I had the tri tip extra cut dinner around $13 and the turkey a la king $7. These are the two Best things. I love hofbrau anything and will be sure to bring anyone I love to share a meal this exemplary. I will come back once a month for sure!
(5)Juan R.
I am a little embarrassed that I have not reviewed this place sooner. This is truly a n iconic business here in Sacramento. This retro, cafeteria style eatery is really a staple for the all-american, meat and potatoes, kind of foodie. The selection, the prices, the service is all top notch! The delicious hot meats and home-style side dishes are a real treat. A must go for anyone who isn't afraid of healthy portions of meat.
(5)Charles H.
Sam's is one of these places I go to once in a long while. The sandwiches are pretty good, basic meat sandwiches on a bun. Last time I was there I made the mistake of ordering mashed potatoes, which were inedible; I would guess they were from a box. The desserts are surprisingly good for a meat-sandwich place; excellent carrot cake. You order from the counter, and that's a rather chaotic experience. It's not that people really rush you or are unfriendly, it's just that there's an assembly line quality and if you're not familiar with the place it's hard to tell what your options are. And once you've ordered a sandwich and either accepted or dismissed mashed potatoes, they don't seem to have much interest in finding out if you want anything else, like salad. I was there with my mom, who is 83, and I was impressed that they have people whose job is to help people who might have difficulty carry their trays through the beverage area and to the cash register and then on to a table. I've never seen a place that actually employed people to do that before.
(3)Sarah Jane H.
Hof Brau has been a fixture of the neighborhood for fifty five years. Vegetarians be warned, this is a meat lover's haven. Food is served cafeteria style in old fashion parlor with old paintings. Old timers make up the bulk of customers and for good reason: consistent quality at reasonable prices. Try the roast beef on kaiser roll with au ju or the turkey sandwich. There is daily specials like pea soup on Mondays and Macaroni and cheese on Fridays.The turkey pot pie is great, the shepards pie is made with lamb. The restaurant changed owners I believe but quality is still good as ever. They've added some new deserts like cocoanut macaroons. This is pure comfort food at it's best!
(5)Thomas B.
Traditional Hof Brau but by far the best one I've been to even in the Bay Area. No where can compete with sams. it's home style cooking at its best. turkey legs are huge!!
(5)Steve M.
Sam's is a solid staple of Sacramento, a real throwback to the way Hof Brau's used to be. We have been coming here for a long time, and I have been told this place was a favorite of my Grandpa (how cool is that?). I love their pastrami, and I usually end up with that. I have ventured into their specials territory on occasion, and am rarely disappointed. I love the look and atmosphere of this place! Its like climbing into Doc Browns Delorean!
(4)Nicole D.
I have no clue what all the hype is about...pretty good meat on a decent sandwich roll...but no WOW factor. Then again, I wasn't born before 1955 like most of its patrons.
(2)Tammy W.
Once upon a time this place was OFF THE charts 5+ with their quality and price. However NOT SO MUCH Anymore :( Honestly , I use to LOVE LOVE this place because the cafeteria style ordering worked and their meats were out of this world! However, in the past 2 months I've noticed the portions have become smaller, and the quality degraded. Yesterday, My husband brought me a roast beef sandwich with extra cut *( $1 more it's still a good value) the black pick they stick in the bun was somehow shoved deep into the bun and when I was eating I bit into the black pick which was extremely unpleasant to say the least! I don't know if it's new owners , or if they're trying to conserve money. I just wish they'd increase the prices by a couple of dollars and bring back the quality we had loved so much!
(3)Gene K.
Had lunch with my wife, both ordered the corned beef sandwich on their kaiser roll. I ordered the extra meat sandwich and of course paid extra. Both sandwiches were the exact same size though I paid more for my sandwich.The difference was, I had leaner pieces of corned beef, wife's sandwich was trash, fatty pieces that she had to take out of the sandwich and chew on to get the small amount meat . Terrible!!!!!!!!!!! I have eaten at many Hofbrau's and this rates at the bottom of the list...don't waste your hard earned money!!
(1)Jennifer W.
Whenever my husband and I are in need of some good comfort food, we head to Sam's. Seriously, what is better than fresh carved meat, mashed potatoes covered in gravy, mac and cheese and a warm dinner roll when you are feeling a little blah on a cold gloomy day? The inside is dark and outdated... just as a hof brau should be. If you replaced the old 70's decor with modern furniture it just wouldn't be the same. I usually get the pastrami because it's not something I would usually order elsewhere and because it is just that tasty. The portions are large enough to share but I usually insist on ordering my own (which then allows me to steal a bit of whatever my husband orders and not feel as weird about ordering the same thing every time). Looking forward to cooler days in the upcoming months so I have an excuse to visit Sam's for a comfort food fix.
(4)Amy C.
Ive been coming here for years! They have the best corned beef! And they are always packed with a huge line! So get there early for a chance to enjoy the food before the lunch and dinner rushes! Oh! And there prime rib is also to die for!
(5)Don K.
Great place for families, and someplace to go with more mature persons. Classic carved meat station - prime rib, turkey, and ham. You either think the decor is classic or dated. The service is very good, and I know I'll be coming back.
(4)Michael M.
I have been eating at Sam's Hof Brau for as long as I can remember. As a native Sacramentan, this is an institution. There used to be a sister Hof Brau downtown and a complete old west town (Sam's Town) off US 50 near Shingle Springs, but they have gone the way of the dinosaur. Do not come here expecting fancy food. This is good old comfort food, in particular meat. Beef, turkey, ham, pastrami, tri tip, prime rib, etc. If you're looking for vegan gluten-free meals, do not stop here. The prices are reasonable and see exactly what you're getting for your dollar. Not much else you can ask for. Yes, the decor is dated, but I don't go there to look what's on the walls. I go there for my beloved roast beef sandwich.
(4)Robert R.
Cannot go wrong with Sam's ...Been eating here since I was a Kid and Love it !! Pastrami is the best!!
(5)Michael H.
Every time I come to Sam's, I'm grateful that at least one of the old-time hof braus remain not only in business, but popular and vibrant. There was an unpretentious charm to these places, and Sam's is close to being the last of the breed. Nostalgia aside, the food is good, honest and plentiful. You see what you're getting, the carvers offer friendly advice, and the prices are more than fair. If you're looking for hipster attitude or overwrought foodie pandering, you'll hate this simple, honest, and excellent place. They don't pretend to have recently reinvented prime rib, and you won't hear any b.s. about locally sourced produce or sustainably raised pork chops or farm-to-fork, whatever the hell that means. But if you're looking for good food at good prices, with a nod to the simplicity of another era, you will love it.
(4)Diane M.
Sam's is the BEST for any roasted meat you want...and much more. Daily specials are always a treat. I'm hooked on the turkey sandwiches...dipped of course! My husband likes the sourdough bread. Besides the food, watching them prepare your meat is fun. Work in my kitchen would get done much sooner if I could slice roasts like they can. They're good! Be prepared for a line and know that it'll be worth the wait!
(4)Brad C.
This place is a Sacramento institution. I have been coming here since I was a kid in the mid-1960s. It basically looks the same, except they don't put sawdust on the floors to sop up spilled beer. I like to order the turkey sandwich. The lines are long but where else do you to get to watch somebody carved the meat right off the bird as they make your sandwich. I'm also a big fan of the potato salad. That dish is a very subjective thing but I think these guys get it right. It's always a lot of fun to fill a cup full of sliced pickles for free with your meal.
(5)Renee O.
I've lived in Sacramento for most of my life and had never been to Sam's Hof Brau until yesterday. Seriously, what took me so long? The food was awesome, freshly carved right in front of your eyes and the portions were quite large. I had the French Dip and a side of mashed potatoes. Next time I will know that the sandwiches alone are plenty unless you're with someone who wants to share a side. Seriously, the sandwich was huge. I was starving and couldn't finish it all. Another bonus -- they make their own pickles which are made with just the right amount of spice and garlic and you can have as many as you'd like. Score. The menu is unpretentious and filled with genuine comfort food. It's easy to see why Sam's has so many loyal customers and has been serving diners for decades. I'm anxious to go back and try some of the other items that are available and get a drink from their open bar.
(4)Katie N.
Been eating here since I was a wee little one with my dad. Now I bring my little one with me, because it never gets old. I love the Hof Brau, I don't eat out often but when I do, a lot of the time this is my first choice.
(5)Jonathan D.
I've been here maybe four times in the last year and it is always consistent. Great place to go with the family or friends.
(4)Tianna W.
The meat esp. the pastrami is very tender and tasted. The mac n cheese, is okay. I honestly think they should add a pinch of garlic butter and top it with a little bit of basil or parsley to make it look pretty. Customer service was good. From observation, what concerns me the most is sanitation. No one handling food wears gloves. I saw a worker handling a hot turkey, that nearly slipped from the counter. The worker pressed his finger nails into the turkey to have a good grip and while cutting the turkey! I just hope everyone hands and nails are clean! I passed on the turkey, and had one of the best pastrami meat!. It would be nice if you could "dress up the sandwich and the workers wear gloves. Actually appreciated :-) :-) :-) :-)
(3)Mike O.
This sweet old-school joint brings the yum and the sleepys when you leave. Be warned: There is the stink of an old worn-in restaurant here, but as long as the food is good, that's not a bad thing. The smell of brisket is baked into the walls. So... that could be good or bad, all things considered. As far as service and food, it's a standard Hof Brau. You walk up and point at what you want and the sweaty guy in the tall chef's hat cuts it for you and slaps it on a plate, and you pay and get a soda and sit down and dig into a plate full of meat and sauce and meat and sauce and meat. You know you're done when dizziness sets in and you get the meat-sweats. And none of that was meant as a bad thing. Years before I moved here, I used to come to Sac to visit my grandmother, and I would, at some point in the visit, make a visit to the original Tower Records location (the first free-standing store, not the record aisle inside the old Tower Drugs in the Tower Theater) and I would always swing by Sam's for a french dip or meat-balls or whatever, and from then, in the mid-80s to now, the quality remains the same. Solid. A solid heavy plate of food to chew on a while while laughing with friends or delving into a new tome. Not going to lie, this isn't ever my first choice, but when I do come here, I never regret it. Solid place that I really should visit more often. And now that this neighborhood is on the rise, I think I will be...!
(4)Adam V.
The service was fast but friendly, really clean store, fresh and warm food. I'm not a huge fan of the style of food, but if I was out was top notch. It's a great place for big groups or dining for one. The people are really nice to people who need help with their trays or anything.
(5)Chiara P.
What a disappointment. This place is not good. The four-star rating of this place is baffling to me. The roast beef is dry and flavorless. The French dip sandwich is bland. Thank goodness for their tasty au jus. The carvers are friendly and efficient enough, so the line to get food moved fairly quickly. The carved meats looked delicious from behind the glass, but don't let their appearance fool you. Yelp, I feel like you've failed me with Sam's Hof Brau. I wanted to see what Sacramento had to offer food-wise and had high hopes for this joint. I looked past the sketchy facade and the chintzy decor, yet the food didn't deliver. Additionally (and this is not the restaurant's fault by any means), the diners weren't the most considerate human beings. A word of advice: pack a lot of patience when paying for your order at the cashier. Your fellow patrons couldn't care less that they're blocking the way or holding up the line. All in all, my experience here was subpar and I hate to say it - the embodiment of ghetto.
(2)nick s.
Prime rib is tough. They are cutting corners. Everything else is mighty fine.fast service but food is so good. Long lines often
(3)Loren L.
I love Sam's Hof Brau! It seems to be someplace that almost everyone remembers if you grew up living in Sac. It's also someplace that people forget about going to! Go there! This establishment really has everything working for it. It has been updated and the new flow of the area works well and is more open. The food while always good, is a staple you can always depend on. The meats are what they are famous for and they will not disappoint. This is not Top Chef people, keep your expectations where they need to be. There is no foams or fluff here....just good solid food all the time. The "Samwhichs" are great....pastrami, ham, turkey, prime rib. YUM! They have daily specials. They have a nice bar with flat screens perfect to catch a meal, a drink and a game. The staff is very friendly and are happy to help if you are not sure what to order. Drop by sometime and check it out!
(4)Darrell L.
I've been coming here since 1970 and never had the pastrami. Well today I did and I'll never do that again. It was way over salted. Yuck. Stick to the roast beef or my favorite, turkey.
(2)Caitlin S.
We went for St.. Patrick's Day (a tradition since 1959!) and the line was very very very long, but as some guy ahead of us said, "it goes fast". I realize it was a special, non-ideal day to be first introduced to a restaurant, but even so, Sam's impressed me. The line moved quickly at a consistent pace. The wait staff was incredibly helpful and chipper. The food was delicious and the cooks/servers were amenable to me just kind of creating my own plate - picking and choosing among the listed menu items. We even got a slice of pie (chocolate cream - cold and delicious) and a couple of beers. The bar was slammed and yet staffed with only one older lady. She was quite excellent though and there wasn't much of a wait. I had to clear away the dirty dishes some previous diners had left behind, but no biggie (they were packed). I loved people watching as I ate my meal. There were also plenty of neat old-timey photos w/ captions on the walls. I loved getting a mini history lesson as I ate. The clientele trends older (and for St. Paddy's, at least, whiter), the food served is pure comfort (meat and potatoes, mmmm) and the whole restaurant is very rooted in place. This place feels as though it has always been.
(4)Angie C.
Old school decor and classic delicious comida casera. I recommend the pastrami. It was delicious and thick cuts of meat. I'm looking forward to trying the prime rib next time.
(4)Cheska D.
Feels like thanksgiving all the time..good food and comes with big portion.one of the good Traditional american restaurant in the area.
(4)Tim H.
I have been coming to this restaurant for over 30 years and I have seen the changes with different owners, overall they have always tried to provide the same good food for a descent price, and the inside hasn't changed much at all which is a huge bonus. Eating here is like being thrown back in time. Is the food the best your going to have of each item? No it's not, but it is good and consistent. I will always give it 5 stars as long as it keeps it's consistency, which it has for over 30 years.
(5)Dauna K.
Sam's is serving Corned beef and cabbage until the end of March. So Good! Sam does not disappoint, large portions well cooked classic! The chocolate dipped macaroons and strawberries were the perfect end to a tasty meal.
(5)Kristine D.
Elizabeth was awesome! The best waitress I have ever experienced! She made us feel welcomed as soon as we walked in the door. She had the most awesome personality! The food was great too ! I will be sure to visit again because of Elizabeth's awesome personality and service! Update: I have been back to Sam's three times since this original post. I try something different each time and love it more each time. I try new beer too....yummy! I want to thank Elizabeth for her awesome service!
(5)Michelle M.
This place gets 5 stars for lots of reasons...amazing fresh carved meat sandwiches for starters! Primarily though, it's because I have been going there since I was a small girl! It is definitely a favorite spot for my dad when he comes into town! My parents used to go there all of the time when they were in high school, and of course listening to their stories upon walking into the restaurant makes it even more special! The decor is beautiful, don't let the oldness of the building fool you! It is very old school, complete with ice cream scoopers used to scoop up many of the side dishes, with tiny plastic bowls, that you put on your plastic tray, that you scoot down the metal shelf up to the beverage bar, dessert bar, and ultimately the cash register. If you are looking for something fancy shmancy this isnt the place for you. But if you are looking for yummy sandwiches, homemade salads and a bit of Sacramento history then you will love Sam's! Oh and by the way...be prepared to wait in a very long line when you walk in...no matter what day or time...this place is always busy...and for very good reason!!
(5)Rod W.
Overall a good place to eat. A lot of variety and the price is ok for what you get. I tried the Corn Beef and I like some fat which they had. The sides are pretty good but the veggies were overcooked. My wife tried the prime rib but it was awefully thin. Even though the line is long at times it goes pretty fast and has plenty of tables in the back.
(3)Chris R.
We tried this for the first time today and to say we were disappointed is an understatement. The bill came to over $30 for 2 sandwiches, fries, onion rings and 2 drinks. There was barely any meat, which was bland. My girlfriend ate 2 bites and didn't want anymore. Left hungry and broke.
(1)Chris C.
I guess Sam's is something of a Sac nostalgia experience for those who grew up here, but I can't really share the love. Not that it wasn't good, the overall meatstravaganza is pretty impressive. I guess I just didn't feel like it was much better quality than the average big chain buffet. I had a massive plate of roast beef that was okay, but nothing earth shattering. I think they just need to spice up the dishes a little and try something more interesting. Perhaps folks like the plain dishes, but I think this place could do something special if they ever decided to get creative.
(3)Merisa M.
I seriously don't get what the fuss is all about. It's not cheap and it's not tasty, so why do people still come here? I get the concept, it's cafeteria style dining, but there really isn't anything redeeming about this place that should warrant a return visit. So, if I can save someone from a bad food experience, then let me be the first to recommend another restaurant. I only happened to try Sam's Hof Brau because I was in the same parking complex, wanted something that was one $ sign and had good reviews. I normally trust yelp reviews, but this is one that has left me quite perplexed. It was supposed to be German/American food that's cafeteria style, but the whole concept is just flawed. Their German style cafeteria food I can get from any other American food buffet with more options and probably better tasting food. The meals I sampled included the Salisbury Steak, the Hungarian Goulash, and the open face Turkey Sandwich. My reaction - Lame, Lame, and Lame. The Salisbury Steak was the size of two McDonalds beef patties that were drenched in a brown gravy served with a side of mashed potatoes. If you've ever had a frozen TV dinner that was Salisbury Steak, then you'll know exactly what this entree tasted like. It tasted like I a microwaved TV dinner, but costs three times more than the frozen entree from your local grocery store. The Hungarian Goulash literally tasted like Campbell's Chunky Beef Stew, heated up, and poured over pasta noodles. Lastly, the open face Turkey Sandwich was slices of turkey meat, on top of two slices of bread, covered in gravy, and served with a side of mashed potatoes. If you want a salad, it costs extra. Oh, and if you want anything on top of your bagged salad, like carrots or beets or croutons or cucumbers, that costs extra too. I don't think I could say enough bad things about this place other than the fact that it's an utter disappointment. My recommendation: GO SOMEPLACE ELSE!
(1)Jenny W.
What a gem! Okay, the sign is a bit much but you definitely need to give this place a try if you're in the area. The prime rib plate is amazing and for $12 you get a huge slab of meat, two sides (mashed potatoes all the way), a roll and UNLIMITED HOUSEMADE PICKLES. I'm sure there's a limit but that never stops me. There's even a bar inside so you can enjoy a beer with your meal. If you are feeling gluttonous just head over to Country Club Lanes next door and play a round of laser tag.
(5)Jennifer M.
I was told this was the place for a french dip sandwich. Stood in line for 20+ minutes and got my order to go. Once home, I was excited to sink my teeth into a delicious slightly salty beef sammich. What I didnt anticipate was not being able to pull my teeth out of said sandwich. The meat was so incredibly tough and not edible. $30 for two sandwiches, 2 mashed taters and 2 chocolate milks was a bit steep to be throwing the main course away and having to make a pBJ at home. Very dissapointed.
(2)Morgan D.
I know people complain about how it's bland and blah blah blah, well I LOVE this place. Their sandwiches are packed with meat and their French dip is delicious! I love the rustic feel this place gives off. It's such a great atmosphere and the staff is so friendly. They all have a huge barell with pickles in it! Delicious!!!! If you want to go back in time and eat delicious deli food, then go here!
(5)Benny R.
Amazing food. All their meats are delicious and juicy and they have amazing side dishes. Their macaroni salad was great. They do have a line on the regular but you can sit at the bar and the bartender will take your order and serve you. A relaxing place to grab some good food and a drink.
(3)Megan R.
My sister in law took us here for St Patricks day dinner. The building is cool looking. You walk in, and if you've never been you wouldn't know where to go or what to do, but we had friends who had been there and the patrons are kind enough to let you know how it works. You go wait in a buffet style line in a huge red dining room to come up to an amazing selection of meats and sides they slice for you. They let you sample before making your selections. We had, prime rib dip, pastrami dip, corned beef hash, cabbage, carrots, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, gravy, and aju. It was all amazing. Although it all needed salt and pepper. Don't be afraid, salt brings the flavor right out. Ate every bite. And at $40 for four people, can't beat. Shout out to the awesome guys behind the counter and at the bar for being so friendly. :)
(5)Duane H.
Really a Sacramento classic. It's been here doing its thing since 1959. (Yep, a time when most people thought that you should get basic home style meals from your restaurants too). Stormy and I went to a fancy restaurant for Thanksgiving dinner. We wound up paying $168 (sans tip) for our dinner. It was good. The next day we had turkey plates for lunch at Sams that were incredible comparable in quality. It cost us about $20. This is pretty typical for Sams. Oh and they have some good beers too if you want that. This is homey nutritious food. Is it fancy? No! The place is lived in like a good Lazy Boy. But you will get value.
(4)Nevin W.
If you are Vegan or Vegetarian RUN AWAY! For the rest of us carnivores this place rocks. Everything is always fresh and slow cooked to perfection. No microwave or frozen foods here. I used to be a delivery driver and for the 15 years I delivered various restaurants in the Sacramento area, Sams Hofbrau by far was the cleanest. Kitchen, floors, walls...sparkling clean. This place would make Gordon Ramsey proud. Cheap, simple home style comfort foods and it is never short of customers. if you don't like it I'll be happy to take your place: )
(5)Andrea S.
I am impressed. Until tonight, I'd always shrugged Sam's off; but the traditional food surprised me. The atmosphere is fun and the staff is friendly and helpful. My companion had prime rib rare and I enjoyed a wonderfully moist piece of turkey (white meat). The sides were good, stuffing is excellent and dessert (chocolate cream pie and chocolate cake) are also very good. Real food with a casual dress code.
(4)D B.
Old school. Awesome classics. Great prices. No frills. Just like the original on Hegenberger in Oakland back in the day. Despite the other reviews, I would recommend NOT coming on St. Paddy's unless you want to wait in line for quite a while. Go the 364 other days of the year. Seriously, there's a reason they make corned beef and cabbage only one day of the year. I'm no fool. I skip the insanity and go the day before and the day after.
(5)Josh N.
Pastrami is the "Cadillac" of the salted meats. I love it!!! Today I was introduced to the "Ferrari". I have never had it better. This is not the shaved type it is sliced in front of your eyes from a hunk of beef. It is lovingly placed on a Kaiser Roll. I requested yellow mustard and Horseradish to dip. I am now so at peace as my pastrami quest is over. Sam's completes me.
(5)Allison B.
Did you hear that? It was just the sound of me gagging on a piece of meat in a roll, attempting to be passed off as a sandwich. Don brought me here while we were waiting to go pick up my car from the dealership. I was really hoping this was going to be like Hof's Hut in So Cal, but it twas not even close. You walk in the doors, into darkness. Its so dark in there, that when the door opens, you can see all the dust particles floating around in the single beam of light coming in from the outside. Immediately, you are ushered into this cafeteria style line where there are guys slicing up meat onto bread. I opted for a roast beef sandwich, which was only pieces of seriously pink roast beef on a bun type roll. Then the sandwich is passed to another guy who asks if he can dunk the top of the roll/bread in this vat of drippings or grease or something! Ugh, no thanks. So, he then filled up a bowl of this greasy stuff and plopped it on my tray. Me thinks not, homie! After paying, we went to find a seat amongst the crowd of geriatrics. I dont exactly know what is the deal with grouchy old people getting crazy in these types of establishments, but I'll tell you, I almost had to have Don regulate on this nasty old man who threatened to "back hand" his wife. WTF, dude?! Anyhow, the food sucked and my stomach hurt after. I wont be back!
(1)Kim S.
SAMs is great old fashioned food! If your in the mood for a great sandwich and potatoe salad this is the place!!!
(5)Paul R.
8/26/2014: Had lunch with my videographer for the 2014 Vampire Ball - Patrick Callahan. Had a tri-tip sandwich, macaroni salad, Coke, mashed potatoes with turkey gravy. Met Patrick's wife that works at this establishment. All of the employees are very friendly. Super busy place, because everyone loves the food. You when you leave this restaurant, you are very full, it's like Thanksgiving Day. Nice atmosphere, lots of old sports pictures on the wall. This restaurant is very family oriented. Thank you for lunch Patrick!
(5)Mark G.
Thank goodness for Sam's on Watt. Being an out-of-towner, I look forward to any opportunity to eat at Sam's Hof Brau. The one that was in Cameron Park was OK but not as good as the one at 17th and J, but both are closed now. Then my co-worker told me about Sam's on Watt Ave. Their great food in comfortable surroundings seems to guide me there if I am within a hundred miles or so. I am never dissatisfied. The carved meats are delicious, especially their roast beef. If you like sliced home-made style dill pickles, they have the best. This is the type of food and prices I really enjoy.
(5)Kyle J.
Been coming to this place since I was a child. It was the first restaurant I took my son when he was a baby. There's great art and facts about Sacramento all over the walls. The service line may look long but never takes longer than 7 minutes (When its busy) Normally when I go in there is no line. My favorite thing to eat there is the turkey (wing and leg) in teriyaki sauce...great price for something that actually fills you up. The only complaint I have is that recently they moved the water from the condiment station to over by the salad bar.
(5)Adonis V.
This place has been here since I can remember...back in the summer of '91 I had my first meal here. Back in those days they had this dish called Chop Suey, there was an old Chinese dude serving it so I figured it was a Chinese dish - I fell in love it and ordered it often...I think it's now gone from the menu as well as the old Chinese dude...I reminisce to the joys of my youth when I would eat Chop Suey and drop my allowance of quarters on Street Fighter at the arcade in the bowling alley next door...sigh. I would scream Chop-Suey-Ryu-Ken and pump uppercuts onto local kid's chins and have a blast. Still, the home made pickles are indeed still around and still remains a unique side dish to this establishment. the meats however...have become dry and bland. The turkey I had was dry the corned beef was hard. The gravy is simply not enough to mask the blandness of the meat even if it was swimming in it. Man, I missed that old Chinese guy's magic...
(3)Ally R.
The line was long, the food was good, and the prices were reasonable. The ambiance was that of a bar that had turned on all of the lights for last call, but that was understandable because there were many elderly people. The lighting should be bright to keep them safe. The pot pie and Ruben were delicious. The horseradish is serious.
(4)Brandon L.
...if you are trying to watch your diet, skip Sam's. lol The 1st thing you always see when walking into Sam's Hof Brau is the long line. Don't worry, that's a good thing. The food isn't pricey and there is plenty of space to sit down and enjoy. And the decor is great!!! If you haven't been before you need to, at least once.
(5)Traci N.
One of the best restaurants in Sacramento as far as I am concerned! Their Rubin is delicious! Try their roast beef, open faced turkey sandwich and Mac and cheese! I could go on an on and on about the food!
(5)Erik B.
I have been eating at Sam's since about 1961. My whole family loves this place. Not fancy but consistently good. Don't visit Sacramento without visiting Sam's!
(5)Ryan F.
Oh my goodness. Should I go on? Oh my goodness this food is so good. I should preface by saying that I am a huge pastrami fan. I like the pastrami you get at Togo's or from the deli counter at the grocery store. What Sam dishes up, however, is beyond any other pastrami sold by the usual sandwich spots. It's not microwaved or taken out of a wrapper. It's a hunk of salted, cured beef brisket that is sliced for you right in front of your hungry eyes. It was extremely good and it surpassed all of my lofty expectations. I had the pastrami on a kaiser roll with the top half dipped in au jus. Au YES. On the side I chose turkey dressing and house pickles. I was very happy with both. The atmosphere could be a little intimidating at first. You walk in and the first things you see are a line of hungry people and the meat they are about to ravenously consume. The line moves at a reasonable pace and the time waiting allows you to change your order in your mind five times because everything looks good. The folks behind the counter were uber friendly and polite. I highly recommend Sam's and I will definitely return to try another one of my favorites: corned beef.
(5)Andrew C.
The prime rib dinner is delicious. The dessert selection is also delectable. The interior is definitely old timey but it's very clean. You can't go wrong with this place!
(5)Sean B.
I have been eating at Sam's since I was a little kid, at both the Watt and Midtown location before it closed. It is still one of the best places to get a pastrami, or prime rib, or any of their daily specials. The food is always good, and the beer is always ice cold. Definitely a Sacramento staple!
(4)Sky S.
My grandmother took me here when I was young and I only went a few more times with her it was a great place. Years pasted, she passed and I met my boyfriend. One of our dates he brought me back here and it brought back so many great memories. Good food and good atmosphere.
(4)Ken M.
I can't figure this place out. Is it a buffet? Is it a bar? Is it an Italian restaurant? It is definitely one of a kind homestyle meat and potatoes kind of place. I witnessed the kitchen hand put new noodles into a pot of old, crusty, dried out noodles. As with other reviews I've read, I don't know what the hype is about.
(2)Lily D.
I absolutely LOVE this place! My mother use to take me here as a small child and nothing has changed since 1975 thus the cafeteria style but would not have it any other way. Food Is good and simple with no frills. Fresh tasty meat. Love the potato and macaroni sale and pies. The mashed potatoes are instant so not fond of that so much. It is the only place I know you can get real meat or even a turkey leg. Pot pies are wonderful and there is always a special of some sort of comfort food special. It is very dark and old fashioned here. Not a date place for sure. But there is no other place quite like it. I have gotten my husband to love it too. I love that i am taken back to good memories of my childhood each time I visit.
(5)Jonathan T.
Can't believe I've lived in Sacramento all my life and never eaten here! First visit 11/2/13. It was a blustery, cold evening and a perfect setting for some hot, home style cookin'. The girlfriend ordered an open face turkey "sam'wich" and I ordered the prime rib dinner. You order cafeteria style, move down the line, and pay at the register. Pick a table or booth, and chow down. Nothing incredibly fancy. Just good old fashioned hot food. We decided it's perfect for the cold months, not so much for hot months. Highly recommended this time of year. Support this Sacramento institution est. 1959. I thought about leaving 4 stars but they hung on to that 5th star with the AMAZING sign outside. It's so huge, gaudy and ridiculous. I love it.
(5)Antonio A.
How this place has 4 stars, I'll never understand. Hell, my fat arse even gave it a second chance. Different items ordered. Same result. Has a slightly funny smell in dining room area. The meats are good quality but lack on flavor. The sides are bland. Did a cook here ever think to a little salt, maybe some seasoning? Maybe they are catering to the palate of the clientele, which every time I have been there has had an average age ranging between 65 and revolutionary war veterans... Would get less stars but like I said, quality of food is high, customer service isn't bad at all, but just needs more flavor. I shouldn't pay $10 for food I could have made better myself... Especially since I am a barely average cook. (But above average in awesomeness)
(2)Ryan H.
German style comfort food. Large portions and lots of choices. I was excited to finally try Sam's Hof Brau after the past year of my wife and friends telling me about this place. I got the pork ribs with a side of cole slaw. The cole slaw was excellent the ribs were horrible. Not sure if it was just a off day but I wouldn't get the ribs again. They were dry and rubbery and I ended up tossing them. The service was excellent and the staff was friendly. They have a large bar also with a decent selection of beer.
(3)Steph G.
This place's sandwiches are great! Even a small sized sandwich was filling for me. I had a roast beef with a slice of Swiss cheese in a Kaiser roll with macaroni salad for a side to share with my friend. The macaroni salad was a bit sweet and I've had better. But my sandwich was delicious. I love how the meat was hot, tender and fresh. It was neither chewy nor tough and the swiss cheese melted easily, creating a creamy layer of cheesiness. The prices are average and they have good carrot cake too! I would like to come back here again.
(4)Mikky T.
I love this place so much to choose from great food is so good drinks are good everything is good. Nice spot to chill mid day and grab a bite and a drink and sit at the bar catch the game. German stuff all over the wall very dark but the food is to die for. Sometimes the line can be a little long but well worth the wait.
(5)Ken M.
Went there the other night and have been there a couple of other times in the last year as my dad likes. Place still seem to be pretty much the same as when I was growing up in the area many many years ago. That's good. Food good, how are you is good and have enjoyed myself all three times and would certainly recommend.
(4)Padraic H.
This place is seriously amazing. I have never been to a Hof Brau before, and my girlfriend recommended we go there some time, so I decided to go with her last Sunday. The decor in this place is awesome, I seriously loved the homey feel in there. I got the open-faced turkey sandwich which was absolutely amazing. The guys at the front slice your turkey directly off of the bird which is awesome to watch because they have some serious knife skills. With the sandwich you are given gravy and mashed potatoes which are both excellent. They drench the entire dish in the gravy which is I loved because their gravy is probably some of the best gravy I've ever had. The prices are also incredibly affordable. My sandwich with a drink only came out to be around $9. I would definitely eat here again.
(5)Jess C.
Nothing like a plate of 6 oz. Prime Rib and some Mashed potatoes, vegetables and a tossed green salad for under $13.00. The gravy is AMAZING and your whole plate swims in it. I tend to stop by here once a year for "family night" but it's the food that I really go for ;). A+++ on price and flavor not to mention $2 BEERS, HELLO!!!!
(5)Jamie W.
I've been coming here on and off the past 30 years and it's always a great meal for the price. I have yet to have a, "salty" meat there yet and I'm talking 100's of meals since I was a kid. The "over weight man" referred to in another post has always been nice. He is a "matter of factly jolly" type of guy considerate of the others behind you waiting, yes waiting, it's common to have a constant line of 20 people making the worth while wait for a delicious meal. Every Saturday they offer German potato salad which is to die for. Be sure to ask for any cut well done, med or rare they are more than happy to accommodate you and as my friend likes to do, "load it up", and they do to a practical point. If you're the type of person that feels rushed because you're in a line, just relax and take a deep breath, it's all in your head as I've never felt that way with any of the carvers, bus staff or cashiers and believe me I'm a picky rushed b*stard 100% of the day. And if I thought the food was bad, I would have stopped going there 29 years ago.
(5)J T.
Sam's has been around for years, and even though it's changed hands several times the menu has remained the same for a good reason. The food is awesome. My wife and I have been eating there for the past 50 years and there is no restaurant in the Sacramento area that can beat the food or the price. You can't go wrong with any thing on the menu.
(5)Stephanie S.
My bf and I went for dinner on a Friday night weird since we are usually sandwich people only at lunch. I had a pastrami sandwich and he had a prime rib sandwich. The meat was delicious! The Au ju for his prime rib was on point! The sides however lacked seasoning. I had the Mac and cheese and he has the mashed potatoes and gravy. Both needed salt an pepper and they still lacked the flavor. My cheese tasted stale and oily and his gravy tasted bland. It ended up being a $30 dinner but really it was $30 for two sandwiches!! Most expensive couple of sandwiches I've ever had. It was a neat place and I'm sure we will be back but I think we will stick to lunch and hold the sides.
(3)Laylah L.
I love this place. I go here strictly for the food, nothing else, and I always get my order to go. Sam's has excellent food and desserts. The chocolate cake and banana creme pie OMGEEE!!! Friendly staff, great prices, and good old fashioned homemade food. This place is truly a gem!
(5)Christina M.
Went for the first time for some St Patrick's day eats. I love Hof Brau German food. Corned beef and cabbage was great as well as the Guinness Chocolate cake!!! They have daily specials that we cannot wait to try. The decor is probably the original which makes this place even better:)
(4)Food S.
The last time I came here was when Tower Records was still in business. The second time didn't get any better. I just don't get why so many people love this place. For the money, I like Sampino's Towne Foods. It is so much better.
(2)Ronda B.
This place is OLD SCHOOL. It's been around since the late 50s. You walk in, get in line, and start your order with the guys behind the glass enclosure. Roast beef, turkey, ham, pastrami, whatever you like. Side dishes like mac & cheese, mashed potatoes & gravy, stuffing, veggies, salads, slaws, pickles. Very traditional hof brau. At the end of the line you pay the cashier, then find a place to sit. Big bar area once you get inside. Is it the best food you'll ever eat? No. But the food combined with the ambience and the senior citizens that frequent the place make it a 4-star experience.
(4)Rebekah T.
When I was little, my grandfather used to take me to places like Sam's. We would pack up in the car and drive out to get a meal so big and filling, it took care of both lunch and dinner and by the time you got home - you were ready to nap. Welcome to classic blue plate specials, slow cooked meats, creamy mashed potatoes and classic salads with rich dressings. Not exactly low cal, but comforting and filling.. Order a slice of pie for dessert, you deserve it. We split a slice of chocolate cream pie. I had the Corned Beef Reuben on Rye, with finely sliced pickles in homemade spices. He had the turkey sandwich which was accompanied by mashed potatoes and covered in gravy (this pic is mouth watering). They have a classic bar which has several beers on tap. Being a fan of hefeweizens, I ordered two Widmers from the bar to accompany our meal - which I couldn't finish. I left so full and feeling nostalgic, although it was my first time at Sam's - it brought back great memories of places that are probably long gone by now.
(5)Omar A.
Great service. Felt like I was right at home in a care free environment. Food was amazing and definitely making a trip back soon.
(4)Yolanda V.
My rating would be a three for the food, but I can't help but give it an extra star for its interior. The interior of this place is so charming and I felt as if I was zapped away from Sacramento and into an amusement park---Knott's Berry Farm to be exact. Ordering food is cafeteria style: wait in line, tell the chef what you'd like, grab a beverage, pay at the cashier, find your seat. When I visited during a weekday lunch hour, most of the clientele was senior citizens, Kiwanis/Rotary Club members, etc. I loved it though, I felt like a happy little girl. There's also a full-service bar, TVs, and popcorn, which I imagine would be great for game nights. Since I visited on a Tuesday, I decided to get the Tuesday special, a Salisbury steak. I also got a side of coleslaw and bread. The flavors were very average and, thus, I was a bit peeved. However, I would give this place another chance and try their freshly carved meats; perhaps that's what I was missing.
(4)Victoria C.
My husband and I were doing a drive down Watt looking for a place to cheer me up, and this was the place which most quickly caught our eye. We wandered in hesitantly and meandered the front for a second or two unnoticed before we had to ask for help on how to begin. We were pointed to the beginning of the cafeteria-style lunch line. The chef/meatcarver apologizing that they were out of some of the food because they had just been hit with the Friday-night rush and we had just missed it. We both ordered roast beef and mashed potatoes, my husband opted for baked beans as his other side dish, while I picked the potato salad. We were pointed to a basket that was completely covered with a napkin and told a roll came with our meal. They were certainly not warm, and looked rather store-bought. We eyed the display case of desserts right near the cashier, but nothing really caught our eye. There was a sign at the cashier talking about higher prices or something and apologizing for the rising costs. Our meal came out to almost $30 for the both of us, so we sat ourselves down at a booth and crossed our fingers that it would be worth it. The roast beef ended up very rubbery and chewy, and while I saw with my own two eyes that the man at the serving station poured au jus onto it, I couldn't taste it at all. I managed to chomp down some of my meat with gravy from the potatoes, which were not terrible but not amazing, and actually enjoyed the potato salad. I decided to reach over and taste my husband's baked beans, and wasn't impressed. I'm almost 100% sure they can from a can. They didn't even get fancy and buy Bush's baked beans. I'm confident they were Beenie Weenies with the hot dogs picked out. The horseradish in the jar on the table seemed like it had seen better days as a layer of water had already separated to the top. The service at the front was nice enough when we needed help figuring out where to start, but once we had gotten our food, we were pretty much another brick in the wall. My husband and I left feeling full, heavy-tummied, but strangely unsatisfied.
(2)Lucy S.
This was the first place I ate at when I first moved to Sacramento, I decided this was also the neighborhood I would stay in. I come here sometimes for the weekly specials, or just for my any day of the week Prime Rib dinner! The open faced sandwhiches are good, especially the turkey, mash and gravy. Desserts, a must eat the carrot cake. The bar is not so bad, good prices on beer and basic drinks. Not a frilly fancy place, but hey, it feeds you right? Since there are not to many hofbrau's in California, when family visits this is the place to go! They get a kick out of an old time restuarant serving up banquet style!!
(4)James T.
Back in the day this place was the bomb. However when the new owners took it over a few years back they changed too many things. Food is really pricy now and feels too much like a cafeteria. Used to love this place hope they can get things back good again.
(3)Ida H.
This Hof Brau has been around for many, many years! And you can tell by the "old school" / "old fashion" interior, that nothing much has changed since the 70's. (1870's or 1970's)? Anyway, I recently came here with my dad upon his suggestion. Apparently my parents love the food. I really hadn't thought about this place in a long time because I think of a Hof Brau that serves a lot of red meat. I'm not a strict vegetarian, but the thought of roast beef, prime rib, tri tip, and ham is just not that appetizing to me. But when my dad mentioned that they also serve a variety of salads, vegetables and turkey, then that sparked my taste buds! To my delight, amongst the large selections of good old home style American meals, I could order white, breast meat turkey that they slice in front of you to your specifications. They give you a choice of gravies, mashed potatoes or other veggies, salad and a roll. As you dispense your own drinks, you stroll by a display case to entice you with other side dishes and desserts. My dad ordered a mixture of white and dark meat turkey and then got a plate "to go" for my mom waiting at home. We decided to sit in the dining area. Fortunately we arrived just early enough to find a table before a long line of people formed at the order counter. The table we grabbed had not yet been bussed from previous diners, but we didn't want to miss getting a place to sit. Strangely, no one ever came to our table to remove the old plates we had piled off to one side. It was a bit uncomfortable to eat next to a stack of dirty dishes, as onlookers may have thought we were eating there all day. But despite the funny inconvenience, our food was worthy of good marks! youtube.com/watch?v=i66E…
(4)Sheryl W.
Our first visit here. A club's Christmas party was hosted in the back room. Interesting place. A new experience. Sam's Hof Brau has been around forever and I wonder why we have never even entered the building before today. Food was good and staff friendly and efficient. Place is old but very clean. A good place to go for groups because you order your own food and pay. No hassle with splitting checks.
(4)Seth G.
Good food, great atmosphere, typical Hof brau haus. Meat was a little tough but the prime rib was good. Sausage and kraut was salty and looked like large hot dogs rather than sausage but it was decent. Lots of sides and desert selection was simple. Especially liked the pricing, dinner, drinks (soda), and dessert for two was $40.00.
(4)Gretchen G.
Restaurants that have been around this long must be doing something right. So my husband and I tried it. It's great for families you get a lot of food for a good price. The menu is simple but the meat is very flavorful. My husband did recommend putting coleslaw on your sandwich says it adds just a little extra flavor.
(3)D F.
We stopped by yesterday 12/26/2013 for lunch and had a prime rib sandwich. It was very tender and tasty. We have eaten there a few times before, also for lunch and it has always been absolutely fantastic food! The young man that slices the portions of meat is very friendly and makes it a pleasure. So far have not been disappointed and would recommend to anyone. If you are a senior 55+ be sure to mention that at check-out and get a discount. Sometimes it pays to be over 50. :-)
(5)N. N.
This review is for their catering services only. When planning my office's holiday luncheon, I came across Sam's Hof Brau. They had a great selection. You could order a roast beef ($185/serves 50), baked ham ($90/serves 50), a roast turkey ($99/serves 40) or prepared meats by the pound. We ended up getting the roast turkey and 8lbs of ham ($8.19/lb). The food was delivered to the office with sides and fixings (two huge trays of rolls, two tubs of cranberry sauce, 2 quarts of gravy, and a gallon of stuffing). There was a 15% service charge of delivery but that also included plates, napkins, and utensils. The delivery was on time and the food was tasty...so why only 3 stars? The process of ordering the food was such a hassle! I constantly played phone tag with them because apparently only a manager could place an order and the manager I had initially talked to was always busy. When I finally spoke to another manager he told me that he would place the order for me but that I had to talk to the first manager to confirm payment. What? Why? It would also take hours and sometimes days for my phone calls to be returned. You get a good product for a decent price so it is worth it when ordering for a party of some sort. Just keep it mind the ordering process itself can be slightly frustrating.
(3)Mr R.
There has been a recent buzz about this place from people remembering it from their youth, so we thought we would give it a try. The place looks like it has not changed much from when it opened. The menu and food has not changed either. The meat is slightly under cooked cut thin and piled high on the sandwiches. The French Dip had little flavor. The Ruben was better. The macaroni and potato salads tasted almost identical. The clientele was mostly senior citizens, which might explain the bland food. The place was very busy for a weekend lunch. We left satisfied and full, but are in no hurry to return. Sometimes our memories are better left that way.
(2)