New Sammy’s Cowboy Bistro
2210 S Pacific Hwy, Talent, OR, 97520
New Sammy’s Cowboy Bistro Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Talent for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Talent for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Talent for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
2210 S Pacific Hwy
Talent, OR, 97520 - Phone (541) 535-2779
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : No
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Romantic
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Charles M.
Another hidden jewel of a restaurant, well-known to locals but an unexpected delight for visitors. Haute cuisine in an unlikely environment. Be prepared to enjoy a long, Continental-style meal prepared fresh for you from locally sourced meats and produce. Tip: The wine list is spectacular, and is not often re-adjusted in pricing. That can yield some fantastic finds.
(4)Joy S.
This place surpassed our expectations and I don't think that it's just because it's been so long since we found a place like this to enjoy a meal. We ordered one price fix menu item and one ala cart with salad and entrée. The price fix menu was the salad with lamb chops and the desert I picked was the peanut butter and jelly tort and he picked the ginger ice cream. His entrée was salad and the steak. Everything was amazing and the service was great. Be prepared to drop some cash but it will be worth it. We brought our own wine in and enjoyed it with a six dollar per person per bottle corkage fee. More than reasonable for what you can get here. Plan on calling in for reservations.
(4)Ron And Anita T.
Celebrated our anniversary at New Sammy's Cowboy Bistro, and it was terrific. The restaurant used to have an outside facade reminiscent of the Bate's Motel right out the the movie "Psycho", but in recent years they have added a more modern adobe styled addition. Inside there's the new part, and the, very quaint, old part. We dined in the old part, with its many menus, posters, wine labels, etc. on the cow wall papered walls, in one of the many nooks and crannies. Started with a glass of champagne, which was good, but at $16 a glass, a bit pricey for my taste buds! Judging from the stacks of empties in the courtyard though, they sell a lot of it. Along with that we had some crackers and olives. For a salad, I had the prosciutto, the best I've ever had, and my wife had asparagus, which was picked that day from Cowhorn Vineyard and Farm, our favorite winery. We both had scallops for the entree, served with Sammy's wonderful bread (sold throughout the Rogue Valley) and olive oil. The scallops were very tasty and we enjoyed them with a bottle of a nice viognier. The menu incidentally devotes one page to the salads and entrees, one page for the dinner that evening, and the following 14 or so pages to its wine list! Very extensive! The dessert we shared was a PB&J sandwich, which is a concord grape gellato surrounded by peanut butter ice cream on both sides with chocolate swirls. Surprisingly good. The service was friendly and helpful and all in all this is a wonderful place for a special dinner out.
(5)Will F.
This is the best restaurant within 100 miles, and one of the best I've been to on the west coast. Emphasis on the ingredients with a lot of local organic elements. Vern and his wife own the place, his wife rules the kitchen and he cares for one of he best wine cellars in America. I've never met a sommelier more friendly and willing to make great suggestions even though I know very little about wine. If I have anything to complain about it's that Vern has made me lazy about learning wine, I just expect the suggestions to be perfect now. If you come here and follow Vern's advice you are guaranteed to get that shimmering explosion of perfect flavor and wine parring. I've never had that happen anywhere else with the frequency it happens here. A true gem, please don't pass this up if you get the chance.
(5)Kathy C.
Had a great table. Interesting choices on the menu. Unfortunately we didn't get served what we ordered. We had waited quite awhile so we were hungry and just said ok to our waiter. The service could use a little help. The one reason I would not go back is that our server gave us our check and when we gave him a credit card , he informed us we would be charged 4% more for using it to pay for our dinner. They never mentioned this when we made our reservation! Really this was too much.
(4)David G.
Best salad I've ever had.
(4)Tony L.
I stopped by here a year ago on my drive from seattle to san diego (I'm catching up on my bookmarked for review on yelp :P). The restaurant a house, it seems like, and has a very rustic homey feel. I'm not even sure how to describe it, because it's so much more than that. I arrived at night and had trouble locating the restaurant because it's located in like a residential area and I drove by it like 3 times without realizing it :P The food didn't blow me away, but didn't disappoint either. it was very tasty and had interesting mix of flavors. the service was very good, and the owner helped me pick out a very good wine pairing for the meal. definitely would stop by again if i was in the area!
(4)Monica T.
See photos here: flickr.com/photos/101298… New Sammy's is one of those destination restaurants that you put on your itinerary if you just so happen to be in the area. Located off a strip of highway between Medford and Ashland in Oregon, its one of the few, if not only reasons, you'd have for stopping in the little town of Talent. We arrived 10 minutes early for our reservation and took that opportunity to explore the gardens (that grew in leaps and bounds around the restaurant) that propagated the grounds surrounding the restaurant. I don't know when the remodel kicked in, but New Sammy's is no longer the shack in the middle of nowhere that even your GPS couldn't be able to locate. It's new terra cotta pink exterior with a hard-to-miss sign is only matched by warm dining room that's still a work in progress. We were served two different amuses along with our bowl of olives and hearty cowboy bread. The white gazpacho with creme fraiche was delicate and everything an amuse should be: delicious, intriguing, while leaving you begging for more. The smoked sturgeon was successful in wholly-built mouthfuls (with a little melon, fig, and farro), but mediocre in and of itself. Soft-cooked eggs are always a welcome surprise, so when I saw it featured on the nightly prix-fixe dinner menu ($42), I decided to be in the mood for salad, trout, and dessert. However, I chose to swap appetizers with my SO who ordered the Corn Custard on my behalf. Bitter lettuces and crunchy endive created the backdrop for the corn, which was made sweeter, creamier, and colder by its foils. While the salad was also accented by prosciutto and hazelnuts, the real stunner were the fresh blueberries that studded my every bite. I never thought of the blueberry as a sensual fruit, but these little tarts were plump, juicy, and ripe for the picking. They gleamed like bright sapphires, quivered at my bite, and awakened taste buds in my mouth that made me blush. This is garden cuisine at its finest. My fillet of trout was butterflied and set atop a bed of vegetables and mushrooms. The combination of oyster mushrooms, lobster mushrooms, and shitake was mature and while subtly earthy, did not make up for the lack of salt in the dish. The contrast of the Meyer lemon-fennel sauce would have really made the flavors pop, but had I not consulted the menu, I wouldn't have even realized it was there. There were pillows of gnocchi so fluffy that I mistook them for unsweetened marshmallows--interesting texturally, but bland on all other counts. The Niman Ranch NY Strip ($38) was a good quality steak on fragrant smoked potatoes, though the squash was too mushy. Desserts were most tempting of all, with a menu skewed towards seasonal fruits and berries. We settled on a frozen tayberry sherbert and almond torte accompanied by a blackberry sherbert. The sharp tartness of the berries were amplified by the dish's coldness. It was one of the best desserts I've had in a long while and there was plenty to go around. Charlene and Vernon Rollins are the power couple behind the kitchen and wine list and hail from Northern California's own Boonville. Charlene works her magic with the food, while Vernon acts as the sommelier. After we ordered, he made a personal appearance at our table to recommend pairings. I hear that the restaurant carries rare vintages and unique blends, but my alcohol tolerance rarely allows me to finish a glass, let a lone a bottle. I love the idea of eating food straight from the source--like the dinner that your mom prepares using the tomatoes from your backyard. With the remodel underway, I only hope that the homey stop doesn't lose its soul. Eat local--eating is believing.
(4)J S.
We made a spur-of-the-moment decision to eat out, and everything in downtown Ashland was full. Hadn't been to Cowboy Sammy's in many years, for a couple reasons; decided to give it a try again. Wow, what an enjoyable meal and dining experience! First, our host was warm and funny - not the silent stiff I remembered. We had to place our food order before we were allowed to order wine, a little quirky but turned out to be WELL worth it. Having read other reviews here, we decided to trust our host's wine choice. When my partner hesitated at the $50 price of the first suggestion, the host quickly made up his mind exactly what we needed - and he was spot-on in terms of picking a wine we enjoyed. Only when we got the bill did we find the price was $40 - very reasonable for this wine, we thought. Trust this man. Quirky point #2: our host proposed that we share a taste of wine with the neighboring table, and ran off to get a couple more wine glasses. He poured us each a small sample from the other's wine. Fun way to connect with fellow dinners, taste different wines, and it reinforced his magic - the wine he'd chosen for each table was just right for the people at that table... Dinner was fabulous. Appetizers were good, but frankly memory of them is washed away by the entrees. My tortellini were incredibly delicate, great flavors. My partner's fish had a thin layer of crisp on the outside, while inside it was moist, pink, translucent - perfectly cooked. We couldn't fit in any dessert on top of it all (though it sounded great!) We'll be back... maybe tonight, can't wait!
(5)Steve B.
Sammy's Cowboy Bistro has a strange name and a stranger, hot purple front door. The back dining room has cows on the wallpaper, and the newer front room is modern chic (and also a lot cooler and more comfortable when the outside temperature hits 100 in summertime Ashland). But the kitchen is wonderful, the menu creative without being weird, and the wine list a treat. Maybe that's why three months before our trip, the only reservation we could get was at 5:30pm. This was our second consecutive year dining at Sammy's, and we weren't disappointed. This year I had the fixed price menu. The amuse bouche was a chilled beet soup, which was cool and refreshing. My folks didn't get the prix fixe, so for some reason got a different teaser in the form of some green beans and fava beans. (The favas were unpeeled, though. What's up with that? Rookie mistake in the kitchen.) They also serve olives warm with a nice rustic sourdough bread. The appetizer was a chicken liver pâté with a small salad, candied walnuts, and stewed prunes. Ok, it sounds awful. But it was delicious! The pâté was smooth and velvety, and the fruit and nuts made a perfect accompaniment. For dinner, I had the black cod, which was seared crisp on one side and served in a broth with some summer vegetables. The vegetables were a little bland, but the fish was buttery and perfectly cooked. The lamb chop was also a big hit. For dessert, I had the plum linzer torte. It was delicious with a buttery, flaky crust and I almost wished I didn't have to share it - although I do prefer pies with fresh fruit instead of the plum jam they used. The wine list is also extensive, and the owner doubles as sommelier, ably guiding us through the list for a perfect pairing. No doubt that next year, we will try to book even further in advance for a prime-time reservation!
(4)Mark S.
This is an Alice Walker type restaurant, where they have their own extensive gardens on site, and that (delightfully) makes up much of what ends up on your plate. Went for lunch and it was one of the best meals I've had in Oregon. Make sure to call ahead because they make day-of reservations for lunch, and they often have to turn people away.
(5)Cheesemonger Jeff D.
Six tables, two seatings, no sign and nearly impossible to get a reservation. Located just outside of Ashland in a small building with no sign, hidden behind a bush - with a busted old arrow sign pointing towards the front door - and viewable only if you're driving towards Ashland, not away from it. The food is all organic with EVERYTHING made in house. It's run by Vernon and Charlene Rollins (who ran the absolutely amazing New Boonville (see note below) in Boonville until they left in the middle of the night to avoid paying years of back payroll taxes - not nice kids), who settled here in the nineties. The food is scrumptious. We were there in the height of summer, and everything was just picked from the garden, or just slaughtered. Mmmm, I can still taste it. They have a set menu for $50 or so dollars, or you can order a la carte. The wine list is encyclopedic and cheap - we had a 1992 single vineyard chinon from a world class producer for $21. That was in 2006. We also had two glasses of 1992 world class Sauternes for $6 a glass. I asked Vernon (the wine steward, waiter and host) about his great prices. he responded: "I ain't running a fucking library! I want to SELL the wine. Going to Ashland next summer? Make your reservations NOW. **back in the day, my then gf and I would drive from SF to the New Boonville for lunch - 3 hours plus each way - that's how good it was. An acquaintance of mine once described it as "so fresh, you could see them slaughtering YOUR chicken in the back before your meal."
(5)Patty P.
I so wanted to love this place---the funny name, the so-called "back story", the odd location, the great reviews, the purple door, the cow wall paper, and the media hype gave me very high hopes. Bottom line, it was just plain weird. The four of us made lunch reservations, hoping we would have a relaxed, high-end meal without paying dinner-time prices. While the food was excellent, the overall experience left something to be desired. The venue itself was just as the other Yelp reviews described. We were seated in the front dining room--a pleasant space that resembled a winery tasting room. There were only two other tables occupied, which struck us as odd for a mid-July Saturday. There appeared to be just three people working... our very flustered waitress who knew nothing about the food or wine, a gruff older man who shuffled around behind the bar and poured our wine, and the cook--who we never saw. The menu offered six choices--all were a flat 15 dollars each. One of us ordered the picnic plate, another ordered the gnocchi, and two ordered the hamburger. After placing our order, we were given a little bowl with a dollop of pureed chickpeas and some pretzel-stickish crackers. Bread came later--but no plates, so we just ate on the copper topped tables and knocked the crumbs on the floor. The waitress snatched away the chickpea stuff the moment we depleted the crackers, though we wished she'd have left it so we could scooped it up with the bread. It was minimal but yummy, and we were hungry. What was the deal with this waitress? We all surmised she was someone's relative who needed a job, or perhaps she was a parent filling in for her sick kid so he/ she didn't get fired. She was nice enough, but just seemed like she had taken a wrong turn at the grocery store and ended up waiting on our table, Ah well, we thought, part of the eclectic dining experience. The food came. As noted above, it was delicious. The burger was one of the best I've ever had. Perfectly cooked, mounded with spinach and goat cheese, on a delicious bun. We had hoped for some nice accompaniments, but the only other thing on the plate was a tiny cauliflower floret and a sparse tablespoon of potato salad. Hmmm. The gnocchi with vegetables consisted of a bowl filled with vegetables and four (count em--four) gnocchi. Nonetheless, the flavors were perfect and this was another hit. The picnic terrine was impressive and attractively presented. The waitress came back... did we want dessert? Yes, we said, we were going to split a piece of chocolate cake. Again, delicious....but we had to remind her several times to bring an extra plate and a couple more utensils. And when we asked her about that distinctive spice in the gnocchi, her response was "I have absolutely no idea" as she scurried back to refill our water glasses. There was something strangely oppressive about the dining experience--I don't know why it felt that way, as the food was great, the space was comfortable, and the price was reasonable. The odd thing was that all four of us got that vibe, and not one of us could put our finger on the source. Maybe it was the really excellent food and service we had had at Peerless and Lark's earlier in the week, or maybe it was the fact that the waitress looked aghast when one of us dared to ask if they had a salad on the menu. Maybe it was the fact hat they had "Nigerian Dwarf Goat Cheese" on the dessert menu (for real) yet didnt have bread plates. Or maybe it was just the curse of high expectations for a place described by the New York Times as the Chez Panisse of Oregon.
(3)Rizza M.
Went back for lunch Memorial Weekend and just as perfect as our last visit. This time I got the Picnic Plate w/Pork Terrine, Chicken Liver Mousse, homemade rye bread, and artichoke to dip in aioli. Going to have to try dinner here soon...
(4)Jeannie W.
This is the first time I've given a restaurant five stars...better food and less pretentious than Gary Danko in SF. (Not to mention less expensive.) Two people: Two courses each, two glasses of wine each, two coffees and one dessert, including tip = $150. Amuse Bouche: Chilled beet soup with creme fraiche topped with wasabi-marinated flying fish roe. I know, you're cringing, right? So was I until I tried it. I don't know how it works, but it does, and it was the most delicious surprise. First Course: Grilled dungeness crab-stuffed calamari with a quinoa, blood orange, black olive, and fennel salad. Yes, yes, yes! Seafood was great, and the blood orange concoction brought it home. Light, flavorful, colorful dish. Second Course: Umpqua Valley lamb loin and rib chops with sugarsnap peas, shitake and black peppermint risotto. The lamb...Oh, tasty little lamb...so perfectly cooked and seasoned. And the sugarsnap peas. Who knew that peas were supposed to taste like that? (Safeway needs to step it up.) Creamy risotto. Not heavy. Not sticky. Just a perfect complement to the lamb. Dessert: Strawberry ice cream torte thing, with raspberry sauce. Fruity, delicious, light. Perfect topper after a fulfilling meal. Coffee comes in your own mini French press. Vern, the owner, suggested wines for each course. Sorry to say I don't remember the names, but I had one CA sauvignon blanc, and one cab/syrah from the Rhone Valley. Both excellent. The background: This place used to be a gas station, was converted into a "slow food" restaurant by Vern and his wife (who hail from the Bay Area). Herbs and veggies are from the garden behind the building. They recently expanded the building so now there are two distinct areas with completely different vibes. Old area has a quaint floral/cowboy decor, is near the kitchen, and is intimate but a little warm/stuffy. New area is spacious, sleeker, cooler, but lacks a little of the intimacy of the other room. Tip: If you're attending a play in Ashland factor in spending 2-3 hours dining here.
(5)Patricia S.
Remarkable! Words won't do it justice.
(5)Robyn C.
Don't be afraid when you get lost. You will be a traffic hazard on a dark and rainy highway north of Ashland as you scan the side of the road for the restaurant. Then, after you've called them, when you pull up to the unlit, dilapidated shack you'll wonder if you are at the wrong place. Your friends will wait in the car while you run out in the rain to peer at the scrap of paper taped to the door. You'll give a nervous thumbs up that it is indeed the place you're looking for. You'll worry about the blacked out windows. Is it a serial killer's restaurant? Are you the main course? Will you have to maim your friends to get out alive? Then you walk through a hallway into a little room with pink trellises and cow wallpaper. Then you'll see the strange quiet man. This will not alleviate you're worry. But I promise you, DON"T BE SCARED! You will be SOOOOO HAPPY! Because they'll bring you a little teeny egg cup with a teeny tiny spoon. Inside is the most delightful soup you've ever tasted and you get to feel like a giant as you savor. THEN you'll find out the quiet tall man is Sammy's dad. And Sammy's mom is in the kitchen cooking, which is why a table can only have 4 entrees at a time. And THEN you find out that Sammy's dad has a wine list of some 18,000 prime vintages for a fraction of the cost. And THEN he'll pick out the perfect one for you and you will LOVE it. And THEN you get the most WONDERFUL green salad and everyone has to taste it and my god it's just a green salad but it's absolutely REVELATORY! And then you get this most FANTASTIC chicken and my god it's only roasted chicken but my GOD it's the roasted chicken you're hoping they serve you in Heaven! The Platonic Ideal of roasted chicken. And THEN thenTHEN BURNT CARAMEL ice cream with a fruit crumb and it is another step closer to the Pearly Gates. And then you get a handwritten hand tabulated check which you happily pay and think is way underpriced (though not cheap). You will walk out into the dark dark rainy unlit night and when you look back at the dark little ramshackle dilapidated abandoned shack it's like it was all a dream. You just had the Perfect Meal, not the vague shadows from Plato's Cave, but the Pure and Perfect True.
(5)Marcia E.
I see a review dated October 24, 2011 which is less than complimentary to New Sammy's.. It is too bad the reviewer didn't understand that this restaurant is SO good he would NEED a reservation to eat here. After all, one can't expect to waltz into the French Laundry and be seated. I personally have enjoyed at least 20 memorable meals in this venerable establishment none of which would garner a rating less than five stars. It would pay prospective diners to read reviews from those who have actually EATEN in a restaurant. Someone who respects fine dining would understand a well run restaurant cannot compromise its standards to accommodate the whims of those who show up at the last minute expecting to be served! Do yourself a favor. MAKE A RESERVATION!
(5)Yaya B.
Our salad and carpaccio were average, but the price was not. Our entrees were fantastic and well worth the money. My cappuccino was poor but our desert was amazing. Our experience was a bit hit and miss. The hits were truly special while the misses were average. Ambiance was a bit lacking but the wine selection, and sommelier, were outstanding. I would go back again but this is not, as it was pitched to us, French Laundry.
(4)joe r.
The 'Chez Pannise' of Oregon. A must visit for those who travel to Ashland. Pricey and a bit self-conscious now: you would be too if you had as much press and accolades as this deserving restaurant. For the back story on this place, google the two New York Times articles on it.
(4)Elizabeth E.
Absolutely fantastic meal (and the lore surrounding the place and its owners only makes the experience all the more fun!). The new section is gorgeous with copper-topped tables and a sumptuous palette. I couldn't take my eyes off the green lights they had running through the back of the wine bar - there was something charming about them! The night's amuse bouche was a nettle soup with a touch of creme fraiche. I had the prix fixe which included a delicious shrimp and chiffonaded mustard green salad and the black cod for an entree - yum to both dishes! BF had the lamb entree which was cooked and spiced perfectly (I'll be darned if I can recall what his app was??). As he put it, eating at New Sammy's was like having a really kick ass chef cook for you in their own home. Each dish held layers of flavor and complexity, but they were served in an almost rustic style. Fantastic! For dessert I selected a molten chocolate cake served with ice cream and BF had the 52 layer crepe. I think we're still trying to get his eyes turned back to normal after they rolled so far back in his head after the first bite! He was smitten from the time we walked in, but that dessert just sealed the deal. And the second amuse bouche dessert, chocolate dipped orange peel, merely made the swoon that much deeper. This is an easy one folks. If you're looking for great food, great wine, a pretty space, great hosts and wait staff and a great place to recommend to friends when you get home from Ashland, be SURE to visit New Sammy's Cowboy Bistro.
(4)Jason M.
We were brought here by some friends as a thank you. They paid a lot (more than I have ever spent on dinner) and we were not impressed with the food. Small portions and questionable taste. It may be a gap in palate between what some people think is good and our group but I doubt it. Arbor House is way cheaper and the food is much better.
(1)dea e.
I just went to New Sammy's for the first time a few weeks ago and had their Thursday night special... "Rillettes De Lapin Au Pommes Et Pruneaux" "Potted Rabbit with apples and prunes on toast" and Paula Wolfert's Recipe for duck liver flan with carmel vinegar sauce and watercress, the entree was grilled boneless duck breast with potatoes cooked in duck fat with garlic and for dessert walnut tart with quince ice cream oh my, what an experience! amazing food and presentation, the duck and potoatoes were by far to perfection, great atmosphere and service I can't wait to go back and try more...
(4)Maggie L.
Came here on my first night of my first trip to Ashland. Delicious! The ambiance is a little strange but it just adds to the appeal. We were sitted at a 6 person table in the middle of the restaurant which didn't provide that much privacy. The food speaks for itself. I ordered the lamb chops with risotto. I wanted to lick the plate! The prices are pretty ridiculous but being from NYC, I'm used to it.
(4)Gin P.
One star is too much! We ordered a half bottle of Puligny Montrachet before dinner, my husband tasted it and gave it the OK but since wine is not his thing he didn't know that something was seriously wrong. I tasted it and knew that if this was indeed what the label said it was it had "turned". I politely told Vern the wine guy that it didn't taste right and he haughtily countered with "Have you ever had French Chardonnay?" I said yes very recently at Le Bernardin in NY I had ordered this same wine and it was delicious. He snapped "what were you doing at Le Bernardin?" Of course that idiotic question begged the reply "cleaning toilets" but I bit my tongue since it was my husband's birthday. I really suspect an empty Montrachet bottle was refilled with some leftover wine and served to us. We have been repeat customers over the years and my husband is on a first name basis with Vern so I was really shocked at this arrogant treatment. Needless to say there are many many restaurants in Ashland with far better food, so we won't be returning.
(1)matthew s.
My wife and I stopped in for lunch on our way up to Selma, based on a friend's recommendation. The lunch menu was minimal yet creative and the food was tasty. I had the burger which was so incredibly juicy and flavorful with the melted goat cheese...yum! My wife had the duck confit. The texture was absolutely perfect and couldn't have been cooked better! The sommelier helped us picked some wines. I had the Sausal Zinfandel from Alexander Valley and it went perfect with the burger. The environment was nice; low lighting, not many tables and very friendly people with a lot of regulars it seemed. Be sure to make a reservation.
(4)Edith S.
We hadn't been to Sammy's for a few years -- the owner had been very rude when we chose not to follow his wine recommendations. We thought we'd try it again after the "remodel" but it still had that weird feeling that things are not quite right. My duck breast must have come off the smallest duck in the Guinness Book of Records. Not one of our party was impressed with the food. Not worth another try.
(2)Alan L.
A classic great place out in the sticks. Another return trip for our gang; had a chance to talk w/ the owner about the construction of the restaurant. All done by 1 young guy --who did a wonderful job. Food again was wonderful, we really enjoyed the little starters that they serve. Great duck, chicken, and lamb for entrees. Fabulous wine list with good advice about what works best with the orders. Never a sense of being rushed. This is a "slow food" experience at some of it's best. A bit expensive but definitely worth it.
(5)Rachel M.
Best dinner we had in Ashland.
(3)Kelly C.
The food is utterly delicious, the wine list extensive. Lovely ambiance, excellent service.
(5)Kennedy B.
went for lunch - only open until 130pm: be there before! Good food [esp. green garlic flan from the garden], good wine pairing suggestions from Vern, all very good. And the back-story is very entertaining ....
(4)gloria s.
We were visiting Ashland, our home away from home. People are friendly & warm. Made reservations at Sammy's for a evening we didn't have theater so we wouldn't be rushed. Decided to go early and have a bottle of wine before ordering dinner. When we arrived were seated and told it would be a few minutes, the waitress gave us one menu to share, they were all being used. After approx. 20 min. we told the waitress we just want to order wine, she said Sammy was at another table we would have to wait...tick, tock, tick tock....no Sammy...This is CRAZY!! We decided to leave. As we're walking out, there is Sammy hanging out at the bar, says, I guess this isn't for you, you were 30 min. early...OMG! This is beyond mashuggah...There are so many restaurants in town that would love our business, why do we need this abusive treatment. Bye, bye cowboy, get on your horse and ride into the sunset. we have eaten there before and were aware they have a reputation for having an "attitude" but nothing this bad. they must think they are the only restaurant in town and you have to "qualify" to eat there.
(1)Geni B.
very classy, has a set menu, i think its different every night or every week. for $55 we got a 3 course meal and 3 glasses of wine. great service and good atmosphere.
(4)Linda E.
I saw New Sammy's in my peripheral vision as we passed it on the highway. (Maybe it's like shooting stars and that's the way to spot it.) I called and made a reservation for the following night. Either I was very lucky or this was meant to be. We were seated i the back room with the cow wallpaper. A little weird, but I wasn't planning on eating the decor. The waitress wouldn't let us order wine before we ordered our meal. She said the Vern would be around to help us with the wine. A bit dictatorial and pretentious. However, his wine recommendations were great. We started with a taste of sorrel soup and a thin slice of sausage/radish composed on a small plate. Nice tastes, especially the soup. My husband had the fixed price meal of a pate, lamb and dessert. The pate was delicious with figs and some kind of praline scattered about. The lamb chops were cooked perfectly and served with a fantastic risotto studded with mint. I'm not a big mint and lamb fan, but it worked. We shared the dessert of a cherry tart and lemon herb ice cream. I ordered off the menu so we could have more samples. I had the terrine first course and could have licked my plate clean. My second course was the quail on kale. It was one of the best things I've eaten. The quail was juicy, stuffed, wrapped, and fried to perfection. The kale was cooked just enough and seasoned with bacon. A definite do again.
(5)Doug K.
We were rather disappointed in Sammy's. Although the ingredients are organic and properly cooked, the dishes are too complex with too many ingredients. Salmon in a 'soup' sil mussels, asparagus, two kinds of beans, mint (not a good choice), spinach, and all sorts of other stuff. We're into California-style cuisine, but this just didn't show the subtlety we're used to. OTOH, the owner selected a very good and reasonably priced ($35) Cote du Rhone that was just right for the meal. My wife had quail that also was just too complex with too many competing tastes and ingredients. We don't plan to return.
(3)Hope C.
My husband and I travel to Ashland every year for the plays and to eat at this fabulous restaurant. I've read all the reviews, and agree with all the favorable ones. The food is fantastic, as is the wine cellar. Because of the restaurant's popularity at dinner time, I hesitate to say this -- but -- you can also have lunch at the New Sammy's. A little less expensive and definitely less crowded, but the same delicious food and wine. We have eaten both lunch and dinner at New Sammy's many times over the years, and we've never been disappointed. We count it as one of our top-five favorite restaurants.
(5)Ron S.
No real complaints, just not exciting. Reservations honored. Corkage policy a little strange. $6 per person per glass or $6 for one person, $12 for two and if three couples share a bottle the corkage is $36. No typo-thirty-six dollars for that one bottle. They do waive one corkage fee for each bottle bought from their list. Food was mediocre to very good, a little inconsistent. Service pleasant and efficient. Courses nicely space. You don't feel rushed. Your enjoyment here will depend on your dinner companions. You will not leave hungry, disappointed or excited. I would go back, but would rather try other places.
(3)S B.
Simply put, in reference to every other review on this page, DITTO DITTO DITTO. I was out on a business trip and dined here and the food was amazing. When I first read the menu and the combinations of flavor about to be served I was a bit hesitant. The food arrived and it was astonishing how you could taste everything separately and also how the flavors came together. Definitely more expensive than just a Friday night dinner but well worth it....that is of course if you can get a table. Apparently our reservations were made 1 month in advance. You must try Sammy's.
(5)Eliza G.
Amazing! Amazing! That is all I can say. Absolutely with out a doubt the **best** meal I have ever had in my life. And I have travelled all over the world.! Sat in a cute little room only big enough for two tables. Very french country with cow wallpaper. My husband and I both had the salmon which was cooked perfectly and resting in a light broth so delicious I wanted to pick up the bowl and just slurp it down. Accompanying the salmon and broth were simmered fresh garden vegies and bits of pork belly. I cannot describe it in such a way that expresses the phenomenal tastes that layered and unraveled across my tongue with each bite. Just Amazing Oh, let Vern choose your wine for you.
(5)Jeff M.
Make sure to bring cash or a check book as they charge patrons 4pct extra to use a credit card. The owner claims this is because the credit card companies charge him 6pct which either indicates he's getting ripped off worse than anyone I've ever heard of ever or he is lying as typical credit card processing fees for restaurants depending on type of card should be between 1.5% to 2.25%. Ok to encourage cash use when you're selling $2 tacos, not ok at a fine dining establishment. Now onto the food. The wine list is impressive and I actually really enjoyed the rule that the owner Vern pours every glass - he comes off as a sweetheart and that's not only because he was giving me alcohol. The restaurant features a prix fixe menu which includes an app, main, and a dessert for $54 the night I was here. I went a la carte as I'm not much of a dessert guy and had the egg salad as an appetizer and the grass fed short rib as a main. Both my dishes came out a bit slow and tasted good but certainly not exceptional. The ribs were cooked perfectly but there was something from a flavor profile missing from the dish to make me really excited.
(4)Tropical T.
Its a true little country French Bistro. Some modern areas inside some country French. The food is country French. I think it is the quintessential from garden to table food. It seemed to me everything was sourced locally and in season. My only criticism is there's too much going on on the plates. But that's might just be me. Had the garlic flan, with morels, black garlic, nettles,.. There was just to much going on on the plate. It was good but too many flavors and too big for an app. Next... beef short ribs. Delicious cooked perfect but again a lot going on around the plate in the form of spring veggies and beans. My girl had lamb chops , local,seasoned perfectly , cooked perfectly but again all kinds of stuff under them and around them. Don't get me wrong it's just my personal preference to be perfect and simple on the plate. The chef in the kitchen knows food and how to execute perfectly cooked Vegis or meats or fish. Oh yeah we had a great cheesecake and cappuccinos for dessert. By the way one owner in the kitchen one owner on the floor. The gentleman paired glasses of wine with our dinners mmmmmm yummy. I would go back to Sammy's its one of the places to go while in Ashland and it's just maybe maybe 10 mins out of town.
(4)Jon T.
An indulgent oasis that plays a tyrannical tune. My senses were treated to a highway 99 hideaway that purred with personality and delivered eye-rolls, yes that's a compliment, which is scarce in the valley. Take a small loan out and drink away the bill because this a special treat. Digs: It might have been the car's RPMs screaming or our stomachs growling but we nearly missed the miniature Californian-villa on highway 99. We swerved into a gravel patch that snuggled 10-15 cars, valet was in the farmer's field next door (joke); the building was nearly residential by it's lack of instruction on where to go for the main entrance; the shrubbery enjoyed the real estate and fought over the more manicured vegetation; we followed a walkway around passed a stoic feline to an empty patio dressed with bottles stacked upon themselves in a fashionable but random arrangement; Menu: It's was two pages of food then a chapter of wine...10+ pages; a wino's paradise; Ate: Green Garlic Flan, Morel Mushrooms & Asparagus - carefully flavored veggie trimmings but the only downfall was the flan itself, nearly tasteless with no personality; Polenta & Chevre, Black Beans & Pickled Grapes - a creamy balanced plate that made me moan for more grapes - pickled grapes?!; Roasted Quail & Sweet Potato with Asparagus - a tender little bird that slipped off the tiny bones like your favorite pair of pants (wha?); a medium-rare meat with a seasoning that legitimized the hype behind this little creature; Drank: - Warning - I'm a level 1 wino snob, aka I have no clue regarding the wine world; - Recommendation - rely on the owner/ wine server/ Sommelier? to choose the bottle, Cowhorn 20 Grenache - a little spice but waves of dense fruit, layers to decode; I like an adventure and the edibles bonded like a sweet non-violent martial romp; French Grenache Dessert Wine - a small but heavy sipping nectar shared among the four of us; not overpowering compared to other dessert wines; it capped our buzz-worthy night; Service: Fluttering around our copper tabletop was a charming Nicole Kidman lookalike. She had a pre-Scientologist inspired glow of pleasing and adhering to our questions no matter how ridiculous. We were informed of a house rule that declares "only the owner may serve the wine"; we followed this law and let the lord of Sammy's choose the wine for the chosen meals; Reservations: - Call ahead; they book early like a week in advance early; yes that's crazy for the Rogue; Overall: Like watching your 2nd favorite Wes Anderson movie over again, it's a unique situation with quirky local rumors to share. Supposedly the chef/owner makes every dish herself with very little support, which is shocking on multiple levels. It's an aging culinary mirage in a desert valley that would only be seen in a Portland or a San Francisco. Pay your dues, spoil your date and with a little patience you will be granted a memorable luxury.
(4)Christy M.
We made our annual pilgrimage to New Sammy's and it was as fantastic as ever. I appreciate it more every year. 'Summer in a bowl' was true to its name, and the suckling pig was bathed in a perfect sauce. Thanks again to the Rollinses for continuing to maintain such a wonderful establishment!
(5)Jared M.
The food is creative, nutrisious and delishious.
(5)Samuel L.
Was so excited to goto this restaurant... It was fair, but the pretentious attitude of the owner has kept me going back. Food was good, not great, and my wine selection was scoffed at... There are many meals I can get that are fabulous in the area for less than $100 a plate.... Will give it a shot again with lowered expectations.
(3)Peaceful O.
Their hours are posted that they are open until 1:30. I arrived at 1:20 and was told they were closed because they had to prepare for dinner....
(1)Allison S.
If you ever go to New Sammys, I highly recommend that you eat ahead of time. And by this statement, I am clearly joking by stating: avoid wasting $100+pp of your hard earned money on this place. The portions are small, flavorless, and arrive late at best. We were at our table for 1 hour after ordering a bottle of wine by the time our first "course" of three pieces of broccoli with two 1" pieces of seared beef arrived. Not only had we polished off our wine already & were starving to the point where anything would taste good (and that it did, for one...okay two, measly seconds of our life) while out on a "romantic" valentines dinner, we were already over it. It was one of the worst representations of so-called fine dining I have every experienced. I've eaten at some of the finest restaurants all over the world, and while I'm happy eating a $1 taco on the beach in Mexico, I assure you, my pallete is refined. Do not buy into the Ashland local BS. It's propaganda that expands from what was previously "New Sammys" when the chef was the now current owner/Manager & although may play a part in the menu, he was certainly not in the kitchen last night. They previously served around 10 people only one night a week or less, in a personal chef manor. Bless him for trying to carry out what his reputation had proceeded him, but the effort has not fulfilled itself. Let's face it, when you commit yourself to a 5 course meal instead of ordering off of a menu, there is a point where you are just "stuck". The first course is awful, you think, "eh, the next one will be better.." and you continue to convince yourself od this theory until the dinner is finally over (2.5 hours later). Then, in a "I guess I am not that hungry anymore" kind of attitude, the bill arrives. Inside you are cheering because you finally get to leave but your heart sinks into your chest when you realize you have just spent twice the amount on this dinner than you would at a 5 start restaurant in San Francisco... (Or, a Cirque De Soleil show, a broadway in NYC - shit, a flight to LA!). You catch my drift? I'll close by also mentioning that not a single item arrived at a pleasing tempurature besides the frozen dessert. Cold, bland, and I assure you there is not enough salt in the the baltic sea that could improve a single bite. Nor is there enough "frill" or flower petals you can array over a piece of broccoli to make you think "that was totally worth it".
(1)Bill L.
Ate lunch at Sammy's in mid-April and found it to be a very good place. Yes, the owner is a bit quirky but we found him enlightening about the wines (so did my brother who is an ex - sommelier) and very interesting dishes. Will go back in the near future!
(4)Lexie V.
This place is outrageously delicious and bizarrely surreal every time. Eating here is akin to walking into a time warp, but man, the food is out of this world. LOVE IT HERE. Expect to have a hard time finding the place. Expect to have a hard time finding the entrance too. Expect a leisurely, 3 hour meal. Expect wine pressure from Vernon, the owner, who knows exactly what you should drink so trust him there. Expect cows, sombreros and maps altogether as acceptable, trippy decor. Expect the weird, then expect to be delighted despite that. This place is a TRIP and by far, the greatest restaurant in the entire rogue valley.
(5)Echo F.
Despite the stellar reviews, our experience was so negative that we walked out before ordering mostly due to the rude "vibe" of the server & staff. I note that other reviewers have had similar experiences to ours, so this is not an isolated incident. We asked if we could have an extra candle so that we could see to read the menu in the VERY dimly lit dining room and were told 'no.' And then--even though it was the first seating of the evening on a Friday night and we were the only people in the restaurant--our server announced that about a third of the items on the menu wouldn't be available, with no apology or explanation. We all had the sense that the staff wasn't that interested in having us there. Frankly, the menu on offer wasn't that interesting either. We hadn't tried Sammy's since the late 1980s when the owner started the place after migrating to Oregon from California. So the six of us left and took our $450 dollars of business to a MUCH better environment: The Loft on the Plaza in downtown Ashland. Can't recommend Sammy's..and won't be back EVER.
(1)Stephan B.
What a find! The food is incredible you don't want to talk while eating so as not to miss a taste. The owner is charming the building is very nice don't miss it
(5)Donna B.
The Shakespeare Festival is not complete without dinner at Sammy's - it is always excellent !
(5)Emily S.
An absolute treasure in Ashland! Our last visit was over a decade ago, and our dinner at Sammy's last night was as good, if not better, than I remembered. Our timing was ideal in September, as 99% of the veggies served were homegrown in their garden. Makes such a difference! I enjoyed a "bowl of summer," a bowl of fresh, delicious veggies, and the lamb, which melted in my mouth, surrounded by a medley of kale and other perfectly seasoned veggies. Hubby enjoyed a green salad and the pork chop. When the food is this good, dessert is a must (or two!). We had a cream puff with an amazing local-flavor ice cream and strawberries, and a lemon-almond cake with Meyer lemon ice cream and blackberry sauce, paired with a scrumptious multi-flavor Missoula tea. Yeah, we pretty much just rolled out of the place with happy, full bellies.
(5)Matt G.
I wanted to be able to write a good review. I had high hopes. We were a party of nine for a gathering. We arrived and there was not exactly a warm welcome. It took 15 minutes to get a drink order and the service was slow. I could have overlooked the service if the food was spectacular but it was not up to what it costs. There are better restaurants in ashland. I did like the quaintness of the place and the wine list is fairly priced.
(2)Boris G.
My girlfriend and I had lunch the other day. They only serve from 12:00-1:15, so make sure you call ahead and get a table. Since most lunches cost about 10-15 dollars any where else, $15 plates of food here is a great deal. I had the burger that is all natural Oregon beef on house made brioche with a mind blowing combo of sautéed spinach, fresh goat cheese, crumbled bacon, caramelized onion, house made aoli, and organic ketchup. My Girlfriend had this amazing artichoke, prawn dish with a cornucopia of awesomeness. But they have also rock fish stew, manilla clams, baked eggs with farm fresh vegetables etc.....Charlene is an incredible chef of huge knowledge of french and European cuisine made with farm fresh organic produce and farm raised meats she gets directly from ranchers and farmers. Vernon has been in the wine industry for 40+ years all over the world. He has an incredible wine list and can help even the most demanding of wine connoisseurs. This place is a must on the list of experiences. And we haven't even done dinner yet! I'm sure its even more mind blowing. They also fill the place with fresh flowers they grow in the back yard, beautiful!
(5)Gina C.
It's so nice to get a good dinner on a road trip! People were lovely, food was great, and they had a great wine selection. Grass-fed short ribs were our favorite!
(4)Toni M.
We had another exceptional dinner here tonight. Food and service were incomparable. Nina and I had the prix fixe dinner, which featured lamb chops. We had smelled the lamb cooking as we walked up, so for me the choice was foreordained. Alan had steak and Larry had salmon. The amuse bouche was a little cup of white gazpacho and a lamb dolma, which we shared. We were all delighted w/our meals. Every year it's different and every year it's exceptional. I've never been disappointed w/ a meal here. Portions are generous. We were given an entire sliced loaf of a hearty, crusty bread which paired well w/ the assertive olive oil. They will stop accepting credit cards next year but will accept cash and checks, so be prepared.
(5)Landon S.
Expensive and Overrated...much like my ex-girlfriend. Waitstaff were unfriendly and it took forever to get our food. Heard great things about this place and left super disappointed.
(2)Samantha S.
Being seated in a humid and uncomfortable corner of the restaurant was only the beginning of the worst dining experience I can recall.... After being seated, we politely asked for our sparkling wine to be opened and chilled on ice. Our server was unable to accommodate this request without explanation and we preceded to wait 35 minutes for the owner/ sommelier to open our bottle and pour our first sip of bubbles. Even before receiving our first glass we were pushed several times to place our dinner order so the owner could send the kitchen home (we had 8:00 reservations and it is 8:45 before receiving our wine). Simply put, we did not stay for dinner as the service was painfully slow, un-attentive, and even condescending. This is unfortunate because the food is lovely and memorable. I only wish the service was equally established and attentive.
(1)Michael H.
Its a great place if you like dealing with a crotchety old man that is full of himself and will if you bring in an exceptional wine sneak a glass for himself and you like a very limited menu that might not suit your tastes. The bread is good but you can buy it at the thursday market at the armory.
(1)Jan B.
We have been going to New Sammy's for over a decade on our annual trek to Ashland. Our first couple years it felt like we had stumbled upon an amazing, well kept secret and the food rivaled any 5 star SF restaurant. The quirkiness of Vernon, owner/sommelier was endearing. Fast forward to 2014 and our party was disappointed in the horrible service, frozen tuna, and Vernon's outright surliness. By 8:00 they were out of the salmon and duck, only 3 orders left of two other items. On a Sat night. And like other reviewers, it took 45 min before we finally got our wine. We have such great memories of New Sammy's but think Vernon needs to retire. Also the 4% surcharge on all credit cards, not explained when calling for reservations had all of us perturbed. Sadly, we will not be back.
(1)Hope M.
Unexpected amazing meal at the Cowboy Bistro in Ashland, Oregon. Sounds like it would be barbecue, actually authentic French cuisine, a savory flan and all. One of the best meals ever.
(5)Lori K.
Didn't know what to expect from the odd name, but New Sammy's ended up delivering a solid meal. Our dinner started off with delicious homemade bread served with olive oil. The amuse bouche for the night was some chilled herb soup with creme fraiche, which got better and more refreshing with each bite. Everyone's entrees were delicious. The flavors were bold and everything was cooked perfectly. My lamb was tender and juicy and tasted great with the risotto. I also tried my sister's chicken breast, which had a fantastic herb crust and came with really tasty orzo. For dessert we had the 52 layer crepe (26 layers of crepes and 26 layers of hazelnut spread sandwiched in between). Although the concept was unique, I can't say that I enjoyed it as much as I anticipated. I mean, who wouldn't order a dessert with a name like that? All those layers made it a little too dense for me. We also tried the coffee ice cream and cookie, which was VERY strong, so watch out if you're sensitive to caffeine. The country decor gives this place a quaint feel. Service was decent that evening. Prices are a little on the higher end, but the food is great and portions are pretty decent, so you'll get your money's worth. Overall, a great place to try!
(4)Alicia N.
Sammy's appeared on my radar one day while looking at a listing of James Beard restaurant award nominations a few years ago. I was shocked when I saw a local restaurant on there, and not in Ashland, or Medford, or Jacksonville, but the modest hamlet of Talent. Now, the appearance of the restaurant is unassuming. You might pass it several times wondering if you are in the right spot. Even once you get there you might still be confused. You have to walk down the path around the building to get in at lunch. The original dining room is homely at best. Odd cow curtains or wallpaper or something, and just out of place for a restaurant with such a reputation. The lunch room is quite different. Copper accents, limited seating, wrought iron and quite cozy and appealing. That was all good, but we came for the food. Amazing, by the way. Only the freshest on-site produce and locally farm-sourced ingredients and thus a rotating menu. Dinner is pricey, but it is THE best restaurant in the Rogue Valley. Read the menu and pick what sounds good to you. Chances are it will be incredible. The only sommelier I have ever seen is the owner himself. Quite a character. The best value in the area...lunch at Sammy's. $15 for 2-3 entree choices. I have had the hamburger, lamb meatballs, the duck confit salad, lamb burger, well, the duck confit salad many times. All superb. The one dish I have tried and not loved was a pork stew my dad ordered on a visit from the Bay Area. He wanted to eat my duck confit salad! Honestly, try the salad, or just about anything. They do not accept lunch reservations until the day of, so you are best to call in the morning.
(5)Sarah E.
New Sammy's is a gem - the wine list is excellent and the prices on wines are very good. It is probably one of the most diverse international wine lists in the state of Oregon. But let's not forget the food! The food is imaginative yet approachable and the seasonings are spot on. The parmesan cheese flan with vegetables is wonderful, This restaurant does beautiful things with vegetables and I am not a vegetarian. The prix fixe menu is good value and the desserts are a knockout. The only negative is the completely weird décor, but you really don't notice it when you are enjoying the wonderful meal. It's nice to get a little off the beaten track from the Ashland tourist scene and enjoy a memorable meal.
(4)Scott M.
First the bad: the distance it is from our home. Now the good: The food!!! The service!!! The wine list!!! The atmosphere!!! You will spend a bit more here but it is totally worth it.
(5)Debby K.
Well first off I wish I had remembered what Suzanne F's review had said, but I didn't and we showed up at their "door" without reservations as well... But first you had to find the door, in the dark and with no other sign than the one that said, entrance with an arrow pointing around the corner, or something like that. After wandering around a bit the hubby went and tried the infamous curtained french door and low and behold we were inside! Then we got the chick with the attitude who said it was reservation only as we looked at the 5 empty tables at 8pm. I believe there are two dining areas with a total of 10 tables, one was occupied in the front area. She said it may not look like they're busy, but... Then looked at the man behind the bar who gave her a nod and she said that she would check with the chef and we should look at the menu to make sure we wanted to eat there - what she meant was, if we could afford their fare! So we did get in WITHOUT a rezzie...but had to deal with her snobby attitude all night. We were served a lovely little tray of olives, the pits we disposed of on our bread plates, but as soon as we finished the olives she took the tray and our bread plates. Then they served a basket of bread and butter, but we had no plates, so we asked for another bread plate and she said "oh we don't use those" just put the bread on the table! The tables, btw, were fabulous and made out of hammered copper. I had the lamb "dinner" and my honey had the steak - it was good but not fabulous, certainly not fabulous enough to make up for the "attitude"! After our meal she told us about dessert and we said we weren't interested and then she said it came with our meal, and just how were we to know this? Then to make matters even worse I woke up at 2:30 am and my lips were completely swollen & throat felt like it was closing up - must have served me something I was allergic to, although at 54 I have never experience this before. I know we won't be back - too many other wonderful restaurants out there who will happily take our moolah!!
(2)Courtney R.
We had herd wonderful things about this restaraunt, but unfortunaly we never got to try the place. When we arrived the first thing the waitress said was "oh" then the manager said "sorry folks does it look like there is room for you? We are full". He never told us a wait time he just said he couldn't serve us. Then when we asked for recommendations, he said "make a reservation". I have never dealt with such rude service in my life.
(1)Julia R.
For Southern Oregon and far Northern California, this place is fan-cy. I found it in a magazine that touted its wine list and unique back story: owners had a restaurant in wine country that went bankrupt. They closed up overnight and left without dealing with investors. The story goes that the investors went to the trouble of seeking this place out just to enjoy the food again. So there you have it; I really wanted to try this spot. Visited for mother's day with my mother, sister, and grandmother. Really liked the low lighting, unique metal work on the tables, and just about everything else about this place. Owners were working, and made good suggestions on wine pairings. They only had one fish dish left when we arrived, so others had chicken and vegetarian options. Food arrived and was very good- wine pairings were on point. Very few tables- I recommend reservations. Food here is very pricey, as is the wine. For the four of us, the bill came to over $300 for 4 entrees and a bottle of wine. However, it was a very nice night for the fam and I wouldn't hesitate to visit again for a special occasion.
(5)Jen K.
This was an interesting dining experience. Nothing about the menu or decor is cookie cutter. It was a nice surprise that the restaurant was so close to downtown Ashland (less than a 10 minute drive from our hotel) and easy to find right on Highway 99. We were seated in a cozy back area with two tables. The food menu is very limited (six or seven entrees between $25-$40) or a three-course set meal for $48. The wine menu, which they call the limited menu, is at least ten pages long. We all found something wonderful on the menu for our main course. I had the seafood broth with mussels, cod and shrimp. The others had lamb with asparagus and artichoke and a New York strip steak with three different purees (potato, swede and parsnip). Before our meal was served we were presented with an assortment of olives and a hearty cowboy bread with oil. For dessert we tried the Meyer Lemon Tart with lemon ice cream and huckleberry sauce (a little too much lemon) and the Bison Brewery Chocolate Stout ice cream float over vanilla bean ice cream. It was so odd, I had to try it. The waitresses were wonderful and the owner, Vern, greeted us when we arrived and came by the table at the end of the meal to ask if we enjoyed ourselves. He was gracious, but not overly friendly. Perhaps because we didn't seek his counsel while ordering wine and only ordered a single glass. I enjoyed the meal, but it wasn't out of this world fantastic, and the decor was not my style. I am a person who embraces color, but it was really outlandish. We were also seated in the older section of the restaurant which had cow print wallpaper (the menu had the same theme) and cutesy floral prints. Definitely not the hip and happening joint, so I don't think it is a good place for a young couple looking for a romantic date spot. But, I always enjoy trying someplace new and unique and this certainly fit the bill. Even the bill came with an interesting touch. Rather than your typical mint, it came with quince dipped in dark chocolate.
(3)Jacqueline W.
(It's a 4.5, really, but it's a more special place than a general "4 stars because I solidly liked it"). $150 will, as another reviewer noted, get two people a 3-course dinner (whether pre-fixe, or a la carte), and two glasses of wine each, and everything will be delicious... but some things will be more delicious than others. There's a lot of lore around New Sammy's - locally and on the review circuits. We found it to be intimate fine dining in a lovely ambience, without a lot of mysticism or attitude... we expected a much quirkier experience, but were not disappointed at all with the very subdued, elegant meal. One thing that makes New Sammy's so special is that it's difficult to find words to accurately describe its ambience, and even its food. The renovated side is gorgeous, and the service was wonderful. He ordered the pre-fixe dinner, and I ordered my courses individually. We were brought olives to start, along with what can be best described as crostini, but that doesn't do justice to the delightful crispy bread-like flat sticks. We were then served what can best be described as a cold soup of French sorrel and creme fraiche. Also, before any part of our order came. Incredible. Perfection. Wine: We gave the co-owner/sommelier our food order and he suggested wines, which we went with. We told him we were interested in wines by the glass, and he was very helpful and friendly. We didn't know what we'd be paying, but when we got the bill the wines were $8 each - he really could have gouged us, and didn't. Big points for that. First course: His was a shrimp salad (not doing justice to its delicacy and creativity), and mine was prosciutto with polenta, melon, and walnuts. Spectacular - both dishes. Main course: He had fish, and I had lamb. His was very good, but definitely the weakest part of the dining experience. My risotto was delicious, and my lamb was good (but not amazing). We were a little disappointed, but only because everything before had been so stellar. In a vacuum, the dishes were very good. Dessert: This was the show-stealer. He ordered a 52-layer crepe with chocolate and hazelnuts. This is not a crepe house nutella concoction. It was essentially a slice of cake created by layering 52 individual thin-as-paper crepes, with chocolate into a Spanish tortilla-esque dense confectionary masterpiece. I couldn't stop myself from ordering the whiskey ice cream, with Scottish shortbread, and bourbon soaked figs. Incredible. Absolutely incredible. Desserts are also $9 - not bank-breaking. It's a spluege place for sure, but if you're thinking about New Sammy's, you're likely on vacation... what better time to splurge?
(5)Albert P.
These guys are amazing. I have 20+ years in food service and I still go here for lessons on good service and quality food. Call ahead like 9 months in advance but it is so worth it. Just writing about it makes me wanna drive down there. I wish they had a Seattle location.
(5)Suzanne F.
We were driving back to Portland from Berkeley & were hungry. There were 5 of us & we order well. This place refused to let us eat there - apparently one MUST have reservations, there are NO seats available for drop-ins, one cannot eat at the bar, & over all, it felt like a restaurant version of The Bates Motel. The front door was locked, tho' the sign said "Open", another sign said to go around the side for entrance, the magenta-painted French doors had some weird amoeba-like tentacle curtains on them. The host didn't even attempt to be welcoming. I had had my suspicions - the words 'cowboy' & 'bistro' don't quite mesh to my way of thinking, but I was game. Now, after our brief experience here, I wouldn't stop here for anything. The garden's pretty, but you know what? There are thousands of pretty gardens up & down OR & CA & all of them would be more welcoming than this place. No thanks, I'll tough it out & eat trail mix back to PDX.
(1)Nick N Parker S.
Absolutely the BEST food in SO. Oregon! I'm writing this review because some of the ignorant people who took the time to write a review when they didn't even eat there!.... because they were butt hurt they didn't make themselves a reservation which I have never been turned down for the same day reservation I must say!!!! I hate hate hate when people mess Yelp up because they're mad. Yes there are only around 10-12 tables and the food is awesome so you need a reservation! Vern the owner is magnificent and his wife cooks everything and it is heaven! Thus another reason you need reservations! You can usually call the same day for reservations. There is no bar... as another Yelp hater suggested.... " "why can't we sit at the bar since we don't have reservations?" -Debbie K. Why you ask? This is a classy place Debbie K. it's not a bar and there is no happy hour sorry to disappoint you!! Its were they serve the wine and espresso from... you need a reservation!!! This place is welcoming, comfortable, friendly and most of all delicious! If you haven't been there go! Just call ahead even if your on your way! Just call! Also they serve lunch now!!
(5)Mitra W.
Minus 1 star because the place was sooooo quiet that I felt a little uncomfortable. The service was great. The owner picked out a delicious bottle of wine for us right within our price range and the server was very sweet and attentive. The food was to die for. We just ordered one of everything and loved every single dish. Highly recommend and will return next time we are in the area.
(4)Lindsey G.
I'll make my review quick. This eatery is very expensive and I have certainly dined in other establishments that have the same level of quality for less. I don't want to sound cheap, but the cost is too high. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the food. Quite delicious and the plates were beautifully presented. The menu changes with the seasons. Beautiful outside, but the inside reminds me of the early 90's. It's not terrible, just strange. I'll try anything once and I'm glad I gave the Bistro a chance. In the future it will come down to whether I feel like spending $200 on satiating myself or giving that money to a person in need, also providing me that warm feeling in my belly.
(4)Janet J.
My new favorite restaurant in the Ashland area. If you can get a reservation, this is a "must eat" place for the serious diner. Verne will suggest the perfect wine pairing for your meal and you will leave a very satisfied customer. I've never had a bad meal here.
(5)Eric B.
REVIEW #900! Gayle and I usually end up having at least one "kick ass" dinner as part of our annual trip up to Ashland. Our 2+ hour dining experience at New Sammy's Cowboy Bistro was one such destination meal. We will definitely be back next year and maybe also for lunch. One interesting coincidence is that Gayle had a similar stellar dinner at the Boonville Lodge about 22 years ago. Our hosts, Vern and Charlene Rollins previously owned that well-regarded restaurant and served that meal during Gayle's visit. The details of the subsequent closure of the Boonville Lodge and their later relocation to Oregon have been well chronicled in mainstream publications and the Anderson Valley Advertiser. And despite the fact that Gayle kicked me under the table for bringing that subject up, I was very impressed on how honestly, kindly, and willingly he talked about those experiences. New Sammy's Cowboy Bistro is an easy drive from Ashland and perhaps a little bit challenging to find as you're driving down the somewhat cluttered areas of the Talent/Phoenix area. The entrance to the restaurant is through the purple doors on the right side, not through the front double doors. We were both impressed that Vern opened the door for us and promptly addressed Gayle by name. We were then led through the new bar/lounge area and into a cozy and comfortable back room that is part of the original restaurant. Gayle likened the decor to a quaint French country cottage. We were then promptly served a nice assortment of olives and bread sticks. And after the other couple in the room left for the theatre soon after, Gayle and I had our little romantic corner of New Sammy's to ourselves. Gayle ordered the quail (including kale grown in the family garden) and I opted for the Arctic char. Both were fresh and delicious, featured 2 completely different taste sensations, and went very well with the moderately-priced French wine that Vern personally recommended. I thought the wine selection process (from an extensive list) itself was helpful, unpretentious and casual. We also enjoyed a nice blue cheese with poached cherries salad and the little extras served throughout the evening. That included a tasty beet-based puree, warm cowboy bread, and small cookies at the end (with the hand written cheque). For desert we shared and enjoyed a layered chocolate torte with ice cream. And when you combined that with Vern's personal attention and a very friendly and gracious waitress, it was about as close to a perfect couples evening as you can get. Well, not as perfect as proposing to Gayle at Sociale.......
(5)Lindy B.
Here's what I'm going to say about New Sammy's...it's located in the right place...Talent...because Charlene has a heck of a lot of talent in the kitchen and Verne has a heck of a lot of talent with the wine list. It's quiet obvious that they LOVE what they are doing. Charlene puts together some amazing tastes, sometimes it "reads" like too many, but once on the plate and in my mouth...amazing. And Verne knows exactly what to suggest in wine; and it's not about an expensive wine, it's all about the right wine...trust him. Anytime I am going to be near Talent, I'm stopping by for a bite of heaven at New Sammy's. Giddy-up! LindySez: Ask Verne if you can see the "whole" wine list...it's amazing!
(5)Frank W.
Well, we had a rare feeling walking out of Sammy's. We felt as if we had not paid enough for dinner. Don't get me wrong. It wasn't cheap. However, the meal was terrific. Excellent food, excellent wine, attentive service, etc. I had the garlic flan and the suckling pig (really just pork; they did not serve me alone an entire piglet). Others at the table had three different appetizers and the steelhead trout and the bacon wrapped quail. There was nothing short of fabulous in quality of ingredients, care of preparation, or overall presentation. The sommelier came over. He is the male part of the owner couple. We wanted champagne, white wine, and red wine. All half bottles, so we could try all these flavors without drowning in booze. I asked him to pick. I mentioned "moderately priced." After he left, I was a little worried. Their wine list, the big one you have to ask for, is more than a hundred pages, with bottle after bottle after bottle in the three figures, stuff I had only barely heard of. He brought back three excellent choices. They were great. And when he brought the check, I was astonished. The champagne (actual champagne, from Champagne) was the most expensive. But even it was affordable. The other two bottles were $27.50 each. Later, I looked up what we had. The white he had sold to us at slightly more the retail cost, the red for about the retail cost. This is crazy! Most reputable establishments mark up with at 100% or 200%. These bottles would easily have been at least $50 to $75 any other place I could imagine, maybe more than that. Needless to say, we loved the evening. We then saw Troilus & Cressida, which marked the completion of my viewing Shakespeare plays on stage (except the two disputed scripts). I have nothing critical to say about this place. I suppose you could fault the funky decor. You would not guess this is a high-end restaurant. It's a down home, eclectic mix of furniture and dishes and wallpaper (with an emphasis on the bovine). The backstory to Sammy's also is worth reading. It's possible to find on the internet. Something like this (my summary is mostly accurate but not all that precise). A young couple opens a restaurant in California. It does fantastically well. But they are not good businesspeople. About to expect a child, in the middle of the night, they sneak out of town. They flee to France. Apparently, over the years, they pay their debts. They remain in hiding for more than a decade, cooking here and there. Later, they return home to try again. Only they chose an obscure location. They try to avoid fame. They're so good renown finds them. The restaurant has a horrible fire and the building burns down. They rebuild. All in all, this is one of my favorite dining experiences anywhere.
(5)Ronald A.
We had a wonderful lunch. I had lamb kabobs; Rebecca had a "picnic" of cheese, meat and pate. We both loved what we ordered. We purchased a nice Chianti to go with the meal. Our desserts were fabulous and the coffee was good. They only use the front for lunch; if you go into the back, it feels like an entirely different restaurant. I think I would enjoy eating in either side; they're entirely different. This is a place that pays attention to detail. I am looking forward to coming back next year for dinner. Make your reservations ahead of time; it took us four tries to get in, but it was well worth it.
(5)