Sammy's Fishbox Restaurant

Went to Sammy's in December, 2009 and really enjoyed the food and service. On Fri., 9/10/10, the family wanted to go out for a seafood/fish dinner and everyone agreed on Sammy's. What a disappointment!!!!!! Bluefish, red snapper and halibut were all coated with something which cannot be described except to say it was like tasteless bread crumbs soaked in grease (I think it was supposed to have been scampi sauce). It had to be scraped off before we could begin to eat. The baked potato was edible but tough. The best thing we received was the bread. Considering the prices, we should have gotten better. Additionally, the environment needs to be maintained; the carpet was not clean. We won't be going back! We would have enjoyed a fish sandwich at McDonalds better. more

The service was good, and friendly.\r The decor was fun, interesting, and clean.\r \r The food was terrible. I love raw oysters, but these were completely tasteless. I've never had oysters that were anywhere near as bland as these. Same with the two different chef's specials we had. They were supposed to be cooked in a scampi sauce. It must have been the only scampi sauce totally devoid of garlic.Or taste of any kind. The portions were enormous, I suppose to justify the high price. But I could barely get down a third of the tasteless dish. The bread was good. The olives were good (though not plentiful). The baked potato was all right. I had a taste of the linguini with clam sauce.It seemed ok. more

I've been there 3 times and was satisfied each time. I'm looking forward to going back before the summer is over, so is my daughter. Pros: Great food, great service, and children under 10 eat free more

I went there with my family on 5/16/10 Sunday approximately after lunch and before dinner . We were on line to be seated and the Hostess take one look at us and did not even give us a smile as in I will be with you shortly or I will seat you soon, she just look and continue her business as if we were not standing there. About 10-minutes wait, she took us to the front of the resturant and then brought us back to the middle of the resturant, she did not know where we were supposed to be seated. She then put us in the middle of the resturant and the chairs was too crowded could not even fit everyone. I don't know if she does not know how to count. Anyhow we ask for another table and problems seem to arise the other spanish looking hostess told my brother-in-law that we can leave if we want to because they cannot seem to find another seat, well that just got my him so angry and piss off. However we calm down and was seated at the back. The waiter was very nice but acted too busy to LISTEN. I think the staff should act like their job are important and they are not working at a fast food resturant. I would not recommend this resturant for a family, may be just a couple but NOT FOR FAMILY. Too Crowded and TOO BUSY STAFF. We spend over $600 on our dinner and certainly should have been treated with a little more skilled staff, NO COMPLAINS ON THE FOOD, GREAT TASTE********* BUT HORRIBLE STAFF. Pros: Fresh Tasting Seafood and Portion Size Very good Cons: Chairs Seated Too Crowded more

I have to admit for 1st time for me to go to City Island and trying Sammy's I was not disappointed. However, I did not care for traffic, you definitely need a lots of patience. But I got there I was seated with no wait ( I went there at 5pm to avoid large crowds), I was attended by friendly service. Very nice atmosphere. I like the place. I wish it was located somewhere more easier to get to. It is such a nice restaurant located in not so nice neighborhood. It's very overcrowded island with not much more than eateries. I would definitely like to visit there again, if it was much easier to get to and less traffic. Price is little high, but they give you plenty of tasty food, price is justified by the amount of food and good taste. I recommended it for who like to eat large portion of great seafood and does not mind driving long way in slow traffic.. Pros: Great service, large portions and taste great Cons: Traffic, hard to get to. more

I must have been to a completely different Sammy's. All these reviews are nothing like our experience. Five stars? really? expensive, overpriced, and very crowded, our group was seated at the most cramped table in the middle of the restaurant. The waiter who couldn't even understand us, was passing sodas down from person to person, because he couldn't reach the middle of the table, it was so packed. I don't get why this place was packed. I could think of more reasonably priced places to eat in the city. We had to go here cause our relatives live there, and we heard such rave reviews about Sammy's we figured it was a sure thing. Not a pleasant dining experience at all. Avoid avoid avoid. Pros: chicken parmigiana for $20, cheapest dish on menu! Cons: crowded and unpleasant more

I love great steak as well as great seafood, however it is almost impossible to find a restaurant to satisify both needs.. But I did find one on City Island, Sammy's fishbox. I ordered a steak and maine lobster surf & turf. It was incredible the losbster was tender, full and sweet and the steak was cut with a fork tender and delicious..I highly recommed this place..a real surprise but one I can't wait to repeat. Pros: fish & staek more

took my mom here for lunch this past Wednesday, never been to City Island before. Was so impressed with the food here! I read some bad reviews about how it's overrated (from yelp) but I didn't think so at all! They had a twin lobster special for $30! And they were so fresh and SO well cooked! Each lobster was like 1.25 lbs, so def enough, when u also get a plate of salad, broccoli, yellow rice, baked potato, and then the bread and veggie dish at the beginning. We only ordered the special from the menu tho so they charged an extra $5 for the single plate charge. Still worth it tho cuz the sides are excellent and couldn't even finish them!! I will definitely be coming back, but just wish I could try more things! Everything looks so good, menu selection is huge. Free parking lot and great service from the staff too! Pros: great twin lobster special Cons: too full to try anything else! more

We visited Sammy's this past Monday evening. The restaurant was busy, with an animated atmosphere. We were greeted at the door, and seated promptly on time for our reservation. Our server, Bud, was attentive and friendly and provided some great menu recommendations. The carb cakes and the baked clams were both great. Our dinner was accompanied by some the yankee game on a huge flat screen TV, . We never felt rushed during dinner. We left more than satisfied with our meal - the restaurant provided a great mix of quality, service, and value. We'll certainly be back. more

My wife and I have gone to Sammy's a few times. We usually go there on special occasions. I have never had a problem with it. The food is super excellent, service is awesome, ambiance is lovely. The pricing is a little steep, but it's well worth it.\r I especially enjoy the martini's. They have such a variety, you'll never get bored.\r Pros: Drinks and food more

I truly thank Sammy's and their great staff for helping pull off the best party ever.............the food is still being raved about, and the location is beautiful. I would highly recommend Sammy's Fishbox for any occasion. Totally a warm, funky and fun atmosphere. Pros: Great Party Place more

Sammy's has fine seafood! You have try their jumbo fried wild shrimp, it is the best fried shrimp I have ever tasted in my entire life. I love seafood, and this is definitely one of my favorite seafood restaurants! Pros: service & food Cons: very busy more

The seafood is the tops in the Bronx and beyond, as far as I am concerned, huge portions of super fresh and delicious food. Lot of freebees as well, including a free menu for my kids, which certainly hepls in these trying times. But I would go to Sammy's anyway even if nothing was free, The place rocks and I love it. Pros: Food and staff more

My first time there was a bad experience. They forgot to seat us so we were waiting for at least 2 hours. They ended up giving us a complimentry return pass. The next time i went it was amazing. It was a little less busy and they waitress was so sweet. The food was just about the most amazing thing i have ever had. Pros: Food & Atmosphere Cons: always a crowd more

The service was beyond incredible, the waiters are so friendly and eager to cater to your every need. The fresh shucked oysters and clams were ice cold and delicious LOVE THEIR free house SALAD! As for the meal, I am absolutely amazed by their surf and turf combinations! It was unlike any other! There's an amazing selection of seafood and meat So you better come HUN-GRY! And trust me, you WILL BE SATISFIED for DAYS! My favorite is definitely the prime rib & maine lobster! Overall, the experience was truly beyond amazing.. I didn't even want to leave the restaurant! Me and my girlfriend will definitely be going back there soon! It is our ultimate favorite place to dine! Pros: giant portion, fresh seafood Cons: always very busy more

We had expected a bit of a tourist trap, but were greatly surprised. Everything, including the service, was first rate. I had a 3 lb Maine lobster steamed to perfection. My partner had halibut which was as fresh as could be. We had to wait about ten minutes for our 8:30 Friday night reservation. Pros: Food & service Cons: a bit noisy more

I dined there two weeks ago with some friends from work. We all had a wonderful time the food and the service was outstanding. We got a lot for our buck and were surprised at our server?s knowledge and personable attentiveness. I had the crab cakes and the wild salmon it was delicious, my friend the rib eye and he said it was terrific. Oh at last we finished with this chocolate berry Cake ""OH MY GOD"". I was in heaven. I also enjoyed the warm pine decor, we felt very much at home and will definitely return. Pros: so fresh fish more

It is almost impossible to find a restaurant for a romantic dinner or a fun lively time with some friends or a great party setting with such reliable service and continually fabulous food. Maybe that is why there are so many regulars at Sammy’s Fishbox on City Island The food is consistently delicious, always go for the fish and beef combination to their incredible feast for two that can feed four. The wine list is good, there is always a nice Red available and the staff is friendly and competent. I'm there every couple of weeks and from all the friendly faces I now recognize, so are a lot of other Bronxites. Pros: Food, Value, Dessert more

We went to Sammy’s Fishbox on City Island for Mothers Day. The restaurant has a very nice atmosphere; the food was very good and also had an excellent service. Oh, I got to compliment on the free breads and cheese, olives and relish tray as well. They were all excellent! (I'm originally from San Francisco and very picky about food) I'd definitely go back to Sammy’s again for dinner next time\r \r Pros: Great breads and cheese more

I love this restaurant. They have the best food. There seafood selection is amazing. The last time I ate there I came home with leftovers for two days. I would highly recommend them to others.\r \r Pros: Never had a back meal more