I love this place. They have the biggest shrimp that I have ever seen. Crab cakes are really good too. You can't beat the prices. I do have to say that we ordered chicken from the kids menu and it didn't taste good at all. Not sure what the problem was. The seafood has never disappointed us. read more

I used to really like this place. The food is decent but the customer service leaves a really bad taste in my mouth. If you go there or call in just be prepared for potentially coming across unwarranted attitude and poor customer service interactions. They're are other places in town that serve the same type of foods with better service. read more

Very good fried fish. Batter was very smooth and crispy. Resturant was very clean and the customer service was great. read more

Sam’s Southern Eatery - Southern Near Me - Temple, Texas

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Little sad forthe small side orka $3.99 for lil bit side other than that food is good i like the crab cake and catfish here read more

Sam’s Southern Eatery - Orka side small probably like 10 pieces in there - Southern Near Me - Temple, Texas

This family run business is my goto for good fried seafood in Temple. The staff is always ready to serve and gets you what you need. Food is always cooked to order and delivered to your table hot. This is not your fancy candle light restaurant but a clean environment for having dinner with family and friends. Updated menu with same options. I do recommend trying the red beans and rice with your meal choice. read more

Sam’s Southern Eatery - Updated Menu - Southern Near Me - Temple, Texas

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The second trip did not disappoint! The food was just as amazing as it was the first time around. I am slowly working my way through the menu. Of course I had to get my fried fish fillets once more, and I convinced my husband to try the grilled fish (big surprise he enjoyed the fried fish more). He said the grilled fish was a little dry for his taste, but for me, it was perfect perfectly seasoned and cooked well. Their portion sizes remind me of the good old restaurants from my childhood. The portions aren't overwhelming, but there's enough to fill you up. The sides are pretty basic nothing special and I did have to add a little seasoning to my green beans but what can I say? I love spice. Service is fast, friendly, and efficient. They really go out of their way to make sure that you're satisfied this restaurant has quickly become one of my staples. read more

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It's good food n service cozy place not to badly priced .there's plenty space n dining.nice place

Fried fresh, hot, and appetizing! My review is based off a first impression. Don't let the quite basic interior (mostly wood) cause any wrong perceptions. There are a few frames or artwork, with a TV and music for dining entertainment. The unused bar area at the front could use some spirit, but for a Friday night, their dining room was pretty packed. Good indication! Yep, their great fried food hit the spot! We called in for a pick-up order: shrimp, crab cakes, fish, hush puppies, and fries with a side of fried oysters. I was craving those fried oysters. They aren't dinky little pieces either. They serve up some pretty large shrimp too. Of all the fried goodies we ate, I'd definitely have their oysters, shrimp and fish again! read more

Sam’s Southern Eatery - Combo: shrimp, fish, crab cakes with sides: fries & hush puppies. They didn't have some of the side selections listed on the menu. - Southern Near Me - Temple, Texas

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We order takeout from this restaurant frequently. Tonight we had whole catfish, shrimp, and chicken wings. A quick thank you to the chef and the staff. Their food is absolutely the best in our area. Thank you again, I strongly recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants some good southern Cooking. By the way, Their catfish are the best I've ever eaten! read more

Great food , service and great value. Lunch specials M-F. Such a great price at 9.99 included drinks. read more

Sam’s Southern Eatery - Menu board - Southern Near Me - Temple, Texas

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Called their location to ask what happened to part of my order through Uber Eats, which they turns out they did not make lied to me about it. The manager on duty refused to give me her name would not tell me when the general manager would be in hung up on me five times and lied to me about what happened to my order. I recommend do not eat there again. read more

We ordered from Door Dash- shrimp po'boy and a chicken po'boy. Husband said shrimp one was so good he wishes he had another one. I had the 3 fish and 3 shrimp and I asked for shrimp grilled and fish fried and they followed directions well. Can't really comment on service as it was delivery nor can comment on ambience. Definitely would be ordering again . read more

The batter is perfectly seasoned, and the food is outstanding. I've dined here four times in the last two weeks, and I can confidently say that nothing has disappointed me. read more

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Only thing that was flavourful was the lemon in my water. I got 3 fish and shrimp meal , huspuppies were rubbery. Tasted like they cooked them froze them then reheated it. The shrimp had no flavor, the catfish batter was gritty and had no flavor. The slaw was nothing but mayo and cabbage and the red beans and rice was just dirty rice. The po boy sandwich was put on a hot dog bun and was so small. The fries were unseasoned as well. Very disappointed in this place. read more

Sam’s Southern Eatery - a basket of fries and ketchup - Southern Near Me - Temple, Texas

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My date and I decided to try your restaurant. Perhaps we picked the wrong day to stop by, based on reviews. The crab cakes was clearly overcooked. The tilapia under cooked although it was grilled. Fried fish was too hard. Cole slaw wasn't fresh and tasteless. Best things were the green beans and fries. Your website advertises SAM's cups. We got your basic Styrofoam cups along with a side of plastic ware. Again your website features real silverware. No welcoming/inviting atmosphere. For instance music or even a tv! Your booth seating is covered with black duck tape. Bummer. On a bright note I really enjoyed the wood walls/ceiling. Temple, Tx location. read more

It took a little bit to be waited on. But it was all worth it. The food came out pretty fast. I got the 1 piece catfish with 5 fried shrimp and 2 sides. Cole slaw and red beans and rice. Hush puppies came with it. The tartar sauce was so good. Everything was delicious and brought out hot. Wish I lived closer. read more

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I did not care for the food or service or seating. Others like it, so guess I am the odd ball. Not for me.

Great food and service! I wish the fried green tomatoes were a bit bigger but they were perfection nonetheless.

Went here on a friend's recommendation. Upon walking in it's clearly just a house that got renovated to be a restaurant.. or that's how it looks. The section we sat in had such dim lighting I had to pull out my flashlight to read the menu. I got the kids grilled cheese and the fried pickles. The fried pickles weren't bad, but the quality of pickle they used could've been better. The grilled cheese was atrocious. It was a baguette with the slimmest amount of cheese.. it felt like eating straight bread. I only had a few bites and had to pay for it regardless, of course. Read some reviews about food poisoning after. Will not be coming here again. read more

Best catfish anywhere, always get more than you can eat ! Anything you get here is great tasting and large portions and a reasonable price, If you go once you will keep going !!! read more

***CAUTION*** FOOD POISONING*** My family dined in at this establishment on October 30th. We ordered fish fillet with shrimps, hush puppies and fries. All was good until the next morning. I started vomiting in the middle of the night. I didn't think nothing of it, until my 1 year old started to vomit as well. Anyone with children would know how angry any parent would be if an establishment failed to upkeep their facility and caused their baby to become sick. We ultimately had food poisoning and we were out of commission for 2 days. Mind you this is Labor day weekend! I called the establishment the next day. Explained what happened to the employee and they said the manager Mo would be there by 1pm. I called at 2pm and explained the situation again to another employee and they said the manager isnt there and they don't know what time or if they will be there that day at all. I gave up calling again. It became pretty obvious that this business does not care that their customers are getting sick. Wish we would've checked their prior one reviews, as they mention food poisoning as well. The owners need to own up to the situation and resolve it immediately and apologize. Something which is not seen in any of their feedback. I will be focusing my energy in reporting this to the health department. As a first time father, it was almost terrifying seeing my one year old having food poisoning. I wish this situation on no one and would recommend against eating at this establishment. read more

Good cheap hamburger and good service. Good catfish and green fried tomatoes. If you like seafood it's the place to be.

Food good - needs more seasoning (not talking about salt). But Sam's always good. I'm fr LaPlace, LA where the original is located.

Actually pretty good! Maybe the quality varies. But today while I was there, it was good! It was a lot of fried food, but wasn't super greasy. Chicken strips were juicy and tender and well seasoned, hush peppers were soft and peppery. Crab cakes were good and shrimp wasn't overcooked. Service was great too. The waitress let us sit far away from the other guests because the other rooms were hot. Food came out real fast, and came with a boatload of different sauces. Building is definitely a bit old and dingy, but i recommend the place. read more

Most of the consistently good reviews seem to come from 2+ years ago. My experience on April 14, 2023 was not like those. I am NOT SAYING "don't eat at Sam's" but I am giving my personal review and feedback. Tastes and opinions vary. The fried fish and shrimp appear to be the stars of the menu. Another reviewer mentions that the Philly Cheese sandwich is great but I suspect the vast majority come here for the fish and/or shrimp plates. Two in our party had the four-piece fried catfish plate and one had the one catfish and four shrimp plate. Each comes with two sides. The side selections were French fries, beans and rice, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese and hush puppies (choosing hush puppies would result in getting MORE than the two that come with your fish or shrimp). The catfish comes with a basic cornmeal coating that is applied heavily. The absence of seasoning makes me suspect that this is a pre-prepared food service item that the restaurant merely fries. The fish is fried crispy (great if you don't like "mushy" fish). Similarly, the shrimp seems to be the breaded and frozen variety. Our party had French fries, beans and rice, beans WITHOUT rice, and coleslaw. The fries are typical battered food-service fries. You get a lot of fries but they are unremarkable. The beans are very soupy and heavily seasoned. Both diners that ordered beans had a few bites and left the rest. The coleslaw was the creamy-dressing variety and good. The two of us that ordered the coleslaw finished it. Older reviews mention the hush puppies. Perhaps they were once house-made and original. Ours were the same pre-prepared items that you find at almost any fish place. I had one bite and left the rest. Fish came with tartar sauce and the shrimp with cocktail sauce. Service varied. Once seated a sweet waitress came by to take our order. Drinks came out quickly. Food came out in a reasonable amount of time and was HOT. The server came by once after the food was delivered to check on our table. AND. THAT. WAS. ALL. There were four tables and two servers so they were not overwhelmed with customers. After we had all finished and sat a while, I finally approached another waitress and asked to pay so that we could leave. The facility has seen better days. The main dining area is toward the back and is separated from the front of the restaurant by what appears to have been a bar from one of the many previous bars and restaurants that have been in this space over the decades. It is dimly lit and loud due to hard flooring, hard walls and hard ceiling. We heard EVERY conversation in the restaurant even though the nearest table was 12-15 feet away. The exterior appearance is ignored and features overgrown landscaping - something easily fixed if ownership had any interest in doing so. Even the sign looks like a temporary that has outlasted its intended life. The price came out to over $46 for three diners with three entrees and three drinks (no appetizers or desserts). Add $9 for the tip (I over-tipped considering the service) and it was a $55+ meal for three. In my estimation, too much for the value received in both food and service. Temple is a tough restaurant market - I get that. The expectations are high but the prices have to be a bargain. If you're not consistently delivering on some aspect of value - mediocre food at a low price OR stellar food at the lowest price that can sustain the business - a restaurant won't last. Combining mediocrity with poor service, along with pricing that doesn't seem in line with the value received, is a recipe for failure. Perhaps management could adopt a "fast casual" approach by allowing diners to order and pay at the counter, get their own drinks (and refills) and seat themselves (Flying Fish in DFW operates this way). To my knowledge, Sam's has virtually no competition since "The Catch" closed so perhaps they have simply quit trying to impress diners. A shame, really, since they appear to have a facility that could handle a good crowd and improving the food, kitchen, and FOH staff could make this place a gem. Please bear in mind that this is ONE person's opinion and the variety of reviews indicate that there are quite a few people that enjoy Sam's (and good for you - tastes vary and if you love it then by all means keep supporting the business and keep those folks employed). read more

The food was ok, but nothing special. It is more like fast food. My problem was with the service and the reason I will probably not return. To be fair, I was with a large group and many times this gets confusing for servers, but this was a comedy of errors. I ordered two meals, my meal and a meal to go. 1. The server took the orders quickly. When the orders were ready, she had to ask who had ordered what. She had no system to remember who ordered what. 2. When the bills came, the server had to ask who ate what to get the right bill to the correct person. 3. The server over charged a couple people and as she was trying to correct those bills others realized they had been charged for using credit cards and wanted to change the payment method to cash so they could avoid the 3%. That added to the chaos. Meanwhile, I still had not received my bill or my second order. 3. After the chaos subsided, I once again reminded her I had not received my bills nor my second order. 4. The server started collecting bills, cash and credit cards. After quite a while, our leader went to check on the delay. Within a few minutes, the server returned with the completed bills, change and credit cards, but dropped it all on the floor (poor girl)! She then called out the names on the credit cards and had to ask everyone what they had (again). Meanwhile, I still did not have my 2nd order or bills. 5. The server finally delivered my second order and bills; however, they were the wrong bills. She went back to the cashier area to look for my bills. She then delivered the correct ones. I handed her my card and she was gone for a long time. So I went to check on what happened to my credit card. She then delivered my bills, but they were not the ones to sign. They were simply what I ordered. When I told her I needed the copy that I signed that I could also put a tip on. She told me just sign it anywhere. I told her no I wouldn't do that she needed to correct it. By this time half of my group was gone and only one person remained, and I told them go ahead and leave without me. I then went up to the cash register to try to straighten it out. The person helping the server was trying to figure it all out, and once again, she gave me two bills for one order and no bill for the other order. After 10 minutes, they finally had it corrected. 6. When I got home with the second order for my husband, his coleslaw was missing. Some of this was just because of the comedy of errors, and some of it was simply not being experienced and how to be a server. I blame that on management for hiring her and not training her correctly. read more

Great hushuppies, shrimp, decent fries but the fish was not properly cooked and seemed not very fresh. Another overrated joint in Temple that thrives on mediocrity. read more

Wow. Just wow. There's a reason why this place is always busy from open to close. The catfish is absolutely phenomenal. So full of flavor, generous portions. All of the sides are mine blowing as well. The entire menu is absolutely perfect. read more

We stopped at Sam's Southern Eatery as we were passing through town. We are so glad we did! This place is a 10/10! The sweet tea was freshly brewed and perfectly sweet. We ordered the fried catfish, fried oysters and fried green tomatoes. Each one was the best that I've had in any of those categories. Flavored and fried to complete perfection. The red beans and rice were also spectacular. Even though they were a side, they have main dish energy! I highly recommend!! read more

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I absolutely love this restaurant. It's old school country cooking. My favorite is the fried oysters and shrimp. The sides are also amazing and the service is wonderful read more

Very crispy fresh fried shrimp, the catfish was well coated and fried,leaving the inside tender,sweet. The chicken wings were dry. Little less fry time would have helped. Staff was friendly. No fishy,old oil smells. We will be back read more

Sam’s Southern Eatery - the sign - Southern Near Me - Temple, Texas

NOBODY DESERVES TO PAY FOR FOOD POISONING!! I appreciate the owner for embarrassing themselves and their chain with their most recent reply to the review before mine. I came to share my wrongful experience and noticed on the most recent review the owner had assumed they were replying to me, but instead backlashed to a customer sharing a similar food poisoning experience as mine. The owner should have known they were not addressing the correct customer since they are supposedly contacting local PD. My full legal name is clearly printed on both my receipt and their merchant copy from the credit card I had used that day. Very embarrassing behavior for the owner, but matches the store's values spot on. I've attached a photo in case they decide to remove their mistake. The owner's reply to this customer's review is not only unprofessional and child-like, but distasteful to say the least! (pun intended) Long story short, I received food poisoning from a few bites of the terrible food served at this location. I am certain it was their food because it was the only food I had consumed, and vomited. I returned the next day to request a refund but was blatantly disrespected and ignored. After being treated such ways by the staff, I realized the food spoilage issue would definitely remain unaddressed and harm future customers consuming the same food I had one day prior. I decided to make a public announcement, strictly out of concern for the general health, standing on a chair which was conveniently already pulled out from the table, meaning I did not have to touch it. I politely informed the audience to take caution in what they consume because I got very sick the day before. Many customers were interested in what I had to say and even asked further questions on specifics. After briefly satisfying the customers I left on my own accounts without feeling unwelcome by a single customer or staff whom did not ask me to leave once. I encourage the owner to review the many cameras accessible and reword their dramatic statements about "standing on tables" and "throwing chairs". In addition, food poisoning occurs as early as 1 hour after consumption, but the owner ignorantly states otherwise even giving specific time frames of "at least 24hrs-48hrs" before receiving effects. I hope they educate themselves on food safety considering the multiple reviews about spoiled food dating back considerably far. Assuming the owner is reading this, feel free to fact check my statement with the CDC, NHS, or other credited health institutions. Furthermore, I do not find customer health concerns comical and would not expect the owner to either, especially being the person managing food preparation and store cleanliness. I do not find humor in getting really sick from ingesting consumables I believe are safe, and i'm sure the customers before me do not as well. The only person I would recommend this place to is a health inspector, which I have. Keep your body and wallet healthy by staying far from this location. A message to the owner: Maybe spend less time writing sassy replies and focus more on customer health. Don't worry about receiving future business from me or any of my associates. The decision to never try this Sams again was decided, within the first few bites, far before you could have thought to include that in your silly, misaimed reply. read more

Sam’s Southern Eatery - Southern Near Me - Temple, Texas

My family and I used to be frequent visitors of this restaurant. However, service is now horrendous, food lacks seasoning and flavor, and the last time we went our shrimp was over cooked and unpeeled. Save your money and go elsewhere! read more

The catfish was more breading and "filler" than fish and over salted and the rest of the meal was forgettable. The staff was friendly but the ambiance was lacking. read more

Not a good place to eat. Got the food orders wrong. Food wasn't good. Green Beans were to salty. Will not be eating there again.

Went here to try it out and see if it lived up to the hype. The service was good and pretty quick as they were a little busy for Saturday lunch. Ordered the Four Piece Fish with coleslaw and red beans and rice and the 25 Piece Popcorn Shrimp with coleslaw and Mac n cheese and extra hush puppies, we didn't know each meal came with two hush puppies. Everything was delicious, except the Mac n cheese, it was cheesy but the noodles weren't cooked long enough. Would definitely come back and try something else on the menu. read more

Sam’s Southern Eatery - Four Piece Fish - Southern Near Me - Temple, Texas

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I came for fish..... I tried to call in my order but no answer. I walked in and placed a to go order. They WERE busy but they had a LOT of employees milling around seeming pretty clueless to customer service. For example one of the servers walked out of the kitchen when I was in line again looking for my order and he looked at the 4 or 5 ppl in line and said "not my fault " and walked away. Now I've worked in restaurants a lot in life, that being said why not take the opportunity to ask if anyone is picking up and get the orders ready to help out the person at the register. I had already paid as did many others sooo...... idk Anywho, the fish was good, fried green tomatoes okay, fried pickles good, fries where weird, coleslaw was basic, chicken strips terrible, red beans and rice were good, and mac n cheese was okay. .... Moral of the story I'd personally stick with their fish and seafood (fried) personally. Perhaps opt for off hours where it's not too busy. I'd eat here again but I know not to come at a busy time because the employees are clueless. read more

We got so excited when we saw this Sam's on our trip home from a week in Texas. You know when you're traveling, and you have this rule to eat only in the places that you don't have at home? There's also something to be said for finding the good ole' standby restaurants; the ones you can count on to be good no matter where you are. That describes Sam's for us. We are chicken liver lovers and their chicken liver meal never disappoints. Add on some cole slaw, green beans, and "half and half" tea, and you've got our favorite meal for the drive home. read more

OK so let's just be real down to earth southern fried catfish cornmeal batter just perfect The six oysters are got were huge delicious I could only eat two of them. My platter came with three shrimp, huge different breading from the fish and oysters delicious hush puppies a little more done than I normally like but they had amazing flavor and asked for the coleslaw. I wish they would've brought it to me in a 5 gallon bucket it was awesome green beans they're just green beans they were still good green to have with everything sweet tea was good. Service was prompt in Fast so if I had to say anything bad, it would be the ambience the fluorescent lighting is just terrible for a restaurant, as far as the way staff open toed shoes is never a good thing for a waitress or waiter to where it's just kind of tacky outside. The place looks fine inside it just needs that little touch maybe some music playing in the background and honestly, they should move the counter where you pay up toward the front of the restaurant instead of it, being the centerpoint of the dining room and honestly plastic forks and knives in a little paper container like go ahead and spring for some silverware. I would definitely come back and I would suggest for other people to eat here it's real homey. read more

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The five of us met that this restaurant and ordered fried shrimp, okra, crab cakes, and catfish. I will have to admit that the above seafood entrees were some of the best-fried seafood I have tasted. The amounts were plentiful, however, while delicious, my wife's fried okra is better. All of us came away full and happy. read more