First the good. The water was cold and the lemons seemed fresh. Food was bland. Had livers and tasted fried, no seasonings or flavorings. Asked for fried wings but they were out due to the pandemic. Really? Walmart and Heb have wings. Go get some. Server had an attitude like we were interrupting her day by coming in. I would spend my money elsewhere. read more

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

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.

So, first, let me just say that after three visits and tasting just about everything on the menu, the food is FANTASTIC. I HIGHLY recommend the fish, and shrimp and the chicken. You can choose fried or grilled for just about everything. The sleepers are their burgers and OMG, THE PHILLY CHEESE STEAK IS AMAZING. Their fries are (I think) lightly battered and crispy, the macaroni and cheese is creamy and comforting, and their hush puppies are golden and perfect. Their sauces are incredible, too - tartar, BBQ and ranch here are all way better than the typical. And, BTW, ALWAYS order extra of the onions and peppers - they are perfectly seasoned, perfectly cooked and usually the first thing I finish. Lastly, I'll mention that the portions are HUGE and we always end up with leftovers. So, why only three stars? Well... I only come back for the food. The service is slow, lackluster and clearly untrained and unengaged. The first time we had decent, but not impressive service. The second time, the hostess took a full minute to look up from her phone to acknowledge us and the server was less than attentive. Tonight, it took several minutes to be noticed at door, when we were told to sit wherever, we were then told that what we chose was off limits due to a meeting, and then it took a full ten minutes for anyone to come talk to us at the table - and there were at least four front-of-house employees working. After we placed our order, we were given no utensils until we asked for them, and had to ask three different people for our sauces. Just not great service. One other TINY annoyance tonight was that my amazing Philly Cheese Steak came wrapped in foil, which seems like a nice gesture to hold it together and keep it warm, but they put the cheese on top of the meat and when I unwrapped it, the cheese stayed on the foil. Maybe put the cheese under the meat, instead? I really do hope they get it together, and I will be back because of the food. If the service improves, so will my rating! read more

Plenty to eat but the food tasted like it was all fried in the same oil. The fish tasted like oysters and visa versa. It was recommended as the place to go but I feel it may be past it's glory days. read more

What a SHAME!! Sam's was our little hidden gem. Tasty friend seafood, decent price, quick service. But man, it's clear that the owner has stopped caring at all about their cool little restaurant. We've went three times in the last month and will probably not be back for a long time. Bathroom are disgusting. Water/piss on the floor in the men's room - a puddle. Half the floor was covered. And the entire bathroom smelled like an outhouse at a must festival. This weekend they sat us in the opening area (by the front door). One seat away from where the waitresses were hanging out, doing paperwork, eating. The amount of swearing was unbelievable. From a WORKER. We had two children with us (below the age of 8). Again, let that sink in. The working waitresses were dropping sh*t and f*ck and JC while there were customers with children less than six feet away from them. Unreal. Speaking of the staff. I will never body shame anybody. But for whatever reason, the restaurant is going for the Hooters look or something? All three waitresses on our last couple visits are girls with a little meat on their bones. Last weekend, our waitress shirt was so small and tight that literally 3-4 inches of her stomach were hanging out. No exaggeration. Our last trip before this, same exact thing...and she was wearing sweat pants. Dress however you want in real life. I don't care. But it was very odd to have a waitress wearing old sweatpants and a shirt that had 3-4 inches of fat hanging out of her stomach. I've never seen that at a restaurant. The restaurant has the outside smoking area and container at the end of their little walkway area....not accounting for the wind blowing. We got to the front door and my little 7-year old says "gross, somebody is smoking." You turn and look at 10 feet away is there is a smoking container thing (to put them in) and there is smoke coming out of it and the wind is blowing it right to the door. They literally could just move it a foot over around the corner and eliminate the smell from the FRONT DOOR. Finally, on our last trip they got our bill wrong. Charged us for items we didn't order. This was the last straw. I pointed out to the waitress (very politely) "Ma'am, we actually didn't order this." And no joke, she acted like I was lying. And started questioning me about it. She got really defensive and acted like we were trying to personally steal from her. Keep in mind, this is two adult and two children. I'm not trying to steal a basket of catfish lol. The cashier finally said "OK" and redid my bill. No apology, no smile. Just pissed off and letting it be known she didn't believe me. As soon as she set the new bill down and I signed it, she went into the kitchen and I could hear her ask the cooks what was on my order - this was BEFORE I had even made it back to my table. NOW I can forgive her annoyance a little as maybe she wasn't mad at me, but she was mad at the waitress or cooks for doing a wrong order. But she certainly could have been a little friendlier to me, the customer, whom her restaurant just over-charged. I hated writing this review. This was our favorite 'hidden gem' in Temple. We ate here at least once a month. Salty, greasy seafood for a decent price - perfect for what it is. But the owners and staff clearly give no F's anymore and it shows. Clean the bathrooms, move the smoking area, tell your staff to not swear around customers and little kids, have the staff wear clothes that fit, and teach your staff a simple rule that is common sense to most. "Be polite, smile, say thank you" and your tips will double in size. But if you act like your customers are annoying you and you aren't friendly at all - don't complain when you get low tips. read more

It's a little hard to get to. But once you do you won't be disappointed with the food! Stopped in twice in the past week. Met with some friends and we had a great time! I recommend the grilled shrimp it's terrific. You can get six or even a dozen if you want come with the side two sides and you can get a drink iced tea or sweet tea whatever so if you're in the neighborhood stop by I did twice great time. read more

Stopped there Saturday! Had the whole Bone in Catfish (medium size), French fries, Coleslaw and Hush Puppies! Wife had Red Beans and Rice! For my review: I do need to clarify where I came from and that would be Catawba Heights, North Carolina with 25 or more fish camps that offer whole bone in small 3-4" and Medium 5-9" without the corn meal dressed and deep fried! Catfish was breaded very good with seasoned cornmeal that was tasty. The meat was without a catfish taste, but it was cooked well. I am accustomed to from fixing at-home Delta Pride filets, deep fried. The French Fries were excellent and well deep fried. The Coleslaw was ok but nothing to rave about! The HushPuppies left a lot to be desired. They were tough and tasteless which mimics the brand sold at HEB/Walmart! sells! I am used to hush puppies being light, seasoned with onions and deep fried till golden brown., For the red beans and rice., the wife enjoyed hers and said she would go back again and order them! She also said they tasted better than PopEyes and were cheaper too! For what I ate, I can only give it a 3-star based on the above, however if you skip over what I had and try some of the other, you may find it to your taste. The waitress was quick, competent, nice and friendly! I do recommend Sams but don't particularly like the menu presentation! It's rather busy! I will be going back very soon to order the Jumbo Shrimp! read more

This was my 1st visit to Sam's and I was not disappointed. My order was take out. Employees and entering customers wore masks and the tables were cleaned thoroughly after each guest. The food was delicious and filling. I didn't know the fish would be as thick as it was and the shrimp were a nice size along with the crab cakes. Fresh, hot, well seasoned and great portion sizes. I'm a Louisiana girl so I love good seafood. This will be my place to go. The employees could use a little lesson on friendliness but overall, I will return. read more

Sam’s Southern Eatery - #31 Catfish, Shrimp, Crabcakes, Fries, Coleslaw. - Southern Near Me - Temple, Texas

Food is acceptable but the service is crap. The waitress aren't interested in waiting on guests. Too busy on their phones and talking to each other. SMH I think there needs to be a overturn of employees. I was there a 3:30 pm. There was only two tables occupied and I had to get their attention to order. This is not good for business read more

The food was good the price was good that the bad attitude of both waitresses was off the chart . Probably won't be back

Sam's is spot on! Everything was delish! The green beans seems like ol bay or crawfish boil and are very tasty! The red beans were yummy! The fried fish snd shrimp were delightful! $18.99 and it last for 2 days as it was just that much! read more

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

The red beans and rice are the best thing I had there. The tarter sauce was also excellent. Shrimp was a good size and was good too. The crab cakes had real crab in it and were pretty good but not the best I've ever had. The catfish wasn't fishy tasting so that was nice. The chicken and French fries was what you can buy at Sams Club and throw in a fryer. Macaroni and cheese was definitely not homemade but was ok. read more

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Everything we had was great, but I have to deduct 1 star because they don't have white gravy for dipping the chicken gizzards or chicken tenders. So I hope management sees this and adds to the menu ASAP! The gumbo was delicious! House made with chicken, sausage, shrimp, seafood-the works! The hush puppies were good, very flavorful not bland at all. The coleslaw was freshly made because the cabbage was crunchy, not soft and mushy. Chicken gizzards were freshly battered/fried, just needed white gravy! Fries and roll were good. Tea was refreshing as well read more

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Ordered fried fish, fried green tomatoes, gumbo, jumbo shrimp. Everything was excellent. The gumbo had just a little kick. Only negative: management needs to oil the doors to the kitchen. I will return and tell family and friends! read more

Real jumbo Shrimp is excellent and for the price not just any shrimp mini shrimp like other fast food restaurants

Food so good. Portions are very big and I feel like I am getting my moneys worth. The food came out hot and fresh and my server was very kind and attentive. read more

Really good food. Grilled or fried fish and shrimp. Generous portions. Slow service tho.

Hey, it is not sushi, but it is good. My roommate from Delaware had the crab cakes and said they were pretty good. I had the livers and gizzards and they were perfect. The portions are large, and you can expect to pay $10-$15. They were pretty fast and our server was great. The place was clean. Shrimp were great! The Good -The food, the prices, the service. The Bad - Really nothing. The Ugly - Do NOT sit in the main dining room where the cash register sits. They have a server call system just inside the kitchen doors that shrieks every time an order is ready (at times every 30 seconds). I wear sound amplifiers and it about killed me. It ruined the experience for me. Next time i will sit in the side dining room. My roommate has good hearing and it was painful for him also. The poor server could not do anything to help and the poor guy was really concerned. We tipped him well for all the good things we found, but management needs to change this or eliminate it. I am sure others are bothered by it also, read more

Sam's is NOT an upscale restaurant loaded with atmosphere. However, the food is good, the service is OK (mostly young kids) and the prices are reasonable. If you just want good food without all the fru fru it's a great place to eat. read more

Friendly and prompt service! Food was good! Large portions of catfish/crab cakes/shrimp/wings! We all had to take some home. Tasty! My only complaint is the green beans were a bit too salty. We will be back! read more

Outstanding first visit today. Heard that it was good value with good food. We agree. Very good service and clean. We will go back. Happy to have them. Yes. This just opened last week. Very happy to have them!! Great menu and excellent servings. read more

Shrimp is outstanding Staff is very friendly pleasant all the time. Love this hideaway !!!

I have eaten there a few times now and the food is delicious. The staff is friendly and helpful as well. A good place to get your catfish fix. The menu has a good variety to choose from as well. Definitely recommend. read more

When it comes to the food , it's well worth the wait ! The hush puppies are To DIE for . The only issue is we had to wait over an hour to eat . Our poor waitress was running 10 different table over 4+ people not including ours and was being bullied by the "assistant team lead" . My ass. This so called team lead was nothing but rude and working at 2 miles an hour . Out in the lobby cursing up a storm saying "god damn it" talking about how she never should've served certain tables . Horrible attitude. She needs to be fired and our waitress promoted . Jackie was working her ass off! She was super sweet , and was taking care of us to the best of her abilities . Even after we asked to speak to a manager (because of the kitchen falling behind) she was nothing but kind and understanding . Bless you Jackie and keep up the good work. Don't let your co-workers take advantage of you! read more

This was a good meal, and great prices. Friendly service, clean restaurant and restrooms.

Food is good most of the time. However, very uncomfortable eating in a restaurant with no air conditioning!! Owner needs to fix immediately to prevent customers leaving. read more

I enjoyed eating here! I had the seafood #27 Sam's Special: 25 Baby Shrimp w/ two side (Mac & cheese and coleslaw). The food was delicious! Our waitress was polite and checked on periodically to make sure we were ok. I will be back and do recommend this place. read more

This was my first time here. I had the catfish and shrimp. Both were very delicious. The catfish has a very flavorful crust and the shrimp were perfectly cooked. I had the red beans and rice for one of my sides. Pretty darn good too. My other side was an order of hush puppies. They were flavorful but not hot like the rest of the meal. The establishment practices social distancing and do provide sanitizer. read more

I absolutely love this place. The food is amazing. The food is always fresh and the portions are large. We always get the catfish, hush puppies , okra and Mac n cheese. The workers are always pleasant and nice . I told Stephen that I had to wait outside for my order bc my disabled mother was waiting in the car. He offered to run it out to my car when it was ready, which he did . 100% recommend this place! read more

Let me just tell you, this was one of the worst dining experiences we have ever had. Not only was the service horrible, but the manager blamed us for the poor service. It was painful to watch no one getting served...and it was a Tuesday. They keep saying that they are short staffed and yet I see 6 servers for 12 tables. I know for sure we won't be back which is sad because we have been looking forward to something new in temple. read more

Got our order wrong, no hush puppies 4 pcs of fish missing only 2 tarter sauces for 2 dinners and when I called they said oh we are closed now call another day!!! Such horrible service. Hurt since Waco store never treated me like this and I always ordered from them. I gave Temple another try after 2 wrong orders. Big mistake on my part read more

Stop going to the Catch. This place is better and cheaper. The fried shrimp and catfish are delicious and the handmade sauces are great. Depending on the side you order they range from "meh" to awesome. The Mac and cheese and French fries are okay. The red beans and rice are great. read more

Thought would give em another try as their fish is good, They got my order wrong and refused to fix it. I will never ever recommend the Temple store ever again!! read more

Food was hot, fresh and very filling. The crab cakes were really good with the sauce that it came with. The shrimp were large and has a good seasoned flavor to it. I added fish a la carte which was very good. I got a lot of food for a very moderate price. I'll definitely be returning to this place again. I enjoyed the food very much. read more

This place wasn't bad. I got the fried fish with fries and green beans. A little too salty for me but I know some that would love it.

Great Great delicious hearty meals you won't be disappointed!! Enjoy this restaurant meals were hot n fresh my go to place when I craving fish ,shrimp, red bean & rice. Generous larger portion sizes. read more

Best catfish and the price is spot on, they often give you an extra pieces of fish! The side are good too! This is my only go to place for fried catfish! Shrimp is good too! read more

Our first visit did not disappoint! The staff was very friendly and the restaurant homey. My husband ordered the Po' Boy Crawfish Sandwich with fries, and I ordered fried fish, oysters, and shrimp with cole slaw and hushpuppies. The hushpuppies were average, the cole slaw delicious and the fried seafood was perfect. The portions were extremely generous. With such good service and delicious food, it was a great experience and we'll be back with seafood cravings! read more

Stopped here for lunch en route to Waco, hoping to find a quaint local diner. Asking the waitress for some information on the menu items proved a challenge, as her response to everything was "I haven't tried that...I don't eat here, it's all fried." For some reason we stayed anyway lol! We all ordered something fried (surprise!). The French fries, which she said she was "pretty sure" were homemade, were basic bagged battered fries. The other sides were even worse, ranging from fresh-out-of-the-can green beans and overcooked hush puppies, to Kraft-like mac & cheese (but not as good!) and runny red beans and rice. On to the entrees ... the fried fish proved to be the star of the meal, cooked just right with a crispy cornmeal crust. The shrimp (yes, fried!) was just okay, large and fairly fresh but not quite crispy enough for my liking. All in all, Sam's was not horrible, but next time we'll keep on driving in search of that quaint diner. read more