Ate here for the first time. Had reservations and was seated promptly. Staff was very friendly and attentive. Ordered the crab cake platter and flounder platter. Food was delicious. All the seafood at sambos is wild caught. I will be returning read more

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The food was delicious. We enjoyed everything. The service was excellent and our waitress was very friendly and attentive to us. The tables were covered in Newspaper and had a large roll of paper towels to wipe your hands off, when you are eating the Delicious Whole Crabs. Next visit we plan to order them. Can't wait to go back. read more

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First time there . The place is nice as far as old and authentic in the middle of nowhere , but the food is not - one item shocked my taste buds I so didn't expect - coleslaw is too sweet- dessert sweet. The place is understaffed- overworked - waitress never came and checked on us once after we got our food- didn't even have a chance to swap the coleslaw for anything else- but sure got charged for it. Would never go back there- overpriced for the quality of food and service . Maybe other items on the menu are better- but if you don't like your coleslaw as candy- get something else. Just heads up. I'm giving 1 star for authenticity. read more

If you love discovering hidden gems, this is the place to be! This family owned spot has been around for nearly 70 years and its waterfront location adds to the charm. The food was great- a solid four stars- but the atmosphere & authenticity easily make it a five star experience. Only constructive criticism would be I wish they served saltine cracks (vs club crackers) with the oysters + horseradish. A heads up: it's cash only but there's an ATM on site. We were in town on military orders from Dover AFB & love exploring local favorites and this one was truly special. We even told everyone in our shop. I highly recommend stopping by if you're in the area or unforgettable off the beaten path on an experience. read more

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What a great spot to listen to some music, pick crabs and drink some cold beer. The staff was friendly and so were the other diners. We were absolutely charmed by the entire experience. read more

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Well went there for the first time. My husband and I really wanted crab bisque and fried oysters. It wasn't busy and lots of empty tables. We were seated right away and then sat and sat and sat. The waitress looked right at us and then walked away. It wasn't until an older woman came over and asked us if we had been helped did a waitress finally came over. We ordered soup and oysters. The crab soup was thick like pudding and had way too much pepper. While we were only half finished our soup she brought the fried oysters. After we finished our meal we sat and sat and sat the another waitress came over and asked if we were done and finally we got our bill. Our original waitress was over in the other corner talking to another woman and completely ignored us. Needless to say our tip was a reflection of our service and we will not return. read more

Our go-to lunch after a long morning at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Because we come for a late lunch, there is usually no problem finding a table by the window. The service is fast and cheerful. The food is always good. My favorite is the fried oyster sandwich. read more

Sambo's Tavern - Fried oyster sandwich with fresh local tomato slices. - Bars Near Me - Dover, Delaware

Spring 2025 just arrived & I've been here 2 times already. The crabs were hot & sweet. The owner is so nice & welcoming. read more

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Delicious Seafood! We eat here at least two or three times a season. Always friendly service and good food.

Went in to pick up a to go order. I was treating my daughter to steamed shrimp bc she brought home an awesome report card. I didn't notice you can't enter under 21. Honest mistake. At first I was taken back by the way the waitress said it so loud and everyone looked at me, but then as I paid I asked if she could step outside and I told her I didn't know but the way she spoke to me made me uncomfortable. She ended up being nice and didn't mean it that way. The OWNER came to the door multiple times giving me DIRTY looks. Mind you, I come all the time with my partner, it this time I only came in to get an order. Didn't want to leave her in the car. I felt so disrespected. Can't help but feel if I weren't a minority she would not of been so ignorant. Lesson learned. I'll never go back. read more

Had one of the best eating experiences here. It's been a family run business for 71 years. I talked with Elva (spelling?) and April provided the best service. Some of the nicest people I ever met. Ambiance is awesome and the food was so amazing. I ordered raw oysters and half dozen blue crabs and it was the most delicious. I hope you be able to bring my family back here. Good luck and best wishes on the upcoming summer season. You guys are the best read more

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Food, Service, and Ambiance were excellent. They keep it simple and that definitely works. The coleslaw was amazi

*1 dolla and a quarter oyster* I came in early on a gorgeous day. Got seated by the window overlooking the Leipsic river. Sambo is perfect for a day like this. Of course I took up on the oyster offering. It was sweet, plump and sweet. I watched fishermen unloading to their truck as I indulged with the dozen oysters. They also have other seafood offerings, which I intend to bring friends in to try! read more

Sambo's Tavern - Dozen oysters $15 chilling by the Leipsic river - Bars Near Me - Dover, Delaware

We found this place from yelp , to be honest the outside looked a little dodgy. But we decided to go in anyway, and we were pleasantly surprised. The staff was very friendly. The food was very delicious and the atmosphere was a throwback to the past. read more

Sambo's Tavern - Flounder, potato salad, coleslaw, and cooked shrimp - Bars Near Me - Dover, Delaware

True Score: 4.25 Stars Great location Fresh local seafood in a local establishment that has been in business a long time. The staff was friendly and attentive. Some have commented on the prices but we thought they were reasonable. Friendly old time waterfront tavern off the beaten path but worth the detour. The best crab cakes you'll ever have and in house prepared seafood. No credit cards, bring cash or use the ATM. The Delaware food experience we were looking for! Thanks read more

Made the final pilgrimage of the season to Sambo's Tavern on the Leipsic River this week. September 30th is the last day for the great folks running this establishment. Bottom line here, this is a Crabs and Beer experience that should not be missed. The late season crabs were heavy and full meat. The Oysters were fresh out of the bay, shucked to order , and outstanding 60 minute dogfish IPA on tap, perfect with the house crab spice. Kraft Paper on the dinner tables, fabulous view, great staff. What more could you ask for. To be honest, there is a full menu that offers great alternatives, but we head to Alva's for one thing, and one thing alone....Crabs! Enjoy the off season and see everyone in April! read more

Sambo's Tavern - Delaware Bay Bivalves - Bars Near Me - Dover, Delaware

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We have been to Sambo's for lunch 3-4 times the two months. Each visit has resulted in good food at fair prices. Their crab cakes are excellent- a lot of fresh crab meat and just enough filler and spices to make it memorable. I you can pay less for crabs elsewhere in Delaware but it is doubtful that they will be better. Oysters on the half shell were great as well. The staff is pleasant and helpful. This is a cash only place but they have an ATM on site. They also have steamed crabs but we haven't had any yet, they smell really good. read more

A little out of the way, but the quiet and the view of the marina makes the drive worthwhile. The soft shell crab sandwich and the tossed salad with the pineapple mango dressing were delicious. I ordered takeout over the phone, so didn't know about the drink menu. I saw an ice cream sundae being served and was told the desserts are as delicious as that looked. I was disappointed that those desserts were not listed on the menu I requested. Next time, I will have to plan to eat in so I can try the specialty drink and the crab bisque and see what is on the dessert menu. Looks like a nice place to eat. Thanks for posting it on Facebook, Monique! read more

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I have been to Sambo's 3 times in 2 weeks. Food is excellent! Nothing fancy on the decor but they had live music last Friday. Attentive service. Water views and did I mention the crabs? Great! read more

This place is the best. The blue crabs are delicious, and the setting is iconic. Be forewarned--credit cards are not accepted. There is an ATM onsite, which is great, but you should know this going in. Regardless, the food and place are worth everything. read more

WARNING: cash only overall, some items are overpriced. steamed crabs were great and priced accordingly. I'll revisit as a talk-out. service OK, but we were seated without a menu ? (hostess too old). the wrap-around windows gave a great view of the wharfs and the inlet. read more

While en route to another establishment (which was much closer to our hotel) Sambo's Tavern popped up on my Yelp feed as alternative to the place we were headed for. Thirty seconds later I said to my friend who was driving, "Change of plans, turn at the next intersection." It was the best decision of the day. Sambo's Tavern is just the kind of place this guy from the north woods of Wisconsin envisions when thinking about seafood shacks in Delaware -- communal tables with newspaper coverings and rolls of paper towels for napkins. And, of course, lots of seafood, including local specialties, to choose from. We started with a platter of oysters on the half-shell. They were big, fresh and I could taste the essence of the sea. The only downside was the generic horseradish/ketchup sauce. I would have preferred a classic mignonette or even a simple hot sauce like Tabasco. In the end I ate most of mine plain -- and enjoyed every one. It was soft shell crab season when we visited so of course that's what I ordered (because they are much too delicate to ship fresh to where I live). The crab was nicely fried with a light coating of flour and/or cornmeal. The sides (a uniquely seasoned slaw and fries dusted with Old Bay for me) perfectly complimented the crab. My friend ordered rock fish. He reports that it was perfectly battered and fried -- one of the best fish fries he ever had. In some ways Sambo's is probably an average place, but because of it's uniqueness for me, and the tasty seafood they served, I rate it very good and if I'm ever back in the area I'd eat here again in a heartbeat. read more

Sambo's Tavern - Soft Shell Crab and Fried Rockfish. - Bars Near Me - Dover, Delaware

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Food was great! Steam shrimp were huge and crabs were tasty and small but full/ local crabs... read more

Sambo's Tavern - 1 dozen local crabs!! - Bars Near Me - Dover, Delaware

Avoid this place. Horrible service unless you think rude and insulting servers acceptable. They don't take credit cards (what years is it, 1940?). All of the fish is fried other than the tuna steak which comes out white, not pink, like actual tuna should look. The waitress we had was awful. Rude, insulting, condescending and a horrible server. I mean, I would take rude insulting and condescending if the service was at least good, but it was amateurish and generally awful. They don't know the meaning of hospitality or customer service and the quality of the frozen food they served was poor. Spend your money and time elsewhere. read more

Excellent crabs, especially if you are tired of the same old style of over seasoned with OldBay! They use a signature salt seasoning that is really good! Other menu items are very good as well! read more

Sambo's Tavern - Steamed blue crabs - Bars Near Me - Dover, Delaware

Great friendly service that gives a tutorial on picking crab at the table! Had blue crab, fried green beans, and jumbo shrimp and they were all delicious! Will definitely be back when in the area. read more

Went to Sambo's for lunch. It was great. The food was tasty and the ambience was simple. The service was excellent. I would definitely go back there again. read more

Well, this place is known for their crabs but everything else is amazing too: Crab bisque- creamy and full of goodness, lightly breaded fried oysters-beautiful, crab cake- all crab, all yum, and all the sides are great too: crispy onion rings, potato salad, Cole slaw and hush puppies- definitely all homemade and delicious. Quick and friendly service. Perfect stop before heading home after bird watching at Bombay Hook. 100% recommended. They do not take credit cards-only cash. read more

This was a cute little restaurant right on the water. The ambiance was exactly what we were looking for. The food was delicious and the service was great. read more

They were out of crabs on a Friday night which was a little upsetting since that's why we went. We've come here twice over the past 2 years on our way down to the beaches. We got some clams and shrimp instead which were delicious! Wait staff always great! Hope next year when we stop they have crabs! We'll be back! read more

Our server was bad. We had her last year for party of 10. She was bad then too. Surf and Turf I ordered tonight was rare. I ordered medium well. Unfortunately our server never stopped back to check on us. I would have asked them to cook a little longer. read more

Sambo's Tavern - Raw steak - Bars Near Me - Dover, Delaware

Wonderful people and service but the food was just okay. My crab cake sandwich was certainly lump and fried , decent size with minimal flavor. For $25 I hoped the bun would have been toasted and kissed with a little butter but wasn't to be. The crab bisque was a decent size but heavy. The rockfish sandwiches were three small filets on a hot dog like bun with some flavor. The salad sides were okay but the coleslaw was runny and not worth the effort. Nice location with nice folks facing the river but $100 lunch for the four of us make me pause about a return visit read more

Every time we are in Dover De. We make it a point to stop in for a seafood dinner. This time was no different. I had the cheese stuffed shrimp for an appetizer and Crab Imperial for my main course. Both were excellent. My wife and son had the chicken wings and Rock Pupfish. Wings were wings, nothing to write home about. Both really enjoyed the Pupfish. Their Piña Coladas are the best we've had. We highly recommend this Tavern for their great seafood and great service. By the way, most everyone else there had their soft shell crabs. They only accept cash and because they are a Tavern, no one under 21 is allowed. read more

Family owned Crab Shack has been a tradition for the whole family for many years. A fun place to get it on the water.

We are new to Delaware and have to admit we not used to these prices. So I will not comment on price other than to say we almost left related to them and wish we would have. I believe every table had crabs. We were too hungry to attempt the crabs. So both of us ordered a dinner. I ordered garlic shrimp and received 5 deep fried shrimp. 6 French fries (yes I counted them) and a sm dish of coleslaw. Husband ordered rock fish. Both dishes were tasty but we left hungry. Not willing to fork out $45 for crabs or &37 for what looked like lunch portions so we will try another restaurant. read more

Sambo's Tavern - These are old prices. - Bars Near Me - Dover, Delaware

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I had a terrific lunch..the oysters were hot sweet crunchy and Ive been off oysters for 2 years after I got sick in Florida on them so I took a chance andbit was omg delicious French fries hot crunchy old bay added on it and finely choppef coleslaw which I loved..and our party also had the crab cake sandwich for $25..and when you see the size of it you'll understand why its that price its the size of a soft ball and its all crab again best ever..the view is on the water and the servers are happy friendly and its a nice experience they close on Sept 30th for the season and reopen in April...only wish we went months ago to go afew times before they close read more

Truly a hidden gem. My husband and I were headed home after a few days at the beach. Stumbled upon this place and said why not go for it. The establishment itself has some charm as in a dive bar. But the windows looking out to the water was a beautiful scene. We both ordered soups and they were fantastic!!! His was better than mine but before I could ask for another bite he ate it all. I had the soft she'll crab sandwhich and was pretty good. The hubs had the crab cake and WOW! This sandwhich had hardly any filler and was packed with crab. Delicious and cooked perfectly as well. We will be back for sure. read more

The most appropriate adjective for Sambo's Tavern is "quaint." The wood paneling on the walls features framed, age-yellowed newspaper articles about the tavern, along with several pushpin-tagged maps (some of which are old and must surely show Germany as a divided country) where visitors from afar can, and obviously have, commemorated their meal. Autographed portraits of NASCAR racers and persona hang prominently on the walls of the dining room. Said dining room offers a panoramic view of the marsh and local waterfront where fishing or crabbing boats come and go. Whether they are supplying Sambo's seafood or by proximity giving the impression that they do (as some reviewers have alleged), I'm not sure. I do know that, as we were leaving one time, a seafood company delivery truck was unloading at the back, and a SYSCO truck was lined up right behind it, so it's a sure thing that at least some of the seafood is imported. Regardless, the crab is of good quality, and the crab cakes are all meat and no filler - it's too bad they serve the latter on a soft, mass-produced potato roll, which takes the quality of that particular dish down a notch or two. Even toasting the roll might improve the meal, as would including lettuce and tomato with the sandwich gratis instead of charging an additional $.50 for it. I suppose the bit of tartar or cocktail sauce served with it is nice, though. Like Boondocks nearby, this place relies overly much on its deep fryer to make most food taste good - and, admittedly, much of it is tasty, in a manner that panders to the rural palate. The fries are seasoned with Old Bay, as per local custom, and the hush puppies have a hint of onion in them. I've had crab bisque here that was middling at best. The drinks are nothing to write home about, either, as could be guessed by the fact that the tavern hangs Budweiser and Pabst Blue Ribbon signs out front. Even the Bloody Mary I ordered once was rather flavorless; I don't think they used anything as base as McCormick's, though...in fact, I don't think they used much of any vodka at all. On our last visit, the waitress didn't put in my side order of fries - I guess I'll have to be a bit more specific next time instead of saying "I'll have the exact same thing the previous person at my table ordered," which I had thought would've been self-explanatory. I've heard that NASCAR racers visit the place regularly when they come into town - and the decor seems to lend veracity to this rumor. This occasional boost in business is probably what allows this place, set in a diminutive town on the edge of civilization, to stay in business. As much as those down-home folks may appreciate it, however, I'm not sure true foodies should make the trek. Food connoisseurs would do much better (both price- and taste-wise) going down to Pleasanton's nearby, buying the seafood fresh, and cooking it at home. read more

Sambo's Tavern - Front of Sambo's. Note the PBR and Budweiser signs. - Bars Near Me - Dover, Delaware

The best crab cakes, crab bisque, shrimp, fresh fish! Everything I've tried has been delicious. Nice atmosphere! Beautiful view. Great waitresses. especially Joanne! Can't wait till next April when they open again. read more

Really quite place on the water, that's a great place to grab drinks and eat crabs. Small menu but something for everyone. (Nobody under 21) only take cash but have a ATM! Waitress was very nice! read more