Hey Foodies, Sammy's has always been my City Island go to since childhood. Always friendly service and fresh generous portions of food. On this visit I had crab cakes, lobster bisque, garlic pasta, w. yellow rice. As far as ambiance, it's nice for a fun date night or celebration. My one suggestion: order a side of melted butter to go w. your meals, especially the yellow rice. read more

Sammys Fish Box - Crab cakes w. garlic pasta, yellow rice, and corn - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

Went to Sammy's Fish Box on March 15, 2026. The food never disappoints! My fried shrimp were fresh and delicious as always. The bread selection they bring out before the meal especially the cornbread is always a highlight. Honestly, I look forward to that just as much as the main dish. The only thing I'd say is that for the overall pricing, I do think the staff could be a tad more attentive. Overall though, still a solid restaurant and the food keeps me coming back. read more

Sammys Fish Box - Jumbo Fried Shrimp - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

This This is my 3rd or 4th time coming to Sammy's. The customer service is always A1. But I did have some things that bothered me with this visit. I brought my wife for her Birthday with our daughter who's in a stroller. When we came inside the hostess asked if we were celebrating a birthday. That right there messed up my initial surprise plan. We then got seated in a corner because of our stroller and it feels spectated from the restaurant. During our dinner I observed the booth next to us with a group of women Celebrating a birthday and a table with a large group of 16 get a birthday song with a group of waiters. Our waiter Jimmy was by himself and brought a ice cream and sang the song by himself. He did a great job. I just wish we could've got the same experience. Also the fact that items on this menu ranges up to $260+ and you don't offer free refills on soft drinks is straight up blasphemy. read more

See all

Went to City Island and ate at Sammy's Fish Box. The food was good and the service was great. The only down side was it was crowded so the service was a little slow. But outside of that I would consider it a complaint just a observation. Our server made up for the slowness in performance and personality. I wouldn't expect anything else given the popularity of this place. Look at the portions they were well with it. read more

See all

Food and customer service here are amazing! There's plenty of parking and seats to eat. Everything is always good and fresh. They do need to refresh the place a bit to give it a more modern feel and clean the bathrooms a bit better. Otherwise, great restaurant and i will def return read more

I haven't been to City Island since I was a wee lad and wifey had asked me about going up there and checking it out. First off, check out the wiki on it, it has a very storied history and interesting facts that go back before the American Revolution. Sammy Fish Box is about a 5 minute drive after the bridge going into City Island, there is a parking lot so do not fret. It's a huge joint inside with plenty of seating, host was very friendly. The place looks very sea-foody, super cool IMO. The menu is huuuge, so many different seafood combos with shrimp, lobster, calamari, fish and more. The waiter was very friendly and attentive. No complaints on service. I had a seafood combo with all types of shellfish, the shrimp were super meaty and good. I would for sure come back and try the different stuff on the menu. Bathroom was clean, was able to change my baby's diaper, no problem. If you never been to the boogie down Bronx and are a seafood fan like myself please check it out. Good luck if you're taking public transport as it is a mission, we drove a car. I know that has nothing to with the establishment but just know before you think about going!! Cheers! read more

Sammys Fish Box - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

The food here is massive. You'll get a plate of bread, garlic bread, cornbread, butter, veggies, and cheese to share. The actual seafood is just okay though imo. It looks better than it tastes. It was fresh and large but it didn't really have any flavor. I got scampi style shrimp and salmon. The fried jumbo shrimp was great. But the salmon was lacking flavor. The rice and pasta are both bland. I asked for peri peri sauce on the side and that helped a lot. If you like deep flavor and very spicy food, get it peri peri style. I came with a large group for a birthday. Everyone else agreed on the food. It was edible for sure, but nothing memorable. Very bland. The service is quick and friendly. read more

See all

Sammy's Fish Box is a treasure on City Island. The service and atmosphere is great. You cannot ask for a better, dining experience. The seafood portions are large, definitely great value for your meal. During my last visit, I had been away from the U.S. traveling in Countries wherein the seafood is freshly caught, and cooked the same day from icy, Nordic waters, so my tastebuds were very picky. I was not impressed by the taste of my seafood. Most likely due to growing up on seafood in New England you acquire a certain taste. My friends enjoyed their seafood, and were happy, they live in the Bronx and that's what their tastebuds are accustomed to. With that being said, give it try, you never know, you may enjoy. read more

See all

I meeeeean it's Sammy's. Bring cash because they don't take credit cards nor debit cards. The crab legs were incredible; seasoned to perfection. And shrimp were amazing. The portions are ok, they could be bigger. We sat outside and enjoyed the sun over the water, amazing views. I'm definitely going back next summer. But in all honesty, I could go in the winter but the vibes wouldn't be the same. read more

Sammys Fish Box - King Crab Legs & Jumbo Fried Shrimp combo - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

We have been wanting to try this place for a very long time and made it out there today. We were so excited to try the seafood paella. When it arrived we were blown away by the size of it. It says it feeds two but it would be enough for a family! However, the dish was overall boring and flavorless. It didn't have any unique flavors and the seafood was a bit dry. For how excited we were, it was a huge letdown. Despite the food being disappointing, our server, Jeff, made up for the whole thing. He was friendly, attentive, and so kind to our whole family including our kids. He made us feel welcomed, and valued. I'm not sure if we'd make it back here. We wouldn't get that same dish, but would heavily consider returning because of the stellar service. read more

Sammys Fish Box - Seafood paella - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

Went with a group, 2 of us had been to City Island before, for the rest of us it was our first time. First off, I just want to say, City Island is really cool, doesn't feel like you're still in New York. Sammy must be doing pretty well for himself, there are multiple Sammy's restaurants at that end of the island and they have five parking lots. I am not a seafood eater but the rest of the group is. They feasted. They all loved their meals. The amount of seafood on their plates was crazy. I had the cheeseburger which was ok, I think it might have been microwaved. I feel like restaurants like this don't really exist anymore. There is so much to look at on the walls, neon signs everywhere, big booths, old school Tiffany (inspired?) lamps hanging above each booth, balloons at the entrance which I assume they give to kids either coming or going. The drinks were pretty strong and on a Friday night, I appreciated that. I had two lemon drops which were tasty and did the trick. The rest of the group started with pina coladas and then switched to beer. Our waiter, I didn't catch his name was great. You could tell he has been doing this for a long time. We all had a really fun dinner there. read more

See all

Food, lacked all the basics including salt. Taste was just not there, The calamari sucked The lobster tail was over cooked The shrimp were just big and hard ( pause ) The cornbread & garlic bread were good The lemonade was out of a Lipton can. The bill was high read more

Wow, we were not prepared for the portions! Decent place, decent service, very good pina coladas. Ambiance is kinda tacky but cute. read more

Sammys Fish Box - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

Worst seafood I've ever eaten. Very expensive too. Paella de España tasted dirty. The chorizo was edible. Everything else went in the trash. Won't be back. read more

I have been coming here since I was 6 years old and I am highly disappointed on how bad this place has become. To charge MKP ($160) for 6 shrimp and chopped up crab legs is Ridiculous!!! Prior visits they gave at least 8 whole Alaskan king crab legs with the fried shrimp and the price was less. When did this become a trend to chop up 3 crab legs, pass it off as if they are giving you more and damn near double the prior price!! Will NOT return here . Sad to see an establishment go down hill like this!! read more

Sammys Fish Box - King Crab Legs & Jumbo Fried Shrimp - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

The food the ambiance it's #1 in city island , now i understand , very well , usually one pays for what one gets..sammys fish box is #1..

The service was excellent!! Jeff, our waiter catered to our every need. Every single staff was welcoming and friendly. My family took me for a graduation dinner and the staff gave me a balloons and a flower necklace to make me feel special. They went above and beyond to make sure I felt special. read more

See all

Fresh seafood a hop skip from any borough. If you have the bread and the peppers they put on tyne table you won't eat your dinner. Over the top good seafood. Lots of it no matter what you get. The way it should be. Gonna make it a point to go many times this summer. Great staff great service and relatively not expensive. But it is pricey. So don't make the mistake and not bring the cash. I don't drink so that may have a lot to do with it. Recommend highly read more

So of course when in the Bronx, NY, I had to do city island (better in the summer) for seafood. We hit an old stomping ground, Sammy's. It's been a minute, the place was pretty much the same, the plates are huge and you get what you payed for. It can be pricey, but the food plenty and very good and fresh. The oysters Rockefeller were huge and tasty. Other Appetizers like clam strips, shrimp cocktail very good. Everyone had a different dish from salmon, lobster and yes baby back ribs. We all took home leftovers to feed a family. Still recommend but be prepared to pay. read more

The food was great and the service was superb! We were celebrating my husband's birthday. The owner brought over balloons and at dessert they sang happy birthday with us. There were several other parties celebrating birthdays and it was a wonderfully warm atmosphere. I would just suggest that the cucumber salad be called pickled, because it didn't look like a salad. Everything else was delicious! read more

Sammys Fish Box - Bernie's birthday dessert. - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

See all

A feast! We enjoyed everything, from the complimentary bread, cheese and pickled veggies to the seafood which was fresh and delicious. Service was efficient and our head waiter, Nacho was considerate and attentive. Restaurant was busy but there was no wait and plenty of lot parking on an early Saturday evening in August. The Focus is on the food because there is no ambiance. Sammy's has primarily indoor seating and has limited views of the water. Outdoor seating can only accommodate small parties. Indoor Decor is dated and kitschy. They crammed in as much seating as possible so it feels tight. Vibe is family feast not romantic dinner. Enjoy! read more

Sammys Fish Box - Piri piri whole red snapper - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

See all

Absolutely love this place and can't wait to return it again. The food was great. Staff was amazing. The traffic wasn't so great getting there but the food and the staff made it well worth the wait. read more

Hanging out in my hometown of Yonkers and I've got some family from out of town here as well. So when we're all here there's something we absolutely have to do, go to City Island for seafood. Lol. My parents are a little on the older side so when they say "City Island", they meant a specific restaurant. However, the wait time for that place was so insanely long that we tried someone where new... Sammy's Fish Box. Here's how it went... Atmosphere/Appearance: Right on the main strip crammed in among the other businesses is this gem. There's actually 2 locations very near each other so things can get a bit confusing. Parking is a nightmare, honestly. Good luck. If you can find a spot on the street, like I did, that's your best bet. However, if you can't find a place on the street there are parking lots up and down the block that will be happy to take your money. Once inside you're a bit overwhelmed. It's so busy. Busy with customers and people, but also busy with decor. There are glowing signs above your head, light wood EVERYWHERE, plants and paintings seem to be randomly scattered throughout and the layout can be confusing. I guess all you really need to know is where your table is and where the bathroom is. Lol. Service: I can't remember who took care of us, but there were 8 of us and they didn't miss a beat. Food: The menu here is huge. There are so many variations of dishes then those same dishes can be fried or put into combinations. Lol. There's just so much. Just visit their website. To start the meal complimentary bread with cheese and pickled vegetables is brought out to the table to share. For my entree I went with the shrimp-stuffed sole with a side or corn on the cob and rice. Delicious. It wasn't fine-dining level, but still VERY tasty. Everything has a delicious garlic-buttery flavor that just works! Lol. Value: It's seafood AND it's New York. Do your own math. Lol. $54.95 for my entree which again, includes the entree, the complimentary stuff and sides. So, come prepared to pay, but you'll really enjoy yourself. In conclusion, I'm glad that Johnny's Reef was so busy because it gave my family a different place to try out. You know? I'm all about trying new restaurants so it's about time they did too! I'd totally check this place out again. Their menu is long enough to keep any busy for a LONG time! read more

See all

I'm going straight to the point with this, the food here sucks and for the price it's sickening. The service is alright I guess. I Ordered a Mac and cheese here it's terrible, the cheese was watery and the pasta was fusilli what type of garbage is that?! The onion rings look like they're suppose to be beer battered they came out warm and soft like if they were microwaved, not fresh at all. Nothing here was fresh. Total garbage read more

Spent my birthday here! Food was amazing and our server was great! They gave me a necklace (it's my bday!) we were able to sit immediately which was great! They gave us some free apps, bread, cheese and some pickled veggies. Will definitely be back!! read more

See all

I have been an avid customer since Sammy's opened and introduced Ed many friends to your fine selections and enjoying almost every birthday dinner there. I visited yesterday and almost felt insulted that my favorite selection (king crab legs and shrimp) was $175. Since I really had looked forward to eating that I got it and it did not disappoint. However, having gone from about $89 to $175 is really just awful. I feel I can no longer drive from Jersey and enjoy the meal. The amount of foodie was less than usual, the waitress just ok , salad dressing mostly cheesy when there are many who can't eat cheese. No creamy Italian or thousand Island.Please review your prices. I know items are higher but not that much. I hate to give up my loyalty but you have priced me out read more

We have been coming to Sammies for years and they are always good. They always serve alot of food. We have take home boxes everytime. The service is always good and fast. The ambiance is casual which is great because you definitely need comfortable clothes for all the food they give you. read more

See all

We did takeout the other day. Lobster roll was not good. Very tough. Baked clams were ok , the flavor was there and the king crab was ok but my husband felt it was heavy with old bay. Overall mediocre which was disappointing. I think this place had its day. read more

The food is Absolutely Excellent; But, a bit on the Expensive Side! The Service is Quick and Attentive. The ambiance is Cozy and Inviting.

The place and food is average. Gets very busy so plan ahead to wait. Kind of expensive for average food.

Sammy's is STILL my favorite restaurant on City Island. I have been her many times before and during COVID with small to large groups. I most recently celebrated a milestone birthday for a family member post-COVID. I have yet to be disappointed by this establishment. Glad to see that they didn't skimp on the pickled veggies and yummy sesame seed bread that arrived to over table piping hot like it just came out of the oven. The cheese was different than many years ago but I'm not complaining. I often start off with Fried Calamari. It was lightly breaded and fresh. I would also recommend the Buffalo Wings & Buffalo Shrimp appetizer that is reasonably spicy. Please note that they use salad shrimp from this menu item but it's a hit overall. I tried their bulldog style margarita which hit the spot. I have never had an issue with their cocktails. We usually opt to share the Crab & Lobster Feast for 2 which was more than enough for 3 and now cost $179. There are plenty of leftovers which are just as good reheated as when brought to our table so the price is quite reasonable. The shining stars are the seasoning on the seafood and more than generous quantities of food. The seafood seasoning has always been consistently delicious, generous without being salty and the best compliment to their perfectly steamed seafood. I always leave with a to-go of leftovers especially when I eat the complimentary salad and sides of corn over yellow rice that come with each entree. An honorable mention goes out to kitchen for the generous portions of fried seafood that you get when you order from Sammy's Fried Specialties that is never greasy but always tasty. I have also recently ventured into the Italian Specialities section of the menu along with some others on my group. Everything was a HIT. The consistency of the Alfredo was perfection along with the Jumbo Shrimp that was the size of my palm. Another great dining experience at a classic restaurant whose quality has withstood the test of time and even COVID! Brave the traffic that can be intense on the weekends especially in the summer and head straight down to Sammy's Fish Box. Also take advantage of the complimentary valet. read more

See all

Went here for a dinner date with hubby. The food was amazing. Line was so long, but that was another type of line. I don't know why it was out of the door, but once I found out where the line is down, they accommodated me because I was on a walker, but also because they just were moving really fast. The food was phenomenal really hot really fresh bread the atmosphere the sangria red wine. It was just amazing. My husband got all the world that he loves the shrimp the lobster and the crabs and I had tilapia with baked potato fully loaded. I mean all was great. You will be stuff when you leave there and the atmosphere was just awesome. Even with the rain outside the light drizzle very friendly atmosphere very cozy just awesome. read more

See all

As said by my family this place should be called SCAMmys not Sammy's. Now let's begin ... We came here to celebrate my uncles 89th birthday ! Excited to spend time with the family and celebrate the occasion. Decor and ambiance alone this place is extremely outdated. Props and items are super old and dusty. That's a strike. The prices are EXTREMELY high for bland , tasteless and frozen food. - undercooked fish - dry ribs - French Onion Soup taste like mop water - corn that definitely has something wrong with it - overcooked cheeseburger Service is absolutely atrocious. There's no reason I should wait 45 minutes for a water refill after asking twice. They couldn't give us sautéed onions with a steak. And gave us salad dressings in cups served out of a pot. Let's continue... Other servers had to step in to help or other servers refused to help because we were not their assigned table. I think the only redeeming quality this establishment has is the warm Sesame seeded roll and cornbread they gave us at the very beginning Avoid this place read more

See all

Sammy's Fishbox is a national treasure. This is not a super upscale place, it's a little dated, but that's not the point. This place is an experience that anyone that visits New York City, especially the Bronx, should put on their list of places to visit. This is where real New Yorkers come to eat, not transplants. You'll see cops, firefighters, school teachers,, bus drivers, MTA train conductors and their families eating here. Real people eating in a real Bronx New York landmark. Come for the history. Stay for the food. read more

See all

Update March 9, 2025: Today's lunch with my son was outstanding, thanks to our waiter William, who has been serving me for over 20yrs. His hospitality and professionalism as a waiter is outstanding and few can be compared to him in the restaurant business. His bosses should feel proud of his professionalism and caring for his customers. Today my son and I order fry calamari, shrimp and chicken Parmesan and lobster including an apple martini and a Corona beer .The food was a large portion unable to eat all so we packed it up to take home. Today's lunch my son and I really enjoyed and thanks to Willie's hospitality and professionalism , we truly enjoyed. Therefore for today's rating it is 5 stars. The restaurant was pretty packed today with many customers since this Sunday was a sunny and beautiful day. read more

I've never been to City Island but was told Sammys was the place to go for seafood. The place is huge! you can get lost inside and there's an outside area which we sat at. Immediately we were given a complimentary platter of fresh, warm bread, corn bread, a wedge of cheese, veggies, and olives. This was a great starting plate but such little cheese! The server took a long time to come to us once we sat down. I was hoping he'd give recommendations or walk us through the extensive, confusing menu but he just walked away after saying hi and us saying we didn't know what to drink yet. The drinks here are expensive. I thought being so far out of the city it would be cheaper but all drinks were $18+ each. There are so many options on the menu, its hard to decide what you want. Almost everyone around us got giant platters of an aray of seafood. The food was good but I wouldn't say the best seafood I've ever had. it was also very expensive so I probably wouldn't go all the way out there again for seafood when I can find other spots the same price or cheaper in NYC. read more

The clams were delicious as usual! My family and I have been coming here for decades. The staff is always so sweet and accommodating. read more

Sammys Fish Box - Baked Clams - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

We stopped by yesterday excited because we're having something new. Walked in and heard the bartender yelling at the other worker saying something VERY inappropriate in Spanish. Put it in your mom's .. okay next. Sat and heard someone yelling get to work! About 10 times. The high chair we were given had a broken back piece and my son almost fell out. We were given pickled veggies and bread with our drinks which was very tasty. Ordered calamari, broiled fish and jumbo shrimp. The broiled fish had so much flavor wow. The calamari tasted boxed from stop and shop and fried. I told the waiter it was horrible and he said a lot of ppl like it. Ok. Very old school in here. Yellow lighting, fish tanks, celeb pictures on the wall which was cool. Unfortunately I wouldn't do this again. read more

Service is absolutely the best. We've been there countless times and since we have little kids it's hard to find a restaurant that doesn't get annoyed by them, the staff there is very nice and always gives them balloons. The food is very delicious and comes in quantity too. Prices are fair. read more

Sammys Fish Box - Seafood Near Me - Bronx, New York

I went to Sammy Fish Nox with two relatives, ready for a seafood feast. Instead, we got a crime scene. First order: lobsters and shrimp. The shrimp were overcooked, flavorless, and drowning in so much flour I thought they were auditioning to be bread. The second platter--fried shrimp and clams--was even worse. If a good marriage needs seasoning to survive, this dish was already signing divorce papers. It tasted like someone dunked it in oil, whispered 'flavor' at it from across the room, and called it a day. Service? A total joke. Our waiter ignored us like an ex who still owes us money. We waited longer than any other table and had to hunt down the porters just to get utensils, napkins, water--basic human rights at a restaurant. At one point, I wondered if we had accidentally wandered into an 'eat with your hands' experience. The atmosphere didn't help. Overpriced food, lifeless flavors, and lack of attention, we are customers we like to be serviced. The manager however, was the saving grace he checked in on us. When he came to the table the atmosphere changed. I'm just saying. read more