It has literally been over a decade since I've visited City Island. I definitely remember it differently. That said, I do remember Sammy's Fish Box as a good spot to visit. I came with my wife and while there wasn't much going on in the town, Sammy's was the vibe we were looking for. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is huge and kitschy. You feel like it's a diner on steroids.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Just look at the massive menu with items written in fine print. We saw everyone walking away with leftover bags like they just went grocery shopping so we decided to order less. We went with the Sammy's Broiled Combination and the Piri Piri shrimp appetizer sized. But before we even ordered, they dropped 3 types of bread with pickled vegetables. We are basically full better the food even arrived. Our waiter was swamped. They were definitely understaffed for a Friday afternoon unfortunately. That said, the food was good overall. We won't necessarily be back to City Island anytime soon but if you're here, Sammy's isn't a bad choice. read more

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It is worth visiting the restaurant, considering the quality and freshness, the friendly staff. The quality of the food is truly remarkable. The portions are impressive. There is no other way to describe it. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The atmosphere around the restaurant was very friendly and cheerful.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Spacious parking in front of the restaurant. Nothing but compliments for this concept. read more

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

Sammy's Fish Box is located all the way down towards the end of City Island. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place is large, with lots of tables, well lit, clean & lots of seafaring decor.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's always full & the staff is always busy but friendly & accommodating.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service is as quick as possible depending on how crowded it is. You won't go hungry though, because the complimentary salad, pickled veggies & bread will fill you up if you're not mindful of your upcoming entree. Their specialty is seafood but the menu has many other food items & is extensive. The portions are big & you will definitely leave with a doggy bag. It's pricey but worth it. The desserts are just as good. [[HIGHLIGHT]]After dinner you can take a nice walk to the waterfront & enjoy the views.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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First time here and the food is sampling amazing!! Service was pretty good considering we came as a big group. read more

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Went to City Island and ate at Sammy's Fish Box. The food was good and the service was great. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The only down side was it was crowded so the service was a little slow.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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

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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. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a huge joint inside with plenty of seating, host was very friendly.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place looks very sea-foody, super cool IMO.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Bathroom was clean, was able to change my baby's diaper, no problem.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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

This was my first time at Sammy's but what a wonderful experience. While near the end of the street it a wonder spot for seafood. We got here early so parking wasn't too much of an issue but be careful I hear this area is a parking ticket haven. Upon entering the Restaurant we were seated and served quickly. Great food, we had a wonderful time. read more

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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

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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

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

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. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We sat outside and enjoyed the sun over the water, amazing views.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I'm definitely going back next summer. [[HIGHLIGHT]]But in all honesty, I could go in the winter but the vibes wouldn't be the same.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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

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. [[HIGHLIGHT]]As far as ambiance, it's nice for a fun date night or celebration.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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 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

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Place hasn't missed a beat. I've been going there off an on over 50 years. Service is still on point waiter was vey helpful with my group making suggestions. read more

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

Sammys Fish Box - 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

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

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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

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

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

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. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We then got seated in a corner because of our stroller and it feels spectated from the restaurant.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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

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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. [[HIGHLIGHT]]There were several other parties celebrating birthdays and it was a wonderfully warm atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] 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

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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. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The Focus is on the food because there is no ambiance.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Sammy's has primarily indoor seating and has limited views of the water.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Outdoor seating can only accommodate small parties.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Indoor Decor is dated and kitschy.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]They crammed in as much seating as possible so it feels tight.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Vibe is family feast not romantic dinner.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Enjoy! read more

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

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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

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

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

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

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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

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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

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

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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

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

The food is Absolutely Excellent; But, a bit on the Expensive Side! The Service is Quick and Attentive. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is Cozy and Inviting.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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

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

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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

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

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You can never go wrong when you visit Sammys Fish Box. The food is pretty good not overly seasoned especially the fried shrimp. The shrimp was borderline with the seasoning but it was still a good dish. They give you garlic bread, corn bread and bread with cheese. They finally got rid of the pickled vegetables. The drinks are extremely strong and it's a bad thing because you are only going to have one. Of course Sammys is one of the expensive places in City Island and it's worth it. The portion sizes are large and they stay open until about midnight(double check). The wait staff was hustling because they were extremely busy running from table to table. We arrived after 11pm and it was still crowded. I love to visit Sammys they have a nice vibe and everyone is so friendly. read more