The service was excellent and the place seems to be busy every time I visit. Have always gotten breakfast, and the food has been wonderful every time. I recommend Sam's Cafe! read more

Amazing breakfast! So delicious, a customer finishing up when we sat down recommended the french toast and I'm glad we tried it. Be prepared: Sam's is a small place so you may have a wait (like a line wait, not a take a # go get a coffee wait) and its cash only so be sure to stop at the ATM on your way. read more

At first glance, most people would walk past Sam's Cafe and never consider walking in. Along its street are many other restaurants with newer decor or fancier food that, perhaps, seem more inviting to to the eye. However, overlooking Sam's would be a mistake for all the other times in which you just want to be in a friendly place with good, honest food. Walking into Sam's sends one back to diners from the late 50s and early 60s. Nothing, save for the business card-laden ceiling, appears much newer than that. The tables are small and the chairs have backs that seem a little unsteady for bigger frames. None-the-less, you are met with the greatest smile from the owner, who happens to be the main cook, and you start to forget any thoughts you had about the attractiveness of the place. Sam's is known more for its breakfast items (served all-day long). Chief among them is a sort of french toast that is a sort of combination of french toast with a pancake (think of an overbattered piece of toast). This is a signature item many like--for myself and my wife, we found it nicely agreeable but not "amazing." The omelet, however, is very well done. His choice of cheese seems to make it shine, causing your mouth to salivate for more even after the point of fullness. He will do it with egg whites if asked, but note that he does not compensate for the lost yolks. You can have your soda flavored with one of several Torani-type syrups, and they provide free refills. The coffee is okay. Service at Sam's is good, with attendants coming by whenever your drink is low. Prices at Sams are very good. Costs are trimmed there to keep food prices low without compromising quality. One aspect of this that must be noted is that credit cards are NOT accepted--it is cash-only. If you do not have enough cash on hand, the main office of PNC is two buildings away. Probably the most amazing thing about Sam's comes from "Sam" himself (I believe his name is "Gus"). If you ever talk with him, you will find a man who is incredibly grateful with life here in the US (he's not native-born). This most shows in his honest, constant smile when dealing with customers and employees. His zest for life is infectious and you leave happy just to know someone can be like that in today's world. When you experience Gus, you sense God must be happy with him. On one or two days a week, his wife serves Middle-Eastern food in the evenings (Friday is one of these days). If you would like some authentic home-cooking from that region, consider dropping by for the special menu occasions. Gus, may you have many more years ahead of you to help share that wonderful heart. read more

Dirty water? The food was good and the service was just ok. But the worst coffee I have ever had it tasted like dirty water read more

I stopped at Sam's with a few others while attending a conference at the U of I. We all agreed that it was fantastic and full of charm. I ordered the ribeye and eggs breakfast with a half order of french toast. The french toast is covered with powdered sugar and is crispy on the outside and soft and cinnamon-y on the inside. I believe the owner dips the toast in pancake batter before frying it. Regardless of how its made, its wonderful. The steak (obviously not of Smith and Wollensky quality) was tasty and cooked to medium rare. Its juices went perfectly with the over easy eggs and crispy american fires that came along for the ride. Go here, you won't regret it. And if you do regret it, it'll only cost a few bucks. read more

Met Sam as he was busy at the grill. Paul and I went in to order some burgers. The staff was very attentive. I borrowed a pen to start my food diary. I really would like to see some Lebanese cuisine on the menu although Sam doesn't think he has the right clientelle. He is a very sweet man and his brother was just in from Lebanon. I noticed a Saint perched above the grill. He offtered to share one with me for protection. He said I should place it above a door way of my home. How cool is this guy anyway.. read more

This place is what it is. A cheap greasy spoon dive with a cash only policy. If that sounds repulsive to you, don't go! If not, go and definitely have the French Toast. Service is ok at best but wth? read more

Sam's has earned the name "greasy spoon" - the place is covered with a thick layer of cooking grease. It makes me (nervously) wonder how clean their walk-in is. The food was basic breakfast fare - what you'd expect for the price. I'm not too picky when it comes to coffee, but theirs was undrinkable. Pro: Extremely low cost Con: Unacceptable cleanliness issues, horrible coffee. read more

Sam's Cafe has great food at a reasonable price. I have eaten there many of times and am always satisfied. There famous French toast is my go to, must have breakfast meal. They have great lunch specials with a great at home feeling atmosphere. The only downside is that the seating is very small. They have a good amount of tables but they are tiny. read more

Much ado about nothing. Have heard so much about Sam's Cafe and now wonder why. Upon entering, the first (and lasting) impression was that it was dirty. Okay, in my Harley riding days, I've eaten at many greasy spoons that turned out dynamite food. Not the case here. Service was perfunctory but that could be owing to the place being so busy. Coffee was decent. Ordered the Western Omelet. Huge. To their credit, it was filled with slices of bacon instead of just pieces, slices of ham instead of diced pieces, and large pieces of sausage patties. That having been said, the vegetables were soggy and the entire omelet lacked seasoning of any kind. Totally bland. The American Fries were a soggy mess and also without flavor. Had to have at least a half order of their much ballyhooed French Toast after reading the rave reviews here. Blah!! Did these reviewers eat the same stuff as I did? There was nothing remotely commendable about it. It was soggy and relatively flavorless. I tried it with and without syrup. The syrup at least gave it flavor, albeit that of low grade imitation maple syrup. It's been a while since I left that much food on my plate. This may be a case of the Emperor's New Clothes as it is with so many of the "In" places in C-U. "Oh look, we found this quaint little cafe downtown; you must try it." Of course, if you disagree you are obviously declasse. Color me declasse. read more

Cheap. But that is where it begins and ends. Otherwise, it is just a below average greasy spoon with a staff that is apathetic or bored or both. read more

A step back in time to a Bogart movie, quick, diner food, no frills but tons of atmosphere, easy on the wallet.

I got Sam's French Toast with a side of eggs and the eggs were fine but the french toast mostly tasted of everything else that was on the grill. I think if there were separate grills for meat vs other items it would've been better. Friendly service though. read more

First its not true that the woman recently immigrated from lebanon she has been living in champaign for 15 yrs. and the food for lebanese standards it is awful. She gets things that are packaged and heats most the stuff up. I have tried the restaurant and i know what lebanese food tastes like... this is awful.... sorry but that is the truth and for dining out i would rather go to a nicer looking place. read more

Absolutely love this place! All walks of life commingle here...I was kind of scared when I walked in how the food was going to be bc it doesn't look like anything has been updated since it opened in the 60's but was literally the best breakfast joint I have ate at in years! Coffee is always hot and fresh and the French toast is to die for! A must try read more

I was skeptical the French toast could be the best in the world. Not anymore though. They were amazing, perfect and the best ive ever had.

I see a lot of reviews saying it was dirty, I didn't think it was dirty at all, just an older building. Food was well priced, nothing fancy just good ol home style breakfast. I got the biscuits and gravy it was only $5 and it was 4 of the fluffiest biscuits I've ever eaten and they were not shy with the gravy. Overall very delicious and excellent service, would definitely recommend! read more

I was a student here for years but never tried it until a recent trip back to C-U. I got the breakfast special, which seems to be the way to go (other than perhaps the French Toast). The bacon was just okay (it was clearly not fresh), but the eggs were very good, and the pancakes were the best I'd had in quite some time. If I were going back, I'd probably try the sausage - it looked better than the bacon. And it was still quite affordable - I think $6 covered my meal, including tax and tip! read more

great little greasy spoon here in champaign. delicious and cheap pancakes. only down side is they only take cash, no credit or debit

Sam's café is not a restaurant but a country meeting place in the middle of Champaign, IL The food is fine and if you want something alittle out of the ordinary try their French toast....it's the best. But that's not why you go there. You walk in and sit down at a table the rocks.....your with people of all walks of life discussing the days events openly. Sam is at the grill solving problems and every body kicks in. When you leave Sam's.....you are definitely more enlightened than when you went in. Sam's is a club and a reminder of days gone by when simplicity was the norm. Sorry....no latte's at Sam's. I love the place! read more

Awesome food, service and prices. The biscuits & gravy are incredible, but the French toast is even better.