I really didn't want to write this review and not because it's a negative one... quite the contrary! I'd prefer to keep this cafe a HIDDEN gem. LOL. The food, service, cleanliness, and remodel all 5 stars. I disagree with the low rating of 3.9 stars. Food was fresh, clean, detailed, not overly salted and nicely presented. Service was attentive, timely and welcoming. This is NOT the previous Sam's diner... it's new and improved. I'm a 30 year local and I cannot remember when/where I have had a better casual cafe breakfast! Good job Sams Cafe.... OJ: pricey but worth it. Benedict: very rich and filling! Fresh Fruit: FRESH, FRESH, & FRESH!!! Perfectly ripe. Other 2 entrees: delicious! Coffee: excellent cafe coffee This is our go to breakfast cafe....shhhhhhh. read more

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Sam's Cafe is a small town hidden gem. Located in a small strip mall in Half Moon Bay, Sam's has consistently met our expectations and we do love a good breakfast. This time my husband ordered the artichoke scramble with potatoes and sourdough toast. I ordered the lox and cream cheese bagel. We both ordered orange juice. Our breakfast totaled $59 which is fairly consistent with breakfast locations in our hometown. First, the orange juice was fresh squeezed and delicious. The artichoke scramble was tasty with lots of artichokes and vegetables. The potatoes were generous and good. My lox and bagel came already prepared on a toasted bagel (many times it will come in components and you build your own which is what I prefer). The cream cheese layer was a little light on the spread. The lox was plenty and it was topped off with slivers of onion and capers. The fresh fruit side was a surprise for this time of year - fresh strawberries, blueberries and apples. Not a melon to be found - yay! Our server was friendly and efficient. The food was served hot and in a timely manner. We'll be back again! read more

Sam's Cafe is a great little spot off highway 92 in hmb! *** Worth clarifying that it's not Sam's Chowder House down near Pillar Point in El Granada. Service here is friendly and efficient, and food comes out quickly without feeling rushed. The Sam's Cafe skillet is my go-to. It's huge, and makes for great breakfast burritos out of leftovers ;) The homemade Picante La Negrita salsa that comes with it is amazing and adds great flavor and heat. The menu has plenty of variety, from egg dishes, Benedicts, scrambles, and omelettes to waffles, crepes, and pancakes, plus salads, soups, burgers, and sandwiches. Easy and reliable choice for breakfast or lunch read more

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Tucked away in a little strip mall in the not so precious side of Half Moon Bay, Sam's had the best huevos rancheros I've ever tasted! Crispy tortilla, fresh ingredients, and even their own homemade hot sauce! Not cheap, but nothing is these days. Just great food and friendly, attentive service. read more

Sams Cafe - Huevos rancheros - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

I was looking for a lunch spot while I was in Half Moon Bay for the Pumpkin Fest and found this place while walking around. It is tucked away in a plaza with a parking lot. Service was friendly and quick. It wasn't too busy for a Saturday afternoon. Two Eggs Chilaquiles (4/5): This was crispy tortilla chips, roasted chile guajillo-tomato salsa, black beans, queso fresco, sour cream, onions and eggs. I chose my eggs to be cooked scrambled. The dish was a good amount of spicy. I would've preferred refried beans but the black beans were good too. Just made the dish a little wet. It was a nice lunch spot. It gave a small town cafe vibe. I think they have different menus for each season or holiday. It was the pumpkin fest menu when I dined there. read more

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Had a great breakfast here this past Saturday. the chorizo breakfast burrito was bursting with flavor. very clean and great service. will definitely eat here again. read more

The food is only surpassed by the friendly, welcoming service. The chilaquiles were delicious but the staff really made the experience. They were helpful and welcoming. I couldn't decide between the green or the red sauce so they gave me samples of both. The red sauce is house made. They also have a homemade black sauce that they provide in a bottle for people who like spice. We will definitely return. read more

Sams Cafe - Chilaquiles with eggs and avocado - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

Love Sam's cafe! We had the scramble with artichoke and it was delicious! It is an out of the way location with no lines. Try it you will be satisfied and happy you did. read more

Service was fast, friendly and very efficient...Went on a super busy weekend. Everything was smooth yummy and everyone enjoyed their meal. read more

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We came into the restaurant today and we picked where to sit and our server, who had a long black braid, got us our menu, coffees and waters. It was kind of a busy day so I was very understanding of her situation. As we were waiting for our food we noticed that our server was mostly by herself, she was able to serve us and others for what seems like by herself which was very respectable and hardworking. I did however notice that there was another server besides her but she was practically gone for the most of it. I didn't see the other server help or do much. The food was good and the service was great for what our server was able to do in her situation she was very friendly and nice. She refilled our coffee and water and always made sure if everything was okay. I just hope the next time we come in she'll have a little more help rather than being up and down the restaurant by her self. read more

Came here to get some carbs before a hike nearby. The people who run this place are friendly. Wet breakfast burrito: 3/5. I came here because someone raved about this dish, but this was just okay in my opinion. Not bad, but not good enough to want to come by again soon. I ordered this with sausage. read more

My wife and myself took a drive to half moon bay when we stop at Sam's cafe never been. Got greeted at the door with kindness had a seat and went over the menu I decided on the chicken fried steak and wife got the chowder both were very delicious . I have had several chicken fried steaks I'll rate this one of my top three thanks for the great meal and the kindness of your employees. read more

This place has amazing food, and friendly service. I enjoy coming here for breakfast Has a clean and open ambiance, everything is clean and new. I appreciate a place that pays attention to detail. read more

Sams Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

Very quaint and welcoming atmosphere. Our waitress was very friendly and knowledgeable of the menu. In ordered the Grodo Skillet and it was piping hot when it came to the table and the portion sizes were perfect. The coffee tasted a little bitter but was still a nice addition to my plate. read more

The menu is very basic but the food is really fresh and delicious. The service was good and the restaurant itself was spacious and clean. The prices are incredibly high for what it is but I left satisfied. read more

Sams Cafe - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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I've been waiting and now it's here .... delicious pumpkin soup ! We love Sam's Cafe for their scrambles and delicious homemade salsas - the salsa ranchero is our favorite!! This time of year, they serve pumpkin soup with goat cheese and pepito crostini which is unbelievably delicious! Next on the list to try ... their pumpkin pancakes read more

Sams Cafe - Pumpkin soup with goat cheese and pepito crostini - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

I wish the menu would come up in Yelp so I could see what we ordered. A review without that is not as helpful. Was on Father's Day drive up from Santa Cruz and turned to go into HMB downtown when spied the Sam's sign, just barely. What? Never noticed before. Unassuming small spot in unassuming business center but said "let's give it a try". Wow, what a nice experience!! Everything was top notch; ambiance, greeting, servers, and MEAL! We both found food and coffee to be delicious, well prepared, and repeat checking in by staff amazing. Also enjoyed seeing steady flow of what I am guessing were quite a few local couples and families. Will DEFINITELY come here next time we're out for drive up coast. read more

The service and hometown feel is so welcoming here. I just got back from lunch. They were out of their legendary good clam chowder, so I got the patty melt. perfectly cooked meat and onions! It could have used a little more salt, but that's easy to add. Their fries could definitely use some potatoes that aren't the extruded type though. read more

75$ for two plates and they wouldn't honor their price they had on yelp. Yelp says 12$ for the country fried steak and they are asking for 20$ plus tax.... This should be changed if the price will not be honored. Not everyone has 75$ for lunch read more

Sam's is an unpretentious small town cafe with a great choice in the menu offerings, solid food, friendly attentive staff and cozy surroundings. Parking can be a challenge but you can usually luck out since folks are often coming and going out of the small lot on a regular basis. Great centralized location. Be sure to peruse the nearby Twice as Nice for odds and ends at great discounts too! Favorite item are the hash browns - clearly homemade, thick and I highly recommend the well done option for that extra crispiness! The sourdough bread is also SUPER good - the best I've found in a diner. Ask for a side of butter since they go pretty sparse. The veggie benedict was delicous and the poached eggs were perfectly done. Always my first go to when wanting a good old fashioned breakfast option around Half Moon Bay! read more

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Always good! Been going there for years! My son loves the meat scramble! the people that work there are great and are always friendly. Always recommend to visitors. read more

Probably the best breakfast burrito I've ever had been here a few times everything I've eaten was really good. My wife had the chorizo scramble and she really enjoyed it. read more

Sams Cafe - Chorizo, wet burrito - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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Good food, no frills. Great service. Good ambiance. Met friends at Sam's recently. I had scrambled eggs and a fruit cup. My friends were happy with their food choices which included the fried chicken, pancakes, and salad. Service was fast and friendly. read more

Overpriced but made up for it with marginal. This used to be a regular place for me back in the day, but no more. The friendly welcoming service that was mentioned in other reviews was certainly absent on Sunday. The attitude seem to be of forced civility and only just that Lots of great restaurants in the coast is no longer on my list read more

Stopped by after my volunteer work day over on the coast. Maybe my 5th time stopping in to get a bowl of their clam chowder. So thick, creamy and rich with flavor. Comes with a side of buttered toast. Service is friendly. A great local cafe read more

Excellent food and service... i absolutely recommend the home potatoes for breakfast!! They are fantastic and trust me I love me some potatoes. Stop by for breakfast you will thoroughly enjoy it!! read more

Best Clam Chowder on the Coastside and I have tried them all! Everything I have eaten at Sam's was delicious. Their breakfasts are exceptionally hearty, and service is always friendly. read more

I have been going here for years.. it's good.. but I ordered a small salad.. which was basically some lettuce from a bag... 2 mushy tomato slices..green pepper slices with brown bits they use for the omelets.. and some cold dry cucumber slices.. and guess what the cost.. $12.. ridiculous.. I said to the owner why.. and he was defensive.. saying costs are going up and I should expect it to go higher. Sams Cafe owners.. get real.. the restaurants around you provide much better for that type of pricing.. fresh ingredients... and many more ingredients.. including cheeses, meats, avocado.. II was shocked.. by the owners attitude and defiance.. I think overall they are good but the owner made a huge misstep on the attitude and price for some greens probably costing them $2.. Sorry Sams.. you lost me as z customer after 27 years.. read more

Haven't been here for some while but still surprised how expensive it now is while the portions have shrunk. Better part of $80 for three breakfasts one of which was just poached eggs and home fries. Will not return. read more

Sam's Cafe is my favorite breakfast spot in Half Moon Bay. Just a good ole breakfast cafe. Not many of these left around anymore. I alway come here for breakfast whenever I can. Always fresh and the condiments are clean every time. read more

Sams Cafe - This is my favorite breakfast spot in Half Moon Bay. I love the omelettes. - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

Went specifically for the corned beef hash...not many spots have it on the menu. I asked if it was house made and was told yes. When I received my plate there was a crispy fried splat of mostly cubed potatoes and some (very little) meat purée. I do not believe that it was house made....looked and tasted like it came out of a can. No texture at all. Very disappointed. Service was ok, and the poach egg was tasty, but I wouldn't go back. read more

Sams Cafe - Supposed to be "house made corned beef hash". The meat is where???? - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

Honestly this place Is incredibly underrated. I had the breakfast chorizo tacos and they were AMAZING. Service was great, it was comfortable seating (I had 2 kids with me). read more

Sams Cafe - Chorizo tacos - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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Cute little diner. Went for breakfast. Pancakes were rubbery and tasteless. Omelete was fine nothing remarkable good or bad. Portion were good. Service was good. Friendly and attentive. Wouldn't go back. read more

Now open for dinner! We dined here on Tuesday night and had a wonderful experience, though it was quite quiet, so we encourage you to give it a try. My wife and I started with a generous and delicious order of calamari, served with two sauces. For our entrees, we had tacos--my wife had fish, and I had shrimp. Both were excellent. We will definitely return. read more

We came here during the HMB Pumpkin festival as our traditional place was permanently shut down :( But this gave us a chance to find this place. It opens at 6 am during the festival. It is a short walk from the part of the festival on Main Street. We arrived at 7 am and it wasn't too busy yet. I ordered linguica, hashbrowns, and fruit. The linguica was so good, my daughter was stealing them from my plate. The hashbrowns were perfectly crisp on the outside. The fruit was fresh. The waitstaff was friendly, they came by to check on us regularly, but as the restaurant got busier, I had to flag them down to get the check. Food and service were good!! They do have their own parking lot, but I think it was a paid parking lot during the HMB Pumpkin Festival. We will be back again!!!! read more

I love breakfast and try different joints all the time I am away from home. This place is a little gem! They also make their own salsa to sell in a bottle. We got some because it was really good. Omelets were great. We are not usually in that part of California but I plan to go back whenever we visit. Great food. read more

Sams Cafe - Omelets - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

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Went here on a Sunday morning and had some really good blueberry pancakes. Moist, soft, and fluffy. Husband had the chicken fried steak and he was also very satisfied. Gravy was a bit different but flavorful. No complaints, received good and quick service. Affordable prices. (Only one thing-- they can use a small ramekin for whipped cream or just have it on the side of the plate instead of using a single use plastic container) read more

Sams Cafe - Blueberry pancakes shortstack - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Half Moon Bay, California

We had a VERY a bad experience with the food and service. Hopefully they improve because of the view. DO NOT RECOMMEND,.

We were passing through HMB and wanted to grab a bite. Maybe I ordered the wrong thing but I was underwhelmed. I got the Lite breakfast #3. French toast, eggs and bacon. The bacon was good and thick, the eggs were ok, the French toast was bland. No flavor at all. The syrup made it better, but some cinnamon? Something. He got ham steak, poached eggs, hash browns and English muffin. Looked righteous to me. The coffee was fine. The place was immaculate. The waitress was nice, food took a while considering we were the only ones there. I would try it one more time and get something else. read more

Haven't been to Sam's in a while, but wow‼ I was totally surprised and happy with the quality of my country, fried steak and eggs. I will definitely be back.‼ read more