This place is like going back in time to the Italian restaurants of my childhood. Baked clams, colorful drinks, and pizza and pasta (both the chicken parm and the eggplant parm) to die for, all in an atmosphere that's both cozy and nostalgic. We had six people and all of us left stuffed and happy. Can't wait to go back! read more

This place rules. Chicken parm unbelievable, baked clams immaculate. Great vibe, lovely wait staff. Perfect.

I've been coming here for years, decades actually. Its been my go to place to have some baked clams; buy a pie (or two); have some wine; and a enjoy the atmosphere of times gone bye. Louie has always been there welcoming you in. Love him. I have to say the pizzas aren't as good as they used to be (as when Mario was still making them). Loved going to the back room and speak to Mario (when I did a take out). I miss him. Here's a shout-out to a good man. Sams is closed more than it's been open recently. I highly recommend stopping by should it be open as you're walking by and you're in the mood for red sauce Italian. read more

I love Sam's. It's super classic old school Italian. The place hasn't been redone since it opened. I love it. There is even an old phone booth in there. It's so warm, cozy and charming. It's one person manning the house, he's done this all his life so he will just turn you away if it's too late or if he's too tired and has too many tables even though the place isn't filled. This is a homey restaraunt and you feel like you are treated like family when you dine here. It's just a classic place and I love it. The food is good portions and affordable. Really tasty. Their pizza is my favorite but of course the day we come they didn't have pizza! Something to have to do with the dough machines. That was okay though. We got meatballs, ravioli, a side of meatballs, chicken parm and spaghetti and veal cutlet and escarole, two bottles of wine and two pieces of cheesecake. A lot of food for 4 people but I was hungry! We got there at 6:30 on a Saturday and didn't leave until 9:30. It reminded me of having dinner in Europe where the waiters don't care and you can sit there all night. It was so nice to relax and eat and catch up. The chicken and veal is pounded very thin. Everyone loved their food. I really liked the meatballs, super light and not heavy at all and great flavor. The sauce is very sweet and vibrant. The pasta is cooked perfectly Al dente. The ravioli were big and delicious. Loved the bottle Chianti we got. The cheesecake here is my favorite, it's real Italian ricotta cheesecake. Def try it. All this food under 200 with tax and tip. They give you complimentary bread for the table and plenty of it. The French fries were also very good, more like potato wedges but they really hit the spot. We moved from Brooklyn and the one place I miss is this place. So glad we were able to visit and eat here. This is my favorite pizza place in Brooklyn so I hope next time we visit they have pizza. But no matter what they have it's all delicious! read more

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Hands down the best pizza in the neighborhood. You know it's good when you don't need any fancy frills to make it stand out - even the plain cheese pizza is 10/10! Bonus points if you get to chat w/ Louis while you're there - he's a gem & he runs the place with some authentic Brooklyn style. read more

My family has been going to Sam's for many, many years. Their pizza is the Best! When I see other pizza restaurants being rated, I can't help but think....no-no-no, Sam's is the Best anywhere!!! The food is great also. The place takes me back to my youth and I love being there. Lou is the best....we live on Long Island but try to get there as much as we can. read more

Very old school Italian place with classic red sauce dishes such as meatballs, chicken parm and ziti. Went here for a bday and had to sit in a tight booth even though there was an empty table but the guy who took our order was very friendly. Ordered the plain pizza, chicken parm, meatballs with ravioli, and baked ziti. Chicken was very tender and cooked perfectly, enough to feed two. Baked ziti and ravioli were also a hit. The pizza was the crowd favorite, comes out steaming hot and has a good crust. Cash only! read more

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I've lived in NYC close to 15 years and Sam's might be the best pizza I've had anywhere across Manhattan or Brooklyn. The owner Louis is salt of the earth -- original, colorful, and as hardworking as they come. You won't feel more welcome and better taken care of anywhere... as long as you're kind & respectful. Love this place read more

We ordered takeout pizza from Sam's tonight to eat during our 20-minute gap between a piano lesson and a movie. We were informed by the gruff man in the front to pick up the pizza in the back. After picking up our pizza, we asked if we could eat at one of the many empty tables in the restaurant (there were only two occupied tables). The same gruff man told us no, that takeout orders had to leave, despite the large availability of tables to sit at and the fact that we'd only be there for about 15 minutes. The pizza was fine. Not the worst I've had in the city; not the best. The restaurant is dated and dark and and not welcoming. We will buy our pre-movie pizza elsewhere from now on. read more

I flicked a roach away with my fingers before it walked on our table!!!! The food was "fine" before that happened, but I will NEVER EVER return! Bathroom was filthy too. Had I seen the bathroom before sitting down, I never would have stayed. read more

Went for dinner at Sam's on Tuesday evening. A place where you can expect quality standards and an old-school environment. Quality: Sam's is one of the oldest Italian restaurants in Brooklyn, and they keep that traditional mentality. All the cocktails on the menu are standards, and the Martini excellent. We ordered a Pizza, half cheese, half sausage and mushroom. It has a coal fire style, sauce with a little sweetness, and a good texture balance. It belongs in the upper tier of pizzas, but be aware they only do full pies. We ended our meal with a slice of Cheese Cake, very good as well. Quantity: Large and filling food, stiff drinks. Value: Cash only and some prices missing from the menus. $14 for a Martini. $27 for a Pizza. $5 for the Cheese Cake. Ambiance: Sam's is a classic pizza spot and Italian restaurant located in Cobble Hill. It is the basement floor, so you enter down a few steps. The inside set-up seems more like an event hall than a restaurant. Two massive areas, with the tables and booths squished against the walls. A bar sits towards the center. Italian sculptures, art, and maps can be found along the walls. It has the scent of ingrained cigarette smoke as well as settled wood, for me it caused childhood basement smells to flood back. Traditional pop played softly in the background. Crowd: A couple of regulars and two small families. Service: Old-school service from a guy who treats everyone like family. Expect playful jokes and fake frustration during your interactions. Parking: Some parking on nearby streets. read more

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Celebrated my birthday here and so happy to say it was the best birthday I've ever had. Louie helped set up and make the table look amazing. I feel so lucky to have found this spot and will definitely be celebrating here every year. Such a gem of a spot and the food is AMAZING. Thank you Louie!! You made my birthday so special read more

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Excellent old school Italian restaurant. This place is classic red sauce New York Italian food. I had the Veal Parmigiana and Fried Potatoes. It was DELICIOUS. Also had the Meatballs in Sauce and it was amazing. The sauce here is an old fashioned recipe. It's delicious. The Cheesecake was delicious too. Next time I will try the Pizza. read more

Old school Italian food. I used to come here for heros when I went to school down the block 50+!! Years ago. I couldn't believe it was still open. Well it is and the food is still delicious. My boyfriend and I ate dinner there the other night and I had a delicious veal marsala and he had the chicken rollatini and a nice cold corona and I finished everything on my plate; Which is unusual for me because I usually only eat half of my meal. But this was so good I finished it all. . Prices were very reasonable. Next time we're going to try the pizza. Can't wait to go back. read more

Best pizza in NYC!!! I love the owner, he is an old school Brooklyn classic and the place feels like stepping into a time capsule of the past. read more

About as "old school" as you can get, in the most delicious way. Classic red sauce dishes prepared to perfection. The service is prompt and friendly, and cozy booths and dim lighting add to the old school charm. read more

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Calamari. Pizza. Both the best in the neighborhood. They make the best Italian-American style pizza in this part of Brooklyn. Hands down. I hadn't had it for years and I forgot how good it was. read more

Sam's restaurant - It *had been* a half plain, half eggplant. - Italian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Pizza is incredible the rest of the food is slightly above average the wait time for food (besides pizza) is longer than average . Cool vibe inside the owner Louie is a hoot I love going here . It's a 4.6 outta 5 my overall opinion . read more

The BEST pizza on Earth --- over six decades for me and they reign SUPREME ~~~ I was a kid on Butler Street and when my parents took me to Sam's it was a BLESSING ~~~ read more

If your wife can't cook, don't divorce her. Come to Sam's and you'll both be happy. That's not advice I'm giving you, that's just what's written on the top of the menus at Sam's. And you know what? It actually is advice I'm giving you. This is 2017, so stop expecting your wife to cook dinner every night you sexist pig. So not only does this gem have excellent pizza and a restaurant full of characters (both the staff and the clientele), but they are over here solving the inevitable marital problems caused by your blind support of the outdated patriarchy. How could you go wrong with this place? Sam's is old school. What I mean by that: 1. It's been here forever. 2. They pronounce ricotta "rigot." 3. There's plastic all over the tables and booths. 4. You shouldn't come in expecting a bunch of stuff. Including: Formal service. Modern decor and dinnerware. Romantic ambiance. What you should be expecting though, is excellent pizza, affordable wine, personable service (Steve is the man), and delicious Italian-American staples like baked clams, garlic and oil soaked broccoli rabe, and too much pasta. By the way, our waiter Steve was way too grateful for what was not that crazy a tip, so I think there's a few of you out there that need to take care of your servers better. Don't make me come after you. read more

Sam's restaurant - Pizza - Italian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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If you are not from Brooklyn, you may not get this place. For me- it was like a piece of old school heaven. Booths, yes booths, an old telephone booth covered by boxes. The older waiter was nice, but again no little hostess to greet you when you walk in, I just said I wanna eat- the waiter said........sit anywhere. I took a booth of course. Ate: Hot antipasto Veal cutlet parmigaina with spaghetti Total- $26.50- cheap! The hot antipasto arrived in a metal dish with a stuffed pepper, two baked clams, a couple of shrimp oreganata and eggplant parm. This dish was nothing short of BRILLIANT! Every component melded so beautifully with every other and the flavor was reminiscent of the best of every antipasto ever!!! The veal parm on the other hand embodied my least favorite parts of old school- thick, overbreaded, but the flavor of the sauce and cheese fared better the next day when reheated. The sauce here is a great one- deep, rich dark and tasting of the history of the memories this spot must have seen. The pizza looks amazing and want that antipasto again- no doubt about it! read more

Sam's restaurant - Great hot antipasto! - Italian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

We walked in immediately charmed by the place. "How have I never been in here before?" We were seated at a table by the bar when my Italian husband informed me that there was a photo of Mussolini proudly displayed on the wall. We got up quickly and left. read more

I don't understand why this isn't on everyone's top 10 pizza in NYC list. Incredible pizza in an unassuming restaurant. Absurdly cheap wine too if you want to eat there. Can't wait to go again when the world gets back to normal. I discovered it after Paulie Gee went there on his munchies episode, a hidden gem that is a huge part of why I love this neighborhood so much. read more

Classic old school Italian gem, from pizza to pasta etc, come casual, chill and enjoy the history. Tell Lou, BIG Steve from sunny Sheepshead Bay sent you. read more

This man clearly hates me - but it doesn't matter, I'll keep eating the delicious food at Sam's.

So to the people who leave bad reviews I say you most likely aren't from Brooklyn and aren't Italian. Sam's embodies what I remember as a young Italian kid in Brooklyn. Looks the same, tastes the same, and feels the same. When you walk thru the door your being transported back in time. That's how i remember carol gardens when it was a neighborhood full of hard working Italian immigrants. One of the last authentic places in the neighborhood wouldn't change a thing. read more

Sam's is simply real New York pizza, probably the best pizza in the world. And yes, I've been to Naples and had the "best" there too. It's old school Brooklyn, in every good way. I've been eating at Sam's for over 55 years and nothing has changed, not the quality, the quantity, the tables, the booths, the phone booth, or Luois. I's the best, period. If you are thin skinned and don't understand real Brooklynites, you might not appreciate Luois, but you'll still leave in awe of the pie. read more

If you're looking for delicious, old-school Brooklyn pizza, no lines or hipster Brooklyness - this is the place. Don't let the Bronx Tale vibes (complete with side eyes from patrons and somewhat questionable service, peppered with -isms) keep you from this neighborhood gem. Just relax, wait on the service and enjoy the food in this time capsule. read more

Why we haven't eaten here earlier is beyond understanding. This place, Wow! We first ordered the baked clams and they did not disappoint. I thought that they may have been a bit pricey, but upon tasting such thoughts were immediately dispelled. The absolute star of the show was the pizza. It was the perfect synthesis of classy artisanal, which I normally despise, and the local pizza shop you order from religiously. We ordered a sausage and onion pie that did not tarry long in this universe. The crust and the sauce really stood out for us. Crust looked like it might be a doozy, but upon consumption you'll find it light and delicious. Again, amazing synthesis of the classy pie and the go to joint when you're jonesing for pizza. I would say that this is top two pizzas in the area for me. Some reviewers also seemed turned off by the, presumed, owner. I think there might be a misinterpretation of intentions, because all we encountered was a sort of good hearted chiding. If you've spent any time in the area you should know that this is a language all it's own, and most of it is good natured. As far as I know they don't deliver, so it's either dine in or pick up. We chose dine in, and were not disappointed. There's plenty of room here, and the décor is amazing. It is not the cutesy low lit places that the bevy of young women attend. It looks like what I imagine an old school social club would look like. All in all do yourself a favor and just stop by. I'm pretty sure you won't regret it. read more

This is very old skool Brooklyn feels like ur about to get whacked at any moment & Mario the owner is worth the trip alone Escarole in oil amazing Pizza out of this world Gnocchi delish Worth the trip read more

The four of us came here after a somewhat underwhelming experience at another famous pizza establishment nearby. Somewhat full, we went with a pie with ricotta (~$24 total after tip). We got the full attitude of a traditional pizza joint of the old days which was cool if you aren't stuck up about service (you may have to ask for water, as it's not automatically served). The pizza itself was pretty average - not too salty or bland. Dough was ok and adequately held up to the watery slice. I would have asked for oregano, Parmesan, or some chili flakes but might have gotten attitude for it. read more

Great pizza, classic ambiance! Go to Sam's if you want a taste of classic (and delicious) pizza and old Cobble Hill.

This place is a living dinosaur, and I mean that in the best possible way. It reminds me a bit of my grandma's house. Plastic covering on the checkered tables, long and dark, with a father and son duo at the helm--some would call this kitche, but this place wasn't created in a board room. This is the way its been since 1930. The father was sitting in the front window until we ordered our pizza, after which he went back to make it. The son is friendly and kind of a dick, but so am I; if you can't take a joke, don't come here. This isn't fucking Manhattan. This Brooklyn. I got a pizza with eggplant, as I needed something more substantial than just bread with sauce and cheese. Believe me, there was a full order of eggplant parm on top of this pie. The cheese was aged mozzarella and was also applied heavily, but it was very fresh (no oil). The tomato sauce was heavily applied as well, and it was good but not great. The end crust was one of the best I've had. No bullshit. Smoky and flavorful,crisp but soft--its just too bad you had all these toppings weighing it down. The pie had good flavor but the balance was way off. Even so I enjoyed this pizza and this place immensely. I'd like to order a pie light with the toppings next time I come, which might or might not happen. I'd really like to do that and also get them to use some fresh mozzarella, which probably ain't gonna happen. But if they did, this place would easily be in the "best in city" conversation. Instead it's just in the "best in Brooklyn" conversation, and one of the most unique places in the city seeing how rare this old school atmosphere is now-a-days. Them changing anything about this place would be a paradox of sorts. Like I said before. This is Brooklyn. read more

If you wanna kick it old school, you'd be hard pressed to find anyplace more old school than Sam's. Walking in is like stepping onto a movie set, except it's all for real. Sit down in a booth that's seen better days, marvel at the photos on the wall, and order a stiff cocktail and a no-frills pizza from the owner himself, Lou. Yes, the pizza will be in the area of $25 if you want toppings (highly recommend pepperoni and garlic). But it's a large old-school sized pie. And yes, the service will be a bit slow. But hey, that's the way things were done last century. And if it ain't broke, why futz with it? Honestly, I think we all need to slow down once in a while and eat way too much pizza and pretend we're in a different era. An era of cash-only. read more

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A visit to Sam's is like taking a trip back in time to another era of Brooklyn. We were lucky enough to discover this place as part of Scott's Pizza tour and are so happy we did! The restaurant is from another decade (a few decades ago at least, if not 1930 when they opened!) with the dated decor, booths, and signs. There is something charming about this place however. Louie is a character for certain---the current owner and a relative of the original owners (grand nephew I think?). He was extraordinarily friendly to us, possibly because he was familiar with our tour guide, and was attentive and jovial throughout. Lots of great stories about the place's history and his family. The pizza we had was amazing. Even more amazing if you request their special garlic oil be spread on beforehand. Really unique about their pizza is that they layer the cheese before the sauce--never seen that before! It creates this crazy thing where the cheese and sauce become one. A must try for any pizza lover! It is cash only so keep that in mind. And prepare for slower service. You can't find an experience like this many places so to me, it would be worth it. They also have a complete menu of other food options besides pizzas, if that's not something you're up for. Beer and wine too. read more

Sam's restaurant - Pizza! - Italian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

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very overlooked joint here. it was an impromptu choice to go in here, and I was quite impressed! Yes, not the absolute best of all places, but this is some serious old school Italian joint The interior is very old, at least 50 years old, but not saying that in a negative way, it's historic! If Lucali is packed, definitely come here, it broke my heart that more than half of tables were not taken during prime time dinner hours, but it is a good antidote to your frustrated heart caused by ridiculous waits in Lucali's read more

Most of the reviews for Sam's are on their Pizza, and it sure looks good, and I need to make a point of going their and eating the pizza, but fact of the matter is I've never had the pizza at Sam's. However, I have had their pasta dishes on multiple occasions, and they are oh so yummy - delizioso! Sam's might not be trendy looking, and the menu might not be, the cliental isn't really either, plus the plating might leave a lot to be desired, but none of that matters. Truly! If you want simple, fresh italian food this is your place. I have dreams about their meatballs, and I have nightmares that they have never touched my lips. Quality ingredients make up these simple pasta dishes filled to the brim with flavor, and dare I say made with what what my taste buds can only describe as LOVE. The service is warm and friendly in this charming space and will have you wanting to come back time and time again. read more

Sam's restaurant - Italian Near Me - Brooklyn, New York

Mmmm delicious delicious pizza. This place is perfect if you're looking for authentic delicious old school pizza in Brooklyn and don't want to wait on a line for hours and hours. Instead, you get to wait for hours and hours at your table, haha just kidding, kinda. Doesn't matter, you come to Sam's for the experience as much as the awesome pizza. The place is run by a father and son team and looks like it hasn't changed in about 4 decades. Lou (the son) is a chatty fella and likes to make jokes. So laugh politely and don't even think about asking what's taking so long with the food. It'll be worth the wait once you bite into that slightly burnt crust. Oh and come prepared, it's cash only. read more

I came here because of Scott's Pizza Bus Tour. Apparently, it's the most authentic Italian pizza joint I've been to because according to our guide, the pizza spot is "trapped in time" based on their ingredients and process of food creation. We had cheese pizza and was very delicious. It tasted fresh and the textures were perfect. I think it was cooked "upside down style" meaning the tomato sauce is above the cheese so that the cheese doesn't slide off after taking a bite. The owner was probably the most authentic Italian person I've seen (aside from in the movies) and fit about every stereotype--pretty awesome. He set up a long table in the back of the restaurant for the whole bus party. It felt like scene from a Home Alone movie. If you're on a great pizza hunt in NYC and want to venture outside of Manhattan, Sam's is a great spot to have truly authentic pizza. read more

Best pizza in NYC , in my opinion. The place is nothing to look at. Its a throwback to the 70's. Lol. Lou is great (if he likes you). My family and I love him. His chicken Rollatini is delicious and so is calamari in tomato sauce! Don't forget the potato croquettes. We go all the time. read more