As of Feb 27, 2026 under serious review by health department due to unclean conditions. Multiple concerns over multiple visits by health department. See attached details. read more

Sam's Southern Eatery - See details from Springfield News Leader 2/27/26. - Southern Near Me - Springfield, Missouri

Fried catfish and redbeans & rice was FIRE! Really good food. One ma band, so be patient. Worth the wait!

Terrible! I've enjoyed the Gumbo and fried green tomatoes from here in the past. The Gumbo serving portion size has been cut in half, same price as before and was bland and watery ta boot. They no longer had the fried green tomatoes, so I tried the fried ochra instead which was mediocre. The red beans and rice and green beans sides were bleh and unappetizing and the fish while fried nicely wasn't that good and I was hesitant about eating it, since they won't tell you what kind of Fish it is. Conclusion my 70 dollar order ended up in the garbage where it belonged This was a delivery order. read more

First of all the coleslaw was spoiled and slimy and then he brought me macaroni and cheese and it was nothing but mush and big wads of cheese in there powder cheese that hadn't dissolved and then the tea was spoiled then me and my mom got liver and gizzards the gizzards were great the liver was rotted will never go back there disgusting read more

Phenomenal Restaurant. * The employees, 10/10, so kind. The girl was so nice. Father was a great chef, even came to our table to offer a substitute for mayo. What a guy. * Atmosphere. Amazing music. Great songs playing at a decent volume. I heard an Ed Sheeran cover and loved it. It was fire. * Food. Outstanding. 70,000/10. My burger bun was nice and toasted. Fries, better than McDonalds. * Bathrooms. Lit by a powerful lightbulb that lit most of the room. Good for seeing. * Price. Good. Will return frequently. Kam will return to do homrwork. read more

TL,DR: There was a MOUSE in the dining area. To start, everything was sticky. The floors, tables, salt shakers were all sticky. The staff was good, quiet but didn't do much other than take the order. The food was okay? I don't know, I was too distracted by the mouse enjoying a little stroll around the restaurant to think about how the food tasted. Needless to say, don't waste your time here read more

Sam's Southern Eatery - mouse on the floor - Southern Near Me - Springfield, Missouri

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Now, let's remember we're in Springfield Mo. - (not) the low country. If you're looking for a place to get some Cajun flavors - and you're (not) a full-on Cajun snob - this place is good for lunch. Tried the gumbo, crawdad Po'boy, fried catfish, fried shrimp, red beans and rice....and even the tamales. I personally liked the shrimp and po'boy the best. Gumbo was good enough too. The stuff is all pre-fab products they're using....but better pre-fab products that give the taste. And in Spfd....we only have about two places to choose from foe Cajun food! read more

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It doesn't look like much from the street. You order from a menu on the wall, take your number and have a seat. This was our first time here. We ordered Fried Green Tomato's and they were delicious!! Fish, shrimp, fries, coleslaw, green beans and Mac and cheese. All good was really good and there was more than enough! We liked it a lot! And we will be back! read more

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While perusing their menu we noticed that everything was sticy and ladened with grime. The tables, the chairs, the front door, and the condiments that were sitting on our table. We left without trying their fare. read more

We stopped in for lunch recently and had a great meal. My husband got the oyster po boy and I got the patty melt. Both were very tasty. I liked everything about my patty melt. The patty was large and I couldn't finish it. The fries are seasoned and very good. We look forward to returning for fish and chicken baskets in the future. read more

Sam's Southern Eatery - Sam's Sam's Patty Melt and Oyster Po'boy. - Southern Near Me - Springfield, Missouri

We enjoyed our family meal at Sam's! Delicious meals!! Friendly, speedy service. Thanks! read more

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Skip this place, its a waste of time and money.. Fried Oysters are a joke. They were extremely fishy tasting; full of sand, completely soggy, and undercooked with breading that falls off. The macaroni and cheese were cold and overcooked, nothing but mush. The red beans and rice were so salty you might as well lick a salt block...probably be less salty. Lastly, the salt and pepper shakers are not cleaned...nothing but dried scum and grease on the outside from other customers. If I could give this place 0 stars I would. You are better off going to McDonald's and ordering a fish sandwich....that's how bad this place is. read more

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We've been going here (Glenstone) for years. We brought our families here. The food was wonderful. All of this has changed. The food at (Campbell) is gross, the smell of weed coming out of the kitchen is strong. No carbonation for sodas, no syrup for sodas. The chicken strip combo used to be the best chicken strips in the area. Fermented catsup. Cold fries. We've waited 5-6 minutes for the man at the counter (Campbell)to take the ear buds out of his ears from listening to the futbol game to even take our order. What happened? Who failed this establishment? Not going back. Never going back. read more

I was so excited to try this place. Etuoffee is one of my favorite dishes and it's posted on the building and on the menu. However they do not serve it, you can however get tamales. The philly cheese steak and burgers were super greasy. The shrimp and fish were ok, nothing special. 2 kids meals and 3 adult meals cost $54.00 We won't be going back. read more

Although the owner is from Louisiana, no where does SSE state that it is a "Cajun" restaurant. Sure, it offers Gumbo, fried pies & red beans & rice but you find this throughout the South in many variations. Recognize it for what it is: A very good eatery with typically Southern down-home flavor prepared with utmost care. There are hundreds of these little gems scattered from the coastal Carolinas to Mississippi. When you have a genuine Southern cookery in your midst, embrace it. This is the real thing in a more streamlined package that presents real value. It is a clean, subdued environment with plenty of seating. The best thing on the menu is the fried shrimp - some of the best in town. The fish was very well prepared though I would have preferred a little more 'pop' to the seasoning. The gumbo was mostly chicken with a smattering of sausage & seafood - very good but not to be confused with Cajun gumbo with a deep red roux - definitely homemade as is every dish on the menu. The slaw & red beans & rice sides were typical to the South but, again, not to be confused with Cajun. Both the owner & his staff are completely friendly, prompt & helpful. The restaurant was given 100/100 by the Health Dept. so dismiss ridiculous reviews to the contrary. SSE is definitely a "go-to" for Southern cookin' & seafood as demonstrated by it's many repeat patrons. You can spend more elsewhere but you won't get any better... read more

Very good food. The fries were fresh, burger and shrimp Po'boy were very tasty, and the red beans and rice had great flavor. However, it could use some cleaning; surfaces and floor were a little sticky. read more

Although the ambience is not that noteworthy at this establishment, they pay a lot of attention to delicious seafood cuisine. My favorite is the catfish, which, obviously is their best dish. But they have delicious shrimp Poboys, and they have awesome fries and hush puppies. I really like to go here when I'm really hungry. I always leave satisfied, even if I'm famished before I go in. Highly recommend this restaurant. read more

Let me start off by saying, this is a small franchised chain therefore NOT what most would consider a 'real' Southern restaurant. Yes. Most of their menu is most likely frozen or canned. BUT, that's what's impressive about them. You have to compare apples to apples. The fried shrimp (their claim to fame) here rivals some of the best seafood restaurants I've ever eaten at. Compare them to Long John Silvers or Captain D's. Simply put, it's not even a contest. You're never going to get low-sodium or 'healthy' food from a place like this, so don't go in expecting it. read more

Love the food........don't much like the place, itself. We have prowled the area between I-10 and the Gulf, and are familiar with how it's s'posed ta be. This is the Ozarks.......so.......heh...... But we love it -- the gumbo for me, shrimp and fish for wife, and mushroms for both of us. They seem to change either ownershio oir management every few months, as the faces constantly change, but the food stays uniformally good. If you like your fish cooked a bit more, or your gumbo hotter or wimpier, or anything special you like .....just ask. The wait staff is ALWAYS accommodating. We have talked with a lot of Loozaane customers there of every color.......and we all agree that it is the best north of the LA/AR border. But the booths are nasty, metal tables are COLD, and they need to hose the floor off more often. GREAT FOOD. read more

No crackers or bread offered with soup, sticky tables, greasy chicken. Overpriced for quality.

I ordered the chicken and shrimp basket. The shrimp was good. Chicken was a little dry had a hush puppies and an apple pie. By the time I was done I had to get hot tamales to get the aftertaste out of my mouth not really Southern food fried breading that's it. That's all the taste with a bland after taste, I wouldn't recommend this restaurant read more

The food here does not represent Louisiana cooking at all. It's not even good for run-of-the-mill food I ate here about a year ago and it was gross. Tried again yesterday and it was even worse in the new location. The fish was extremely mushy. There was no seasoning and tasted like institutional cafeteria food. The first time I just felt the food didn't taste good, this time I'm not even sure it was cooked enough to eat so we didn't. read more

We honestly didn't think the 5 shrimp/1 fish was going to be enough food for my better half, boy we were wrong. We walked out STUFFED. The Cajun tartar sauce was friggin amazing, sides were great, catfish and shrimp were both the best we've tasted in town. Cost $20 for both meals and couldn't finish it lol Definitely coming back. read more

Sam's Southern Eatery - Southern Near Me - Springfield, Missouri

I like Cajun food really well. Too bad this place doesn't do it so well. Even Cajun spices can be overdone and who expects the turkey sandwich to be on the list of overdone with spice! My sister in law couldn't even eat it. In all fairness the chicken livers were pretty good. The booths need re-doing and, frankly, the decor is confusing. Going back? Yeah, no read more

Health inspectors came out and will be coming back out again soon to make sure they don't have anymore mouse's

Chris was so helpful in making our Christmas Eve Family dinner amazing. Over the top customer service and super accommodating with our family group of 18. Everything we had was delish and came out super quick. Looking forward to going back soon! read more

According to the health department there was mouse poop on "most areas" of the restaurant including food preparation surfaces, cold storage, utensils, drying rack, ice machine and more. Plus other health violations. Must say I will never eat here after that report. read more

Pretty good southern eats. Most everything on the menu is fried, but it tastes real good. We came here on a Saturday night when almost all the sit down restaurants in town were booked full. We decided on Sams Southern Eaterie since we knew we could get in and out fairly quickly. I was craving fish so I ordered the fish and shrimp. The portion size was generous. I definitely did not finish all of my food. However, the fish was cooked just right. Flavorful, juicy, crispy fried on the outside. If say the shrimp was slightly overcooked. The mac and cheese was too saucy for my liking. My boyfriend ordered the patty melt and said it was really good. It came with grilled peppers and onions and he said that really set it apart from other patty melts he has had before. He enjoyed his mac and cheese. It wasn't too busy for a Saturday night, but it looked like a lot of people were placing to go orders. The staff here is always knowledgeable, friendly, and quick. The tables were clean and well maintained. 4/5 stars for some quick eats. read more

Please, if you have any idea of flavor, don't waste your time or money. I grew up around quality southern food. This isn't it. Red beans and rice has no flavor other than salt. Crawfish po boy tasted like catfish. Fried green tomatoes...I don't really know if they were actually tomatoes. My wife had some of the bologna sandwich that left a medicinal taste in her mouth. Really a shame. I was hoping for a good experience but was quickly let down. read more

This food was awful. I had gizzards and the were so greasy I could not eat them. Plus I did not want the sides and the guys says well you are going to pay for them anyway. read more

I was taking here by my pastor the first time. PROS: The food is the best fish, shrimp and hushpuppy in Springfield. It is addictive really good cooking; especially their pecan, peach and chocolate peanut butter pies. OMG!!! I love the four fish meal deal. I tasted their chicken was good as well. The price is decent for the amount of food they give you and I'm a big boy. I can't wait to try some of their other items one day soon. The younger guy on the cash register and recently I met a lady who work there are very friendly. CONS: The wait time is a little lengthy even when you order by phone. . One time I thought they forgot about me. I had order earlier, several people came in behind me that had a much larger order than mine that they ordered in the store. They were in and out before me. The APPLE PIE had way too much cinnamon in it. The FRIED GIZZARDS was hard the day I ordered it. I'm not a fan of their side choice. Some of the older staff are not that people friendly. One staff member picked up my fish order with his bear hand one time on an order to go to show me I had everything. I was not please by that. OVERALL: I would suggest this restuarant to friends and family. If I suggest it to them; then I say if you got this far. Then it is worth checkin it out. The good outweighs the negative. GOOD LUCK & ENJOY! read more

I've been here twice and both times it was good food. Even though the first time was about 30 minutes before closing, it still tasted pretty fresh. This past time I had the fish(catfish) and shrimp. I was pleased with the flavors and the sides of Mac as well as green beans were tasty as well. Although the flavors were good and solid, they didn't blow me away which is why I gave 4 stars instead of 5. I'll totally be going here again when I return. read more

Sam's Southern Eatery - Catfish and shrimp. Sides of Mac with green beans. - Southern Near Me - Springfield, Missouri

Food was fried inn last week's Grease. Had okra,was over cooked .one person ran the front I believe he also was the cook and server the apron he wore was filthy read more

It was like we was interrupting their break by walking in the doors around 6:40 PM. We should have turned around and left just from that vibe. It took right at 30 minutes to get our food. The hush puppies were still almost frozen on the inside. The fish was the worst we've ever had anywhere. The chicken for the kids meal was awful as well. Out of 6 people in our party not one even came close to finishing a meal. I left about 95% of my meal uneaten. Save your money because you'll leave hungry and still have to go somewhere else to eat. read more

Had dinner here at long last after seeing it for almost a year. Widh we had tried earlier. High end seafood cooked very well. The dinner plate portions are generous and good value to boot. Light, crispy batter ... huge shrimps ... big fish fillets. Fried green tomatoes are a little thin for my preference, but quite good, with a light breading and well seasoned. As good as the food is ... The thing that impressed us even more was hearing the interaction between the owner and a newer cashier. He was respectful, encouraging, and praised her progress.... thanking for her hard work. If he treats all staff that way, then I know I can trust his staff to treat me well! read more

Lunch: Ordered #30 Two Fish, Six Shrimp; Fried with two sides; Coleslaw and Fries added a small Gumbo. #1 The place was empty at 11:30am, it got busier around noon but not crowded. #2 No hot sauce on the table? Any respectable "southern" restaurant like this place has hot sauce on the tables. #3 Small Gumbo, served in what I would call a large bowl, more than I wanted as it was advertised on the appetizer menu, this was a meal portion. Flavor was nonexistent, they needed to develope the roux more, it wasn't the dark color you would expect from real southern Gumbo. I wouldn't recommend this of you have had Gumbo in the south. Could have used some hot sauce, but...... #4 #30 2 Fish 6 Shrimp, nothing special almost think it might have been frozen battered fish then fried, the shrimp was fresh but nothing special. Friend had crabcakes, you could tell these were industrial manufacturered frozen then fried. Perfect patties, all exactly the same size and thinkness, not homemaid. Overall rating C. Will not recommend, or return. read more

So delish!!! Went with My daugther and daughter in law for some fried green tomatoes and they were the best!!! Also had gizzards and those were also wonderful!! The portions were great had plenty to take home as well!! read more

I'll be honest. I would have never tried this because of the outside of the building. I'm ashamed to admit this, but it's true. However, when I went inside my tune changed very quickly! The atmosphere is great! I was excited to eat the moment I walked in. The menu was very clear and well priced. I had the grilled Shrimp Poboy with a side of Red beans and rice and a "small" drink. It was delicious. I appreciated the fact that I was able choose between grilled and fried shrimp. My friends got a philly and a shrimp/fish basket. All the food looked great. I highly recommend Sams! Great job guys! read more

Sam's Southern Eatery - Southern Near Me - Springfield, Missouri

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Casually scrolling for something to eat on a Friday night, I decide to pick Sam's southern eatery, looked like a good choice from the description. But you'd be better off going a mile up the street to Walmart and getting fried freezer food because that's what it is. The man n cheese is Kraft, the fries are great value and the fish is right out of the clearance isle. Appears to be decent proportion but the fish all still have the bone in them so you get half of what you see. My catfish was sad, the bbq beef sandwich was greasier than a neglected air fryer. Only recommend if you don't have a oven or microwave to cook your own freezer food. read more

Just had the worst experience ever!! We were Reffered over to sams for some authentic soul food. Upon arrival the place is packed but very clean. The order is taken by a lovely young lady with great customer service. We order $50.00 worth of food and are them seated with a number. The waiter whom is nice as well comes ten minutes later with crab cakes which was part of the order. We wait for the rest of the order for 40 more minutes only to find our food has not been prepared. The cook I believe comes over to the table to say it will be five minutes more. As he is taking I am at the register asking as well. Come to find out they have no idea where the order is and asks if we have paid. My response is of course with receipt in hand. The young lady whom took the order says I'm not sure how this happened because as soon as you pay the ticket prints out. My issue is Your brought the crab cakes to the table from the order The cook I believe then asks if I would like to wait? Of course not! Refund my money please! The cook them writes down his name as refunding money and says I'm writing this down for 1 free item?!! Really!!! After waiting almost 45 minutes you offer a "free" item! I drove 45 miles for this really!! HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE AND WILL NOT EVER RETURN!! read more