Sam's Introduce
Sam's is not just a restaurant; it’s a living piece of Brooklyn history, a beloved culinary landmark that has been serving up authentic Italian comfort food for generations. Nestled on Court Street in the heart of Brooklyn, this establishment offers a unique dining experience that transports you back to a simpler time. For residents of New York, especially those in Brooklyn, Sam's represents a treasured local institution, a place where the food is as genuine as the atmosphere. It's a spot where the warmth of the hospitality and the richness of the flavors tell a story of tradition, family, and a deep love for classic Italian cuisine. As soon as you step through the door, you’re greeted by an environment that feels both historic and incredibly cozy, a true testament to the "old-school" charm that has made it a favorite among locals for decades. It’s an ideal destination for anyone seeking an authentic, unpretentious meal in a setting that feels like a cherished family home.
The dining experience at Sam's is defined by its ability to make every guest feel like part of the family. The casual and historic atmosphere is a rare find in modern New York, offering a welcome reprieve from the fast-paced city life. It’s a place where you can truly relax and enjoy your meal without feeling rushed. This is particularly noted by patrons who appreciate the European-style approach to dining, where a meal is an event to be savored, not hurried. The place is incredibly popular for dinner and solo dining, but also welcomes groups and families, with high chairs available for the little ones. The authentic crowd of regulars and locals creates a vibrant, communal energy that adds to the overall charm. Whether you’re a long-time resident or just visiting, Sam’s offers a taste of what makes Brooklyn's culinary scene so special—rooted in tradition, rich in flavor, and always welcoming.
Located at 238 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA, Sam's is situated in a convenient and bustling part of the borough. The restaurant's address places it right in the middle of a vibrant community, making it easily accessible for anyone in the New York region. While a parking situation may vary, the area is well-served by public transportation, making a visit to this historic spot a straightforward affair. For those who prefer a classic, walk-in dining experience, its location in a well-trafficked neighborhood means it is an easy destination to reach for a spontaneous or planned evening out. The charm of its address adds to the overall sense of a local, neighborhood gem, one that you might stumble upon and be delighted to discover, or one that you visit time and again because you know exactly what kind of exceptional experience awaits you.
Sam's stands as a testament to tradition, and its offerings reflect this commitment to classic Italian comfort food. They provide a dining experience that is both simple and deeply satisfying, with a focus on quality and flavor.
Service Options: Customers can choose between classic dine-in table service for a full, relaxed experience or convenient takeout for enjoying their favorite dishes at home.
Dining Options: Sam’s is open for dinner, offering a full menu of delectable choices. They also serve dessert and have ample seating for both small and large groups. The inclusion of table service ensures a comfortable and attended experience for all guests.
Beverage Offerings: The restaurant boasts a full range of beverages to complement any meal, including a selection of beer, wine, and hard liquor. For those who enjoy a post-meal treat or a non-alcoholic option, they also serve coffee and various cocktails.
Food Offerings: The menu is a celebration of comfort food and Italian classics. Known for quick bites and hearty meals, Sam's serves dishes like meatballs, ravioli, chicken parm, and a variety of pasta. The food is noted for its generous portions, affordability, and exceptional flavor. While their pizza is a favorite among many, they are also celebrated for other dishes like the veal cutlet and the light, flavorful meatballs. The cheesecake, made from real Italian ricotta, is a standout dessert that comes highly recommended by regulars.
Payment: It is important for guests to note that Sam's operates on a cash-only basis, maintaining its old-school charm and tradition in every aspect of the business.
Sam's provides a dining experience that is memorable not only for its food but also for its distinctive character and features that make it a one-of-a-kind establishment in New York.
Fast Service: Despite the relaxed dining atmosphere that encourages you to linger, the service is known to be fast and efficient, a highlight for many patrons who appreciate a seamless experience from order to table.
Historic Charm: The place has not been redone since it opened, preserving an authentic "old school Brooklyn" ambiance that is increasingly rare in the city. The decor, including a classic phone booth, contributes to a warm, cozy, and historic feel.
Bar Onsite: For those looking to enjoy a drink with their meal, there is a bar onsite offering a variety of alcoholic beverages, including beer, cocktails, and wine. It’s a great way to start or end your evening.
Cozy and Family-Friendly: The atmosphere is described as casual and cozy, making it a comfortable place for all. It’s especially popular with families and groups, known for its family-friendly environment and welcoming crowd of locals.
Customer-Centric Atmosphere: The owner and staff are known for treating customers like family, creating a homey restaurant experience where guests feel welcomed and appreciated. This personal touch is a major reason why many diners become regulars.
Sam's has become a beloved fixture in the community due to a combination of factors that make it a truly special place. From the moment you arrive, you’re not just a customer; you're a guest in a place that feels like home. The atmosphere, with its historic decor and warm lighting, is unmatched, providing a cozy escape from the outside world. The food, which is prepared with care and love, is the heart of the experience. The sauce is described as sweet and vibrant, and the pasta is always cooked perfectly al dente. Dishes like the super light meatballs and the large, delicious ravioli are customer favorites. The generous portions and affordable prices ensure that you get a fantastic meal without breaking the bank. The real Italian ricotta cheesecake is a definite highlight that must be tried. But what truly sets Sam's apart is the sense of community. It’s a place where you can sit and chat for hours, enjoying the company of friends and family over a great meal. It's a taste of classic New York that is both authentic and unforgettable. It's a place where you can feel the history, taste the tradition, and leave feeling satisfied and content.
Contact Information:
Address: 238 Court St, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
Phone: (718) 596-3458
Sam's Details
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
Popular for
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Hard liquor
- Quick bite
- Wine
Dining options
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Locals
Payments
- Cash-only
Children
- High chairs
Sam's Photos










Sam's Location
Sam's Reviews
schoolred sauceclamscashpastapiewalkingwinegrandmotherravioli
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Finally made a visit here with my wife last evening. 5/5 across the board. This place will take you back in time to what old school brooklyn once was. The atmosphere is unbelievable, not many places like it left in the city. The owner is awesome and the food is spectacular. Will definitely become a regular here!
October 12 · Austin WernI 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. This is a homey restaraunt and you feel like you are treated like family when you dine here.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!
March 19 · MarisaDoesn’t get anymore classic Brooklyn than this place. No frills, no bullshit accepted.I’m sad and ashamed that after being in this neighborhood on and off for five years, we only just came here recently. My partner and I came in for an early Sunday dinner and I was surprised by how quiet it was, but folks started trickling in for a birthday dinner. The wood paneling and old newspaper clippings with photos of the Italian coast and momentos such as trophies adorn the space. Nostalgia overcame me as I was instantly transported to the basement of my Italian American grandparents. I felt at home.The gentleman running the place (perhaps the owner?) was both the bartender and waiter. He treated us like family - playfully teased us and joked around. Incredibly kind!After a lot of mulling over the menu, we decided to go for a calzone with sausage, garlic, and peppers. Our guy warned us about how big it was and… he was right. It was ENORMOUS. The birthday party even took notice and asked him what it was. He shared with us that’s he gets one calzone with 2 of his buddies about once a month and they barely finish it.After giving it our best try, we still had about half left. He did say he was impressed and didn’t think we’d eat as much as we did. It was well worth the belly ache later on!When my partner asked for a piece of cheesecake to go, he ended up leaving it off the check. We brought it to his attention to which he replied with a smirk: “I knew what I was doing.”Sam’s is now a neighborhood favorite. Thanks for an incredible introduction!
January 25 · April IngenitoOld school Brooklyn Italian vibes, amazing service and excellent pizza — no flop, crispy, thin crust. Absolutely delicious and nostalgic restaurant. Will be back!
May 11 · Annaliese TLoved the food, loved the vibe. As visitors, this felt like the real deal, old school Brooklyn, proper Italian New Yorkers. We were in heaven. Owner laughing and entertaining our 2 year old every time he visited the table was the icing on the cake. A real old school gem amidst a rapidly gentrifying part of town.
March 07 · Angus MacRae
More restaurants near me

81 Fleet Pl, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

168 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA

106 DeKalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

108 DeKalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

114 DeKalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

116 DeKalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA

118 DeKalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA

707 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA

120 DeKalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA

711 Fulton St, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA

120b DeKalb Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11217, USA
Categories
Top Visited Sites






Trending Dining Insights Posts





