“Well worth the Trip” Is what the Washington Post and many others say about Sam’s on the Waterfront. Tucked away in the middle of Chesapeake Harbour Marina, Sam’s is a true visual and culinary experience. Built in 1986 & designed after the historic Spider legged Screw pile lighthouses, this uniquely crafted building on the water, provides the most elegant of settings. Make no mistake about it Sam’s is dedicated to providing the most fresh, creative dining experience possible. Their Exec. Chef William Clarke will tailor your meal to meet any of your special requirements and their staff will make sure that all of your expectations will be met.Sam’s has a truly remarkable modern American cuisine w/ regional influences. The menus change seasonally with weekly special. Winner of Wine Spectators & Wine Enthusiast "Award of Excellent" and Zagat's "Best Bet Award" Sam's offers the best live Music every Friday and Saturday Nights. Sam's outside Dock Bar & Cafe open Seasonally.
"Located right on the water, this place has an awesome view! While the food was nothing to write home about, it was pretty good and edible. The menu was abbreviated due to it being mother's day which I was quite disappointed about. Since we were from out of town, we were looking forward to the menu which we saw online. Also worth noting, this place charges an automatic 18% gratuity on holidays (but this is not mentioned anywhere...even when you walk in they will not tell you this until you get your check). Another interesting note, if you have a specific time reserved, they will not seat you early even if the table you are to sit at is open. This was very strange to me and put a bad taste in my mouth upon sitting down."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, scenic view
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"Advertised as one of best brunches in Annappolis. Food was good, but menu was more dinner oriented than brunch - only 3 breakfast entrees, and no lighter lunch selections. Restaurant was busy and service was slow."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: scenic view
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"Beautiful waterfront views, Crab cakes and scallops (two separate entrees) featured high quality shellfish but were very bland, with very little taste."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: romantic, scenic view
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"The view is what we'll go back for. Situated on the dock of a marina, it makes you feel like you're on vacation.The food was all good, but nothing spectacular. The cream of crab soup was really a cream soup base with a handful of lump crab meat tossed in after cooking. Tasty but not the classic cream of crab you would expect. The short ribs were delicious but still had all of the fat you normally see on an uncooked short rib - none had been trimmed off. The blueberry cobbler was a huge disappointment, tasted dry and not sweet at all - did the chef forget to add sugar? Bananas Foster was tasty but too much ice cream and not enough bananas. The outdoor dining area is small along the narrow dock - and overshadowed by the large yachts."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: scenic view
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"We were poised to enjoy a fabulous evening w/Top Rated Fare and service that matched. We let them know ahead it was 2 Anniversary's and one Birthday. Our party was of 6 and we made a reservation as well. We started w/ waiting quite a while for even a Server or water then drink delivery after that was inconsistant at best. Server was not keen on the menu or cuts of meats as there was only one Beef choice & our Beefeaters negated the what they considered 'odd' variety neither had heard of. They ventured into the Rib category and were OK with the tenderness, but were somehow expecting Pork. Shrimp Tempura appetizer was 'heavy' on the batter and it was cakey & not crisp in the slightest. Carpets were coated w/crud simply embarrassing."
Dined on 04/28/2013
2010
Special Features: scenic view
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"We went to Sam's expecting an up-scale and expensive restaurant and what we found was restaurant with a lovely environment and very reasonable, delicious food. We had the steak frites with the steak done perfectly, and a fabulous chocolate dessert. We shall return!"
Dined on 04/27/2013
2009
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, scenic view
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"I was visiting my son (in college in the area) and thought we'd take the short drive to Annapolis, see the city and have a bite to eat. We found out that Sam's is not in the city proper (about 10 miles away), but decided to keep our dinner reservation, and are very glad that we did. Sam's is Fabulous! Terrific food, a very accomodating and efficient waitstaff, and a lovely view of the marina. There was a live band at the outside (dockside) bar area, so some extra noise came with that, but not enough to disturb conversation, plus I think my son and his buddy enjoyed the band. We're planning our next visit back!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, scenic view
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"We attended to celebrate a birthday. He noted ambiance and enjoyed live music. Wait staff was professional and accommodating. I had to call to change reservation but still arrived later than scheduled. We were immediately seated and our apologies were graciously accepted. Service and food excellent. Definitely an excellent experience. Highly recomnend"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2007
Special Features: romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"Prices were a little high for what you get -- I would have said "Fair" if there was a rating for Value -- but overall, it was a nice, white tablecloth dining experience with good food, great drinks, and very pleasant and attentive service."
Dined on 03/31/2013
2006
Special Features: good for groups, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, scenic view, great for lunch
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"One of our favorite restaurants, we invited friends from BEthesda. All found the food outstanding. Service also excellent. No music because it was a weekday. Unfortunately, our Open Table reservations never made it to the restaurant, but they were able to acommodate us."
Dined on 03/28/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"I knew this was a restaurant with entrée prices in the $20-$35 dollar range from reading reviews. The prices are not listed on their online menu. However, a $10 salad is expensive. It was tasty and a good size. The entrees were small and adequate, but not outstanding in flavor. Our server seemed to feel awkward, not just with us, but another table, too. We had a problem with one of drinks and it took her forever to resolve it, plus she giggled about the whole issue. The view is great, but the food and service are not worth the price."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2012
Special Features: scenic view
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"The singer who performed in the bar that evening is a friend of ours, so we decided to have dinner and see her at the same time. It was a fun evening. We had two of their higher-end sandwiches, the lobster roll and the Waygu burger. Both were delicious, as was the fried oyster appetizer. Overall, a good experience, as usual, which is why we go back."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, great for outdoor dining, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"I took two friends to Sam's on the Waterfront for lunch -- what a disappointment. The menu is very pedestrian and one of our party found her food to be unpalatable. She had ordered the Turkey and avocado sandwich on a croissant. The croissant was stale, and the turkey was a 1/4 inch slab of turkey breast that appeared to have come from Giant Food's deli turkey. They were unable to substitute the fries for a vegetable or salad. Our waiter checked with the kitchen and was told "they did not have enough vegetables. The chicken pannini was passable, as was the sandwich of the day. The only bright spot was the cream of crab soup and the view. Until they have new management, a more interesting menu, and a new chef we won't be going back"
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"Got there for brunch. Staff was just getting in. We were in a bit of a time crunch as we were headed to airport. Tried to be accomodating but it was a bit hectic. Overall food was good, service a little disjointed."
Dined on 03/10/2013
2007
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"This was our first time there and we were pleased. Everything was great from our table at the window fresh salad, whole trout was perfect! Much to my surprise was live entertainment!! A gentleman playing the guitar, playing the slower songs from years ago. Was perfect! We decided we'll be back during the daylight to ebjoy the view of the harbor and water.."
Dined on 03/02/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, scenic view
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"The restaurant was very nice. I wasn't to impressed with the food. It was just too inconsistent. Some courses were really good while I was a little disappointed in others. I will give it one more try and order something different."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"I made our reservations based on the reviews I read on Open Table. Unfortunately, our experience did not come close to them. We went on a Sunday, Feb 17 for 1pm brunch & were told that they were out of several items (blamed on running out of things after Valentines Day). We adapted our choices based on this & when the server came back & I tried to order an item with crab & was then told they were out of this item as well. Both my husband and I ordered the cream of crab soup & it was quite thin and did not have much flavor--disappointing when it cost $8 for a small bowl. The restaurant was not crowded, but the service was not very attentive. So overall, we will not return and I would hesitate to recommend this restaurant."
Dined on 02/17/2013
2007
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"Sam's on the Waterfront offered a great choice of starters, entrees, and desserts for it's Valentine's Day special menu. We both started with a glass of nice chardonay, and I started off the food with a succulent seafood chowder and we both moved on to the crab-stuffed lobster tail. Could have used a bit of melted butter for the lobster meat, but otherwise acceptable. Dessert was perfect - she had the trifle and I had a tart.
Our reservations were for 6:30 pm and we were seated immediately when we arrived at 6:25 pm. It was dark outside, but we were seated at a corner window table, and it was a very relaxing and enjoyable evening, certainly helped with the live trio playing that evening.
We'll probably go again - brunch maybe!"
Dined on 02/14/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"This was a great find for me and my wife. I enjoyed the ambience of the restuarant. It was quaint and romantic just the thing I was looking for on pre-valentine's date. The food was great and they were helpful in helping my wife pick a nice wine for her meal. We will definitely be returning."
Dined on 02/13/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, scenic view
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"I thought the scenery was beautiful but I would not return for its overpriced, average food. The food was somewhat bland and boring. Nicely cooked but lacking seriously on taste."
Dined on 01/20/2013
2006
Special Features: romantic
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