Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza and Grill

My wife and I are vegan’s and love the kale salad with vegan cheese. We also had a sun dried tomato pizza with basil and vegan cheese, which was also delicious. My son and fiancé are meat eaters and loved there dinner also. My only mild complaint is that our server did not seam to come around very often. We had to gather dishes up and stack them to the side various times. I am not sure why, as it was not busy. Anyways, when she was around she was very pleasant. I am going to eat here again.

This place was a multi-​generational meeting place for dinner. We were lucky enough to have Brett as our server. She was marvellous: warm, friendly and exceptionally efficient! She managed multiple check with ease and grace; ensured we each got out correct meals despite kitchen issues! When I attempted to compliment her to the manager he was too busy and crushed me off, quite dismissively. However Brett more than made up for her manager and kitchen problems; ensuring we had beverage top ups while we waited for the meals. The food was quite good. I had the 5 cheese pizza — YUM! The meatballs were delicious and the angel hair pasta also got rave reviews!

Let me preface this with the fact that we have had many decent meals at Sammys over the years– but 1) Carlsbad seems to be consistently under-​staffed and less focused on quality than some of the other locations ever since the fire/​remodel several years ago… but MUCH MORE IMPORTANTLY 2) we found a beetle in our to-​go salad this evening! I googled «beetle in salad» and sure enough, found a picture of the very same beetle (still moving) that was in my salad– it’s called a Jumile– a type of «stink bud» — and although not toxic, I will needless to say not eat at a Sammys again.

I was so disappointed tonight. Haven’t been to sammys for months because it wasn’t what I have enjoyed in the past. Tonight was why I haven’t been back. The salad was soggy with too much vinegar. Never had that taste before. They did comp the salad. Thank you. Service was slow although there were very few people in the resturant.
Sammys just isn’t what it was. Too bad, could be so great.

Had a really unfortunate experience here. Usually love Sammys but we had to get up and ask for a waitress each time we needed anything.
My bacon and heirloom potato pizza came without bacon on it, and when I asked for bacon, I’m pretty sure that they just nuked some bacon and threw it on top. Pizza is no fun when you literally have to hold the toppings on to eat it.
Restaurant was empty so I just have a hard time understanding the problem! Maybe try another location!

3 ½ stars is about right. I’ve been going there for years. Solid pizza. Good salads, fish tacos and more. Very decent.

I loved my dining experience here! Our waitresses name was Blithe and she was incredibly knowledgeable and upbeat. From the second we were seated to the minute the bill came to the table I was astounded at her customer service and attention to detail. My husband can’t stand anything with garlic on it so she made sure that nothing we ordered was seasoned with any. I would come back to this location for the outstanding service alone.

You can’t go wrong with any of the salads. I always get the balsamic chicken salad and usually take half of it home to enjoy later.
Both of my friends had the shrimp salad and raved about that as well.
They serve some super crunchy lavash like crackers with butter which is a nice accompaniment.
If I wasn’t always on a diet I would definitely get the chocolate sundae dessert. May have gained a pound just looking at it!
Love this place. Give it a shot!

The food is championship quality. Service is legendary. Duck tacos, chicken tequila fettuccine, and balsamic grilled chicken salad are spots in the hall of fame. Matt the server is the guy you want takin your order and specifications. And definitely see Joe if there is a question about anything Sammys related or downright need ANYTHING. Friendly efficient people, and dog friendly!
Sammys can do no wrong

Amazing! Happy hour appetizers half off and very tasty. Had the cheese bread and Crab and Shrimp Dip. 3 kids shared a pepperoni/​Hawaiian pizza. We had the Chicken Wrap and a Cheese burger. All Outstanding! On top of everything else, our waitress Alise was Amazing!

My wife, mother, two kids, and I went here on Sunday, 9÷27÷15 at around 3pm for a late lunch.
The waiter/​host that greeted us hurried up and gave us a seat. We asked him for a high chair which he didn’t get for us. He gave the kids a couple kids menus but forgot to give us crayons. We waited a while, then I asked for crayons from him. Waited longer. Our waiter was really lagging, too. Finally at least 10 – 15 minutes later, our waiter helped us and I finally asked him for crayons and a highchair which he brought us. During that time, it sorta sucked having to keep telling the kids to be patient and just look at their menus that are supposed to be drawn on with crayons which they had none of.
No big deal though. Finally, we ordered which went smoothly. We realized we didn’t get any complimentary bread and asked for some after finally waving down our waiter who was sorta absent from checking up on us. We were starving because at this point we had already been there for about 25 minutes just staring at each other because we were too hungry to talk much.
We noticed a sign on the table saying that you have to ask for water and bread if you want it, otherwise they won’t give it to you. I think this kind of crap is stupid. The only resources they are trying to save by not even offering you complimentary bread is money and time. Just lame and cheapy. They are more interested in saving a few cents than keeping their patient customers patient while the lagging service keeps dragging.
There were a couple other things that annoyed us about Jacob, but I wont’ go too much in detail. He just doesn’t have the right kind of personality to be a waiter. I don’t think he was trying to be rude or inattentive — I think he just some dude that shouldn’t be in that line of work. Instead of chatting it up with some old lady at the bar, why don’t you check on your customers, especially if they’d been waiting for refills or need anything else.
That first guy that helped us though was just ridiculous. He really just didn’t seem like he cared about his job or Sammy’s customers.

Went to Sammy’s for my sister’s birthday. So, to go out of sequence we got a free messy sundae. If you have never had a messy sundae, your life has a sundae void. I will leave it at that.
I go for the wood fired pizzas because they are consistently very good. However, went for the pesto chicken wrap and was not disappointed.
The server was very attentive and we never needed to ask for refills or check.
Good eats and a nice way to celebrate my sis’s bday.

One of my favorite go-to’s! They have a great gluten-​free menu full of delicious options. When I’m feeling dangerous, I’ll get my favorite, the Brie Cheese & Truffle Oil Thin Crust… to die for!
To top it off, the customer service is on point. Last time we were there, the GM, Blythe, stopped by our table to see how everything was tasting. The staff and service is always amazing every time we come in.
P. S. The dessert is A-​mazing! Enjoy!

This was the worst service ever. Christian simply ignored our requests.
Topped off by bad presentation of food
We will never return.
Shudda tried Claim Jumper instead.

First off, this was my first time to Sammy’s and everything from the costumer services to the Messy Sunday dessert was great. I recommend the Sunday — (you deserve it).
Costumer services :
The host was energetic and so welcoming. Our waiter actually was smiling and looked like he actually wanted to be there. Blythe the General Manager was great. She came by our table, checked in with us to see how everything was going and even complimented my fiancé on her engagement ring. We got to talking about our wedding, she mentioned they do catering too, but were having a destination wedding in Greece. She worked that sales pitch in perfectly. ha ha Maybe another event!:)
Food:
Duck Tacos = Amazing!
Lobster Mac & Cheese: The best I have had in a very long time.
Greek salad: was a Greek salad — I should have ordered something with meat.
The Messy Sunday changes lives. I will most likely get that every time.

Sammys is a great option if you are going out for lunch. They are known for their yummy salads and wildfire pizzas. I highly recommend the Original chopped or the Greek salad for optimal flavor. Typically when I come here my guest orders the pizza– very tasty from what I have tried.
The fish tacos are pretty yummy if you are going for something different.
Drinks– go for the wine. It isn’t top dollar but it is refreshing.
The location is prime. You don’t have an ocean view from the restaurant but you are pretty dang close. Perfect for a quick bite before or post beach. Or a couple appetizers and some wine and then a sunset walk on the beach (if you are feeling romantic).

We did their takeout here and everything went smoothly. We ordered and paid online and our order was ready for pickup right when they said. It was a Tuesday early afternoon so the place was empty with only 5 people in there. The store looked very clean. There was no hostess, but I doubt one was needed at this time because it was so slow. Parking lot has plenty of spaces.
We ordered a chopped salad from there and it was ok. It was a chicken salad with not that flavor or chicken. I have had their pizza in the past and I am not much of a fan. They seem to lack flavor in the pizzas that I get. The crust always seems to be too dry. The flavor doesn’t match the price. I saw people eating a sundae that I have been wanting to try, but haven’t yet. It looks really really good.
All of the staff provide excellent service and are helpful with suggestions. It gets a little crowded in the weekends during dinner time, but never too long of a wait. I prefer a different type of pizza, so the only time I will come back here is if I have a gift card or I am meeting people here. Pizza Port is my go-​to spot for pizza.

Bottom Line: More than just pizza is being served in this casual, local-​ish chain.
I’ve been going to Sammy’s for many years so it’s shocking that I am just now getting around to Unilocaling this place! If you are debating lunch or dinner at Sammy’s here is some information from my experience at this restaurant to help you decide if you want to partake:
— Not Just Pizza: Sammy’s may be best known for their wood fired pizza, but they have more than just pizza and their menu has been influenced by many different world cuisines. Other than pizza, some of the best items at Sammy’s are their salads and messy sundaes. Admittedly, I haven’t had their pizza in a while but I know they used to put chili oil on the crust. If you sensitive to spicy foods, you might want to inquire about this. If you are indecisive on what you want to eat, order several small plates off of their tapas menu.
— Drinks: Sammy’s has a full bar so you can get cocktails, beer or wine. Of course you can also get iced tea, soda and drinks for the kiddos.
— Atmosphere: The atmosphere at Sammy’s is casual. A tile floor and many hard surfaces can make for a noisy experience during peak times, but in my experience, Sammy’s doesn’t seem to be packed except for weekend nights.
— Location, location, location: If you are close to both the San Marcos and Carlsbad location, I actually prefer the Carlsbad location because the parking lot and restaurant are both bigger. If you have to wait for a table in Carlsbad, there is actually a place to stand or with (with or without cocktail in hand). Moreover, the «artic like entry» keeps cool air from rushing into the Carlsbad location. Overall, I just find it to be more comfortable.
— Parking: Sammy’s shares a parking lot with Miguel’s and Claim Jumper but unless it’s a weekend, parking isn’t too tough.

I really enjoy going to Sammy’s in Carlsbad. It’s small, the staff is wonderful (somehow I always get to talking with the manager — love how personable he is!) and I’ve never had to wait for seating etc…
MY TOP FAVORITES:
Baba Ghanoush (Yummmm!!)
The Goat Cheese Pizza
The Greek Salad
The Chinese Chicken Salad
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Here are a couple things I think they should improve on though. You know, constructive criticism:
* Bread & Butter (it’s free, but you need to ask for it):
The bread is really good, but cold (I think it should be delivered warm to the table)
The butter it comes with is refrigerator-​cold. Again, I think it should be room temp, so it spreads nicely. Cold butter on cold bread is clumpy and hard.
AND, a nice touch would be to serve the WARM bread with a plate of Olive Oil & Herbs or pepper. Then you wouldn’t have to even serve it with butter. (See, I just may be saving you money Sammy!)
* Calorie Count
I love, love, love that they signify plates that are Vegetarian, Gluten-​Free and Vegan!
BUT, I’d love to see a calorie count after every item on the menu though. Please Sammy’s?
That’s all, I’ll definitely be back!

Sammy’s Woodfired Pizza restaurant is a tasty option for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re with a large group or dining solo, Sammy’s can accommodate you and your party — indoors or on their undercover patio. They have vegan and gluten free options, in addition to an extensive regular menu, making me a happy camper (due to food allergies)!
GRILLED CHICKEN & HUMMUS WRAP — Kalamata olive, roasted bell pepper, lettuce, evoo, rolled in lavash bread. I ate half of my wrap and a few fries and was able to share the other half with someone else. VERY TASTY!