Samurai Sam's Introduce
Samurai Sam's, situated in Phoenix, Arizona, presents a convenient and appealing option for local diners seeking a quick yet flavorful meal inspired by Japanese teriyaki cuisine. The restaurant is part of a franchise system, which prides itself on offering a healthier alternative to traditional fast food, focusing on grilled meats, wok-seared vegetables, and rice or noodles. This location on W Buckeye Rd is particularly popular for those needing a fast and satisfying meal, whether for Lunch, Dinner, or even a quick stop for Solo dining.
The core of the menu is built around customizable and signature bowls, providing flexibility for different preferences and dietary needs. The concept revolves around balanced, Asian-inspired comfort food, often categorized as a Quick bite or Small plates offering. The primary attraction is the Build Your Own Bowl, which allows patrons to select their base, protein, and teriyaki glaze, offering a personalized dining experience. Signature dishes include the popular Chicken Fried Rice Bowl, the protein-packed Steak & Shishito Bowl, and the flavorful Spicy Pepper Chicken Bowl, catering to those who prefer a chef-curated selection.
While the goal is to provide Healthy options and Comfort food quickly, it is important for Phoenix customers to note that quality can occasionally be inconsistent, as reflected in customer feedback. Reviewers have highlighted a "hit or miss" experience, suggesting the portions of protein versus vegetables, or the texture of the meats and noodles, can vary. One customer noted that the quality—from dried-out chicken and mushy noodles to steak that was "chewy like your eating fat"—did not meet expectations. This indicates that while the establishment aims for a high standard, results can be variable, which is a key consideration for local users when "rolling the dice" on a meal, as one reviewer candidly put it.
Despite potential variability in food execution, the overall environment is highly inclusive and designed for broad appeal. The atmosphere is definitively Casual and welcoming to a diverse Crowd, specifically identifying as Family-friendly, Groups, Locals, LGBTQ+ friendly, and a Transgender safespace. This commitment to inclusivity is a significant highlight, positioning Samurai Sam's as a positive and safe community gathering place in the Phoenix area.
Samurai Sam's is conveniently located at
5340 W Buckeye Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85043, USA. This address places the restaurant in a readily accessible area of Phoenix, making it a practical choice for a quick lunch or dinner stop. Accessibility is a strong point, ensuring all members of the community can visit with ease.The location is designed to be fully accessible, featuring a Wheelchair accessible entrance, a dedicated Wheelchair accessible parking lot, a Wheelchair accessible restroom, and comfortable Wheelchair accessible seating. For parking, patrons can utilize the convenient Free parking lot or find additional parking in the Free street parking spaces nearby. The establishment also welcomes pets, allowing Dogs allowed outside for guests utilizing any available exterior seating options.
The restaurant is structured for maximum customer convenience, offering a range of service types to fit any Arizona lifestyle:
- Dine-in: A casual experience with available Seating for Lunch and Dinner.
- Counter service: An efficient service style that ensures a Fast service experience, perfect for a quick meal.
- Takeout: Easy and fast ordering for those who prefer to eat at home or on the go.
- Delivery: The convenience of having Japanese-inspired food brought directly to your location.
- Catering: Available for group events, office lunches, and parties, allowing customers to easily serve the signature bowls and dishes to a large crowd.
- Kids' menu: Offers dedicated options for younger diners, reinforcing the Family-friendly environment.
Samurai Sam's provides several notable features that define its place in the Phoenix dining scene:
- Fast service: Recognized as a key highlight, ensuring minimal wait times for your meal, ideal for a constrained lunch hour.
- Customizable Meals: The unique Build Your Own Bowl option allows for complete personalization of the meal, from choosing bases to selecting sauces and protein mixes.
- Signature Dishes: A menu of pre-designed favorites, including the Chicken Fried Rice Bowl and Grilled Chicken Wings, provides reliable, flavorful choices.
- Dietary Accommodations: Offers Vegetarian options to accommodate non-meat-eaters, aligning with the focus on healthier and flexible dining.
- Inclusivity and Atmosphere: The establishment is notably LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace, promoting an inclusive Casual atmosphere for all members of the Phoenix community.
- Children's Amenities: Provides High chairs and is considered Good for kids, making it a practical choice for families.
- Payment Flexibility: Accepts Credit cards, Debit cards, and modern NFC mobile payments for quick, hassle-free transactions.
For orders, inquiries about catering, or general information, please use the provided contact details:
Address:
5340 W Buckeye Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85043, USAPhone: (602) 352-1111
Mobile Phone: +1 602-352-1111
Samurai Sam's is worth choosing for Phoenix locals who prioritize convenience, speed, and the flexibility to customize a Japanese-inspired meal. The "Build Your Own Bowl" concept is a major draw, allowing patrons to manage their dietary intake—whether they are aiming for Healthy options or classic Comfort food. For a quick business lunch, a casual dinner, or satisfying a solo craving, the guaranteed Fast service is an undeniable benefit, and the Counter service model is specifically geared toward efficiency.
Moreover, the restaurant's commitment to creating an inclusive and safe space for the LGBTQ+ community, alongside being a great place for Families, makes it a socially positive establishment to support. The abundant, Free parking lot access makes it a straightforward choice for a quick stop during a busy day in Phoenix. While there are noted inconsistencies in food preparation, the overall appeal is rooted in its unique proposition: a fast-casual Japanese spot that offers a customizable and reasonably priced meal. It’s a convenient, quick, and inclusive option for an Asian-inspired bowl, particularly for those who appreciate the speed of service and the ability to tailor their lunch or dinner order.
Samurai Sam's Food & drink
- Build Your Own Bowl
- Build Your Own BowlEach Bowl Comes with Wok-Stirred Veggies 
- Signature Dishes
- Chicken Fried Rice BowlWhite rice with grilled chicken breast, peas, carrots, scallions & egg 
- Steak & Shishito BowlGrilled steak, baby corn, shishito peppers, red onion, spicy honey garlic sauce, and white rice 
- Spicy Pepper Chicken BowlGrilled chicken breast, green peppers, Samurai Sam’s® Spicy Teriyaki Sauce & white rice 
- Grilled Chicken Wings
- Drinks
- Bottled WaterBottled Water 
- Fountain Drink
Samurai Sam's Details
- Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
- Highlights
- Fast service
- Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Offerings
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Amenities
- Restroom
- Atmosphere
- Casual
- Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Locals
- Transgender safespace
- Planning
- Accepts reservations
- Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Samurai Sam's Photos










Samurai Sam's Location
Samurai Sam's
5340 W Buckeye Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85043, USA
Samurai Sam's Reviews
bowlsteakpriceteriyaki saucecashieregg rollhealthyyakisobachicken breastdoor
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1- I visited this restaurant 30 minutes after opening and I ordered the chicken breast yakisoba bowl with the egg roll. The egg roll was soggy. The chicken was dried out and hard. The noodles were mushy and it was missing vegetables. Was not a good place. I do not recommend. Staff looked unhappy to be at work not a welcoming establishment. June 13 · Tray Townsend
- This place is a hit or miss! You basically have to roll the dice if you want to eat here. One day they hook up your bowl with steak and little broccoli. The next time it was lots of broccoli little steak. The 3rd time steak is chewy like your eating fat, and the broccoli isn't cooked/steamed fully. Roll the dice! August 06 · Joey Morales
- Very disappointing place. Place was empty even though it was lunch time.All I wanted was some teriyaki chicken and noodles but couldn't find it on menu board. Promotional signs on windows at least show picture/name of items. Ended up w sweet & sour bowl w/ white rice. Food was way too hot to eat for 20+ minutes. Chicken was flavorless and rice on bottom took on the taste of the plastic bowl it was in. July 31 · Doobie King
- The worst Samurai Sam's I've ever had, I would never try this location ever again, the veggies and shrimp were mostly raw, they didn't have any dark chicken and the chicken breast tasted off. To top it off the staff was standoffish and the atmosphere just felt gross. If the bowl wasn't over $10 for the meal, I would have just tossed it, on the plus side hopefully it was healthier eating the veggies raw, just not what I've come to expect from Samurai Sam, try any other location October 04 · Adventure_With_Purpose Tricia
- I discovered this place by purchasing a dining advantage food certificate. I didn't expect it to be hidden in the cut, it's a great place for local business men and woman. The customer service was great, and the restaurant was nice and clean. It didn't take long for my food to come out, seemed pretty fresh and hot! The taste of the chicken alone was soooo yummy! I added extra teriyaki sauce to the chicken and rice and I like the fact it's free. Some places I've gone to requires a fee for extra sauce.Good food, nice staff, clean establishment...Happy Customer! December 29 · Ebony Renee
Categories
Top Visited Sites
 Taqueria lucy4.0 (209 reviews)
Taqueria lucy4.0 (209 reviews) The Stand Arcadia Burger Shoppe4.0 (2115 reviews)
The Stand Arcadia Burger Shoppe4.0 (2115 reviews) Mesquite Fresh Street Mex4.0 (3138 reviews)
Mesquite Fresh Street Mex4.0 (3138 reviews) DOS PINK4.0 (135 reviews)
DOS PINK4.0 (135 reviews) Marisco Boys4.0 (114 reviews)
Marisco Boys4.0 (114 reviews) Big Bacon's4.0 (146 reviews)
Big Bacon's4.0 (146 reviews)Trending Dining Discoveries Posts
 Why You Should Try the Best Poke Bowls in Your City
Why You Should Try the Best Poke Bowls in Your City Top 5 Best Restaurants in Austin for a Perfect Dinner Date
Top 5 Best Restaurants in Austin for a Perfect Dinner Date Where to Find the Best BBQ Ribs in Texas
Where to Find the Best BBQ Ribs in Texas The Best Street Food Markets in New York City for a Culinary Adventure
The Best Street Food Markets in New York City for a Culinary Adventure The Best Sushi Restaurants in Austin for a Fresh Dining Experience
The Best Sushi Restaurants in Austin for a Fresh Dining Experience Where to Find the Best Sushi in Seattle: Top Sushi Spots & Must-Try Dishes
Where to Find the Best Sushi in Seattle: Top Sushi Spots & Must-Try Dishes
