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Samurai Sam's ico

Samurai Sam's
- 5340 W Buckeye Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85043

Japanese restaurant ★3.0 (30)·$10–20

5340 W Buckeye Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85043, USA

3.0
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. - Tray Townsend
Samurai Sam's Overview Intro Food & drink Detail Photos Location Reviews
$10–20 per person Reported by 30 people$1–10$10–20$20–30

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.

Location and Accessibility

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.

Services Offered

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.
Features / Highlights

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.
Contact Information

For orders, inquiries about catering, or general information, please use the provided contact details:

Address:

5340 W Buckeye Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85043, USA

Phone: (602) 352-1111

Mobile Phone: +1 602-352-1111

What Is Worth Choosing

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 Bowl

    Each Bowl Comes with Wok-Stirred Veggies

  • Signature Dishes

  • Chicken Fried Rice Bowl

    White rice with grilled chicken breast, peas, carrots, scallions & egg

  • Steak & Shishito Bowl

    Grilled steak, baby corn, shishito peppers, red onion, spicy honey garlic sauce, and white rice

  • Spicy Pepper Chicken Bowl

    Grilled chicken breast, green peppers, Samurai Sam’s® Spicy Teriyaki Sauce & white rice

  • Grilled Chicken Wings
  • Drinks

  • Bottled Water

    Bottled 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

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Samurai Sam's Location

Samurai Sam's

5340 W Buckeye Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85043, USA

Samurai Sam's Reviews

An average rating of ★3.8 from 373 user reviews.

bowlsteakpriceteriyaki saucecashieregg rollhealthyyakisobachicken breastdoor

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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