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Sam's Grilled Chicken Breast
Mozzarella Cheese Sticks
Classic French Dip
Sam's Grilled Ham & Cheese
Story & Atmosphere
Famous Sam's
Welcome to Famous Sam's, an iconic establishment nestled at 1970 W River Rd, Tucson, AZ. This cherished neighborhood bar has been delighting locals with its vibrant atmosphere and hearty meals, making it a defining spot in Tucson's dining landscape.
From the moment you enter, you might be captivated by the cozy yet lively environment. It's more than just a bar; it’s a community hangout. With pool tables, darts, and shuffleboard, Famous Sam's isn’t just about food; it offers a social space where friends and family can gather and create lasting memories.
One cannot discuss Famous Sam's without mentioning its famous pastrami sandwich. Customers rave about this culinary delight, often emphasizing how it surpasses their expectations with its generous portion of flavorful, well-seasoned meat. Many note its delightful balance on fresh buns, amplifying the savory experience. As Mark Rekshynskyj observed, its richness easily rivals any New York style hot pastrami.
But the delights do not stop there. Patrons can indulge in a variety of pub foods such as burgers, chicken wings, and piping hot fries. Eric Holler appreciated the combination of reasonable prices, excellent service, and a refreshing drink menu that makes this bar a perfect spot for watching sports while savoring well-prepared comfort food.
Speaking of drinks, the draft beer selection is noteworthy. As Suzie Lowell pointed out, it stands out among similar establishments, providing a compelling reason to visit. Be sure to try their Bloody Mary—a customer favorite that adds another layer of enjoyment to your stay.
It's also a place where you can feel at home, as noted by long-time visitors like Johnna Meek, who fondly reminisced about the bar's warm ambiance and timeless appeal. Famous Sam's creates a connection between past and present, embodying the spirit of Tucson's local culture.
In a world where restaurants come and go, Famous Sam's remains a favored mainstay, a testament to its quality and the loyalty it inspires among its patrons. So gather your friends, enjoy a game of darts or shuffleboard, and treat yourself to one of their outstanding dishes. There’s something for everyone here, just waiting to be savored!
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“ Tobi Keith put it best. I love this bar. The famous pastrami sandwich was fattier than expected. I guess I am used to the New York style hot pastrami on rye. ”
“ This is a small, neighborhood Sam's. It's got three pool tables, one Shuffleboard, and Darts, that all cost money. The staff are decent, kinda rushed based on how busy they are, so sometimes it takes a while to get their attention. The food is okay and the prices are reasonable. You can choose to play your own music so that's kinda fun! Very dark and mellow but cozy and comfortable. ”
“ What a great place to grab a bite to eat with friends! The pastrami sandwich was piled high on a fresh bun and the cheese was perfect. Service was fast, even though we had a large group and Corrie handled it like a true professional! Very good quality experience in a world of mediocracy. ”
“ My parents always raved about going to Famous Sam's at various locations in Tucson. They loved the draght beer, chicken wings and what I always thought was a dive-bar atmosphere. Until I found Sam's on River!! It looked like any other Famous Sam's, understated and tucked away in a shopping center, until I walked inside!! This location is HUGE, with a surprisingly CLEAN, timeless and authentic sports bar feel. The pool tables, shuffle board, darts and pinball are in there own area with high top tables where you can actually get service from the very attentive and friendly waitstaff. Child friendly during the day, its an easy place to relax with the family or host a celebration with there plethora of seating options. Nights at Sam's are a little more lively and weekends especially have a bit more of an energetic/party atmosphere. The huge horshoe is bar is the center of attention and where I find myself watching sporting events and enjoying daily specials and happy hour! Claiming this location as my favorite neighborhood bar, as a female I am extremely comfortable here ever when I am alone. One of my favorite bartenders is Andy, you'll know its him when you meet him! Tall, easy on the eyes and a bit of a friendly flirt, he has a way of making everyone feel welcome. He remembers your name, what you drink, and genuinely cares about his customers. Eager to make your day brighter, he doesn't shy away from custom or random drink requests, will laugh at your jokes, and call you an Uber (if need be). One of the sweetest behind the bar is Brittany! Kind, cute, warm, and caring, this girl quickly became someone I call a friend. Sometimes I stop in just to see what she's doing. If you are looking for a new place to call your home away from home, I highly recommend stopping here and getting to know everyone, even including the regulars! ”
“ Excellent pub food - sandwiches, burgers, etc. Great for watching sports. Excellent service; good food at reasonable prices; cold beer and very good Bloody Mary. ”