*** On October 11th 2008, Sammy Sushi called it a day.
HAI! IR-RAI-SHAI KIRK-SAN!!! Booms through the tiny restaurant as I enter. It's the typical greeting from Sam, owner and Sushi Chef at Sammy Sushi.
It can be kinda unnerving, as the guy greeting you is holding a pretty sizable sharp knife. It's his Marine Corps training that gives Sam that booming voice. Sammy Sushi is the kind of Sushi "joint" that every neighborhood should have; pretty good fish, good sake and beer, and a good understanding of what his "regulars" enjoy.
I've known Sam for a few years now, originally from his days at Katzra, and when he opened his own Restaurant on Engineer Road, I followed. He's even got his own wall of photo's. As is the norm for these neighborhood Sushi Bars, Sam's customers range from Japanese Nationals to "working stiffs". And the menu is comprised of whatever roll you want, be it a Caterpillar, Rainbow, or even a "One Night Stand Roll"(he won't remember how to make it again!), I'm not much of a "roll guy" but those are very popular; but Sam will also make Maguro Yamakake, even Oshi-zushi. One late evening, after closing I showed him how to make poke, and it's been on his menu ever since.
Sam's fish is usually decent to excellent, and if you ask he'll gladly let you know what is "good" at the moment. I've always found his hamachi, smoked salmon, and kaki (oysters) to be excellent. He has Live Uni in season (I'll post on it at a later time), and sometimes has Aji (Spanish Mackerel).
There's a real benefit in developing relationships with the people who make your food. It's especially evident in a intimate environment as a Sushi Bar. For instance, Sam knows I love Hirame Senbei (fried bones), and tonight he has especially good ones, so they were brought out without asking. On some nights he'll bring me Hamachi Kama(Yellowtail collar) or Ankimo(Monkfish liver pate), or some other dish he knows I like.
Fried crisp with a touch of salt and dipped into Ponzu, these "crackers" were delici-yoso! What I usually do is place an initial order, and do most of the rest "omakase" style. Tonight after reading Pam's post on Sashimi on Daily Gluttony, I had a sudden hankering for a bit of sashimi, so I ordered some:
Tonight the Hirame was excellent; probably why the senbei was so good!
So if you're a regular customer at a Sushi Bar; develop a rapport with the Sushi Chef. This in turn will become trust, in fact I never ask for prices at Sammy's, he knows what I want and how much I want, or he'll just ask with a "Kirk-san Daijobu(are you ok)?" And sometimes you'll get some really good surprises.
Funny thing, I've been having a really hard time taking pictures in Sammy's, probably a combination of the lighting and composition of materials. Or maybe I really don't want to post about this place, and just keep it to myself.
Some notes on Sammy's. This is a one Man operation, with one in the kitchen, and usually one or two wait help. Along with the 12-18 seat sushi bar, there are 4 tables, but when crowded, the 
wait may be somewhat long. Because of all the regulars, there's a real neighborly atmosphere, sometimes borderline raucous(it's the beer, sake, and sochu). Everyone is very friendly and helpful. There is a full food menu with Teriyaki, Tempura, Tonkatsu, and even a few Okinawan dishes. Beer and a few Sakes, including Otokoyama(yummm) and Kurosawa. There are Happy Hour specials. Sam was raised in Hawaii, it's probably one of the reasons we get along so well, even though he's from Aiea, I don't hold it against him! Sam is of Korean heritage, but speaks fluent Japanese along with Korean, and originally cut his teeth at Yanagi Sushi in Honolulu, you'll also be able to order Kalbi and other dishes here as well.
Tell Sam Kirk-san sent you!
Sammy Sushi
7905 Engineer Road
San Diego, CA 92111
Oh man, oh man, oh man! THAT IS AWESOME! And you taught him how to make POKE!? Props to you!! I’m glad you shared this secret, eventhough I know it must have been a little hard to do it!
There’s a neighborhood joint here in Tustin that kinda fits the same vein, called Tommy Sushi. Although it seems more mainstream, it’s one of my favorites. Because of Pam’s post, I almost went there last night for a poke bowl and deep fried shrimp heads…got sidetracked and ended up at home eating frozen Healthy Choice…need to go soon…or I’m going to go crazy especially now that both you and Pam are posting about sushi!
Hi Elmo – Sashimi to Healthy Choice?? That’s a pretty serious drop-off, there! It’s really great to have a nice Neighborhood “hang-out”, especially if it’s Sushi & sashimi. Never really found one in all my years in LA.
I love it! The pictures are awesome too! Man, I know what you mean ~ having a special sushi place all to yourself. LOL! Down in Gardena, my family and I went to Sushi Island this past weekend which was pretty good! YUM!
But alas…I have yet to build that truly special relationship with a sushi chef…partly because my wallet won’t let me and partly because I like to eat at different sushi places depending on my mood. I’m a mood eating sushi addict. LOL!
That assorted sashimi plate looks so good. And those deep fried crispy fish bones. Da best!!! That with beer. Can’t go wrong. You had to teach an Aiea boy how to make poke. Shame on him. Looks like he did a good job.
Hi Kristy – A mood sushi eater, eh? That’s not a bad thing to be. Sashimi & sushi seemed to be just the cure for the recent hot weather!
Hi Lance – Thanks for stopping by and taking some time to comment!Maybe I should’ve kept the poke thing to myself…But Sam does make a pretty good version now(even for an Aiea boy…) – no ogo though – too hard to get.
mmmm
I had sushi and tempura last night! so goood π
This place looks fantastic! I wish we hada place like this, the japanese place I would like to be my regular is too popular and is v.noisy and packed with loooooong waits so sad π
Places like this make an average meal, great, and a great meal, well–unforgettable . Thanks for sharing your secret, no doubt it was a tough decision. I am still in search of my local haunt…
Hi Clare – Well this place can get a bit crowded and loud & when that happens…..so I usually try to get there a bit on the early side.
Hi Mealcentric – You’ve hit it on the head! Not to be too cliche’d, but it’s nice to have somewhere, where everybody knows your name…
ha ha ha u cliche’d Kirk? NEVER! ha ha ha ha π
hmmm how about 7pm (no one eats at 7 here) tuesday… line out the door… grrrrrr esp when casey wont wait π
Hi Clare – Haven’t seen a post on this place – does it mean you haven’t made it past the door? I usually see Sam at 530pm, when he opens – also let’s me get good start with a Sapporo or two, or an Otokoyama. The crowds here start coming in right about sunset – which is a little after 7pm – by that time I’m either gone or have staked my claim out at the bar or am probably chatting with some of the other regulars.
hmmm
haven’t been since I started my blog more like π
this one time at my birthday …. ha ha ha
we had booked a table, my little sister went in (tall, skinny wearing industrial/goth clothing) asked for our table… the waiter/owner? pushed her out of the restaurant saying “no booking for you!”
If you say thanks (when they serve you) you get terrible serivce, if you look down at them they treat you like royalty. crazy huh?
so you can see the food is great and good value π
No one in sydeny with a good job is home at 7 pm π
Hi Clare – That’s terrible, I’ll never understand why restaurants act that way. We had our share of places in LA, where if you had manners they treated you terrible, but if you went in with an arrogant attitude you got good service! I guess the food there must be outstanding, right? Though I wouldn’t go back to a place like that no matter how good the food is!
But you haven’t seen there $30 deals π
little taste pickle thing *2
agedashi tofu *2
chicken teraki
Miso
green tea
rice
sashimi plate
sushi plate
greentea ice cream
that is enough for 2!
and really good quality *sigh*
Well – is it “the only show in town”? Bad service is really sad! It’s part of the whole experience! Hey, I’ll come there and teach them a lesson!!!!!
no, not the only show in town but the best bang for buck by far…. π
pity cause otherwise we would be there all the time
Hi Clare – Well that sucks…..
Those pictures look beautiful. Sammy Sushi is one of my friends favorite restaurants. How much would it cost for omakase?
Clare,
I feel your pain. I am mentally flogging them right now! Take that and This and That and Another one for the road!! I hate it when restaurants behave this way. It makes me so mad.
Kirk,
I haven’t made a neighborhood sushi place since I lived in Japan. *sigh* One my pocketbook won’t let me, and I haven’t found a place yet. I am jealous though Kirk, because arealtionship like that is awesome!
Hi Howie – Well there’s no “omakase” per se’. I use it in the “I leave it up to Sushi Chef” sort of way. There are items that are pretty much always good – the Hamachi, Kaki. I’ll just “ask Sam”. As for price, it’s alot cheaper if you don’t drink. I think you’ll be able to get out under $30 – sashimi costs about $12-18, poke is about $10 (it’s made with sashimi grade maguro). Some of the rolls can be expensive – I don’t eat them. The salmon skin salad is also good. Tell Sam I sent you and he’ll take care of you!
Hi Mills – I just lucked out and found a good neighborhood place. I guess it can be expensive – but I know people who eat at Sam’s 2-4 times a week. It’s the booze that adds up.
Kirk,
I agree usually it is the booze, but I don’t drink much. Hmmm I will have to just investigate around here.
Hi Mills – Yes, sometimes you just have to try and see.
thanks for sharing kirk! yanagi sushi is actually one of my favorite sushi places in hawaii — so i’m psyched that sam cut his teeth at yanagi! thanks for teaching him how to make poke too! π
someone asked earlier about the price of an omakase — that’s a good question — i was wondering the same thing myself too. you estimated around 30 bucks for omakase without drinks? is that for one person or two?
i really want to try out this place now!!!
btw, sammy’s poke meets your thumb of approval right?
Hi Annie – Sammy’s doesn’t do Omakase, per se, what I’m saying is omakase is in the way I’ll order – “Sashimi Omakase” means that it’s up to Sam to pick whatever he thinks I’ll like – Omakase means Chef’s choice, not a set menu. For example a small combo sashimi and assorted nigiri costs maybe about $30-40….maybe enough for 2. Best thing is to drop by, get to know Sam, and he’ll get to know you and what you like, etc, etc…. Some of the prices:
Rainbow Roll $9.95
Sashimi + Cal Roll $9.95
Soft Shell Crab Roll $9.95 – etc…I really don’t eat rolls, so this is from what I remember.
Great little find there Kirk. I have yet to find a good neighborhood place that I would frequent often.
Hey Jack – Yes, it’s a pretty nice and affordable little place. Not outstanding, but good!
hi thanks for the great site. I’m a ny chowhound type who moved here last year! let me know when you are doing any more gatherings. Just saw Sammy’s as we exited from the Korean BBQ place you recommended that’s next door. Nice bacon there on the bbq menu.. Cheers JB BTW what is that dish that looks like sashimi but has the carrots as part of it??
Hi J Berman – Thanks so much for commenting, I appreciate it! I’m thinking that you’re looking at the sashimi w/ponzu – those aren’t carrots but yama gobo – pickled burdock! I’ll definitely let you know if I set-up a Chowhound get together. Sammy’s is a good neighborhood place – if you want really top notch stuff I’d recommend Sakura:
/2005/07/21/izakaya_sakura_/
But by all means try Sammy’s – I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!
What about the Sochu??? You forgot the Sochu Kirk! Great job Kirk! Sammy didnt even know you had this up. His main concern when I told him about it was how he looked in the picture!
I have to agree, what a great, friendly neighborhood sushi bar with fantastic customers & staff! Not the fanciest place in town but one of the best places to have good food & company any night of the week. Itβs the “Cheers” of all Sushi bars in San Diego! Two thumbs up for the friendly staff, food & atmosphere! Sammys #13 is a favorite & if your not on a diet try Sammys Tempera Philly Roll. He’s always willing to make anything you can come up with as well! Ask for a shot of Sochu with a sqeeze of lemon to get in the party mode! Sammys never turns down the chance to have one with new & old customers!
Oh My, Rick – I’m trying not to think about the Sochu, after all I never quite remember drinking sochu, if you get what I mean! Tell Sam not too worry about how he looks, after all, he’s pretty hopeless! See you at Sammy’s soon!
Aloha Kirk,
Just wanted to add if you like good sushi, theres a good place in the Hanalei Hotel on hotel circle called Islands Sushi, have you ever been there? There are some cool braddah over there that do it up pretty well. We tend to go there every other Thursday and thy hook us up pretty good. If you’ve never been I woul suggest a trip down there when you get a chance. Aloha!
Kalanz
Hi Kalani – Mahalo for visiting, and taking time out to comment! We’ve had Sunday brunch at Islands twice and really enjoy the service, the Kona Coffee, and we think some of the best smoke salmon. I’ll make an effort to try the Sushi. I don’t know why, but I’ve always thought that Islands Sushi Bar was more of a fancy rolls kind of place.
I love Sammy and his Sushi!! I’ve eaten the ConCOCKtion he calls the one night stand now 2 or 3 times and it is awesome regardless of it’s shape!!!
Hi Paul – Thanks for commenting! Yes, Sam is a pretty funny Guy. He does a great job, and I enjoy the “vibe” at Sammy’s.
This looks great.
I’m going to have to go, dragging my friends along.
Have you tried the California Surfside in P.B.? It’s my favorite place for sushi. Ask for Aki-san. He’ll do you right.
Also Sushi Ohta is a great place. Right next to 7-11 across from Rubio’s on Mission.
Hi Didi – Haven’t been to Surfside yet. Ota, is very good, though you need to make sure Ota-San serves you, it is also 3-4 times the price of Sammy’s. For that amount of money, I’d rather have Sakura. Sammy’s is just a neighborhood joint. If you enjoy that atmosphere, you’ll like Sammy’s.
Hey Kirk,
Just moved here from Hawaii and was lucky enough to find your page! My wife and I can’t wait to try some of the places you reviewed especially Sammy’s! Much mahalos and keep on writing!!
Hi Derek – Welcome, and let me know how you enjoy San Diego!
I came by via Chowhound and some googling. Can’t wait until 8 of my friends and myself take over half of Sammy’s space close to the New Year (06 – > 07). I love some great neighborhood sushi. Don’t worry, we’ll arrive early or late so the locals have a good chance of getting in π (Don’t you hate those big tables that take all night at your local secret spot?)
If you’re up around the San Francisco South Bay, stop by Sushi Tomi in Mountain View on Dana. From one sushi hound to another, that’s the place to go for great fish with neighborhood atmosphere and walk out with some of your wallet. They do killer tempura and grilled jawbones, too.
hey
i have been following your blog and has been extremely helpful in picking out places to eat. We just ate at Sammy’s and it was an utter disspointment in price and the quantity. The quality was ok, but they give soooooooo little! The fish on the rice was thin and barely covering the rice instead of being slothered over the rice. did you have that kind of experience there?
Hi Taegello – I’m sorry you had a terrible experience at Sammy’s. As you can tell by my posts, I usually have pretty good experiences there. It is a neighborhood joint so sometimes the quality can vary…but I’ve always had decent to very good sushi there. BTW, who made your sushi, and what did you have? Was it Sam or His assitant Akira? I think Sam’s prices are very reasonable for the quality of fish served.
it was made by a korean guy who also spoke full japanese.
sorry, not to bag on that place because i really do enjoy all the other restaurants that you have reccomended in your blog. there is a place called yum yum fish in san francisco that is extremely cheap, great quality fish and large portion, so I guess i was just used to that. in general, no problem.
do you know who makes the best donkatsu in san diego?
Hi Taegello – Sam is Korean, though is fluent in Japanese, and spent time in Japan, so it must have been him. I don’t think you’re “bagging” it’s your opinion. I can understand you point of reference, our favorite reasonably priced(the words cheap, and sushi, nor large portions and sushi – because ratios matter – check out Urasawa, not the biggest portion of fish on rice you’ve seen, really aren’t phrases I use) sushi bar is in Little Tokyo, called Komasa, I’d never compare anything in San Diego(nor SF) to it….simply because you can’t. Sammy’s is not Shirahama or Ota, but is about 30% cheaper, and for me the one thing I have done at Sammy’s is over the years I’ve developed a relationship with the Itamae, something that is really hard to do nowadays – in other words I don’t even order, he knows what I like, and that I’m willing to pay, there are also items I can get at Sammy’s like Live Uni and really great oysters, that cost an arm and a leg at other places. As to your question, do you mean Tonkatsu, or Katsudon? For Katsudon, I usually end up making my own, though Kayaba does fine, same with Tonkatsu, at most places in San Diego it’s a thin sliced, dry cutlet, Kayaba is fairly good, but be aware that there are two versions available the Tenderloin, and the “Rosu”(pork loin), for some reason, I enjoyed the Tenderloin more.