Welcome to Sam Cafe
Located in Merced, CA, Sam Cafe offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere for guests to enjoy authentic Thai cuisine. With a menu featuring a variety of appetizers, Thai entrees, and noodle dishes, customers rave about the flavorful options. Highlights include the Pad Thai with the perfect amount of sauce, the special order Praram, and the crispy Soft Shell Shrimp. The owner, Sam, is known for his warm hospitality and personalized service, treating every customer like family. With rave reviews praising the food and dining experience, Sam Cafe is a hidden gem worth visiting.
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235 W 12th St Merced, CA 95340235 W 12th St Merced, CA 95340 Hotline: (209) 383-5350
Welcome to Sam Cafe, a hidden gem nestled at 235 W 12th St, Merced, CA 95340. Specializing in authentic Thai cuisine, Sam Cafe offers a vibrant dining experience filled with rich flavors and warm hospitality. As soon as you step inside, you’ll be welcomed like family, echoing the cafe’s name and spirit, which is embodied by its owner, Sam.
The menu at Sam Cafe is a culinary journey through Thailand, featuring a diverse array of dishes that cater to all taste buds. Customers have raved about the classic Pad Thai, which balances the perfect amount of sauce with fresh ingredients, making it a must-try. As Jessica G. aptly put it, Sam Cafe "absolutely never disappoints."
If you’re in the mood for something refreshing, don’t miss out on their Papaya Salad or the zesty Spicy Beef Salad, both of which showcase the bold flavors of Thai cuisine. For those inclined towards hearty appetizers, the hand-battered Calamari served with sesame soy sauce or the tender Chicken Satay with its delightful dipping sauce will surely delight your palate.
One of the standout features at Sam Cafe is their commitment to customer satisfaction. As noted by customer Rita L., the team goes above and beyond to cater to special requests, making dining here feel like a personalized experience. Whether you’re diving into their Sweet Cream Rice with Mango or enjoying an Imperial Roll, the emphasis on fresh ingredients and authentic flavors is evident in every bite.
Finally, if you’re not already convinced, let Camerina M.'s exuberant endorsement guide you: "The BEST Pad Thai in Merced!" The loving and welcoming atmosphere combined with exceptional food makes Sam Cafe a beloved staple in the community—a place you’ll return to time and time again.
Packed with flavor and warm service, Sam Cafe invites you not just for a meal, but for an unforgettable dining experience. Make your way to Merced and discover why so many locals consider this café a second home.
Food is always amazing. I asked if they had Praram as it wasn't on the menu and they made it special order for me. It was delicious. Husband had the Pad Thai which is always great. Highly recommend.
Visiting from Las Vegas where good Thai food is plentiful. We stopped in for dinner on Sunday night and there was no one here but the staff. We were treated very well and the food was really, really good. Im not sure why this place isn't packed.
Sam Cafe absolutely never disappoints. The pad Thai is my favorite and it has the perfect amount of sauce.
The BEST Pad Thai in Merced! The BESTTTTT Pad Thai I've honestly everrrrrrr had. The service here is incredible. Sam (the owner) is incredibly warm, welcoming, and loving! They treat every customer like family and make you feel like you're having dinner at home. Best environment and experience every time we come here. Do yourself a favor and have a meal here, you won't regret it!
Sam is the best of Merced as a person Food is always great- a staple of Thai in Merced
Wonderful complex dishes with abundant alternatives and kid friendly options. We enjoyed the masamam curry with sticky rice and larb salad. Sam came recommended by a Merced local. We appreciated the hidden gem! Here are photos of a few other dishes we ordered.
Last day in the area...had to try this place as coworkers said they'd already been and liked it. Located in a small strip mall, there is very limited parking. It doesn't look that appealing either from the outside...so don't judge this place on looks otherwise you'll pass up on some good food. We got there right at opening time (11am). No customers other than us. But they did have some to-go orders already moving. Really nice staff...I think our server was the owner! I opted for their combination Pad Thai. I like hot but also know that Thai hot can blow you away. So I opted for level 8 out of 10. It was definitely hot, but not enough to break into a sweat or to make me constantly down my water or overwhelm the taste. It definitely tasted good too! This place is right off the freeway. if you're passing by and are leaning toward some Thai food, I'd recommend this place in a heartbeat!
I LOVE SAM! We stumbled upon this little restaurant on our way to Yosemite. We came in pretty close to their closing time, but they were still willing to take our order. The restaurant is very cozy. Food was authentic and delicious, even though the portions are on the smaller side. Sam was so nice that he even offered to come up with a dish that is not on the menu for us because we were craving beef! Overall, it was a very pleasant experience eating at here. I would recommend this local and family-owned business :)
Years after graduating from UC Merced we're back to visit a college favorite: Sam Cafe!!! Their pad thai is still as delicious as ever. I got the chicken pad thai spicy level 1 and the boyfie got beef pad thai spicy level 10. He crazy. But he looooved it. Great spice and great flavor. There is a good amount of meat and the noodles are drenched in that yummy pad thai sauce. It was good to see Uncle Sam and his wife again still working the restaurant. Nothing but best wishes to them! And of course the kitchen staff. Try their pad thai if you haven't it's pretty great and flavorful.