Sam's Cafe ... a Southwest Experience not to be Missed

We met Marla's mom at Sam's Cafe (www.canyoncafe.com) for lunch today.  We aren't really sure why we haven't written a blog about it before now, since we have been here several times since we started our blog.  Today seemed like a good day to update everyone about one of Phoenix's great Southwest restaurant experiences.

Sam's Cafe has a location at Biltmore Fashion Park and another location at Arizona Center in downtown Phoenix.  We always laugh a little, because we definitely go to Sam's at the Biltmore most of the time, but the Arizona Center location is closer to Bruce's house.  At the Biltmore, Sam's is located upstairs on the east side of the mall.  It is a large restaurant with a Southwestern decor.  They have outside seating as well when the weather is nice.  There is also a bar area so you can sit at the bar if you like.  They have the space to handle large parties of people, so that is good to keep in mind if you have a large group.

Sam's has been around for quite a while.  It is tough to remember a time when we had anything that we didn't like.  One of the best things about Sam's is the chips and salsa.  They have a mixture of chips including your standard tortilla chip, another one that is almost like a sweet churro, and one that is a sweet potato chip.  It is an interesting mixture and you just can't wait to dig into these.  We find ourselves digging through the chips to find the churro-type and also the sweet potato.  I wouldn't say that we fight over finding the good chips, but it is pretty close to that!  The chips and salsa can often set the tone of a Mexican or Southwestern style restaurant and these chips almost melt in your mouth!  The salsa also has great flavor and his just spicy enough to have a little kick.

If you are still hungry after indulging on some of the best chips in Phoenix, there are lots of great dishes to choose from including salads, sandwiches, soup, pastas, tacos, enchiladas, fish and other dishes.  Some of our favorites include the Grilled Chicken Salad, Vegetable Tacos, Fish Tacos, Tortilla Soup, Grilled Chicken Quesadilla and Fajitas. 

I guess we haven't even mentioned anything about the drinks, more specifically, the margaritas!  Sam's has some great margaritas.  Some of them are so good and so strong that they have a two drink limit!  We recently tried the Rico Rita -- it will remind you of a Pina Colada (which always reminds me of our trip to Puerto Vallarta and the swim up bar where we ordered lots of Pina Coladas) and it also has Captain Morgan, Coconut Rum and Pineapple Juice.  These margaritas are so good, they make the trip worth it by themselves. 

We could not finish this blog posting without telling you about what you will get when they bring you the check.  You will receive a little piece of white chocolate heaven.  We both have a bit of a sweet tooth, so this is a sweet indulgence.  They bring you some cold white chocolate wrapped in a corn husk.  It is a great way to finish off a tasty, Southwestern meal when you need something sweet.  If for some reason they don't bring you the chocolate (sometimes that happens), make sure you ask for it!

When you are at the Biltmore or in downtown Phoenix, make sure you give Sam's a try.  It is a great restaurant and you will not be disappointed!