Sam's Bar-B-Que

- 1110 S Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128

For decades, when residents of California’s South Bay area crave authentic, smoky barbecue, they turn to Sam's Bar-B-Que. Located in San Jose, this iconic establishment has carved out a reputation as a go-to spot for slow-cooked meats and classic American comfort food. Since opening in 1992, the family-run business has been dedicated to a traditional approach: smoking their meats for hours over oak wood to lock in those savory, wood-fired flavors that define great barbecue.

Sam's Bar-B-Que draws inspiration from some of the nation's most revered barbecue regions, including Kansas City and the Carolinas, translating those regional specialties into a distinct and satisfying menu for the local California palate. They pride themselves on using only the freshest ingredients and high-quality meats, such as USDA Choice Certified Black Angus beef, and they even grind their own chuck for their hamburgers and make their own Italian sausage from fresh pork. The environment is casual and cozy, offering a rustic, Western-style feel that makes every visit a relaxed and family-friendly experience. Whether you're a local resident or a tourist passing through, Sam’s promises a substantial and flavorful meal.

Sam's Bar-B-Que is centrally located in San Jose, a convenient spot near major local hubs and easily accessible from surrounding South Bay communities. The address is situated on a well-known thoroughfare, making it simple to find for those driving in the area.

The restaurant’s location details are:
1110 S Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128, USA

Accessibility is a key priority for the establishment, ensuring a smooth experience for all customers. Ample parking is available, which is a major convenience in this dense urban area, offering both a free parking lot and free street parking options. The venue is fully equipped with features to accommodate guests with mobility concerns, including a wheelchair accessible entrance, a wheelchair accessible parking lot, a wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating throughout the dining area. Furthermore, the casual setup allows for flexibility in seating, and dog owners will be pleased to note that dogs are allowed in the outdoor seating area.

This dedicated barbecue restaurant provides a flexible range of services tailored for casual dining, quick meals, and large events across the California region.

• Dining Options: The restaurant offers a variety of seating and dining experiences, including comfortable Indoor Seating, charming Outdoor Seating, and convenient Takeout service.
• Meal Periods: Sam's is open and popular for both Lunch and Dinner, with their seating options accommodating various group sizes.
• Catering: Comprehensive Catering services are available, providing their acclaimed slow-smoked meats and sides for large parties, corporate events, and family gatherings throughout the San Jose area.
• Beverage Service: The menu includes a selection of Alcohol, Beer, and Wine, with a particular highlight being a 'Great Beer Selection,' which pairs perfectly with their smoky barbecue. They also serve Coffee and a variety of fountain and bottled drinks.
• Payment Methods: Transactions are easy and modern, with acceptance of Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments.
• Family Amenities: The atmosphere is noted as family-friendly, offering a dedicated Kids' Menu and High Chairs for younger patrons.

Sam's Bar-B-Que stands out from other American and barbecue restaurants by focusing on time-honored smoking techniques and unique recipes that blend regional styles. The dedication to quality is apparent in several key areas that local patrons love.

• Expertly Smoked Meats: All meats, including the Baby Back Ribs, Beef Brisket, and BBQ Pork, are slow-smoked over oak wood for hours, which imparts a rich, deep flavor that often requires little to no additional sauce, a point frequently praised by customers. The Baby Back Ribs are specially ordered to be extra meaty.
• Regional Specialties: They offer distinct regional styles, such as the Carolina Pulled Pork, which is smoked for 16 hours and seasoned with authentic Carolina spices, and Texas-style Beef Brisket, smoked for 14 hours.
• Unique 'Sam's Salsa Chicken': A local specialty, the chicken is marinated in Sam's own homemade salsa blend and is smoked over oak wood, giving it a distinctive Southwestern-inspired flavor profile. This is a must-try for those looking for something different than traditional BBQ chicken.
• Hand-Cut Steaks and Burgers: Beyond the barbecue, the menu features the Bone-In Rib-Eye Cowboy Steak, which is hand-cut in-house from USDA Choice Rib-Eye, and 1/2 Pound Chuck Burgers made from beef ground right at the restaurant.
• Classic Sides and Starters: BBQ Platters come with a choice of two sides from a classic lineup: Cole Slaw, Potato Salad, Macaroni Salad, or Chili Beans, and are always served with their beloved Garlic Bread. Appetizers like Crispy Chicken Tenders, Fried Pickles, and Hush Puppies are also available.
• Atmosphere and Crowd: The dining environment is casual, cozy, and perfect for groups, families, and solo diners. It is considered a popular spot for locals, creating a comfortable, community-focused feel.

To plan a visit, place a takeout order, or inquire about their catering options in the San Jose area, please use the following contact details:
Address: 1110 S Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128, USA
Phone: (408) 297-9151
Mobile Phone: +1 408-297-9151

For those living in or visiting the California South Bay, Sam's Bar-B-Que represents a foundational, unpretentious barbecue experience. What makes it a top choice is its authentic, slow-smoked methodology—this is real wood-fired smoke, not just oven-baked meat with sauce. The fact that the meat is so flavorful that some customers find it doesn't even need sauce is a powerful testament to the quality of the smoking process.

The menu variety ensures there is something for everyone, from the classic BBQ enthusiast seeking a full rack of Baby Back Ribs or Beef Brisket, to the casual diner looking for a hearty 1/2 Pound Chuck Burger or a lighter Smoked Chicken Salad. The signature Sam's Salsa Chicken offers a unique, local twist, blending Southwest flavors with traditional BBQ smoking.

While one customer review noted that the portion sizes for certain items might feel modest for the price point, the overall quality and depth of flavor are consistently rated highly, making the visit worthwhile. The combination of fast, friendly service, a great beer selection, and the comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere solidifies Sam's Bar-B-Que as a reliable and authentic pillar of comfort food dining in San Jose.

Sam's Bar-B-Que

1110 S Bascom Ave, San Jose, CA 95128, USA