Sam's Cafe - CA 95307

3052 5th St A, Ceres, CA 95307, United States
+1 209-538-7988
$$$ Restaurant
(566 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Sam's Cafe in Ceres offers a classic, no-frills breakfast and lunch experience that has clearly earned a loyal local following. Located on 5th Street, this spot hums with early morning energy, especially on weekends when a crowd of regulars often fills the dining room and bar seating. Expect to wait during peak hours, as the place is bustling and popular, but the friendly staff keep things moving and welcoming.

The atmosphere is that of a traditional neighborhood diner — practical, unpretentious, and familiar. You'll find a mix of long-time residents, including many older patrons, which adds a certain community rhythm to meals here. The setting isn’t trendy or sleek, but it feels genuine and rooted in local daily life.

The menu speaks to classic American comfort food with hearty breakfasts like biscuits and gravy, chicken fried steak, and a variety of omelettes served with country potatoes. If you visit for lunch, their sandwiches and burgers provide solid, satisfying options without fuss — think club sandwiches, bacon cheese burgers, and grilled ham & cheese. Portions tend to be generous and priced reasonably, making it a practical choice rather than a splurge.

Coffee is a key part of the experience—with strong black coffee served alongside breakfast staples—but don’t expect artisan pours or specialty brews. It’s straightforward and exactly what locals need to kickstart their day. Drinks like large orange juice, apple juice, and hot cocoa round out the beverage side for all ages.

Sam’s Cafe works well for anyone seeking a filling breakfast or lunch in a casual environment where the focus is on solid food and friendly service rather than ambiance. It’s especially suited for locals catching up over familiar plates or travelers looking to experience a genuine slice of Ceres’s everyday dining. Early arrival is smart during busy times to avoid long waits, and sitting at the bar can offer a quicker spot and a chance to hear local chatter.

Highlights
Has fast service
Serves great coffee
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
What they serve
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves healthy options
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Best for
Serves breakfast
Serves brunch
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking

Openings Hours

Checking

Monday

06:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Tuesday

06:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Wednesday

06:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Thursday

06:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Friday

06:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Saturday

06:00 AM - 02:00 PM

Sunday

06:00 AM - 02:00 PM

566 Reviews
ab6485

29 Dec 2025

4-21-2025 I had the corned beef hash breakfast today and it was delicious! 6-23-2023 I can’t say enough about how good the food really is here! I ordered a Denver Omelette with country potatoes and a biscuit with gravy. I also had a side of corned beef hash which was so delicious. For my beverages I had black coffee, large orange juice and ice water. Prices here are really good too. I ordered the full order of chicken fried steak three eggs scrambled. I had country potatoes and a biscuit with gravy. The country potatoes were well seasoned and very delicious. The portions were huge!! Just the way I like it. The biscuit and gravy past the breakfast test. The gravy had good flavor and exceeded my expectations. I had a cup of black coffee and orange juice. I highly recommend this place. I will definitely be back.

Krazy

01 Dec 2025

I went there twice with my brother. The food is good, and the lady helping us out was very nice and had amazing energy. The atmosphere isn't anything out of this world, but it's your classic breakfast spot. I would definitely recommend it, and it's affordable.

tauete

13 Nov 2025

Get there early because it fills up quick. Tons of locals. So I waited 7-8 minutes. If there is room, you can sit at the bar. I was greeted as soon as I got in. Talked with some locals outside and suggested the chicken fried steak and the biscuits and gravy. I was served water right when I was seated. Minutes later order taken and I received my order in 6-7 minutes later. I ordered chicken fried steak with biscuits and gravy and hash browns. You can also choose country potatoes or bread. For the biscuits and gravy or a pancake or french toast and of course eggs however you want it. The cost was 17.99 but WELL WORTH IT. The portions are huge. The biscuits and gravy it’s own plate the chicken fried steak on it’s own plate and eggs and hash brown on another. The chicken fried steak covered in country gravy. The steak is seasoned to perfection reason why I say this is because the gravy was bland in my opinion. I tasted the biscuits and gravy and it seemed that the biscuits were made daily and seemed homemade. Soft and delicious but the gravy was just bland. The eggs were just eggs and the hash browns were just hash browns. This place a gem. The 4 women that run around get the food and check you out and then clean up to get the next people in are remarkable. Service with a smile and the cook or cooks are ROCKING. I would definitely come back and great job to the staff.

S A V A N N A H B L A C K

09 Nov 2025

It was an amazing experience. There are a lot of elderly who eat breakfast here and If you are Gay or maybe even visibly liberal you will get looks and whispers. But other than that the food was amazing and you get a bang for your buck. I really enjoyed it here and want to go back to eat the food and kinda to just make the geezers mad. Service was fantastic too :)

Mr Jhikka

08 Nov 2025

Busy but taste was good . Coffee was reasonable some places these days Coffee prices are hell . Friendly cheerful staff . I love chick's working over there

Alec S

19 Oct 2025

The food here was nothing short of excellent. The service was very friendly and motivated and we were served without much wait. The prices were also quite competitive when compared to other cafes that I've dined at.

Tim dontwannasay

13 Sep 2025

Serving size is less but the price doesn't require a2nd mortgage so I guess it balances it out. The servers are always pleasant and present! We've known many of their staff for many years and they never disappoint!

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