Samurai Sam's Introduce
Hey, Arizona locals! If you're on the hunt for a consistently delicious, quick, and satisfying Japanese meal, particularly a fantastic teriyaki bowl, then you absolutely need to visit Samurai Sam's at their Phoenix location. For over a decade, this spot has been a cherished go-to for many in the Valley, earning a reputation for its incredibly flavorful teriyaki sauce and customizable, healthy bowls.
Samurai Sam's is all about delivering fresh, made-to-order Japanese cuisine with a focus on convenience and quality. It's the perfect spot when you're craving something healthy yet hearty, featuring grilled meats and wok-seared vegetables. Customers consistently rave about the "teriyaki chicken" and the way the "vegetables have a slight crunch to them," ensuring a satisfying texture and taste in every bite.
What truly sets Samurai Sam's apart, and why it's such a beloved local establishment, is its signature teriyaki sauce. Many devoted patrons declare it "one of the best teriyaki sauces in the state of Arizona." Paired with generous portions, like the famed "Sumo Bowl," you're guaranteed a meal that's not only delicious but also offers great value. If you're in Phoenix and looking for a reliable, friendly, and flavor-packed Japanese grill experience, Samurai Sam's is a highly recommended stop that locals keep coming back to.
Samurai Sam's is conveniently located at 4801 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85034, USA. This address places it in a well-trafficked area of Phoenix, making it easily accessible for commuters, local residents, and those working in the vicinity. Its position on East Washington Street, a major arterial road, ensures good visibility and straightforward navigation.
For those driving, the restaurant is typically situated within a commercial plaza or strip mall, which generally means there is ample parking available directly on-site. This convenience is a significant advantage for customers in Arizona, where a quick and easy parking experience is highly valued.
Beyond personal vehicle access, Samurai Sam's caters to a modern, on-the-go lifestyle by offering robust online ordering capabilities. You can place your order for pickup directly through their website or utilize popular third-party delivery services such as Grubhub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats. This extensive network ensures that delicious teriyaki bowls can be enjoyed from the comfort of your home or office, extending its accessibility across a wider area of Phoenix. This commitment to convenience, whether through easy parking or widespread delivery options, makes Samurai Sam's a practical and appealing choice for busy Arizonans.
Samurai Sam's focuses on providing quick, customizable, and flavorful Japanese-inspired meals, primarily featuring grilled proteins and wok-seared vegetables:
- Dine-In Service: Guests can enjoy their meals in a casual and welcoming atmosphere. The setting is designed for efficiency and comfort, perfect for a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner.
- Customizable Teriyaki Bowls: This is their signature offering. Customers can choose their protein (chicken breast, dark chicken, steak, shrimp, salmon, or veggie), their base (white or brown rice, or even no rice), and their sauce (regular or spicy teriyaki glaze). Vegetables are wok-seared and include carrots, broccoli, green bell peppers, and cabbage.
- Signature Bowls: Beyond the build-your-own, they offer popular signature combinations:
- Sumo Bowl: A hearty option featuring dark chicken, chicken breast, and steak with wok-seared vegetables on rice, often recommended for two meals.
- Spicy Pepper Steak Bowl: Grilled steak with green peppers and spicy teriyaki sauce.
- Korean BBQ Bowl: Grilled chicken breast, fresh wok-seared veggies, and a zesty Korean BBQ sauce.
- Thai Peanut Bowl: Grilled chicken breast, fresh wok-seared veggies, and a Thai peanut sauce with chopped peanuts and cilantro.
- Sweet & Sour Chicken Bowl: Grilled chicken breast with pineapple chunks and green bell pepper in sweet and sour sauce.
- Riceless Teriyaki Bowl: A low-carb option with grilled protein and wok-seared vegetables, served with sauce on the side.
- Yakisoba Noodle Bowls: Japanese noodles wok-stirred with marinated grilled proteins, vegetables (carrots, broccoli, green bell pepper, cabbage), and their signature teriyaki glaze.
- Teriyaki Wraps: Your favorite teriyaki bowl ingredients wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla, served with rice and veggies. Options include chicken, steak, shrimp, and veggie.
- Salads: Including the Sesame Garden Salad (with chicken, cucumber, snow peas, carrots, soba noodles, and sesame dressing) and Sam's Oriental Chicken Salad.
- Sides & Appetizers: Popular choices include Edamame, Pork Potstickers, and their highly praised Egg Rolls (including a vegetarian option often recommended with hot mustard).
- Kids Meals: Smaller versions of their popular bowls with a choice of rice or Japanese noodles and teriyaki sauce.
- Beverages: A selection of fountain drinks, bottled water, and notably, "blackberry premium tea."
- Online Ordering & Delivery: Customers can place orders for pickup directly through their website or opt for delivery via third-party services like Grubhub, DoorDash, and Uber Eats.
- Samurai Circle Rewards Program: A loyalty program allowing customers to earn points on purchases for future rewards.
Samurai Sam's in Phoenix boasts several standout features and highlights that make it a local favorite for Japanese-inspired grilled bowls:
- Arizona's Best Teriyaki Sauce (Customer Claim): A consistent highlight from long-time patrons is their legendary teriyaki sauce. Many declare it "one of the best teriyaki sauces in the state of Arizona," which is a significant testament to its unique and beloved flavor profile. This signature sauce is a core reason for their loyal customer base.
- Healthy and Customizable Bowls: Samurai Sam's offers a healthy and flexible dining option. Customers can customize their bowls with a choice of protein (chicken, steak, shrimp, salmon, veggie, or even plant-based "Chik'n"), white or brown rice, and the option to double up on their "wok-seared Japanese vegetables." This allows for tailored meals to fit various dietary preferences and hunger levels.
- Generous Portions (e.g., Sumo Bowl): The portions are often noted for their size, particularly the "Sumo Bowl," which is described as "so much food you can eat it for two meals." This provides excellent value for money and ensures a satisfying meal.
- Fresh, Cooked-to-Order Ingredients: All menu items are made-to-order, ensuring freshness. The vegetables have a "slight crunch to them," indicating they are perfectly wok-seared, not overcooked, preserving their texture and nutrients.
- Friendly and Helpful Staff: Customer service receives high praise, with reviewers consistently mentioning the staff being "always friendly and helpful." This positive interaction contributes significantly to the overall enjoyable dining experience.
- Delicious Egg Rolls (Including Vegetarian): Their egg rolls are a popular side, with a specific mention of a very good "vegetarian egg roll that is very good with the hot mustard." This offers a tasty and inclusive option for different dietary needs.
- Unique Beverage Offerings: Beyond standard fountain drinks, the "blackberry premium tea" is highlighted as a surprisingly good and refreshing option, adding a distinct touch to their beverage selection.
- Loyalty Rewards Program (Samurai Circle): They offer the "Samurai Circle" rewards program, allowing customers to earn points with every purchase. This encourages repeat visits and provides valuable perks like exclusive promotions and birthday offers, rewarding loyal patrons.
Samurai Sam's in Phoenix offers a fantastic loyalty rewards program called Samurai Circle, which is their primary way of providing ongoing promotions and special offers to valued local customers.
By joining the Samurai Circle, powered by Spendgo™, patrons can enjoy a variety of benefits:
- Welcome Bonus: New members receive 50 bonus points loaded onto their account just for joining.
- Earn Points on Every Purchase: Members earn 1 point for every $1 spent (pre-tax) on qualifying purchases.
- Redeemable Rewards: For every 100 points accumulated, members receive a $10 Reward, redeemable on an in-store purchase of $10 or more. This means loyal customers effectively get $10 off for every $100 they spend.
- Exclusive Offers: Members receive exclusive information about upcoming promotions, events, new products, and member-only offers directly to their email.
- Birthday Offer: A special offer is provided to members for their birthday, loaded to their account approximately 7 days prior and valid for 14 days.
Signing up for the Samurai Circle is easy – you can do it by providing your phone number at checkout in-store or by registering online on their website. It's designed to make "wok-ing the healthy path" even easier and more rewarding for regulars.
While the rewards program is a continuous offer, specific menu promotions or limited-time deals might also be available at the Phoenix location. It's always a good idea for locals to check their official website, local store pages on delivery apps like Grubhub or DoorDash, or inquire directly at the counter for any current specials or combo deals they might be running. These often include meal deals or discounts on popular items like their egg rolls or specific bowl combinations.
To enjoy the delicious teriyaki bowls and friendly service at Samurai Sam's in Phoenix, here is their contact information:
Address: 4801 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85034, USA
Phone: (602) 286-9311
For detailed menu information, online ordering for pickup or delivery, and to join their Samurai Circle rewards program, you can visit their official website, www.samuraisams.net. Given the availability of online ordering and third-party delivery, placing your order ahead of time is a convenient way to ensure a quick and seamless experience.
Samurai Sam's in Phoenix is exceptionally well-suited for locals across Arizona, particularly those in the greater Phoenix metropolitan area, for several key reasons that align perfectly with their lifestyle and preferences.
Firstly, it offers consistently high-quality and delicious food that feels like a healthier fast-casual option. For Arizonans seeking quick meals that don't compromise on flavor or freshness, Samurai Sam's hits the mark. The general consensus is that their teriyaki sauce is "one of the best in the state," a significant draw for repeat customers. The focus on grilled meats and wok-seared, crunchy vegetables provides a satisfying and wholesome meal that fits seamlessly into a busy schedule.
The customization options are a major plus for locals. The ability to choose your protein, rice type (white or brown), and even adjust the spiciness, allows for a personalized meal every time. This flexibility, coupled with generous portions like the "Sumo Bowl" that can serve "two meals," ensures great value for money and caters to varying appetites. For families or individuals looking for adaptable meal solutions, Samurai Sam's delivers.
Convenience and accessibility are also paramount. Located on a major thoroughfare with easy parking and robust online ordering options (including popular third-party delivery services), Samurai Sam's makes it effortless to enjoy their food, whether you're dining in, picking up, or having it delivered. This practicality is highly valued in the sprawling Arizona landscape.
Lastly, the friendly and helpful staff, as consistently highlighted by long-time customers, adds a personal touch that fosters loyalty. Knowing you'll be greeted with a smile and efficient service makes the overall experience more pleasant and inviting, turning first-time visitors into regular patrons. The Samurai Circle rewards program further incentivizes repeat business, making it even more beneficial for locals to make Samurai Sam's their regular spot for flavorful Japanese bowls. It truly embodies what many Arizonans look for in a casual dining experience: quality, convenience, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Samurai Sam's Photos










Samurai Sam's Location
Samurai Sam's
4801 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85034, USA
Samurai Sam's Reviews
The teriyaki chicken is so good the vegetables have a slight crashed to them. I like the atmosphere in here. The iced tea is really good the blackberry. Premium tea. I ordered the combo which came with an egg roller good also.The girl at the counter is always friendly and helpful. I forgot about that I had my phone number in there for rewards. Thank you guys for everything.
Dec 30, 2024 · Night ShiftI have been coming to samurai Sam's for over 10 years. In my opinion samurai Sam's has one of the best teriyaki sauce in the state of arizona. My recommendation if you go to samurai Sam's is to get the sumo bowl with chicken and steak, brown rice, double the vegetables and make it spicy. It's so much food you can eat it for two meals.😎😎😎😊👍 I also like the egg rolls. They make a vegetarian egg roll that is very good with the hot mustard. I miss seeing samurai Sam's as a few location s have closed down over the years, keep them going, and wish I could go there more often as the Phoenix location is far but worth the drice. It's a great place to get teriyaki in Arizona I highly recommend it. Thank you for reading this review
May 04, 2022 · Jason MiszukVeggie bowl should be called the zucchini bowl. Where are the other veggies?? Also, I ordered a veggie egg roll and received a chicken egg roll. If my diet included meat, it wouldn't be an issue but I don't eat meat so it was a waste of $1.99. Overall, the food is OK but I think I'll go to Chipotle next time.
Jun 29, 2018 · Scott MorganReally good food with different spice levels, reasonable prices and good service
Apr 07, 2025 · Mark FalkenbergThe customer service is great and the restaurant is nice and clean but the food doesn't taste that great. I mean, the food looks nice but the flavor is weak. . I was looking forward to having a good chinese restaurant close by but I won't be coming back.
Oct 25, 2024 · Zuri Zoraya
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