Samurai Sam's

For many residents across Arizona, particularly in the Phoenix metropolitan area, Samurai Sam's Teriyaki Grill has long been a recognizable name in quick, Japanese-inspired cuisine. This fast-casual restaurant chain aims to provide convenient and flavorful teriyaki bowls, yakisoba, and other wok-stirred dishes, often appealing to those seeking a healthier alternative to traditional fast food. While individual locations within a chain can vary, the core concept revolves around customizable bowls with grilled proteins and fresh vegetables.

The Samurai Sam's location on W Buckeye Rd in Phoenix is part of this broader effort to bring Japanese-style grilled dishes to local communities. The brand generally focuses on efficiency and accessibility, making it a popular choice for a quick lunch break or a convenient dinner option for busy families. Their menu typically highlights various protein options, combined with rice or noodles and their signature teriyaki glaze, allowing diners to build a meal to their liking. This approach aims to deliver a satisfying meal with a focus on fresh preparation.

Samurai Sam's Teriyaki Grill is located at 5340 W Buckeye Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85043, USA. This address places it in the western part of Phoenix, serving communities in the Laveen area and other surrounding neighborhoods. Buckeye Road is a major thoroughfare in this region, ensuring that the restaurant is relatively easy to access by car for locals.

As a fast-casual establishment, the W Buckeye Rd location is typically situated within a commercial strip mall or complex, providing ample parking for customers. Its positioning in West Phoenix makes it a convenient dining option for residents in that specific part of the city, offering Japanese-inspired meals without requiring a long commute to other, more central dining districts. The emphasis on quick service also means it’s designed to be easily accessible for a grab-and-go meal.

Samurai Sam's Teriyaki Grill primarily focuses on made-to-order bowls and wraps, emphasizing speed and customization. Their services and menu items typically include:

• Dine-In Service: Customers can dine in a casual, counter-service setting, suitable for quick meals.
• Takeout & Pickup: A core service, allowing customers to order ahead online or in-store and pick up their meals for consumption elsewhere. This location is listed as offering pickup and curbside service.
• Delivery Service: Orders can typically be placed for delivery through various third-party platforms such as Grubhub, Seamless, and DoorDash, offering convenience for customers at home or work.
• Teriyaki Rice Bowls: The flagship offering, featuring grilled proteins (Chicken Breast, Dark Chicken, Steak, Shrimp, Salmon, Veggie) wok-seared with Japanese vegetables (carrots, broccoli, green bell peppers, cabbage, zucchini) over white or brown rice, topped with regular or spicy teriyaki glaze. Examples include:
  • Chicken Breast Teriyaki Bowl
  • Dark Chicken Teriyaki Bowl
  • Steak Teriyaki Bowl
  • Shrimp Teriyaki Bowl
  • Salmon Teriyaki Bowl
  • Veggie Teriyaki Bowl
  • Sumo Teriyaki Rice Bowl (a protein powerhouse with dark chicken, chicken breast, and steak)
  • Riceless Teriyaki Bowl (meat and veggies only)
• Yakisoba Bowls: Japanese noodles wok-stirred with proteins and vegetables, tossed in their teriyaki glaze. Options generally mirror the rice bowls (Chicken Breast, Dark Chicken, Steak, Shrimp, Salmon, Veggie).
• Signature Dishes: Unique bowls like Spicy Pepper Steak Bowl, Korean BBQ Bowl, Thai Peanut Bowl, Sweet & Sour Chicken Bowl, Spicy Steak & Broccoli Bowl, and Sweet Chili Bowl.
• Teriyaki Wraps: Proteins and veggies, often with rice, wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla and served with teriyaki sauce (e.g., White Chicken Teriyaki Wrap, Steak Teriyaki Wheat Wrap, Riceless Wrap).
• Salads: Options such as Sesame Garden Tossed Salad and Oriental Chicken Salad with grilled chicken.
• Sides: Commonly include Edamame, Grilled Egg Rolls, and Potstickers.
• Kid's Meals: Smaller portions of popular bowls, often with a choice of rice or noodles.
• Catering: For larger events or office meals, Samurai Sam's typically offers catering services.

Samurai Sam's Teriyaki Grill aims to provide specific features that appeal to its target customer base. While the provided reviews for this particular W Buckeye Rd location highlight areas for improvement, general features of the Samurai Sam's brand include:

• Focus on Freshly Prepared Bowls: The core concept emphasizes made-to-order meals, with proteins grilled and vegetables wok-seared, promising freshness. Their website states, "All menu items are made-to-order with quality ingredients."
• Customization Options: Customers can choose their protein, rice type (white or brown), and sauce (regular or spicy teriyaki), allowing for a personalized meal.
• Convenient Fast-Casual Model: Designed for quick service, it's an appealing option for those looking for a fast meal that offers an alternative to traditional fast food.
• Signature Teriyaki Sauce: Known for their unique teriyaki glaze, which is a key flavor component across many of their dishes.
• Online Ordering & Delivery Availability: The ability to order online for pickup or delivery through major platforms enhances convenience for customers.

It is important to acknowledge that the specific customer reviews provided for the W Buckeye Rd location indicate a highly negative recent experience, citing issues such as dry chicken, mushy noodles, missing vegetables, half-full bowls for a large size, unappetizing food quality, price discrepancies, and unwelcoming staff attitudes. One reviewer explicitly stated, "Was not a good place. I do not recommend." and "This place needs to be shut down. BEWARE." Another said, "The chicken was as tough as cardboard, and my bowl was only half full when it should have been overflowing, especially since I paid for a large." These comments highlight significant inconsistencies in food quality, portioning, and customer service at this particular location, which directly contradict the general brand's intended highlights of "fresh, flavorful and deliciously healthy Japanese cuisine."

While specific, consistently advertised promotions for Samurai Sam's on W Buckeye Rd were not detailed in the provided information, fast-casual chains like Samurai Sam's often engage in various marketing strategies. Based on general practices across their brand and similar quick-service restaurants, locals might expect to find:

• eClub Sign-Up: Their general website mentions an "eClub," which typically offers members exclusive discounts, promotions, or special offers delivered via email.
• Combo Deals: Menu items are sometimes bundled as combos (e.g., a bowl with a side and a drink) to offer perceived value. Some online menus show combos including an egg roll and a drink.
• Seasonal or Limited-Time Offers: Restaurants often introduce new menu items or temporary price reductions for a limited period.
• App-Exclusive Deals: Promotions might be available exclusively through their mobile app or third-party delivery apps.

Given the negative customer review regarding a promotion ("buy 2 rolls get a 3 free" not honored for platters and "every excuse in the book to not give me the rolls"), it is highly advisable for local Phoenix residents to clarify any advertised promotions and their terms directly with the staff at this specific Samurai Sam's location before placing an order, especially for larger quantities or specific combinations, to avoid potential misunderstandings.

For those in Phoenix, Arizona, looking to contact the Samurai Sam's Teriyaki Grill on W Buckeye Rd, here is the relevant information:

• Address: 5340 W Buckeye Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85043, USA
• Phone: (602) 352-1111 (also listed as +1 602-352-1111)
• Operating Hours: According to publicly available information, this location typically operates with limited hours. For instance, some sources indicate:
  • Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Saturday - Sunday: Closed
  It is crucial to verify these hours directly with the restaurant or through reliable online sources before planning a visit, as hours can change.
• Website/Online Ordering: You can generally find their menu and place online orders through their official website (samuraisams.net) by selecting the specific location, or via third-party delivery platforms like Grubhub, Seamless, and DoorDash.

Given the strongly negative customer feedback, direct communication regarding any concerns or questions about orders is particularly important before or during a visit to this specific location.

For Phoenix, Arizona, residents, Samurai Sam's Teriyaki Grill, including the W Buckeye Rd location, theoretically aims to offer a convenient and relatively quick option for Japanese-inspired rice and noodle bowls. The brand's general concept of customizable, wok-prepared meals with fresh ingredients is designed to appeal to those seeking a fast-casual dining experience with a healthier twist. For locals in the immediate vicinity of W Buckeye Rd, its proximity could be a practical factor for a quick meal.

However, it is paramount for locals to be aware of the extremely strong and consistent negative feedback provided by recent customers for this specific W Buckeye Rd location. Reviews explicitly mention "unacceptable" service, "truly disappointing" food quality (dry, tough chicken, mushy noodles, unappetizing vegetables), incorrect portioning ("half full" bowl when a large was paid for), price discrepancies, and an unwelcoming staff. One reviewer even stated, "I do not recommend. Staff looked unhappy to be at work," and "This place needs to be shut down." The consistent nature of these severe criticisms suggests that, at present, this particular Samurai Sam's location may struggle to meet the expectations of quality and service that local diners typically seek. While the overall Samurai Sam's brand aims for a positive experience, potential patrons of this W Buckeye Rd location should proceed with caution and manage their expectations based on these recent customer experiences. Locals prioritizing consistent quality, accurate orders, and positive customer interactions may wish to consider other Japanese dining options in the Phoenix area.

Samurai Sam's

5340 W Buckeye Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85043, USA