Business Details
41 Years
experience
Your Go-To Spot for American Home Style Food in Santa Rosa
Since 1985, Sam's For Play Cafe & Catering has been dedicated to serving high-quality American Home Style food in a welcoming environment. Our two Santa Rosa locations offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus featuring classics like two-egg breakfasts and meatloaf dinners, alongside full-service catering for corporate events and private gatherings. Founded by Sam Anker, a seasoned restaurateur with decades of industry experience, we prioritize immaculate preparation, attentive service, and a home-like atmosphere where guests feel valued.Our commitment to excellence has earned recognition, including awards for Best Breakfast, Best Hamburger, and Best Appetizers in Sonoma County. With a private banquet room accommodating up to 50 guests and catering services extending across Wine Country, we combine tradition with innovation to meet diverse dining needs. Our teams dedication to detail ensures every meal, whether in-house or catered, reflects our passion for hospitality and community connection.
Services
American Home Style Food
Catering Services
Breakfast Menus
Private Banquet Room
Box Lunch
Details
- Year established: 1985
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience serving Sonoma County.
- Our team prepares meals under immaculate conditions with attention to detail.
- We offer full-service catering for events of all sizes.
- We've won awards for Best Breakfast, Hamburger, and Appetizers in Sonoma County.
- Our staff creates a welcoming, home-away-from-home atmosphere.
Services
American Home Style Food
Our American Home Style food features scratch-made dishes using quality ingredients, served in a casual setting. Menus include hearty breakfasts, savory lunches, and comforting dinners tailored to diverse tastes. With decades of culinary expertise, we ensure every meal reflects our commitment to tradition and hospitality.
Catering Services
Full-service catering for corporate events, weddings, and private parties across Sonoma County. We offer customizable menus, from boxed lunches to formal banquets, with setup and service tailored to your venues needs. Our experience since 1990 ensures seamless execution for any occasion.
Private Banquet Room
Host intimate gatherings in our private banquet room, accommodating up to 50 guests. Ideal for celebrations or meetings, the space combines rustic charm with modern amenities. Our team provides personalized service to make your event memorable.
Breakfast Menus
Start your day with our extensive breakfast offerings, including classics like Belgian waffles and two-egg breakfasts. Served daily from 7 AM, our meals emphasize fresh ingredients and homestyle preparation to fuel your morning.
Box Lunch
Convenient box lunches perfect for picnics, meetings, or on-the-go dining. Customizable with sandwiches, sides, and beverages, these meals are ideal for groups or individual enjoyment in Wine Country settings.
People
Sam Anker
Founder
Sam Anker founded Sam's in 1985 after 25 years in the restaurant industry. Raised in the business through her mother's bakery, she brings decades of expertise to create a welcoming, home-like dining experience. Her vision emphasizes quality, attention to detail, and community connection.
Questions
What type of cuisine does Sam's offer?
We specialize in American Home Style food, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes made from scratch using quality ingredients.
Do you offer catering services?
Yes, we provide full-service catering for events in Sonoma County, including boxed lunches, banquets, and custom menus for private venues.
Are there private event spaces available?
Our Santa Rosa location features a private banquet room that accommodates up to 50 guests for celebrations or meetings.
What are your operating hours?
We’re open daily from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner service at both locations.
What awards has Sam's won?
We’ve received accolades for Best Breakfast, Best Hamburger, and Best Appetizers in Sonoma County since opening in 1985.
Reviews (6)
Lauren Morales
May 15, 2022
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We love love love Kandye at Sams. She served us for years. We moved away and came in for lunch 2 years later. She remembered us. She new we wanted mimosas and she remembered details about our lives. Her name tag says Anita Raise. Any how she's the best. Much love Lauren and Nicole
Tony Hume
Mar 27, 2022
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Friendly folks, ordered take out and was ready quickly. eggs bene with tomatoes and avocado was solid. fresh squeezed oj didnt expect and loved.
Matty J. Arguello
Mar 15, 2022
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Haven't been to Sam's for couple years, moved away from area. Had opportunity to go back, and they Haven't missed a beat. Servers are super friendly, pleasant an attentive. The food is delicious, plenty (for me anyway), [recommend clam chowder], an they are quick. Love it. Great for good size group, or all by your lonesome!
Michael McPherson
Nov 25, 2018
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Sam's is keeping up the quality of the food and the service. That's one thing you can count on. Consistency. Of course they are more expensive than Denny's or some other type of breakfast/lunch cafe but you get what you pay for! Sam's is worth every penny. Love it
Cameron Morgan
Nov 27, 2017
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Pretty causal little place, I loved the vibe of it. There was a great selection of food, and the staff was great. Food took just under 15 minutes to arrive, and was delicious.
Thomas Callaghan
Mar 18, 2017
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Delicious food with great service. It has a classic diner feel with the decorations on the walls. Not expensive, readily available parking, and good food make Sam's for Play Cafe a great stop.
