"Some little-known Seattle trivia: The original owner of Sam’s Tavern went on to found Red Robin. The burgers at this Capitol Hill dive are kind of like the ones from the national chain, only a million times better, and not consumed next to children sticking crayons up their noses. We especially love the 50 burger, topped with bacon, avocado, gouda, and a creamy bacon ranch. Just in case there wasn’t enough pork fat, there’s some blended in the patty for good measure. And you better believe you get bottomless steak fries with that thing." - aimee rizzo, kayla sager riley
"On a Saturday at 11pm, Sam’s is a party. But at 6pm, it’s a calm and quiet dive where you and your friends can sit at one of their wooden booths and order some burgers and beers (or spiked Butterfinger milkshakes). Everything here is great, but if you’re in the mood for bacon you’ll want to order the 50/50 burger - there’s bacon blended into the patty and it’s topped with gouda, avocado, bacon ranch, and more even bacon. The original owner of Sam’s went on to found Red Robin, so just like at each chain location, all the burgers here come with bottomless steak fries. You won’t find any children’s birthday parties or servers wearing branded polos at Sam’s though." - aimee rizzo
"Some little-known Seattle trivia: The original owner of Sam’s Tavern went on to found a national chain of burger restaurants called Red Robin. Sam’s 50 burger is kind of like a Red Robin burger, only a million times better, and you don’t have to eat it next to a child sticking a crayon up their parent’s nose. It comes topped with bacon, avocado, gouda, and a creamy bacon ranch, and just in case there wasn’t enough bacon, there’s some blended in the patty for good measure. As an homage to Red Robin, you get bottomless steak fries with this beautiful thing." - aimee rizzo
"One of the city’s favorite burgers comes from this local mini-chain (with locations in Bellevue, South Lake Union, and Capitol Hill) and descendant of the original Sam’s Tavern — which later became Red Robin. Yes, that Red Robin. It carries on the good food and kitschy decor, but the vibes have grown up and gone a little gritty. Needless to say, it knows how to create a great burger, excellent fries, and an over-the-top restaurant experience, not to mention a stellar Bombay Sapphire Sparkling Lemon." - Vox Creative
"Some little-known Seattle trivia: The original owner of Sam’s Tavern went on to found a national chain of burger restaurants called Red Robin. The burgers here are kind of like the ones from Red Robin, only a million times better, and not eaten next to children sticking crayons up their noses. We especially love the 50 burger, which comes topped with bacon, avocado, gouda, and a creamy bacon ranch. Just in case there wasn’t enough bacon, there’s some blended in the patty for good measure. And as an homage to Red Robin, you better believe you get bottomless steak fries with that beautiful thing. Also important: you can get a Bloody Mary topped with a slider. photo credit: Nate Watters" - Aimee Rizzo