Sam Diego's Mexican Cookery and Bar — Restaurant in Barnstable

“American” Mexican food, as stated by my wonderful server. After stating that I was not impressed, she offered to change my order, which is thoughtful and fair. Thank you.

The food: I had the Father Francisco lunch combo. Chicken enchilada (I think it was chicken, but tasted like turkey) and ground beef soft taco with Mexican rice. Overall, small portions for the price (it’s Mexican food and should be large portions and small prices) and flavorless food. I actually thought to myself that the taco served by another major chain tasted much better. The beef tasted very dry and not Mexican at all. It was the chicken enchilada that really caused me to question whether I should leave a review or just suffer because of my choice of Mexican restaurants referred by locals. Anybody who knows me or has seen any of my other reviews know that the Chile Relleno is how I gauge a true authentic Mexican restaurant. So, if you’re looking for authentic, I believe there may be another establishment nearby that can fill that bill. Rated three stars because it’s not really their fault I ate here. It does say Tex-Mex. I almost didn’t go in once I saw that on the sign. Additionally, what can I expect from this wonderful seaside community about 3000 miles from Mexico? I should have tried a seafood establishment, right? When I didn’t see the Chile Relleno or Horchata on the menu, I should have left.

The atmosphere: It’s definitely southwestern style. Comfortable seating and lights at the right brightness. Tables are far enough that you’re not hearing the table next to you and the music and room is not loud. The music?! Not Mexican.

The service: The waitress was kind, as I stated before, and attentive, although I did sit for about 5 mins after arriving before they took my drink order. By that time I had already made my lunch choice, so I just ordered everything. There were plenty of wait staff, so she was probably just busy when I first came in.

The parking: Although I didn’t drive in, it seemed adequate enough for the interior size and accessible by a right turn only eastbound on the main road. This is great to prevent accidents in front of the establishment.

Overall, I won’t be back, unless I’m starving and all the other places are closed. It’s not that they are THAT bad, but it’s more a personal opinion about their food. Most of the locals might like this place, but I’m telling you, if you’re looking for authentic Mexican food, it’s not here. Thank you for reading and hope you find what...

Worst eating experience ever! The several times I have been to this restaurant have been so ridiculously horrendous that I downloaded yelp just to inform the public to not even waist their time and will continue to leave my review on every portal possible. The food- I had ordered a salad and took the leftovers home and immediately put the meal into the fridge. by the next morning the lettuce was soggy and tasted sour. The service is the worst I have ever experienced dining out. Two different times that I went to the restaurant my server asked about their tip. The first time was in the middle of the meal. The second time was before the server could bring my party water. I, being a person that has worked as a server and bar tender, make sure to tip. I am unsure what haphazard training this staff has endured or the lack there of, but when I worked in food business it was considered offensive and inappropriate to ask about tip. Obviously the staff is a reflection of the manager. When I approached the management about my discomfort about being asked about the tip, the man defended the waitress' rude actions and proceeded to tell me and my party "if you can't tip then you should not eat out." Mind you, we had simply received water and not the bill at this time. Also tips are a gratuity not an obligation. I am unsure why both times dining here I was asked about the tip before being given the bill. I am unsure how they came to the preconceived notions that I did not have enough money. It makes me wonder what triggered such prejudice. I am unsure if its how I dress, my skin color, age,sex, etc. I guess I made the mistake of thinking I could be treated with the same decency of everyone else eating. However, Sam Diego's in hyannis will never have to worry about me tipping them again. I REFUSE to dine here again. Ever. And I will tell anyone thinking to go here to not waist their time or money to be possibly insulted while eating a crap meal. The Sam Diego's in Plymouth, however, completly different. I begrudgingly ate here after my less than savory experiences in hyannis, but to my surprise it was almost like dining in an actual restaurant where my server treated me like a paying customer as well as a human being. This small difference alone makes Plymouth so much more enjoyable. I do not know what Plymouth does different but Hyannis should take notes. I urge all thinking of eating here, just dont. Poor quality food. Horrid...

I’ve been coming to the cape pretty regularly since the spring of 2016. I’ve had multiple people tell me about SD’s. I finally made the trip last night. What is concerning to me is a few things.

A) we arrived before 4PM and the place was dead/slow. Service was mediocre. I would feel as though since there were so few customers, our server would have been more attentive. After they dropped off the boxes for us to wrap up our leftovers (That I was giving to my dog), it took over 15 minutes for the server to come back and ask us if we wanted dessert… nope, just the check. Would have been nice to have had that question asked when the Togo boxes were dropped.

B) I ordered the Dos Burros. I’ve been to Taco Bell only a handful of times, but the beef burrito I had was abysmal and I would have rather have had Taco Bell instead. I’m wondering if the Chile con queso was blow torched - because there were parts of it that were VERY burnt. Also, looked like a slice of cheese was put on it… it definitely didn’t look fresh. (Although, if you read reviews on different websites, the owners definitely comment and assure you things are all made fresh in house). I had one bite of the chicken burrito- and stopped immediately. It was all fat. It was also tasteless, and very greasy. I’ve had better at public school lunch.

C) Concerning about how much sauce was doused on the quarter rack of baby back ribs. Old ribs? What is trying to be hidden? Also, the sauced used heavily reminded me of a spruced up ketchup. Nothing BBQ-Esque.

D) having worked in the industry for over 1/2 my life, somethings draw more attention to then others. My plate was warm/hot to the touch. But the company I had - their plate was BEYOND hot. I wonder how long their food sat in the window under heat lamps before my meal was ready/prepared.

E) honestly, the only redeeming part of my meal was the rice. But I’m assuming it’s boxed/pre made, just because of how it was levels better above the other food I eat.

I will NOT be coming back to Sam’s. Which is unfortunate due to the proximity of it to me. Please consider other options if you’re looking for good Mexican food. Because Sam’s drops the ball on many...