Sam Sushi, Ramen & Boba Tea — Restaurant in Lexington

I went to SAM Sushi right when it opened (rode my bike there before I could drive, all very cutesy) and I really liked it, so I decided to take my sushi-loving best friend there after a long workout. I get sushi all the time, and I've been to many places in town. It was busy, when we first got there which is understandable. When we finally did get our sushi, it was alright. My issues:

-They were very short-staffed for dinner rush. My friend and I sat in the middle of the small restaurant and at one point all of the booths surrounding us were empty of people but uncleared (for a long time , there was old food sitting around us for like 3/4ths of our very long meal, it was very off-putting) When they finally did clear the tables, the waitress left the disgusting cart literally an inch from my table while I was eating. Later in the meal, a man was using the same cart (to wash tables I think) and somehow splashed dirty water on me (again, while I was eating) I'm normally understanding of short-staffed situations as someone who works in service, but this was ridiculous and seemed "comfortable" for them. Please hire more people.

-Along the same note, the service was pretty bad. I arrived a few minutes later than my friend and was never given a menu. I had to "steal" my friend's after he was done (which isn't a big deal but combined with everything else that went wrong, it was annoying) I also thought this was hilarious : she made us write down our own order!!! So abnormal. Never in my life at any restaurant have I done a waitresses/waiters job of writing the order ticket for them. It was super weird. And here's the worst part: there were only about 3 very small parties waiting for their order in front of us. I ordered around 7:15-7:25 and did not receive my sushi until around an HOUR later at 8:10. I looked back a few times and saw the waitress arguing with the chef. We didnt have a crazy order either, we each got two rolls. When my friends finally came, one of them was the wrong roll. He ate it anyways because he didn't wanna wait another hour, so we didn't tell our waitress. There was also way too much spicy mayo on the sushi (but that's really picky lol, I think everything else speaks for itself)

-After all of this, we weren't offered anything for our bad experience (we didn't ask for anything or mention our displeasure, but thought that the 45-60 minute wait was obvious enough) AND when it came time to get the check, the tip was already included in the total even though I'd just had the worst service of my life. Was really upset with my experience. I wanted to get in and out quicker so my friend and I could do other activities before he leaves for a trip. Because the food took so long, we didn't get to which sucked. I believed in you, SAM Sushi!!! And you let me down :'(

If you're looking for really friendly wait staff, great service, better atmosphere and a free dessert (they give pineapple or ice cream to everyone at the end of their meal), I'd recommend OSAKA, about 15-20...

SAM Sushi is more than my neighborhood sushi bar. SAM Sushi is my weeknight hideaway and favorite Post-YMCA meal. Whenever I feel a little rundown, I pull up a chair at the bar. I can always count on the friendly proprietors and their delicious food to pick me up again. With sports on the TV and a 22 ounce Sapporo at my side, I feel at home at SAM's and I never leave hungry. I drop in probably twice a month.

If you go, here are some hidden gems:

As an appetizer, consider the spicy nigiri from the Weekly Specials menu. I order the salmon. The jalapeno and schichimi togarashi are a knockout! I also highly recommend trying one of Sam's salads, especially the Special Crispy Anchovy Salad (spicy) and the Spicy Marinated Daikon Salad.

My favorite ramens on offering are the Spicy Kimchi Ramen and Spicy Tonkotsu. The chashu (pork) is tender and moist, but teriyaki chicken is also tasty for pickier eaters. Be forewarned: you get A LOT of toppings and ramen! This is definitely Japanese-style ramen, not Cup O' Noodle. Great for carb loading before a big run or maybe a long day shopping in Hamburg. As another reviewer said, perfect rainy day food and we've had need of that lately.

As for the sushi, here I'll copy and paste some of my favorites (the colossal rolls are truly colossal. Lighter eaters may consider sharing):

Something more traditional for fish lovers: Tri Ocean Roll (Colossal Roll) - Yellowtail,Tuna, Salmon, Avocado Topped with Sriracha Sauce and Eel Sauce

Something crispy and wonderful: Golden Tempura Shrimp Roll (Colossal Roll) - Tempura shrimp, Avocado & Cucumber Topped with Spicy Crab Stick, Scallions, Tempura Flakes, Masago, Spicy Mayo & Eel Sauce

For dessert, you can't go wrong with some matcha/green tea flavored ice cream! If you've never tried it, matcha is a subtle flavor that makes a great...

Don't do pick up without confirming your own order. (2nd time order was made wrong, but didn't remember because wife picked up the first one. And yes she confirmed it before she left) Last night December 14th I placed an order and picked it up. No I did not check it. Usually I don't trust easily. But it was a long day, and that is why I called in an order in the first place(why is the customer supposed to confirm the order...) rhetorical I returned home with a wrong order. I called and was told I could come back for a free sushi. As in tonight before 10 o'clock or next time. You know, the next time I'm hungry. When did free become(you can come back at your leisure to get what you paid for already???) I know approximately when that happened. Again rhetorical. 2 things that bother me: *I trusted and did not check my order(and I tipped) *Repeating to me on the phone I can have what I already paid for, for free. You know. The next time I might be hungry. You know. Because I was hungry last night. I don't usually make a point to order food when I'm not hungry... Check your order, or don't be tired at the end of the day and cook at home. Your choice. Or continue to practice ordering good when your not hungry. Your...