Sammy’s Touch

I have no idea why people seem to be falling all over themselves praising this place. I went there today and had a gyro, and not only was it overpriced at around $ 6, it was terrible. The meat was dry and lacked the right spices — as compared to other gyro lamb meat I’ve had — and the yogurt sauce was also ho-​hum. They only tossed a few onions on it, and single half slice of tomato. I’m skeptical of all these gushing reviews given my experience there, but who knows, maybe this was a fluke.

So I’m an undergraduate at the University of Chicago, and it wasn’t until this summer that I discovered this marvelous gem in a hidden corner of my lovely school.
Before I start, I would first like to point out that my rating system for restaurants in Hyde Park is highly relative in that a 5 at a Hyde Park restaurant will almost never equate to a 5 in any other part of Chicago, simply because Hyde Park is pretty dismal not only in its selection of restaurants, but also in the quality of food served in its restaurants.
Now that we have that clear, onto the food. Over the summer, I made several trips to Sammy’s and had the opportunity to try a variety of their culinary offerings. From my trips, I have come to the conclusion that the two best things here out of the ones that I have tried are the burritos and gyros. The hamburgers are pretty subpar and the Italians ought to be avoided unless you’re craving dry meat and peppers. Yet, although Sammy’s is pretty middling at some of its offerings, the restaurant excels in its burritos and gyros. I assure you that you will be hard-​pressed to find a better chicken burrito in Hyde Park, unless you go to Qdoba in Hutchinson Commons, but why would you actually set foot on the campus of «Where Fun Comes to Die?» It’s also hard for me to express how amazing the gyros are here because they’re damn amazing.
With regards to the ambience and what-​not, I will concede that Sammy’s isn’t the cleanest joint in Hyde Park. Then again, neither is Harold’s Chicken Shack, and that hasn’t kept it from becoming a Hyde Park staple with its notoriously delicious and unhealthy fried chicken. If I had a penny for every student who’s been to Harold’s, I probably would still not be able to pay my parents back for my college tuition, but that’s clearly besides the point.
I would also like to mention that Sammy’s generally has trashy reality court shows on the television during lunch time, so for the weak at heart, I suggest you come prepared.
So why not give it a try? I promise you won’t be severely disappointed. Also, did I mention that the prices here are dirt cheap and you get free soda if you have proof that you’re a UofC student?

During my undergrad at UofC, I was Touched by Sammy’s. Get your mind out of the gutter. For unbelievable prices you get a variety of fantastic food. Not to mention the staff is incredibly friendly. I had a Gyro Plate there every Thursday for 2 years and will never regret it– not even during my early death due to heart disease.
Did I mention you get a free pop with a UofC ID? Yeah I am not kidding.

Awesome grease joint with free soda for UofC students. Try the burritos and the nachos, it’s the best mexican food in hyde park (with huge portions) and it’s not even what theyre known for!

Food was average! Ordered a burger and fries and the bottom bun was soaked. Had to toss it but the fries redeemed them so I added a star. I won’t be returning!

My labmates introduced me to Sammy’s during my first week in the lab. Believe it or not, this life long Chicagoan had never eaten an Italian Beef prior to my visit. My first sampling of their Italian beef proved fruituitous, as I am now a major fan of this sandwich. I’ve gone there over the years, but I halted my visits a few years ago after tasting a much too salty beef. Maybe something went wrong that day? I returned a few months ago, pregnant and hungry. This time, I tried their cheeseburger and fries. This was a very good greasy cheeseburger and the fries are good and greasy as well. Even though I’m no longer on campus, I will definitely try to increase my visits to Sammy’s.

I just shook my fist at my wife in anger since she’s been keeping us away from Sammy’s for years now. We’ve driven by it, and it is in the neighborhood, but it just looked too suspect for her.
She finally gave in after seeing some cheese fries on TV and some reading of Unilocal reviews. I picked up a double cheeseburger and some cheese fries and they were as good as advertised. Greasy, cheap, good food. The place was busy but the service was still pretty fast.
No complaints, I’m glad I finally tried it, we now have another option for food in the HP.

First off, I want to give Sammy’s 5 stars. I really want to. Their burgers and gyros are really great, and very cheap, which is a big plus for a dirt-​poor college student.
But alas, I fear I can only grant them 4 stars, as their dog, while serviceable, lacks tomato slices, and the bun is a bit lacking. A minor point to be sure, but I’m serious about my dogs, and I know from the rest of the menu that Sammy’s can do better in this department. Nevertheless, Sammy’s is strongly recommended as a bright spot in the culinary wilderness of Hyde Park.

Cheap greasy food that really hits the spot on a sleepy hangover-​tastic day. Free sodas for students (not just U of C I think, but maybe they just didn’t check). Standard hot dogs and burgers made by Mexicans who don’t speak English in a grungy space where some guy stole from a student right outside and we saw the student chase that mofo across the parking lot and around the building.

The milkshakes are awesome. Nice little local spot, great location, if you can ignore the construction. Good place. I’d go again and again.

Another heartwarming grease joint in Hyde Park. Come to think of it, Hyde Park is very rich in grease! Always got the gyros there. Was never adventurous enough to try the Greek-​style desserts.

Sammy’s is what every Chicago grease shack tries to be. I’ve never had a bad meal here. Gyros, Italian beef, hotdogs, tacos; its all good. Of course I haven’t got the guts to try the pizza puff yet.
Another excellent fact is its cheap. Bring you UofC id and you get a free coke (soda, pop or whatever you call it). One downside, they only take cash but have an ATM in the place for you.
So next time you look into Hutch and wonder how many people can be crammed in such a small space, hike 3 blocks and enjoy Sammy’s Touch.

Oh greasy heaven deliciousness. Ode to the brown paper bag soaked in grease!
This is steps away from the Uchicago hospitals, and offers cheap fast food fare with burgers, hot dogs, fries, and tacos.
A favorite among the med students despite the impending atherosclerosis…

Is it bad that a meal of Sammy’s hot dog, chili dog, and cheese fries does not fill me up?
Now, that is by no means a bad rap against Sammy’s. This place is delicious. Delicious equals greasy, fatty foods that taste fantastic.
The hot dog is a true Chicago dog and is brilliantly flavored. The chili dog is one of my favorites. The gyro hamburger, which I have not yet tried but my friend loves, looks good too. The polish is good too. I could go on for a long time, since the menu is so extensive.
In addition to providing a great meal, Sammy’s is absolutely affordable (two dogs and fries = $ 3.99). Plus, students get a free soda.
My friends have strongly recommended breakfast, which I cannot believe I have not had yet… hopefully that will change soon.

Menu includes hot dogs, gyros, and an inexplicable mishmash of other ethnic food, just as I expect from a Chicago dog & grease joint. Sammy’s menu is actually quite deep – an all-​stars list of fast food.
I was not impressed with my pita taco, but perhaps Sammy’s pure Mexican food would be tastier.
I was, however, impressed with my Chicago dog, which can be purchased in a very cheep combination with fries. The potent onions taste recently cut, and the peppers were zippier than I expected. Although it lacked tomato wedges, Sammy’s makes a superior dog. Their chili dog was even better. Too many hot dog joints misunderstand the chili dog, and just slop some chili on a bun. Sammy’s had onions, mustard, and only then added chili on top. Very good dog.
I don’t recommend sitting below the ceiling fan, but you shouldn’t have any problem finding space at Sammy’s. Free parking spaces are also convenient.

I love this place! Really the only place to go in Hyde Park for greasy food. I normally go for cheeseburgers, but the gyros are great too. There is also some mexican-​style food, which I have not had, but I am sure it is good. Breakfast is also served (before 11?), which I have not been able to make it to yet. I haven’t disliked anything here. UofC student’s can get a free soda on meals over $ 5.
The place is sketchy, but I think that is part of the charm. The sign out front says «beef gyros cigarettes,» all of which they sell. Well worth a trip.

Three stars because Sammy’s seems to have fallen off its game a bit since the time I was a regular customer, back in my college days.
It’s still a great (read: lower priced) alternative to the official UofC offerings, especially compared to the hospital food court, etc.
Healthy, it’s not, but then again, if that’s what you were looking for, you’d have been turned away by the joint’s exterior…

This place is dirty, often busy or packed with hooligan youth (haha!) and looks like hell from the outside… but man, oh man, if you want a greasy gyro or amazing cheese fries this is where to go! They make everything when you order it – so its not like McDonalds where your burger and fries have been sitting around for hours just waiting for you get there.
The place always has a ton of doctors and staff from UChi hospitals eating there — even though they must know what this place does to your arteries! (I shudder to think)
Basically, don’t come here looking for some cute retro diner or even good service — just damn good food, very quick in an awesome atmosphere.

A wonderful hidden gem in Hyde Park and very accessible for students or employees at the U of Chicago.
I found this place by accident. Don’t let the rundown appearance of the building fool you. The inside is pretty much a standard diner atmosphere, and the food is wonderful and reasonably priced. I highly recommend it over the standard U of Chicago cafeterias.
The only gripe is that Sammy’s does not have an extensive list of healthier options, but you really shouldn’t be going to a diner if you want healthy anyway. Go there, enjoy some good greasy food, and thank me later.

mmmm, Sammy’s oh how I love you with your delicious cheeseburgers and gyros! You may threaten my cholestrol and blood pressure but you’re worth it. I love their double cheeseburgers which ooze cheesy deliciousness. Oh how I love your yummy fries as well. Sammy’s is the best hotdog/​gyro/​diner in Hyde Park!!!