Sammy’s Roumanian Steak House will reopen on the Lower East Side

A legendary Lower East Side restaurant known for its Jewish Romanian dishes and vodka-fueled party atmosphere is making a comeback after closing during the pandemic. Sammy’s Roumanian Steak House announced plans to reopen at 112 Stanton Street, with service starting on Passover, as EV Grieve first reported. Daily service is expected in June.

“Exciting announcement! Sammy’s is making a comeback and we couldn’t be happier to return to the Lower East Side. Huge thanks to our loyal customers and fans for keeping the Sammy’s spirit alive over the years,” the restaurant wrote in a post on Instagram.

Sammy’s will reopen with a two-night Passover special on April 22 and 23 only, followed by every Friday and Saturday in May. The restaurant will resume daily service in June.

The original location opened 50 years ago in a basement on Chrystie Street and quickly became one of those only-in-NYC spots, described by New York Times writer Pete Wells in a 2014 review as “loudly, raucously, endlessly, embracingly Jewish, a permanent underground bar mitzvah where Gentiles can act like Jews and Jews can act like themselves.”

Sammy’s was known for its Romanian-style steak, chopped liver, ice-encased vodka bottles for the table, and pitchers of schmaltz, all served with a backdrop of live music and dancing.

Not exactly made for take-out or outdoor dining, Sammy’s closed in 2021 during Covid with promises to reopen at some point. Three years later, owner David Zimmerman tells Eater the new location will offer the same menu, staff, and performances from Dani Luv, but will introduce a weekend brunch.

The new Stanton location will offer around 70 seats set up for group dining. Zimmerman told Eater he hopes to replicate the feeling of the original restaurant by rehanging the photographs seen on the walls of the old Sammy’s, but said it’s up to the diners: “The customers will define it, by bringing the same vibe.”

To make a reservation, call +1-646-410-2427.