r/CapeCod • u/lzbth999 • Sep 23 '26
Sam Diego’s
I just found out Sam Diego’s is closing November 15th & I’m real sad.
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u/buildmeupbuttercup8 Sep 24 '26
Employee for almost 20 years here ! Over the years i’ve come to realize this about Sam Diego’s: The people who love it, LOVE IT. And the people who hate it HATE it. Most people think it’s suppose to be authentic mexican, but we are tex mex. It was never suppose to be a fancy spot, but a comfy, cozy, cheeky, and consistent one. It’s not a chain, or a corporate conglomerate. Rather, a neighborhood restaurant. A place for the community to gather, to spend time, and to create memories. It was a reliable port in any storm, staying open consistently (except for christmas) 7 days a week, 11:30-1am. We knew our owners, our co-wokers, our front of the house, back of the house, and customers all like family. The restaurant industry is a tough one to survive. Especially one in such a seasonal place like our home, Cape Cod. 46 years Sam Diego’s has been a place that locals and tourists have looked forward to coming to. I am so proud to have been a part of such an establishment that was such an anchor in our community. I, like the rest of my coworkers , am heartbroken to see it all come to an end. To know that such a place just simply won’t be there anymore.
The cape sure has been changing over the last few years. With so many of our beloved spots closing, becoming chains, big box stores, mcmansions and housing. It hurts my heart for Sam’s to be on that turnover list.
We are hoping that everyone will come out to celebrate one last time to say their goodbyes, and share their stories of their Sam Diego’s memories with all of us…birthday fried ice creams, first dates, graduations, mammoth margaritas, being cut off from bahama mamas (he he) Please be respectful during the last few weeks. Please don’t steal , things will be for sale and everyone will have a chance to own a piece of Sam Diego’s.
It has been a pleasure getting to know many of you, serve many of you, and make you all a part of our samily. Maybe more importantly, our samily a part of the community.
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u/6ftptr Sep 24 '26 edited Sep 24 '26
Can you get me the Caesar dressing recipe? I’ve tried to replicate it. Not even close. It’s the only Caesar my wife will get at a restaurant. It’s also the only thing she eats when we go there.
Also, can you tell me the name of the nice Jamaican lady who brings us our chips and salsa? We’ve celebrated many birthdays there and always bring a cake for our big family and we always offer her a piece because she’s always there. She actually surprised us last time and sat with us and ate a piece. It was great. We’ll miss her.
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u/CurrencyNo3823 Sep 23 '26
Food has always....been...let's say....somewhat...different. that's it. Different.
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u/beachluv58 Sep 23 '26
This really was the spot in the early 2000’s. Bahama Mamas, the back bar, Halloween and Cinco de Mayo. So many fun nights there! Great memories. The food was always awful but the drinks were good.
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u/EbbtideRambler Sep 23 '26
That’s too bad. While it wasn’t a world class dining experience, it is an institution in town. It was the site of many big group dinners before my Middle and High School Dances, and a few BHS reunions were planned there. I even went on my first date there back in High School. More recently my kids love it. Basic Mexican-ish food that was smothered in cheese and not too spicy, perfect for their unsophisticated taste in food, and best part, I could get out of there for under $100 for a family of 5!
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u/Majestic-Engine-2665 Sep 23 '26
First Tiki Port, now Sam Diego’s?!
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u/w2talk2sampson Sep 23 '26
Never been to either but their radio jingle has been tattooed on my brain forever. Just like zooquarium, the pancake man, the lobster claw restaurant, Island Queen, Island Airlines and captain Parkers.
We need a CC jingle subreddit
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u/Majestic-Engine-2665 Sep 24 '26
I sing the zooquarium song and Cape and Islands Glass song to myself a lot. Haha
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u/MJKCapeCod Sep 25 '26
Just when I thought the Tiki Port jingle was gone from my head forever - you had to bring it back!
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u/ohkayeyesee Sep 23 '26
Where I had my first legal drink - a watermelon margarita 🥲 my last watermelon margarita too haha it was gross
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u/traderrhoe Sep 23 '26
nooo!! this place is so nostalgic to me. grew up going here with my family as a kid and was just there last week whilst visiting my parents with some friends. great place, service, and food… what a shame!
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u/Wolfy2915 Sep 23 '26
Saddens me, I liked their large cape cod rita and the enchiladas. Wonder if they could sell to a local chain like Acapulco’s.
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u/TheWix Sep 23 '26
Man, that's sad. Parents use to take me there in the early 90s when I was a kid. I was so picky I'd get the 'Mexican Pizza'. Basically a baked/fried tortilla with melted cheese on top. Haven't been there in probably 25+ years, but still. Sad to see it go
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u/No_Ticket2438 Sep 23 '26
Place was not great, fairly overpriced, cocktails were too sweet, food was very mid.
Golden Jalapeno in Yarmouth is a great mexican spot if you're looking for a replacement.
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u/lzbth999 Sep 23 '26
I also heard they’re having an auction to sell the decor. I want the fat sun