Cafe Sam's atmosphere is non-existent while its decor is totally uninspiring. From the pink feux-leather booth seating to its dingy drop ceilings and fake floral arrangements dominating the room, Cafe Sam misses the mark. The decor from the Ritter's 24 hr Diner across the street is probably more in style and up to date than Sam's. Sam offers ""italian"" food that is quite un-italian to say the least. The pastas are dredged in cheese and butter and over sauced, flavored, and spiced beyond belief. The Gnocchi with Tiger Prawn I sampled was swimming in butter, contained maybe 3 shrimp that were anything but Tiger prawns and the Gnocchi seemed to be fried due to their charred and tough outer sides. My date and I were served ?salads? consisting of browning wilted lettuce covered in cheese and bacon to disguise this fact. The calamari appeared to be Ms. Pauls from the nearby grocer?s freezer section, which the staff proceeded to singe beyond recognition and edibility. The wine list is about as uninspiring as the atmosphere, containing very few wines and even fewer good wines. The staff although enthusiastic appeared to step right from a high school musical. Mean while the majority of clientele appeared to have all experienced the great depression. So if you're under 80, looking for good italian cuisine and a romantic and hip atmosphere in Pittsburgh........steer clear of Cafe Sam's pink nightmare of a restaurant.
Pros: Non-existent ambiance with horrid decor
Cons: Service was acceptable
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