Sam's Hudson Beach Bar

Great Florida oysters at a great price, the local beer was cold and tasty and the waiter was funny and nice, plus you are right on the gulf, what's not to like!?

I've had very mixed experiences at Sam's. On the plus side it's a nice casual outdoor setting on the Gulf, often with live music. On the other hand it's a bit spendy and touristy. The food is mostly pretty good but nothing extraordinary.  The only water you can get is bottled which seems a little greedy. Not really the best place for regulars and locals, but will probably remain a popular spot for visitors and those wanting more of a party atmosphere on the Gulf. They were downright rude when I used a Groupon. Parking is $2 except for the very limited area in front.

Unfortunately not a good first visit.  The view of the water is probably why I'm giving 3 stars instead of 2.  Only waited about 5-7 min to get a table which was surprising considering the wonderful weather.  Another 10 minutes to get greeted by our server and that's when my expectations for giving 5 stars went right into the water.  Ordered drinks and calamari.  After 20 min (literally) of watching people who sat down after us get drinks and food a different waitress brought our calamari and said "Oh no, where's your drinks?"  Let her know we were wondering the same thing...  Just then I saw our server carrying our iced tea and beer while serving another table that also appeared annoyed with the wait.  At that point we ordered a pitcher so we wouldn't have to rely on our server.  The calamari was the best thing we ate and the lime cilantro sauce was awesome - just needed a little more.  Buffalo chicken wrap was good and so were the homemade chips.  Thought I would try something different but should have passed on the fish tacos.  By the time we were served, the black beans and rice were all dried out and nothing on my plate was warm, including the fish.  I won't be going back anytime soon but I will consider giving it a second chance and maybe get there a little later to enjoy the live music.