Emmy-award winning television personality, Sam “The Cooking Guy” Zien has earned a reputation as the “everyman’s cook,” appealing to the masses over his decades-long career. In January 2020, Sam revealed plans to take over a two-story boardwalk space at Seaport Village, indicating what would be his third hospitality venture in partnership with Grain & Grit Collective.

Yet Sam Zien’s intent to launch a restaurant and bar at Seaport Village was not immune to pandemic woes. Facing delays to this sit-down concept, Zien pivoted, tapping into the demand for alternative dining options and launching the multi-concept “ghost kitchen” venture dubbed Eats by Sam.

Eats by Sam

Eats by Sam will utilize the former Buster’s Beach House venue as a temporary headquarters and fast-casual outpost until Sam’s full-service restaurant/bar concept assumes the space in spring 2021. The provisory location is equipped with ordering kiosks and QR codes for tableside delivery, staging an expedient design in the era of social-distancing regulations.

Plus, the expansive patio affords plenty of staggered seating, in addition to a large stage which, pending city regulations, will eventually accommodate live concerts and even an oversized projector screen.

Today (Thursday, October 22nd), the co-up rolled out with two culinary divisions, Samburgers and Samwiches, with plans to add a third brand in the coming months. The Cooking Guy’s program of hoagies and burgers compiles both fan favorites, like the “Not So Basic Samburger,” and savory, out-of-the-box creations, alongside wine and local craft beer offerings.

The concept’s offerings are also available for delivery on UberEats, GrubHub, DoorDash and Postmates.

Eats by Sam is at 807 Harbor Drive, San Diego. Call 619.233.4300. Open Sunday to Thursday 11:30AM – 7:30PM and Friday to Saturday from 11:30AM – 8:30PM. Visit their website here or the Instagram account here.

More to Come

Seaport Village has a lot planned in the next handful of months!

Malibu Farm

Earlier this month, the Port of San Diego inked a monumental lease with Malibu Farm. Co-owned by celebrity chef Helene Henderson and her husband, actor-director John Stockwell, Malibu Farm currently has eight locations globally, including Malibu, Miami, New York and Tokyo.

With their sights set on San Diego, the duo has found the perfect home for their ninth and largest investment in San Diego’s Seaport Village. Slated to open by summer 2022, the 14,000-square-front property will be transformed into a hybrid-concept, encompassing an indoor-outdoor restaurant, ice cream and espresso bar, and a home goods store.

For more information, please see the Port of San Diego’s press release here.

Spill the Beans | October/November 2020

Freshly made, inventive and conscientious, Spill the Beans is rapidly defining how adults should begin their day. Featuring sustainably sourced coffee, made-from-scratch bagels, alongside artisan-compounded butter or selection of house-made cream cheeses, the Seaport Village café mark the second location of Spill the Beans.

Influencer Boutique | November 2020

Founded by a stylish mother-daughter duo, Influencer is a fashion-forward specialty shop, retailing women’s apparel and accessories. Styles range from casual threads to dress attire.

Mr. Moto Pizza House | November/December 2020

A premier destination for authentic New York-style pies, Mr. Moto Pizza blends old and new world flavors. Driven by fresh ingredients and creative combinations, the Italian eatery serves up their award-winning pizza by the pie or by the slice, in addition to a variety of
pastas, salads, desserts and calzones.

Mike Hess Brewing + City Tacos | Spring 2021

Mike Hess Brewing, one of San Diego’s premier craft breweries, and beloved taqueria collective, City Tacos, teams up to bring brews and bites to Seaport Village’s waterfront locale. The 20-tap tasting room and full-service restaurant boasts ample patio seating along the northern boardwalk.

Lousiana Charlie’s | SUMMER 2021

The second outpost of Long Beach’s iconic Southern-style eatery, Louisiana Charlie’s serves up authentic Cajun cuisine such as Jambalaya, Gumbo, and PoBoy Sandwiches, in addition to fresh seafood offerings like oysters, crab legs, jumbo shrimp and more.

We’re looking forward to all of it!

See you there….and stay healthy, San Diego!