Sam's Family Restaurant

4.6 ( 490 reviews )
Checking... 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM See Hours
$10–20
11 W North Ave, Cortland, IL 60112, United States
+1 815-756-5665

Located in the heart of Cortland, IL, Sam's Family Restaurant stands out as a cherished gem for those seeking a warm and welcoming dining experience. The establishment prides itself on being a family-run venue where both staff and patrons feel like part of one big family. Customers like Patricia Kahl emphasize the exceptional service, citing how the staff's welcoming nature enhances each visit.

The menu showcases a delightful array of comfort food, expertly crafted with fresh ingredients. Dennis Hood appreciates the homemade flair, noting the thick French fries and delicious soups that complement their sandwiches perfectly. The breakfast menu is a highlight, available all day, making it an ideal spot for any meal. LoneRanger praises the generous portion sizes, like the impressive four-egg meat lovers omelet, noting the thoughtful pricing structure, especially for those on specific dietary plans.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere is friendly and clean, creating an inviting space where regulars and newcomers feel at home. As Barb, one of the attentive waitresses, engages with guests, it’s clear that the familial commitment to quality shines through at every meal. Sam's Family Restaurant is not just a dining spot; it's a community cornerstone where great food meets even better company. Highly recommended for anyone passing through!

Amenities and More

  • Accessibility
    • Has wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
    • Has wheelchair-accessible seating
    • Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
  • Service options
    • Offers takeaway
    • Serves dine-in
    • No delivery
  • Highlights
    • Has fast service
    • Serves great coffee
    • Serves great dessert
  • Popular for
    • Popular for breakfast
    • Popular for lunch
    • Popular for dinner
    • Good for solo dining
  • Offerings
    • Serves coffee
    • Serves comfort food
    • Quick bite
    • Serves small plates
  • Dining options
    • Serves breakfast
    • Serves brunch
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Serves dessert
    • Has seating
  • Amenities
    • Has toilet
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
    • Cosy
    • Quiet
  • Crowd
    • Good for groups
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Accepts credit cards
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • High chairs available
    • Has kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free of charge street parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For Sam's Family Restaurant

Patricia Kahl
Jun 19,2025
A wonderful family owns and works here. Whether you come once or many times, the people who work here are amazing! The food is excellent.
Dennis Hood
Jun 18,2025
A pleasant small cafe restaurant featuring fresh made comfort food with pleasant prompt service. Nice thick french fries and tasty soup accent really good sandwiches. Breakfast is available any time. Prices are very reasonable. Plenty of parking and east in and out from the street.
April N
May 30,2025
Very nice place, great atmosphere, people here are all so friendly and so welcoming. Food is great and price is right! It's a diamond in the rough. Will definitely come here again and recommend anyone who will be passing by here.
Schulenburg Realty, Inc.
May 25,2025
Very special place with great food and friendly faces. Barb was a very attentive waitress/host and it was obvious observing the other patrons that she was a favorite with the regulars. The owner took time to introduce himself and give a little history of his family business. Very clean environment. Biscuit & Gravy with eggs was delicious! Good coffee. Highly recommended.
LoneRanger
May 7,2025
I recently had breakfast at this small-town spot, and overall, it was a solid experience. I ordered a meat lovers omelet with cheddar cheese and a side of bacon. The omelet was originally made with three eggs, but I added an extra egg for 2.95, making it a four-egg omelet. It was packed with filling, cooked well, and definitely a satisfying portion. The side of bacon was also cooked just right, and everything tasted fresh. One thing I appreciate is how they price their menu. The omelet itself is around 10.45, and if you want hashbrowns, it’s an extra 1.20. I actually like that they separate the cost because I’m on a high-protein, low-carb diet, and I hate paying for hashbrowns that I won’t even eat. This setup works great for me. Prices are decent but have gone up over the past year, which seems to be the trend everywhere. Also, if you pay with a credit card, there’s a 3.49% fee, so keep that in mind. The atmosphere is exactly what you’d expect from a small-town breakfast spot—warm, welcoming, and friendly. The owners and staff go out of their way to make you feel at home, and that adds to the experience. If you’re looking for a good breakfast with solid portions and a friendly environment, this place is worth checking out!
Lynn Woolard
May 5,2025
Just moved to Cortland and since the house is full of unpacked boxes, we needed a place for breakfast. We loved it! The hash browns with onions were delish. I like my scrambled eggs well cooked and they came out just as I requested. The sausage patty had a delicious taste and was nice and seared on both sides. Coffee was hot, staff were friendly, and the price was reasonable. Glad to have found a breakfast place so close to our new home!
Jeffrey Augustus
Apr 19,2025
Excellent food, good atmosphere, great service. Highly recommend this restaurant for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Great family owned restaurant.
Len Stafford
Apr 10,2025
First time here, and it was great. I love a traditional small breakfast restaurant with historical character, and not just another suburban-like place. The Haystack meal was just right. The service was very neighborly and efficient. Will be back again.

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