Sam's

Samuel Hassan Modad (1899-1975) from Syria, and his wife Ann Ansaf Helal (1927-2008) from Lebanon, opened the Mercer Ice Cream Bar at 1327 Mercer Street, in 1947.

Over the years it became Sam’s Restaurant, an old time tavern. It is a place to stop in and have some good food, good coffee and, of course, a nice cold beer. Weekends are lively with live bands, partying and dancing.

After Sam’s death, Ann continued her husband’s traditions. She owned and operated the restaurant for 60 years before her death in 2008. She was described as “a mother figure to many, always good to people, well loved, generous and respected. She was an artist at cooking, crocheting, gardening, sewing, adept at listening, and loving her family.” (Findagrave.com #27986329)

After his mother’s death, Fred Modad became the owner and operator of Sam’s (Modad’s) Restaurant. In 2023 it is still open on Friday and Saturday nights from 9:00 P.M. to 2:00 A.M. offering dancing to the music of live rock bands. Fred plays and sings. He plans to keep his father’s traditions alive as long as he can. He advertises a live band, no cover, and the cheapest, coldest beer around.

Modad Music Guitar Instruction holds lessons in the restaurant when it is not open. Fred has over 50 years of band experience including teaching and playing in the Army band and other bands.

Sam’s Restaurant is one of the few and perhaps the only restaurant on Mercer Street that has been in continuous operation over the last 76 years.