Sammy’s Restaurant
Sammy’s Restaurant, a third-generation family establishment in historic Castroville, traces its roots to 1948 when Leon Tschirhart opened an ice house on land given to him by his father, August. While the restaurant is known today for its American and Mexican fare, its first menu item was tamales, with hamburgers added soon afterward.
In 1955, Leon's brother, Sammy, joined the business after returning from two years of military service in Korea. By 1958, Sammy had become the sole owner, and the restaurant that bears his name continued to grow under the family's stewardship.
Originally a drive-in with carhops, Sammy's eventually evolved into a sit-down restaurant. Many of its signature dishes originated from family recipes shared by the women who worked alongside the family during its early years, and those recipes continue to be served today.
Sammy's Restaurant was designated a Texas Treasure Business in 2013.