About Sam & Lee's

Over 30 years feeding the community at the top of the world

Our Story

A Family Restaurant at the Top of the World

Sam & Lee's Restaurant was established in the early 1990s in Utqiagvik — known to many as Barrow — Alaska. For over three decades, it has been one of the most familiar and dependable restaurants in the community, operated by Mr. and Mrs. Kim with care, consistency, and warmth.

Located in our distinctive red building on Kogiak Street, we've become a place where neighbors catch up, travelers find a hot meal after a long journey, and workers come to refuel. Whether you're a lifelong Utqiagvik resident or visiting from the outside, you'll find a welcoming table here.

Our menu reflects the full range of what we do best: Chinese and Asian-inspired entrées like Mongolian Beef, General Tso's Chicken, and King Crab dishes sit alongside American classics — steaks, burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast served all day. It's a broad menu built around satisfying real people with real appetites.

We serve the people of Utqiagvik: locals, Indigenous community members, oil field workers, researchers, government employees, and visitors from across Alaska and beyond. Whoever walks through our door, they leave full.

Sam & Lee's Restaurant exterior — red building on Kogiak Street in Utqiagvik, Alaska

Meet the Family

Mr. & Mrs. Kim — Serving Utqiagvik since the early 1990s

Mr. and Mrs. Kim together in the kitchen at Sam and Lee's Restaurant
Mr. and Mrs. Kim seated together in the dining room
Mrs. Kim working at the front counter
Mr. and Mrs. Kim standing in the restaurant
Mr. and Mrs. Kim in the kitchen together

What We Stand For

Community First

We've been part of this community for over 30 years and we take that seriously. Utqiagvik is home.

Good Food

A broad menu done well — from Asian favorites to American comfort food, made to satisfy every time.

Family-Owned

Mr. and Mrs. Kim have poured their lives into this restaurant. When you dine here, you support a family business.

Open to All

Locals, travelers, workers, and visitors — everyone is welcome at Sam & Lee's.

Sam & Lee's dining room with comfortable booths and checkered tablecloths
Dine With Us

A Comfortable Place to Eat

Our dining room is cozy and familiar — green booths, checkered tablecloths, and the smell of something good coming from the kitchen. It's the kind of place you come back to.

We offer dine-in seating, takeout, and delivery (with a $20 minimum order, available 11:45 am – 1:30 am). Call ahead to confirm availability, especially during busy periods.

View the Menu Contact Us

Come Visit Us

1052 Kogiak St, Utqiagvik • Open daily 9 AM – 1:30 AM

Call Now — (907) 852-5555