Sammy's is a Pittsburgh institution that's been around for as long as I can remember and I'd be willing to bet it hasn't changed since its inception. It's got a very casual atmosphere. The food service is almost "cafeteria style" meaning you get in line, place your order and by the time you get to the register your sandwich is either wrapped for takeout or in a basket ready to be paid for. You can then seat yourself at either the bar or at one of the tables. It's unique in the fact that it could be classified as either a deli a restaurant or a bar. As a deli you can purchase corned beef and other lunch meats and deli items by the pound. As a restaurant you can get a good sandwich, salad, and/or side for lunch. But then again, it's a full service bar with a few craft beers on tap and you could get a cocktail or beer and also enjoy some grub.
I was in the mood for a quality sandwich today so I stopped in and had the "Famous Special" -- a sandwich that sports a generous portion of corned beef with your choice of slaw or kraut (I got the kraut), a slice of Swiss cheese and Russian dressing all between two slices of fresh bread from a local North Side bakery called the Breadworks (I got the marble although I could have chosen rye, wheat, white, Russian rye, a Kaiser roll or an onion roll). A pickle wedge on the side compliments the sandwich nicely. Although there was a line of about ten people in front of me, I don't think it took more than three minutes to get my sandwich. The staff behind the counter don't do much chatting with the customers and its clear efficiency (without being rude) is the rule.
I had wanted a quality sandwich in and a quality sandwich is what I got. No disappointment at all. I left the place feeling satisfied.