I can honestly say I've never quite been to a place like Samba... there is a lounge/bar area that had a loud DJ, and then there's also the restaurant, which is where my husband and I went to dine using our TravelZoo voucher.
It's an all-you-can-eat Brazilian buffet and, while the food in the buffet is what I would describe as so-so or average, it was pretty neat having the various servers come around to your table with fresh varieties of meat. I'm not a huge meat eater, but my husband loved the meats and tried all different kinds. They have a block on your table that you put as green if you'd like more meat brought to your table, and red if you'd like a break. You can go up to the buffet as many times as you'd like, and get as much meat brought to you as you'd like. If you're a big eater or very hungry, it's a good deal. But I personally did not come close to eating $32 worth of food (the cost of the all you can eat buffet for one person at normal price).
I was also a little disappointed with the cost of the drinks...the drink menu looked fun and we ended up getting a pitcher of sangria. It was really delicious, but I was a little shocked when we got the bill for $40 just for the drinks. Maybe that's normal, I'm not sure since I don't usually get sangria by the pitcher, but I was a little surprised it was that much, especially since there was no price listed in the drink menu.
The service was wonderful. We had a friendly server and interacted with many other staff as well, since there were several different servers bringing around the various types of meat. Our waters were also regularly refilled.
The atmosphere was very upbeat and fun, and seemed like a great place to go for either a fun date (not romantic or intimate, but fun and entertaining) or with a group of friends or family. There was also some fun in house entertainment which helped me to rationalize the over-priced food and drink. Women danced around the restaurant in sexy santa outfits and everyone had fun taking pictures of them. They even got some patrons in on the dancing at the end, and helped to liven the atmosphere even more. Because we went at night, we were unable to take advantage of the spectacular views they must have there during the day. They have huge floor to ceiling windows right on the water and I imagine it is breathtaking - at night it's just pitch black and you really can't see much outside unless a boat goes by with lights.
Overall, I would recommend Samba as a unique dining experience in a fun and lively atmosphere. The buffet food is average, although meat lovers will surely enjoy the meats carved right at your table. Food and drink prices are steep, but I suppose it's all part of the experience.
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