The Dunedin City Council bought the ailing 121-year-old music venue in February for $128,000 and asked residents for feedback on what should be done with the building.
People were also asked if they had any memories of Sammy's they wanted to share.
Council communications adviser Sarah Bedford said the survey drew a strong response, with 201 people providing feedback.
More than half of respondents (56%) wanted to turn it back into a venue and hub for live music, theatre and related activities.
Originally called the Agricultural Hall, in 1902 the original building was redeveloped and reopened as His Majesty's Theatre, which was closed and partially demolished in 1970s.
It was bought in 1983 by Sam Chin and reopened as Sammy's restaurant and nightclub.
Mrs Bedford said the two other most popular choices were a youth centre (21%) and a indoor-climbing facility (10%).
Fewer than 10 responses were from people who wanted the building sold and used for alternative purposes.
There was also a strong response on social media, which was yet to be reviewed, she said.
Many wanted the building restored to its former glory which included restoring the original front facade or revamping it and bringing it back up to building code.
Earlier this week the Otago Daily Times reported an initial seismic assessment of the building by engineering consultancy Beca found the venue had a possible seismic rating of only 10%-15% of the national building code.
A building with this rating was considered to pose a high to very high safety risk during an earthquake.
The council has already set aside $650,000 to get the building fit for public use, which included weather-proofing, electrical safety and some seismic strengthening work.
The money would not be spent until the future use of the building was known.
A more detailed seismic test would now be carried out.
What options the council could explore for the future use of the building would be discussed, along with the results of the survey, at a meeting of the community and culture committee on November 21.
