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Dim Sum Sam
$$ · Chinese, Dim Sum, Brunch

28 E 23rd St, New York, NY 10010
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Chinese in Gramercy & Flatiron Best Dim Sum in Gramercy & Flatiron Best Brunch in Gramercy & Flatiron

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Dim Sum Sam 8.2
Flatiron
Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Business Lunch Power Players Solo Dining Sanctuaries Group Dining Gatherings
A fast-moving dim sum counter that’s most reliable when you order like a Cantonese lunch tray: one roast-meat rice plate, one dumpling lane, and a quick veg side to reset the palate. It’s built for efficiency, but the best bites still read as properly made—especially when you keep the order focused and don’t over-spread across the menu.
Must-Try Dishes: BBQ pork buns, Shrimp dumplings (har gow), Roast duck over rice
Scores:
Value: 8.2 Service: 8.1 Consistency: 8.3 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 7.1 Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Dim sum and roast meats in a speed-first, counter-service format.
Who should go: Quick lunch seekers and dim sum regulars
When to visit: Weekday lunch, before peak crowds
What to order: BBQ pork buns, har gow, roast duck over rice
Insider tip: Anchor with one rice plate, then add 2 dumpling orders—skip over-ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby garages are the most reliable option during lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual and functional—work clothes, jeans, or business-casual all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak lunch—fine for quick conversation, not ideal for long talks.
Weekend wait: Limited dinner service—expect short lines if open, otherwise plan for takeaway.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during peak lunch; near walk-in most of the time.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable dumplings, greens, and rice-based sides are usually available.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable dumplings and plain veg sides, but not a full vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Very limited—rice plates without sauce are the safest bet; dumplings are generally not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional first date—it’s fast, functional, and counter-driven, better suited for casual daytime meetups than lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—seating is first-come, first-served and turnover is quick, especially at lunch.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy dumplings and rice plates; no dedicated kids menu, but the food is approachable.
Best For
Better for: Fast, reliable dim sum and roast-meat lunches when you want efficiency without sacrificing baseline quality.
Skip if: You’re looking for a leisurely dim sum brunch experience with carts, table service, or a wide banquet-style menu.