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Dim Sum Sam
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Dim Sum Sam
8.2
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.
Dim Sum Sam
8.1
A narrow Flatiron dim sum shop with roast meats in the window and a menu built for repeatable hits, not cart-theater. The best move is to anchor with soup dumplings and rotate 1–2 classic steamed items so everything stays hot, bouncy, and clean.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soup dumplings (xiao long bao), Shrimp har gow, BBQ pork buns (char siu bao)
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Flatiron dim sum utility with legit soup dumplings and classics.
Who should go: Dim sum cravings without a long sit-down
When to visit: Weekday lunch or mid-afternoon for faster pacing
What to order: Soup dumplings, har gow, BBQ pork buns
Insider tip: Keep it tight: 2 steamed staples + 1 bun beats over-ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and everyday workwear all fit comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate — lively counter energy but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak hours, faster for solo diners
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait outside the 12–1pm rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable dumplings and buns, though not a dedicated section.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of vegetable-based items, sauces may need confirmation.
Gluten-free options: Very limited — rice-based dishes exist, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something casual and low-pressure. It’s better for conversation and quick chemistry than a long, romantic sit-down.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Absolutely — it’s walk-in friendly. Off-peak hours or small parties move through quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy dumplings and shared plates; the narrow space isn’t ideal for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Fast, reliable dim sum hits without the banquet-hall commitment or cart theatrics.
Skip if: You want a sprawling menu, cart service, or a long, leisurely dim sum experience.
Dim Sum Sam
7.6
A counter-service Cantonese spot that functions as an alternative “Chinese brunch” lane—fast ordering, steady turnover, and lots of shareable bites. Win here by picking a tight dumpling + roast-meat + tart combo instead of trying to sample the whole board.
Must-Try Dishes:
Siu mai, Roast duck, Portuguese egg tart
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Counter-service dim sum that turns brunch into a fast, shareable dumpling run.
Who should go: Groups craving a non-traditional brunch
When to visit: Late morning for easiest seating
What to order: Siu mai, roast duck, Portuguese egg tart
Insider tip: Order 3–4 items total first—then add one round.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual and functional—jeans, sneakers, and brunch-appropriate comfort all fit.
Noise level: Moderate—lively counter energy but still manageable for group conversation.
Weekend wait: Not applicable—primarily a daytime and brunch-focused spot.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes during peak lunch; off-peak is often no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable dumplings and sides, but choices are limited.
Vegan options: Very limited—expect only one or two workable options.
Gluten-free options: Limited—rice-based dishes exist, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first meet than a romantic sit-down—ordering is fast and the vibe is more practical than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there’s no formal reservation system, and turnover is quick if you hit a non-peak window.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for elementary-age kids who like dumplings and buns; limited seating space makes strollers tricky.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable dim sum-style brunch with shareable plates and minimal commitment.
Skip if: You want traditional cart-style dim sum, a lingering brunch, or a quieter sit-down experience.