Cluckman's: An Instant Classic

An Instant Classic

In-N-Out Burger and Shake Shack — American hamburger joints like McDonald’s and Burger King — brought gourmet twists to fast-food and became classics of their own. As the country moved toward high-end dining and farm-to-table cuisine over the last half century, most Americans held on to their inherent desire for quick, easy and comfortable — burgers, fried chicken, French fries and shakes.

Today in Sag Harbor, which dozens of restaurants call home, from the finest of dining to the most casual of hangouts, there is a fast-food burger and chicken place of its own. Cluckman’s (24 Long Island Avenue), which opened this summer across from the Sag Harbor Post Office, and was imagined and launched by the local husband-and-wife team of Michael Gluckman and Lila Beudert-Gluckman, and yes, the name is quite obviously a play on words with their last name.

The menu is short and simple with Smashburgers, chicken sandwiches and tenders, hot dogs, a handful of salads and sides, and some of the best shakes on the East End. The prices are reasonable, with a plain burger starting at $9, on up to a triple “Sag Smash” for $17. Chicken sandwiches are $14, and daily specials including a killer lobster salad are regularly available.

Cluckman’s is just steps from the John Steinbeck Waterfront Park and has quickly become popular within the local workforce, families and kids and remains true to its concept: an American classic.