Chinese entrepreneur, Zhiming Bai, had a plan – to open an upscale Chinese fast-food restaurant, in hopes of being competitive with New York burger institutions like Shack Shake
To help with executing this bold mission, Uncle Sam’s Burger recruited Chef Sean Thomas, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, who brings his varied culinary experiences and constant experimentation to redefine American classics at Uncle Sam.
During my visit to Uncle Sam’s last week, I was totally impressed with the flavors and the interesting menu. Notably, the loaded tater tots were an immediate favorite! And, since I haven’t had tater tots since high school, the impressive flavors of the sriracha sauce coupled with the savory chili made for an instant “ungraded” tater tot experience.
The unique combinations extended throughout Uncle Sam’s entire menu. Take for example, Uncle Sam’s Signature Burger, made with caramelized onions, Havarti cheese, lettuce and homemade chipotle mayo or the Spicy Avocado Burger, made with freshly cut avocado, sliced pickled jalapeno and Napa cabbage slaw; both of which are innovative and fresh.
If you’re into the NYC Chicken craze, then I suggest you try Uncle Sam’s Buffalo Chicken Sandwich – made with lettuce, crushed avocado, red onions and a delicious spicy sriracha buffalo sauce. This Chicken Sandwich was one of the best I’ve had in NYC to date.
Overall, the food is fresh, tasty and innovative. If you are a burger lover and/or simply looking for a new, quality fast-casual restaurant in NYC, I highly suggest that you give Uncle Sam’s Burger a try.
You Must Try: The Loaded Tots, the Buffalo Chicken, the Kale Salad, Milkshake (variety of flavors)
Go For: Lunch, Quick Bite
Check out some photos of my meal below:
The California Burger, made with aged cheddar cheese, fresh avocado, bacon & red onion jam, green leaf lettuce, was everything I hoped for and more.
The Buffalo Chicken sandwich, made with chicken patty, green leaf lettuce, crushed avocado, red onions, spicy sriracha buffalo sauce gives any of the other
Kale Salad, made with kale, sesame vinaigrette, grape tomatoes, cucumber, dried cranberries, toasted almonds
Loaded Tater Tots: topped with spicy beef chili, pepper jack cheese, scallions & sriracha mayo
Strawberry Milkshake
Uncle Sam’s Burger (Chelsea/Koreatown)
Where: 307 5th Avenue
Cuisine: Burgers, Fusion
Full Menu here
