Cluckman's opens in Sag Harbor

When deciding on a name for his 14th eatery, Sag Harbor restaurateur Michael Gluckman settled on a pun: Cluckman’s, a self-described "Shake Shack for the Hamptons," opened at the former Water Street Wines & Spirits in Sag Harbor.

"It’s kind of a funny play on words." Gluckman said.

The open, industrial-style interior has high ceilings and large tables with the name Cluckman’s in neon lights on the walls, an aesthetic Gluckman described as "a throwback to what the classic hamburger shake joint was like years ago."

The smashburger and chicken sandwich spot’s menu is an intentional alternative to the upscale restaurants in the area.

"Everything has become so expensive in general, but especially out here," said Gluckman, whose other restaurants include Bamboo in Southampton. "I'm offering something casual and family-friendly. No reservations needed, come as you are."

The menu includes chicken sandwiches ($14), chicken fingers ($14), single, double and even triple smashburgers ($9-$17), ice cream milkshakes ($9) along with homemade French fries and onion rings ($5).

When building the menu, Gluckman said he took inspiration from Shake Shack, Five Guys, Chick-fil-A. His menu also includes nods to dishes from his other restaurants, like the Sticky Sweet & Spicy Korean Chicken Sandwich, inspired by a sauce made at Bamboo, his Asian fusion eatery.

The birria burger ($12), a juicy, griddled patty on a flour tortilla instead of a bun with melted mozzarella, shredded lettuce and birria dipping sauce, adds Latin-inspired flavor to the chicken-forward menu.

Choices also include a variety of meat-free options, including seven salads ($12 to $18) and a portobello mushroom burger ($14).

Lilit Mamikonyan, 21, from Shelter Island, walked into Cluckman’s on a recent Saturday because she wanted a place to quickly sit down and eat before moving on with her day. A first-time customer, she ordered the classic chicken sandwich.

"I’m not into fast food at all," she said. “[I figured] let me just try this, and it was amazing."

Gluckman plans to add chicken wings and southern fried chicken to the menu this fall.

Cluckman’s, 24 Long Island Ave., Sag Harbor, 631-919-5039, cluckmans.com. Open noon-9 p.m. daily.