Cluckman's, the new fast-casual takeout spot, offers a much-needed reprieve in the local restaurant market. Sag Harbor has desperately needed a place like this, something fast, affordable, and inviting. Cluckman's vibrant atmosphere is poised to make it one of the most popular hangout spots for the younger crowd. Its affordable prices and prime location near the old 7-Eleven should attract plenty of foot traffic.
On my first visit, I ordered the classic chicken sandwich and fries. Unfortunately, the chicken sandwich uses a breast instead of a thigh, which typically offers more flavor. The breast was dry and underseasoned, lacking the necessary salt needed. The sandwich was generous with condiments--bacon, Swiss cheese, avocado, lettuce, pickle, and a signature "Sag sauce." However, the condiments seemed to mask the chicken rather than complement it. The chicken was also lukewarm. The hand-cut fries, while appreciated, were clumped together and soggy due to excess oil and were also undersalted. They too were lukewarm and not hot, which was disappointing. A heat lamp or some method to keep the sides hot would greatly improve this. On a positive note, the Sag sauce and garlic aioli were superb, with the Sag sauce being reminiscent of a classic Mac sauce from McDonald's, and the garlic aioli enhanced by fresh herbs.
During my second visit, I tried the double smash burger and sweet potato fries. The burger was juicy but didn't quite meet the traditional "smash" expectations. Smash burgers are usually pressed thin and cooked longer on the griddle to develop a crust. This burger felt more like a thin patty rather than a true smash burger. It tasted good but again lacked sufficient seasoning. The bun, branded with "Sag," added a nice touch of presentation, but it wasn't toasted, which would have provided a better texture and prevented sogginess. The sweet potato fries were better seasoned than the regular fries but still clumped together and were lukewarm. I just want hot fries.
On my final visit, I had the Nashville chicken sandwich along with onion rings. The chicken was similar to the classic sandwich--lukewarm, slightly cold, and dry. While the seasoning was improved, the chicken still didn't deliver the expected Nashville hot chicken flavor, tasting more like Frank's RedHot than the traditional Nashville spices. Traditionally, Nashville hot chicken is dipped in hot oil and then seasoned liberally with a spice mixture. This method not only infuses the chicken with heat but also ensures it remains crispy without introducing moisture that could make it soggy. Unfortunately, this crucial step seemed to be missing. The chicken was tender due to the buttermilk, but the lack of heat and proper seasoning was disappointing. The slaw and pickles provided a nice balance, but the overall flavor profile still needed improvement. The onion rings were light and flavorful but had issues with the coating not sticking well to the onions, leaving some pieces almost bare. Those with a full coating had a satisfying crunch and good flavor.
Overall, I believe Cluckman's has great potential. It has positioned itself perfectly to fill a void in Sag Harbor's dining scene, offering a fast-casual alternative to the high-end tacos and tequila bars that dominate the area. With some adjustments to their recipes, cooking processes, and methods to keep the food hot, Cluckman's could easily become a beloved staple in Sag Harbor. The food needs improvement, particularly in seasoning and maintaining the heat of the sides, but I believe Cluckman's has the potential to excel. read more