When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Dim Sum Sam
Why Dim Sum Sam is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Dim Sum Sam offers an inviting spot in New York City for friends and families to gather and enjoy authentic Cantonese cuisine. Located near Times Square and Madison Square Park, this restaurant shines for its quick service and carefully crafted dim sum selections, perfect for sharing among groups. With a diverse menu featuring classics like roast duck, char siu (BBQ pork), shrimp dumplings, and crispy spring rolls, there's an array of flavors to please all palates. The atmosphere is casual yet bright and clean, creating a comfortable environment for relaxed dining or a quick snack. Popular highlights include their Portuguese egg tarts—known for their flaky, rich texture—and their roast pork buns with sweet, tender filling. Prices remain reasonable, making it an accessible choice for meetups without sacrificing quality. The restaurant’s commitment to handcrafting each dish adds a genuine touch, enhancing the communal experience of eating dim sum. Dim Sum Sam's hours are extensive, staying open late to accommodate diverse dining schedules, encouraging friends to connect over Cantonese specialties any time of day.
Here's what people think of Dim Sum Sam
As of recent, Dim Sum Sam holds a 4.7-star rating based on 3271 reviews.
Users generally praise Dim Sum Sam for delivering authentic Cantonese flavors despite its central, tourist-heavy location. Many positive reviews highlight the quality of the roast duck and the generous portions served in a clean, bright venue. The shrimp dumplings and sweet egg yolk buns receive frequent commendations for taste and authenticity. Customers appreciate the friendly and prompt service as well as the fair price points, considering it a rare gem offering real Cantonese cuisine amidst New York's crowded restaurant scene. On the downside, some reviewers noted inconsistencies, such as overly fatty duck dishes or less-than-fresh noodle soups, and occasional disappointment with items like spring rolls or instant-style noodles described as subpar. A few found the quality variable between visits, which dampened their overall impression. Despite these critiques, the majority view remains positive, appreciating the balance Dim Sum Sam strikes between convenience, affordability, and an enjoyable dim sum experience. The consensus recommends the restaurant primarily for dim sum lovers seeking authentic tastes in a friendly environment, acknowledging minor flaws but valuing the overall high rating and considerable positive feedback.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Mourad
Do not get fooled by the fake 5 star reviews. The 4.8-star rating at the time of our visit is incredibly misleading. When you scan a QR code at the counter and leave a review, they give you a free drink—so take those glowing reviews with a grain of salt. We came here based on those ratings, but it turned out to be one of the worst dining experiences we’ve had. We ordered the Combo over rice with roasted duck and soy chicken, beef stew noodles, chicken dumplings, and shrimp dumplings. The portions were disappointing—mostly rice with very little meat and even the small portion of meat is full of bones, laterally more than half of the meat portion was bone. The chicken dumplings were honestly horrible, and while the shrimp dumplings were okay, they couldn’t redeem the meal. Roasted duck was inedible, smelled and looked like it’s been sitting there for three days. The beef stew noodles were completely inedible as well. They had a raw, unpleasant smell, and we tried to convince ourselves it was fine, but we just couldn’t eat them. We approached the front counter respectfully—not asking for a refund, just to exchange the beef dish for dumplings to justify the $60 we had just spent after a long walk around New York. The staff was rude, dismissive, and made no effort to help. No manager was there to talk to and explain, they didn’t not even look at the food. We left most of the food and ended up going to another restaurant. This isn’t about being picky, i eat out in different places from food trucks to fine dining places and i know I am not picky at all—it’s about basic food quality and customer care. Save your money and your time. Avoid this place
Tarin Tee
We went here for breakfast so many times and I once went for a late dinner. My mom really loved the pork and thousand year egg congee and I just loved all steamed stuff! Sooo good! It’s quite pricey for dimsum but this is New York City so I think I guess it’s ok for NYC prices. The noodles and congee have large servings though so plus everything is soooo tasty so I think it’s really good value for money. Oh and they make their own sauces. We tried asking where they buy their soy sauce because it’s good and they said the chef makes it. Try adding a bit of soy sauce to your plain rice dish or dip some of your dim sum on it! I really appreciate they open early at 8 and close late at 12:30AM The place is clean. Since we go in the mornings, it’s quiet. I went at night once, there’s a good crowd but their serving time is not long and people eat quickly and go. You order at the cashier and if you will dine in, they’ll call you to come pick up your order at the cashier. Utensils and sauces are on a table in the dining area. This is HIGHLY recommended! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
PF
Very good food for the price, 20$ meal with a drink. I had the BBQ pork and white rice with some hot sauce, very satisfying. Fast service, convenient. The closed restaurant room (no windows) and number announcements don't participate in a good atmosphere. It's fast food, don't expect restaurant style service!
Charlie
First time here, the food is phenomenal! The roast duck was marinated very well, tender, the roast pork is really good, probably the best I’ve ever had in Canada and the States, and the chicken feet is soft! Plus, a two combo meat over rice for only 14.95 is absolutely a steal! Can’t go wrong if you want real Chinese food here! The staff members are also super nice and helpful, especially Sherry! It was a busy time but she was still very dedicated and helpful, explaining what should I do and order, she is really amazing! The cleaning lady I saw in the kitchen was super hardworking and polite as well! I wish you all the very best! 🫶🏻
John Liang
UPDATE: the restaurant was apologetic for the poor service. They provided a refund which was unexpected but appreciated. It's refreshing to see a business seriously responding to customer feedback. Will give them another chance. Changing rating to what I would've given excluding the service aspect of this experience. UPDATE 2: Ordered the charsiu and soy sauce chicken, but the charsiu is so dry it felt like I was chewing on jerky! Will not order again. Had a horrible experience with a lunch take out order. Placed order at 12:19pm but didn't get order until 12:50!!! A colleague along with 10 separate people who ordered after me all received their orders before me. Had to ask multiple times to check. Was provided with no explanation for the delay. Horrible service! The food tasted like what is offered in Chinatown. The portions were stingy and the roast duck had little to no meat on it as in the video below. I asked to pay extra to get a thigh but was told I can't do that. That's just ridiculous. Don't bother coming here. Apparently customer service is a foreign concept at this store.
How to reach Dim Sum Sam
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Why Dim Sum Sam may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Dim Sum Sam with your friends?
Gathering at Dim Sum Sam for a meetup with your friends or family presents a compelling opportunity to enjoy an authentic, delicious Cantonese dim sum experience in a vibrant, welcoming environment. This highly rated restaurant, scoring 4.7 out of 5 from over 3,200 reviews, has established itself as a favored destination for food lovers who appreciate skillfully prepared traditional Chinese cuisine. The restaurant’s balance of cozy ambiance and spacious seating makes it an ideal spot for groups, offering a relaxed atmosphere where conversation flows as easily as the tea. Dim Sum Sam’s menu is a treasure trove of authentic Cantonese delights, including handcrafted dim sum, Hong Kong-style BBQ, and specialty dishes such as roast duck and pork buns, pleasing even picky eaters. The affordability of dishes, combined with the generous portions, allows groups to sample a variety of flavors without overstretching budgets. Moreover, visitors admire the quick, friendly service and the lively dining experience with orders called promptly, fostering a social, communal meal setting perfect for bonding and celebration.
What activities can you enjoy as a group at Dim Sum Sam?
At Dim Sum Sam, the primary activity revolves around dining on an array of expertly crafted Cantonese dishes, making food tasting an engaging shared experience for friends and family. Groups can enjoy ordering dim sum plates like shrimp dumplings, spicy mushroom dumplings, and BBQ pork buns which arrive in small, shareable portions encouraging communal sampling and conversation. The restaurant also offers classic Hong Kong-style BBQ items including roast duck, crispy pork belly, and beef tripe, which bring variety and depth to the meal, catering to diverse palates. Beyond just food, guests can engage in the unique ordering system where after placing an order at the counter, diners relax in spacious dining rooms and watch their orders being prepared through the kitchen viewing area, adding an interactive dimension to the meal. The lively beep and announcement when food is ready inject a playful feeling, and group members can help each other retrieve dishes, enhancing the social dynamic. Throughout the meal, sipping on traditional Chinese teas included in some set menus cultivates a leisurely and culturally immersive ambiance, perfect for longer gatherings. This combination of excellent food, interactive ordering, and communal sharing turns a simple meal into a memorable group event.
Why is Dim Sum Sam perfect for group meetups and celebrations?
Dim Sum Sam’s appeal for group gatherings lies in its thoughtful design of space, menu, and service that supports social dining. The restaurant features a spacious dining area both on the main level and upstairs, enabling groups of varied sizes to dine comfortably without feeling cramped. This layout accommodates intimate reunions as well as larger celebrations with ease, providing a mix of privacy and openness suitable for conversation and laughter. The menu’s variety allows groups to customize their orders to include vegetarian options, meat lovers’ favorites, and classic dim sum all on the same table, ensuring everyone finds something appealing. Prices are fair and portions generous, making it simple for groups to share multiple dishes and explore different tastes without concern for excessive bills. The casual, no-fuss ordering system lets groups focus on enjoying each other’s company rather than navigating complicated formal service. Combined with friendly staff who prioritize quick, attentive service, Dim Sum Sam minimizes waiting times and maximizes enjoyment, creating an inviting venue for special occasions or casual hangouts. For families, friends, or colleagues, this blend of authentic cuisine and group-friendly amenities makes it an excellent choice.
What should you try when dining with a group at Dim Sum Sam?
When visiting Dim Sum Sam as a group, it is highly recommended to sample a variety of dishes to experience the rich spectrum of Cantonese flavors. The shrimp dumplings and siew mai are standouts for dim sum lovers–plump, fresh, and bursting with savory goodness. Roasted items like the crispy pork belly and quarter roast duck deliver bold, aromatic flavors and tender textures praised by many guests. For noodle enthusiasts, the roast duck noodle soup with your choice of egg noodles, mei-fun, or udon offers a comforting and satisfying option. Don’t miss the pork buns, especially the sweet, succulent BBQ roast pork bun, which is a crowd favorite. To finish, treat the group to Portuguese egg tarts—flaky, sweet, and rich, they provide a delightful contrast to the savory meal. The set menus that include iced lemon tea and egg tart add convenience and value, ideal for groups new to dim sum who want a curated experience. Sharing these well-crafted dishes encourages a convivial atmosphere and lets everyone partake in a variety of tastes and textures, making the dining experience both fun and memorable.
How does Dim Sum Sam’s environment enhance group experiences?
The ambiance at Dim Sum Sam is crafted to enhance social dining and make group experiences both comfortable and enjoyable. The restaurant’s décor blends casual modernity with subtle nods to traditional Cantonese culture, creating a space that feels both authentic and accessible. Its cleanliness and brightness provide a welcoming environment where guests can relax after a day exploring the city. The spacious dining area prevents overcrowding even during busy hours, an important factor for groups who want to mingle and converse easily. The open kitchen view where guests can see chefs preparing dishes, including hanging Peking ducks, adds an element of theater and authenticity that sparks curiosity and discussion among friends. The automated system for calling orders introduces a lively, interactive dynamic, ensuring everyone in a group stays engaged through the meal. Altogether, these environmental features support a warm, social setting perfectly suited for meaningful gatherings, whether casual or celebratory.
What makes Dim Sum Sam’s service suitable for groups?
Dim Sum Sam prides itself on delivering efficient, courteous, and accommodating service, making it especially suitable for groups. The ordering process, where guests place orders at the counter and receive a number, streamlines service so groups can avoid long waits to be seated or served by wait staff, allowing immediate engagement with the dining space. The staff is known for their friendly approach and willingness to offer recommendations, which helps groups unfamiliar with dim sum menus choose dishes effortlessly. Quick preparation and prompt announcements of ready orders cater well to the pacing needs of group meals, preventing hunger-induced impatience and keeping the energy lively. If any dietary requirements or special requests arise within the group, the staff is responsive and skilled at handling them without fuss. This combination of attentiveness, speed, and approachability underpins a relaxed atmosphere where groups feel cared for and free to enjoy their time together without distraction.
How accessible and convenient is Dim Sum Sam for group meetups?
Dim Sum Sam’s locations in the heart of New York City, including proximity to popular areas like Times Square and Madison Square Park, make it highly accessible for groups traveling from different parts of the city or visiting from out of town. Its convenient hours, opening from morning into the late night, accommodate gatherings at almost any time, whether brunch meetups, lunch breaks, dinner parties, or late-night snacks after events. Public transportation options nearby increase ease of arrival and departure, which is a significant plus for groups coordinating logistics. The casual counter-order system reduces waiting time on busy days and allows quick entry without complicated reservations, appealing to spontaneous get-togethers. Combined with reasonable prices and generous portions, Dim Sum Sam presents itself as a convenient, approachable venue suitable for diverse group occasions ranging from casual meetups to after-work socializing.
What value does Dim Sum Sam offer for group dining?
Dim Sum Sam provides exceptional value for group dining by pairing authentic, high-quality Cantonese cuisine with reasonable prices and generous portion sizes. This balance means groups can enjoy sampling a wide variety of dishes without worrying about overstretched budgets. The set menus, which include beverages and dessert, add further value by simplifying the ordering process and ensuring a well-rounded meal. Guests frequently praise the use of skilled chefs who prepare dishes with care, so even at affordable prices, the quality does not feel compromised. Sharing multiple small dim sum plates allows groups to taste many items for less cost than ordering large individual entrées. The combination of fair pricing, quality food, efficient service, and a comfortable environment makes Dim Sum Sam a smart choice for groups focusing on both culinary enjoyment and budget-conscious dining.
Why do repeat customers and reviews recommend Dim Sum Sam for groups?
Several positive reviews from diverse customers highlight Dim Sum Sam’s consistent appeal for group dining. Many guests remark on the fresh, tasty dim sum and the standout Cantonese BBQ dishes, praising the authentic flavors and well-executed preparation. Regular customers note the friendly service and the smooth, organized ordering process which minimize hassles in a group setting. The inviting atmosphere and affordability are frequently mentioned as reasons to return, especially for casual group hangouts or celebratory meals. Some reviewers express appreciation for the large dining areas and the option to sit both downstairs and upstairs, which caters well to different group sizes and preferences. These endorsements from satisfied diners reinforce Dim Sum Sam’s reputation as a dependable, enjoyable group dining destination that combines authentic taste, welcoming vibes, and group-friendly practicality.