Buns Bar

Despite the gentlemen’s club–worthy name, the buns on offer at this Chelsea newcomer are of the bao and burger variety. And you have to pardon the near-juvenility: Owners Luke Pascal and Sam Weinstein are 21 and 24 years old, respectively. Heirs to Ark Restaurants Corp. (Robert, Bryant Park Grill)—headed by their fathers Vincent Pascal and Michael Weinstein—the young guns are joined by Ark veteran chefs Armando Cortes and Viko Ortega, who oversee a slider lineup that includes a classic caprese trio on a fried green tomato “bun,” fried oysters served po-boy–style with Dijon-horseradish aioli on brioche, and cinnamon-fried chicken with teriyaki hoisin sauce on a steamed bao. Beyond the bun, the menu is stocked with classic-riffing cocktails (coconut-basil gimlet) and craft beers (Oskar Blues Mama’s Little Yella) at the zinc-wrapped bar. The space offsets homey touches like a brick fireplace and mahogany wood with industrial effects, including 3-D wallpaper.