Sam Braverman’s mission has always been simple: cook good food. From dive bars to destination kitchens, he’s done exactly that, first earning buzz with steak frites au poivre and chimichurri that drew diners from across the city to an unassuming bar in Bushwick. That tiny back-kitchen operation—Lori Jayne—quickly became one of New York’s most talked-about spots, transforming Alphaville into a bona fide food destination and setting the stage for expansion.
Now at Time Out Market New York, Union Square, Braverman continues the Lori Jayne story with an Americana-inspired menu that’s anything but ordinary. The LJ Burger levels up the classic with caramelized onions, a “thickle” (that’s a thick pickle), and a swirl of the chef’s signature LJ sauce. For those craving more, there’s the bacon chili cheeseburger, Buffalo 2.0 chicken sandwich, crispy Sichuan mushrooms, hand-cut fries, and rotating frozen custard cups. Burger lovers can also build their own with add-ons like Sam’s almost-award-winning chili, thick-cut bacon, or a second patty.
The name Lori Jayne is more than a brand—it’s a tribute to Braverman’s mother, who taught him to cook and to care for people. True to form, she plans to be on site daily until convinced otherwise, continuing the family tradition of hospitality. With 32 years of New York living, rocking, and cooking behind him, Braverman brings comfort food with personality, creativity, and a whole lot of heart.