Just an oridinary Sichuan restaurant, but close to work.
Reviewed by:
Jennifer R. on:
3/10/2013 1:27:00 AM
They had me at, "MSG? We don't use MSG! We aren't an American Chinese restaurant!" Delicious food, freshly made dumplings, tender beef, and delicious jasmine tea. Am here for work for two weeks and will be back as often as possible, yum!
Reviewed by:
Rick C. on:
2/22/2013 2:34:00 PM
Many items on the menu are super spicy hot, I love it. We also have taken my 4 year old here, so they have more mild dishes for the young-uns as well.
Reviewed by:
Edgar L. on:
2/13/2013 3:00:00 PM
Got the mapo tofu and it was deliciously savory. Just the right amount of spicyness.Service was acceptable and portions were decent. Highly recommend it for an affordable lunch spot.
Reviewed by:
William T. on:
2/2/2013 4:30:00 AM
We checked in to our hotel and my wife asked the front desk for the best local chinese. She told us this place was around the corner and it was good enough that the staff practically ate there daily. We checked it out and we stepped in and were instantly greeted and seated. They waited for us to read the menu and took our order. Our food came out almost instantly. I had the Dan Dan noodles. Awesome, heat and flavor. My wife had the seasame chicken. She loved it. Said it was the best she's had. I would definitely recommend this place to anyone.
Reviewed by:
Surfer N. on:
1/30/2013 9:49:00 PM
Finally! Great Chinese in Murray Hill.Ordered sweet and sour chicken, veggies with garlic sauce and moo-shoo pork, and was super happy with it all. NO MSG (I'm allergic and would know if they had put it in the food), quick delivery, the food came hot, and the woman I ordered from over the phone was really helpful and courteous.I'll definitely be ordering from these guys again in the future.One disappointment -- no pork spare ribs on the menu. Boo!
Reviewed by:
Jennifer Z. on:
1/24/2013 10:16:00 PM
I have to say...their beef noodle soup totally won me over. Perhaps it was the freezing cold weather outside, but it was utter perfection!I've had my fair share of beef noodle soup growing up, given that it is nearly a staple in Chinese cuisine- similar to an American mac & cheese if you will. And this bowl was everything a great beef noodle soup should be. The broth was very well flavored- rich and savory with a hint of spiciness. The beef was soft although a few pieces had tendons (which is actually the norm for beef noodle soup...while I hate those pieces my mom always explained that those pieces give the soup the extra flavor). The noodles were cooked to perfection with just a bit of chewiness in every bite. There were also pieces of seasoned bamboo shoots which was a pleasant surprise for me and plenty of cilantro and green onions to top it all off.Best part was that it was under $10 bucks, a HUGE serving, and the service was quite quick! :) Highly recommended!
Reviewed by:
Wendy G. on:
1/22/2013 9:54:00 AM
I ordered the takeout from them on Seamless: the spicy veggie trio (eggplant/string beans/bean sprouts/shiitake mushroom PLUS added mixed veggies, and one portion of steamed dumplings (coming with 6).Granted the dish was quite oily, but the spice was actually very complex - if only minus the oil then it would be authentic. It totally hits the spot on a cold winter night!Worse than Chinatown, much better than most takeouts, this place sorta stucked in between.The pricing was reasonable and the delivery was prompt. I'd definitely order from them again.
Reviewed by:
Alexandra M. on:
1/18/2013 7:36:00 PM
I want to give this place a 5 star because the service was stellar. I probably experienced the complete 180 of what the other reviewer did. The service was quick, efficient. Water was served so quickly after we sat down that it was as if it appeared by magic. The waitress gave us enough time to read the menu and was there when we were ready to order. The elder gentleman was solicitous and refilled our pot of tea when it was empty. So in terms of service, I have no complaints. My only complaint, is that my General Tso's chicken dish was a little too vinegary for my taste. Having had only one dish there, it wouldn't be fair to completely trash the place on the basis of one dish. Maybe worth going back to try the other dishes - the other patrons seem to be enjoying the food. The complimentary orange at the end of the meal is a nice touch, and nice (refreshing) way to end the meal.
Reviewed by:
Paul G. on:
1/16/2013 3:51:00 PM
What a great surprise. My office is directly across the street, but it doesn't look particularly appetizing from the street (it looks as if it belongs in Chinatown). And then, a couple of years ago, it showed up in New York Magazine, "Cheap Eats". So I tried it.It is sensational.It is not gourmet to be sure. Save that for Chin Chin or Shun Lee. But it is really good. And their price fix lunches, which range from $7.60 to $9.95 can't be beat.The food is fresh and I have yet to eat anything there I didn't like.The service is quick, even at dinner - this is not a place to go with clients or if you are looking for a leisurely meal, but it is great for in and out.
Reviewed by:
J L. on:
1/15/2013 7:11:00 PM
One of the better Chinese food places in the area. I always get the tofu fish dices, medium spicy. Some three spice items can be burning hot, so watch out!
Reviewed by:
Jenn S. on:
1/14/2013 8:39:00 AM
Service is abrupt and rude here from the host to the wait staff...seriously if you don't want to serve people who aren't Chinese or don't speak Chinese, WHY OPEN A RESTAURANT?!?!?!I've eaten here a few times, only because of coworkers being lazy and not wanting to go far or because someone is treating and there is never any consistency to their dishes. It's either way to salty or way to bland...don't kitchen have a standard anymore???Their signature Mapo tofu dish is a joke...it's bland one day and overly dumbfounded spicy the next...I'm a spice freak but this was just retarded spice to the point of not enjoy just a bite or two of it.
Reviewed by:
Naim R. on:
1/13/2013 2:59:00 PM
Not a big fan of Chinese food to be honest, but Mapo Tofu is my only exception. Stopped here one night with a couple of friends because we were in the mood for something spicy and didn't want Indian. Decided to try this place because apparently Szechuan food is spicy, and boy were they right. We got a variety of dishes from the mapo tofu, to kung pao chicken, to some fish dish that i forgot the name of. We even got a dish of melon (AMAZING, even though tanvirul hoque finished it all). Great eating environment, felt very homey and very relaxed eating environment. If you ever catch yourself midtown in need of your spicy food fix. Definitely check this place out.PEACE
Reviewed by:
Hannah H. on:
1/11/2013 9:36:00 PM
American style Szechuan food, but tastes good. Mapo Tofu is not the best even the restaurant is in the name of it.
Reviewed by:
Haiqing X. on:
1/5/2013 5:23:00 PM
I was very impressed by its service and most of all its authentic and quality Sichuan dishes. But our return visit turned out to be a big disappointment. They still use clean table cloth and service is better than most Chinese restaurants, but food is, well, quite awful. The famed Mapo Tofu has lower quality tofu in it with a sour taste and the Mapo part has gone missing. Another classic Si Chuan dish we ordered - Yu Xiang Eggplant - was a failure too. It tasted as if the eggplant were hurriedly dipped in Yu Xiang sauce instead of being cooked in it. It was very bland. To make sure it's not that I had bad luck on a New Year's Day, I asked if the kitchen has the same chef. The polite answer I got was yes, and that the owner is still the same one who worked for the venerable Wu Liang Ye. I doubt I will return since the kitchen seems to have forgotten its trade.
Reviewed by:
Pallavi B. on:
1/3/2013 6:40:00 PM
Its funny that this a to go place for my husband as he is right there in the neighborhood however I forgot to review it after my visit. Can't really blame myself as it was more than two years ago.I remember that I had ordered veggie spring roll as appetizer and all I got was one roll. LoL!For main course I had vegetable fried noodles which were flavorful.I do not think that I am going back anytime soon.
Reviewed by:
Sarah Y. on:
1/2/2013 7:42:00 AM
Service was ok, prices were ok. Went a couple days ago and noticed they had grade pending sign which made me feel uncomfortable but we went in anyway. Orded beef on a sizzling platter. It came with toasted rice, mixed veggies and plain white rice. The dish itself tasted pretty good. I liked the toasted rice only after it got soggy from the sauce. At first I thought they were giving me rice krispies... I was disappointed with the white rice especially since I love white rice. It was too dry and I could not eat even half of the bowl. Other than that it was ok. It wasn't amazing, and I have other favorites. I probably won't go back because the dry rice was very disappointing.
Reviewed by:
Lindsay S. on:
12/31/2012 11:48:00 AM
love their mapo!! i honestly have craving for the mala flaovr of the sichuan food and need to get my fix. I think they make a really tasty version of this popular dish and its reasonably priced. I also love their curry dried lamb. Its a more expensive item but worth it. Great midtown place- go for the lunch specials!
Reviewed by:
Ken B. on:
12/2/2012 8:42:00 AM
Excellent- tried the Mapo Tofu, it's the real deal. Very spicy.
Reviewed by:
Bethany L. on:
11/17/2012 5:13:00 PM
The food is generally good. Mapo tofu is actually my favorite Chinese dish, so it was a delight to find a restaurant that prized themselves over it. However, I do agree with Greg M. below. The only critique I have of their tofu is that it is inconsistent. I have ordered the Mapo Tofu on seven different occasions; sometimes it is extremely spicy with an overload of peppercorn, and sometimes it is too mild, lacking in flavor and sauce. Otherwise, their other dishes are quite tasty.The reason I rate them with only 2 stars is because the service is rude and unpleasant. The last time I was there, I ordered for takeout. I discovered my family members were near the area, so we decided to dine together in the restaurant. My takeout order was completed, but since it was Mapo Tofu's own meal I ordered, I sat down with my family to eat.Immediately after we were seated, 3 of the staff members zoomed to my table in a frantic manner. A waitress snatched my paper bag (which had their menu stapled on it) away from me. Another waiter seized the bag of complimentary sauces they had given me, and he also hastily took the lid of my container. The owner demanded I pay $2 if I were to stay. I told him, "yes, that would be no problem". During the entire meal, their staff (most notably, the owner) stared intensely at me, making the experience uncomfortable. I was unable to enjoy the food.I am a loyal customer who purchases their food frequently since I work in the area. I was offended at the owner for 1.) presuming I wouldn't tip, and 2.) the speed of his presumption. Even though I paid for my food and was seated with other paying customers, my other speculation behind their panic was that they did not like how I was reducing the appeal of their restaurant by consuming the meal from a container (which they had provided to me). If anything was unprofessional, it was their behavior and attitude which only embarrassed me. If I were to eat their food again, it would only be through a seamless order. They have lost a dining customer, and I will now be visiting their competitor.
Reviewed by:
Greg M. on:
10/26/2012 1:14:00 PM
Not all that impressed. Had their signature dish -- Mapo Tofu -- on two separate occasions. The first time, it was overspiced to the point of being inedible; the second time, asking for a milder version, it was bland and listless.Generally, I found this place to be a bit overpriced for standard Midtown Chinese. The service was not that good either, with the host (owner?) constantly inserting himself into the dining experience. That sometimes works well, but only if the customer welcomes it.To stay or to go? Go (elsewhere).
Reviewed by:
Karim Q. on:
10/18/2012 2:55:00 PM
Not particularly a fan of Americanized Chinese food, and every time I eat tofu I feel like I'm gonna grow boobs, but this place manages to pull off a rock solid meal. Really, tofu only tastes good if the shit it's mixed with tastes good. And Mapo makes the shit mixed with the tofu taste really good. No other way to put it.Skip the crap you typically get at Chinese places and order the Mapo Tofu. Look, the place is called Mapo Tofu, and there's a dish called the same thing. You think they'd bring it weak with that dish?
Reviewed by:
Lei P. on:
10/15/2012 5:29:00 PM
This is my go-to work lunch guilty pleasure when I'm craving spicy, oily, fatty food and Sichuan flavors. Plus, there exists no other like them (walking distance). This is like an oily replacement for my favorite Sichuan in all of NYC, Wa Jael, which is on the UES.Mapo Tofu is a no-frills, cheap Chinese joint with local office workers at lunch. They won't make recommendations and provide sommelier service or curtsy, smile, and suggest the special of the day. It is what it is. Hurried, abrupt waiters, sticky tables, hungry office workers looking for deals, language barriers, confused tourists. Rudeness at times. But you can't beat the cheap lunch deals for the portion size for sichuan or the delicious (but oily) food for when you are having a bad, PMS-filled, cranky day, and a chopped salad just will not do; this is the perfect lead belly lunch.I always order the prawns in spicy chilli minced pork chili sauce with asparagus.The pork belly with leeks would be good if it weren't so oily. Wasn't too hot about Szechuan dumplings in sweet chili vinigrette--it had a crunch, sweet texture...way too sweet.
Reviewed by:
Lucy L. on:
9/16/2012 7:45:00 PM
I never been to the place itself.I order take out for lunch.But this is for their MAPO TOFU with miced pork.I've had the one's from Wu Liang Ye and supposedly their food is authentic.I HAVE TO TELL YOU........ this dish is better then Wu Liang Ye.Spicy and hot .... and enough amt of pork to go with the tofu...And it's decently priced.In fact ... i'm order from them again today ^_^
Reviewed by:
Fresh A. on:
8/17/2012 2:53:00 PM
If you like spicy, get their mapo tofu. Lunch menu is cheap, but it's cheaper if you have it to go instead of eat in.
Reviewed by:
Melissa D. on:
7/30/2012 12:26:00 AM
On a recent trip to New York, I had the pleasure of dining here... twice. Both times the food was very good and service was great. I highly recommend taking a chance on this place if you can handle spice or can at least power through it (like me). Be very mindful of the hotness ratings on the menu... this isn't like mass-produced salsa warning labels... these guys mean business.All of the dishes were delicious and very aromatic. I tried a recommended tofu dish that smelled like spiced perfume and tasted amazing and the cashew chicken... which was a little overcooked that night, but packed with flavor.Very reasonably priced food for Midtown Manhattan. I went there with vegetarians and meat eaters alike and everyone went home happy.Happy Ending: they give you a complimentary sweet orange for dessert after your meal.
Reviewed by:
Craig Z. on:
7/28/2012 7:46:00 AM
See my review below, which stands, but I wanted to add this.Me: What time will my food be ready for pick up?Her: 5-10 minutes15+ minutes later...Me: I'm here for my food.Her: Not ready.5+ minutes later...Her: Your food is readyMe: How long did that take according to your watch?Her: about 25 minutesMe: Why do you tell me 5-10 minutes everytime if it always takes 20-25?Her: I don't know where your office isEnd scene.Minus one star.
Reviewed by:
Lisa P. on:
6/23/2012 8:07:00 AM
This place was our first meal in New York. We chose it because it was really close to our hotel. It was lunchtime. Luckily we were seated right away. Right after we placed our order, the place got packed and their was a line out the door. I noticed that some people were waiting to be seated, and others had placed phone orders that they were picking up. My husband and I shared an order of Mapo Tofu with rice, and Szechuan Pot Dumplings. The Mapo Tofu was okay. It wasn't anything better than I've had before. Honestly, I think their was a little too much black pepper. But the Dumplings were delicious. I would come back for these, any maybe try something else the next time I come here.Oh, one last thing, the seats and tables are really tight, so don't come here if you need space.
Reviewed by:
Rubun D. on:
5/24/2012 9:35:00 AM
Mapo Tofu is just okay -- I'm not sure what all the credentials are about. We had the Mapo Tofu, the Dan Dan noodles, and the Crabmeat soup. The Mapo Tofu was mediocre, and just tasted like mapo tofu mix and salt spread on top of some tofu. The Crabmeat soup and Dan Dan noodles were very bland. I asked for the noodles to be spicy, but they just came back covered with pepper.Honestly, if you are going to name your restaurant after a dish, you HAVE to make that dish well.
Reviewed by:
Xi G. on:
5/23/2012 9:46:00 PM
came here multiple times with co-workers and mostly it's been for lunch but i did come here once or twice for dinner.service is usually pretty quick and attentive though sometimes we found ourselves in want of water. it's to be expected with the lunch rush though so i thought it wasn't too big of a deal. the place is rather small but they really use the most of their space so seating can get a bit cramped at times.for lunch the most memorable things i got were probably the beef noodle soup and the mapo tofu. the beef noodle soup came in a pretty big bowl and i remember being very satisfied afterwards. there was a good amount of beef in it and the flavor was decent though not the best i've had. the mapo tofu came with rice and was supppeeerrr spicy/numbing!!! towards the end i couldn't feel my mouth and ended up just taking the rest home. i'm not sure how i feel about this but i do remember that in the beginning the flavor was very nice and savory.for dinner, the most memorable dishes were probably the cumin lamb and the (not really sure about the actual english translation but the literal translation is "drool chicken" lol). the lamb came with toooonnnss of peppers but i really enjoyed how crispy it was and how it wasn't too spicy but had a good amount of flavor on it. personally, i don't know how cumin lamb is actually supposed to be like but i really enjoyed it here. the chicken was rather light despite being spicy and i can't quite put my finger on what made it so good but there were hints of other flavors in there with the spicy sauce. something sweet i think? not entirely sure but it was definitely one of the better appetizers we had. it was also one of the first to be polished off at our table haha.service is generally polite and attentive but again, when it gets crowded you might have to fight for attention.overall this is somewhere i would definitely go if i was in the area and craving spicy Chinese food.
Reviewed by:
jen b. on:
4/6/2012 2:08:00 PM
Went back to Mapo Tofu last night and sad to say, it wasn't good. The mapo tofu was incredibly salty and coated w/pepper, and we didn't detect any meat in the dish whatsoever.We also ordered the moo shu pork which was bland and flavorless.Maybe it was just a bad night - I really hoped we had found a good Chinese place in midtown.
Reviewed by:
marjoyrin123 on:
2011-10-05
This Chinese restaurant is the best I have ever eaten in - The food is great and the customer service is fantastic!! - Never disappointed - if you are in New York or just visiting - stop by this place - you will be glad you did!!!!!!!-
Reviewed by:
stephnie on:
2011-09-23
Some of the best Chinese food I've had in years. Food is excellent, service is fast and courteous and prices are reasonable. Really great restaurant.
Reviewed by:
baitubetul on:
2011-08-30
I am from Sichuan and I go to Mapo Tofu when I miss my hometown food.
Reviewed by:
gt9971a on:
2011-08-15
The menu is vast but their Schezuen style food is excellent. We really enjoyed the food The food does take some time to come but that's why it tastes so darn good! Highly recommend this place and I would definitely go again
Reviewed by:
mikehtillusc on:
2011-08-10
I am from Sichuan, a place famous for spice in the southwest of China. I have tried 95 % of the Sichuan food from Los Angeles to New York, and I know how REAL sichuan food tastes like. To be honest, THIS IS THE ONE, Especially you ask for EXTRA spicy if you can handle it. I would strongly recommend this restaurant to family and friends.
Reviewed by:
213 on:
2011-08-10
Very good taste, reminds me of Sichuan, China
Reviewed by:
hc123888 on:
2011-08-08
The beautiful appetizer made with seafood amazed us and was very very delicious. We couldn't wait for the dishes any more and they only made the dinner even more beautiful. The hot pot fish was soft and tasty - I never had such good spicy foods. Best Szechuan food in town, definitely should go there again
AVG:(5.0)
