TLDR
Iconic, long-standing spot for reliable American-Chinese staples and bold Sichuan flavors. Famous for nostalgic green dumplings and legendary General Tso's sauce.
Instagram Posts References
Ollie's, a Chinese restaurant in Times Square, is highlighted as one of the best Chinese food spots in the city. The reviewer was impressed by the extensive menu options and ordered a variety of dishes including fried chicken wings, beef with pepper and onion, shrimp fried rice, and chicken lo mein. All main dishes were described as delicious and came in huge portions, suitable for sharing among multiple people. The dessert, a chocolate gelato, was also noted for its creamy and delicious taste, contributing to an overall positive dining experience. The ambiance included visible bar area.
Details
Known for its enduring legacy, this staple serves a blend of Chinese-American classics and authentic Sichuan specialties that have kept diners coming back for decades [9]. While many praise dishes like their General Tso's chicken and unique green dumplings, others note that the consistency and portion sizes can occasionally be uneven [4], [14], [23]. Despite these critiques, it remains a popular, high-energy destination for a reliable meal in the heart of Midtown [13], [21].
Food Overview
The menu spans a broad spectrum of Chinese-American favorites and authentic Sichuan dishes, with the General Tso's chicken, shredded pork with garlic sauce, and green dumplings frequently highlighted as standout items [6], [8], [14], [19]. While most dishes are praised for their flavor, customers have noted that the Chongqing chicken can vary from amazing to just fine depending on the visit [4].
Customer Sentiment
Feedback is generally positive, with many diners considering the restaurant a solid and reliable staple for Chinese-American comfort food [13]. However, some patrons report occasional inconsistency in quality and frustrations regarding portion sizes for certain meat-heavy dishes [4], [14].
Caveats
The restaurant does not accept reservations, and some diners find the portions for certain meat dishes to be stingy even when extra is ordered [14], [21].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About OLLIES 42ND
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Help With Food Recommendations First Time Trip
"Recommended for pre-Broadway dinner due to fast service, though they do not take reservations."
PositiveFrom post: Suggestions On Favorite Chongqingdry
"The commenter notes that while the quality can be uneven, the version here is often delicious, though it has changed from being very oily to being drier."
NeutralFrom post: Suggestions On Favorite Chongqingdry
"The original poster identifies this as a place they have already eaten the Chongqing chicken."
PositiveFrom post: Doughy Dumplings Where To Find
"This commenter confirmed that the green dumplings at Ollies are the best."
PositiveFrom post: Doughy Dumplings Where To Find
"This user fondly recalled eating the green dumplings from Ollies during college, comparing them to a delicious version of play-doh."
PositiveFrom post: Doughy Dumplings Where To Find
"Ollies was mentioned as a place with doughy dumplings. The commenter specifically enjoyed the green ones, describing them as a delicious version of playdoh."
PositiveFrom post: Best Chinese
"Clarified that places like Ollie's are typically Chinese-American style, distinguishing them from regional Chinese restaurants."
NeutralFrom post: Best Chinese
"The original poster mentioned their daughter likes Chinese food, especially lo mein, in the context of seeking recommendations."
NeutralFrom post: Best Chinese
"Ollie's was mentioned as a recommendation, specifically for American-style Chinese food."
NeutralFrom post: Whats Your Favorite Random Dish From A Random
"Cheng du whole fish from ollies Sichuan is mentioned."
PositiveFrom post: Best Shredded Pork With Garlic Sauce
"The user found Ollie's to have a good version of shredded pork with garlic sauce, but was disappointed by the stinginess with the meat, even when paying extra."
NegativeFrom post: Great Eats For A Picky Teen
"Ollie's is suggested as a Chinese restaurant option."
PositiveFrom post: Family Style Chinese Food Dinner In Midtown Nyc
"Ollie's is mentioned as a potential dining option."
NeutralFrom post: Suggestions Chinese Restaurant Around The West
"Ollie's Sichuan on 42nd street and 9th avenue was described as really solid."
PositiveFrom post: Is There Any Good General Tsos Chicken In Nyc
"This user states that Ollie's General Tso's sauce has remained the same for 30 years and mentions there is a UES location on 77th & 2nd."
PositiveFrom post: Is There Any Good General Tsos Chicken In Nyc
"The user notes that Ollie's restaurants used to be very solid for General Tso's chicken and plans to re-try theirs."
NeutralFrom post: Early Dinner Suggestions Hells Kitchentheatre
"This user expressed extreme fondness for Ollie's Sichuan, highlighting the 'shredded pork with garlic sauce' as a perfect dish."
PositiveFrom post: Early Dinner Suggestions Hells Kitchentheatre
"This commenter recommended Ollie's Sichuan as a very good option for Chinese and Chinese-American food, though noted it might not fit the 'casually elegant' vibe."
PositiveFrom post: Where Has The Best Orange Chicken In Nyc
"This user suggested Ollie's on 42nd street as a strong contender, also stating they have the best General Tso's."
PositiveFrom post: Soup Dumpling Spot Near Midtown
"The author lists Ollie's Sichuan among other restaurant recommendations."
Positive