TLDR
A go-to for American Chinese faves like shredded pork w/ garlic sauce. Consistently good, but watch portions.
Details
This popular Chinese restaurant chain offers a wide array of classic American Chinese dishes, with many patrons highlighting the "shredded pork with garlic sauce" as a standout. While generally well-received for its consistent flavors and value, some reviews point out an unevenness in quality and portion control. It's a go-to spot for many, offering familiar favorites that evoke a sense of comfort and nostalgia.
Food Overview
The restaurant specializes in American Chinese cuisine, with many customers praising dishes such as shredded pork with garlic sauce and General Tso's chicken. There are occasional mentions of inconsistent quality and stinginess with meat portions, and a discussion around whether bamboo shoots in dishes are fresh or canned.
Caveats
Some customers have noted that the restaurant can be stingy with meat portions, even when paying extra. There's also a discussion about the quality of ingredients like bamboo shoots, with some suggesting canned over fresh.
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About OLLIES 42ND
Recent Reddit Mentions
From 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."
PositiveFrom post: Most Numbing Chongqing Chicken Sichuan Dry Fried
"This user believes Happy Hot Hunan is better than ollie's, and both are too expensive, but ollie's sometimes has Chongqing chicken as a special."
NegativeFrom post: Most Numbing Chongqing Chicken Sichuan Dry Fried
"Regarding ollie's, this user found the 42nd st location to be good but uneven, with experiences ranging from amazing Chongqing chicken to only fine."
NeutralFrom post: Most Numbing Chongqing Chicken Sichuan Dry Fried
"This user recalled ollie's uptown having an amazing hot and spicy shrimp dish, prepared Chongqing style, which was their first introduction to Szechuan peppercorn as a child."
Positive