Vibrant Midtown Chinese w/ standout mapo tofu. Perfect for dates, groups, impressing guests w/ Sichuan & Hunan faves. Great cocktails too!
Arden Shore reviews Blue Willow, a Chinese restaurant in Midtown offering a scene and standout mapo tofu. It's a good option for corporate cards, date nights, and impressing visitors.
Blue Willow in Midtown Manhattan offers a vibrant dining experience with a blend of Sichuan and Hunan cuisines. Known for its lively atmosphere, velvet banquettes, and bustling bar, it's a popular choice for corporate dinners, date nights, and impressing guests. The menu features a variety of classic Chinese dishes, with a particular standout being the mapo tofu, celebrated for its authentic mala spice and excellent texture. The restaurant also caters to vegetarians and offers a diverse cocktail selection, making it a well-rounded option for various palates and occasions.
Blue Willow specializes in Sichuan and Hunan cuisine, with many patrons highlighting the authentic mala spice and texture of their mapo tofu as a must-try. The menu offers a wide range of classic Chinese dishes, including dumplings, various meat and vegetable stir-fries, and options like crispy beef and pickled pepper chicken. While the food is generally praised, one user noted a decline in quality for takeout, and another expressed suspicion about the speed of service for roasted duck. The restaurant is also noted for having good vegetarian options.
"The mapo tofu is frequently highlighted as a must-try dish with authentic mala spice. Other recommended items include century egg clay pot, dumplings, and dry pot."
Customers generally have a very positive sentiment towards Blue Willow, frequently recommending it for its excellent Szechuan and Hunan cuisine, lively atmosphere, and suitability for group gatherings.
Important Note
One user expressed suspicion about the roasted duck being premade due to its quick service time. Another user noted a significant decline in quality for their last takeout order.
"This user listed 'Blue Willow' as a potential restaurant recommendation."
Neutral"This user recommended Blue Willow as a fun place to eat in the Upper Midtown area, noting that while some corporate lunch spots are pricier, Blue Willow is a good option."
Neutral"After clarification, this commenter confirmed 'Blue Willow' was the intended suggestion."
Neutral"This commenter confirmed the name 'Blue Willow' after it was initially mentioned."
Neutral"This commenter initially suggested 'blue willow' along with Quality Italian, later clarifying the name after a reply."
Neutral"Blue Willow is mentioned as a place that serves Chinese food."
Neutral"Blue Willow is recommended for Szechuan cuisine."
Positive"Blue Willow is listed as a recommendation, particularly in the context of Chinese cuisine options."
Positive"Blue Willow is mentioned as a common recommendation for Chinese food in NYC."
Positive"This user expressed a positive sentiment towards blue willow."
Positive"The corkage fee at this restaurant is $40."
Neutral"This user mentioned that Blue Willow has tables available, which could be a good option."
Neutral"This user mentioned Blue Willow as one of the few places they've found that serves Moo Shu with fully homemade crepes."
Positive"Blue Willow is suggested for its great food and lively atmosphere on a Saturday night."
Positive"Blue Willow is mentioned as a Chinese restaurant near Midtown."
Positive"This is an excellent Hunan and Szechuan Chinese restaurant that is close to Carnegie Hall."
Positive"This user seconded the recommendation for Blue Willow."
Positive"This user listed Blue Willow as a recommended restaurant for large groups."
Positive"This user recommended Blue Willow, stating it was great."
Positive"This user suggested Blue Willow as a potential option for a large group, noting it may have private rooms and is generally a good choice for Chinese food."
Positive
