Authentic Sichuan & Hunan cuisine in a lively Midtown setting. Standout mapo tofu & a great vibe for dates or groups.
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 is a Chinese restaurant in Midtown Manhattan that offers a vibrant atmosphere suitable for various occasions, from corporate dinners to date nights. The menu features a blend of Sichuan and Hunan cuisines, with the mapo tofu being a particular highlight, known for its authentic mala spice and excellent texture. The restaurant also provides numerous vegetarian options and a selection of cocktails, contributing to its broad appeal.
Blue Willow is lauded for its authentic Sichuan and Hunan cuisine, with the mapo tofu receiving special praise for its mala spice and texture. Other recommended dishes include dumplings and crispy beef. However, one user noted suspicion regarding the roasted duck being served too quickly, suggesting it might be premade.
"The mapo tofu is highlighted as a standout dish with authentic mala spice. Other popular items mentioned include dumplings, crispy beef, and sticky spare ribs."
Customers generally have a very positive sentiment towards Blue Willow, frequently recommending it for its authentic Sichuan and Hunan dishes, lively atmosphere, and suitability for various occasions.
Important Note
One user expressed suspicion about the roasted duck, noting it was served very quickly, suggesting it might have been premade.
"This user agreed that Blue Willow is a great place, recalling it fondly."
Positive"Blue Willow offers family-style dining. However, it serves Szechuan cuisine, which might be too spicy for children, although it could also be an interesting culinary experience."
Neutral"This user mentioned Blue Willow as a great place."
Positive"In response to Blue Willow being Hunan food, the user notes it's not as spicy and includes many traditional Sichuan dishes with 'ma' flavor."
Neutral"The user clarifies that Blue Willow serves Hunan food, not Sichuan, although it's similar. They note it's explicitly marketed as Hunan food in Chinese."
Neutral"The user agrees that Blue Willow is underrated, attributing this to its location in Midtown."
Positive"The user considers Blue Willow to be a good Sichuan restaurant, noting it's underrated possibly due to its Midtown location."
Positive"This user listed Blue Willow as a potential restaurant to consider."
Neutral"Blue Willow has private rooms available, with a reported minimum spend of $500."
Positive"Blue Willow is highlighted as fantastic Chinese food."
Positive"Blue Willow is recommended for Chinese food."
Positive"The user recommended Hunan Village and Land of Plenty."
Positive"The user listed Blue Willow as a recommended Hunan restaurant."
Positive"The user recommended Blue Willow for Hunanese cuisine."
Positive"The commenter supports Blue Willow, calling it one of the best Szechuan places in Manhattan and noting it's not overly touristy or focused on social media."
Positive"Blue Willow was recommended."
Positive"This user recommends Blue Willow on 56th for its spiciest dishes, which are so hot that Caucasian clientele are discouraged from ordering them."
Positive"This place has good dumplings and is noted for having some of the best Szechuan food in Manhattan. It is located in the commenter's neighborhood."
Positive"Blue Willow is a pricey but delicious walkable option for takeout near 7th and 55th street."
Positive"Blue Willow in Midtown was suggested as a dining option, though it is not located below 30th street."
Neutral
