Vibrant Midtown Chinese w/ standout mapo tofu & lively scene. Perfect for dates, groups, or impressing visitors.
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 highly recommended Chinese restaurant in Midtown Manhattan, specializing in Sichuan and Hunan cuisines. It boasts a lively atmosphere with velvet banquettes and a bustling bar, making it suitable for a variety of occasions from corporate dinners to casual outings. The menu features a wide array of classic dishes, with a particular standout being the mapo tofu, noted for its authentic mala spice and excellent texture. The restaurant also offers a good selection of vegetarian options and creative cocktails.
Blue Willow offers a menu of Sichuan and Hunan cuisines, with many customers highlighting the mapo tofu as a must-try dish for its authentic mala spice and texture. Other popular items include dumplings, crispy beef, and pickled pepper chicken, though one user noted a concern about the speed of service for roasted duck. The restaurant is also noted for its extensive menu with vegetarian options.
"The mapo tofu is frequently highlighted as a standout dish. Other recommended items include cold sesame noodles, steamed pork dumplings, crispy beef, and century egg clay 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 dining. Some minor concerns include the price and a past report of declining quality.
Important Note
One user noted suspicion regarding the roasted duck being served very quickly, implying it might be premade. Another user reported a significant decline in quality on a recent order, contrasting with past positive experiences.
"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"The original poster inquired about recommended dishes at Blue Willow after booking a reservation there."
Neutral"This commenter seconded the recommendation for Blue Willow."
Positive"Blue Willow on W 56th is recommended as an excellent Szechuan and Hunan option, though it is pricier. The commenter notes ample space and tasty food."
Positive"Blue Willow is recommended as a Chinese banquet restaurant option for larger parties, potentially suitable for a tighter budget."
Neutral"Blue Willow is recommended for century egg clay pot."
Positive"Blue Willow is recommended for century egg clay pot."
Positive"Blue Willow was suggested for its large menu, with most items fitting the specified price range, making it suitable for groups and sharing."
Neutral
