Midtown's go-to for authentic Szechuan & Hunan flavors. Known for its vibrant scene & standout mapo tofu.
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 popular Chinese restaurant in Midtown Manhattan, noted for its vibrant atmosphere and a menu that blends Sichuan and Hunan cuisines. It's frequently recommended for its authentic flavors, especially dishes like mapo tofu and dry pot. The restaurant is considered a great option for various occasions, from business lunches and date nights to group gatherings, with some users highlighting private room availability.
Blue Willow offers a blend of Sichuan and Hunan cuisine, with customers frequently recommending dishes like mapo tofu, dry pot, and century egg clay pot. While generally highly praised for its authentic and flavorful options, one user noted a decline in quality for roasted duck, finding it suspiciously quick to be served.
"Customers frequently recommend the mapo tofu, dry pot, century egg clay pot, dumplings, and various Szechuan and Hunan specialties. Some users also mention positive experiences with cold sesame noodles, sticky spare ribs, and crispy beef."
Customers generally have a very positive view of Blue Willow, frequently recommending it for its excellent Chinese food, particularly Szechuan and Hunan dishes. It's praised for its atmosphere and suitability for various occasions.
Important Note
One user expressed suspicion about the roasted duck being served too quickly, implying it might be premade. While generally praised for authenticity, there was a brief discussion about whether the cuisine is strictly Sichuan or Hunan.
"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"This user frequently orders cold noodles and mouthwatering chicken from Cafe China for lunch."
Positive"Cafe China is recommended as an excellent option located relatively close to the original poster's location on West 56th Street."
Positive"The original poster mentioned that Blue Willow used to be very good, but their last order was a significant decline in quality, leading them to seek new recommendations."
Negative"The user found Blue Willow to be a great option, especially noting that their friends enjoy Asian food."
Positive"Blue Willow is suggested as a restaurant with a menu that offers adventurous options alongside more common dishes like sesame chicken and won ton soup. The commenter believes it would appeal to vegetarians and offers many meat-forward dishes, though not specifically steak. It also has a private room option."
Positive"Blue Willow is recommended as a restaurant with a transporting atmosphere."
Positive"Blue Willow is suggested as a Manhattan option, especially for groups, with good food and a potentially transporting atmosphere."
Positive
