Vibrant Midtown Chinese spot, praised for authentic Szechuan & Hunan flavors, standout mapo tofu, and great ambiance for any occasion.
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-regarded Chinese restaurant in Midtown, praised for its authentic Szechuan and Hunan flavors. It boasts a great ambiance suitable for various occasions, from casual dinners to corporate events. Standout dishes like the mapo tofu and crispy beef are frequently mentioned, offering a delightful taste of traditional Chinese cuisine.
Blue Willow offers a range of Chinese cuisines, with specific praise for its Szechuan and Hunan dishes. Standout recommendations include the mapo tofu, described as having a perfect mala spice and texture, and crispy beef. While most feedback is positive, one user noted suspicion about the roasted duck being premade due to its quick service.
"Customers frequently recommend the mapo tofu for its authentic mala spice and texture, as well as the crispy beef. Dumplings and the pickled pepper chicken are also highlighted."
Customers generally have a very positive experience at Blue Willow, frequently recommending it for its authentic flavors and pleasant ambiance. It's noted as a great option for various occasions, from casual dinners to special celebrations.
Important Note
One user expressed suspicion that the roasted duck might be premade due to its very quick service time (under 10 minutes).
"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"Blue Willow is recommended for its flavor in dry pot. Mala Project is also mentioned as better overall, and Han Dynasty is criticized for being too soupy/saucy."
Positive"This user agrees that Blue Willow is very good, offering a nice vibe and some of the best Chinese food of its kind in the city, without being overly expensive."
Positive"This user loves Blue Willow and has celebrated many special occasions in their private rooms."
Positive"This user confirms that Blue Willow is very good."
Positive"This user had a really enjoyable experience at Blue Willow."
Positive"Red Peony is suggested as a banquet-style option, possibly located next door or upstairs from Blue Willow, for those looking to go all out."
Neutral"Blue Willow is simply recommended as a dining option."
Neutral"Pecking Duck is listed as a recommendation for non-sandwich regular chicken options."
Neutral
