TLDR
Transporting, atmospheric venue serving elevated Szechuan and Hunan dishes. Perfect for large groups and lovers of authentic, tingly spice.
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.
Details
Located in Midtown Manhattan, this establishment offers a sophisticated blend of Szechuan and Hunan cuisines within an atmospheric space featuring velvet banquettes and a bustling bar [1]. It is frequently recommended for its expansive menu that caters to both vegetarians and meat-lovers, making it a reliable destination for group outings [2], [3]. While often praised for its quality and transporting ambiance, some diners have noted potential inconsistencies in food preparation [4].
Food Overview
The menu highlights a blend of Szechuan and Hunan specialties, including standout mapo tofu with a signature tingly mala spice and authentic fermented black bean flavor [1]. Guests often recommend the century egg clay pot [6] and uniquely authentic Moo Shu prepared with homemade crepes [7]. While catering to broad tastes with some Americanized favorites, the kitchen's focus on bold spice profiles defines its core appeal [1], [8].
Caveats
Diners should be aware of a $40 corkage fee for outside wine [10], and some visitors have noted that the spice levels of Szechuan dishes may be intense for children [11].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About BLUE WILLOW
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: In Pursuit Of High Quality Szechuan
"Praised for its nice ambience and for being an underrated option."
PositiveFrom post: Where Can I Find Chengdu Spicy Crab In New York
"Blue Willow is suggested as a place to find similar Szechuan-style crab dishes."
NeutralFrom post: Seeking Economical Dinner Places 4560 Pp In
"Recommended as a place to check out for better price points via the Michelin Bib Gourmand list."
PositiveFrom post: Visiting For Anyc Staying Near The Port Authority
"Recommended for Szechuan cuisine."
PositiveFrom post: Where Do You Think Makes The Best Sesame Chicken
"The user briefly states that this place is good."
Positive