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Blue Willow is presented as an excellent Chinese restaurant located in Midtown, NYC, suitable for various occasions such as a casual dinner with friends after work or a meal before attending a Broadway show. The post highlights its offering of classic Chinese cuisine.
Blue Willow is presented as a Hunan-style Chinese restaurant located in Midtown, ideal for a post-work dinner or a meal before catching a show. The ambiance is suggested to be perfect for gatherings, allowing patrons to sample a wide array of dishes. The establishment is praised for serving up 'all the classics' of Chinese cuisine.
The reviewer dined at Blue Willow for Hunan cuisine, showcasing a table full of various dishes, indicating a hearty meal. The cost for this meal was $66.00.
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
Blue Willow is a well-regarded Chinese restaurant in Midtown Manhattan, praised for its flavorful Sichuan and Hunan cuisine and lively atmosphere. It's noted for offering a good balance of traditional dishes and a vibrant dining experience, making it suitable for various occasions from casual dinners to special celebrations [1], [2]. The restaurant is also recognized for its private dining options and its ability to transport diners to another time or place with its ambiance [3], [4].
Food Overview
Blue Willow offers a menu rich in Sichuan and Hunan flavors, with standout dishes like mapo tofu receiving particular praise for its authentic mala spice and texture [1]. The restaurant is also noted for its dry pot dishes, dumplings, and a range of other Chinese classics, including options like crispy beef and pickled pepper chicken [2], [3], [4]. While generally well-received, one user noted a decline in quality on a recent order [5]. The menu is extensive and can cater to various tastes, including vegetarian options [6], [7].
Highlights / Recommended
"Blue Willow is particularly recommended for its mapo tofu, dry pot dishes, and century egg clay pot. The restaurant also offers well-regarded dumplings and crispy beef [1], [2], [3]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •cold sesame noodles(2)
- •steamed pork dumplings(2)
- •sticky spare ribs(2)
- •salt and pepper calamari(2)
- •pork fried rice(2)
- •crispy beef(2)
- •pickled pepper chicken(2)
- •sautéed string beans(2)
Customer Sentiment
Customers generally have a very positive experience at Blue Willow, often highlighting it as a great place for authentic Chinese food, especially Sichuan and Hunan dishes [1], [2]. It's frequently recommended for its vibrant atmosphere and suitability for special occasions [3], [4].
Caveats
One user mentioned that their last order from Blue Willow showed a significant decline in quality compared to previous experiences, prompting them to seek new recommendations for midtown Chinese delivery [1]. Another user noted that the corkage fee at the restaurant is $40 [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Looking For Classic Americanchinese Food In
"Blue Willow was mentioned as a good option for Americanized dishes, alongside The Corner, with a note on the decline of Mee Noodle and Shun Lee's quality."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Classic Americanchinese Food In
"The commenter suggested Blue Willow as a place that, like most Chinese restaurants, offers American-style dishes to cater to a broad audience."
NeutralFrom post: Restaurant Recs
"This user listed 'Blue Willow' as a potential restaurant recommendation."
NeutralFrom post: Cheap Eats In Upper Midtown
"This user recommended Blue Willow as a fun place to eat in the Upper Midtown area, noting that while some corporate lunch spots are pricier, Blue Willow is a good option."
NeutralFrom post: Options For Quieter Italian And Chinese In Midtown
"After clarification, this commenter confirmed 'Blue Willow' was the intended suggestion."
NeutralFrom post: Options For Quieter Italian And Chinese In Midtown
"This commenter confirmed the name 'Blue Willow' after it was initially mentioned."
NeutralFrom post: Options For Quieter Italian And Chinese In Midtown
"This commenter initially suggested 'blue willow' along with Quality Italian, later clarifying the name after a reply."
NeutralFrom post: Places To Eat Near The American Girl Doll Store
"Blue Willow is mentioned as a place that serves Chinese food."
NeutralFrom post: Inexpensive Lunchdinner
"Blue Willow is recommended for Szechuan cuisine."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendations For Taking Out Of Tower Family
"Blue Willow is listed as a recommendation, particularly in the context of Chinese cuisine options."
PositiveFrom post: Recommendations For Taking Out Of Tower Family
"Blue Willow is mentioned as a common recommendation for Chinese food in NYC."
PositiveFrom post: Please Help Me Decide On A Dinner Date For 1st
"This user expressed a positive sentiment towards blue willow."
PositiveFrom post: Midtown Manhattan Corkage Fees
"The corkage fee at this restaurant is $40."
NeutralFrom post: Moody Restaurants Around Central Park For
"This user mentioned that Blue Willow has tables available, which could be a good option."
NeutralFrom post: What Are Hard To Find Food Items For You
"This user mentioned Blue Willow as one of the few places they've found that serves Moo Shu with fully homemade crepes."
PositiveFrom post: Iso Of Party Vibe Dinner For Big Group
"Blue Willow is suggested for its great food and lively atmosphere on a Saturday night."
PositiveFrom post: Last Minute Dinner Recs First Time Nyc
"Blue Willow is mentioned as a Chinese restaurant near Midtown."
PositiveFrom post: Seeking Preconcert Dinner Recommendations Prefer
"This is an excellent Hunan and Szechuan Chinese restaurant that is close to Carnegie Hall."
PositiveFrom post: Large Group Chinese Restaurant Recommendations
"This user seconded the recommendation for Blue Willow."
PositiveFrom post: Large Group Chinese Restaurant Recommendations
"This user listed Blue Willow as a recommended restaurant for large groups."
Positive