Vibrant Midtown Chinese spot w/ authentic Sichuan & Hunan. Standout mapo tofu & lively bar scene.
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.
Nestled in Midtown Manhattan, Blue Willow is a Chinese restaurant celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and a menu that expertly blends Sichuan and Hunan cuisines. It's a top-tier choice for everything from corporate dinners to intimate date nights, offering a lively bar scene and plush seating. Diners rave about the authentic mapo tofu, a must-try dish that perfectly captures the tingly mala spice and satisfying texture characteristic of the cuisine.
Blue Willow offers a menu of Chinese cuisine, with a strong emphasis on Sichuan and Hunan flavors. It is particularly noted for its authentic mapo tofu, which receives high praise for its mala spice and texture. Other recommended dishes include various Sichuan and Hunan specialties. There is a mention of roasted duck being served quickly, leading to suspicion about its freshness.
"The mapo tofu is frequently highlighted as a must-try dish. Other recommendations include century egg clay pot, cold sesame noodles, steamed pork dumplings, sticky spare ribs, and crispy beef."
Customers generally have a very positive view of Blue Willow, frequently recommending it for its delicious food, lively atmosphere, and suitability for various occasions, including group dining.
Important Note
One user expressed suspicion about the roasted duck, noting it was served very quickly and suggesting it might be premade. Another comment mentions a $40 corkage fee.
"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"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
