TLDR
Bold, authentic Szechuan flavors with the perfect 'ma la' tingle. A highly-rated East Village staple for those who can handle the heat.
Details
Renowned for its bold, authentic Szechuan cuisine, this establishment stands out as a top-tier destination in Manhattan's East Village [1]. While widely celebrated for dishes that deliver the perfect 'ma la' tingle, diners note that the spice intensity can be relentless throughout the meal [2], [3]. Though the restaurant has earned significant acclaim, including a spot on the New York Times Top 100 list, some patrons suggest that the original Flushing outpost provides a more superior experience than the Manhattan location [4], [5].
Food Overview
The restaurant specializes in authentic Szechuan cuisine, earning particular praise for its chow mein, Chongqing chicken, and sour veg fish [6], [7], [12]. While many dishes are celebrated for their quality, customers occasionally find specific items, such as the pork in garlic sauce, to be of poor quality, and some report that dishes can be excessively spicy [8], [11].
Caveats
Be advised that the spice levels are high and relentless, and many dishes include whole chilis which should be avoided to avoid a poor experience [3], [8]. Furthermore, some frequent visitors suggest the Manhattan branch is not as consistent or impressive as the original location in Flushing [5].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About THE MOUNTAIN HOUSE
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Sichuan Food Chinatown Les Or Bowery Sichuan
"A popular East Village branch of a well-regarded restaurant that serves delicious food."
PositiveFrom post: Mountain House Vs Che Li Vs The Bao Fav Chinese
"Selected as the best of the list, although it is spicy; the beef fried rice is a non-spicy recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Mountain House Vs Che Li Vs The Bao Fav Chinese
"The user notes it focuses on Szechuan cuisine."
NeutralFrom post: Mountain House Vs Che Li Vs The Bao Fav Chinese
"Suggested as a better alternative than The Bao."
PositiveFrom post: Mountain House Vs Che Li Vs The Bao Fav Chinese
"The Manhattan location is still a solid meal, though the Flushing original is much better."
Positive