TLDR
Authentic Sichuan cuisine w/ indulgent flavors & generous portions. Retro Shanghai vibe, creative cocktails.
Details
This Sichuan Chinese restaurant offers an indulgent dining experience with generous portions and a retro 1930s Shanghai vibe. Many reviewers compare it favorably to other popular Sichuan spots, with some even noting that former chefs from a now-closed establishment have brought their expertise here. The food is described as having a greasier, more indulgent quality, and the cocktails are also a hit.
Food Overview
This restaurant serves authentic Sichuan cuisine, with many dishes receiving high praise. Fan favorites include Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao dishes, and cumin lamb. Some reviewers note that the food can be greasier in a more indulgent way. There are also positive mentions of vegetarian options like Szechuan Cold Noodle and Ma Po Tofu.
Highlights / Recommended
"Highly recommended dishes include Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao dishes, cumin lamb, Chongqing chicken, and tea smoked duck fried rice. Vegetarian options like Szechuan Cold Noodle and Ma Po Tofu are also praised."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •mapo tofu(6)
- •tea smoked duck fried rice(2)
- •cumin lamb(2)
Caveats
One user reported a less consistent experience, finding the three pepper chicken to be rubbery and the vermicelli dry. Another found the laziji to be disappointing, though this was an outlier opinion.
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About CHILI
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Recommendations For Taking Out Of Tower Family
"Chili is mentioned as a common recommendation for Chinese food in NYC."
PositiveFrom post: Restaurants W Vegan Options In Midtown East
"This commenter recommended Chili on 37th, highlighting its cozy atmosphere and solid vegan options, specifically mentioning mapo tofu."
PositiveFrom post: Rip Grand Sichuan House Where To Go For Good
"Chili Milli is recommended as a place for Sichuan food."
PositiveFrom post: Last Minute Dinner Recs First Time Nyc
"Chili is mentioned as a Chinese restaurant near Midtown."
PositiveFrom post: Bryant Park Lunch Recommendations
"This user clarified that they were referring to the Sichuan restaurant, not the American chain, and commented on the lack of 'cultured folks'."
NeutralFrom post: Bryant Park Lunch Recommendations
"Chili, a Sichuan restaurant (not the American chain), is described as one of the user's favorite restaurants in the city, offering good food at decent prices. Specific dishes like cumin lamb, carp, and twice-cooked pork are highly recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Bryant Park Lunch Recommendations
"This user confirmed that Chili serves excellent Szechuan food and was surprised by the downvote on the previous comment."
PositiveFrom post: Bryant Park Lunch Recommendations
"This user asked if Chili is close by, noting it serves excellent Szechuan."
PositiveFrom post: Have A Conference In Times Square
"CheLi is mentioned as another good option for soup dumplings (XLB) further south, and the establishment is also behind Mountain House, a recommended Szechuan restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: Best Bite You Had In 2025
"Cumin Lamb at Chili was listed as a standout bite."
PositiveFrom post: Large Group Chinese Restaurant Recommendations
"This user listed Meili as a recommended restaurant for large groups."
PositiveFrom post: Business Lunch Recs Close To 605 3rd Ave
"This commenter recommended Chili (Szechuan) as a good vegetarian-friendly option near the user's office. They specifically highlighted the Szechuan Cold Noodle and Ma Po Tofu as vegetarian dishes."
PositiveFrom post: Kung Pao Lunar Murray Hill
"Chili's portions were noted as gargantuan when compared to Lunar."
PositiveFrom post: What Is A Good Place For A Business Lunch In
"Chili is recommended over Cafe China, as it was opened by the old chefs from Cafe China after they moved. The user states that Chili has now surpassed Cafe China in quality."
PositiveFrom post: I Want To Try 100 New Dishes In 2026 Help Me Make
"CHILI is recommended for spicy wontons."
PositiveFrom post: I Want To Try 100 New Dishes In 2026 Help Me Make
"CHILI is recommended for spicy wontons."
PositiveFrom post: Kung Pao Peppercorn Station Midtown West
"The user agreed that Chili's Kung Pao was good but noted that they might have used too much peppercorn and the sauce was a bit too sweet, otherwise enjoying the dish."
NeutralFrom post: Kung Pao Peppercorn Station Midtown West
"The user mentioned ordering Kung Pao chicken from Chili and found it to be good, but not great."
NeutralFrom post: Looking For A Funinterestingnot Crazy Expensive
"Chili on 37th is suggested as a dining option, with a note that its rice wine soup presentation creates a fine dining experience, despite the restaurant's casual interior."
PositiveFrom post: Where To Eat Near The Morgan Library Tomorrow
"In response to a negative experience, this commenter still loves Chili's mapo tofu and tea smoked duck fried rice."
Positive