Chinese-spiced fried chicken, killer sandwiches on milk bread, surprising sides. Small space, big flavors.
Will Hartman reviews Pecking House, a small Chinatown spot famous for its Chinese-inflected fried chicken. Discover their standout chicken sandwiches, unique sides, and lively atmosphere.
This Chinatown gem is a must-visit for its unique take on fried chicken, infused with Chinese and Sichuan spices. The small, lively atmosphere complements the flavor-packed menu, featuring standout chicken sandwiches on milk bread and intriguing sides like potato salad and butter beans. It's a place where casual dining meets serious flavor, perfect for both takeout and a fun dine-in experience.
The star of the show is the Chinese-spiced fried chicken, known for its exceptional crispiness and juiciness, often served on a soft milk bread bun. Customers also highly recommend the various chicken sandwiches and unique sides like potato salad and butter beans with black vinegar vinaigrette. While most reviews are glowing, a few patrons have reported negative experiences with blandness or sogginess, and even food poisoning.
"The spicy fried chicken, particularly the chicken sandwich on milk bread, is a highly recommended dish. The 'spice bag' and unique sides like potato salad are also frequently praised."
Customers rave about the incredible flavor and crispiness of the fried chicken, often calling it the best they've had. While generally positive, some negative experiences have been reported regarding food quality and instances of food poisoning.
Important Note
The Chinatown location is notably small with limited seating, making it more suitable for takeout or a casual, quick dine-in experience. Some customers have reported negative experiences including food poisoning and issues with food quality.
"This user recommended Pecking House, noting its Sichuan spice flavor."
Positive"In response to a query about Bobwhite, this user stated that while Bobwhite was good, Pecking House was still superior."
Positive"This user seconded the recommendation for Pecking House, ranking it above Rowdy Rooster, Bobwhite, and Fuku."
Positive"This user recommended Pecking House for chicken sandwiches."
Positive"This user strongly agreed with the recommendation for Pecking House, stating it is "ridiculously good" and better than several other establishments."
Positive"This user listed Pecking House as a recommendation for non-fast food chicken sandwiches."
Positive"This user recommended Pecking House for non-fast food fried chicken sandwiches and tenders."
Positive"Pecking House is suggested as a good option for chicken."
Neutral"Pecking House uses Chinese spices for its fried chicken and is primarily a takeout spot with limited seating, making it suitable for a casual meal rather than a date night."
Positive"The user inquired about the difference between Pecking House and Rowdy Rooster, seeking to understand their distinct flavors."
Neutral"Pecking House is considered good, although not exceptional."
Positive"Pecking House is highly recommended for its unreal fried chicken, utilizing Chinese spices. It's primarily a takeout spot with limited seating."
Positive"This user found the extra hot at Pecking House to be less spicy than expected, especially compared to Caribbean hot sauces, and recommended it for those with a decent spice tolerance."
Positive"Echoing advice to try the chili flavor at Pecking House first, as the extra hot can be overwhelming."
Positive"This user strongly recommends the chili version at Pecking House over the extra hot, stating the extra hot can overpower the flavor."
Positive"Pecking House is mentioned as a good option for spicy fried chicken, with the caveat that it's located downtown."
Positive"This user described Pecking House's sandwiches as having more chili flavor than intense heat, with a medium-ish spice level."
Positive"This user advised against being persuaded to choose a lower heat level at Pecking House, regretting their own choice."
Negative"This user believes Pecking House is one of the better options for spicy fried chicken in the city, but doesn't find it exceptionally outstanding."
Neutral"This user suggests Pecking House is not worth traveling far downtown for, especially for a sandwich, and also mentions Sticky's (which is now closed)."
Negative
