Bold Sichuan-spiced fried chicken & sandwiches. Must-try unique sides too.
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.
Pecking House is a popular spot renowned for its innovative take on fried chicken, blending American comfort food with bold Sichuan flavors. Their signature chicken sandwiches and crispy, juicy fried chicken are frequently cited as highlights, with many considering them among the best in the city. While the food is the main draw, the restaurant also offers intriguing side dishes that complement the main courses. Despite occasional concerns about food poisoning and the spice level in some specials, Pecking House remains a highly recommended destination for those seeking flavorful and creative chicken dishes.
Pecking House is celebrated for its exceptional Sichuan-spiced fried chicken, often described as a must-try. The chicken sandwiches, in particular, receive high praise for their flavor and unique preparations. While the fried chicken is a major draw, some reviews suggest that the sides can be even more interesting. Negative feedback is rare but includes reports of food poisoning and dissatisfaction with the spice levels or ingredients in certain special offerings like a collaboration pizza.
"Highly recommended dishes include the Sichuan-spiced fried chicken, various chicken sandwiches (especially the chili oil coated one), and the sesame salad. The potato salad and butter beans with black vinegar vinaigrette are also noted as excellent sides."
Customers generally have a very positive sentiment towards Pecking House, frequently praising its unique Sichuan-spiced fried chicken and chicken sandwiches. Some negative feedback exists, primarily concerning specific instances of food poisoning or disappointment with certain collaboration dishes.
Important Note
There are some reports of food poisoning from the Chinatown location. Additionally, a collaboration pizza received criticism for toned-down spice, tiny chicken pieces, and high price.
"Pecking House is mentioned as a sandwich spot with diverse offerings."
Neutral"Pecking House offers a unique fusion of American fried chicken and Sichuan spices."
Positive"The commenter recently tried a collab from Pecking House which they found good and creative, prompting them to recommend trying the current Benjamin Prime/Hen House collab based on their positive experience."
Positive"The commenter highly recommends Pecking House, specifically praising its fried chicken sandwich."
Positive"Pecking House is suggested as an alternative dining option if Golden Diner is too busy or inaccessible."
Neutral"The original poster describes Pecking House as a well-known Chinese fusion spot that serves spicy fried chicken and sandwiches."
Neutral"The original poster clarifies that they were thinking of Taiwanese fried chicken from Pecking House."
Neutral"Pecking House, located by Two Bridges, is recommended for its spicy Siuchuan fried chicken."
Positive"The commenter describes Pecking House as having top-tier fried chicken."
Positive"Responding to the OP's price defense, the commenter reiterated their negative view, stating the OP's own description made the Cellos x Pecking House collab pizza sound underwhelming and not worth the cost."
Negative"A commenter agreed with the OP, finding Pecking House's toppings and flavor on the collab pizza to be a letdown. They also noted the green sauce was just 'ok' and didn't add much."
Negative"A commenter found the Cellos x Pecking House collab pizza to be 'mid' and overpriced. They specifically criticized Pecking House's contribution, noting there was hardly any actual chicken (just bits of fried breading) and that the pizza was too greasy, a general complaint they have with Pecking House. However, they did like the green sauce."
Negative"A commenter questioned whether $45 for the Cellos x Pecking House collab pizza was truly expensive, suggesting that such prices are normal."
Neutral"A commenter reacted to the OP's experience with the Cellos x Pecking House collab pizza, noting it was a 'bummer it was a letdown', implying disappointment with Pecking House's contribution despite the pizza's good appearance."
Negative"A commenter mentioned they decided against getting the Cellos x Pecking House collab pizza after seeing another review which echoed the OP's sentiments: the chicken pieces (Pecking House's contribution) were too tiny, sparse, and lacked flavor."
Negative"A commenter strongly criticized the $45 price for the Cellos x Pecking House collab pizza, referring to the pizza as 'garb' (garbage) and expressing disapproval of the restaurants involved in this offering."
Negative"A commenter inquired if Pecking House (PH) had recently closed and wondered about the future of their collaboration with Cellos."
Neutral"A commenter expressed disappointment that Pecking House toned down the spice for the Cellos collab pizza. They contrasted this with a previous Pecking House x Hen House collab, the 'Hotpot Hoagie Lamb Shawarma', which successfully retained its Sichuan spice."
Negative"The original poster (OP), while generally a fan of Pecking House for its elevated fried chicken, found their contribution (chicken and chili oil) to the Cellos x Pecking House collab pizza to be lacking in its usual flavor and spice, describing it as 'toned down'."
Negative"The author expressed hope that the Pecking House Chinatown location will remain open for a long time, calling its fried chicken some of their favorite of all time."
Positive
