Authentic Sichuan flavors w/ notable numbing spice [1]. Great for groups & takeout [2]. Try the Mapo Tofu or La-Zi Chicken [1].
Sonal Shah reviews Szechuan Mountain House's new Times Square location, a convenient spot for pre-theater dining and experiencing top Sichuan flavors in NYC.
Szechuan Mountain House, with its newest location in Times Square, offers a convenient and authentic Sichuan dining experience, particularly for pre-theater meals [1]. Despite a charming faux-village theme, it delivers some of the city's best Sichuan flavors, mirroring its other branches with dishes like the highly recommended Dumplings in Chili Oil and La-Zi Chicken [1]. Other highlights include the Szechuan Double Cooked Pork and Fried Lotus Roots & Celery, making it a solid choice for both locals and tourists seeking genuine Sichuan cuisine [1].
Szechuan Mountain House is celebrated for its authentic Sichuan cuisine, with a particular emphasis on its signature numbing spice, often described as "mouth numbness" [1]. Popular recommendations include the Mapo Tofu [2], La-Zi Chicken [1], Szechuan Double Cooked Pork [1], and dumplings in chili oil [1]. Some users note that while dishes can be very spicy, the spice often comes from Sichuan peppercorns, creating a numbing sensation rather than just heat [1]. For those seeking less heat, options like cauliflower stir fry and sweet and sour pork are available [1].
"The Mapo Tofu and La-Zi Chicken are frequently recommended [1, 2]. Other highly praised dishes include the Szechuan Double Cooked Pork, dumplings in chili oil, and the "chili lovers dish" for those seeking extreme spice [1]."
Customers generally praise Szechuan Mountain House, with many recommending it for its authentic Sichuan cuisine and particularly its unique numbing spice [1]. It's often cited as a great option for groups and takeout [2].
Important Note
One user warned that the Mongolian Numbing Peppers could lead to an unpleasant experience the next day [1]. Another comment suggested that the menu is very spicy and contains unique animal parts, which might not be suitable for those new to Sichuan cuisine [2].
"Mountain House is considered an excellent choice, though the commenter leans towards Flushing for easier commute and variety."
Positive"Sichuan Mountain House is recommended for its food."
Positive"Szechuan Mountain House was included in a list of favorite Asian restaurants with excellent vegetarian options."
Positive"Szechuan Mountain House is listed as a frequently visited restaurant."
Positive"The commenter notes that Sichuan Mountain House is now located on 46th Street."
Neutral"Clarifies that they were thinking of Che Li when mentioning Shanghainese cuisine, confirming Mountain House is Sichuan."
Neutral"Corrects the cuisine type, stating Mountain House is Sichuan, not Shanghainese, but still acknowledges it as a good option."
Neutral"Suggests Mountain House, located on 46th street, as it offers many seafood options and is a great Chinese Shanghai-style restaurant."
Neutral"Szechuan Mountain House is listed as a recommendation for spicy food."
Positive"The commenter recommended the swing pork belly or dumplings in chili oil from Szechuan Mountain House, suggesting they would be good if the person also likes spicy food."
Positive"This Chinese restaurant is suggested as being open on Thanksgiving and may not be on Resy, so calling ahead is advised."
Positive"This commenter, who is vegetarian, recommends Szechuan Mountain House for pre-show dining. They note that while the menu isn't explicitly vegetarian, the staff can make vegetarian versions of many dishes upon request. They specifically praise the vegetarian mapo tofu, emphasizing the need to ask for the vegetarian option to avoid beef."
Positive"The commenter believes Szechuan Mountain House is overrated and extremely average."
Negative"Mountain House is mentioned as a restaurant option in Hell's Kitchen."
Neutral"This comment suggests trying the mala pork intestines, stating it's the same dish as the laziji but with pork intestine instead of chicken."
Neutral"This user describes the triple delicacy's numbing effect as borderline psychedelic, causing a strong physical and almost mental reaction, overshadowing any perception of spice."
Positive"The cabbage dish, specifically not the complimentary one, is considered one of the best in the city."
Positive"This comment notes that the triple delicacy dish was available last week and found to be delicious but spicy."
Neutral"Recommended dishes include okra salad, pickles, sweet and sour pork, fried eel, pickled pepper fish, mama hot fish, stir-fried cabbage, and stir-fried lotus root."
Neutral"Regarding the triple delicacy dish, it was located at the Flushing branch and described as 'stir fried triple crispy delicacy'. It appears to have been removed from the menu."
Neutral