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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of US

Mapo tofu and BBQ

Made for those who want the fiery, fermented heat of mapo tofu paired with the smoky, slow-cooked depth of barbecue.

Based on 592 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Restaurant

Space features bright, clean decor with an industrial touch and view of chefs preparing dumplings. Atmosphere stays warm and inviting with pleasant music setting a calm vibe. Seating includes movable booth seats enhancing comfort in a compact setting.

Mapo tofu features a numbing mala spice and a rich sauce that stands out. It includes ground pork and delivers a flavorful, spicy punch.

BBQ pork buns stand out with rich, savory flavors. The pork belly bao and shrimp shumai complement the BBQ offerings well.

People are saying

"The dumplings here are fresh, delicious, and bursting with savory soup."

"The BBQ pork bun was unbelievably tasty."

"The Mapo Tofu's numbing mala spice was so tasty."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available daily with various combo options.

2

The restaurant offers vegan options on the menu.

3

Prices are affordable, providing good value for the quality.

02
Chi Restaurant & Bar image 1
Chinese restaurant

Spacious interior with tasteful decoration and private rooms suits large groups and offers dog-friendly indoor seating. Atmosphere combines lively energy with occasional background noise and high temperature. Cocktails and unique Asian dishes complement the vibrant dining experience.

Mapo tofu offers deep flavor with a good balance of spice and softness in the tofu. It pairs well with rice noodles and stands out as a solid dish with notable flavor and spice.

BBQ ribs come in several styles including spare ribs and pork ribs, all cooked with care. Dishes like crispy duck and house General Tso's chicken add variety alongside sides such as cucumber salad and okra salad with clams.

People are saying

"The food here is truly amazing and delicious."

"The Mapo Tofu here is so flavorful and perfectly spicy."

"The BBQ spare ribs here are amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 7 pm during the week with food and drink specials.

2

Lunch specials are available and offer good value.

3

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant fills up after 6 PM.

03
Chef Huang image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small dining space with seven tables and a private room creates a cozy, warm atmosphere. Decor contrasts with menu, offering a French bakery vibe while serving authentic Chinese food. Soft lighting and spaced tables keep the environment comfortable and relaxing.

Mapo tofu features a spicy, savory flavor and appears alongside fresh veggie dishes like pea shoots and bok choy. It is a consistent option at Chef Huang, known for its authentic texture.

Specializes in bbq-inspired Chinese cuisine with standout dishes like BBQ lamb skewers with cumin and tender BBQ beef. Lamb kebabs offer a flavorful, well-seasoned option.

People are saying

"The Peking Duck's skin was perfectly crispy and the meat tender."

"The BBQ lamb skewers are tender, juicy, and perfectly grilled."

"I found the Mapo Tofu here to be over the top delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect a lengthy wait even with reservations during peak hours.

2

You will have to wait in line for a table if you go after 6 PM.

3

Street parking is available in the area after 7pm.

04
Nana's Dim Sum & Dumplings image 1

Restaurant offers an open, calm layout with stunning decor and large booths for families. Atmosphere feels vibe-y and cool, suitable for groups and casual outings. Full bar features unique cocktails and affordable happy hour specials.

Mapo tofu stands out as a key dish alongside green beans and dumplings. It pairs well with other items like chicken soup dumplings and chicken fried rice.

BBQ pork buns stand out with a soft, flavorful bun and rich pork filling. Other notable items include spicy chicken soup dumplings and BBQ bao, offering a variety of smoky, savory bites.

People are saying

"The dumplings here have a perfect skin and dough."

"The BBQ pork buns are amazing, with a soft exterior and savory-sweet interior."

"I can't wait to go back for the Mapo Tofu."

Good to know

1

Happy hour starts at 3pm on weekends and 4:30pm on weekdays.

2

The happy hour ends at 6pm, offering great value on drinks and plates.

3

Parking is available in a shared lot, but costs after 6 PM.

05
Uncle Henry image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small, intimate Chinese restaurant with authentic Hong Kong-style BBQ and a no frills, cozy atmosphere. Food focuses on quality over presentation, served on paper plates with plastic utensils. Busy spot known for family-owned, local charm and outdoor patio seating.

Mapo tofu comes with pork and delivers a great flavor. It appears alongside dishes like shrimp stuffed eggplant and beef, showing a solid presence on the menu.

Roast pork, BBQ pork, and roast duck stand out as the main dishes. The pork belly and barbecue pork come out succulent and well-prepared. The barbecue flavors reflect Cantonese style clearly.

People are saying

"I found the Chinese food here to be authentic and delicious."

"The BBQ pork here is super flavorful and crispy."

"I thought the Mapo Tofu was great."

Good to know

1

The restaurant can get busy on weekends from 5-7 pm, with a wait time of 20-30 minutes.

2

Order in advance for roast duck to avoid a long wait.

3

Expect some wait time if arriving at noon.

06
Flaming Mountain Chinese Grill & Skewer Bar 火焰山烧烤&烤鱼 image 1

Casual Chinese restaurant with authentic Sichuan flavors and street-side barbecue style. Atmosphere is noisy and crowded with close seating that encourages sharing. Decor is simple with bright walls and a kitchen visible from the front, creating a lively but unpretentious vibe.

Very spicy and delicious with a strong kick. Stands out as some of the best Mapo Tofu around.

Authentic Northeastern Chinese barbecue offers a traditional street-side flavor with a variety of skewers. The BBQ oyster stands out as a delicious choice among the offerings.

People are saying

"I found the Chinese food here to be truly authentic and not Americanized."

"I found the Chinese BBQ here to be really authentic and delicious."

"I thought the Mapo Tofu was amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Karaoke is available for those who are brave enough to participate.

2

All noodles are 20% off from January 4th to January 7th.

3

Expect long wait times for takeout orders, sometimes up to an hour.

07
JUQI image 1
Chinese restaurant

Ornate space blends traditional Beijing decor with modern design for an upscale, comfortable vibe. Private rooms offer quiet, spacious settings ideal for groups, featuring rotating tables for shared meals. Atmosphere feels authentic and elegant, emphasizing visual appeal alongside dining.

Mapo Tofu here includes sea cucumber, which is unusual and not common in this dish. The dish combines traditional flavors with this unique ingredient, but the addition may not appeal to everyone.

BBQ duck stands out with authentic roast flavors but comes at a higher price. The BBQ lamb offers fatty cuts with cilantro and could use more spices like cumin, while crispy shrimp adds a nice touch.

People are saying

"The food here is memorable, especially the braised dishes."

"You have to try the BBQ lamb; it's amazing."

"I thought the Mapo Tofu was great and super delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant's last call is at 21:30.

2

Birthday guests receive a small free dessert and birthday songs from the restaurant crew.

3

A reservation for 8 requires ordering up to $488 of food without counting tips and taxes.

08
Duck n Bao image 1
Chinese restaurant

Contemporary Chinese restaurant with modern chic design and an oriental vibe offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere with spacious seating and visible kitchen action. Upbeat music complements the cozy setting, attracting both groups and intimate diners.

Organic tofu forms the base of the mapo tofu dish here. The flavor tends to be mild, sometimes bordering on bland, despite being paired with green vegetables and vegan dumplings.

BBQ pork comes tender and flavorful with a good dipping sauce. The house BBQ pork features a honey sauce, paired well with a cucumber salad that adds freshness.

People are saying

"I loved the delicious, authentic Chinese food here."

"The BBQ pork was tender, flavorful, and wonderfully cooked."

"The Mapo Tofu here is noticeably better than other Chinese restaurants."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

Lunch specials provide a good value with generous portions.

3

The restaurant accepts credit cards and mobile payments.

09
Hong Guan Chinese restaurant 鴻館 image 1

Large dining areas feature bright, refreshed interiors with vibrant colors and recent renovations. Atmosphere stays cozy and elegant, quiet enough to hear kitchen sounds during off-peak hours. Dim sum offerings stand out as authentic and exceptional, distinguishing the place from typical Chinese restaurants.

Mapo tofu comes with pork and serves enough for two. It pairs well with chow fun and dim sum for a full meal.

Steamed buns feature BBQ pork and BBQ ribs with a soft, cloud-like texture. Both versions deliver a tender, juicy bite.

People are saying

"The dim sum here is fantastic and comparable to any I've tried."

"The Mapo Tofu here is outstanding and easily feeds two."

"The servers here are so polite and attentive."

Good to know

1

The Dim Sum cart is available from 11 AM to 2 PM.

2

They offer dim sum on weekends.

3

Expect a small selection of dim sum after 1:30 PM on Saturdays.

10
Jufeng Noodle House image 1

Small, casual restaurant with cozy atmosphere and wooden chairs creates a warm, peaceful vibe. Space feels clean and air-conditioned but simple, seating groups of four. Quiet during off-peak times, it offers an old school charm distinct from typical eateries.

Mapo tofu features a good balance of spicy and numbing flavors with a perfect spice level. Some versions lean more salty than spicy and lack the numbing sensation.

Clay pot rice with BBQ pork and pork ribs stands out with rich flavors. The beef brisket wonton noodle soup complements the BBQ dishes well, creating a solid mix of hearty options.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and packed with flavor."

"The BBQ pork and ribs clay pot rice was amazing."

"The Mapo Tofu has a perfect balance of spicy and numbing flavors."

Good to know

1

There is a small parking lot attached to the building, so I didn’t have to park on the street.

2

Be careful of the spicy dishes if you can't handle spicy food.

3

The portion sizes at Jufeng Noodle House were very good.

11
Dragon Flame Chinese Grill 龙焱烧烤 image 1

Space features red lighting and a dramatic flying dragon suspended from the ceiling, creating a quirky atmosphere with classic 80’s music. Outdoor seating includes a spacious patio with unique LED and hologram displays. Two small dogs roam freely, adding a friendly and relaxed vibe.

Mapo tofu comes with a solid kick of spice and includes a bone broth version. Some dishes lack ground pork and could be spicier, but the spicy flavor stands out overall.

Authentic Chinese BBQ shines with perfectly cooked lamb skewers and ribs seasoned with hearty spices. The BBQ squid offers a unique sweet then spicy flavor that stands out.

People are saying

"I found the food to be amazing and packed with flavor."

"The BBQ lamb skewers are tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned."

"I thought the Mapo Tofu was the best ever."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited with only three spots available in front.

2

There is no air conditioning, making it uncomfortable during summer.

3

No free water is available at the restaurant.

12
Taste of Xi'an 西安味道 image 1
Chinese restaurant

Large dining area features authentic Chinese décor with Terracotta Warriors at the entrance and Chinese calligraphy on the walls. Atmosphere feels cozy yet lively, often crowded and noisy, creating a vibrant setting. Seating is comfortable and spacious, with self-service chili oil and garlic enhancing the experience.

Generous portions of Mapo Tofu come in both beef brisket and vegetarian versions, which is rare. The dish pairs well with hand-pulled noodles or Biang Biang noodles and tastes even better as leftovers.

BBQ lamb skewers stand out with top quality and rich flavor. The barbecue fish and extensive selection of skewers offer a taste that rivals many places in China.

People are saying

"The hand-pulled noodles here are authentically chewy and flavorful."

"I found the Northwestern Chinese flavors here to be so authentic."

"The Mapo Tofu with beef brisket is a must-have combo here."

Good to know

1

You must scan the QR code on the table to order.

2

The kitchen closes at 3:30 PM, so arrive early.

3

Parking can be a little hard to find.

13
酷巴不打烊 Cool Bar Restaurant image 1

Spacious private rooms and an Initial D-style car display shape the modern interior. The atmosphere stays cozy and relaxing, though karaoke areas can get noisy. Open 24 hours, it attracts groups for late-night gatherings with authentic Chinese cuisine.

Rich and spicy with a comforting heat, the Mapo Tofu stands out for its bold Szechuan flavor. It pairs well with various skewers and offers a satisfying, authentic taste.

Skewers like Beef, Lamb, and BBQ Chicken Wings stand out on a large menu with vegetarian options. BBQ squid offers a very flavorful taste among other dishes like Beef Chow Fun and Mapo Tofu.

People are saying

"The seafood here is rich, savory, and full of fresh flavor."

"The Mapo Tofu was perfectly rich and spicy."

"The BBQ dishes came out one by one, each taking about 30 minutes."

Good to know

1

Cool Bar is open 24 hours, perfect for late-night cravings.

2

Parking at Kooba is convenient and readily available.

3

The restaurant uses QR codes for ordering and payment, simplifying the process.

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