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Chi Restaurant & Bar
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Chi Restaurant & Bar
8.2
Chi Restaurant & Bar is a contemporary Chinese spot on Ninth Avenue with a cocktail-forward bar, Peking duck, and regional dishes from across China. It’s a flexible choice for pre-theater dinners and casual celebrations, balancing polished small plates with shareable mains in a buzzy, dimly lit room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Peking duck, Wontons in chili oil, Scallion pancake
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A lively Chinese restaurant-bar pairing regional specialties with a strong cocktail program on the edge of Hell’s Kitchen.
Who should go: Groups seeking Chinese dishes with cocktails near Hudson Yards.
When to visit: Evenings for happy hour into dinner before or after shows.
What to order: Peking duck, wontons in chili oil, scallion pancake.
Insider tip: Sit near the bar if cocktails are a priority; dining room tables skew louder and better for groups.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Ninth Avenue is limited, especially during showtimes; nearby paid garages on 42nd–44th St. are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most guests lean slightly dressy for nightlife and pre-theater plans.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud; the bar and music create energy, but small groups can still hold a conversation with some effort.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially 6:30–8:00pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; service is faster and the room is quieter.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid range of options, including vegetable dumplings, sautéed greens, and tofu dishes.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—stir-fried greens and select tofu preparations; confirm sauces for hidden animal products.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes exist, but soy sauce is common; request modifications as the kitchen can accommodate select items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want a lively, contemporary setting with cocktails; the dim lighting and shareable plates work well, though the noise makes it less ideal for very intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes—bar seats turn over quickly and small groups are easier to accommodate. Peak pre-theater windows may require a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids and teens who enjoy Chinese flavors; no dedicated children’s menu and the atmosphere skews adult in the evenings.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail-forward Chinese dining with a social, buzzy room—great for groups, celebrations, and pre-theater nights.
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional regional cooking, a quiet dining room, or extensive dietary accommodations.
Chi Restaurant & Bar
8.4
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Hidden Gems Heaven
A Garment District Szechuan destination that just happens to have a sticky-sweet, savory-leaning BBQ spare ribs play that makes an ideal opener before you pivot into peppercorn-heavy mains. It’s best when you order with restraint: one rib appetizer, one heat-forward signature, and rice to keep the table balanced.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Spare Ribs, Mapo Tofu, Dan Dan Noodles
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Szechuan heat plus a legit BBQ spare-ribs starter in Midtown.
Who should go: Spice lovers who want ribs plus real mains
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner
What to order: BBQ spare ribs, one Szechuan signature, steamed rice
Insider tip: Start with ribs, then choose one “numbing” dish—don’t double up.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is very limited; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially after 5pm.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine; business-casual works well for lunch meetings.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively dining room but still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 min without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several Szechuan vegetable and tofu dishes available.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with vegetable-based dishes, but confirm sauces with staff.
Gluten-free options: Limited — rice-based dishes work, but many sauces contain soy; ask before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re both comfortable with spice. The ribs are shareable and fun, but the bold flavors can be distracting if you’re spice-sensitive.
Can I get a table without a reservation? At lunch, almost always. Dinner is possible on weekdays if you arrive early; weekends are less predictable.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids and teens. The menu leans spicy, but rice and milder dishes can work if ordered carefully.
Best For
Better for: Spice-driven Chinese mains paired with a standout BBQ rib starter—stronger depth of flavor than typical rib-focused spots.
Skip if: You want classic American BBQ ribs or a low-heat, kid-first menu.
Chi Restaurant & Bar
7.9
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Trendy Table Hotspots
Business Lunch Power Players
Hidden Gems Heaven
A polished Chinese dining room on Ninth Avenue where the kitchen’s range (dim sum, noodles, wok dishes) gives gluten-free diners workable paths—especially if you steer toward rice-based plates and communicate clearly. The vibe reads more “group dinner” than quick bite, with a modern room that can handle celebrations. It’s a strong change-of-pace pick inside a ZIP dominated by American and Italian.
Must-Try Dishes:
Veg spring rolls, Fried rice, Cucumber salad
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: A modern Chinese room with gluten-free options flagged on menus.
Who should go: Groups needing gluten-free-friendly Chinese
When to visit: Weeknights for dinner; lunch for quieter service
What to order: Cucumber salad, fried rice, veg spring rolls
Insider tip: Confirm sauces and noodle bases—GF varies by dish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is limited and difficult after 6pm; nearby paid garages on Ninth and Tenth Ave are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and clean sneakers are fine, but the room skews polished—business-casual works well.
Noise level: Moderate. Comfortable for group conversation, but not whisper-quiet during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; groups should book ahead.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes. Several vegetable-forward dishes, tofu options, and rice/noodle plates.
Vegan options: Limited but workable. Vegetable and tofu dishes can be ordered vegan with clear communication about sauces.
Gluten-free options: Yes, with guidance. Multiple rice-based dishes and proteins can be made gluten-free, but there is no dedicated gluten-free kitchen—confirm sauces and preparation when ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a low-pressure dinner than a romantic first date. The space is lively and group-friendly rather than intimate, making it easier for conversation without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes at lunch and on early weeknights. Dinner during peak hours—especially with more than two people—benefits from a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for school-age kids who enjoy Chinese food. The menu is flexible and the room can handle families, but it’s more of a group-dinner spot than a casual kid-centric restaurant.
Best For
Better for: Group dinners that need gluten-free-friendly Chinese food with real menu breadth, not just one or two safe plates.
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional regional Chinese cooking, a quick takeout-style meal, or guaranteed gluten-free prep without cross-contact concerns.