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Hao Noodle Chelsea
Master Critic Review
Hao Noodle Chelsea
8.7
Hao Noodle brings polished, Shanghai-leaning Chinese cooking to the Chelsea–Meatpacking border, with handmade noodles, skewers, and shareable plates in a plant-filled dining room. Strong recent reviews and heavy foot traffic make it one of the most consistently reliable modern Chinese options in the zip code.
Must-Try Dishes:
Egg crepe dumplings in chicken broth, Braised pork over rice, Crispy rice cake with shrimp and egg yolk
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Upscale-feeling Chinese noodles and small plates with serious volume-backed consistency.
Who should go: Small groups and couples who like shareable plates
When to visit: Evenings before the late crowd fills 14th Street
What to order: Egg crepe dumplings, braised pork, crispy rice cake
Insider tip: Single-serve skewers are ideal to customize spice levels across the table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on 14th Street and often tight after 6pm; nearby paid garages on 15th and 16th Streets are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but the room leans polished and most guests dress slightly elevated.
Noise level: Moderate; lively but still date-conversation friendly until late peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; walk-ins are usually seated immediately.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid coverage—several noodle bowls, vegetable-forward small plates, and sides can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes are naturally vegan, with a few others adjustable upon request.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free dishes (rice-based plates, certain skewers), but noodle substitutions are limited; no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The lighting is warm, the greenery softens the room, and shareable plates create low-pressure conversation moments without feeling overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes—especially early evening or late night. For primetime weekends, expect your name to be taken with a moderate wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids (8+) who enjoy noodles and mild spice. High chairs and stroller space are limited, and the room skews adult in the evenings.
Best For
Better for: More consistent execution and polish than most fast-casual noodle shops, with stronger ambiance and higher success rate across both small plates and mains.
Skip if: You want deeply traditional regional Chinese, extremely spicy Sichuan fare, or a quiet setting—there are better fits nearby for those specific needs.
Hours
Monday11:30am - 10pm
Tuesday11:30am - 10pm
Wednesday11:30am - 10pm
Thursday11:30am - 10pm
Friday11:30am - 10pm
Saturday11:30am - 10pm
Sunday11:30am - 10pm