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Decoy
Master Critic Review
Decoy
8.9
Basement-level sibling to RedFarm, Decoy focuses on Beijing-style duck dinners and polished Chinese small plates in an intimate, low-lit room. Cocktails, careful pacing, and consistently praised duck make it a destination for special-occasion Chinese in the West Village.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beijing duck prix fixe, Oxtail dumplings, Crispy fried fish skin
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Focused Beijing duck experience with serious cocktails in a snug, clubby room.
Who should go: Duck obsessives and date-night planners
When to visit: Prime time evenings, especially weekends
What to order: Beijing duck set, oxtail dumplings, fried fish skin
Insider tip: Reserve ahead and commit to the duck prix fixe; bar seats are ideal for two.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the West Village and tight after 6pm; no valet. Plan for nearby garages on Hudson or Leroy.
Dress code: Smart casual; elevated but not formal. Dark denim, button-downs, and simple dresses fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate—lively energy but you can hold a date-night conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for duck sets.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; evenings only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—several small plates and sides, though the menu centers on duck.
Vegan options: Very limited—expect 1–2 adaptable vegetable dishes; not ideal for strict vegans.
Gluten-free options: Several GF-friendly items, but cross-contact risk exists; flag needs to the server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its intimate, low-lit basement room and polished pacing make it a strong first-date pick if your date eats duck and enjoys upscale Chinese flavors.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes—bar seats for two open intermittently, but duck sets often sell out. Walk-ins should come early or be flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—tight seating, dim lighting, and a duck-focused menu skew adult. Suitable for teens, less ideal for young kids.
Best For
Better for: Decoy excels at premium Beijing duck in a date-night setting with stronger cocktails and more polish than nearby casual Chinese spots.
Skip if: Skip if you need broad menu variety, vegan accommodations, or a bright family-friendly meal—choose RedFarm upstairs or a larger-format Chinese restaurant instead.
Hours
MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
Thursday6pm - 12am
Friday6pm - 12am
Saturday6pm - 12am
SundayClosed