0 Followers
Genghis Cohen
Master Critic Review
Genghis Cohen
8.9
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Late Night Legends
Trendy Table Hotspots
A revived 1980s Chinese-American institution on Fairfax, Genghis Cohen pairs kung pao, egg rolls, and big-format plates with a moody bar and late-night energy. Locals lean on it for birthday dinners, group gatherings, and nostalgic New York-style takeout that still feels current.
Must-Try Dishes:
New York Egg Rolls, Queen Chicken, Triple Kung Pao
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 9.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Long-running Chinese-American classic reborn with retro, late-night flair.
Who should go: Groups craving nostalgic Chinese-American with drinks.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings or late-night service hours.
What to order: New York egg rolls, Queen Chicken, Triple Kung Pao.
Insider tip: Book early for large round tables with lazy Susans.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Fairfax and the residential side streets is the main option; it becomes difficult after 6pm. Small paid lots nearby fill quickly on weekends.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Most guests lean trendy–streetwear or relaxed night-out attire works fine.
Noise level: Loud, especially during peak evenings and late-night hours. Conversation is possible but expect lively background noise.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially for large groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating if dining early evening on weekdays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options including tofu dishes, vegetable stir-fries, and several appetizers that can be ordered meatless.
Vegan options: Limited but possible—stir-fried veggies, tofu-based dishes, and select sides. Confirm sauces to avoid hidden animal products.
Gluten-free options: Moderate selection—some stir-fries, proteins, and vegetable dishes can be made gluten-free; ask about soy sauce substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a fun, lively date rather than an intimate one. The retro energy and cocktails work well for a casual, high-energy first meet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a long wait on weekends. Weeknights and late-night hours offer better walk-in chances. Large groups should always reserve.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy classic Chinese-American dishes. Evenings can be loud, and late-night service skews more adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Late-night Chinese-American comfort classics, group celebrations, and lively, retro vibes that feel distinct from sleeker modern spots.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, lighter regional Chinese cooking, or a faster takeout-style experience without the nightlife energy.