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Young Xinjiang BBQ Cart
Master Critic Review
Young Xinjiang BBQ Cart
8.0
Young Xinjiang BBQ Cart is a nighttime street cart on the edge of Chinatown grilling cumin-dusted lamb, beef tendon, and vegetable skewers over open charcoal. Regulars treat it as a second-dinner stop or late-night snack after drinks, standing on the sidewalk with clouds of smoke drifting over Grand Street. It’s lean on comfort and heavy on char, spice, and value.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cumin lamb skewers, Beef tendon skewers, Grilled eggplant skewers
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Charcoal-grilled Xinjiang-style skewers served from a smoky nighttime cart.
Who should go: Skewer fans hunting late-night spice and charcoal smoke.
When to visit: After 5pm on dry nights for full cart setup.
What to order: Cumin lamb, beef tendon, eggplant skewers fresh off grill.
Insider tip: Bring cash and be ready to wait when the bar crowd arrives.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, typically tough after 6pm on Grand Street; expect to circle or use nearby paid lots a few blocks away.
Dress code: Casual; it’s a street cart, so come comfortable and weather-ready.
Noise level: Moderate; outdoor street noise plus grill sizzle, but easy enough to hold a casual conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on bar crowd flow and weather.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable; the cart operates evenings only and typically opens after 5pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few vegetable skewers like eggplant, mushrooms, or peppers.
Vegan options: Very limited — some veggie skewers may qualify, but cross-contact is unavoidable due to shared grill.
Gluten-free options: Naturally leaning gluten-free on most skewers, but no dedicated prep space and sauces may vary; best for those with mild, not strict, gluten restrictions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date enjoys street food adventures; it’s standing-room-only, smoky, and casual. Great for a fun, low-pressure post-dinner stop, not ideal for a traditional first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables or reservations; it's a street cart. Expect to stand and eat curbside.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally not ideal for young kids since it’s curbside, smoky, and often crowded; older teens who enjoy adventurous street food will be fine.
Best For
Better for: Late-night charcoal flavor and authentic Xinjiang-style spice that’s hard to match at sit-down spots; unbeatable for quick, cheap, high-impact skewers.
Skip if: You want seating, full meals, or clean indoor comfort; choose alternatives if you’re avoiding smoke, uneven weather, or cross-contact with allergens.