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Mr Chow
Master Critic Review
Mr Chow
8.4
Legendary celebrity haunt since 1979 serving refined Beijing cuisine in Givenchy's 'Precious Jewel Box' setting with nightly hand-pulled noodle performances. The 5 Star Diamond Award winner delivers sophisticated Chinese dishes with theatrical flair and impeccable service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beijing Duck, Mr Chow Noodles, Chicken Satay
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Legendary celebrity destination with 45+ year history and nightly hand-pulled noodle show
Who should go: Special occasion diners seeking glamorous scene
When to visit: Friday or Saturday dinner for full experience
What to order: Let the waiter customize your meal, but insist on Beijing Duck and noodle show
Insider tip: The waiters are experts at curating custom tasting experiences—trust their suggestions
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet; street parking very difficult in Midtown East; nearby garages $35-55; subway to Lexington Ave/59th St (4,5,6,N,R,W) recommended
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - collared shirts, blazers appreciated; jeans acceptable if elevated; no athletic wear or shorts
Noise level: Moderate to loud - lively and buzzy at peak times, tables close together; request corner booth or early seating for conversation
Weekend wait: 15-30 min even with reservation at prime hours (7-9pm); book 2+ weeks ahead for Saturday
Weekday lunch: No lunch service - dinner only starting at 6pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - braised tofu, mopo tofu, vegetable dishes; staff accommodates requests
Vegan options: Limited but possible - tofu dishes and vegetables available; call ahead for best options
Gluten-free options: Accommodating by request - not dedicated GF kitchen; call ahead for strict dietary needs
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Exceptional for impressive dates - iconic glamour, attentive service, noodle show creates conversation. Book Tuesday-Thursday at 6pm for intimate vibes; weekends get loud and celebratory. Expect $175+ per person.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Risky on weekends - this is a reservation destination. Weeknights you might get lucky at 6pm or after 9:30pm. Call ahead; the staff is gracious but the room fills with regulars.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids and teens - fine dining prices, tightly spaced tables, sophisticated atmosphere. Families do celebrate here but book early (6pm) and call ahead about simpler dishes. Not ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Old-school NYC glamour, celebrity-watching, waiter-curated experiences, and the theatrical noodle show - more refined and intimate than TAO's mega-scene
Skip if: You're budget-conscious or want adventurous regional Chinese - try Hao Noodle for contemporary flavors or Joe's Shanghai for soup dumplings at 1/4 the price