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Grand Sichuan Eastern
Master Critic Review
Grand Sichuan Eastern
7.8
No-frills Sichuan workhorse serving fiery Chongqing chicken and numbing hot pot to neighborhood regulars since 2010. The straightforward spot delivers authentic heat at budget-friendly prices with BYOB option for those who know to bring their own wine.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chongqing Spicy Chicken, Hot and Sour Soup, Gui Zhou Spicy Beef
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Authentic Sichuan fire at neighborhood takeout prices with BYOB option
Who should go: Heat seekers on a budget
When to visit: Weeknight dinner or weekend takeout
What to order: Chongqing chicken, parched chicken with three pepper, hot pot if with group
Insider tip: It's BYOB with no corkage—bring your own wine and save significantly
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking; street parking on 2nd Ave is metered and competitive. Nearby garages on 55th-57th St run $20-35. Subway (N/R/W to Lexington-59th, 4/5/6 to 59th) most practical
Dress code: Come as you are—jeans, sneakers, whatever. This is a no-frills neighborhood joint focused entirely on the food
Noise level: Moderate—lively with takeout traffic but conversation is easy. Pale green walls keep it calmer than typical Chinatown spots
Weekend wait: Rarely more than 10 min; reservations accepted but usually unnecessary
Weekday lunch: No wait—popular with office workers but moves fast. Lunch specials served 11am-3:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—mapo tofu, eggplant dishes, vegetable fried rice, stir-fried greens. Solid options though not a dedicated section
Vegan options: Limited—tofu and vegetable dishes work but specify no oyster sauce or chicken stock. Confirm with staff
Gluten-free options: Accommodating—rice dishes, many stir-fries are naturally gluten-free. No dedicated prep, but staff will advise on soy sauce
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date values authentic food over atmosphere. It's clean and comfortable but decidedly no-frills—fluorescent lighting, basic décor. BYOB is actually a plus: bring a nice bottle and save money while sharing plates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Almost always yes. This is primarily a neighborhood takeout spot that happens to have tables. Walk-ins are the norm; reservations are accepted but rarely needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—Yelp flags it as 'good for kids' and the casual vibe works for families. Plenty of mild options (fried rice, lo mein, chicken with broccoli) alongside the fiery stuff. Just be clear when ordering spice levels.
Best For
Better for: Maximum value for authentic Sichuan heat. BYOB saves $30-50 on wine compared to competitors. No pretense, just solid neighborhood Chinese at takeout prices with dine-in option.
Skip if: You want atmosphere or a polished experience—try Land of Plenty for white-tablecloth Sichuan. Also skip if you're spice-averse; even 'mild' here carries real heat.