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New Apolo
Master Critic Review
New Apolo
7.9
Vibes:
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Girls Night Out Approved
Late Night Legends
New Apolo is a long-running Grand Street institution blending Chinese dishes with Latin and Puerto Rican plates in a lively, drink-heavy dining room. People come as much for giant frozen cocktails and late-night energy as for sesame chicken, fried rice, and Cuban-Chinese plates that nod to an older New York tradition.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ spare ribs, Shrimp fried rice, General Tso’s chicken with plantains
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 6.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Loud, longtime Chinese-Latin institution known for huge drinks and plates.
Who should go: Groups wanting strong cocktails with Chinese-Latin comfort food.
When to visit: Late evenings and weekends for full party atmosphere.
What to order: BBQ spare ribs, shrimp fried rice, General Tso’s with plantains.
Insider tip: Go early on weekends if you want a table without a wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited on Grand Street and nearby avenues after 6pm. Expect to circle or use a garage a few blocks away.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy-casual — jeans are fine, but many guests lean party-ready on weekends.
Noise level: High — loud music, packed tables, and a party atmosphere make quiet conversation difficult late at night.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer after 9pm
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes, and fried rice options available.
Vegan options: Limited — can be done with customization, but not clearly labeled.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some rice-based dishes work, but soy-heavy sauces dominate the menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a loud, fun-first date than a getting-to-know-you conversation — think playful energy over intimacy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays, but weekends after 8pm often mean a wait unless you arrive early.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evenings can work for families, but late nights are adults-only in energy and crowd.
Best For
Better for: Late-night celebrations, big groups, frozen cocktails, and high-energy birthday dinners with food as part of the party experience.
Skip if: You want refined cooking, quiet conversation, or serious regional Chinese cuisine.