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Hupo
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Hupo
8.8
Michelin Bib Gourmand-recognized Sichuan destination where sizzling woks produce mapo tofu crowned with ground peppercorns and cumin lamb with proper numbing heat. The sleek space with hardwood floors and hanging lanterns attracts locals seeking Flushing-quality cooking without the commute.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mapo Tofu with Ground Sichuan Peppercorn, Cumin Lamb, Chengdu Cold Noodles
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Only Michelin Bib Gourmand Sichuan restaurant in Long Island City with authentic mala heat profiles
Who should go: Sichuan devotees seeking quality without Manhattan prices
When to visit: Weeknight dinner with reservations, weekend happy hour
What to order: Mapo tofu, cumin lamb, dry pot customizable with 5+ ingredients
Insider tip: The thick-cut scallions in mapo tofu add brightness most versions lack
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 50th Ave is limited; nearby garages at Vernon Blvd Park Garage ($17) or Skyline Garage ($12). Best to take 7 train to Vernon Blvd-Jackson Ave (1 block away)
Dress code: Smart casual - the sleek space with hardwood floors and lanterns encourages dressing a notch above streetwear, but jeans are fine
Noise level: Moderate - you can hear your date across the narrow, lantern-lit space; wok sounds add energy without overwhelming conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation; two dining rooms help, but call ahead
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately; lunch specials make this ideal
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - mapo tofu (can request meatless), eggplant in garlic sauce, pea shoots, multiple tofu options on menu
Vegan options: Limited but accommodating - 3-4 options including vegetable dry pot customizations and stir-fried vegetables; staff can modify dishes
Gluten-free options: Some options available - rice-based dishes and stir-fries work; ask server about soy sauce substitutions for strict GF
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice. The intimate lantern-lit space with wooden lattices creates romance without pretension. Two dining rooms offer privacy, the full bar serves creative cocktails, and sharing dry pot or cumin lamb naturally sparks conversation. Price point ($25-30 entrees) hits the sweet spot of impressive without overdoing it.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights yes, usually no wait. Weekends after 6pm expect 20-30 min waits. The Infatuation lists this as good for walk-ins thanks to two dining rooms, but calling ahead guarantees your table. Reserve via phone at (718) 255-6722.
Is it kid-friendly? Manageable for older kids who handle spice. The restaurant describes itself as family-friendly with shareable portions and non-spicy options available (beef with broccoli, fried rice). However, tight spacing and communal dining energy favor kids 8+ who can sit through a meal. Highchairs not prominently available.
Best For
Better for: Authentic mala heat without the trek to Flushing. Hupo delivers Sichuan peppercorn-crowned mapo tofu and proper numbing cumin lamb that rivals downtown spots, but in a sleek LIC setting with full bar and cocktails. Six consecutive years of Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition backs up the quality.
Skip if: You want max heat - Michelin notes dishes 'won't make spice junkies break a sweat.' Also skip if you prefer traditional no-frills Chinatown ambiance; Hupo's modern aesthetic with QR code menus may feel too polished for purists seeking the Flushing basement experience.
Hupo
8.1
A sleek Sichuan room that brings real heat, wok aroma, and a menu built for ordering with intent. The best meals here are structured: one dumpling, one noodle, one stir-fry—then let the spice and texture do the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork soup dumplings, Dan dan noodles, Kung Pao chicken
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A modern Sichuan kitchen that keeps flavors bold and structured.
Who should go: Spice chasers and share-plate groups
When to visit: Weeknight dinners for easier pacing
What to order: Soup dumplings, dan dan noodles, one hot stir-fry
Insider tip: Mix one ‘numbing’ dish with one savory dish for balance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available but competitive after 6pm; nearby paid garages are the safer bet for dinner.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but the room skews polished.
Noise level: Moderate-lively — conversation is easy, but the room has energy.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable, tofu, and noodle dishes work well.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with careful ordering and sauce adjustments.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some stir-fries and protein-forward dishes can be adapted, but soy-based sauces are common.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a confident first date than a quiet one — spice, sharing, and energy help keep things flowing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weeknights if you’re flexible; weekends are tougher unless you arrive early or late.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-leaning — works for older kids who enjoy spice, but not designed for young children.
Best For
Better for: Structured Sichuan meals with real heat and modern presentation.
Skip if: You want mild flavors, large banquet-style portions, or a traditional old-school Sichuan room.
Hupo
8.1
A sleek Sichuan room that hits hardest when you order with structure—one dumpling, one noodle, one wok dish—then let spice and texture do the work. Great for group celebrations because the menu scales cleanly across the table.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork soup dumplings, Dan dan noodles, Chongqing spicy chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Modern Sichuan cooking with bold, wok-driven flavor and clean pacing.
Who should go: Spice chasers and share-plate groups
When to visit: Weeknight dinners for smoother flow
What to order: Soup dumplings, dan dan noodles, one wok dish
Insider tip: Pair one numbing dish with one savory dish for balance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is possible but competitive at night; easier earlier in the evening. Paid garages within a 5–7 minute walk are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy casual—jeans are fine, but the room skews polished for evening dinners.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy at the table, but the room has a celebratory buzz during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for groups
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short waits
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward Sichuan dishes and noodle options can anchor a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited but possible with guidance—stick to vegetable wok dishes and specify no animal-based sauces.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes can be adapted; soy-based sauces are common, so communicate clearly with the staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for confident first dates or second/third dates—the bold spice and shared plates create energy, but it’s less intimate than quieter spots.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weeknights if you arrive early; weekends and groups should book ahead to avoid long waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids who handle spice well—no kids’ menu, but noodles and milder dishes can work.
Best For
Better for: Structured group ordering, bold Sichuan flavors, and celebratory dinners that still feel composed.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic meal or need extensive dietary accommodations—simpler Chinese or fusion spots may be easier.