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Main Street Imperial Taiwanese Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Main Street Imperial Taiwanese Restaurant
8.3
Perpetually packed Taiwanese specialist drawing crowds for authentic comfort food. The menu covers classic Taiwanese dishes with an emphasis on noodle soups, braised meats, and traditional street food preparations that attract homesick expats.
Must-Try Dishes:
Braised Pork Rice, Beef Noodle Soup, Oyster Omelet
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Authentic Taiwanese comfort food that draws local Chinese diners
Who should go: Taiwanese food enthusiasts and adventurous eaters
When to visit: Dinner on weeknights when lines are shorter
What to order: Lu rou fan, beef noodle soup, three-cup chicken
Insider tip: Menu is plastered on walls—study options while waiting for seating
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, challenging in busy Flushing - arrive early or take the 7 train to Flushing-Main St
Dress code: Very casual - come as you are, this is no-frills comfort food
Noise level: Loud - bustling atmosphere with conversations in Mandarin, not ideal for quiet dates
Weekend wait: 15-30 min wait, may share tables with strangers during peak
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately, food arrives fast
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - three cup tofu, braised tofu, stir-fried eggplant with basil, various vegetable dishes
Vegan options: Limited but solid - three cup tofu with ginger is the standout, plus vegetable sides
Gluten-free options: Difficult - soy sauce is prevalent in most dishes, no dedicated GF options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Skip it for romance. Cramped tables, loud buzz, and you might share with strangers. Great for a casual third-date adventure with someone who loves authentic food.
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations for small parties anyway. Expect 15-30 min waits on weekends. Weeknights are your best bet for walk-in seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - families are welcome and the casual vibe suits children. Minced pork rice and fried pork chops are kid-approved. Just note: cash only, so come prepared.
Best For
Better for: Homesick Taiwanese expats craving authentic comfort food at fair prices - 24+ years of consistency beats flashier newcomers
Skip if: You need ambiance, quiet conversation, or credit card acceptance - this is strictly cash-only, no-frills, hole-in-the-wall authenticity
Main Street Imperial Taiwanese Restaurant
8.0
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A Taiwanese standby that works for business lunch when you want real comfort food without turning the table into a banquet. The sweet spot is one noodle or rice anchor plus one vegetable and one braise—enough variety to feel complete, still paced for a clean return to work.
Must-Try Dishes:
Three cup chicken, Beef noodle soup, Braised pork over rice (lu rou fan)
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Taiwanese comfort staples that eat well as a tight lunch set.
Who should go: Coworkers who want shareable-but-not-chaotic.
When to visit: Weekday lunch for steadier service.
What to order: Beef noodle soup, three cup chicken, lu rou fan.
Insider tip: One soup + one rice plate + one veg is the cleanest lineup.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Queensboro Hill; generally manageable during weekday lunch but tight in the evenings. Allow a few extra minutes to circle the block.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — office wear, polos, sweaters, and jeans all fit in comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate — lively at peak lunch, but still easy to hold a work conversation without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours; shorter if arriving early.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes, even with small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes, and noodle options can be ordered meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable and tofu dishes work if you avoid sauces with meat stock; best to confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Limited — rice-based dishes are safer, but soy sauce and wheat-based noodles are common; no dedicated gluten-free menu.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It can work if you want something low-pressure and practical rather than romantic. The vibe is comfortable and food-forward, but not especially intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations aren’t usually necessary, especially at lunch. Showing up slightly before noon makes it even smoother.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, and the menu has mild, familiar options like braised meats, rice bowls, and soups that work well for kids.
Best For
Better for: Balanced Taiwanese comfort food that feels complete without forcing a banquet-style order — ideal for business lunches or solo diners who want structure.
Skip if: You’re looking for a buzzy scene, late-night energy, or highly specialized regional Taiwanese dishes; trendier or more niche spots will deliver more excitement.