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Empire Garden
ZipPicks Awards
Best Wings in Upper West Side
Master Critic Review
Empire Garden
7.7
A neighborhood Chinese takeout/delivery standby where wings are the value play—simple frying, straightforward sauces, and built for repeatable late-day cravings. The best orders stay tight: one wing flavor plus one classic entrée, so the wings stay the star.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sesame chicken wings, Spicy chicken wings, BBQ chicken wings
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Sauced Chinese-style wings that hit as budget comfort.
Who should go: Takeout wing cravings and late-day eaters
When to visit: Weeknights for fast delivery windows
What to order: Sesame wings, spicy wings, BBQ wings
Insider tip: Order wings for immediate eating—save the mains for later to keep texture.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots nearby but competitive after 6pm.
Dress code: Ultra casual — anything goes, especially for takeout or delivery.
Noise level: N/A — primarily takeout and delivery with minimal seating.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for pickup; delivery can stretch to 30–45 minutes during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes for pickup.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — classic vegetable stir-fries, lo mein, and tofu-based dishes available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-only dishes work if you confirm no egg or oyster sauce.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some rice-based dishes may work, but soy sauce is widely used; call ahead if sensitive.
Best For
Better for: Affordable, no-frills Chinese-style wings when you want fast comfort without overthinking.
Skip if: You’re looking for crisp, sauceless wings, a sports-bar vibe, or a dine-in experience.