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Gulp
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Gulp
8.0
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Tiny Taiwanese counter with attached bar serving soul-warming beef noodle soup and lu rou fan braised pork rice in generous combos. The complimentary chicken broth shooter greeting and free noodle refills create a homey atmosphere despite limited counter seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Noodle Soup, Lu Rou Fan (Braised Pork Rice), Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Authentic Taiwanese comfort food with complimentary chicken broth greeting and free noodle refills
Who should go: Solo diners craving homestyle Taiwanese, late-night snackers
When to visit: Breakfast for dan bing, dinner for beef noodle soup
What to order: Beef noodle soup combo with free refill, lu rou fan
Insider tip: Ask for chili sauce and pickled vegetables to add to your soup
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on 27th St, metered spots free after 7pm. Transit preferred - 3 min walk from Queensboro Plaza (N/W/7 trains)
Dress code: Ultra-casual - come as you are, this is counter seating at a neighborhood noodle shop
Noise level: Moderate-loud - open kitchen adds energy, intimate space means you'll hear neighbors
Weekend wait: 20-40 min for counter seats, takeout recommended
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, seats turn quickly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - pickled cucumbers, radish cake, glass noodles with veggies, bai ye tofu available
Vegan options: Very limited - ask about vegetable sides and pickled items, most dishes contain pork or meat broth
Gluten-free options: Difficult - noodles and soy-based sauces throughout menu, rice bowls are safer bet
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're both comfortable with casual counter dining side-by-side. The 4-5 seat setup is cozy but not romantic. Better for a 'show them your favorite spot' vibe than impressing someone new.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken - it's first-come, first-served counter seating only. Peak times (7-9pm weekends) can mean 30-40 min waits. Takeout is popular for a reason.
Is it kid-friendly? Challenging for young kids - only bar-height counter stools, no high chairs, tight space. Older kids (10+) who can sit at a counter and enjoy noodle soup will be fine. Great for adventurous teen eaters.
Is there really a hidden bar? Yes - through the back door you'll find an attached bar space. Perfect for drinks while waiting for your seat or extending the evening after your bowl.
What time should I come for breakfast? Taiwanese breakfast runs 9am-11:30am daily. Come for dan bing (Taiwanese omelet), pork floss egg sandwich, and radish cakes. Weekday mornings are quieter than weekend brunch rush.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Taiwanese night market flavors at NYC prices - the free noodle refill and chicken broth greeting create genuine Taipei energy. Best beef noodle soup in Dutch Kills/LIC without the Flushing trek.
Skip if: You need table seating for a group, require extensive vegetarian options, or want a lingering multi-course meal. This is quick, soulful counter food - not a dinner destination.
Gulp
8.4
A tiny Taiwanese counter-service spot that’s become a real demand magnet—big flavors, fast-moving combos, and a constant line that signals it’s not a secret anymore. The move is takeout or a strategic wait plan, because seats are limited and the food comes out best when you order with intent.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lu rou fan (braised pork rice), Crispy chicken, Milk tea
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Taiwanese comfort food with buzz-level demand in a micro space.
Who should go: Takeout-first comfort-food hunters
When to visit: Early dinner to avoid peak waits
What to order: Lu rou fan, crispy chicken, milk tea
Insider tip: Plan for takeout—seating is extremely limited.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive during dinner hours—plan a short walk or quick pickup.
Dress code: Very casual—come as you are, jeans and sneakers are standard.
Noise level: Moderate to loud—tight space with constant ordering and pickup activity.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak, faster if ordering takeout
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes, lines move quickly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some sides and customizable rice/noodle options, but menu is meat-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited—possible with modifications; ask before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Limited—soy sauce–heavy cooking; cross-contamination likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual food stop than a sit-down date—the space is tight and fast-paced, but grabbing food together can be fun and low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are only a few seats and no reservations—assume takeout or be ready to wait briefly for a seat to open.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like bold flavors, but the tight space and limited seating make it less ideal for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Quick-hit Taiwanese comfort food with real depth—faster, bolder, and more craveable than most casual Asian takeout nearby.
Skip if: You want a relaxed sit-down meal, need strong dietary accommodations, or don’t want to wait in line.
Gulp
7.9
A small Taiwanese comfort-food spot that’s best for families as takeout or a quick, early meal—big flavors, fast service, and straightforward bowls. Keep it simple with a rice set and one snack-y side so everyone has something familiar to latch onto.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lu rou fan (braised pork rice), Taiwanese bento-style combo, Crispy chicken side
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Taiwanese comfort bowls that travel well and feed kids fast.
Who should go: Families who want a quick takeout dinner.
When to visit: Early dinner before the tiny seating fills.
What to order: Lu rou fan, a combo set, crispy chicken.
Insider tip: Do takeout at peak hours—seating is very limited.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but can be difficult to find during peak hours, especially in the evening.
Dress code: Casual, comfortable attire is fine; no need for anything fancy.
Noise level: Moderate - you can hold a conversation without shouting, but the space can get a bit lively during busy times.
Weekend wait: Expect a 20-30 minute wait if you're dining in; takeout is faster.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, especially for takeout.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several vegetarian-friendly options available.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 vegan-friendly dishes, but it's a small menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes - some gluten-free options, though the kitchen is not dedicated gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date if you're looking for a quiet or intimate atmosphere. The space is small and casual, but it’s perfect for a laid-back, no-pressure meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but it’s a small space with limited seating, so it’s better to come early or opt for takeout to avoid a wait, especially during dinner rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, very kid-friendly. The menu features familiar comfort food, and the quick service is great for younger kids who need a speedy meal.
Best For
Better for: Better for a quick, casual family meal or takeout. The large portions and affordability make it great for busy families.
Skip if: Skip if you're looking for a sit-down, formal dining experience or a restaurant with a quiet, relaxed atmosphere.