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Hupo
ZipPicks Awards
Best Chinese in Long Island City
Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Long Island City
Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Long Island City
Master Critic Review
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.