08/22/08

The worst experience I ever had!!!

by soa

My friends and I went to the Grand Sichuan Eastern on St. Marks last Friday. There were 10 of us and we didn't make reservation. The waiter ( or he is the store manager?) told us we have to wait for around 35 mins. So we waited.....and during our waiting we constantly asked him if any table is available soon. He told us he will give us one of the table soon. After 1 hour waiting....we asked again.....then he started to say that there is no table for us and we didn't have reservation. I was furious!!!! We knew we didn't have reservation and that's why we asked. I said, if there is no chance we will have a table, why didn't you just tell us? Then we will just leave!!!! It's just not right to do business like that. He tried to keep us there waiting because he is afraid if the people reserve for the table didn't show up, then he can give that table for us and he won't loose the chance of making money....So we stood there for 1 hour and get this??? I have been to that restaurant for many times. The food is not that good. Just sometimes I crave for Sichuan food so I would go there. With an attitude like that, and the food is not even good....I strongly recommend people not to go there at all !!!!

02/15/08

Most authentic Chinese place I've been to

by albyatlarge

I'm no expert on Chinese restaurants, but I've been to the source, and this is the only place I've eaten at in New York that rivals those in China for authenticity of cuisine and ambience -- in other words, it's not the average American-friendly, Hong Kong-inspired joint that you're used to. The Chongqing dry and spicy chicken is indistinguishable from that I've had in China. The waitstaff is delightfully brusque and businesslike. And in true mainland Chinese fashion, portraits of Mao hang on every wall, displayed with equal parts reverence and irony. If you thought Chinese didn't get any better than the greasy takeout place on the corner, give this spot a try.

• Pros: Authentic cuisine and decor
• Cons: Occasional long waits

01/31/08

Delievery - DON'T DO IT!

by Pfepher1

While the food is good, quite good, I can?t give this place any better than 2 stars. Why? The staff ? especially the delivery. We ordered food at 8:00 PM. We called at 9:00 wondering what was up and were told ?he left a long time ago.?

Fast forward to 9:20: delivery guy shows up. We asked why it took so long. No answer. We gave him at $1.55 tip. He stood in the doorway of the apartment demanding more. That behavior is UNACCEPTABLE and could be considered threatening.

I called to complain about the delivery guy. I was met with arguments such as ?Well, that?s a small tip.?

True, but the 1 hour 20 minute delivery time was unacceptable, especially considering we were told that our food had left ?a long time ago? nearly half an hour before it showed. If they had simply listened and apologized, I wouldn?t be writing this review.

Forget this place for delivery.

• Pros: Food is tasty and good variety
• Cons: Delivery is AWFUL.

01/20/08

REALLY BAD SERVICE!

by 702711

The service in this place was so shockingly bad that even the service in Chinatown or Flushing was better than this. I do have to say, the food was good but it?s not worth me going back there. I was so disgusted with the service. I expected a lot better service since it was not in Chinatown or Flushing. I will NOT go back!

• Pros: The food! Great Chef
• Cons: HORRIBLE SERVICE!

11/02/07

One of the best and most authentic Sichuan style chinese food in NY

by vitamincccc

New York has the best the chinese food among all american cities, and this restaurant is one of its best (while the other one in my opinion is the one on 2nd avenue between 55th and 56th). It has seperate menus for american style chinese or authentic chinese. I always go straight for the authentic part, because that is what I am there for; May I say that cook the best fish, I have tried all the styles, and they are all sooo delicious!!! I strongly recommend. I can't say about their service and decor, but in terms of food, they are the best!~

06/16/06

A better version of a good chain

by irvinsha

I've been to a couple of the Grand Sichuan restaurants in the city (the one on 9th and the other on 2nd). The food has always been good, especially some of the more authentic Sichuan dishes. The price has also been reasonable.

This one is a notch nicer than the others - the decor is a touch more modern and the menu is also expanded to include some Hunan dishes. Each of the restaurants is a bit different, but this one may be my favorite.

• Pros: Delicious, cheap, authentic sichuan cuisine
• Cons: Service may not be very good near closing time

A mini-empire of Sichuan-oriented Chinese restaurants.

by Justin Hartung

In Short
This Chinese restaurant has proven so popular, it's spawned multiple outposts, the latest located in the East Village. Decor varies from location to location, with photos of Mao Tse-Tung making occasional appearances. Menus also vary, though most break down into Sichuan, Hunan, and "American Chinese Food" sections. Sichuan should be the main draw, with basics like smoked tea duck and double-cooked pork available alongside more intriguing dishes like sliced conch and "Bad Smell Bean Curd."