ZipPicks Awards
Best Chinese in Upper East Side
Master Critic Review
Pig Heaven
8.3
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
A long-running Yorkville standby that’s strongest when you treat it as a BBQ-and-roast-meat destination first, then fill in with a few classic Cantonese sides. Go with a focused order—one roasted centerpiece plus two supporting plates—so the meal stays crisp and satisfying rather than sprawling.
Must-Try Dishes:
BBQ Spare Ribs, Scallion Pancakes, Chow Fun
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A Yorkville institution for Chinese BBQ and roast-meat comfort classics.
Who should go: Families and groups who want classic Chinese
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner for quickest service
What to order: BBQ spare ribs, scallion pancakes, chow fun
Insider tip: Pick one roast/BBQ anchor, then add two sides—don’t over-order mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; expect to circle, especially after 6pm. Nearby garages are the safer bet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Jeans and sneakers are fine; business-casual works well for lunch.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours — easy for group conversation, a bit loud for quiet one-on-one talks.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes, and rice/noodle options are available, but it’s not the kitchen’s main focus.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable-based dishes work, but sauces may need to be clarified.
Gluten-free options: Limited — rice-based dishes are safest; soy-sauce-heavy items make full gluten-free dining challenging.
Best For
Better for: Chinese BBQ and roast-meat classics in a comfortable, no-frills setting that works for groups and business lunches.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale regional Chinese, modern presentation, or a date-night atmosphere.