TLDR
Authentic, numbing Sichuan classics served in a charming, village-inspired setting. A must-visit destination for pre-theater dining and bold, flavorful spice enthusiasts.
Sonal Shah reviews Szechuan Mountain House's new Times Square location, a convenient spot for pre-theater dining and experiencing top Sichuan flavors in NYC.
Details
Renowned for serving some of the best authentic Sichuan cuisine in New York City, this establishment provides a charming, immersive dining experience that feels like a trip to a traditional mountain village [1]. Its strategic Times Square location makes it a highly convenient and popular destination for theater-goers looking for high-quality pre-show meals [1]. While the menu is extensive and features bold, numbing flavors, it remains accessible enough to be a frequent favorite for many local diners [1], [2].
Food Overview
This restaurant specializes in bold, authentic Sichuan flavors characterized by the signature 'mala' numbing sensation of Sichuan peppercorns [1], [2]. Highly acclaimed dishes include the La-Zi chicken [1], [3], dumplings in chili oil [1], and mapo tofu, with the latter available in a vegetarian version upon request [1], [3], [4]. While the menu is celebrated, some diners warn that the spice levels and use of unique animal parts can be intense for beginners [5].
Highlights / Recommended
"Signature recommendations include the La-Zi chicken, dumplings in chili oil, Szechuan double-cooked pork, and mapo tofu [1], [2]. For those seeking unique textures, the salted egg yolk corn and stir-fried lotus roots are frequently praised [1], [2]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •mapo tofu(3)
Caveats
Patrons should be aware that the restaurant is quite popular, and for certain occasions like holidays, you may need to call ahead as it might not be available through standard reservation apps [1]. Additionally, the spice levels can be quite intense, and the menu features various animal parts that may not appeal to all palates [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About Mountain House
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Can Reservation For 9 7 Adults 2 Kids Avoid A Pre
"Recommended for group dining."
PositiveFrom post: Wander Around Flushing Or Go To Khao Kang Before
"Mountain House is considered an excellent choice, though the commenter leans towards Flushing for easier commute and variety."
PositiveFrom post: Something Easy Lunch Or Dinner For 2 Demoralized
"Sichuan Mountain House is recommended for its food."
PositiveFrom post: Best Midpriced Vegfriendly Cuisinefocused
"Szechuan Mountain House was included in a list of favorite Asian restaurants with excellent vegetarian options."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant
"Szechuan Mountain House is listed as a frequently visited restaurant."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For A Truly Great Hells Kitchen Dinner
"The commenter notes that Sichuan Mountain House is now located on 46th Street."
NeutralFrom post: Seafood Restaurants Near 44th And 8th
"Clarifies that they were thinking of Che Li when mentioning Shanghainese cuisine, confirming Mountain House is Sichuan."
NeutralFrom post: Seafood Restaurants Near 44th And 8th
"Corrects the cuisine type, stating Mountain House is Sichuan, not Shanghainese, but still acknowledges it as a good option."
NeutralFrom post: Seafood Restaurants Near 44th And 8th
"Suggests Mountain House, located on 46th street, as it offers many seafood options and is a great Chinese Shanghai-style restaurant."
NeutralFrom post: Spiciest Vegetarian Dishes In Nyc
"Szechuan Mountain House is listed as a recommendation for spicy food."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For A Dish With An Obscene Amount Of
"The commenter recommended the swing pork belly or dumplings in chili oil from Szechuan Mountain House, suggesting they would be good if the person also likes spicy food."
PositiveFrom post: Where To Eat On Thanksgiving Day Non Tg Food
"This Chinese restaurant is suggested as being open on Thanksgiving and may not be on Resy, so calling ahead is advised."
PositiveFrom post: Midtown Quick Preshow Vegetarian Friendly
"This commenter, who is vegetarian, recommends Szechuan Mountain House for pre-show dining. They note that while the menu isn't explicitly vegetarian, the staff can make vegetarian versions of many dishes upon request. They specifically praise the vegetarian mapo tofu, emphasizing the need to ask for the vegetarian option to avoid beef."
PositiveFrom post: Here Are The Results For The Foodnyc Edition Of
"The commenter believes Szechuan Mountain House is overrated and extremely average."
NegativeFrom post: Dinner Before Play That Goes Wrong
"Mountain House is mentioned as a restaurant option in Hell's Kitchen."
NeutralFrom post: Szechuan Mountain House Best Dishes Also Nonspicy
"This comment suggests trying the mala pork intestines, stating it's the same dish as the laziji but with pork intestine instead of chicken."
NeutralFrom post: Szechuan Mountain House Best Dishes Also Nonspicy
"This user describes the triple delicacy's numbing effect as borderline psychedelic, causing a strong physical and almost mental reaction, overshadowing any perception of spice."
PositiveFrom post: Szechuan Mountain House Best Dishes Also Nonspicy
"The cabbage dish, specifically not the complimentary one, is considered one of the best in the city."
PositiveFrom post: Szechuan Mountain House Best Dishes Also Nonspicy
"This comment notes that the triple delicacy dish was available last week and found to be delicious but spicy."
NeutralFrom post: Szechuan Mountain House Best Dishes Also Nonspicy
"Recommended dishes include okra salad, pickles, sweet and sour pork, fried eel, pickled pepper fish, mama hot fish, stir-fried cabbage, and stir-fried lotus root."
Neutral