Wu Liang Ye
Contact Info:
Address: 36 West 48th St.
City: New York, NY
Zip: 10036
map: View the Map
Phone: (2120 398-2308
Website: http://wuliangyenyc.com/
Food Info:
Menu: View the Menu
Cuisine:
Chinese
2nd Cuisine:
Sichuan
Takeout:
Yes
Delivery:
Yes
Payment:
Accepts Credit Cards
Cititour Review:
Right smack in the theater district, Wu Liang Ye (one of three in the city) has been around for ages and, judging by the number of Chinese diners, (including young couples who could make the trip to Chinatown if they cared to), gets a lot right. The entrance is odd and challenging, up a very steep flight of steps. Once inside, there are gilded moldings, crystal chandeliers and a lot of nothing-special Chinese art. Carpet on the floor and an acoustic ceiling keep the noise bearable even when the place is crowded which it often is, especially before show time.
Waiters are Chinese and speak the language as appropriate. Don't worry, their English is excellent and overall service is helpful. I've been there to eat a full meal as well as a simple bowl of soup and an eggroll and never felt particularly rushed or dismissed for a small order.
The gigantic menu is largely Szechuan so there are plenty of lip-tingling dishes on the menu as well as many that are entirely non-spicy. Shredded Pork W. Szechuan Soup pickled in broth per the menu has vaguely picked cabbage and pork with a few noodles for a soothing start. Available for two diners, it's served in separate bowls. Most other soups, (chicken and corn, egg drop, wonton), are just as non-threatening with Hot and Sour the exception as it lives up to its name.
Of course there are lunch specials gently priced at $8.95--General Tso's chicken, sliced chicken with spicy garlic, sliced beef with string beans or with bamboo shoots or, if you're in the hot camp, beef and veg with a Hunan sauce. The degree of hotness can be modified to suit. Tangerine beef is hot but not blindingly so and Szechuan dishes are marked as such. I like cold noodles with a sesame vinaigrette (fairly tongue-numbing) and dan dan noodles with minced pork and chili. Lo Mein comes with the protein of choice.
Fried Rice is only a little too greasy but it's packed with meat, seafood and veggies. A side of green beans is as expected with that bright green color found in Chinese restaurants and hits $14.95 for a generous serving. Pricing for other veg dishes--broccoli, eggplant, baby bok choy-- follows suit. Dishes in the Chef's Specialties section of the menu are the most authentic with a nod to the braised whole fish with pickled mustard greens and the (very) spicy stir-fried sea scallops with chili asparagus. Among the mains, the shredded tea-smoked duck with ginger is a personal fave with contrasting flavors and texture.
There is a full bar with wine by the glass or bottle and mixed drinks as well as the usual sodas and Pellegrino (very Chinese.)
If you like food on the more bland side, stick to the Americanized dishes. Otherwise, let yourself go and enjoy it. Credit cards accepted. The restaurant does both take-out and delivery within the area. If yours is a large party, a reservation is a must --don't be surprised if you still wait.
Review By: Mari Gold
Additional details: Good for Groups