I've had better Chinese food at Panda Express. My first sentence basically says it all. This restaurant is located in a good spot, just off 5th Ave on 38th St and very close to Bryant Park, but the food is terrible no matter how you measure it and in all honesty I should have been forewarned since the place was almost empty when we walked in at 7:45 PM, admittedly it was on a Wednesday night but there still should have been more patrons if the food was any good. I ordered some very basic dishes that would be hard for any decent Chinese eatery to get too wrong, but the food they produced was worse that most Chinese take-out places. The Kung Pao Chicken was colorless and lifeless, the only flavor you could taste was the soy sauce. Normally the dish calls for a fair amount of peanuts but there were almost none in my food, and what little did exist was burnt. Instead they added large amounts of diced celery, which is what you get from the corner take-out, not a mid-town dining establishment. Next, the Three Cups Chicken looked and tasted like it had been stewing in the pot for the past week, what little meat was served had the consistency of old bamboo and the overall serving was smaller than what you might normally get for $3 at Cantonese dim sum but cost me SEVEN times more. The rest of the serving looked like what other normal Chinese restaurants would treat as the left over detritus collected to be thrown out with the trash. Then the Orange Beef was sickeningly sweet and served with most of the contents in a clump on one side of the dish. There was no tangy flavor and no spiciness with negligible evidence of actual meat present in the dish. Finally, when we complained to a waiter about the quality of the food he tried to play it off as if we were the ones in the wrong. Now I'm no food connoisseur but I as a Chinese person who has eaten Chinese food my entire life I can at least differentiate between good and bad food and I can say with absolute confidence that this is some of the worst food I've had in my 34 years of life, add on top the fact that the meal cost me $70 when better quality fare can be had from a hole-in-the-wall shop for under $10 and it should be unsurprising that I would recommend for everyone to avoid this place...
Read moreOMG!!!! I brought a large group of friends here the other night and the staff was exceptional! Some of the best service I have ever experienced anywhere in the world, and I've been to over 80 countries. The food was out of this world! Dim Sum selection is some of the most authentic and best in midtown and it's not even close. You would have to go to Taiwan or Hong Kong to get this experience for dim sum, but guess what if you are in mid town or traveling thru New York you need to stop here! Make sure to make reservations though as they can get pretty busy and especially for dinner! The drink selection is phenomenal whether you like a glass of wine, a cocktail, shot or just some really really nice tea! They have it all! We ordered a large array of dim sum (small plates) as a starter and we followed it up with many dishes that are just out of this world and wonderfully prepared by their Chinese chefs. it doesn't get much more authentic than this. Now mind you they do have the American Chinese classics as well, but when you go to Evergreen try things that you might not have ever experienced. If you are unsure the vast knowledge of the staff will enlighten you to the cuisine that is made from the heart and shows true passion and love for Chinese food. You can order Cantonese style, Szechuan, etc.. all prepared by chefs that have been eating these styles of food since they were children so they know what it is supposed to taste like and they do a damn good job of cooking it as well! Jason and Chris are so friendly and welcoming that you just cannot go wrong here! It is very easy to get to from either Grand Central or Penn Station. Evergreen has a stunning decor and a splendid atmosphere that is unmatched by any Chinese restaurant in midtown. I have not had an experience like that in quite some time! If you love authentic Chinese and are in the midtown Manhattan area it is a must try! You can...
Read moreAmazing Experience at Evergreen on 38th!
Evergreen on 38th is an absolute gem in the heart of the city. From the moment you step in, you’re welcomed by a warm and inviting ambiance that’s perfect for a casual meal or a fun evening out. But let’s get to the stars of the show: the food, the drinks, and the incredible team.
The scallion pancakes are an absolute must-try. Perfectly crispy on the outside and wonderfully flaky on the inside, they’re the ideal appetizer to kick off your meal. And then there are the soup dumplings—heaven in a bite! The thin, delicate wrapper encases a burst of flavorful broth and tender filling, making each dumpling an experience to savor.
Evergreen also has one of the best happy hours in the area, featuring a 2-for-1 drink special that’s hard to beat. The cocktails are crafted to perfection, and the bar team elevates the entire experience. Speaking of which, a huge shoutout to Chris and Jason, the dynamic twin bartenders who are as talented as they are friendly. Their attention to detail, personalized drink recommendations, and fun energy truly make the bar feel like a home away from home.
If you’re looking for incredible food, great drinks, and a lively atmosphere, Evergreen on 38th should be at the top of your list. It’s a place you’ll want to return to again and again. Cheers to this...
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