The food was ok and the service was disappointing. One of our party had to get up to ask for the check, after trying for 20 minutes to gain the attention of a server. Then, to add insult to injury, the manager came to tell us a party wanted our table. That act of rudeness ruined the evening.
Will C.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Newton Centre, MA
My wife and I had dinner here on Friday night. We ordered the Dan Dan noodle, the chengdu dry hot chicken and the spicy string beans with city hot sauce. The Dan Dan noodles were very good. Nice flavor and spicyness. Perfect portion for an appetizer to split amongst two people. The chengdu dry hot chicken was excellent. Better than anywhere I’ve had it in the Boston area. The spicy string beans were a bit over cooked but still tasty. Not sure if I would order it again. Overall it was a good meal. I would definitely recommend it if you are in the area and want some good Szechuan cuisine. The spicyness of the meal was just right. Enough to taste and get a kick but not burn your mouth, can’t finish my meal, constant drinking of water hot. That kind of hot isn’t good for my health. On a random side note, there were three chairs in the men’s single occupancy bathroom. Not sure how that would work unless I wanted an audience or would be ok with people waiting while I go. Id suggest removing them from the men’s room especially if you plan to use them again in the restaurant.
Jiaxin T.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Brookline, MA
We went there by noon, there are plenty of table, no need for reservations. The waitress served both hot water and ice water which is very suitable for Chinese. We ordered four dishes, because the portions are so big, we have to take home the leftover for supper. The tasty is authentic Sichuan cuisine!
Sara S.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Milton, MA
Always outstanding food and service. Quiet and clean, perfect for a break from work. I often go to read and eat. The owners and staff are kind and welcoming.
Jane Y.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Allston, MA
The food was good, but can be better. Had a late dinner with friends in the raining day. Service was good. But flavor of food can be more pure spicy.
Zhe W.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Boston, MA
All dishes are good. Especially Douban whole fish, Taro suck, beef brisket, spicy beef pot, Sichuan chicken. There is no soup in their Xiaolongbao, but taste good.
Tony J.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Cambridge, MA
Good food, not overly spicy. Unfortunately I wished that they would have more spice. But overall, good food. They even have two different versions of Kung Pao Chicken: American and Chinese. I assume that the Chinese version, which we had, was spicier and less sweet than the American version, but still I wish that they had more spice. They have another branch in Woburn which contains cocktails. But by the way, did I mention that I wished that there was more spice?
Kändiß Z.
Rating des Ortes: 4 South Weymouth, MA
This is THEBEST Chinese cuisine in the entire Greater Boston! They pay highest attention to details, and service. They have REAL Authentic Chinese food, and chef specialties as well. It’s incredibly expensive like very high-end restaurants in China. But, worth the money. However, if you don’t pay the HIGHTIP at least %20, or higher for the tip, the manager and chef will come to your table to scold and embarrass you, and you won’t be able to leave until you pay it. They’re also VERY sensitive and moody like divas, or prima donnas, and easily get their feelings hurt and become upset. So, if you are afraid of loosing face, it’s probably a good idea to ask the waiter how much gratuity they want ahead of time. Expect to pay out big money. Due to the haughtiness of the gratuity hassles we tend to just get take-out from here now, because parking is also a frustration as well. But, even when we do get take-up we usually can spend $ 60−90+ on an order, so we usually wait for special occasions.
Kevin L.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Brookline Village, Boston, MA
Standard Sichuan dish options available, but pretty expensive for the amount of food you get(rice not included). I came here twice and left both times not feeling very satisfied for the amount that I paid for the dishes. Only reason I would give it 3 stars is because the quality of food is decent, just not the quantity that you get(otherwise I’d give them just 2 stars). However, the staff there are very friendly and helpful so they get a thumbs up from me for that! If there prices were scaled down a bit, then I would definitely be back for more since there’s a very limited number of places to get Sichuan food in Brookline.
Alan G.
Rating des Ortes: 5 Boston, MA
I came here with my fiancée for lunch on Sunday, around noon. There was ample seating, and not many people at the time, so we were seated immediately and had a lot of space to ourselves. This is probably some of the best Chinese food I’ve had in the Boston area, which is saying something considering I live right next to Chinatown. We ordered the ox meat and tripe appetizer, the Chengdu dry hot chicken, and the sweet and pungent fish filet. The appetizer was nice and spicy, but not overly so(I don’t like having my mouth numb before I even get to the main course). The chicken was tender and juicy. It was fried, but not very greasy. Despite being buried in peppers, it actually isn’t super spicy, which I was fine with. The fish, being sweet and tangy, provided a nice contrast to the spicier dishes. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the fish was quite juicy and flavorful even underneath the sauce-covered breading. The service was friendly and efficient, and we were treated to fortune cookies after the meal. Overall, some of the best Sichuan cuisine I’ve had in the Boston-Cambridge area, and the ambiance was nice and quiet.
Samantha B.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Brookline, MA
Tucked into Brookline Village, Sichuan Garden is a neighborhood staple serving Sichuan Chinese fare in a pleasant atmosphere. Explore the signature dishes and Sichuan delicacies and of course come for spice. Also a smaller menu of new items. Don’t forget the weekday lunch specials — served weekdays from 11:30AM to 3PM. Order a large bowl of white rice and pick two protein dishes. Vegetables are usually mixed into these dishes but a third vegetable plate is never a bad idea. On the new menu, the Wenjun fish is delicate and tender. The white fish smoothly blends with a light and mildly spicy brown sauce with ginger, served with chopped red chilis, asparagus, zucchini, and celery. As Sichuan cuisine is usually synonymous with heat, the meal should include one very spicy dish. Braised beef fillets and napa cabbage with roasted chili certainly fits the bill. The beef is stewed in a red pepper soupy broth combined with the crisp cabbage, scallions, and pepper flakes. The heat grows as you enjoy the dish, complete with the unique numbing sensation of the Sichuan peppercorn.
Susan W.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Boston, MA
Three star quality food. So why two stars? I came to the restaurants with friends. I have been having heart burn for a while, so I would rather go home and have congee or bowl of soup rather than Sichuan food, which my appetite says yes and my stomach says no. But feeling peer pressured, I decide to go with friends and regret later. To compromise the social situation, I ask the waiter if they have congee available. A man in yellow polo shirt(maybe the owner) came over with a judging look of what’s wrong with you said«Why would you even want congee on a hot summer day?» I told him politely that i have heart burn. But I was a bit upset and what I really want to say to him is «Dude, it’s 70 °F out! It’s not hot summer day! And there is nothing wrong with eating congee on hot summer day. In fact, it’s perfect for it! And I was only asking if you have it available. No freaking reason to get defensive!» Some other thing that happened: we came in a large group. They didn’t even bother to give us a lazy-Susan. When we request for it they refused. I know this is more of personal complaint than review. But I need to vent my frustrations from this dining experience some where. I do not discourage people from trying here. The taste is decent. Beware of the quantity tho. The plates are quite small.
Jeffrey N.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Boston, MA
Food is standard. All the sichuan dishes are about the same. You have to pay for white rice which stinks. If you eat a lot don’t come here for large portions because it’ll end up being rather expensive.
Joanna Y.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Boston, MA
I gravitate towards the more fresh and healthy foods(rather than greasy and fried foods — aka my husband’s preferred food groups). Sichuan Garden is where he will eat the vegetables, and I will eat those fried meat dishes. Also because we both love spicy foods! I’ve ordered from Sichuan Garden over 5 times now in the past few months. All their vegetable dishes are cooked perfectly with just the right amount of crunch in each bite. The seasoning of their vegetable dishes are on target as well. Order any vegetable dish, and you’ll be satisfied. We’ve tried the which was just so delightful. My favorite vegetable dish is the Here’s what our rotation looks like: 1. Green Bean Tofu with Roasted Chili Vinaigrette. THISIS A MUST! 2. Eggplant in special sauce 3. Chongqing hot dry chicken. I must say that there isn’t usually too much chicken in each bite, but the crunch on the outside and the flavor is just too memorable. 4. Sautéed Filet Mignon with Black Peppercorn Sauce. There are a lot of peppercorns that come with this dish. If you cook, you can take home the left over peppercorns and make a spicy broth of your own or stir fry with it as well. 1 star down because between the 2 of us and ordering maybe 3 entrees, the bill still comes out to be around $ 50. Kind of pricey, but what do you expect in Brookline. Oh well !
Young P.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Boston, MA
Discovered new additions to try! 1. Green bean tofu(appetizer) — This is an appetizer dish but it is sooo good! If you are Korean, this is called«mook». But instead of in soy sauce, it is marinated with chili oil and it tastes so delicious! 2. Chongqing hot dry chicken — A lot of dry red peppers! although the chicken is heavily breaded, the sauce is amazing and I mainly get it for the sauce! 3. Chinese broccoli with garlic — They cut the vegetable for you into smaller piece so it is really easy to eat!
Mark P.
Rating des Ortes: 1 Boston, MA
***Moral of the story is to check your receipt if you decide to eat or take out here. Got take out. Went to check my balance the next day. Was charged over $ 800 for $ 81 worth goods. Went to have transaction voided and swipe card for proper amount and they wouldn’t void transaction. Said it wasn’t their problem. After having 10x amount taken from my account finally have it placed back into account. The staff not very professional when attempting to resolve the error. The food was mediocre at best. Spicy foods not that spicy and flavor kind of bland. Would have probably given it 3 stars but with the horrendous customer service, one seemed too generous a number to give.
Nina S.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Cambridge, MA
To be honest, tried this place cause of the news it made with the Harvard law professor. Got take out and I have to say the good held up well for 45 minutes(due to staff confusion when I arrived to pick up my food) until I was able to eat it. Ordered the beef with Napa cabbage, egg plant with special sauce(guy on phone insisted it was better than garlic sauce), and Dan Dan noodles. Everything was really authentic and tasted like a grandma from szechuan home cooked it. The beef dish was spicy and flavorful which I appreciated cause it’s not enough to just be one. The eggplant was indeed better than garlic sauce eggplant, not just for the sauce but the eggplant itself was like butter in consistency. And the Dan Dan noodles were the perfect carb to accompany everything. Will def be back!
Ashley L.
Rating des Ortes: 2 Brookline, MA
I wanted to give this place a second chance given the Harvard professor fiasco. My roommates and I had ordered here before and found it to be so so and pricey. Being a Brookline resident, I wanted to support a local business. Unfortunately, not much has changed in the last 3 years. I went in and ordered take out. I just don’t understand how rice doesn’t come with the meat dishes. It is really expensive if you want fried rice because they charge you for a regular portion and not a side portion. I waited about 25 minutes before someone behind the bar asked if I was waiting for food. I gave him a confused look because why else would I be sitting there? I hadn’t moved in nearly half an hour. Turns out, my food had been ready and was sitting on the bar. I thought this was quite bizarre. The food was not great. The chicken was deep fried in a terribly bland batter that just consumed the meat. When you peeled off the batter, the chicken was as dry as cardboard. The sauce that came with it was syrupy and way too sweet. I ended up throwing it away. The fried rice was mediocre, but at the very least, edible. I just can’t recommend this place. It doesn’t do Chinese food justice.
Andy D.
Rating des Ortes: 4 Miami, FL
After hearing about a professor from Harvard being overcharged $ 1.00 for each dish. I didn’t want to go. However, after meeting the staff and eating the food, I say get over it, you arrogant knucklehead people make mistakes. You abuse your power like a small town cop. These are the sweetest people, who don’t have an ounce of larceny. I can’t really say much to the ilk that teaches at Harvard. My guess is they’ve never run a business. That being said, the staff is wonderful and efficient. The food, most importantly they don’t use MSG, but the food is delicious. Or at least the Hot and Sour Soup is as well as the Schezuan beef. I live way to far for delivery, but it’s a great local joint. That all you want, great service, great food.
Suki C.
Rating des Ortes: 3 Fairfax, VA
Ate here to heap burning coals on Ben Adelman for his ridiculous correspondence with the owner over $ 4. He does not represent Harvard. The food was decent. I ordered the shrimp and chicken with spicy garlic sauce and my friend had the mapo tofu. We both tipped $ 4. ;)