#1 Garden Chinese

By all appearances, #1 Garden is just like every greasy chopsticks joint on every other block in New York. I'm not going to tell you instead it turns out to be "authentic"--that's what 8th Ave provides. It's Chinese American--but a little less greasy, with considerably higher quality ingredients, and even more reasonably priced than the standard. Within certain basic parameters, they're actually a lot more adventurous than normal--more creative in the combinations of produce, with enough things you wouldn't expect to find (chinese brocolli, good eggplant, chinese basil, Szechuan pickled veggies, actually fresh tofu, brown rice at no added cost). For vegetarians, they have a wider variety than you'd expect (without crossing into fake meat territory) and I've tried almost every dish without disappointment. The topper is that even with quality a cut above, they're at least a couple bucks less expensive than every other Chinese place in the area, and happy to accommodate requests like sauce changes. My recommendation--the "Happy Veggie" (melting eggplant, lightly fried tofu, broccoli and tomato) and sub in curry sauce. They have a lot of regulars, which is a good sign--including one who carried their menu all the way to the Forbidden City, photo evidence tacked up on the wall. The neighborhood is lucky to have #1 Garden Chinese.

My wife and sister in law are from England. I've visited many of times,and i have to say the chinese food there is very good. My sister in law found this place and the curry there is awsome. Plus the chicken dishes are white meat. That shows quality there. Great veg. Anyone ordering will not be disappointed. Enjoy

these guys are fast with delivery and use quality ingredients.