"Alley 41 hasn’t been around nearly as long as the other Flushing spots on this list, but it’s already in our top three for Sichuan food. Their noodles are made in-house, the mapo tofu is extra funky, and they’ve figured out the ideal cumin-to-chili ratio in their sizzling cumin beef. And it’s very easy to walk-in, even with a small group. A good date night option, it’s a narrow spot with upscale decor: glass and metal screens, industrial chandeliers, and tulip globes." - neha talreja, hannah albertine, diana kuan, molly fitzpatrick