Chinese Friends Restaurant

"Chinese Friends Restaurant has closed its doors in Chinatown, ending a remarkable 50-year run for the restaurant on Broadway. The current owners are retiring, meaning no more kung pao chicken, mushu burritos, or sizzling rice soup." - Farley Elliott

"Next to Mandarin Plaza and across from the brightly lit Royal Pagoda Hotel (which we could stare at forever) is Chinese Friends, a wonderful mom-and-pop restaurant that’s been open since 1973. On any given night, you might wander in and catch one of the owners chatting with a regular, and if you place a pick-up order and arrive way later than intended, it’s likely they'll make the food again. There’s a lot happening on the menu (like a mushu pork burrito), but we’ll make things easy: get the house special shrimp. This is non-negotiable. There are plenty of fantastic fried shrimp dishes in the neighborhood, but almost none compare to the one served here. It’s made with teeny tiny pieces, like popcorn shrimp, and is served in a sticky, sweet and sour sauce. Pair this with their sizzling rice soup or any noodle dish. photo credit: Andrea D'Agosto" - Kat Hong

"When a classic Sichuan menu and unfussy dining room maintains staying power in Mandarin Plaza for nearly 50 years, that space is essential for Chinatown dining. Established in 1972, Chinese Friends Restaurant still touts its longtime slogan, the “Original One & Only.” When perusing the Chinese Friends menu and a dish speaks to you, just order it. The prices are incredibly reasonable, so take the extras home for late-night reheats, or snack directly from the to-go container." - Eater Staff