Han Dynasty - Old City

"Han Dynasty has locations in Old City, University City, and Manayunk. At all of them, you’ll find Sichuan dishes and bars crowded with people watching a game or celebrating another week of not getting fired. The dim sum menu only has eight or so options, but they're all pretty good. We especially like the pan-fried chicken dumplings coated with garlic-soy and the pork belly in a sweet and spicy chili oil. " - candis mclean

"Han Dynasty has a bunch of locations, but the Old City original is still solid. It’s in an old, ornate building that has a long bar where you can sit and watch whatever sports happen to be on. It also has some of the city's best Sichuan food, and you can order a whole lot of it for about $25. Get the dan dan noodles." - candis mclean, alison kessler

"Since 2007, Han Chiang has been perfecting his menu with an undeniable appreciation of spice throughout all his Sichuan dishes. Han Dynasty has become a Chinese dining institution in Philly with its remarkable dan dan noodles, black pepper short ribs, spicy prawns, green peppercorn fish, and more." - Ernest Owens, Diana Lu

"A tiny Chestnut Street restaurant was the beginning of Philly’s love affair with Sichuan cuisine. Han Dynasty is now a mini-empire with three Philly locations and additional restaurants in three states. These days the flagship operation in Old City has moved across the street to statelier digs with more space for diners to enjoy fiery dan dan noodles, cumin lamb, and twice-cooked pork belly." - Diana Lu, Sarah Maiellano, Caroline Coral

"With its soaring ceilings, curved bar, and long red banquette, Old City’s Han Dynasty is a looker. The Sichuan restaurant has space for private soirees in its upstairs room, which seats 30 and overlooks the main dining room, or in its downstairs space that fits 50." - Sarah Maiellano, Dayna Evans