Twilight Lounge 朝暮

Went with a friend to get a late lunch. The place has a pretty cozy vibe and everything was pretty clean. The servers were really nice and the food came out pretty fast. I ordered a chili oil chicken, braised beef tendon and glutinous rice balls in sweet rice wine. The chicken was tender and slightly sweet and savory. It has a good spice level but I wouldn't consider it really spicy. I think you can ask to make it more spicy which I should've done. It's also topped with crushed peanuts which provides a nutty flavor. The braised beef tendon was delicious and the tendon was cooked well as it just melts in your mouth. It was very aromatic and has a nice sesame oil flavor. Just felt like the portion could have been a little bigger but otherwise really good. I haven't seen many places with braised tendon. Lastly, the glutinous rice balls in rice wine has a nice tangy flavor and is lightly sweetened. The scoop of black sesame ice cream was also really tasty. Has a really nutty black sesame flavor and was not too sweet. Overall a pretty good restaurant and I would definitely come back and try the rest of the dishes!

I noticed a $14 lunch special that was too good to ignore. A main dish, white rice, two mini egg rolls and a side of pickled cucumbers—what a fantastic deal for NYC. That sign is what pulled me into Twilight Lounge, a newly opened Sichuan and Cantonese restaurant in the East Village that’s already showing serious promise. For the lunch special, I ordered the Kung Pao Chicken, which came with white or purple rice, egg rolls and pickled cucumbers. The chicken was tender with just the right amount of wok-seared edges, tossed in a glossy sauce that struck a nice balance between sweet, savory, and just a hint of spice. Crunchy peanuts gave it texture as well as the egg rolls w plum sauce and the cool, vinegary cucumbers on the side refreshed the palate between bites. For $14 in Manhattan? A steal. I came with family and we ordered a few dishes off the regular menu to share. The Spicy Cumin Lamb was a standout. Sliced thin and stir-fried with whole dried chilies and cumin seeds, the dish had a smoky, earthy depth that lingered in a good way. It packed some heat, but it was the kind that builds slowly—warming, not overwhelming. The real surprise for me was the dry-style Sichuan Beef Noodle. I usually expect something heavier or soup-based, but this version came tossed in a savory, umami-rich sauce that clung beautifully to the chewy noodles. The marinated beef slices were flavorful and tender, and the overall dish felt comforting yet bold. It’s the kind of meal you could crave on a rainy day—or after a long one. The Twilight Fried Rice also deserves mention. Unlike typical fried rice dishes, this version arrived with a crispy bottom layer—almost like a socarrat from paella—adding a delightful crunch to each spoonful. It was savory, aromatic, and loaded with bits of egg, scallions, and diced vegetables. It's a clever and satisfying twist on a classic that I didn’t expect to love as much as I did. We also tried dishes like the beef pancake roll, which was like a scallion pancake rolled around savory beef slices, the wife and husband sliced beef in chili oil, spicy shrimp, and the spicy fried fish filet, both of which leaned on the hotter side, so be warned if you’re spicy –sensitive (or tell them to adjust the spice level). I found the lotus root stir-fry refreshing and light, with its mix of squash, wood ear mushrooms and lotus root slices. And a special shoutout to Jonathan, who took care of our table with warmth, efficiency, and always with a smile. Twilight Lounge an East Village gem that brings the heat, flavor, and hospitality. Definitely one to watch.

Having tried a lot of Sichuanese restaurants in NYC, I kind of have a bar and this place failed to meet it. It’s a place for a more Americanized palate. The food lacked flavor and punch and was not served hot enough. The three pepper chicken was tough (didn’t want to even bring back any leftovers), the fried rice with mustard green shoots was good, the Fish Fillet w/ Silken Tofu Pudding was okay as it lacked flavor, the lotus root stir-fry medley was disappointing with big chunks of celery and cucumber and no flavor. They brought out the rice last, meanwhile what are you supposed to eat the rest of the food with? My biggest problem was with the atmosphere. The air conditioning was so strong that the food got cold in minutes add then was not enjoyable. You don’t need to blast the A/C and serve cold food - instead adjust it to pleasantly comfortable. Went to celebrate a birthday but was let down. Won’t go back.

So happy this place opened up. We love Sichuan-style dishes but don’t always feel like waiting for a table to open up at some of the bigger places up at St. Marks. Great food, we got the crispy sichuan chicken, cumin lamb and the green beans. Authentic, great flavor with a good spice level. They serve beer/ wine too. Love the vibes, I plan to visit again with friends and family. The owner JC was friendly too.

Overall: The ambiance was very elegant, seating is sufficient for 25-35 guests, serving is family size (2-3 people), price is mid range ($20-30), dishes are made with passion for tradition and authentic Chinese flavors. Serving: Family size for 2 to 3 persons per dish Price: Mid Range $20 to $30 per dish Dishes: 1. Spicy Cumin Lamb - Amazing flavor profile between the sweetness of the onions and celery, and the spicy thinly sliced well-marinated lamb. The lamb was well cooked because it was perfectly tender and to some extent came to the point of melting in my mouth. 2. Honey Walnut Prawns - It was both savory, fishy, with a hint of sweetness. The shrimp was fried alike a tempura and was drenched in japanese mayo. The walnut and fried batter added crispiness and texture to the dish. In addition, the walnut was a provided a hint of sweetness which completely balanced the whole dish. 3. Chongqing Spicy Chicken - This was a Chinese classic done perfectly with the right balance of spices and acidity. The spice was not overbearing which ensured that enthusiasts could enjoy the dish and its complex flavor profile. The chicken was well drenched in chili oil and the chicken was marinated perfectly. 4. Tea-Smoked Duck Fried Rice - This brought every dish together, it was a perfect clean slate that bonded the different taste profiles. The fried rice was both delightful when combined with the different dishes and was perfect when consumed alone. 5. Garlic Baby Bok Choy - This served as more of a palleted cleanser between different dishes. It was a simply but refreshing pause between dishes. 6. Classic Mapo Tofu - Tofu was fluffy and melted in your mouth without breaking down as you pick it up with a fork or chopstick. The tofu was well-marinated in the sauce and was very flavorful. Moreover, the sauce sticked perfectly to the tofu, ensuring that every tofu was coated to perfection 7. Cucumber Salad with Garlic Sauce - This was a simple appetizer that activated our taste buds and appetite. 8. Pineapple Sweet and Sour Pork - I could not eat this because Im not allowed to eat Pork but based on my peers, the meat was not as tender as the other dishes. The meat was also not as marinated and was allegedly dry. In addition, our dish combinations simply did not match with the pineapple sweet and sour pork so it was the odd-one-out. Dessert: 1. Black Sesame Ice Cream -This was an experimental flavor that was perfectly executed, it tasted exactly like sesame with sweetness into it. However, the sesame and sweetness was not too overbearing. 2. Lychee Sorbet - This was purely lychee and did not taste like artificial flavoring. It was perfect for cold weathers and winding down post-entree Restaurant Seating: Hosts 25 to 35 guests with solo, couple, and family size tabling

Came here with a friend for lunch and had a wonderful experience. The restaurant has a cozy, homely vibe (at least to me)—clean, comfortable, and welcoming. We sat by the window, which gave us a great spot to enjoy both the food and some quiet, natural light. We ordered the double-cooked pork belly, which was rich, savory, and had just the right touch of heat—paired beautifully with nutty purple rice. The cucumber salad with garlic gravy was one of those deceptively simple dishes where less truly means more: crisp, refreshing, and appetite-opening. We also tried the jellyfish salad. It was light, delicately seasoned, with that perfect chewy texture that makes it such a satisfying cold dish. The service was incredibly friendly and courteous. We were even treated to lychee ice cream on the house, which was a lovely surprise! I ordered the tea-smoked duck fried rice to go, and the waiter thoughtfully came back to confirm whether I wanted the regular portion or the lunch special (which I did)! A small gesture that showed real attention to detail! I truly appreciate this level of care and hospitality. Great food and great service! I’ll definitely be back!

This was one of the best Chinese food spots I have been to in a long time! Everything was so good. The beef pancake (perfectly juicy meat and the outside was crispy) and duck fried rice were especially memorable to me. Highly, highly recommend this place to anyone!

My completely unfounded hypothesis for how Twilight Lounge came to be is that the founders wanted to open an authentic Canto spot but after market researching (AKA talking to the locals), they learned that New Yorkers are crazy for Szechuan food, so they decided to tack that on--because Chinese people are nothing if not people pleasers. And thus this Cantonese-Szechuan menu was born. The above is based on an untrue story. Now on to the food. - Wood Ear Mushroom Salad: Refreshing and perfectly spicy - Lotus Root Stir-fry Medley: Because we all need fiber. Get this classic stir-fry to make your bathroom trips more fun. - Crab Roe Silken Tofu: Soft and tasty, better than I expected. - Wong Fei Hung Prawns: If you look at this name and the Jet Li theme song doesn't automatically play in your head, you're not Cantonese enough to appreciate this dish. But it's okay; this dish is so good, it would win over a vegan. It was easily the star of the show, everyone's favorite. The prawns were plump and juicy, and the peppercorns were crunchy and satisfying--all coming together in the perfect marriage of mouth-singing flavor. We picked this clean like buzzards circling a dead rodent. - Sichuan Braised Fish: Our first taste of their Szechuan offerings, and the verdict is....pass! This was spicy, umami and complex, loaded with mouth-tender fish and veggies, and as comforting and filling as similar offerings at Szechuan restaurants. - Tea Smoked Duck Fried Rice: Not much duck, smoke or tea flavor. Not much duck either. I'd skip this unless you really want to blow money on fried rice. Service was friendly and attentive, and decor was modern chic. Twilight Lounge has stiff competition from the borough, but it surprisingly holds its own--esp. if you're in this neck of the woods and craving umami.

I think this is the best place to get Chinese food in the East Village. Their lunch special is absolutely amazing. I keep dreaming about their Chicken with Shanghai Baby Bok Chow. I can't wait to keep trying more items on their menu.

My completely unfounded hypothesis for how Twilight Lounge came to be is that the founders wanted to open an authentic Canto spot but after market researching (AKA talking to the locals), they learned that New Yorkers are crazy for Szechuan food, so they decided to tack that on--because Chinese people are nothing if not people pleasers. And thus this Cantonese-Szechuan menu was born. The above is based on an untrue story. Now on to the food. - Wood Ear Mushroom Salad: Refreshing and perfectly spicy - Lotus Root Stir-fry Medley: Because we all need fiber. Get this classic stir-fry to make your bathroom trips more fun. - Crab Roe Silken Tofu: Soft and tasty, better than I expected. - Wong Fei Hung Prawns: If you look at this name and the Jet Li theme song doesn't automatically play in your head, you're not Cantonese enough to appreciate this dish. But it's okay; this dish is so good, it would win over a vegan. It was easily the star of the show, everyone's favorite. The prawns were plump and juicy, and the peppercorns were crunchy and satisfying--all coming together in the perfect marriage of mouth-singing flavor. We picked this clean like buzzards circling a dead rodent. - Sichuan Braised Fish: Our first taste of their Szechuan offerings, and the verdict is....pass! This was spicy, umami and complex, loaded with mouth-tender fish and veggies, and as comforting and filling as similar offerings at Szechuan restaurants. - Tea Smoked Duck Fried Rice: Not much duck, smoke or tea flavor. Not much duck either. I'd skip this unless you really want to blow money on fried rice. Service was friendly and attentive, and decor was modern chic. Twilight Lounge has stiff competition from the borough, but it surprisingly holds its own--esp. if you're in this neck of the woods and craving umami.

This new spot in LES is serving up some authentic Chinese dim sum and entrees. It is a small gorgeous space inside and they were doing a happy hour so we had to get some discounted dim sum. Service overall was good even though there were only two servers running everything while we were there. I really enjoyed all of the apps. The dumpling skins were strong and they all had lots of filling. The beef in the pancake was cooked perfect too. The tendon was chewy and hot. The fish was crispy but not too oily. The fried rice wasn't too salty and the beans were lightly fried and lightly salted. I do think they lower the flavors to accommodate to non-Asian customers though and wish they added some more MSG or salt to some of the dishes. Also, in June, if you spend over $60 you can draw a raffle ticket to win a Labubu.

Growing up eating Cantonese food in Hong Kong, I can say Twilight Lounge is one of the best modern chinese restaurant in NYC. And yes, I'm biased toward Canto cuisine. While the menu features both Canto and Szechuan dishes, it leaned more Szechuan. We got most of the Canto dishes here. It gave me 私房菜 (private kitchen) vibes, and felt like a journey back to HK. ＊Canto Style Crispy Prawns 避風塘大蝦 $26 I didn't expect I could find "避風塘" (typhoon shelter) dishes in NYC. The 8 crispy jumbo prawns were tossed in crispy garlic and dried chili. It was less savory than the ones I remember, but I might prefer this version more. ＊Canto Braised Beef Tendon 港式炆牛筋 $28 This slow-cooked beef tendon has a jelly-like texture, and the juicy chunks of winter melon and carrots gave it a natural sweetness. ＊Twilight Special Fried Rice 朝暮炒飯 $18 I haven't had xo-sauce fried rice in a hot minute, so this one really hit. It had shrimps, lap cheong, corn, scallion and egg. I do wish it had just a touch more umami to round it out. ＊Crab Roe Silken Tofu 蟹粉豆腐 $25 The tofu was silky, coated in a rich crab roe sauce. You could actually see and taste the crab roe, with bits of crab meat. ＊Dan Dan Noodle 擔擔麵 $10 ＊Pork Dumpling in Chili Oil 紅油抄手 $10 I was also curious about the Szechuan dishes. The chili oil was aromatic and packed some heat. The dan dan noodles had a numbing spiciness, but the kick didn't linger too long.  ＊Glutinous Rice Ball in Sweet Rice Wine 酒釀圓子 $8 The BEST 酒釀圓子 i had in NYC so far. Lightly alcoholic and bursting with osmanthus fragrance. I only wished they could give more sweet rice wine soup because it was too good.  ＊Golden Coconut Milk Custard 脆椰奶金磚 $8 It had a soft coconut milk center, coated in a crispy and thin panko crust, just like 炸鮮奶 (deep-fried milk), and very lightly sweetened!

I finally had the chance to visit this new Chinese restaurant in East Village on Mother's Day. It's a cozy spot with a nice ambiance. They were able to accommodate our group of 9 and were giving any moms that ate there a bouquet of flowers. It was a nice gesture that several of the patrons appreciated. Twilight Lounge has a deal for lunch special sets from 11 AM - 3 PM every day. They come with several different items. For a meal in NYC, these sets are at an excellent price point. However, we opted to go family-style due to the size of our group so that we could try as many dishes as possible. All the dishes were solid, but the one that really stood out was the fried eggplant in garlic sauce. It was a favorite for several members of our group. The texture and depth of flavor in the sauce were exceptional. A few of us wrapped up the meal by trying the golden crispy coconut milk custard. It was crispy on the outside, piping hot inside, and was a nice little treat to end the meal with. The service was great and it seems like they are still experimenting with potential new dishes. I would definitely visit again in the future to try out more of their food.

This is upscale Chinese dining, so maybe I'm a bit unused to the high prices. The food was good and service very attentive. The teas were good, and you can choose beer and wine as well.

Twilight Lounge | East Village Location & Vibe Tucked into 110 1stAve, Twilight Lounge offers a cozy, stylish atmosphere ideal for casual dinners, intimate gatherings, or laid‑back drinks. The interior strikes a balance--warm lighting, thoughtful seating, and just enough buzz for a lively night out. Cuisine Highlights This spot serves up bold, polished Chinese fare--melding spicy Sichuan with elegant Cantonese-- *Chongqing Spicy Chicken: a standout for heat lovers. *Cantonese‑style Crispy Prawns: highly recommended for their flavorful pop . *Tea‑Smoked Duck Fried Rice: a creamy, aromatic comfort dish often praised visually on galleries With Chef Chen's 30+ years behind the stove, expect dishes steeped in authenticity and finesse. Drinks & Deals Their happy hour draws attention with $6 beers, $8 small plates, and $10 sake/wine from 2-6PM daily . The drink menu sticks to curated wine, sake, and craft beer to pair with the bold food. Details *Hours: Daily 11AM-10PM *Perfect for: Lovers of spiced, authentic Chinese cuisine; casual get‑togethers; East Village explorers. *Seating: Cozy and intimate--expect a lively yet relaxed vibe.

I noticed a $14 lunch special that was too good to ignore. I ordered the Kung Pao Chicken, which came with the white rice, egg rolls and pickled cucumbers. The chicken was tender with just the right amount of wok-seared edges, tossed in a glossy sauce that struck a nice balance between sweet, savory, and just a hint of spice. Crunchy peanuts gave it texture as did the egg rolls, and the cool, vinegary cucumbers on the side refreshed the palate between bites. For $14 in Manhattan? A steal. I came with family and we ordered a few dishes off the regular menu to share. The Spicy Cumin Lamb was a standout. Sliced thin and stir-fried with whole dried chilies and cumin seeds, the dish had a smoky, earthy depth that lingered in a good way. It packed some heat, but it was the kind that builds slowly--warming, not overwhelming. The real surprise for me was the dry-style Sichuan Beef Noodle. I usually expect something heavier or soup-based, but this version came tossed in a savory, umami-rich sauce that clung beautifully to the chewy noodles. The marinated beef slices were flavorful and tender, and the overall dish felt comforting yet bold. It's the kind of meal you could crave on a rainy day--or after a long one. The Twilight Fried Rice also deserves mention. Unlike typical fried rice dishes, this version arrived with a crispy bottom layer--almost like a socarrat from paella--adding a delightful crunch to each spoonful. It was savory, aromatic, and loaded with bits of egg, scallions, and diced vegetables. It's a clever and satisfying twist on a classic that I didn't expect to love as much as I did. We also tried dishes like the beef pancake roll, which was like a scallion pancake rolled around savory beef slices, the wife and husband sliced beef in chili oil, spicy shrimp, and the spicy fried fish filet, both of which leaned on the hotter side, so be warned if you're spicy -sensitive (or tell them to adjust the spice level). I found the lotus root stir-fry refreshing and light, with its mix of squash, wood ear mushrooms and lotus root slices. And a special shoutout to Jonathan, who took care of our table with warmth, efficiency, and always with a smile. Twilight Lounge an East Village gem that brings the heat, flavor, and hospitality. Definitely one to watch.

Delicious, classic dishes with warm, inventive modern flourishes. Very pleased by the flavors and service and vibe here. House special fried rice blew me away! So glad it's here in the East Village. Shoutout to my vampires, werewolves and Hitchcock fans, too!

New favorite spot for Sichuan food the dishes tasted nostalgic and familiar. The Chongqing Spicy Chicken and the Crispy Prawns is a must get - my favorite dishes. Super flavorful. The interior is cute, minimalistic and clean. The server was nice and came by to check on us. Their portions was big and great for sharing. I would definitely get their lunch special to try different dishes in a smaller porter. 100% would recommend.

Loved Twilight Lounge! It's a great addition to the neighborhood! All of the food was really fresh and well prepared. The service and space were warm and friendly. Best of all they were able to accommodate a seafood/nut allergy which can be tricky. Definitely will go back to try more dishes!