When I arrived and saw their outdoor wooden structure empty, with no tables, no chairs. Nothing. I wondered if the Chow House was open.

Once I let them know I was there, the friendly staff brought out tables and chairs to the structure, positioned the propane heater facing us and lit it.

The lunch special was too good to pass up at the price of the entree plus a bowl of creamy hot and sour soup, something appreciated as it was an icy day. We started with their tender and flavorful steamed soup dumplings ($9 for 6) filled with seasoned pork.


My dining mate ordered the sweet and spicy fried chicken chunks ($10.95; kung pao) and I the shredded pork in garlic sauce with bamboo shoots and wood-ear mushrooms ($10.95). Mine had a nice spicy kick that I toned down by eating it with brown rice.

I’d recommend a stop if you’re in the area.

Chow House
Greenwich Village
181 Bleeker
New York, NY 10012
212-837-1021