Sunday night take-out. With the intent of switching things up we walked to 95th Street to try A-jiao, a sit-down restaurant. YES, it was better than the Dragon take-outs closer to home. We bought wonton and hot & sour soups, which are both very good. Their wontons have thin skins, certainly preferable to the doughy sinkers we've gotten used to. Flavorful broth and greens, a throwback to the wonton soup I grew up with in Brooklyn. Their mapo tofu is called "Ma Paul" and very spicy, tempered with spoonfuls of steamed rice. We also ordered prawns with toasted rice and vegetables. Mild, a lot of gravy -- almost like a thick soup -- and to their credit, the toasted rice was packed separately so it came home crisp. Here's where they lost a star. I was thinking of simple fried chicken with mixed Asian vegetables that I ate in Chinatown. Despite having all the components, A-jiao said it's not an option, unless we just want broccoli. I wanted more. Nonetheless, based on this meal, A-jiao is worth the walk. We'll surely return and explore the menu, without asking for anything not listed. read more

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Would you get up at 4:30 a.m. for a hot date? Would you Walk 3 miles one way for a hot date? Walked from West 57th Street to this restaurant on 94th and 2nd avenue a distance of 3 miles. Took us 75 minutes arriving at 11:00 a.m. on a Wednesday. There saving us a table was our New York Yelp friend MarianneTurned out that she didn't need to arrive that early to save us a table as the place was empty. Place looks like a typical hole in the wall restaurant from the outside with fading paint. Can't tell a book by its cover. Place looks very nice inside with attractive furnishings and decent ambience. Marianne had the the sweet potato pancakes with peanuts and the Chinese pancakes. Not your typical Chinese food but she has her own food diet. My wife had the Hunan chicken which came with broccoli bell peppers and slices of white chicken breast meat in a tasty garlic sauce while I had the spicy prawns with squash and minced beef in a spicy chili sauce. Turned out that I would usually order the chicken and my wife would order prawns at Chinese restaurants. World turned upside down. Like my dish but where was the beef? The beef was tiny particles of ground beef drowning in the spiciest chili sauce. Good thing that they served brown rice as an option to temper down the spiciness of the sauce. No way that Marianne would be sharing our dishes she has an aversion to spicy foods, and lately even chicken. Wife and I had the luncheon specials at $12.95 a piece while Marianne had the two appetizers.$42 after tax and tip a bargain for three people in expensive New York City. And no Marianne didn't get up at 4:30 a.m. just to prepare herself for a date. She gets up everyday at 4:30 a.m. hot date or no hot date. read more

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The food here has always been tasty, fresh, consistent, and reliable. It's one of the few real decent Chinese restaurants in the area. From outside doesn't look fancy but the inside it has nice decor and welcoming service. Good lunch specials too with healthy portions. Even when ordering delivery we've never had any problems. read more

A Jiao is our go-to for solid Chinese food in the neighborhood. It always delivers and the lunch specials are amazing in terms of food and amount of food! This time we ordered the eggplant lunch special with hot and sour soup and the beef chow fun also comes with wonton soup. The staff here are always so nice and I call to order my food for takeout and the food is always piping hot. Such an excellent place! read more

A-jiao - Shrimp L36. Mei Fun Lunch Special - Chinese Near Me - New York, New York

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A-jiao has been a neighborhood staple for as long as I can remember. My friends Robert and Janeen love Chinese cuisine and now that they taught me a thing or two I suggested A-jiao. I arrived early and when I saw an employee in the kitchen I peeped in to confirm that they open at 11am. Since no one spoke English they brought me in through the kitchen in error to the restaurant where the receptionist was getting ready to open. I was greeted and she said I could take any seat and asked how many people in my party. Soon Robert and Janeen arrived. After hugs and selfies we got down to business. I already knew my order. The table service was perfectly timed and after ordering and enjoying each other's company our food arrived exactly as ordered and all at the same time. I don't think we left a single morsel on our plates. I definitely know I'll be back to bring friends or for take out or maybe just sit down and eat alone. I'm highly recommending. This was top notch professional hospitality and definitely delicious food. read more

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Under the radar Szechuan place on the UES. Food was decent at very reasonable prices. This place would be very popular if they worked on the ambiance - get some music and have better lighting or hire an interior designer. We noticed that Chinese people were dining and getting takeout so that's a stamp of authenticity. Dan Dan noodles 3.5/5 Double cooked pork 4/5 Will come back again to try other dishes to fulfill my cravings read more

A-jiao - Dan Dan Noodles - Chinese Near Me - New York, New York

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We love this place! The food is always fresh, tasty, and super consistent. They've got everything--from all the classic American Chinese favorites to more traditional Chinese dishes. Some of the Szechuan items can be spicy, but there are plenty of mild choices too. We love their beef noodle, mung bean noodle, beef tendon, eggplant, whole fish etc. if we're feeling more American Chinese, we get the spring rolls, beef and broccoli, beef chow fun, sesame chicken etc. Portions are generous, and everything always comes out hot and well-prepared. The restaurant is clean, and the lady at the front desk is always so polite and friendly--it makes the whole experience even better. There's also plenty if comfortable seating. Compared to other Chinese restaurants nearby, the quality here is consistently better. read more

This was the most delicious spot near me -- it was so clean. Great ambiance and the service was beyond exceptional !!!! read more

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Take out was quick and easy! Food was fresh and hot. They only give you one of each sauce packet so next time I will definitely need to ask for more. Lo mein, hunan chicken, and hot and sour soup were great! read more

I've ordered here a couple of times for takeout, but I just found my favorite dish here: Chongqing braised fish in white sauce. It's so savory with a little bit of spicy kick. The fish is super tender muaaaah! I also love that they put pancakes in exclamation points and we did get a lot of pancakes for mooshoo pork. Overall, this is the best Chinese takeout around the area. The lady taking orders is super nice, they make the food quickly and is tasty. I've never done dine in, but the restaurant looks nice and clean. read more

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I wanted to make an update and explain exactly why I gave such a low review: when I order general tso chicken - fully aware that this is a westernized Chinese dish made to appeal to Americans, it's always my hope that I'm not going to get the nonsense made with ketchup as it is the least healthy version of this chicken, it also taste the worst in my opinion. I studied how to make common Chinese sauces and I've consistently found that the recipe for these westernized dishes are usually best with brown sugar, soy, ginger. To Americanize it further, you can probably add more brown sugar or even white sugar or honey. So it's basically just my disappointment with a genuine place using the most white/western version of this chicken, and it messed up what would've otherwise being a great dish . I also feel like I waited way too long for the food. read more

Yup still the best the lunch special alone is the best deal on the UES. It ranges from 9.50 to about 13 and comes with white , fried, or brown rice a soup or spring roll. Portions are huge food is fresh the ladies working there are so nice. read more

I got their Chef's Special Hot Pot to go and it's fantastic, much better than any Chinese restaurant on the Upper East Side has any right to be. They don't skimp out on the peppers and peppercorns so it has a great numbing spice, and it has a nice variety of beef, fish, shrimp and other goodies. Very authentic, if you're a hot pot snob who needs something closer than Chinatown or Flushing, I don't think you'll be disappointed. read more

Always a great experience service excellent food is tasty and and unique just a pleasure to have our neighborhood recommend highly

I got the tea smoked duck and a number of appetizers. It was delicious. I'm surprised that an Asian restaurant on the Upper East Side could be this authentic and not shy away from bold flavors. Many Chinese restaurants in this area are just dispensaries of gloppy, sugary, deep fried junk. This restaurant is a great gateway for experiencing diverse Chinese food. This will be one of my go to takeout spots for the foreseeable future read more

Ribs were terrible, sesame chicken should be called sesame fat and beef and broccoli was spicy and had an odd flavor. Thank god the spring roll was good or I'd be starving over here read more

This place is hands down the best Chinese restaurant on UES. Really satisfies my cravings for Chinese food without having to go all the way to Chinatown read more

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A hole in the wall authentic Sichuan restaurant. Great prices, quick service, and most importantly, amazing food. We are definitely coming back here! read more

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The food was superb. We got the flounder. Very large servings. Not spicy. We also got the chicken with broccoli. Just spicy enough. And also the bok choy lightly steamed. The White staff was very helpful and courteous. I give this place a 10 read more

Soooooo after the initial hesitation from my first review, I must say that we LOVE THIS PLACE This has been our go to for chinese food for delivery (even more so given the pandemic and inability to go to Chinatown!) Food is really good (they improved), ingredients are fresh and portion are really good for the price. My 2yr old son loves it! Lo mein noodles, mapo tofu (not spicy), string beans, beef is always so tender as well... And we adults also love their spicy dumplings, spicy noodles.. it is really tasty! They also prep the meal in no time and you receive it lhot as they were cooking at your home! Please order here! LOVE IT! read more

A-jiao - Chinese Near Me - New York, New York

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I went there for lunch with a friend who works nearby and thus recommended the place for lunch. I'm glad he did. Alas, since I hadn't seen my friend for quite a while we were absorbed in conversation and so I neglected to take photos of the food. But take my word when I say that what we ordered and shared looked good as well as tasted good. The scallion pancakes we ordered for an appetizer were lightly flaky, emitting a barely audible crunch when bitten, and their flavor was delightfully tangible and yet as light as their texture, not at all overwhelming the main courses that followed. My friend ordered the beef fried rice, which had a pleasing, subtle flavor, not too salty, and the strips of beef threaded through the rice were flavorful and tender. I ordered the prawns in garlic sauce. Nestled in a rich red sauce among broccoli florets, the dish's colors reminded me, amazingly, of a Rubens painting, and its flavors were nearly as fulsome, though the florets were a bit overcooked. My dish brought with it a little bowl of fried rice, which was very good. The service was excellent. Our water glasses were kept full throughout. The restaurant itself is an attractive little place, perfect, I would think, for a first date or a nosh before or after a movie. My friend had to rush back to work, so I was left with the remains of the meal, which was enough for dinner. I'd definitely go back to sample more of the extensive menu. read more

I grabbed food from A-Jiao tonight, on a break at work. Crispy spring rolls and egg drop soup with corn. Blah. Bland. Basic. Cute interior though and my food was handed to me almost immediately after I placed my order. Cheap too. I need to try some of the other dishes on the menu. read more

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Pretty standard delivery spot. I ordered from A-jiao for a near late-night dinner. Since I was craving Asian, this spot hit the spot because of the multiple food options. I had the Singapore rice noodles, and they were ok. The dish came with an ample amount of noodles, but I felt the amount of protein was a bit lacking. I will say that the dumplings were pretty good. My partner had the beef brisket soup with noodles, and that was amazing. The funny thing is that I was going to get a large soup. I guess I should remember that for the next time. While the restaurant has a $.99 delivery feel, I was confused about the $5.61 service fee. Oh well, can't win them all. read more

5 stars, everything on the menu is good! I order from here very regularly and my favorites are the spicy fish with napa cabbage, Bok choy with shiitake mushroom, Scallion beef, snow pea leaves, fried fish filet, whole fish with ginger and scallion and Pan-fried noodles with chicken or shrimp! Everything always tastes so fresh. I have enjoyed every new menu item I've tried. read more

A-jiao - Menu - Chinese Near Me - New York, New York

TLDR: not sure why this place is rated so low. Never actually been inside A-Jiao, but I order here often and it's always been quick and delicious! This is one of my favorite places for take out. For whatever reason, I always get my food extremely quickly and I'm always surprised how fast it is. I've never had a bad experience with the food I've had there. I typically order mapo tofu, double cooked pork, or some sort of fried rice or noodle. Give it a try! You won't be disappointed. read more

Food and service is great. Always quick and tasty and for local Chinese this is exactly what I prefer.

Ordered delivery 4 days after trying them for the first time I like their food way more than Han Dynasty. The food here is better, cheaper and bigger portion. My entree lasts me 3 meals ! And I run out of the rice half way through their entree ! Delivery was fast - 15 mins! Husband got C 27 - stir fried chicken with chili, asked for spicy and loved it because chicken here is not breaded but so flavorful. Ate with white rice. I got their small wonton soup (good) and Singapore mei-fun, extra spicy. Again, huge portion, tasty; satisfied with their spice level. Will order again. read more

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Food is okay. Too salty. Nothing great. But after being a regular customer for years and less than two days ago spending almost thirty dollars the woman would not accept my card for an order of cold sesame noodles. She demanded cash or for me to order more. There are no signs regarding this policy. I promised a friend I would bring them sesame noodles so I ordered another one. I hope she did not spit on them. Is that legal anymore? I don't think it is. So they just lost a ten year customer. read more

Had the spicy chicken and peanuts. Good taste Not greasy and nice portions! Aka kong pow chicken :) read more

Since Dragon One burned down my wife ordered Pad Thai with peanuts from this restaurant for $9.95. All we got got was a packet of peanuts and noodles with microscopic traces of chicken. I think this cost them about $2 to produce plus overheard. It was awful. She said it wasn't really Pad Thai. We will try the lunch special today and see if that is any better. read more

A-jiao - Chinese Near Me - New York, New York

Best Chinese food on the ues. Delivery always prompt and timely. Try it at least once. read more

My pick up experiences here have always been excellent! Although I haven't dined in or ordered delivery yet, I have been very satisfied whenever I order food to be picked up. I love being able to order via the Yelp app, while on the subway/bus on my way home, and picking up the food once I reach the restaurant (usually ready within 15-30 minutes once I confirmed the online order). The food has always been hot and enjoyable, plus they have a large menu with various assortments to satisfy any Chinese food craving! My favorite dishes have been the lunch specials: General Tso's chicken with brown rice, beef filets and broccoli, green string beans, steamed shrimp or pork dumplings, beef or vegetable lo mein with egg drop soup or spring roll. Thank you for the quick service and for satisfying my cravings each time, with hot, delicious food! read more

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I'm writing this review as I'm eating my take out delivery from them. This is the first time I ordered from them and it's terrible. When I called to place an order the lady said it should take about 30-40mins. It arrived at my door under 15 minutes!!!! Which is just way too fast for delivery. How can they cook it and deliver it within 15mins? Sure I live pretty close to it but still, that's just freaky fast. I had ordered shrimp with rainbow veggies, this turned out to be just shrimp friend with frozen veggies which is boring and tasteless. The dish costed about $15, and I was expecting real proper vegetables, not frozen. Looking through the reviews I can see there are quite a few negative reviews about customer service and restaurant staff being rude. That was also my experience when I called to place the order, the lady on the phone was unfriendly and sounded like she just hated working there, her job or her life! Not a good experience at all. I won't be eating there again. I hope they close up shop! read more

A-jiao - Chinese Near Me - New York, New York

Really friendly staff. Order to go and waited not even 4 minutes for our food. Really fair pricing, especially for bigger portions that often work for two meals. Very delicious, a staple in our house to order. They have lots of tofu options, recommend checking out! read more

Great food, fast service, good sized portions. Ma po tofu with minced beef was a little on the oily side but was excellent. Tangerine chicken was well cooked and flavorful. Lunch specials are a great deal with hot & sour soup or spring roll, choice of rice, and nicely portioned entree. Will be my go-to Chinese in the UES! read more

We order from Ajiao all the time through delivery.com. The food is authentic, delivery is fast. Price is also pretty good - around 12-15$ per entree. Normally I would have complained more about the cost of these dishes, since compared to Cleveland, where each dish would be 8-12$, I think I'm finally getting used to NYC prices. Our regular orders usually consist of: 1) Gan Ban Si Ji Tou (green beans and pork). One time I ordered the wrong one with the bamboo shoots along with the pork. Both are good. Hubby doesn't like bamboo shoots so we order just the regular pork and green beans. Flavorful, maybe sometimes too salty, but then again, you have rice. 2) Kung Pao Ji Ding (Gong bao chicken). This is hubby's favorite dish - although it's not made completely right in this place. Usually this dish is supposed to be sour, sweet and spicy. The one they serve here lacks the sour, but we still enjoy it nonetheless. 3) Yu Xiang Rou Si (garlic stir fried pork). This is probably why we give this place 5 stars. In Cleveland, our go-to Sichuan place served this dish with jicama. Since moving to NYC, we have tried this dish in other places, but this is the first place that we have found to serve it with jicama instead of some other random root veggie. The dish is salty with a touch of sweetness and spice. I also like the mu er in the dish. Wish the pork pieces were sometimes smaller. 4) Crispy wok fried chicken with 1000 chili peppers. I like this dish a lot. There are a ton of chili peppers but they still give you a good amount of chicken. 5) Crispy fish fillet. We have ordered the crispy one (the one we mean to order) and there's another one that's not crispy but made to sound like it's fried and crispy on the menu. Both are good. The crispy one tastes like the fish variant of the crispy wok fried chicken. Not too fishy. Hubby doesn't like fish but he will eat this. 6) Noodles! The sesame noodles are always good and cheap appetizer. 5-6$. I forget the exact cost. Sometimes it's too oily, but I don't expect differently from Chinese Sichuan places. We usually order 3 dishes for 2 people and 4 dishes for 4 people. Usually unless we are complete fatties, there's always enough to mix together and make a yummy meal for two of fried rice. read more

One of the best authentic Chinese restaurants in UES! Been coming here for years and food quality has not changed at all. Good luck through this tough time! read more

Solid Sichuan food on the UES. It's small but the prices are reasonable, the food solid, and the portions generous. Some highlights: 1. Chicken with broccoli in white wine sauce: Very tender chicken with broccoli florets in a garlic white wine sauce. Highly recommend asking for a white sauce in place of the standard brown. 2. Fillet mignon with mushrooms and spinach: This was great with tender fillet, fresh mushrooms (NOT canned!), a bed of spinach - all in a savory broth. It was flavorful without a lot of oil. The steak was juicy and tender. 3. Pan-fried noodles with beef: Solid but a bit on the salty side. 4. Shredded pork with five-spice tofu: Decent but a nit on the greasy side. 5. Scallion pancakes: These were great! Super crispy and flavorful. Definitely one of the better versions on the UES! A must-try. 6. Lamb chops: Very very good. Flavorful and tender with a light crispy batter coating. Another must-try! If you are on the UES, this is a nice hidden gem on the corner of 94th and 2nd by the 96th St Q (literally steps away). read more

Great service/ good food/ generous portions/ great ambiance/ neighborhood accessability

This place is my favorite Chinese place on the UES. That being said, it's extremely spicy and authentic Szechuan food. I repeat: EXTREMELY spicy. Get ready for food that might be so spicy you might not even be able to eat it... even if you request mild. Certainly, it's not ideal to order food and have it be inedible so that's why I deducted one star. But otherwise, excellent food that is delicious if you can handle it/if they really do make it mild. In my opinion, the mild is just the perfect amount of spicy. And this is coming from someone who typically can handle spicy food and is familiar with Szechuan cuisine. I've only ordered takeout from here but my three favorite things to order are: Wok tossed diced chicken with thousand peppers Rice fettuccine with pork (aka chow fun) Shredded beef with green peppers and bamboo shoots (fresh bamboo, yummy!!!) read more

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