DanDan Rittenhouse

DanDan Rittenhouse is a Chinese restaurant located at 126 S 16th St in Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA. They can be contacted at (215) 800-1165 or their mobile number, +1 215-800-1165. Based on recent customer reviews, DanDan Rittenhouse appears to be a popular spot, particularly for those craving the bold and spicy flavors of Sichuan cuisine. It is advisable to make reservations, especially for weekend dining, as it can be challenging to get in on busy nights like Saturday without one.

One enthusiastic customer described their experience as highly enjoyable and indicated their intention to return. They specifically raved about the cumin lab noodles, highlighting their intense spiciness and great flavor. This dish seems to be a standout, as the reviewer also expressed a desire to try the spicy beef noodles on their next visit, based on how much they enjoyed the lamb noodles. Other dishes that received high praise include the wontons in chili oil, with a recommendation to save the flavorful oil to enhance rice. The eggplant with garlic sauce was also noted as a delicious and well-balanced dish that provided a good contrast to the spiciness of the lamb. This reviewer found the ambiance to be "cute" and recommended DanDan Rittenhouse as a great spot for a date night.

Another customer, who specifically visited DanDan Rittenhouse to satisfy a craving for spicy Sichuan cuisine, reported a positive overall dining experience. They ordered the fresh hand-ripped flat noodles with spicy beef, along with scallion pancakes, and a homemade ginger ale with lime juice. The noodle dish was commended for having the right amount of hot chili oil and minced garlic, ensuring that these flavors complemented rather than overwhelmed the noodles and beef. The cilantro and scallion garnish was also deemed appropriately portioned. While the reviewer would have preferred more baby bok choy, this was a minor point. The noodles were cooked to a desirable tenderness, just beyond al dente. However, they noted that the beef in the noodle dish was a bit tough. The scallion pancakes were described as crispy and not overly oily, although the reviewer felt they could have used more scallions.

The beverage experience was mixed for this second reviewer. The homemade ginger ale with lime juice was found to be excessively sour due to the lime, with little to no ginger ale flavor initially detectable. It was essentially described as "lime-onade," requiring the addition of sugar to make it palatable. Regarding the ambiance, the first floor was noted to be somewhat crowded, and the music volume was suggested to be lowered. The reviewer did not visit the main dining room on the second floor, so their impression of the overall environment is limited to the first floor. They found the total bill of $31 plus tip to be a balanced value for a restaurant located in Center City Philadelphia.

Overall, both reviews suggest that DanDan Rittenhouse excels in providing flavorful and often spicy Sichuan cuisine. Dishes like the cumin lab noodles and the hand-ripped flat noodles with spicy beef seem to be popular choices. The wontons in chili oil and the eggplant with garlic sauce also received positive feedback. The ambiance appears to be suitable for various occasions, including date nights, although the first floor can get crowded and noisy. The service is implied to be efficient, as one reviewer mentioned quickly receiving their appetizer.

As a Chinese restaurant specializing in Sichuan cuisine, DanDan Rittenhouse likely features a menu with a strong emphasis on bold and often fiery flavors, characteristic of the Sichuan province in China. This typically includes the liberal use of chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns (known for their numbing sensation), garlic, and fermented black beans. The menu might include a variety of noodle dishes (as highlighted in the reviews), dumplings, stir-fried dishes, and flavorful vegetable preparations. The mention of hand-ripped flat noodles suggests a commitment to fresh, artisanal ingredients and traditional preparation methods.

The services offered by DanDan Rittenhouse appear to include dine-in, as suggested by the ambiance comments and the mention of reservations being necessary on busy nights. They also likely offer takeout, although this is not explicitly stated in the reviews. The fact that customers can easily find and visit the restaurant indicates a physical location that welcomes patrons. The mention of Uber Eats in one review (from another DanDan location not specified by address) suggests that delivery through third-party platforms might also be available, although not directly mentioned for this specific Rittenhouse location.

Features of DanDan Rittenhouse seem to include their focus on authentic and flavorful Sichuan cuisine, particularly their spicy noodle dishes. The use of fresh, hand-ripped noodles is a notable feature. The "cute" ambiance, while potentially crowded and a bit loud on the first floor, is still seen as suitable for a date night. The balanced value for its Center City location is also a point worth noting. The popularity of the restaurant, as indicated by the need for reservations on weekends, suggests a strong reputation for quality and experience.

The provided information does not contain any specific details about current promotional offers or discounts at DanDan Rittenhouse. It is common for restaurants to have lunch specials, happy hour deals, or seasonal promotions. Local users interested in any potential specials should contact the restaurant directly at (215) 800-1165 or +1 215-800-1165 to inquire about their current offerings or check their website or social media presence if available.

For local users in Philadelphia, particularly those in or near the Rittenhouse Square area and those with a penchant for spicy and flavorful Sichuan cuisine, DanDan Rittenhouse comes highly recommended based on the provided reviews. The cumin lab noodles and the spicy beef noodles (with hand-ripped flat noodles) are highlighted as must-try dishes. The wontons in chili oil and the eggplant with garlic sauce also offer delicious and well-prepared options. While the first floor ambiance might be a bit lively, it is still considered a cute spot, especially for a date. Given its popularity, especially on weekends, making a reservation is strongly advised to ensure a table.

In conclusion, DanDan Rittenhouse at 126 S 16th St in Philadelphia offers a compelling experience for those seeking authentic and flavorful Sichuan cuisine. Their spicy noodle dishes, along with other well-received items like the wontons and eggplant, make it a standout in the local dining scene. The ambiance is noted as cute, suitable for various occasions. While it can get crowded, especially on weekends, the positive feedback on the food and overall dining experience suggests that DanDan Rittenhouse is a worthwhile culinary destination in Center City. Remember to call ahead for reservations, particularly on busy nights, and perhaps inquire about any current specials they might be offering.