Little Szechuan 小四川

Welcome to Little Szechuan 小四川, a Chinese restaurant located at 736 NY-25A in Setauket- East Setauket, New York. Specializing in the bold and fiery flavors of Szechuan cuisine, Little Szechuan offers a range of dishes that cater to both spice enthusiasts and those who prefer milder options. Based on recent customer reviews, the restaurant presents a mixed experience, with highlights in taste and unique offerings, but also areas where consistency and service could be improved. For local users seeking an authentic taste of Szechuan cooking, Little Szechuan provides a local option to explore.

Little Szechuan offers both dine-in and delivery services. For customers who prefer to enjoy their meals at home, they provide delivery through UberEATS. Notably, there was a past promotion mentioned where customers could receive a free dish after spending $30 on UberEATS, suggesting that they may occasionally offer incentives for online orders. The restaurant also now offers a dine-in option, and according to one review, it is typically not crowded, potentially providing a more relaxed and quieter dining atmosphere for those who choose to eat at the establishment.

A standout feature of Little Szechuan is its focus on spicy Szechuan dishes. For those who love the tingling and intense heat characteristic of this regional Chinese cuisine, the restaurant comes recommended. One particular dish that has garnered attention is the "golden soup with beef and mushroom," which is specifically suggested for spice lovers. This indicates that Little Szechuan aims to deliver on the authentic spicy flavors that Szechuan cuisine is known for, utilizing ingredients like Sichuan peppercorns and chili peppers to create its signature heat.

However, for those who are not fans of spice, Little Szechuan also offers milder options. The "tomato eggs" dish is highlighted as being the "best in nearby area" and is recommended for non-spice lovers. This suggests that the restaurant caters to a broader range of palates, ensuring that even those sensitive to spice can find enjoyable dishes on the menu. The tomato eggs dish seems to be a popular choice and a potential signature item for those seeking a more comforting and less spicy flavor profile.

Another unique feature mentioned in the reviews is that Little Szechuan provides "crispy rice," a dish that is reportedly not common among nearby Chinese restaurants. This suggests that Little Szechuan offers some less conventional options that might appeal to customers looking for something different or a specific textural element in their meal. Crispy rice dishes can vary but often involve a savory sauce poured over crispy fried rice, creating a delightful contrast in textures and flavors.

The quality of the food at Little Szechuan appears to be a point of variability, according to customer experiences. One reviewer mentioned that their best dish "used to be tomato eggs," implying a potential shift in quality over time. Another review detailed an inconsistent experience with the tomato egg dish, where one instance was described as "juicy with soups at the bottom" and enjoyable, while another order featured barely cooked and cold tomatoes, with a friend even finding an eggshell in their portion. This inconsistency in the preparation of a popular dish is a factor that potential customers should be aware of.

The chicken wings are another dish that received mixed feedback. While the sauce was described as having an "authentic" flavor that the reviewer regretted not having more of, the inside of the wings was reported to have "no taste." This suggests that while some aspects of their dishes might be flavorful and well-sauced, the execution and flavor penetration might not always be consistent throughout the entire dish.

Service at Little Szechuan has also been a point of concern for some customers. One reviewer recounted an experience where they felt rushed to order upon being seated, with the server standing by the table expectantly without giving them adequate time to browse the menu, especially as first-time customers. This negative service experience was significant enough to make them hesitant about returning. This feedback highlights an area where the restaurant could improve to ensure a more welcoming and relaxed dining experience for all customers, particularly newcomers.

The first review, dated 10/24/21, provides an update suggesting a decline in food quality during busy holiday periods due to rushed orders. The reviewer noted that the taste was worth at most 2 stars when the kitchen was rushing and even speculated whether there might be two different chefs cooking in different ways, leading to inconsistencies. The recommendation from this review is to order on non-busy days or during non-rushing hours to potentially receive a much better version of their food. This implies that the restaurant's ability to deliver high-quality dishes might be affected by the volume of orders they are handling at any given time.

In conclusion, Little Szechuan 小四川 in Setauket- East Setauket, NY, offers a taste of authentic Szechuan cuisine with a focus on spicy dishes like the golden soup with beef and mushroom, alongside milder options such as the popular tomato eggs. They also feature unique items like crispy rice and provide delivery through UberEATS, with dine-in now available in a typically uncrowded setting. However, customer reviews indicate potential inconsistencies in food quality and preparation, particularly during busy periods, as well as concerns regarding the service experience. Local users looking to try their spicy Hunan dishes or the highly-rated tomato eggs should be aware of these mixed reviews and might consider ordering during less busy times to potentially experience the better quality that some customers have enjoyed. Visiting the restaurant for dine-in during a non-peak hour might also provide a more relaxed and attentive service experience.