Liu Bu

Located at 140-08 Holly Ave in Flushing, New York City, Liu Bu is a Chinese restaurant specializing in 串串烧烤 (chuàn chuàn shāo kǎo), or skewer BBQ. For local users seeking a dining experience reminiscent of mainland China, particularly the flavors found in Shenzhen, Liu Bu offers a unique menu centered around grilled skewers and other flavorful dishes. Based on customer reviews, this establishment provides a taste of authentic Chinese BBQ in a setting that emphasizes the food and its traditional pairing with beer.

As a Chinese Restaurant focusing on skewer BBQ, Liu Bu offers a variety of meats and vegetables grilled over intense heat, which one reviewer noted might be from a hot grill rather than coal, but still delivers a similar experience. For those unfamiliar with this style of cuisine, it involves skewered ingredients cooked over a grill, often seasoned with a blend of spices. It's a popular dining format in China, frequently enjoyed in a casual setting and paired with cold beer.

A standout item praised in the reviews is the beef tendon skewer, described as "delightfully delic," "soft and tender," and "spiced just right." This highlights Liu Bu's ability to prepare certain meats with a focus on texture and flavor. The reviewer also ordered lamb and lamb tendons, noting that the lamb tendons were indistinguishable from the beef tendons but equally "yummy." This suggests that while the flavors and textures of the tendons might be similar, they are both prepared to a satisfying standard.

One customer pointed out an issue with the identification of the lamb meat, indicating it was difficult to differentiate from the chicken ordered. This suggests a potential area for improvement in terms of clearly distinguishing different types of meat on the skewers. However, the chicken leg skewer was noted for its size, being a whole drumstick, which the reviewer found to be a "biggest bang for the buck" in terms of quantity.

Beyond the grilled skewers, Liu Bu also offers other dishes, such as the fried beef noodles. This dish was described as carrying a "nice spicy punch" that might not be apparent by its appearance. The reviewer, who can handle heat, found this to be the spiciest dish ordered, suggesting that Liu Bu is not afraid to incorporate authentic levels of spiciness into their food. The reviewer also noted that these fried noodles were likely different from Cantonese or USese-style fried noodles, offering a unique regional flavor profile.

The overall consensus from the reviews is that Liu Bu offers "great late night food." This suggests that the restaurant operates at hours convenient for those looking for a satisfying meal later in the evening. The food is also described as "great and affordable," although one reviewer initially found the vegetable skewers to be pricier than expected when compared to prices in Shenzhen pre-COVID. However, the mention of $3 beers indicates a significant value offering that aligns with the traditional pairing of skewer BBQ and cold beverages, potentially offsetting some of the perceived higher costs of certain food items.

The environment of Liu Bu is not explicitly described in detail, but the focus on skewer BBQ and late-night service often implies a casual and lively atmosphere. These types of establishments are typically geared towards enjoying flavorful food in a relaxed setting, often with friends, while perhaps enjoying some drinks. The mention of affordable beer further supports this image of a laid-back and enjoyable dining experience.

In terms of services, Liu Bu likely focuses on efficient preparation and serving of the grilled skewers and other menu items. As a late-night food spot, quick service would be beneficial for customers looking for a satisfying meal without a long wait. The availability of beer as a beverage option is also a key service offering that complements the skewer BBQ cuisine.

For local users in Flushing seeking an authentic taste of skewer BBQ reminiscent of mainland China, Liu Bu at 140-08 Holly Ave offers a unique culinary experience. With praised items like the flavorful beef tendon skewers and a spicy kick in the fried beef noodles, there are dishes to excite the palate. The affordability of the beer is a significant draw, especially for those looking to enjoy the traditional pairing with this type of food. While there might be some inconsistencies in distinguishing certain meats, the overall positive feedback, particularly as a late-night food option, suggests that Liu Bu is a worthwhile spot to explore for those craving authentic 串串烧烤 flavors.

If you're in Flushing and looking for a late-night bite of flavorful skewer BBQ, along with affordable beer, consider visiting Liu Bu. You can contact them at (718) 539-9898 or +1 718-539-9898 to inquire about their menu and hours. Experience a taste of Shenzhen-style grilling right in your neighborhood.