Empire Szechuan

- 1495 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10302

Empire Szechuan stands as a well-known Chinese restaurant serving the Staten Island community from its location on Forest Avenue. This establishment is more than a standard local spot; it offers a comprehensive menu that expertly blends traditional Szechuan flavors with popular Cantonese and even some Thai-inspired dishes, catering to the diverse culinary preferences of New Yorkers. The restaurant positions itself as a central hub for both casual dining and convenient meal takeaway, ensuring high-quality, flavorful food is accessible for lunch and dinner.

The menu is notably extensive, featuring everything from classic American-Chinese comfort foods—like various Lo Mein and Chow Mein options—to more adventurous and intensely flavored Szechuan preparations, such as the Szechuan Flavored Shrimp and Hot & Spicy Beef. Beyond its Chinese offerings, the inclusion of an entire Thai section, complete with Pad Thai, Basil Chicken, and Mango Chicken, makes it a uniquely versatile choice for locals looking for a variety of Asian cuisine in one place.

While the restaurant is highly regarded by many in the area for its generally delicious food and fast preparation, as with many high-volume establishments, recent customer feedback suggests a need for clarity, particularly concerning automatic side dishes in combination meals. For customers with specific dietary requirements, especially those who do not consume pork, it is highly recommended to explicitly request a substitution for the automatically included Roast Pork Fried Rice or to ensure White Rice is provided instead when ordering combination plates for takeout or delivery. This proactive step can prevent disappointment and ensure a satisfying meal.

Empire Szechuan is centrally located at 1495 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10302, placing it in a busy, accessible area of the Westerleigh neighborhood. Forest Avenue is a key artery on Staten Island, making the restaurant easily reachable for residents across the North Shore and central parts of the borough.

Accessibility is a key priority for the venue, ensuring comfort and ease for all patrons:

• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance: Provides easy entry for all guests.
• Wheelchair Accessible Parking Lot: Dedicated parking spots are available in the free lot, simplifying the visit.
• Wheelchair Accessible Seating: Indoor seating arrangements can accommodate wheelchairs comfortably.
• Parking: The convenience of a free parking lot is a significant amenity in a busy New York commercial area, benefiting dine-in and pickup customers alike.
• Atmosphere: The venue offers a casual dining atmosphere, making it a relaxed and comfortable spot for families and locals.

Empire Szechuan operates with a service model built for modern New York convenience, offering multiple ways to enjoy their cuisine:

• Dine-in: Customers can enjoy their meal in the casual, family-friendly restaurant environment.
• Takeout: A core service allowing for quick pickup of orders, ideal for busy schedules.
• Delivery: Offering local delivery services to bring food directly to homes and offices in the Staten Island area.
• Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations, which is particularly helpful for larger groups or during peak dining hours.
• Dining Options: Serves both Lunch and Dinner menus, including Special Healthy Menu options for the health-conscious consumer.
• Payment Flexibility: Accepts all major Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC mobile payments for streamlined transactions.
• Catering to Families: The environment and menu are described as "Good for kids" and "Family-friendly."

The distinguishing features of Empire Szechuan center on its menu depth, unique offerings, and commitment to variety:

• Dual Cuisine Specialization: Mastery of both Szechuan Chinese cuisine (known for its bold, spicy flavors) and popular American-Chinese standards, alongside a substantial Thai menu (including Basil and Cashew Nut dishes).
• Chef Specialties: A highlight section featuring premium entrees such as Seafood Deluxe, Scallop & Steak Kew, Sesame Shrimp, and the classic General Tso's Chicken - White Meat.
• Dedicated Healthy Menu: The 'Special Healthy Menu' features steamed dishes like Shrimp With Broccoli and Green Jade (likely mixed vegetables) designed to be low in sodium and oil, appealing to the diet-conscious community.
• Extensive Appetizer Selection: An impressive array of starters, including the traditional Pu Pu Platter, Dim Sum, Shrimp Toast, and more unique items like Szechuan Shrimp Wonton and Thai Spring Roll.
• Unique Noodle Options: Offers various Chow Fun and Mei Fun dishes, notably the highly-regarded Singapore Mei Fun, which is noted by customers for its authentic spicy and dry preparation.
• Vegetarian Options: Clearly marked on the menu, featuring dishes like Vegetables Dumpling, Green Jade In Garlic Sauce, and Sautéed Zucchini.
• Beverage Variety: Beyond standard soda options, the inclusion of Bubble Tea (Fruit Tea, Juice, Slushies) adds a modern, refreshing element to the drink menu.

For all orders, reservations, or customer service needs at their Staten Island location, please use the following contact details:

Address: 1495 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10302

Phone: (718) 981-0111

Mobile Phone: +1 718-981-0111

Empire Szechuan is worth choosing for New Yorkers who appreciate a vast menu that covers multiple Asian comfort food niches, making it an excellent resource for families and groups with varying tastes. Its central location, convenient parking, and full suite of service options (dine-in, takeout, delivery) make it a highly practical choice for everyday meals.

For first-time visitors or those seeking the restaurant's best, exploring the Chef Specials section is recommended, particularly the popular Sesame Shrimp or a classic like General Tso's Chicken. Noodle enthusiasts should not miss the Singapore Mei Fun, a dish that has received specific local praise.

However, potential customers must be aware of the importance of clear communication when ordering, especially regarding side dishes. If ordering a Special Combination Plate, which often includes Roast Pork Fried Rice by default, users should be sure to specify a request for White Rice or Vegetable Fried Rice if they have dietary restrictions that prohibit pork consumption. While the food is generally well-received and the variety is a significant strength, clear ordering instructions are the key to a perfect meal takeaway experience from this Forest Avenue staple.

Empire Szechuan

1495 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10302, USA