Li's Garden

- 42-87 Main St, Flushing, NY 11355

Introduction / Overview

For New Yorkers seeking a truly authentic, hearty, and flavorful Chinese culinary experience that steps beyond the typical takeout fare, look no further than Li's Garden. Tucked away on Main Street in the vibrant heart of Flushing, Queens, this establishment is a local gem specializing in Northeast Chinese (Dongbei) cuisine. It's the kind of place that captures the essence of home-style cooking—better than "mom's cooking," as one patron lovingly put it—where the focus is squarely on generous portions, fresh ingredients, and bold, satisfying flavors. Li's Garden proudly serves as a dedicated Chinese restaurant, offering a comprehensive menu of traditional dishes, and is also categorized as a delivery restaurant, ensuring their delicious fare is accessible to the wider Flushing community and beyond. If you're looking for a casual, bustling spot with great value, immense authenticity, and a menu spanning from classic appetizers to sizzling iron plates, Li's Garden should be at the top of your list.

Unlike some mainstream Chinese eateries, Li's Garden offers a unique spice profile. Customers note that the "kick in the mouth spicy" is distinct from the more numbing 'ma-la' of Sichuan cuisine, offering a fresh and new experience for adventurous foodies. This focus on regionality and authenticity is what makes Li's Garden a treasured spot among locals who appreciate true Dongbei flavors. Their extensive menu, featuring over a hundred items from unique cold appetizers to numerous pork, poultry, lamb, and seafood entrées, ensures there is something to satisfy every craving.

Location and Accessibility

Li's Garden is ideally situated in one of New York City's most dynamic and culturally rich neighborhoods: Flushing, Queens. The precise address is 42-87 Main St, Flushing, NY 11355, USA. This prime location on Main Street places it directly in the epicenter of Flushing's bustling commercial and transit hub, making it easily accessible for local residents and visitors alike.

The accessibility of Li's Garden is a significant advantage for diners across the region. As a major transit point, Main Street is well-served by numerous bus lines and is a short walk from the Flushing–Main Street subway station, offering easy access via the 7 train for those traveling from Manhattan or other parts of Queens. While the atmosphere is notably casual and bustling, its convenience means a steady flow of patrons, often large groups, which contributes to its lively atmosphere. Given its popularity, and the fact that tables are known to fill up quickly, it's worth noting that the restaurant accepts reservations, a service highly recommended by frequent patrons to ensure you secure a table during peak lunch and dinner hours. The establishment provides basic amenities, including a restroom, and is known for being good for kids, making it a viable option for family outings.

Parking in the area can be typical of a busy New York commercial district, so utilizing public transit or ride-sharing services is often the most straightforward way to arrive, allowing you to focus purely on the fantastic meal that awaits.

Services Offered

Li's Garden is committed to serving its diverse clientele with a range of convenient dining options, solidifying its status as a versatile local establishment.

• Dine-in: Enjoy the casual, bustling, and authentic atmosphere within the restaurant. It's a great spot for groups, especially during lunch and dinner hours. Reservations are accepted and often recommended due to its popularity.
• Takeout: Perfect for those on the go or who prefer to enjoy their meal in the comfort of their home.
• Delivery: The restaurant is registered as a delivery service, allowing customers across the local area to easily order their favorite dishes.
• Table Service: Provides a traditional dining experience within the establishment.
• Comfort Food: The menu is rich in deeply satisfying, hearty, and authentic dishes that fall squarely into the comfort food category.
• Quick Bite & Small Plates: While portions are generally generous, there are numerous appetizers and smaller dishes that cater to those looking for a quick meal or wanting to sample multiple items.
• Full Lunch and Dinner Service: The restaurant is popular for and serves both key dining times throughout the day.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets Li's Garden apart and earns it a loyal following in the demanding New York food scene are its unique characteristics, value, and commitment to a specific regional cuisine.

• Authentic Northeast Chinese (Dongbei) Cuisine: Specializing in the flavors of China's northeastern region, which offers a distinct culinary experience from more common Cantonese or Sichuan restaurants. This is a must-try for food lovers seeking regional diversity.
• Exceptional Affordability and Portion Size: The restaurant is highly praised for offering very affordable prices for its dishes, especially considering the generous portion sizes, making it an incredible value in the NYC market.
• Diverse and Extensive Menu: The menu is vast, featuring categories like Appetizers, Poultry/Beef/Lamb, Vegetables, Seafood, Pork, Sizzling Iron Plate/Casserole, Soups, Noodles/Dumplings/Rice, Desserts, and Dishes Over Rice. Highlights include Spicy Chicken, Sauteed Lamb With Cumin, Sweet And Sour Whole Fish, and Braised Pig Knuckle In Brown Sauce.
• Affordable Beverage Deals: Patrons appreciate the incredibly low price point for bottled beer, which is noted as an exceptional deal and adds to the overall value proposition.
• Commitment to Freshness: The food is consistently prepared fresh when ordered, with comments specifically noting the freshness of ingredients like fish.
• Hidden Gem Atmosphere: While the atmosphere is casual, the popularity and quality of the food have earned it a reputation as a true "hole in the wall" or "hidden gem" for those who prioritize food quality and value over luxurious ambiance.
• Flexible Payment Options: Accepting credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments makes transactions easy and convenient for all patrons.

Contact Information

For New Yorkers planning a visit or looking to place a takeout or delivery order, Li's Garden is easily reachable at the following:

Address: 42-87 Main St, Flushing, NY 11355, USA

Phone: (718) 359-2108

Mobile Phone: +1 718-359-2108

What is Worth Choosing

Li's Garden is not your typical Chinese takeout spot; it's a destination for specific, authentic flavors. What makes it unequivocally worth choosing is its ability to deliver an authentic Dongbei experience at an unmatched price-to-portion-to-quality ratio.

If you are an adventurous eater or a connoisseur of regional Chinese cuisine, this is the place to be. Forget the generic menu items and dive into the specialties. Customers who know what to order consistently rate the food highly, suggesting the true treasures lie within the more traditional sections of the menu.

Highly recommended dishes, which represent the restaurant's best, include the Sweet And Sour Whole Fish, often served with a mildly peppery soup that is described as "soul-warming." The Sauteed Lamb Chops With Cumln are also a standout, noted for being meaty and perfectly cooked with a flavorful peppercorn crust. Spicy dishes featuring lamb or beef, such as the Lamb In Chili Oil ($25.00) or Spicy Beef Tripe ($25.00), are excellent choices for those seeking that signature "kick" of Northeast spice. For those craving traditional, hearty fare, the Stewed Chicken With Murshroom ($22.00) is a classic Dongbei dish, and the many options in the Sizzling Iron Plate and Casserole sections, like the Dry Pot Lamb Offal ($24.00), promise a memorable and satisfying meal. The extensive "Over Rice" series, such as the Double Cooked Pork Over Rice ($11.00), offers fantastic, quick, and complete lunch options at incredibly low prices.

In a neighborhood full of Chinese eateries, Li's Garden stands out by offering a non-gourmet, non-fussy, but deeply satisfying dining experience. It caters to those who value the substance of authentic cooking, the generosity of a local business, and an incredibly affordable night out with friends or family (especially with that $3 beer deal!). It's a place for serious food lovers who want to taste true China in the heart of Queens.

Li's Garden

42-87 Main St, Flushing, NY 11355, USA