Seemor
Chef TanB-?Proceed Cautiously
37 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10003
· Chinese restaurant, Asian restaurant, Hunan restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (440 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Bold Hunan/Sichuan flavors with generous portions and a deep menu; food impresses, but service inconsistency and review-authenticity concerns mean experiences can vary.
Why it gets a B-? for overall quality
⚠️ Review concerns: This assessment reflects moderate uncertainty due to questionable review patterns. See details in Authenticity Assessment. Chef Tan delivers bold, authentic Hunan and Sichuan cooking with strong food quality in signature dishes like Chongqing chicken and braised pork, supported by appealing location and modern design. However, inconsistent execution, unreliable service, and concerning food safety reports prevent a higher grade. Review authenticity concerns—including incentivized five-star reviews—create significant uncertainty in assessing true quality, and recent trends show declining service standards that undermine confidence in reliability.
Restaurant Summary
On St. Marks Place, Chef Tan buzzes with chili, garlic, and peppercorn perfume, a spot where groups dig into platters of crispy chicken and glossy red-braised pork. Service impressions swing from warmly attentive to missing-in-action; one diner noted, "We loved the bold heat, but getting the check took forever." However, there are some review authenticity concerns suggesting certain reviews may be solicited or influenced. The cooking leans traditional Hunan and Sichuan rather than showy fusion, with big, shareable plates and a wide menu that spans dumplings, frog, and whole fish. Expect real spice and wok-kissed vegetables, though a few dishes can run salty or arrive lukewarm on off nights. Value feels fair for East Village, especially if you build a table of classics and greens. Families can do well here if they choose the gentler side of the menu—think broccoli chicken, lo mein, and dumplings. Plenty is kid-approved, but much of the lineup targets heat lovers, so steer clear of the three-chili icons if your crew prefers milder flavors.
At a Glance
- Bold, authentic Hunan/Sichuan flavors with generous portions
- Deep menu including whole fish and regional specialties
- Service inconsistency from attentive to neglectful
- Some dishes arrive lukewarm or overly salty/MSG-forward
- Incentivized five-star reviews reported (spin-the-wheel freebies)
What Sets It Apart
- deep_hunan_sichuan_menu
- large_shareable_portions
- whole_fish_specials
- east_village_location_energy
What People Love
- Crispy, numbing dry chili chicken
- Rich, comforting Mao-style braised pork
- Vegetable sides with real wok aroma
- Clear menu photos and spice indicators
Points of Concern
- Service varies widely: slow check handling, missing drink orders, and inattentive moments reported
- Pricing adds up with rice charged separately and standard tax/tip
- Handling of dietary needs inconsistent; garlic intolerance case poorly managed
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (incentives for five-star, templated language) which may not reflect typical diner experience
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$42-$62 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For milder palates: Broccoli Chicken ($16.95), Lo Mein or Scallion Fried Rice (price not listed), Vegetable Dumplings ($8.95)
- For spice fans: Chongqing Style Fried Chicken ($19.95), Cumin Lamb ($16.95), Braised Fish Head w. Tofu ($29.95)
Perfect For
- Group dinners sharing spicy plates
- Casual weeknight feasts in East Village
- Fans of Hunan/Sichuan heat and whole fish
- Students seeking hearty shareable dishes
Location Insights
Area: Lively East Village strip popular with students and diners seeking late-night eats and regional Asian cuisine.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; typical urban vigilance at night.
Nearby: Near NYU, bars, bubble tea shops, and competing Sichuan/Hunan restaurants on St. Marks Place.
East VillageThe East Village is known for its casual and diverse dining scene, featuring everything from classic New York delis and ethnic eateries to innovative gastropubs and trendy cafes. The social atmosphere is lively and inclusive, with a strong emphasis on creativity and community, making it a popular spot for both day and nighttime dining.
St. Mark's PlaceSt. Mark's Place is a famous stretch within the East Village known for its vibrant street life, quirky shops, and a dense concentration of casual restaurants, bars, and late-night spots. It has a youthful, energetic vibe and is a hub for affordable and diverse dining experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday12:00–22:00
Wednesday12:00–22:00
Thursday12:00–22:00
Friday12:00–22:30
Saturday12:00–22:30
Sunday12:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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