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[Takeout & Delivery ONLY] Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃@PICNIC | Times SquareB-Worth Trying

Name: [Takeout & Delivery ONLY] Xi'an Famous Foods 西安名吃@PICNIC | Times Square
Address: 245 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036, New York, United States
Rating: 4.4

245 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036 · Chinese restaurant, Chinese noodle restaurant · 4.4/5 Google (1382 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout

Bold, spicy Shaanxi noodles and burgers for takeout only, but long waits and ghost-kitchen confusion hurt the experience—go if you want the flavors, not the service.

Why it gets a B- for overall quality

Xi'an Famous Foods delivers strong food quality with authentic spicy cumin lamb noodles and liang pi that justify the brand's reputation, but inconsistent execution and significant service delays undermine the experience. The ghost-kitchen model with no seating and frequent 30-50 minute waits—despite shorter estimates—makes this a convenient but operationally frustrating Times Square option; purists should seek full-service branches for tighter execution.

Restaurant Summary

This Times Square outpost serves Xi'an-style staples out of a ghost kitchen, trading seats for speed. Expect pickup-only logistics, kiosks, and the hum of pre-theater crowds. One diner put it simply: "Great noodles, but the waiting and confusion took the shine off." If you know the chain, you will recognize the flavors—just not the dining room. The culinary approach leans regional and focused: chewy hand-ripped noodles, spicy cumin lamb, and vinegar-bright liang pi. It is not flashy fusion; it is bold, traditional Shaanxi heat that suits spice lovers and quick-meal seekers who prioritize flavor over ceremony. Quality can slip here compared to other branches, so purists may prefer a full-service location with tighter execution. Families should note: there is no dine-in seating. Kids who like simple noodles, pork burgers, or mild dumplings may be happy, but the default heat runs high. Consider milder options like hot-oil seared noodles with less chili or vegetarian dumplings, and plan where you will actually eat the food.

At a Glance

Signature cumin-lamb noodles and liang pi deliver classic Xi'an flavors
Convenient pre-theater pickup location steps from Broadway
Long waits vs quoted times (often 30-50 minutes)
No seating; ghost-kitchen setup can be confusing
Operational hiccups (missed pickup calls, kiosk instructions) recur in recent reviews

What Sets It Apart

Shaanxi-style hand-ripped noodles
Bold cumin-chili flavor profile
Fast-casual pickup near theaters

What People Love

Chewy biang-biang noodles with bold spice
Refreshing, bouncy liang pi
Reliable Shaanxi flavor profile across the chain
Convenient pickup near theaters and subways

Points of Concern

Wait times frequently exceed estimates by 20-40 minutes, especially at peak
Pickup process unclear for kiosk orders; notifications can be missed
Food execution inconsistent vs other branches (sauce levels, garnishes, portions)
Pricing is moderate but perceived value drops when portions feel smaller than elsewhere

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter Only Average Cost$22-32 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

For spice lovers: Spicy Cumin Lamb Hand-Ripped Noodles; request extra chili oil on the side
For milder palates: Hot-Oil Seared Hand-Ripped Noodles with reduced chili
For vegetarians/vegans: Liang Pi or Chang'An Spicy Tofu Custard
For quick bites: Stewed Pork or Cumin Lamb Burger

Perfect For

Pre-theater takeout when you want spicy noodles
Solo eaters grabbing a quick meal
Chain fans who prioritize flavor over ambiance
Locals seeking a fast cumin-lamb fix near Times Square

Location Insights

Area: Tourist-heavy theater district with constant foot traffic; convenience-first dining near shows and hotels.

Safety: Busy, well-lit, high police presence; petty congestion issues more than safety risks.

Nearby: Broadway theaters, hotels, fast-casual spots, and subway hubs nearby; heavy rush pre/post shows.

Theater DistrictThe Theater District is vibrant and lively, centered around Broadway theaters and entertainment venues. Dining options range from casual eateries to upscale restaurants catering to pre- and post-show crowds, with a mix of tourists and locals creating a dynamic social atmosphere.

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Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:00–15:00, 17:00–20:30 Tuesday11:00–15:00, 17:00–20:30 Wednesday11:00–15:00, 17:00–20:30 Thursday11:00–15:00, 17:00–20:30 Friday11:00–15:00, 17:00–20:30 Saturday11:00–20:30 Sunday11:00–20:30

Available: Delivery, Takeout

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