It's rowdy and super spicy, and there's queues around the block to get in - this San Francisco import is kicking up a Sichuan storm.

The first time Danny Bowien tried to import his West Coast winner, the NYC Department of Health shut it down - twice. It wasn't a good start for Mission Chinese Food, but proving the adage 'third time lucky', the newer, shinier Lower East Side location has become a big hit.

With red booths, chandeliers, and loud music from the likes of Notorious B.I.G. and No Doubt, this is a place for a dinner party - with equal emphasis on both the dinner and the party. At over 50 items long, chef Angela Dimayuga's menu ranges from the affordable and trendy to the obscure and high end, such as the $50 uni. The food is best sampled with a big group in order to try as many dishes as possible (the plates come up mid-sized), and as it's no reservations, visit off peak to avoid the queues.

Ideal For

Twentysomething beauties dressed in black; lovers of hip hop and all things spicy.

Signature Dishes

Beggar's Duck wrapped in lotus leaf and clay.