Food was straight up amazing. You can tell they actually care about quality. Great spot to eat, relax, and enjoy some seriously good food. Ridwan and agnes good excellent serviced

The establishment was clean, cozy and not loud, save for a few rude guests behind us who were taking a business call during dinner... Our server was polite, and came by often to refill waters and ask how we were doing. The food: Salt and Pepper Squid - 3/5 - Tender and crispy the shrimp could have been great, but I felt like it was under salted and could have even used additional spices like white pepper or some of that pink peppercorn in such a dish. Tangy Glazed Shrimp - 4/5 - nicely sweet and sour, this Shrimp came in a good portion and had a nice bite to it too. It came on a bed of these jelly noodles, which seemed unnecessary, and were too slippery and too tender, slipping out of our chopsticks or breaking. It did carry the orange flavored sauce decently well though. Black truffle steak cubes - 5/5 - Great dish, you can taste the black truffle and onion sauce, the steak was tender enough for me, although could have been a bit more tenderized somehow. It came with mushrooms and snap peas that were great in breaking up the flavor and texture. Crispy fried chicken - 5/5 - another great dish, the skin was flavorful and crispy, and the meat tender. Not much more to say other than the chef did a great job with the prep and plating, no bones in the meat and pre sliced akin to Peking Duck. Sesame ice cream - 5/5 - simple tasty refreshing. If you like sesame you'll love this. Fried milk custard - 5/5 - served with some sticky condensed milk, this blew my mind. Crispy on the outside but with the texture of flan or custard inside. I don't know how they did it but the condensed milk added the perfect sweetness I will think about this dessert for a long time to come.

Came here with a friend for lunch and had a wonderful experience. The restaurant has a cozy, homely vibe (at least to me)—clean, comfortable, and welcoming. We sat by the window, which gave us a great spot to enjoy both the food and some quiet, natural light. We ordered the double-cooked pork belly, which was rich, savory, and had just the right touch of heat—paired beautifully with nutty purple rice. The cucumber salad with garlic gravy was one of those deceptively simple dishes where less truly means more: crisp, refreshing, and appetite-opening. We also tried the jellyfish salad. It was light, delicately seasoned, with that perfect chewy texture that makes it such a satisfying cold dish. The service was incredibly friendly and courteous. We were even treated to lychee ice cream on the house, which was a lovely surprise! I ordered the tea-smoked duck fried rice to go, and the waiter thoughtfully came back to confirm whether I wanted the regular portion or the lunch special (which I did)! A small gesture that showed real attention to detail! I truly appreciate this level of care and hospitality. Great food and great service! I’ll definitely be back!

I noticed a $14 lunch special that was too good to ignore. A main dish, white rice, two mini egg rolls and a side of pickled cucumbers—what a fantastic deal for NYC. That sign is what pulled me into Twilight Lounge, a newly opened Sichuan and Cantonese restaurant in the East Village that’s already showing serious promise. For the lunch special, I ordered the Kung Pao Chicken, which came with white or purple rice, egg rolls and pickled cucumbers. The chicken was tender with just the right amount of wok-seared edges, tossed in a glossy sauce that struck a nice balance between sweet, savory, and just a hint of spice. Crunchy peanuts gave it texture as well as the egg rolls w plum sauce and the cool, vinegary cucumbers on the side refreshed the palate between bites. For $14 in Manhattan? A steal. I came with family and we ordered a few dishes off the regular menu to share. The Spicy Cumin Lamb was a standout. Sliced thin and stir-fried with whole dried chilies and cumin seeds, the dish had a smoky, earthy depth that lingered in a good way. It packed some heat, but it was the kind that builds slowly—warming, not overwhelming. The real surprise for me was the dry-style Sichuan Beef Noodle. I usually expect something heavier or soup-based, but this version came tossed in a savory, umami-rich sauce that clung beautifully to the chewy noodles. The marinated beef slices were flavorful and tender, and the overall dish felt comforting yet bold. It’s the kind of meal you could crave on a rainy day—or after a long one. The Twilight Fried Rice also deserves mention. Unlike typical fried rice dishes, this version arrived with a crispy bottom layer—almost like a socarrat from paella—adding a delightful crunch to each spoonful. It was savory, aromatic, and loaded with bits of egg, scallions, and diced vegetables. It's a clever and satisfying twist on a classic that I didn’t expect to love as much as I did. We also tried dishes like the beef pancake roll, which was like a scallion pancake rolled around savory beef slices, the wife and husband sliced beef in chili oil, spicy shrimp, and the spicy fried fish filet, both of which leaned on the hotter side, so be warned if you’re spicy –sensitive (or tell them to adjust the spice level). I found the lotus root stir-fry refreshing and light, with its mix of squash, wood ear mushrooms and lotus root slices. And a special shoutout to Jonathan, who took care of our table with warmth, efficiency, and always with a smile. Twilight Lounge an East Village gem that brings the heat, flavor, and hospitality. Definitely one to watch.

So happy this place opened up. We love Sichuan-style dishes but don’t always feel like waiting for a table to open up at some of the bigger places up at St. Marks. Great food, we got the crispy sichuan chicken, cumin lamb and the green beans. Authentic, great flavor with a good spice level. They serve beer/ wine too. Love the vibes, I plan to visit again with friends and family. The owner JC was friendly too.

This was one of the best Chinese food spots I have been to in a long time! Everything was so good. The beef pancake (perfectly juicy meat and the outside was crispy) and duck fried rice were especially memorable to me. Highly, highly recommend this place to anyone!

Neha

I love how different the drinks are, who would’ve thought cheese and beets would go together so well in a drink. Great presentation and creative use of flavors.

+12

조아라

Overally perfect and amazing. I was obsessed with their vibes and warm welcoming. Especially Eilane. She is literally perfect. I loved the way she treated me with kindess and lovely mind. Nothing better than them.

Aysesu Bilgi

Such a great new bar in ny, cocktails are very creative and bartenders are incredibly friendly. Also loved the interiors, every little detail was well thought

+2

Jason Masong

Trendy, well run bar with an ecclectic cocktail list and team! Great for early drinks until late night. Wish they made it more clear (on social media) that there are two different areas with two different drinks.

+2

Green Sweety

Great vibes at Schmuck Bar! Tried the Larb Gai and Le Petit Fizz—both were delicious. The drink was refreshing, and the music set the perfect mood. Cool spot to hang out with friends. Definitely coming back!!🩷

Jack Tuggle

I have been wanting to try this place for a long time. I’ve heard only good things about it and every time I walk by the line is insane. In order to go walk by and put your name on the list and go get a drink somewhere else and then come back. It was totally not a long. Wait when I did this plan early in the night. It was 30 minutes and totally worth it. Sat at the bar ordered two drinks I don’t remember what I ordered, but I knew I loved all of it. Every drink was fantastic. The atmosphere was fantastic. The bartender was responding. Cute and he told me they’re gonna be making a new menu within two weeks to a month so I’ll be going back to try all of that. However, the pizza puff thing was absolutely terrible. It was dry. It wasn’t like a pizza I would never order that ever in my life. It makes me worry that all the food there is bad however, I can’t judge it off one dish. I will be going back and try other things. I do love the spot. I love the ambience. It was so worth it. I didn’t sit at the little side bar. They always try to push you if you can’t get in the main place wait for the main place, it’s worth it

+5

Kian Silva

I came to Schmuck for the cocktails, but I’ll be coming back for the people. The drinks were absolutely top-tier—cleverly crafted, perfectly balanced, and served with style. You can tell there’s serious talent behind the bar. But what really set the night apart was the incredible service. Eric was a standout, attentive, genuine, and clearly passionate about creating a great experience. There was also a gentleman with a French accent whose charm and hospitality took everything to another level. And the doorman from Senegal? An absolute legend. Warm, welcoming, and full of great energy. He made walking in feel like entering a friend’s house, not just a bar.

Anthony Apichart Meredith

Stylish spot with amazing cocktails and even better vibes. The drinks were creative, balanced, and beautifully presented—each one felt like a signature. The staff was warm, attentive, and knowledgeable, making the whole experience super enjoyable from start to finish. The atmosphere is modern yet cozy, perfect for a date night or catching up with friends. It’s clear that a lot of care goes into every detail, from the menu to the lighting. Loved the bar setup and the casual elegance of the space. Definitely a must-visit if you’re into craft cocktails and a chill but classy vibe.

Veronica Elaine

I have been twice to the side bar and twice to the main bar and have tried most of their cocktails. It’s not that hard to get a table, the wait isn’t bad at all anymore! The side bar (walk-ins only). It’s a cozy space, so you’re a bit close to your neighbors. It feels like you are in a coffee shop, but with very loud music. That said, the playlist was fire. If they dimmed the lights a little, it could really change the vibe for the better. Now, onto what really matters… the cocktails. I tried the strawberry & Parmesan drink, and it was absolutely incredible- unique, well-balanced, and easily one of my top three cocktails in NYC. I like the main bar way better. It’s super vibey, love the hip decor and the attention to detail. My favorite cocktail from this menu is pounding pear! Some of their other cocktails are way too sweet for my taste but still fun! The staff is great too! I can’t get enough of this place.

+2

Raven Smith

Every cocktail was amazing. I tried the entire drink menu with a friend and have zero critiques. Every cocktail was perfection in its own right. Our bartender Mason was the best! Looking forward to coming back with more friends. I only wish the space was bigger, but hey, it's Manhattan.

+10

Khoi Pham

Funny enough, I walked by the OG Barcelona location but never got the chance to go, so was glad to see this spot open up in NYC. Incredibly creative and unique drinks. The Larb Gai and the Pina Colada Pickleback were our favorites. I loved the layout and vibes of the interior design — it really did feel like a cool friend's living room. Our waiter was also very attentive, friendly and gave the best recommendations. Overall, an excellent experience. Would recommend ideally for groups of 2-4, and to show up for opening as it does get quite busy.

+3

Meera Mohan

We decided to check out Schmuck on a Thursday evening after hearing great reviews. Reservations can be tricky, but showing up around 5 pm gave us a good chance of getting seated. We were lucky and grabbed a spot at the bar. The atmosphere was really cool, with great music - a bit loud, but we could still chat. We started with cocktails: Larb Gai (not too sweet), Patio Pounding Pear (served with delicious cheese), and Bread and Tomatoes (which tasted exactly like that - should've listened to the bartender!). My partner stuck with a classic Old Fashioned. All drinks were superb. The Cacio Pepe Fave Beans were just okay, but that's on our taste buds. Great spot for friends or a date.

+5

Came here for a late lunch and left with a pretty hefty bill. The place was clean and was pretty modern—service was decent as well. We ordered suan cai yu, which they used flounder as the fish. The fish was a bit flakey and didn’t taste amazing but the broth was good. It wasn’t too oily like some other places so that was a plus. We also had the crab roe tofu which was pretty good as my partner reallly liked it. And had the seasonal vegetable stir fry which was simple but delicious. For the price we paid after tax + tip I expected higher quality food but overall I’m not super mad about it because the portion sizes are good.

My completely unfounded hypothesis for how Twilight Lounge came to be is that the founders wanted to open an authentic Canto spot but after market researching (AKA talking to the locals), they learned that New Yorkers are crazy for Szechuan food, so they decided to tack that on--because Chinese people are nothing if not people pleasers. And thus this Cantonese-Szechuan menu was born. The above is based on an untrue story. Now on to the food. - Wood Ear Mushroom Salad: Refreshing and perfectly spicy - Lotus Root Stir-fry Medley: Because we all need fiber. Get this classic stir-fry to make your bathroom trips more fun. - Crab Roe Silken Tofu: Soft and tasty, better than I expected. - Wong Fei Hung Prawns: If you look at this name and the Jet Li theme song doesn't automatically play in your head, you're not Cantonese enough to appreciate this dish. But it's okay; this dish is so good, it would win over a vegan. It was easily the star of the show, everyone's favorite. The prawns were plump and juicy, and the peppercorns were crunchy and satisfying--all coming together in the perfect marriage of mouth-singing flavor. We picked this clean like buzzards circling a dead rodent. - Sichuan Braised Fish: Our first taste of their Szechuan offerings, and the verdict is....pass! This was spicy, umami and complex, loaded with mouth-tender fish and veggies, and as comforting and filling as similar offerings at Szechuan restaurants. - Tea Smoked Duck Fried Rice: Not much duck, smoke or tea flavor. Not much duck either. I'd skip this unless you really want to blow money on fried rice. Service was friendly and attentive, and decor was modern chic. Twilight Lounge has stiff competition from the borough, but it surprisingly holds its own--esp. if you're in this neck of the woods and craving umami.

Terence K

Honestly I don't get why there are negative reviews of this place. I thought everyone was nice and accommodating. I recommend sitting at the bar as they have a gorgeous setup (it you're into geeking out about bar setups). Their cocktails are complex and deserve to be in the top 100 bars of the world list

A.E.

A popular and creative new-ish bar. Usually a wait to get in, but worth it for the very unique cocktails and snacks they make. The Inside seating and outside seating have different menus, so try both to experience it all.

Selina L

The ‘Le Bananes’ banana cocktail was such a surprisingly good combo! There weren’t seats inside so I sat outside, but it was still a fun experience worth trying at least once.

+1

Tif

There’s 3 different sets of menus depending on where you sit. The inside one ended up having more flavor and creativity than the terrace menu, and apparently the menu even further inside has a lot of overlap with the terrace menu. We found the inside menu more interesting and flavorful. Would def come back for the Larb Gai. Food wise, def recommend getting a side of bread for the shrimp in harissa butter to soak up all the goodness. It was interesting to try the cocktails and a lot are better for people who prefer a less alcohol forward flavor. For me, I could swing by if there’s no wait but if there’s a line I’d just try again another time.

+4

Brock Zych

A very cool bar with unique combos for food inspired cocktails. We got there at 5 and didn't have an issue getting a table for two. The cinnamon apple drink was awesome but I would not recommend the pina colada pickleback unless you're a fan of a vinegar taste. Can't wait to go back!

L.

I only tried the front bar, which is harder to get into but isn’t as good as the back bar according to people who’ve been to both. The cocktails were creative and relatively enjoyable, but rather than being unique combinations that complement or highlight the liquor, they felt more like juicy blends of ingredients with alcohol added on, which didn’t sit too well in my stomach. I’m sure such cocktails appeal to many people though (especially on the younger side), and may in fact be perfect for those who don’t enjoy drinking but want to join friends for a glass at a bar. All in all, would I return for more? Don’t think so. Would I recommend it? To certain people, yes. Am I going to come back to try the back bar? Definitely. Update: I came back to try the back bar. The drinks we got were good — once again, not as a unique combination of liquor but rather as tasty drinks. It’s nice to check out for fun, though.

+5

Michael Ni

Visited twice last week and got to experience the front and back bars. I’d give the back bar 5 stars and the front bar 4 stars. Back bar - Enjoyed all the drinks especially Superfly if you like passionfruit. Only drink I was meh about was Muesli which didn’t seem to be executed well…just too hard to mix and too much going on in the drink to be drinkable with the given straw 😅. Service was excellent though! Props to the staff for keeping the vibes and drinks flowing. Tip: There’s a separate entrance and line for the back bar so if you just want to get a quick drink and don’t want to stand in line for the front bar. Front bar - third time was the charm since the first two times had a long wait. The vibes and music were so good; however, the service was lacking. The wait staff didn’t check on our table often enough. We waited a while to place an order and had to walk up to the bar. For our second round, the waiter took half of our drink orders and then walked away. Really weird. Drinks and food were good but I definitely would go to the back bar next time.

+1

Overall, the dining experience was quite pleasant. We arrived close to closing time, yet the staff were still warm and welcoming, showing no signs of impatience—something that truly deserves recognition. From ordering to food service, the process was smooth and efficient, with dishes arriving promptly, which is a definite plus for diners who are short on time. As for the food, portion sizes were on the smaller side, so those with a bigger appetite may want to order a few extra dishes. The flavors were generally solid and reliable—nothing particularly outstanding, but also nothing disappointing. The Suancai Fish was well-executed, with a good balance of sourness and saltiness, making it a safe and steady choice. The standout dish, however, was the Salted Egg Yolk Tofu, which was excellent and easily the highlight of the meal. Overall, strong service and efficiency are the key strengths here. If you’re looking for a place for a quick and hassle-free meal, this restaurant is certainly worth considering.

Having tried a lot of Sichuanese restaurants in NYC, I kind of have a bar and this place failed to meet it. It’s a place for a more Americanized palate. The food lacked flavor and punch and was not served hot enough. The three pepper chicken was tough (didn’t want to even bring back any leftovers), the fried rice with mustard green shoots was good, the Fish Fillet w/ Silken Tofu Pudding was okay as it lacked flavor, the lotus root stir-fry medley was disappointing with big chunks of celery and cucumber and no flavor. They brought out the rice last, meanwhile what are you supposed to eat the rest of the food with? My biggest problem was with the atmosphere. The air conditioning was so strong that the food got cold in minutes add then was not enjoyable. You don’t need to blast the A/C and serve cold food - instead adjust it to pleasantly comfortable. Went to celebrate a birthday but was let down. Won’t go back.

magdalena bennett

I had only read good reviews and was very excited to try this place, because we love a good, innovative cocktail bar. Unfortunately, it felt like a frat party. Drinks were ok. We had four drinks, with only one being really good and one being undrinkable — I think they stabilized the whipped cream way too much and tasted like butter. It wasn’t a drink, it was a very bad dessert. We had a couple of small plates, and food was fine, nothing memorable. But the atmosphere was the problem. Clearly there’s a customer base for this, so this review is for those that actually like to carry a conversation in a bar. The music was *very* loud and not good, and it felt like a club. If you want to enjoy a good cocktail, I’d go elsewhere. There are plenty of very good cocktail bars around.