Logistics: With locations in West LA, Irvine, and the original location in Alhambra, Sichuan Impressions introduces Sichuan food to Southern California. Sichuan food originated in the Southwest region of China and is known for being hot and spicy, like numbing spicy that you can’t feel your tongue. But don’t worry there are some dishes here that aren’t THAT spicy. Sichuan Impressions mixes new and old school on their menu by cooking tea-smoked-up regional favorites like mapo tofu and spicy soup and modern dish like tea smoked pork ribs. Wait time at this popular restaurant can be long around 45- 1 hour during peak hours at all of the locations. If you can’t wait take it out is available. Reservations are not taken but you can use the Yelp waitlist feature.
Ambiance: Sichuan Impression is a small casual sit-down restaurant with simple yet modern décor. A great place for a casual date night, family dinner, or lunch with the parents. When you walk in, check in on the yelp waitlist and when your table is ready you’ll receive a text message. Once you receive the text message, you have 15 minutes to claim your table. At the Alhambra location, there are tables inside and outside on the side patio. Kid-Friendly? High Chairs are available, no room for a stroller.
Food: Lunch is available 11:30- 2:45P and Dinner is available 5:00- 9:00pm. For two people and a kid Here are a few dishes we have tried:
Impressive Cold Noodle- A great dish to start with is this cold noodle dish. Not spicy at all. This dish is made with egg noodles, sprouts and topped with crushed peanuts and scallions. The noodles were so chewy and delicious.
Couple’s Sliced Beef in Chili Sauce “Fei-Pian” - Another cold dish that we ordered and one of our favorites! This dish is made with beef, beef tripe, the beef tendon in this spicy chili oil sauce and topped with scallions and cilantro. This dish is spicy but not numbing spicy, just a little kick
Tea Smoked Pork Rib- One of the dishes they consider as “new school” cooking is also our favorite dish! The Pork Rib is smoked for more than 24 hours so when these ribs get to your table they are fall off the bone! The tea-smoked pork ribs are then topped with dried chilies, scallions, and minced peanuts.
Prices: Appetizers $6-10, Entrée- $10-25, Desserts - $6-8.
Overall: The food here is so delicious, especially if you like spicy!
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