China 1

On a Wednesday night, a friend and I were wandering around, trying to find a place where we could sit and talk (and drink!) and he was really excited when he saw China1. Apparently, he had been there before and loved it. Inside, there was a main room, seemed like it was used primarily for dining. It was lit with multi-colored chinese lanterns and looked funky and fun. After taking a set of stairs, we descended upon a huge room with a big screen TV (playing Spinal Tap!) and a bar, also lit with Chinese Lanterns. Again, very cool. But the coolest part of the entire night was the other room we found, down a hallway from the big TV room. It was a very comfortable, seductive, plush (but not in a VIP room kind of way), and very dimly lit by candles. The walls were lined with comfortable couches with beautifully embroidered pillows and there was even a fishtank with the biggest goldfish I have ever seen. Recessed into the walls were these very intimate rooms for small groups, again filled with comfortable couches and draped in sheer fabrics. Very Cool. There was also live music, and they stayed open until quite late on a Wednesday night. I didn't eat the food, but I can't wait to go back and try it!

Posted 07/27/06

I was out in the east village on monday night with a couple friends and walked by china1, which looked just like a small restaurant, but it had a security guard outside. Turns out there was a "Rock" party in the downstairs lounge, free to get in. The place is pretty big, and there was a good size tatooed crowd, with a selection of village hotties and free Bud and Vodka drinks. The dj played a very decent rock set and then we spotted Naima from America's Next Top Model there with her twin sister. Needless to say, we're going back...the place is incredibly chill. Didn't try the food but asked around and only heard good things.

Pros: great music and crowd, cheap drinks all night

Posted 07/18/06

Monday night one of my friends hosted a rock party at China1, It turns out its a pretty sick space, and the party was dope. The vibe really good. A bunch of girls from burningangel were there running around in their schivies, Jimmy Gustavo from Murphy's Law was there with his boys from New York Hardcore Tattoos. I heard they're gonna start doing tats there soon! There was an open bar for about an hour and the music rocked. Consider me a regular at this party for sure.

Posted 07/12/06

I live in the area and came was startled by the unique quality of China 1. We had dinner in their cellar-like dining area, which you arrive at after passing through several chambers and warmly lit staircases. The moment we entered the downstairs dining area, I said, "I'm throwing my next birthday here, this is amazing!" They have a dj, a bar, and full service of the best chinese food you will ever try. Not to mention, hot little private rooms filled with cushions and curtains for intimate gatherings. The whole feel of the place is edgey, seductive, warm, and very cool. I've since been back to spend the night at their main bar which is decked out in old country chinese artifacts, tapestries, and deep cherry woods. The scene is to die for, plenty of dimly lit corners to recline in, beautiful people to watch, witty and friendly staff, and a prime location for anyone looking for a great night out! I highly reccomend spending more than a few hours in this beautiful space!

Pros: Ambience, Unique Drinks, Smart & Friendly Staff

Cons: Parking

Posted 07/10/06

I love Chinese food and have been looking for the alternative to the greasy stuff on every corner of New York- ya, you know, the stinky take-out joints that leave you smelling like dinner for 100 for the rest of the night! Well, that's not China 1 at all you never leave smelling like a chinese restaurant and the the food is so good! It is healthy and not greasy at all- So anyways they serve food until 3AM now on Friday and Saturday's and I was leaving a club last weekend and stopped in for another drink and to my suprise could still order food! I had a DRUNKEN EGGROLL around 2 am- it was huge! the perfect food for soaking up that liquor! I reccomend this place!

Pros: Late Night Menu, In the East Village

Cons: Only On Week Ends, Not everywhere else

Posted 06/02/06

As a vegetarian Chinese food has not been my first choice, but last night my friends took me out to China 1 where the waiter told me that I can have whatever I want on the menu done Vegetarian. So I tried the General Tsos Tofu and it was the bomb! They can make almost any dish you want so you are not limited to the standard vegetarian choices. Service was laid back, but good. I left China 1 with a very balanced Chi.

Pros: accomodating, friendly, great food

Posted 05/04/06

People you better take advantage of this place no door charge and no red rope attitude, you feel like you just walked on to a film set in China.

Here is a space in the city that has one of the coolest vibes and best decor great for parties, my friend had a party there last weekend and it was rockin, the DJs were cool, the crowd was mixed and the Lychee and pomegranate sake martinis are unbeatable!

Pros: hot crowd , no hassles, great vibe

Posted 05/03/06

I had the best time in a long time out on a weekend night, this is the place to be if you like a crowd that is interesting yet unpretentious, a place where you could really chill and mingle without feeling like a peacock with its feathers ruffled.

Note to Singles- these are people you actually want to meet!

Pros: great crowd, good music, great space

Posted 05/03/06

Finally the East Village is mixing it up. This is the place for good food, good drink and good eye candy that doesn't host the homogenous and predictable types that frequent the big name clubs. The lounge is well lit and the music is just right so you can groove and talk or just chill on a sofa in a dark corner.

Pros: no attitude, no door hassle, great DJ's

Posted 05/02/06

The food here was great when they first opened, but now they've gone through multiple menu changes, each time it gets worse and worse (chinese food with no soups????. And with the ever more terrible menu, they keep jacking up the prices. Was once my fav place to eat, but now I'll never go back again until its under new management.

Pros: interior design

Cons: menu, price, quality & portions

Posted 04/07/06

This is a great place to party with your friends, sexy laid back ambiance. Killer lychee martinis.

Pros: no cover, great music, great hang out

Cons: far from subway

Posted 03/30/06

China 1 or Number 1 chinese was a really fun place. Great spot that hasnt exploded so much that they have an annoying door or are obnoxious. Friendly staff, fun atmosphere to party at minus the usual pretentiousness that overwhelms this great city. food was enjoyable and music was fresh. I'd go back...

Posted 03/10/06

This place seems like a really hip place to be on a Saturday night. The bartenders were hot, the vibes were chill, and the food was pretty good. I ate there with a bunch of buddies and ended up staying most of the night. The DJ's were on point also. Overall, it was a great spot to stumble upon in the "Up and Coming East Village."

Posted 02/20/06

This food is so americanized it is gross. If you hate good Chinese then go here.

Posted 06/25/05

Great food, wonderful venue. Small tables, but apparantly there's a lot more space in the other room.

Pros: romantic

Cons: tiny tables

Posted 02/15/05