Peking Duck House: A Mid-Century Chinese Dining Icon in Midtown East, NYC

Peking Duck House Introduce

Nestled in the heart of Midtown East, New York, Peking Duck House is a revered establishment that has been a go-to for generations of diners seeking an authentic and high-quality Chinese culinary experience. More than just a restaurant, it is a destination, drawing crowds with its dedication to traditional cooking techniques and its signature dish that has become a legend in its own right. The atmosphere strikes a unique balance between casual and upscale, making it equally suitable for a celebratory dinner, a professional business lunch, or a satisfying solo meal. With its classic decor and white tablecloths, the ambiance evokes a sense of timeless elegance, inviting guests to step away from the urban bustle and into a world of exquisite flavors and impeccable service.

Location and Accessibility

Situated at 236 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, USA, Peking Duck House enjoys a central and convenient location in Midtown East. It's a prime spot for both local residents and a steady stream of tourists exploring the city. The restaurant is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. While specific on-site parking may be limited, the area offers public parking options and is well-served by nearby subway stations and bus routes. In a city where accessibility can be a challenge, the restaurant stands out by offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for all patrons. Its proximity to major corporate buildings and attractions makes it an ideal choice for both a planned special dinner and a spontaneous lunch.

Services Offered

Dine-in Service: The core of the experience is dining in, with table service and a professional staff ready to assist you.
Takeout and Delivery: For those who prefer to enjoy their favorite dishes at home or at the office, the restaurant offers both takeout and delivery options.
Catering: Bring the authentic flavors of Peking Duck House to your next event with their catering services, perfect for business gatherings or private parties.
Reservations: The restaurant accepts reservations and recommends them for lunch and dinner, especially for larger groups, ensuring you can secure a table during peak hours.
Lunch and Dinner Service: The kitchen is open for both lunch and dinner, offering a full menu that caters to different appetites and times of the day.

Features and Highlights

Fast Service: The staff is known for their efficiency and professionalism, ensuring that your food arrives promptly without compromising quality.
Great Tea Selection: For tea lovers, the restaurant offers an exceptional selection of teas to complement your meal.
Private Dining Room: Perfect for corporate events or family celebrations, the private dining room offers a secluded and exclusive space for your gathering.
Casual and Upscale Atmosphere: The ambiance is a rare blend of relaxed and refined, with white tablecloths and tasteful decor creating a comfortable yet elegant setting.
Popular for Groups: The restaurant's layout and service model make it a great choice for large groups, with special banquet menus available.
Full Bar: A wide selection of alcoholic beverages including beer, cocktails, and wine is available to pair with your meal.

What is Worth Choosing

The undeniable star of the menu at Peking Duck House is the Peking Duck. This iconic dish is a testament to the restaurant’s mastery of classic Chinese cuisine. The duck is expertly roasted to achieve a crisp, flavorful skin and a moist, tender interior. The highlight of the experience is the tableside carving, a visual and aromatic spectacle that adds a layer of theatricality to the meal. The carved duck is served with traditional accompaniments—thin pancakes, fresh scallions, cucumbers, and a rich hoisin sauce—allowing diners to assemble their own perfect wraps. While some reviews note a recent increase in price, the general consensus remains that the quality and experience of this dish are second to none in the city, making it a worthy splurge for a special occasion or a must-try for any food enthusiast.

Beyond the duck, the menu is a treasure trove of traditional Chinese dishes. For appetizers, the Fried Pork Dumplings and Chicken Lettuce Wrap are popular choices, offering a satisfying start to your meal. The Fried Spare Ribs with Honey and the Spiced Cold Beef are also highly recommended. The soup selection, with options like Wonton Soup and Peking Hot and Sour Soup, provides classic comfort and flavor.

The main course offerings are equally impressive. The Filet Mignon with Black Pepper is a standout from the House Specialties, praised for its tenderness and rich flavor. The seafood is also a highlight, with dishes like Sautéed Scallops, Shrimp, & Crab Meat and the extravagant Lobster, Old Cantonese Style providing a taste of coastal Chinese cuisine. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, the Ma-La Chicken and Prawns Szechuan Style are excellent choices.

Vegetarians will find a variety of options under the Vegetables section, with dishes like sautéed spinach and Chinese broccoli available. And no meal is complete without a side of Fried Rice or Sautéed Home Made Noodles. The Desserts menu, while simple, offers a sweet conclusion to the meal. While some reviews have noted occasional inconsistencies with certain dishes, the restaurant’s reputation for its namesake duck and its classic preparations continues to attract a loyal following and new admirers alike, solidifying its place as a New York City culinary institution.

Contact Information

Address: 236 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, USA

Phone: (212) 759-8260

Peking Duck House Menu

Peking Duck
Peking Duck $82.00
Whole duck served with house-made pancakes, green scallions, fresh cucumbers, and special hoisin sauce.

Poultry (All White Meat)
Sweet & Sour Chicken $24.95
Diced Chicken W. Walnuts/Peanuts/Cashew Nuts $24.95
Your choice of preparation. w. cashew nut./ w. peanuts in hot spicy sauce/ w. walnuts in Brown hoison sauce
Sliced Chicken W. Broccoli $24.95
Your choice of preparation. with broccoli/ with orange flavor/ with snow peas
Sesame Chicken $24.95
General Tso's Chicken $24.95
Hot & spicy.
Sliced Duck Meat W. Green Scallions $28.95
Green scallions with hoison sauce.
Chicken Lettuce Wrap $16.95
Crispy Fried Duck $30.95
Half duck.
Shredded Chicken With Garlic Sauce $24.95
Hot & spicy.

Soups
Large Soups $15.95
Serves two.- Shrimp, Scallops, Crab-meat Bean-curd Soup $15.95
Classic Soups $6.25

House Specialities
Prawns Szechuan Style $35.50
Sesame Scallops $34.95
Fresh scallops, lightly fried, and sautéed topped with sesame seeds and in our special oyster sauce.
X.O. Prawns $35.50
Lobster, Old Cantonese Style $43.95
Fresh lobster, cut and sautéed in garlic, ginger, scallions, and black bean with minced pork.
Paradise Beef $36.50
Strips of tender filet mignon sautéed in garlic sauce and adorned with broccoli.
Ma-La Chicken $26.50
Shredded chicken with snow peas, water chestnuts, red pepper, baby corn, and sautéed in Szechuan peppery sauce.
Filet Mignon With Black Pepper $36.50
Strips of tender filet mignon sautéed with fresh pepper and black pepper adorned with shanghai bok choy.
Grand Marnier Prawns $35.50
Crispy jumbo prawns with mayonnaise fruit sauce.

Vegetables
Vegetables $20.95

Sweets
Desserts $5.50

Meat
Sliced Pork With Garlic Sauce $24.95
Hot & spicy.
Sliced Pork Sauteed W. Chili Sauce $24.95
Hot & spicy.
Sliced Pork, Chicken, & Shrimp $24.95
With green scallions./ Double Sauteed w. Chili Sauce
Sliced Pork With Black Bean Sauce $24.95
Pork Chop Peking Style $24.95
Pork Chop With Pepper & Salt $24.95
Hot & spicy.
Moo Shu Pork $24.95
With four pancakes.

Seafood
Sautéed Scallops, Shrimp, & Crab Meat $34.50
Lobster In Hot Spicy Sauce $43.95
Hot & spicy.
Shrimp In Garlic Sauce $29.50
Hot & spicy.
Lobster With Ginger & Green Scallions $43.95
Lobster Peking Style & Sliced Prawn $43.95
With hot spicy sauce.
Sautéed Baby Shrimp $26.50
Shrimp With Lobster Sauce $30.50
Crab Meat With Broccoli $34.50
Shrimp In Hot Spicy Sauce $30.50
Hot and spicy.

Appetizers
Vegetable Steamed Dumplings $14.95
Six pieces.
Shrimp Toast $15.95
Fried Spare Ribs With Honey $21.50
Spring Roll $4.25
Crispy, golden-brown rolls filled with seasoned vegetables, Price is for one
Spiced Cold Beef $20.50
Steamed Shrimp Dumpling $15.95
Six pieces.
Fried Pork Dumplings $14.95
Six pieces.
Barbecued Beef $15.95
Six pieces.
Steamed Pork Dumplings $14.95
Six pieces.
Chicken Lettuce Wrap $16.95
Cold Sesame Noodles $14.50
Hot and spicy.

Beef
Pepper Steak $26.95
Dried Sliced Beef With Orange Flavor $26.95
Hot & spicy.
Sliced Beef With Scallops $28.95
Sliced Beef With Black Bean Sauce $26.95
Sliced Beef With Broccoli $26.95
Sliced Beef With Hot Spicy Sauce $26.95
Hot & spicy.
Dried Shredded Beef With Spice $26.95
Hot and spicy.

Noods & Rice
Brown Rice $1.50
Fried Rice $17.95
Comes with your choice of protein.
Sautéed Home Made Noodles $17.95
Your choice of protein.

Beverages
Beverages $2.00

Peking Duck House Details

Service options
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Great tea selection

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Comfort food
Hard liquor
Private dining room
Wine

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual
Upscale

Crowd
Groups
Tourists

Planning
Lunch reservations recommended
Dinner reservations recommended
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Parking
Parking

Peking Duck House Photos

Peking Duck House Location

Peking Duck House

New York New York County New York East 53rd Street

236 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, USA

Peking Duck House Reviews

An average rating of ★4.2 from 656 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I’ve been coming to Peking Duck House for years, and the food has never disappointed. The duck is consistently crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and carved tableside with a flourish. It’s easily one of the best renditions of Peking duck you’ll find in the city. The scallion pancakes, stir-fried greens, and duck buns are also top-notch.That said, the price has nearly doubled over the past few years, which makes it harder to justify as a regular go-to. What used to feel like a splurge now borders on extravagant. Still, if you’re celebrating something special or introducing someone to the magic of Peking duck, it’s hard to beat the experience.Great food, excellent service — just be prepared for the sticker shock.
July 18 · rachel sloan
Came here for a work dinner, as it seems many people do, as we were surrounded by other white-collar types in large groups. Our team's admin booked one of the banquet pre-set menus, which included:Appetizers:- Lute Shaped Prawns: Overcooked and chewy- Fried Pork Dumplings: Meh- Seafood Basket: Tasty and crispySoup:- Seafood Sizzling Rice Soup: Bland with little seafoodEntrees:- Filet Mignon with Black Pepper: The only decent entree of the lot- Lobster with Hot Spicy Sauce: It wasn't spicy, it was ginger-scallion. And again, overcooked- Grand Marnier Prawns: Fried and drowning in mayo. Ugh!- Chinese Broccoli with Black Mushroom: Okay, but forgettable- Scallops: Bland- Yang Chow Fried Rice: Also blandDessert:- Fried Banana with Ice-Cream: This needed a good drizzle of chocolate sauce and more ice-cream to make it really popI saved the worst for last. The Peking Duck, which of course was the whole reason we were there, was a laughably tiny little piece of fowl. Unlike decent Peking duck restaurants, PDH cuts and wraps the duck for you instead of letting you do it yourself. Thus, I was given a scallion-filled wrap that I would never have eaten, and had to dis-robe it to remove that filth. Because our duck was so tiny (and we apparently only got one), we only received one wrap each, containing the tiniest pieces of meat I've ever seen. There was no additional platter with remaining duck pieces for us to have seconds--nothing. What an absolute rip-off.In sum, glad I didn't pay for dinner here. No one should be recommending this place for Peking duck to anyone except maybe terrible bosses, meddling mothers-in-law or mortal enemies.
July 10 · Josephine Lee
We LOVED our experience and highly recommend. We were blown away with the most amazing Chinese meal we’ve ever experienced. First, the wine we picked was well priced at $40/bottle and awesome—but that’s not the star of the show, obviously… the Peking duck was insane. Wow!! It was absolutely delicious and cooked to perfection. We also ordered hot and sour soup, spring rolls, beef/broccoli, and garlic shrimp. Every dish was wonderful. Outstanding portion sizes and flavor and fresh ingredients. The service was top notch as they carved our duck table side and hand rolled our duck pancakes! Everybody demonstrated pride in their work—you could tell that they care that you enjoy your experience and that they love what they do. I called four people from the table and told them we have to go here. Five stars! Can’t wait to go back!
January 13 · Shannon Truax
The food was so good, the service was excellent, and the ambiance was terrific. I will definitely keep coming back.
April 26 · Chris Sam-Wiah
After 5 minutes of waiting, I was looking for another restaurant. One guy was on phone- looked out way several times. I wanted to leave but the people I was with insisted we stay.Finally- 10 minutes after our reservation time- phone guy comes over. I was expecting the restaurant to be empty but they actually had two tables.Finally seated….Slamming menus down. Slamming glasses down. Servers yelling at each other. We had the Peking duck and string beans with pork. The string beans were disgusting! Tasted like bacon grease. White rice was over cooked and mushy. The duck was wonderful but not worth being in such a negative environment.
June 16 · Jace Werner