After founding Han Dynasty in Philadelphia, Han Chiang was greeted like an emperor when he opened a branch in the East Village, so starved were the people for great Szechuan food. There are now three locations in NYC, including this original downtown spot. The cold sesame noodles and salt-and-pepper shrimp are standouts, and the chili oil is homemade. If you're sensitive to heat try the bok choy with black mushrooms, almost as meaty as sirloin tips. A bar serves craft beers as well as wines from around the world.