Little Pepper
Located at 18-24 College Point Blvd, College Point, NY, Little Pepper is a must-visit spot for those looking to experience authentic Szechuan flavors. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and welcoming ambiance, this restaurant serves a diverse range of dishes, each packed with bold spices and distinctive flavors that define Szechuan cuisine. Whether you are a fan of spicy food or someone looking to try something new, Little Pepper offers a rich culinary adventure for everyone.
Menu Highlights at Little Pepper
The menu at Little Pepper is a reflection of Szechuan's deep culinary roots, blending traditional flavors with modern twists. Notable appetizers include the Beef and Ox Tripe in Chili Sauce and the Sliced Pork Belly with Chili Garlic Sauce, both of which are packed with rich, fiery flavors. For soup lovers, the Hot and Sour Soup and the Fish Fillet with Pickled Cabbage Soup are top choices, offering a comforting yet tangy kick.
For those craving more substantial dishes, the General Tso's Chicken and Sesame Chicken are crowd favorites, while the Prawn with Chili Pepper delivers a delightful balance of spice and tenderness. Vegetarians will also find satisfaction with options like Mapo Tofu and Home Style Tofu, which balance the bold Szechuan flavors with fresh ingredients.
For a more interactive dining experience, Little Pepper’s Griddle Cooked Mushroom with Preserved Pork or Griddle Cooked Squid and Shrimp offer sizzling, aromatic dishes right at the table, elevating the meal to a whole new level of enjoyment.
Special Services Tailored to Your Needs
Little Pepper goes above and beyond in creating an inclusive and accommodating dining experience. It offers a wide range of services designed to meet various customer preferences. The restaurant takes reservations for those who want to plan ahead, and its delivery and takeout services ensure you can enjoy their delectable dishes from the comfort of your own home.
Moreover, Little Pepper is wheelchair accessible and provides gender-neutral restrooms, fostering a welcoming environment for all. The restaurant also accepts various payment methods including Apple Pay, credit cards, and even cryptocurrency, showcasing its modern approach to customer convenience. For those enjoying a leisurely meal, there’s outdoor seating and Wi-Fi available to enhance your dining experience.
A Family-Friendly Atmosphere with a Personal Touch
What sets Little Pepper apart is its family-run charm and attentive service. The restaurant is managed by a husband and wife duo who are dedicated to creating a warm, welcoming environment for all guests. Their passion for Szechuan cuisine is reflected in both the flavors of the dishes and the personal connections they make with their patrons. The couple’s genuine care for their customers has led to glowing reviews highlighting their friendliness and the homey feel of the restaurant.
Many customers have praised Little Pepper for its cozy and spacious interior, with its carefully curated art displays adding a unique touch. For instance, one review mentions how the interior is not only clean and roomy but also adorned with interesting artworks that create a pleasant dining atmosphere. Another customer describes the restaurant as a “sweet little restaurant” run by a lovely married couple, emphasizing the exceptional quality of the scallion fried rice, a standout dish that keeps people coming back.
Customer Experiences: A Testament to Quality and Service
Guests consistently rave about their experiences at Little Pepper, noting the exceptional quality of food and the impeccable service. One review highlights the spicy fish dish (do ban yu) and the salt and pepper prawn, both of which are standout items on the menu. The review also mentions the restaurant's family-friendly atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a casual outing.
Another satisfied customer appreciates the freshness of the dishes and the fact that everything is made to order. The “sweet family” managing the restaurant is often commended for their warm hospitality, with several reviewers specifically recommending Little Pepper for those who are still fortunate enough to experience the restaurant under its original ownership.
Unique Offerings and Additional Delights
Beyond the mouthwatering dishes, Little Pepper also offers some fun memorabilia, including their signature Little Pepper Chili Oil and branded tote bags and sweatshirts. These unique products allow customers to take home a taste of the restaurant's signature flavors or a keepsake from their visit.
Whether you’re there for a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, Little Pepper’s ability to cater to both individuals and groups makes it an ideal spot for a variety of occasions. With its happy hour specials, beer and wine selection, and dog-friendly policy, the restaurant provides a complete dining experience for everyone.
Reviews
There is one reason to go to this place, and it's for the scallion fried rice. That's it! It's so damn good! Everything else is good as well, but I would die for that green rice. It's a sweet little restaurant run by a lovely married couple, so go ahead and support this small business. There are paintings everywhere in the restaurant, and the lady who runs it is super sweet.
Absolutely amazing Szechuan restaurant. Everything is fresh and made to order. As others have mentioned, it's run by the sweetest family. The ambience is great and family-friendly. Highly recommend coming here while still under the original ownership.
Small mom & pop establishment that puts out delicious Szechuan home cooked dishes. Our go-to dishes include eggplant and chicken in garlic sauce, bamboo shoots & pork, dan dan noodles, dumplings in hot oil etc. This restaurant hs been in the same location on College Point Blvd for many years. The prices are reasonable however the food sometimes takes a long time. It's literally a 2 person operation. Mom serves the food upfront and pops cooks in the kitchen. I highly recommend Little Pepper if you like spicy szechuan! Street parking is available. The neighborhood looks sketchy but is OK during the day.
My daughter and I were headed to the nearby airport to pick up the rest of the family and we wanted something good to eat on the way. Found Little Pepper and knew it was the answer. Much easier to access than the Flushing spots but it absolutely stands up to them. Seating is comfortable and the restaurant is quiet enough for a conversation. Certainly seemed to be a family operation. Very nice woman working the front of house and a gentleman preparing all of the dishes. It felt like dining at someone's house, they served a table at a time. If you were late to a nearby theater, this may not be the choice for you. If you're patient and looking to eat an authentic meal, this is the place! At the tail end of a hard eating weekend, we didn't want to order too much. We checked out the menu while enjoying a complimentary pot of tasty tea. (Hint of oolong) We ordered silken tofu with scallion sauce, cumin lamb, sesame chicken, and pork fried rice. Menu had at least 30 items I would like to try. Silken tofu and cumin lamb packed flavor and a solid spice level. Probably not their spiciest dishes but they delivered. Lamb was tender and the tofu was in fact "silken". My daughter's sesame chicken was a high end example of a basic dish. The pork fried rice delivered quality ingredients made in a non salty/greasy way. Excellent dinner!
Very friendly couple running this Szechuan restaurant. The flavorful dishes do take some time to come out, but were very good. Some of the dishes we tried were eggplant with garlic sauce, salt and pepper prawn, spicy fish (do ban yu) and pork and celery. The interior was clean and roomy and had some interesting artworks displayed.