Chance
"Chance is easily the glitziest restaurant on Brooklyn’s understated Smith Street. The plate-glass windows are tinted, [and] the stainless-steel bar fronts a 'bubble wall,'" says New York magazine. Chance originally opened as a Chinese-French fusion spot, but over the years they've come to focus on a pan-Asian menu (with an emphasis on Chinese food) instead.
Smith Street isn't known for its stellar Chinese fare, but Serious Eater fischermb says, "The only acceptable option for Chinese is Chance (223 Smith at Butler), but if you do go, stick to the Dim Sum." Citysearch's Kathleen Squires recommends "the Peking duck with its sturdy yet paper-thin pancakes, crispy skin, and tender, lushly flavored meat." And Time Out New York applauds a dessert that's been held over from the old French fusion menu: "a ramekin of piping-hot, made-to-order chocolate soufflé." What do you think about this place?
Reviews (13)
InsertSnappyNameHere wrote a review on January 23, 2009 12:14 PM
I love the interior of this place. The food was yummy and the wait staff managed to be attentive, yet not overbearing. I used to teach near there and they were incredible at serving you quickly enough to fit into a teacher's short lunch time.
PitbullNYC wrote a review on January 23, 2009 12:23 PM
why do they have a pot-a-potty for a doorway. guh-ross!
*rob*
boofer wrote a review on January 23, 2009 1:11 PM
Peking duck ehh? I'm a sucker for a good peking duck....anyone know if its boneless?
DRAW wrote a review on January 23, 2009 1:18 PM
Chance is fine - but for some of the best Chinese food around (particularly if you like spicy) Szechuan Garden - just down Smith Street (between Wyckoff and Warren) is great. Doesnt look like much from the inside but the food - particularly the Szechuan dishes - is fantastic.
claudegueux wrote a review on January 23, 2009 1:49 PM
This is a go-to delivery spot for us... the pan fried noodles and curry both beat out similar selections from all the thai places in the area, the duck springrolls are delish as is the peking duck (yes, it's boneless), and the fish is always well cooked and flavorful.
Prodigal_Son wrote a review on January 23, 2009 2:27 PM
Love Chance, for what it is. Don't go expecting "real" Chinese; go expecting fresh and delicious Chinese dishes. The Peking Duck is excellent and yes, boneless. The dim sum is fresh, good portioned and wonderful.
But why oh why oh why do they play the WORST music at the HIGHEST possible volume? Why? Sometimes I go in there and I think, "wow, I wonder if they think this crap music at piercing high volume is a -good- thing" . I've seen people walk in, perk their ears and walk out.
Nice layout and design, great bar.
missing_cobblehill wrote a review on January 23, 2009 5:07 PM
the peking duck is great. i used to order from chance all the time until i moved :(
other great dishes:
--mooshoo pork
--pepper crusted duck (although don't expect to kiss anyone, it's REALLY garlicy)
vinca wrote a review on January 24, 2009 3:28 PM
I've only eaten there for lunch, which is surprisingly good, in a lovely setting. Their lunchbox offers great diversity at a very reasonable price. The bento-style service meant we each enjoyed a full meal, rather than minimal or heaping plates of one main course. I wouldn't go to Chance expecting traditional Chinese food—my dish was clearly Malaysian influenced, and the service style Japanese influenced. No music that I can remember during lunch, and able to visit with friends and talk shop—both comfortably. I don't live close-by but would gladly return for future lunches.
jdoo wrote a review on January 24, 2009 5:16 PM
i order from here every now and then. our favorites are actually rather simple,
ocean box + pad thai + chicken fried rice. Its pretty good and is a nice alternative to ordering from lemongrass on court all the time (I LOVE THAT PLACE)
slick wrote a review on January 24, 2009 5:19 PM
The food is excellent.
I used to work in bklyn heights and would walk down there for lunch. It's also great if youre stuck on jury duty w/ a 1.5 hr lunch break.
Dinner is also quality, but I dont think the dumplings/dim sum are anything particularly special.
healaeats wrote a review on February 17, 2009 8:00 PM
Thing is, I've had a very "eh" reaction to some of the mains, but I really like their dim sum, which they serve during all meals. I've often gone there and just ordered plate upon plate of dumplings. So it's a nice place to have in the neighb..
bknyer wrote a review on March 3, 2009 1:43 PM
Ridiculous name and concept, but the food is decent. Best dim sum option in the area.
tiny_kitten wrote a review on October 15, 2009 10:44 PM
I've had the lunch box here a few times and it's always been good. The really standout thing for me is the home-made wanton soup, it's so delish. I wish they had it in a large size (not just as a small bowl/appetizer).
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