4.5 There are 6 small tables for 2, in close proximity with each other. Busy on a Tuesday evening. Was asked for phone number, then got a call when our table was ready. Narrow space if waiting for a table, so most waited outside; we had time to get dessert (first) across the street. Only one person was at the counter, greeting, serving etc but he was good. He handed us an ipad for the menu, with some photos to help us decide. Also a posted menu above the counter. We were given plates with utensils and plastic gloves. The whole chicken meal was worth it at $29.99- with 2 drinks and 2 sides (had typical side options and more to choose from, even noodle soups). The large bowl of Lard Noodle soup was satisfying, with al dente noodles. Our 2nd side was the vegetable fried rice which went well with the fall-off the bone, very juicy (more like steamed texture) and flavorful chicken; with a spice powder mix and raw onions. Not typical roast chicken texture, which is on dry side that my family would usually prefer. Addtl rice for $2. This restaurant is on Bleecker and MacDougal Streets area, a block off 6th ave and West Houston St. Got off the West 4 subway stop. Busy, lively area even at night.

Probably one of the best deals for food in the area with the whole chicken combo being $30 and feeding two HUNGRY people well. The stir fried spinach was very delicious, extremely well seasoned and maybe the fastest I have ever consumed a plate of leafy greens. The chicken is some of the juiciest, most tender chicken I've ever had. It's super greasy and the bones just pull right out as the chicken quarters fall apart in your hands. The spicy powder for dipping is a great complement. The food came extremely fast and the service was pleasant and friendly. My only complaint is that they play the worst music I have ever heard extremely loudly.

Chicken was delicious - especially with the chili powder. Fall-off the bone like many others have said, juicy too. Scallion pancake - make sure to air fry them a bit if you're grabbing them to-go. I'd double up on these for the meal if I wasn't trying to balance the meal. Broccoli - yummy but I wish they were warm and more tender.

Honest review of Cauldron Chicken: Cauldron Chicken located at 190 Bleecker St. NYC was on my Instagram feed, and friends sending me links with video telling me to go check them out...normally I cross reference with established reviews of the place but this establishment has only been open for a little over a year so there are only like 75 reviews. For Chicken dinner plates the best I have had so far in NYC was The Oaxacan chicken from Hometown BBQ in Red Hook area of Brooklyn, but this Dao Roasted Chicken is wayyyy juicer and if you mix the spices to the Chicken.....it brings it to a level of deliciousness you have to tell a friend! I ordered the half chicken meal and with my side being scallion pancakes. The dark and white meat are sooo sooo soo tender it truly does "fall off the bone" when you just run your plastic fork through it, and the scallion pancakes complimented the meal well. I can see why this style of Chicken has been around for 300 yrs and will stay around for 300 more years to come! This spot is not "wait in line for 2hrs popular" yet but with the limited seating in the small nicely decorated dinning area, and the very inexpensive price for NYC I can see this happening as the word spreads!

Like most human beings, I often question my purpose in life and why I am really here. After trying 20+ different hobbies over the past few years, I've found the thing that brings me the most joy is trying all the best roasted chicken spots. In my research I've learned that Dominicans, Puerto Ricans, and Peruvians are duking it out for the roasted chicken belt, so it wasn't even in my mind that Cauldron Chicken, a Chinese Dao Kou style chicken, would even sniff the top of my list. But here we are. Cauldron Chicken is neck and neck with Casa Adela as my best chicken in New York City. People often talk about "fall off the bone chicken," but this is it. When you pick this chicken up, it quite literally falls apart in your hand. It's the most tender chicken I've ever had. I've never seen anything like this. It's like you think you know basketball and then Steph Curry comes in and starts BOMBING 3s and the game is changed forever. This Dao Kou styled chicken is a 300 year old secret recipe. They could tell you what's in it, but would have to fill you with lead. Although, my research does tell me it's marinated with Chinese spices then put it in a pot to braise. I got a whole chicken, 2 sides, and 2 drinks for $29.99. Honestly a steal for Lower Manhattan as I ended up having the leftovers for dinner as well. The chicken comes with gloves so you don't get your hands dirty and their proprietary chili powder that pairs well. For sides, I got the vegetable fried rice and scallion pancakes, both of which were a HEFTY portion. I thought they would skimp on the sides, but once again I was proven wrong. I love trying different foods because you learn so much about other cultures and parts of the world. It's like traveling even when you can't travel. I had no idea the Chinese could chef up this level of roasted chicken, once again proving how little I know about the world. THANK YOU CAULDRON CHICKEN! IG @jnov_ Tiktok @jnov_reviews

As other reviews mention, the chicken is very well cooked. I got the white meat platter and it was quite tender despite breast having a tendency to dry out quickly. The seasoning on the side and onions were a great add.

Food: The chicken was incredibly moist and flavorful. The pickled cucumbers were a refreshing side dish that complemented the chicken perfectly. Half a chicken was more than enough for two people, making it a great value. Cost: The pricing was reasonable for the quality and quantity of food. Half a chicken and one side is what our order came with. Environment: The restaurant had a simple, no-frills atmosphere. While the food is excellent, the seating is limited, so be prepared for a potential wait. Service: The service was efficient and friendly. The staff was helpful and attentive. Uniqueness: The concept of serving whole chickens with gloves was definitely unique and fun. It was a memorable dining experience. There is also an educational history behind how this chicken is made, especially the preparation required.

As its name implies, Cauldron Chicken focuses on one main ingredient, Dao Kou styled chicken, and it does so impressively well. This style of roasted chicken features a 300-year-old recipe and combines a unique blend of spices to make the chicken so savory, tender, and delightfully addicting. Here, you can either get a whole/ parts of the chicken as is or order it as a combo set with other Chinese side dishes. They will provide gloves and a dry spicy dipping sauce to eat the chicken with. The restaurant is small and cozy, but the service is pretty quick. This place has quickly become one of my favorite chicken shops in the city. Come here. You won't regret it!

The staffs were friendly. Please note there is no bathroom. Be careful with your fluid intake. We had a whole chicken, fried rice and cucumbers- all of which are delicious! Food: 4/5 Service: 4/5 Ambience: 4/5