Call me old fashioned, but I'm quite averse to having Chinese food in the stereotypical 'Chinatown' spots surrounded by tourists. However, despite being located on Smith Street, Xie Lao Song is ridiculously authentic - most of the clientele and staff are very Chinese (and a lot don't even speak much English).

The food here is traditional and great - with the ma la xiao long xia (spicy crayfish) being the main attraction. Of course, being a Sichuan restaurant means they should also have laziji ($16) amongst many other goodies!