Wenwen

Wenwen
Interactive map of Wenwen
Restaurant information
EstablishedFebruary 1, 2022 (2022-02-01)
Location1025 Manhattan Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, United States
Coordinates40°44′02″N 73°57′18″W / 40.734°N 73.9551°W / 40.734; -73.9551

Wenwen is a Taiwanese restaurant in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.[1] It is known for its fun menu items like a $69 Long Island iced tea and the BDSM Chicken.[2] In 2022, it was named to the Michelin Guide.[3]

History

Wenwen was opened on February 1, 2022 by Andy Chuang and Eric Sze, two chefs behind 886, a restaurant in East Village, Manhattan.[1] It had taken a year and a half to launch.[4]

Known for their rowdy and wild restauranteuring, Chuang and Sze sought a more serious and mature challenge in dining and service through Wenwen. Its menu thus incorporates some of 886's most popular dishes alongside more unique and sophisticated offerings.[5] (Still, they still kept things "fun" by adding a $69 drink on the menu, as well as a dish called "BDSM Chicken.")[6][7]

The name, Wenwen, comes from two women in Sze's life: Wenchi, his mother, and Wenhui, his wife.[8]

Critical reception

Time Out New York gave Wenwen four out of five stars.[1]

The New York Times gave it two out of four stars, naming it a Critic's Pick.[9]

The Infatuation gave it an 8 out of 10, specifically recommending the BDSM Chicken as the best savory item on its menu, and called it one of the best restaurants in Greenpoint.[10][11]

Eater called it "a worthy sequel to [Chuang and Sze's] East Village restaurant."[12]

References

  1. ^ a b c Carter, Morgan. "BDSM Chickens and $69 cocktails—NYC's Wenwen still knows how to keep it fun". Time Out New York. Archived from the original on 2025-02-25. Retrieved 2025-12-24.
  2. ^ Izzo, Christina. "You can order a $69 Long Island Iced Tea in Brooklyn, because of course". Time Out New York. Archived from the original on 2024-07-27. Retrieved 2025-12-24.
  3. ^ Davey, Emma (2022-07-18). "Three North Brooklyn Restaurants Earn Michelin Recognition". Greenpointers. Retrieved 2025-12-24.
  4. ^ Lee, Patty (2022-03-22). "Greenpoint's Newest Hot Spot is a Taiwanese Restaurant from the Creators of 886". Thrillist. Retrieved 2025-12-24.
  5. ^ Rosini-Gentile, Jennifer (2022-01-18). "New Taiwanese Restaurant Wenwen Opening Soon in Greenpoint". Greenpointers. Retrieved 2025-12-24.
  6. ^ Fortney, Luke (2022-03-14). "Wenwen, a Taiwanese Restaurant for Fun-Loving Adults, Erupts in Greenpoint". Eater NY. Retrieved 2025-12-24.
  7. ^ Goldfield, Hannah (2022-08-19). "The Food of Taiwan, and Home, at Wenwen". The New Yorker. ISSN 0028-792X. Retrieved 2025-12-24.
  8. ^ Lynch, Scott (2022-03-21). "Wenwen in Greenpoint is serving up good times and great Taiwanese food". BKMAG. Retrieved 2025-12-24.
  9. ^ "Restaurant Review: A Home for Taiwanese Food, Lard and All, at Wenwen (Published 2022)". 2022-07-18. Archived from the original on 2024-11-22. Retrieved 2025-12-24.
  10. ^ "Wenwen - Review - Greenpoint - New York". The Infatuation. 2022-03-25. Retrieved 2025-12-24.
  11. ^ "The 22 Best Restaurants In Greenpoint, Brooklyn - New York". The Infatuation. 2022-01-21. Retrieved 2025-12-24.
  12. ^ Sutton, Ryan (2022-06-08). "The $69 Long Island Iced Tea Fuels a Boisterous Night Out at Wenwen". Eater NY. Retrieved 2025-12-24.