Photo by Roberto Rodriguez
Corner 17
When Corner 17 opened in the Delmar Loop in 2013, it was a small storefront notable for its work-in-progress menu featuring hand-pulled noodles as well as for the fact that it was a new venture from the owners of Joy Luck Buffet, the Brentwood restaurant known for its (not-so-secret) “secret” menu of traditional Szechuan fare. Corner 17 has since expanded in size and scope, and in addition to its hand-pulled noodles (which you can still watch being made in a glassed-in space facing the dining room), the lengthy menu now features an impressively wide and well-executed range of Szechuan fare (cumin lamb, mala tofu, fried pieces of chicken in a mountain of chiles), specialties from other regions of China and even American favorites like General Tso’s chicken. Be sure to start with an order of the handmade steamed dumplings.
Hours: Lunch and dinner daily
Last year's ranking: new
Opened: 2013
Must order: Crispy fried chicken ($12.99)