This is one of my favorite restaurants in the city. I love spicy food. Apparently, there are a few "Szechuan Gourmet's" in the city, but the best and the original is on 39th between 5th and 6th.

Ambiance
The ambiance is very simple and basic. They have a few Chinese paintings that resemble the 1920s/30s, but overall the restaurant is just a normal place with almost no emphasis on decor. It definitely has a very warm and lively feel. It's usually full of people. It's a great spot in the winter.

Food
If you love Sichuan cuisine, I highly recommend this restaurant, one of the most authentic in the city. Only if you order the proper cuisine. Obviously, if you order kung pao chicken or some generic crap like that than the food probably won't be all that great. Though I will say this place does give me a stomach ache from time to time (but it's worth it!!)—it's all about the balance of rice and veggies that soak up the oil/spices.

The Dan Dan noodles at Szechuan gourmet are not as authentic and a tad too vinegary—it lacks that sweet chili oil that the pork dumplings have. The spicy cumin lamb at Szechuan Gourmet is overly fried and you can't even taste the actual meat. It's basically fried to crisp.

A few of my favorite dishes:
1) Szechuan pork dumplings (I get these every time!)
2) Mung Bean Jello (One of my personal favorites)—it's a cold spicy noodle mix
3) Szechuan Pickle
4) Chef's Ma Paul Tofu
5) Braised fish in hot pot
6) Stir-fry boneless chicken with roasted chili

Braised beef fillets in chili and pepper

Quality
Okay let's be real this place is B rated so there may be digestive issues the next day. This is not a place you come for high quality food, but the dining area is clean. If you are not used to oil and spices, then your stomach may suffer a bit the next day. But if you balance the meal with rice and vegetables to soak up all the oil and spices, you should be fine. I'll admit I get a stomach ache almost every time, but I can't resist. It's like that episode of South Park where Cartman continues to eat Chipotle even though it makes him shit his pants.

Price
This place is great value. I'd expect to pay no more than $15-30 per person including tax and tip.

Wait
There is usually no wait, however during special holidays such as Chinese New Year's, the wait can be ridiculous—up to an hour or more. But other than that, I can walk in any time and be seated within 5 minutes.