Con Eats: Close To Heavenly ‘Shangri-La’ In Worcester
The impressively high-ceilinged restaurant and lounge Shangri-La in Worcester, MA is still a fairly new establishment with telltale signs of a previous sports bar ownership. Its large front window provides ample light during the day. At night it is a fishbowl setting for a cold drink and some greasy Sichuan food. Even though my cohort, editor in chief Rodney Brown, and I arrived midday and midweek, it was still easy to imagine the potential nightlife roaring around the dark wooden bar and massive oak columns.
Ordering a quintessential Polynesian cocktail is inevitable in this type of venue. Ignore Anthony Bourdain’s warning against ever ordering a Singapore Sling as this particular libation packs a delightful gin “punch.” Rodney figured he couldn’t go wrong with a beer so his Blue Moon, bottled and served with a glass on the side, would later pair well with his meal. Although we decided against appetizers for ourselves, feel free to indulge yourself in the familiar selection of starters Shangri-La has to offer.
The menu doesn’t scream exotic Chinese, nor does it bore you with an abundance of Americanized Chinese dishes. Landing somewhere in the middle, from a decent selection of either end of the spectrum, Rodney proudly orders the Dan-Dan Noodles and I venture to try the Sichuan Beef Noodle Soup. Yes, we had a noodle theme going and both dishes prefaced “spicy.” The surprisingly savory Dan-Dan noodles were served with appropriate heat. However, the beef noodle soup was unexpectedly spicier and smokier in flavor. Envying the latter, my brought-home leftovers would sadly later go to waste.
One thing that is certainly not wasted at Shangri-La is space. The restaurant is large, airy and even has a downstairs function room and second bar. This is also where the restrooms are located, so be prepared to traverse a flight of stairs every time you need the loo. Shangri-La is idyllic for the tired soles of guests attending the upcoming – and first ever – MASSive Comic Con this weekend conveniently located at the DCU Center directly across the street.
Cosplayers could find Shangri-La to be a haven from the con scene with its spacious booths and tables for their large costumes and props while also being able to enjoy some Sichuan sustenance. I personally hope to return there myself this weekend for a second attempt to appease my ever-present noodle bowl craving!
Don’t forget to check out my previous review, of Taqueria La Tapiata in Marlborough, MA!
Shangri-La
50 Front St., Worcester, MA, 01608
508-798-0888
