Another California import, Mian is one of many Sichuan spots in Chinatown, but the handmade noodles and comforting peppercorn-tingle set it apart. Although the cafe feels modern with wallpaper murals and funky lamps, the overall vibe is laid back, if not hands-off, mostly because you order everything from your phone at the table. Mian’s noodle soups have a textbook beefiness and thick, chewy handmade noodles meant for slurping. The soup, and the red oil drenched dumplings, are best paired with a rainy day, or any day you feel like pouring your feelings into a giant boil of semi-spicy soup that won’t give you any attitude back.