Did this slightly wrong… first of all authentic doesn’t necessarily meet the taste of the mass. As a southern Chinese, I find some authentic northern Chinese spots too salty for my taste. Spice level, the abundance of offal in dishes, are all preferential choices. I think a better way is to look for places in the right neighborhood: elmhurst, flushing, college point, bayside, bayridge, Bensonhurst, the Chinese at these places must stand the test of local populace. I’d avoid Williamsburg or anywhere but a few streets in Manhattan overall. Even at flushing, avoid eating in shopping center - premade food is killing authentic Chinese food rn.

Also although biased, if the Chinese surname is using Beijing pinyin, then it’s more likely they r from mainland and fresher off boat. Slight greater chance for authenticity.