TLDR
An iconic Chinatown staple for Cantonese roast meats, wonton noodle soup, and legendary seasonal soft-shell crab. A go-to spot for authentic, affordable late-night eats.
Reddit Sentiment for GREAT N.Y. NOODLETOWN(based on 145 Reddit opinions)
Instagram Posts References
Great NY Noodletown is another runner-up for the best sit-down meal in Chinatown, known for its extensive menu of noodles and roast meats.
Details
A Chinatown institution celebrated for its Cantonese classics, including exceptional roast meats and highly sought-after seasonal soft-shell crab [2]. It is frequently recommended for its hearty, authentic noodle dishes and value-packed meat combinations [1]. While widely considered a beloved local favorite, diners should be aware of its casual, no-frills environment and varying experiences with service [3].
Food Overview
The restaurant specializes in Cantonese dishes, with high praise for its roast duck, BBQ pork, and wonton noodle soup [2, 3]. Its seasonal salt-baked soft-shell crab is considered a 'legendary' dish [2, 3], though availability can be limited. The ginger-scallion sauce is also frequently noted for being exceptionally intoxicating [3].
Caveats
The restaurant operates as cash-only and may include an automatic gratuity in the bill, which has been a point of confusion for some diners [3]. Additionally, operating hours may be shorter than they were historically, often closing around 10-11 PM [3].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About GREAT N.Y. NOODLETOWN
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: If You Could Have Just One Dish From One
"In response to a mention of Great Noodletown's softshell crab, the commenter confirmed they had it recently and found it to be very good."
PositiveFrom post: If You Could Have Just One Dish From One
"The commenter suggested softshell crab at Great Noodletown as a standout dish."
PositiveFrom post: Great Ny Noodletown Lunch Soft Shell Crab Season
"The user commented that Great NY Noodletown adding gratuity to the bill without clear notification was bad form, especially since the check was difficult to read."
NegativeFrom post: Great Ny Noodletown Lunch Soft Shell Crab Season
"The user shared a negative past experience at Great NY Noodletown from years ago where a shrimp dish smelled funny and the staff were unhelpful, leading to their decision not to return."
NegativeFrom post: Great Ny Noodletown Lunch Soft Shell Crab Season
"The user stated they have never ordered noodles from Great NY Noodletown, despite its name."
NeutralFrom post: Great Ny Noodletown Lunch Soft Shell Crab Season
"The user expressed a desire to visit Great NY Noodletown before midnight, as they have not been there at that time before."
NeutralFrom post: Great Ny Noodletown Lunch Soft Shell Crab Season
"The user had a recent disappointing experience with the soft shell crab at Great NY Noodletown, finding it lacked flavor, though other dishes had been great on previous visits."
NegativeFrom post: Great Ny Noodletown Lunch Soft Shell Crab Season
"The user commented that the restaurant 'Great NY Noodletown' could benefit from a better English name."
NegativeFrom post: Great Ny Noodletown Lunch Soft Shell Crab Season
"The user clarified that 'Great NY Noodletown' is the name of the restaurant, not a general area or type of establishment."
NeutralFrom post: Great Ny Noodletown Lunch Soft Shell Crab Season
"The user described a positive experience at Great NY Noodletown, stating they went there at 9 am, feasted, and watched TV, calling it a great spot."
PositiveFrom post: Great Ny Noodletown Lunch Soft Shell Crab Season
"The user inquired if 'Noodletown' was synonymous with Chinatown or a specific area known for noodle restaurants."
NeutralFrom post: Great Ny Noodletown Lunch Soft Shell Crab Season
"The user explained that live soft shell crabs are extremely hard to source and that they typically die during transit or are eaten by other crabs."
NeutralFrom post: Great Ny Noodletown Lunch Soft Shell Crab Season
"The user recalled a positive experience at Great NY Noodletown from the previous summer, particularly enjoying their salt-baked soft shell crab and a noodle soup, deeming it one of the best Chinatown experiences."
PositiveFrom post: Great Ny Noodletown Lunch Soft Shell Crab Season
"The user suggested adding sand ginger powder to ginger-scallion sauce as a key ingredient that makes a significant difference and is costly."
PositiveFrom post: Great Ny Noodletown Lunch Soft Shell Crab Season
"The user expressed affection for Cafe Hong Kong, one of the recommended Cantonese restaurants."
PositiveFrom post: Great Ny Noodletown Lunch Soft Shell Crab Season
"In response to a request for top Cantonese spots, the user recommended Kings Kitchen, Cafe Hong Kong, Tin Wong, and Ming Wong in Manhattan's Chinatown."
PositiveFrom post: Great Ny Noodletown Lunch Soft Shell Crab Season
"The user expressed that they miss Great NY Noodletown."
NeutralFrom post: Great Ny Noodletown Lunch Soft Shell Crab Season
"The user mentioned combining leftover soft shell crab from Great NY Noodletown with leftover curry from Soothr, finding the combination "insanely good.""
PositiveFrom post: Great Ny Noodletown Lunch Soft Shell Crab Season
"The user asked for recommendations for other top Cantonese restaurants in Manhattan's Chinatown."
NeutralFrom post: Great Ny Noodletown Lunch Soft Shell Crab Season
"The user mentioned that Great NY Noodletown selectively adds gratuity to bills, and when questioned, they 'offered' to remove it, suggesting the added tip might not reach the servers."
Negative