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HOP LEE RESTAURANT

Updated

Phone: (212) 962-6475

Address: 16 MOTT STREET 10013

TLDR

An enduring, old-school Chinatown staple for authentic Cantonese comfort food and unbeatable lunch specials. A reliable, budget-friendly go-to that captures the essence of classic NYC dining.

Reddit Sentiment for HOP LEE RESTAURANT(based on 21 Reddit opinions)

62% Positive33% Neutral5% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

NYT Top 100

Tags

chinese 21cantonese 6chinese 2lunch specials 2View All

Neighborhoods

Chinatown

Details

A cherished, old-school Chinatown institution, this spot is celebrated for its authentic Cantonese cuisine and reliable traditional flavors [7]. It serves as a go-to destination for affordable, tasty daily lunch specials and is well-regarded for accommodating large groups [12], [15], [20]. Recognized as a noteworthy Chinatown gem on a prestigious New York Times list, it remains a beloved childhood favorite for many regulars [10], [18].

Food Overview

The menu focuses on Cantonese dishes with some Americanized options, ranging from Peking-style pork chops and fried squid to seasonal offerings like razor clams and clams in black bean sauce [8], [12], [14], [18]. Diners consistently praise the daily lunch specials, which are considered both cheap and satisfying, and often recommend vegetable sides like snow pea shoots to round out the meal [12], [15], [18], [20].

Highlights / Recommended

Mentioned Dishes:

  • lunch specials(2)

Customer Sentiment

Patrons generally view this establishment as a dependable, budget-friendly, and nostalgic classic that delivers consistent value [15], [18], [21]. While some debate its selection as a premier dining destination, the overwhelming sentiment highlights its reliability as a comfortable group spot [10], [11], [13].

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About HOP LEE RESTAURANT

This post features a detailed recommendation from a longtime fan who considers it a childhood favorite with great classics like ginger scallion lobster and Peking pork chops.
This thread provides a great overview of the restaurant's value proposition, specifically praising the affordable lunch specials and variety of dishes like fried squid and beef with preserved vegetables.
A brief but helpful tip recommending that visitors try sitting in the upstairs dining area for a potentially better experience.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Seeking Economical Dinner Places 4560 Pp In

"Suggested for Chinese food where bringing your own wine helps meet the budget."

Positive
Aug 13, 2026View Comment →

From post: Hello New York Realistic Food Budget Suggestions

"Known for inexpensive lunch specials that include free soup with a multi-plate order."

Positive
Aug 3, 2026View Comment →

From post: Any Spot Recommendations In Manhattan For A Group

"Noted for having cheap and tasty lunch specials."

Positive
Jul 27, 2026View Comment →

From post: Looking For Recommendations For Longtime Fans Of

"A childhood favorite with slightly better accessibility than Wo Hop, though still has some stairs."

Positive
Jul 24, 2026View Comment →

From post: Current Best Spots For Steamed Razor Clams In Nyc

"Mentioned as a typical Chinatown restaurant where you can find razor clams seasonally."

Neutral
Jul 6, 2026View Comment →

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