TLDR
Iconic, no-frills Chinatown basement spot famous for nostalgic, old-school American Chinese comfort food.
Instagram Posts References
The post highlights Wo Hop, a restaurant located in Manhattan's Chinatown, for its seasonal soft shell crab dish. The image displays the soft shell crab prepared with salt and pepper, priced at $19.95. Signs indicate that Wo Hop 'Up Here' and Wo Hop 'Downstairs' share the same kitchen and staff. A fortune cookie message is also included, foretelling unexpected travel opportunities in January.
Details
A staple of Manhattan's Chinatown, this establishment is a beloved, old-school destination for classic American-style Chinese food [4]. While the restaurant is lauded for its nostalgic atmosphere and consistent quality, its shift away from its legendary 24-hour status has been a significant point of discussion among loyal patrons [12]. The venue remains a go-to spot for comfort dishes and remains a popular choice for those seeking an authentic, no-frills dining experience in the heart of the city [15], [20].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on classic American-style Chinese comfort food, with frequent praise for wonton chips [42], [44], egg rolls [5], [8], and soft shell crab [49], [50]. Some diners express disappointment with specific dishes, noting that certain chicken preparations can taste boiled rather than velvette [8] or that sauces may lack expected depth [33].
Highlights / Recommended
"Diners highly recommend the wonton chips [42], fried pork dumplings [26], and seasonal soft shell crab with salt and pepper [49]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •egg foo young(3)
- •dumplings(2)
- •fried rice(2)
- •egg rolls(2)
- •baked and steamed white pork buns(2)
- •combo big buns(2)
- •cocktail buns(2)
Caveats
The restaurant is located down a flight of stairs, which may be difficult for guests with limited mobility [36]. Additionally, the venue may not be suitable for very large groups of 150 people due to space constraints [51].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About WO HOP 17
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Asian Restaurants In Manhattan That Might Fit 150
"Wo Hop is not considered large enough to accommodate a group of 150 people, suggesting they would have to split the party."
NegativeFrom post: Looking For Classic Americanchinese Food In
"Wo Hop was suggested as a place to get the requested type of food."
NeutralFrom post: Soft Shell Crabs At Manhattan Chinatown
"The commenter had the soft shell crab at Wo Hop's new upstairs location and found it to be good."
PositiveFrom post: What Is The Best Nyc Food After A Night Of
"Downstairs at Wo Hop is mentioned as a late-night food option."
PositiveFrom post: What Is The Best Nyc Food After A Night Of
"Wo Hop is listed as a strong late-night food option."
PositiveFrom post: What Is The Best Nyc Food After A Night Of
"The commenter was wondering why Wo Hop wasn't a top answer, acknowledging it closes early now."
NeutralFrom post: What Is The Best Nyc Food After A Night Of
"Wo Hop used to be a preferred late-night spot but now closes early."
NegativeFrom post: Whats The Nontouristy Cheesecake Factory Of Nyc
"Wo Hop was recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Hatsother Merch From This Subs
"Wo Hop was mentioned as a restaurant that sells merchandise."
NeutralFrom post: Where Can I Find New England Massachusettsstyle
"Wo Hop in Chinatown is suggested as a potential answer for finding New England-style American Chinese food, based on the commenter's experience living in both Boston and NYC."
PositiveFrom post: Whats Your Nemesis Spot In Nyc
"Wo Hop, once a 24-hour spot popular with late-night crowds, is now a basement restaurant with a famous name but better offerings available nearby."
NegativeFrom post: Whats Your Nemesis Spot In Nyc
"Wo Hop's food is described as mid and not particularly cheap, but the overall experience is considered enjoyable."
NeutralFrom post: Whats Your Nemesis Spot In Nyc
"This user jokingly asks for a dramatic reason why Wo Hop is disliked, like a dish coming to life."
NeutralFrom post: 5 Days Of Eating My Way Through The City
"The author visited Wo Hop for comfort food, citing college nostalgia. They mentioned the lemon chicken and pan-fried lo mein."
NegativeFrom post: Whats Your Nemesis Spot In Nyc
"This user lists Wo Hop as a 'nemesis spot' without providing specific reasons."
NegativeFrom post: Iso Chinatown Restaurant That Gives Out Fried
"This user simply stated that Wo Hop serves the wonton chips."
PositiveFrom post: Iso Chinatown Restaurant That Gives Out Fried
"This user questioned if the basement location of Wo Hop is where they serve the wonton chips, as they had not experienced them there before."
NeutralFrom post: Iso Chinatown Restaurant That Gives Out Fried
"After visiting Wo Hop, this user found the wonton chips to be thick and good, but not exactly the nostalgic ones they were seeking."
NeutralFrom post: Iso Chinatown Restaurant That Gives Out Fried
"This user confirmed that Wo Hop serves the wonton chips, having been there the previous week."
PositiveFrom post: Iso Chinatown Restaurant That Gives Out Fried
"This user remembers that as a child, Wo Hop would serve wonton chips as the first item when customers sat down."
Positive