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WO HOP 17

Last Updated: 18 days ago

Phone: (212) 267-2536

Address: 17 MOTT STREET 10013

TLDR

Iconic Chinatown basement eatery; a classic, unpretentious spot for old-school Chinese-American grub. Still a go-to for late-night cravings.

Sentiment Overview(Based on 93 Reddit comments)

35% Positive52% Neutral13% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

chinese 47american chinese 8chinese-american 5chinese food 15noodles 4egg foo young 4View All

Neighborhoods

Chinatown

Instagram Posts References

Summary

Details

This Chinatown institution has been a long-standing fixture in New York City, offering a taste of classic Chinese-American cuisine. While some patrons feel it has lost its former luster, many still appreciate its historical significance and unique, no-frills atmosphere, particularly the downstairs dining area. It remains a popular spot for late-night eats and a nostalgic experience.

Food Overview

The food at this establishment is primarily Chinese-American, with some debate about whether it offers authentic Chinese dishes or more Americanized versions. While some dishes like the duck lo mein, broccoli in black bean sauce, and egg rolls receive praise, others find the food to be mediocre or unremarkable. There's a common understanding that the 'downstairs' location offers a more traditional experience, while some suggest the 'upstairs' or 'next door' locations cater to a different clientele or offer a different style.

Highlights / Recommended

"Recommended dishes include the duck lo mein, broccoli in black bean sauce, and crisp egg rolls. The General Tso's chicken also receives mention, though some find the sauce to be less than ideal."

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)

Customer Sentiment

Customer opinions are divided. While some consider it a beloved institution with authentic flavors and a unique atmosphere, others feel it has declined and is overrated, relying on its history rather than current food quality.

Reddit References

Highlighted Posts

This thread features a mixed review of Wo Hop, with one user finding the pork dumplings disappointing but noodles with duck to be good. Other commenters debated its historical significance versus its current food quality, with some suggesting it's best for late-night 'drunk food'.
In this discussion about old-school Chinese-American spots, Wo Hop is recommended for its classic dishes like egg rolls and egg foo young. One commenter specifically praised the downstairs location and noted it's cash only, while another suggested the upstairs location might offer a more traditional Americanized experience.
This thread explores the distinction between the various Wo Hop locations. While some believe there are differences in authenticity between upstairs and downstairs, others claim both serve American Chinese food, and some native New Yorkers suggest there's only one true 'Wo Hop'.
This post discusses Wo Hop's inclusion in a 'world's best restaurants' list, sparking debate among commenters. Many felt the restaurant, while having its charms and historical significance, does not warrant such a high ranking, with some suggesting other Chinatown spots far surpass it.
Wo Hop is humorously suggested as a place to wear a tuxedo, highlighting its unique, potentially dingy, basement ambiance. This sparks a conversation about its iconic status and the contrast between its atmosphere and the food served.

Recent Mentions

From post: Old School Asian Manhattan Restaurant With Soup

"Wo Hop is recommended as a restaurant."

Neutral
Nov 20, 2025View Comment →

From post: Old School Asian Manhattan Restaurant With Soup

"Wo Hop is confirmed as recommended."

Neutral
Nov 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: Old School Asian Manhattan Restaurant With Soup

"Wo Hop is recommended."

Neutral
Nov 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: Is There Any Good General Tsos Chicken In Nyc

"The user recently tried General Tso's chicken at Wo Hop, but found the sauce to be just a generic brown sauce rather than the sweet and spicy flavor expected."

Negative
Nov 7, 2025View Comment →

From post: Making The Most Of Final 3 Days In Nyc

"The original poster mentioned visiting Wo Hop for old school Chinese food."

Neutral
Oct 15, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Take You To Another Time Or Place Restaurant

"Woo Hop is mentioned as a restaurant."

Neutral
Oct 12, 2025View Comment →

From post: Best Take You To Another Time Or Place Restaurant

"Woo Hop is mentioned as a restaurant."

Neutral
Oct 10, 2025View Comment →

From post: I Am Writing A Book On Classic Regional American

"This user suggests that Wo Hop only counts if visited at 3 am."

Neutral
Sep 30, 2025View Comment →

From post: I Am Writing A Book On Classic Regional American

"The author included Wo Hop for its egg foo young as part of their research on classic American foods. They also mentioned that if crab rangoon isn't available at Wo Hop, it might not be worth getting elsewhere."

Neutral
Sep 28, 2025View Comment →

From post: I Am Writing A Book On Classic Regional American

"The author ranked Wo Hop as their third favorite spot among the places visited."

Positive
Sep 28, 2025View Comment →

From post: Fav Restaurant In Manhattan Chinatown

"This commenter recommends Wo Hop."

Positive
Sep 27, 2025View Comment →

From post: Fav Restaurant In Manhattan Chinatown

"This commenter offers an 'old school opinion' that Wo Hop has been consistently good for decades."

Positive
Sep 26, 2025View Comment →

From post: Fav Restaurant In Manhattan Chinatown

"This commenter recommends Wo Hop."

Positive
Sep 26, 2025View Comment →

From post: Nyc Foodies Need Your Recs For A Quick Food

"Wo Hop was listed as a recommendation for Chinatown."

Neutral
Sep 25, 2025View Comment →

From post: Looking For Unpretentious Yet Cool Eateries

"Wo Hop is listed as an unpretentious restaurant in Manhattan's Chinatown that is still frequented by locals, suggesting it's a solid choice."

Positive
Sep 24, 2025View Comment →

From post: If You Had A Tux Where Would You Go To Eat

"This user agreed that Wo Hop is the correct answer for a place to wear a tuxedo."

Positive
Sep 23, 2025View Comment →

From post: If You Had A Tux Where Would You Go To Eat

"This commenter suggested Wo Hop (downstairs) as a suitable place to wear a tuxedo."

Positive
Sep 23, 2025View Comment →

From post: 15 Days In Ny

"This restaurant is suggested for its unique and electric atmosphere, offering good Chinese food at a reasonable price, estimated at $60 for two people. It's also noted as being in an area with attractions like the Brooklyn Bridge, WTC, and Wall Street."

Positive
Sep 21, 2025View Comment →

From post: China Town

"Responding to a query about ambiance, this user expressed a preference for dingy basement settings, indicating they are open to Wo Hop's more basic dining area."

Positive
Sep 20, 2025View Comment →

From post: China Town

"This user suggested Wo Hop for those who don't mind a dingy basement ambiance, contrasting it with Uncle Lou for a nicer experience."

Positive
Sep 20, 2025View Comment →