TLDR
Legendary underground Chinatown icon serving classic Americanized Chinese comfort food. Beloved for its nostalgic atmosphere and iconic wonton chips.
Instagram Posts References
This video documents a visit to Wo Hop, an established underground Chinese food restaurant located in Chinatown, NYC. The journey begins by descending stairs to the entrance, which prominently displays multiple Zagat awards from various years and indicates a 'Cash Only' policy. Inside, the restaurant has a bustling, classic diner-style atmosphere with bright blue tables and walls adorned with numerous dollar bills. The staff are attentive and friendly, quickly seating the patron and providing a Tsingtao beer upon request. The meal served includes a generous portion of sliced roast pork, accompanied by white rice and two traditional dipping sauces (a sweet chili sauce and a mustard-based sauce), presented as an amazing and highly anticipated lunch.
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 quintessential Chinatown establishment known for its long-standing history and nostalgic, old-school American Chinese fare [29]. Patrons can choose between the classic downstairs basement dining area or the newer street-level upstairs space, both of which serve favorites like chow mein and wonton soup [40], [52], [60]. While some regulars note a perceived decline in consistency compared to pre-pandemic years, many still frequent the spot for its unpretentious, comfort-food atmosphere [53], [58].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on classic American Chinese and Cantonese dishes, with many diners praising staples like fried pork dumplings, beef chow fon, and wonton soup [40], [52], [59]. While wonton chips remain a popular and highly recommended nostalgic snack, the General Tso's chicken has faced criticism for its sauce consistency, and some find the chicken dishes underwhelming compared to other local options [30], [48], [51].
Highlights / Recommended
"Signature recommendations include the crispy wonton chips, fried pork dumplings, and the beef chow fon [51], [52], [59]. Guests also frequently highlight the roast pork and seasonal salt and pepper soft shell crab as standout choices [41], [57]."
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)
- •chow mein(2)
Customer Sentiment
Sentiment is generally warm and nostalgic, with many diners appreciating the restaurant's status as a reliable, iconic Chinatown institution [25], [39]. However, recurring feedback highlights disappointment regarding the loss of its 24-hour service and a general sense that quality has declined in recent years [37], [53].
Caveats
The restaurant is situated down a flight of stairs, which may pose access challenges for guests with limited mobility [36]. Additionally, the restaurant is no longer open 24 hours, now closing significantly earlier than in the past [37].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About WO HOP 17
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: What Are Your Favorite Holes In The Wall
"Brief mention."
NeutralFrom post: Where To Find Hakka Chinese Food In Nyc Or Tri
"This location serves pork belly with preserved vegetables, stuffed peppers, and goose intestines, all of which are identified as Hakka dishes."
PositiveFrom post: Most Unusual Food I Can Eat Late At Night In The
"A reliable choice for late-night dining."
PositiveFrom post: Seeking Economical Dinner Places 4560 Pp In
"The author personally enjoys the restaurant even though their dining partner is tired of Chinese food."
PositiveFrom post: Seeking Economical Dinner Places 4560 Pp In
"A classic, noisy, and non-classy Chinese restaurant known for being reasonably priced and having excellent dishes."
PositiveFrom post: 1st Time Tourist Only Concerned With Making The
"A family favorite establishment known for beef chow fon and wonton soup."
PositiveFrom post: 1st Time Tourist Only Concerned With Making The
"An artist-led restaurant with an odd menu, featuring few constant items and experimental/funky offerings."
NeutralFrom post: Where Do You Think Makes The Best Sesame Chicken
"The user describes the sesame chicken as spectacular."
PositiveFrom post: Any Spot Recommendations In Manhattan For A Group
"Recommended as a spot in Chinatown suitable for a group."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Recommendations For Longtime Fans Of
"The new upstairs space is perfect for enjoying old-school menu items like chow mein and broad fried noodles in soup."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Recommendations For Longtime Fans Of
"The fried dumplings are exactly the same as they have always been."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Recommendations For Longtime Fans Of
"The quality has declined since before the pandemic, possibly due to ingredient sourcing issues."
NegativeFrom post: Looking For Recommendations For Longtime Fans Of
"They have a new, street-level upstairs space next to the original that uses a dumbwaiter from the main kitchen."
PositiveFrom post: Best Place To Get Soft Shell Crab In
"Listed as a recommended location for soft shell crab."
NeutralFrom post: Best Late Night Food Places In Manhattan
"The user notes that this place, formerly famous for being open 24 hours, now closes at 10 PM."
NegativeFrom post: Current Best Spots For Steamed Razor Clams In Nyc
"The original poster noted they used to get razor clams here, and a commenter confirmed they still serve them depending on supply."
PositiveFrom post: Best Chow Mein In Nyc Preferably Manhattan Or
"The commenter suggests this location for those seeking an Americanized-Cantonese style chow mein experience."
PositiveFrom 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."
Positive