Old-school Chinatown Chinese-American joint. A historic NYC institution with a no-frills vibe, known for late-night eats.
Nestled in the heart of Chinatown, Wo Hop 17 offers a taste of classic Chinese-American fare with a distinctly old-school New York vibe. While some debate its place among the city's best, it remains a beloved institution, particularly for its late-night offerings and no-frills atmosphere. Many fondly recall its days as a 24-hour spot, though it now caters more to a modern crowd seeking a taste of history.
Wo Hop 17 is known for its Chinese-American cuisine, with some patrons specifically recommending the downstairs location for its authentic dishes and others praising Americanized classics like egg rolls and General Tso's chicken. However, there's a recurring sentiment that while it may have historical charm, other Chinatown restaurants offer superior food.
"The duck lo mein and broccoli in black bean sauce are highlighted as favorite dishes. Crisp egg rolls and General Tso's chicken are also mentioned positively. Some suggest that the downstairs location offers more authentic Chinese dishes."
Customer sentiment is divided, with some hailing it as a classic NYC institution and others finding it to be mediocre or overrated. Positive remarks often highlight its historical significance and late-night appeal, while criticisms focus on perceived declines in food quality compared to other Chinatown establishments.
Important Note
Some users suggest that the quality of Wo Hop has declined over time, and that other restaurants in Chinatown may offer superior Chinese cuisine. There is also discussion and confusion regarding the distinction between different Wo Hop locations (e.g., downstairs vs. upstairs, Wo Hop vs. Wo Hop Next Door).
"This user suggests that Wo Hop only counts if visited at 3 am."
Neutral"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"The author ranked Wo Hop as their third favorite spot among the places visited."
Positive"This commenter recommends Wo Hop."
Positive"This commenter offers an 'old school opinion' that Wo Hop has been consistently good for decades."
Positive"This commenter recommends Wo Hop."
Positive"Wo Hop was listed as a recommendation for Chinatown."
Neutral"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"This user agreed that Wo Hop is the correct answer for a place to wear a tuxedo."
Positive"This commenter suggested Wo Hop (downstairs) as a suitable place to wear a tuxedo."
Positive"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"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"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"This user mentioned Wo Hop as an iconic spot in Chinatown. They recommended the dingy dining area over the classier one and noted that some perceive it as having declined, a common sentiment for many NYC establishments."
Positive"This user suggested Wo Hop, also referred to as one of the 'Hops', located on Mott St."
Neutral"This commenter adds that Hop Sing had been a favorite for over 30 years and was the best, lamenting the loss of many old establishments."
Positive"This commenter echoes the sentiment about Hop Sing, calling it the best and a place they visited for over 30 years before it closed during the pandemic. They specifically mention the great baked and steamed white pork buns, combo big buns, and unique cocktail buns."
Positive"This commenter fondly remembers Hop Sing as the best place for baked and steamed white pork buns, as well as combo big buns and cocktail buns, lamenting its closure due to the pandemic."
Positive"This user simply mentioned the restaurant name 'Wo hop' in response to a query about shrimp with lobster sauce."
Neutral"The user is asking about the ease of getting a table at Wo Hop as a single diner or a party of two, and the best times to go. They also want to know if there's a specific must-order dish."
Neutral