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JOE'S SHANGHAI RESTAURANT

Updated

Phone: (212) 233-8888

Address: 46 BOWERY 10013

TLDR

Iconic Shanghainese eatery, famous for its must-try soup dumplings & bustling Chinatown vibe.

Reddit Sentiment for JOE'S SHANGHAI RESTAURANT(based on 33 Reddit opinions)

64% Positive21% Neutral15% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

chinese 28shanghainese 12soup dumplings 18dim sum 3chinese 3View All

Neighborhoods

Chinatown

Instagram Posts References

Joe's Shanghai is a recognized runner-up for the best sit-down meal in Chinatown, famous for its iconic soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao).

Joe's Shanghai in Chinatown is specifically recognized as one of the best places in NYC for soup dumplings, highlighting its specialty and reputation for this dish.

Details

A classic Chinatown spot renowned for its Shanghainese cuisine, particularly its highly acclaimed soup dumplings [1]. While some perceive it as a tourist destination, many still consider it a top choice for authentic flavors and a bustling dining experience, especially for those exploring the area [2]. It's a place where you can enjoy traditional dishes and a lively atmosphere, even on busy occasions like Christmas [5].

Food Overview

This restaurant is celebrated for its Shanghainese specialties, with soup dumplings being a major highlight, including both crab and pan-fried varieties [1], [10], [15], [17], [23]. Other dishes that receive mentions include cold sesame noodles, crispy shredded beef, sautéed string beans, and dim sum [4], [6], [20], [24]. While many regard it as a top spot for dumplings [1], [17], some find it overrated and recommend other establishments [12], [25]. It's also noted for having affordable options, like dumplings and sliced pork around $3-5 [2].

Highlights / Recommended

"The restaurant is highly recommended for its soup dumplings, particularly the crab and pan-fried varieties. Other dishes like cold sesame noodles and crispy shredded beef are also noted as favorites."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • soup dumplings(3)

Customer Sentiment

Customers often praise the restaurant for its authentic soup dumplings and general value, especially within Chinatown [2]. However, some reviews suggest a decline in quality over time or that it can be touristy with better alternatives available [7], [12].

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About JOE'S SHANGHAI RESTAURANT

This user prefers Joe's Shanghai over Din Tai Fung, suggesting it as a strong alternative for excellent soup dumplings.
Joe's Shanghai in Chinatown is recommended for its soup dumplings and is noted to be a busy spot on Christmas, implying efficient dining is necessary.
The pan-fried crabmeat soup dumplings at Joe's Shanghai are specifically recommended.
There are mixed opinions on Joe's Shanghai's soup dumplings, with one user noting a decline in quality from its past, while another user believes it remains a very good choice.
Joe's Shanghai in Chinatown is recommended as a fantastic, though potentially touristy, option. The comment also highlights the affordability of dumplings and sliced pork in Chinatown.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Soft Shell Crabs At Manhattan Chinatown

"The commenter reported that Joe's Shanghai had soft shell crabs available on the day they posted."

Positive
Jun 7, 2026View Comment →

From post: Iconic Foods In Nyc

"This user considers Joe's Shanghai overrated for soup dumplings and suggests Deluxe Green Bo, Shanghai 21, or Noodle Village as better alternatives."

Negative
Apr 16, 2026View Comment →

From post: Iconic Foods In Nyc

"This user considers Joe's Shanghai overrated for soup dumplings and suggests Deluxe Green Bo, Shanghai 21, or Noodle Village as better alternatives."

Negative
Apr 16, 2026View Comment →

From post: Iconic Foods In Nyc

"This commenter recommends Joe's Shanghai for soup dumplings as part of a Chinatown food exploration."

Positive
Apr 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Iconic Foods In Nyc

"This commenter recommends Joe's Shanghai for soup dumplings as part of a Chinatown food exploration."

Positive
Apr 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Favorite Crab Dish In Nyc

"Recommended the pan fried crabmeat soup dumplings at Joe's Shanghai."

Positive
Apr 8, 2026View Comment →

From post: Favorite Crab Dish In Nyc

"Recommended the pan fried crabmeat soup dumplings at Joe's Shanghai."

Positive
Apr 8, 2026View Comment →

From post: Dimsum Americanized Chinese

"This user recommended Joe's Shanghai in Chinatown as a consistently good spot with a large menu, but advised bringing cash as they do not accept cards and their ATM has a fee."

Positive
Mar 20, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Din Tai Fung Worth It

"This commenter prefers Joe's Shanghai over Din Tai Fung, suggesting it as an alternative for better soup dumplings."

Positive
Feb 20, 2026View Comment →

From post: Is Din Tai Fung Worth It

"This commenter recommends Joe's Shanghai for soup dumplings in NYC and also mentions their crispy beef."

Positive
Feb 20, 2026View Comment →

From post: Nyc Classic Restaurants That Are Baby Friendly

"This user suggested Joe Shanghai as a safer bet for baby-friendliness among the mentioned restaurants."

Positive
Feb 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: You Cant Leave Nyc Without Eating

"Joe's Shanghai is listed as a recommended Asian restaurant, known for its dim sum."

Positive
Feb 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Great Eats For A Picky Teen

"Joe's Shanghai is listed as a place to get soup dumplings."

Positive
Dec 29, 2025View Comment →

From post: Need A Cheap Christmas Dinner

"Joe's Shanghai in Chinatown is recommended for its soup dumplings and is noted to be busy on Christmas, requiring potential wait times and efficient dining."

Positive
Dec 10, 2025View Comment →

From post: Where To Eat On Thanksgiving Day Non Tg Food

"Joe's Shanghai is suggested as a restaurant that might be open on Thanksgiving, with a question about preferred cuisine or area."

Positive
Nov 17, 2025View Comment →

From post: Restaurant Tonight With 12 Year Old

"Lists Joe's Shanghai as a potential restaurant choice."

Neutral
Oct 13, 2025View Comment →

From post: Fav Restaurant In Manhattan Chinatown

"This commenter recommends Joes Shanghai."

Negative
Sep 26, 2025View Comment →

From post: Family Friendly Restaurants Near City Hall

"Joe's Shanghai was mentioned as a possible restaurant choice in the FiDi area."

Neutral
Sep 25, 2025View Comment →

From post: What To Avoid In Chinatown

"Joe's Shanghai is called a tourist trap, with the user stating that many other soup dumpling places are superior and have less of a wait."

Negative
Sep 11, 2025View Comment →

From post: Din Tai Fung Or Other Spot

"This commenter recommends Shanghai 21 as a good place for XLB and also suggests Joe Shanghai as a Chinatown staple, recommending it to say you've been there."

Positive
Aug 28, 2025View Comment →