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JOE'S SHANGHAI RESTAURANT

Updated

Phone: (212) 233-8888

Address: 46 BOWERY 10013

TLDR

Iconic Chinatown destination for legendary soup dumplings and classic Shanghainese comfort food. A reliable, family-friendly staple with a long-standing reputation.

Reddit Sentiment for JOE'S SHANGHAI RESTAURANT(based on 24 Reddit opinions)

75% Positive8% Neutral17% Negative

Tags

chinese 23shanghainese 10soup dumplings 15chinese 3dumplings 3View All

Neighborhoods

Chinatown

Instagram Posts References

The post features the highly acclaimed soup dumplings from Joe's Shanghai, a well-known Chinese restaurant in NYC famous for its Xiao Long Bao. The image showcases a bamboo steamer filled with these delicate dumplings, implying a positive dining experience.

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).

Details

Renowned for its iconic soup dumplings and authentic Shanghainese cuisine, this Chinatown staple remains a popular destination for both visitors and locals alike [1]. While many praise the consistency and quality of the menu, it occasionally faces criticism as a tourist-heavy spot compared to smaller alternatives [3]. Despite debates over its status, the restaurant continues to draw crowds for its reliable, family-friendly dining experience [13].

Food Overview

The menu is centered on its signature xiao long bao (soup dumplings), which are widely considered a must-try dish [2], [11]. Other recommended items include crispy beef [12], pan-fried crabmeat soup dumplings [19], and Shanghai noodles [22].

Highlights / Recommended

"The soup dumplings, specifically the pan-fried crabmeat variety, are the standout recommendations [11], [19]. Additionally, the Shanghai noodles and crispy beef are well-regarded favorites among regulars [12], [22]."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • soup dumplings(8)

Customer Sentiment

Overall sentiment remains largely positive, with diners frequently recommending it as a quintessential NYC experience [10]. However, some patrons consider it overrated or suggest that wait times are excessive compared to other local hidden gems [3].

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About JOE'S SHANGHAI RESTAURANT

This thread provides a direct comparison between the newcomer Din Tai Fung and this classic spot, with several users advocating for the latter as the superior choice for soup dumplings.
This discussion identifies the restaurant as a reliable and baby-friendly option in the heart of Chinatown.
A helpful reminder that while the food is consistently good, the establishment does not accept credit cards, so guests should come prepared with cash.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: The Absolute Best Weekday Lunch Options In Nyc

"Noted for soup dumplings and Shanghai noodles."

Positive
Jul 21, 2026View Comment →

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 →

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