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JOE'S SHANGHAI RESTAURANT

Updated

Phone: (718) 321-8981

Address: 46 BOWERY 10013

TLDR

Iconic Shanghainese spot w/ legendary soup dumplings, no-frills vibe, and authentic flavors. A must-visit for dumpling lovers!

Reddit Sentiment for JOE'S SHANGHAI RESTAURANT(based on 36 Reddit opinions)

64% Positive28% Neutral8% Negative

Achievements and Accolades

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Tags

chinese 31shanghainese 19soup dumplings 19dumplings 9xiao long bao 4View All

Neighborhoods

Chinatown

Instagram Posts References

Summary
Summary

Details

Known for its Shanghainese cuisine, this restaurant is a must-visit for its legendary soup dumplings, often hailed as some of the best in NYC. While the atmosphere might be bustling and no-frills, the authentic flavors and generous portions make it a worthwhile experience. Diners rave about the delicate dumplings filled with savory broth, and other popular dishes like braised pork belly and cold sesame noodles also receive high marks.

Food Overview

This restaurant specializes in Shanghainese cuisine, with a strong emphasis on their highly acclaimed soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao). These are frequently cited as a must-try, often compared favorably to other popular dumpling spots. Other recommended dishes include braised pork belly and cold sesame noodles. While generally well-regarded, one user had a negative experience with a fish dish where the head was left on, leading to an awkward interaction with staff.

Highlights / Recommended

"The soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao) are overwhelmingly recommended and considered a signature dish. Other praised items include braised pork belly, cold sesame noodles, sautéed string beans, crispy shredded beef, and crab rangoon."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • soup dumplings(6)

Customer Sentiment

Customers consistently praise the authentic Shanghainese flavors, particularly the renowned soup dumplings. While some note the bustling, no-frills atmosphere, the exceptional food quality generally leads to positive sentiment.

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About JOE'S SHANGHAI RESTAURANT

Multiple users recommend Joe's Shanghai as a superior alternative to Din Tai Fung for soup dumplings, highlighting its better taste and value.
A commenter highly recommends Joe's Shanghai in Manhattan Chinatown, specifically praising their soup dumplings as amazing and unique.
Joe's Shanghai in Chinatown is recommended for its soup dumplings and is noted to be very busy on Christmas, suggesting efficient dining is necessary.
Despite being potentially 'touristy,' Joe's Shanghai is recommended as a fantastic option in Chinatown, with a mention of affordable dumplings and sliced pork.
One user calls Joe's Shanghai a 'tourist trap' and suggests that superior soup dumpling options exist with shorter waits.
Opinions are mixed, with one user stating Joe's Shanghai used to be good but has declined, while another believes it's still a very good choice, especially the Manhattan location.
A user had a negative experience with a fish dish served with the head on, finding the interaction with the waiter unhelpful due to a language barrier.

Recent Reddit Mentions

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 →

From post: Din Tai Fung Or Other Spot

"This user generally recommends Joe's Shanghai for dim sum as a default option for visitors in Chinatown, particularly for those who want to walk around the area afterward."

Positive
Aug 27, 2025View Comment →

From post: Visiting Nyc For The First Time

"Joe Shanghai is mentioned as a great place in Chinatown for soup dumplings."

Positive
Aug 23, 2025View Comment →

From post: Visiting Nyc For The First Time

"Joe Shanghai is mentioned as a great place in Chinatown for soup dumplings."

Positive
Aug 23, 2025View Comment →

From post: Whats Your Favorite Place For Soup Dumplings

"This user believes Joe's Shanghai is always a good choice, noting that while the Manhattan location isn't as good as their old Flushing location, it's still very good."

Positive
Jul 22, 2025View Comment →

From post: Whats Your Favorite Place For Soup Dumplings

"This user mentioned Joe's Shanghai, stating it used to be good but has declined."

Negative
Jul 21, 2025View Comment →

From post: If Youve Ordered The Same Thing From 10 Places

"Responding to a query about Joe's Shanghai, this user recommended the sautéed string beans and crispy shredded beef."

Neutral
Jul 14, 2025View Comment →

From post: If Youve Ordered The Same Thing From 10 Places

"This user inquired about Joe's Shanghai, asking if their crab rangoon is homemade or supplied, and also asked for other favorites, mentioning they like the white meat sesame chicken."

Neutral
Jul 13, 2025View Comment →