Vibrant Chinatown spot known for its bustling dim sum scene & classic carts [1]. Great for groups & offers delicious rice rolls [5].
This Manhattan Chinatown establishment is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and classic Cantonese dim sum experience, complete with traditional carts [1]. While many recommend it for its lively ambiance and selection of dishes like rice rolls [5], some find the food quality comparable to other favorites [7]. It's noted that arriving early, especially when they open at 9 AM, can help avoid waits [5].
Primarily known for its dim sum, served with traditional carts, House of Joy is a popular choice in Manhattan's Chinatown [1, 7, 8]. Recommendations include rice rolls [5, 12] and specifically the red rice shrimp roll [22]. While many enjoy the dim sum experience, some reviews suggest that food quality might not be as exceptional as other establishments [7], with one user finding it tasteless and overpriced [11]. There are also vegetarian options available [29]. Be aware that popular items may sell out by early afternoon, even by 1:00-1:30 PM [14].
"House of Joy is frequently recommended for its dim sum, particularly the rice rolls and the red rice shrimp roll."
Customers generally have a positive view, recommending it for its atmosphere and dim sum offerings [1, 8]. However, some opinions suggest that while the vibe is good, other places might excel more in food quality alone [7], and one user found it tasteless and overpriced [11].
Important Note
It is recommended to arrive when the restaurant opens, around 9 AM, to avoid waits [5]. Be aware that popular items might be sold out by early afternoon, as the restaurant prepares for dinner service around 2:30-3:00 PM [14]. House of Joy does not take reservations [27].
"House of Joy is recommended for dim sum, with carts, and is preferred by the commenter over Golden Unicorn."
Positive"House of Joy is recommended for dim sum but does not take reservations and is located downtown."
Neutral"This commenter noted that House of Joy starts preparing for dinner service around 2:30-3:00 PM, meaning popular items might be sold out even if one arrives at 1:00-1:30 PM. While special orders for fresh dishes are sometimes possible, they are not guaranteed."
Negative"House of Joy is listed as a frequently visited restaurant."
Positive"This user mentioned a Chinese food fest by the 2 Bridges Mall as a possible location."
Positive"Responding to a query about dim sum, this user recommends House of Joy as a good option for finding Chinese-style rice rolls, which are similar to banh chin."
Positive"This user mentioned that Chinatown has many carts serving grilled food like skewers, especially as the weather gets warmer."
Positive"House of Joy is suggested as a solid substitute for Golden Unicorn, particularly for dim sum, given that Sunday dim sum can be chaotic and involve long waits."
Positive"This commenter suggests House of Joy as a good option for dim sum."
Positive"A first-time visitor found House of Joy to be really solid."
Positive"One commenter found the seafood options at House of Joy to be very limited."
Negative"House of Joy is noted to have vegetarian options available."
Positive"House of Joy is recommended as a good dim sum spot, particularly for those seeking a banquet hall style experience similar to East Harbor Seafood Palace."
Positive"The commenter suggests House of Joy for its red rice shrimp roll as one of their last meals in NYC."
Positive"House of Joy is mentioned as a place to get rice rolls in Manhattan Chinatown."
Neutral"The user found House of Joy to be tasteless and overpriced, recommending Jing Fong as a better alternative for dim sum."
Negative"The user recommended House of Joy for dim sum, noting it's good for vibes but suggesting other places might be better for food alone."
Positive"The user recommended House of Joy for dim sum."
Positive"The user recommended House of Joy for dim sum."
Positive"House of Joy is described as chaotic and busy, but the food quality is not considered as good as another mentioned favorite. It is recommended for dim sum in Manhattan."
Negative