TLDR
A go-to Chinatown destination for classic Cantonese and American-Chinese comfort food. Known for large, shareable portions and a lively atmosphere perfect for group dinners.
Instagram Posts References
The post recommends Chinatown for cheap but classic eats, specifically mentioning dumplings, as part of a perfect day in New York City. This highlights the affordability and authenticity of the food in the area.
Details
This Chinatown staple is widely regarded as a top-tier destination for traditional Cantonese cuisine served in a trendy, family-run atmosphere [1], [2]. The restaurant is frequently recommended for its accommodating group-friendly space, making it a popular choice for larger parties and celebrations [3], [4]. While the menu offers a solid mix of authentic Cantonese dishes and American-Chinese favorites, diners note that the experience can vary from excellent to mediocre depending on the specific visit [5], [6].
Food Overview
The menu features a broad range of Cantonese and American-Chinese dishes, including popular options like roast duck, Walnut shrimp, and various fried rice styles [1], [5]. While diners highlight standout items such as the crispy garlic chicken and salt and pepper soft shell crab, some feedback notes that dishes like string beans can occasionally be quite greasy [2], [6], [7].
Caveats
Diners should be prepared for potentially long wait times during peak hours [1]. Some guests have also noted that the food and service quality can be inconsistent [2].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About UNCLE LOU
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Soft Shell Crabs At Manhattan Chinatown
"The commenter reported that Uncle Lou's is currently offering a salt and pepper soft shell crab as an appetizer special and found it to be very good."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Non Plantbased Restaurants With Lots
"This commenter recommended Cantonese seafood restaurants for their vegetable variety and group-friendly atmosphere, listing Uncle Lou as an example."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Non Plantbased Restaurants With Lots
"This commenter mentioned Uncle Lou's as a restaurant with a good vegetable section, suitable for sharing."
PositiveFrom post: 7 Day Nyc Need Food Recommendations Updated With
"Uncle Lou in Chinatown is suggested as a good place to try Chinese food, with a tip to look for places with police customers indicating quality."
PositiveFrom post: Soon To Be First Time In Nyc As An Irish Person
"Uncle Lou's is recommended as a good place to eat well on a budget in Chinatown."
PositiveFrom post: Planning A Weekend Trip In The City With My Mom
"This user states that Uncle Lou's is not good, contrasting it with Ming Won, Ping's, and Tin Wong."
NegativeFrom post: Planning A Weekend Trip In The City With My Mom
"Uncle Lou's is recommended for Cantonese food, with very large portion sizes that often result in leftovers. The user suggests going as a group of 8 to eat family style and notes it's located in Chinatown."
PositiveFrom post: Planning A Weekend Trip In The City With My Mom
"Uncle Lou's is recommended for Cantonese food."
PositiveFrom post: Anyone Know Where To Get This Choose 4 Style
"Expresses nostalgia for the Uncle Luoyang truck that used to be around the West Place area, calling it the best Chinese food of its type and specifically praising their tomato eggs, though noting the taste changed after COVID."
PositiveFrom post: Sos Please Help Travelling To New York For The
"Suggests Uncle Lou's in Chinatown, highlighting it as an excellent spot for dumplings and noodles, with crispy garlic chicken being a standout dish."
PositiveFrom post: Heading To Nyc And Dont Want To Leave With Regrets
"This commenter recommends Uncle Lou."
PositiveFrom post: Cozy Restaurant In Chinatown With Great Food
"Uncle Lou is praised for making a great 'foot', which is likely a typo for food."
PositiveFrom post: Cozy Restaurant In Chinatown With Great Food
"The food at Uncle Lou is considered better than Chinese Tuxedo. Additionally, Dim Sum GoGo is mentioned as a favorite."
PositiveFrom post: Cozy Restaurant In Chinatown With Great Food
"Uncle Lou's is recommended."
PositiveFrom post: Cozy Restaurant In Chinatown With Great Food
"Uncle Lou is listed as one of the cozier options in Chinatown, though not exceptionally quiet."
PositiveFrom post: Cozy Restaurant In Chinatown With Great Food
"Uncle Lou is recommended for its decent atmosphere for a casual dining experience."
PositiveFrom post: Niche Request Big Circle Tables
"The commenter suggested Uncle Lou's in Chinatown as a restaurant that might have large round tables for group dinners."
NeutralFrom post: Looking For Large Party Friendly Italian
"The commenter apologizes for misreading the initial request and reiterates that Chinatown is generally an affordable option for large groups."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Large Party Friendly Italian
"Clarifies that the user likely meant Little Italy, not Chinatown, for Italian food. States that while touristy, it works for large parties and isn't overly expensive, though not the best Italian."
NeutralFrom post: Looking For Large Party Friendly Italian
"A general recommendation for Chinatown as an affordable option for large groups, though Italian was not the initial requirement."
Positive