Updated Cantonese classics in a fun, chic Chinatown space. Crowd-pleasers like crispy salt & pepper chicken w/ scallion biscuits & rich short ribs.
Amber Sutherland-Namako reviews Potluck Club, a Cantonese American restaurant on the Lower East Side, praising its fun atmosphere and "newish takes on old classics."
This Cantonese-American spot in Chinatown offers updated takes on classic dishes in a fun, chic atmosphere. Critics praise the skillfully seasoned food, with standouts including the crispy and juicy salt and pepper chicken served with amazing scallion biscuits, and the rich, tender braised short ribs. The restaurant is noted for its attractive space and is recommended for both casual dining and larger parties.
The restaurant offers a Cantonese-American menu with creative twists on traditional dishes. Popular recommendations include the 'Salt and Pepper Fried Chicken' served with scallion biscuits, braised short ribs with kabocha, and oyster mushroom rice roll noodles. Some diners have noted that while the chicken is crispy, it can be a bit bland on its own, and a few have found certain dishes to be overly greasy or unmemorable.
"Highly recommended dishes include the 'Salt and Pepper Fried Chicken' with scallion biscuits, oyster mushroom rice roll noodles, and braised short ribs with kabocha. The fries and the scallion biscuits themselves are also frequently praised."
Overall, customer sentiment is largely positive, with many praising the creative yet classic Cantonese-American dishes and the vibrant atmosphere. However, some diners have found certain dishes to be mediocre or overly salty.
Important Note
Some diners have found certain dishes to be overly salty, greasy, or unmemorable. The restaurant can be noisy during peak dinner hours, though dining earlier can mitigate this.
"This commenter recommends Potluck Club as a place that hasn't been mentioned yet."
Positive"This user described the atmosphere as energetic but not wild, suggesting that while earlier is better, dinner is still a good option as the lunch menu differs. They recommended the salt and pepper chicken and oyster mushroom rice rolls, liked the jellyfish salad despite its chewy texture, and found the spicy eggplant to be just okay."
Positive"This user suggested that if one dines early for dinner, around 5 pm, the restaurant is not loud."
Neutral"This user stated that the restaurant is crowded and noisy during dinner, but not because of music. They recommended the chicken with scallion biscuits, oyster mushroom rice rolls (with or without beef), and the tiger shrimp."
Positive"This user confirmed that the restaurant is quite noisy during dinner time."
Negative"This restaurant is mentioned as a recommendation, potentially fitting the aesthetic criteria for a date night."
Positive"Potluck Club is mentioned as a sister restaurant to Phoenix Palace, offering an updated take on Cantonese classics. It serves both brunch and dinner."
Positive"This restaurant is listed as a repeat spot."
Positive"The author lists Potluck Club for its pineapple soft serve."
Neutral"The user mentioned Potluck Club as an honorable mention for creative takes on Chinese food."
Positive"The user recommended Potluck Club."
Positive"Potluck Club is mentioned as a place with good fried rice."
Positive"This comment agrees that Potluck Club is good and underrated."
Positive"The user enjoyed the tuna crudo and everything else they ate at Potluck Club."
Positive"This user hears good things about Potluck.club."
Positive"This user found Potluck Club's dishes to be overly salty and unmemorable, despite its nice interior. They felt the Cantonese dishes were mediocre counterparts."
Negative"Potluck Club is suggested as an elevated, yet approachable, Chinese dining option."
Positive"The commenter mentions that chefs from Potluck Club source their produce and other ingredients from Chinatown markets, implying a practice of acquiring quality items at good prices for their restaurant."
Positive"Potluck Club in the Lower East Side was highly recommended as it perfectly aligns with the user's requirements, described as a crowd-pleaser with "party-ish vibes" suitable for a birthday celebration."
Positive"The commenter gives "kudos" to Potluck Club, stating it's their favorite Cantonese restaurant in NYC."
Positive