Chinese in New York City

We are going to NYC in a couple of weeks. We will eat at John's Pizza, Luger's Steakhouse, and would like to know if anyone knows of an outstanding Chinese restaurant in Chinatown. We would be going there for lunch.

I realize I am not answering your questiion, sorry, but unless your heart is set on John's for some reason other than having a great NYC pizza, you may want to check the reviews at http://www.sliceny.com/. The reviews are near the top of the page sort to the right, in a dropdown list.

John's didn't review particularly well, and thats why I am mentioning this
http://www.sliceny.com/archives/2004/11/johns_pizza.php

quote:

Originally posted by chezkatie

We are going to NYC in a couple of weeks. We will eat at John's Pizza, Luger's Steakhouse, and would like to know if anyone knows of an outstanding Chinese restaurant in Chinatown. We would be going there for lunch.

Don't limit yourself to Chinatown for great Chinese food. In fact, some of the best Chinese food in the city is not in Chinatown (or not in Manhattan's Chinatown, anyway).

The places in Chinatown that I like are:

New Green Bo on Bayard bet. Elizabeth & Mott for Soup Dumplings - Theirs are the best I've had in NY.

Wo Hop at 17 Mott St. for old-style Cantonese - Open 24 hrs and a true Roadfood-style dump. The food is not as good as it used to be but it really evokes Chinatown of the '60s and is one of only a handful of restaurants that serves the old, Americanized Cantonese-style food, as opposed to the newer Hong Kong style. Not sure if they still serve Dim Sum in the morning.

If you find yourself in Chinatown but not in the mood for Chinese, I recommend:

Thailand Restaurant at Bayard & Baxter (also known as Pongsri) for excellent Thai food

New Pasteur on Baxter north of Bayard for excellent Vietnamese food.

Have fun!

One of the things I love about this place is the way people seem to always come through for others.

I strongly recommend Hop Lee on Mott Street. (Not to be confused with Hop Kee, which is nowhere near as good.)

Hop Lee makes an incredible dish called something like "Flounder Cubes with Vegetable". The flounder is very lightly coated and then briefly stir-fried at very high heat. The vegetable (whose name slips my mind at the moment) is actually the inside of the Loofa. In southern China, it is eaten, while in northern China, it is dried and used as a brush for bathing. Anyway, it is delicious, and really complements the fish. Hope Lee is tops, as far as I am concerned, and I was turned on to it by my Chinese friends.

A real "hole in the wall" place is Noodletown, which is located on The Bowery, in the Chatham Square area. The menus are under the glass on the table tops. You have to share the large, round tables with strangers, but the food is great. When I am there, I always get either the Beef Chow Fun or the Black Mushrooms with Noodles. Lots of atmosphere, incredibly low prices, and very fast service--in addition to very good, authentic Chinese food!

Note: I'm sorry about the typo in my previous post (2nd paragraph, last sentence). The restaurant is called Hop Lee, not Hope Lee!

Although I haven't been to Wo Hop's for at least 15 years, I second the nomination.

quote:

Originally posted by wanderingjew

Although I haven't been to Wo Hop's for at least 15 years, I second the nomination.

Don't worry! It hasn't changed a bit!

If you don't mind no frills, you might consider Oriental Garden, on Elizabeth between Bayard and Canal.

The biggest reason I don't add to posts like this is I often forget the names of restaurants I enjoyed while traveling. Now that I have begun posting on Roadfood, I try to remember to get a takeout menu if available so I can comment later and share the memory. The last time I was in NYC, a small family style place in Chinatown was recommend with the comment - "it isn't fancy, but the food is wonderful." Sounds a little like Noodletown which Tedbear mentioned, but I know that was not the name. same type of set-up though, they seat you at one of several large circular tables which seat 10, where there is enough room for your party. The other diners were often well into their appetizers or main course, and after they left, others were seated to join you as you were on your main course. Most of the patrons were Chinese and it was obviously a local place patronized by families who lived in the area.

I would say head for Chinatown and ask for some recommendations. With luck, you will have an interesting and rewarding experience.

quote:

Originally posted by TJ Jackson

I realize I am not answering your questiion, sorry, but unless your heart is set on John's for some reason other than having a great NYC pizza, you may want to check the reviews at http://www.sliceny.com/. The reviews are near the top of the page sort to the right, in a dropdown list.

John's didn't review particularly well, and thats why I am mentioning this
http://www.sliceny.com/archives/2004/11/johns_pizza.php

I ate at John's a couple of years ago with my brother on his recommendation. I was quite underwhelmed. My local (Long Island) place is much better, I thought.

1. I love John's. Totally not overrated - just delicious. However, I do like Lombardi's better.

2. Joe's Shanghai for Chinese. Their soup dumplings are outrageous. Like nothin I've ever eaten before. Seriously, not to be missed. Also try the Shanghai noodles and the steamed sea bass with ginger. Make sure to go to the chinatown location, as the uptown location isn't as good and more expensive. Be prepared to wait on line - and there is communal eating - but it all adds to the fun of the outing. Also, with so many people - you KNOW you're eating fresh food - the turn over is unreal.

3. I wouldn't bother travelling ot Brooklyn for LUgers when there are so many amazing steakhouses in the city (ie: Pietros, Ben Bensons, The Palm).

Let us know where you end up eating!!

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I am printing out to have on hand for next weekend.

The reason that we are going to Peter Luger's is that it is a real long lived NYC restaurant and my daughter in law has never been there. She would go "bonkers" if we went to another steakhouse after hearing us rave about the bacon we had there.

We picked John's for pizza for an early Saturday evening meal because we will have 3 very tired kids with us (after doing 2 museums in one day) and we thought that this would be the best casual and decent pizza restaurant to relax in. We will be staying at 440 Park Ave (The Drake) so if anyone knows of some better pizza in that area, I am all ears. I looked up on the pizza site that was posted and the only pizza in that area was a pizza truck which sounded wonderful but it is not there in the evening.

quote:

Originally posted by chezkatie

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I am printing out to have on hand for next weekend.

The reason that we are going to Peter Luger's is that it is a real long lived NYC restaurant and my daughter in law has never been there. She would go "bonkers" if we went to another steakhouse after hearing us rave about the bacon we had there.

We picked John's for pizza for an early Saturday evening meal because we will have 3 very tired kids with us (after doing 2 museums in one day) and we thought that this would be the best casual and decent pizza restaurant to relax in. We will be staying at 440 Park Ave (The Drake) so if anyone knows of some better pizza in that area, I am all ears. I looked up on the pizza site that was posted and the only pizza in that area was a pizza truck which sounded wonderful but it is not there in the evening.

Chezkatie, I still think that Ray's of Greenwich village is one of the best! (Sixth Avenue and 11th Street) I went a year and a half ago and it was still great!

The best dim sum that I've ever had is at Dim Sum Go Go at 5 East Broadway. I live very close to the San Gabriel Valley in CA and I've been to Yak Sing in SF many times but I dream of the dumplings at Dim Sum Go Go. This restaurant is one of the reasons I want to move to NYC! They have very unique dumplings and dipping sauces.

For great roast pork/duck wonton noodle soup try Kelly & Ping in Soho for lunch. Do not go for dinner because they have a different menu and it is not as good as it is at lunch.

I prefer Lombardi's to John's. Actually, one of the best pizzas I've ever had was at Little Frankie's Pizza on 2 Ave or 1 Ave just north of Houston. It is not your typical pizza a la Ray's, John's, etc. (but they do have pepperoni, sausage, etc.) but the pizzas are so good! They have excellent salads and pastas as well.

quote:

Originally posted by chezkatie

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I am printing out to have on hand for next weekend.

The reason that we are going to Peter Luger's is that it is a real long lived NYC restaurant and my daughter in law has never been there. She would go "bonkers" if we went to another steakhouse after hearing us rave about the bacon we had there.

We picked John's for pizza for an early Saturday evening meal because we will have 3 very tired kids with us (after doing 2 museums in one day) and we thought that this would be the best casual and decent pizza restaurant to relax in. We will be staying at 440 Park Ave (The Drake) so if anyone knows of some better pizza in that area, I am all ears. I looked up on the pizza site that was posted and the only pizza in that area was a pizza truck which sounded wonderful but it is not there in the evening.

I think Luger's is still worth the trip, especially if you're going to make an event out of it. The steaks are outstanding and the atmosphere is definitely "Old New York" although BaconBits is correct in that there is a lot more competition than there used to be.

Your hotel is well located for great food although you will be hard-pressed to find any bargains in that neighborhood. For Chinese food, you should consider Shun Lee Palace at on 55th bet. Lexington & 3rd (Talk to your concierge about reservations if you decide to go). This is not your run-of-the-mill Chinese restaurant and it is expensive. Still, it's considered to be one of the best in the city.

More down to earth is a midtown branch of Joe's Shanghai, which BaconBits recommended. I haven't been to this branch (it's a small chain) but the one in Chinatown is excellent. Joe's is on 56th St. bet. 5th and 6th.

I can't think of any good pizza places to recommend near your hotel but if you are looking for good, cheap eats that are kid-friendly, two places come to mind:

Island Burgers & Shakes, on 9th Ave. bet 51st and 52nd St., (Warning - no fries, just chips! Really!)

F & B Hot Dogs, which is on 52nd bet Lexington & 3rd. Lot's of fun choices here.

Thank you one and all for all these wonderful suggestions. I have copied all (4 pages) and it will be so much fun to decide where to go. I am only sorry that we are going to be there only 3 days.

A couple of years ago, we were in NYC at Christmas time. We went shopping at Macy's and came out starving with 2 children in tow. The only thing we could see was this horrific place called "Tad's Steaks". In we went and could not believe it. The food was dreadful but it turned out to be loads of fun as we people watched and drank cheap wine. Sometimes, bad meals can be a lot of fun and bring back great memories. (I realize that only someone from NYC will really know how bad Tad's Steaks are!)

Yes, they are really, really bad!

Just south of Canal on Lafayette St there is a Chinese dumpling house that we go to. We get fried pork and steamed pork dumplings and scallion pancakes. It's nothing fancy.

Luger's (Brooklyn) is our favorite for steak. Don't ask for 'well done' and don't order a Heineken, they serve Beck's.

Grand Szechewan, of which there are 2: one on Ninth and around 48th st, the other on 55th & Second Ave. This is the real deal -- Chinese chinese food, not NY Chinese (which is not bad in itself). Things they have here (duck tongue, pig intestine, chicken feet, weird greens) are seldom found outside the home country. Of course, they also have more mundane stuff. I was introduced to the place(s) by a Chinese expat, who felt it was the best in the city.

I believe the dumpling place referred to earlier on Lafayette just south of Canal is the Excellent Dumpling house which is quite good and one of the better Chinatown restaurants. Their seafood dumplings are excellent and they make a great sizzling chow fun.

Wo Hop...wow...now that brings back memories since it has been there forever. I have been there recently and it is okay but the only time to go to Wo Hops is at 3 in the morning (and preferably to the downstairs location and not upstairs ). I remember many trips there after a long night at Brooklyn College and than a trip into the City for some greasy lo mein, a beef dish, some soup and change form the $10 bill.

Best bargain in the City and in all of Chinatown...A place called Dumplings on Mosco St. (intersects with Mott). $1 for 5 great dumplings. Tiny counter to pour on hot oil and soy but otherwise it is a takeout place. Great stop to hit while you wander Mott ST. while wondering where to sit and eat.

The last time we were in NYC was in May of 2001. We were there to see my husband's parents, who were stopping over on their way from England to Vegas for a couple of days, and wanted to meet their 18-month-old granddaughter.

In any event, they aren't terribly adventurous eaters, and our meals were extremely pedestrian. In fact, to my chagrin we found ourselves on the finial night of our stay eating at a TGI Friday's.

However, one of the most entertaining things we did during our stay was sitting in the hotel room reading the restaurant menus out of the enormous tome that passes for a phone book. They were amazing! Full-page ads for each restaurant, with their full menu. Some really wacky-sounding things, too, as I recall. Kosher vegetarian Indian? A whole restaurant of it? Too funny. But the Chinese menus were a lot of fun. If we'd been on our own, we'd have checked some of them out. Have a great time!

Jennie

quote:

Originally posted by chezkatie

Thank you one and all for all these wonderful suggestions. I have copied all (4 pages) and it will be so much fun to decide where to go. I am only sorry that we are going to be there only 3 days.

A couple of years ago, we were in NYC at Christmas time. We went shopping at Macy's and came out starving with 2 children in tow. The only thing we could see was this horrific place called "Tad's Steaks". In we went and could not believe it. The food was dreadful but it turned out to be loads of fun as we people watched and drank cheap wine. Sometimes, bad meals can be a lot of fun and bring back great memories. (I realize that only someone from NYC will really know how bad Tad's Steaks are!)

Oh my. I've lived in NYC for almost 20 years now and have never had the guts (or inclination) to step foot in a Tad's. It's pretty much an inside joke for long timers here, because by just looking at the place, you can tell it's horrible. But, then again, how many places stay in business that long?

quote:

Originally posted by Jennie

The last time we were in NYC was in May of 2001. We were there to see my husband's parents, who were stopping over on their way from England to Vegas for a couple of days, and wanted to meet their 18-month-old granddaughter.

In any event, they aren't terribly adventurous eaters, and our meals were extremely pedestrian. In fact, to my chagrin we found ourselves on the finial night of our stay eating at a TGI Friday's.

However, one of the most entertaining things we did during our stay was sitting in the hotel room reading the restaurant menus out of the enormous tome that passes for a phone book. They were amazing! Full-page ads for each restaurant, with their full menu. Some really wacky-sounding things, too, as I recall. Kosher vegetarian Indian? A whole restaurant of it? Too funny. But the Chinese menus were a lot of fun. If we'd been on our own, we'd have checked some of them out. Have a great time!

Jennie

Actually, Kosher Vegetarian Indian is quite common. Vegetarian Indian is already so close to Kosher in its native state that the jump to Kosher is only incremental for the restaurant owners.

Why make an Indian restaurant kosher, you ask? Two reasons, really. The first is that the restaurant business in NYC is sooo competitive that any restauranteur would be crazy not to do whatever he or she could to bring in additional customers.

The second reason is that the market for Kosher food in NYC is enormous! It just makes good sense make your product compatible with this market if it is not too expensive for you to do so. This is why NYC sports Kosher French, Kosher Italian, Kosher Chinese and Kosher Sushi restaurants in addition to the Kosher Vegetarian Indian that you mentioned!

quote:

Originally posted by rjb

Grand Szechewan, of which there are 2: one on Ninth and around 48th st, the other on 55th & Second Ave. This is the real deal -- Chinese chinese food, not NY Chinese (which is not bad in itself). Things they have here (duck tongue, pig intestine, chicken feet, weird greens) are seldom found outside the home country. Of course, they also have more mundane stuff. I was introduced to the place(s) by a Chinese expat, who felt it was the best in the city.

Based on your e-mail -- and the fact that I live a couple of blocks away from the Grand S. on 55th -- we tried it for dinner the other night. Rather than have them deliver, I headed over there so I could check the place out.

Good sign: it was small but crowded, and about 40% of the people eating there appeared to be Chinese.

Bad sign: none, really.

Debatable sign: a jumbo-sized bottle of Metamucil on the counter behind the case register. I found it amusing, but others might wonder what gives.

I'll admit upfront that we weren't adventurous: in part because our tastes in Chinese food (unlike with some other ethnic foods) are pretty standard, and in part because my larger goal was to simply clear up my sinuses because of a cold.

The food seemed a bit fresher, and on average spicier/hotter than most of the other places around my neighborhood. We also noticed that they seemed to be pretty fond of a spice that I believe was ginger -- not to my particular liking, but I imagine you can ask them to go light on it.

Overall, I can see where, for a more adventurous eater of Chinese food who isn't inclined to go to Chinatown, this is a very good find. For someone like me who has standard tastes, I slightly prefer one of the other neighborhood places. But, again, my tastes are fairly narrow. If I ate "real" Chinese food, I'd probably be pretty excited to have this place nearby.