This branch trumps the 56th St branch handily. The thing about the soup dumplings that makes it spectacular are the delicacy of the skin and amount of soup contained within. Everywhere else, it's... More

This branch trumps the 56th St branch handily. The thing about the soup dumplings that makes it spectacular are the delicacy of the skin and amount of soup contained within. Everywhere else, it's always a dried out bundle of dough with little soup or meat. Other Shanghainese must-haves are the Lion's Head, Tofu with Crabmeat Sauce and Eel with Yellow Chives. I'm not thrilled about the Noodles with Spicy Sauce (Jar Jiang Mien) and the Potstickers (Guo Tie) are just okay (I've had better elsewhere). Service is rather abrupt if you don't speak the language and you get lumped with strangers. Plus sometimes their cleanup of previous diners' detritus isn't as good as I'd like. Best trick is to either dine before 5pm or after 10pm to avoid the crowds as much as possible. But what the heck. You're here for the dumplings, not the promptness, service or ambiance, right? Pros: Soup dumplings, Eel with Yellow Chive, Lion's Head Cons: Long wait, Service , Cleanup
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Don't know what to order?? They are well-known for their soup filled dumplings with crab butter and meat...the crab meat dumplings is a must order. Also another special dish of theirs is the yellow... More

Don't know what to order?? They are well-known for their soup filled dumplings with crab butter and meat...the crab meat dumplings is a must order. Also another special dish of theirs is the yellow chives baby eels. Even though their wait can be long at sometime, but it is definately worth the wait. Sometime you need to have some patience if you to eat the best. If it is a place that no one goes to, you'll know that the food is not good. Pros: Crab meat dumplings Cons: Tight spaces, long wait
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I go here only for the soup dumplings, the rest of the food is good...but nothing u cant get anywere else. The times Ive gone the service has been okay, theres always a long wait if you go on the... More

I go here only for the soup dumplings, the rest of the food is good...but nothing u cant get anywere else. The times Ive gone the service has been okay, theres always a long wait if you go on the weekend though. Pros: Soup Dumplings, Not expensive Cons: average service
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The crab meat dumpling is defintely to die for. everything else is just average. you can get the same in a regular chinese restaurant. the service i have to admit is the worst i've ever... More

The crab meat dumpling is defintely to die for. everything else is just average. you can get the same in a regular chinese restaurant. the service i have to admit is the worst i've ever experienced. not only did it take forever to get the check, they stood right next to you waiting to get the money. i watched as the waiters were staring at the customers while they were counting their money and deciding what amount to leave for a tip. they made it a point to count the money in front of the customer making sure enough tip was left. there were some that was a little short on tip and they made sure customers knew about it. it was a disgrace on how they ran their business. if it wasn't for the dumpling, they would have been out of business a long time. Pros: DUMPLING, DUMPLING, DUMPLING Cons: SERVICE, SERVICE, SERVICE
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Absolutely ravishing, the best restauraunt i have ever eaten at. If you are a lover of Shanghai this is your place honey! This restauraunt is worth the trip into the city definetely! I highly... More

Absolutely ravishing, the best restauraunt i have ever eaten at. If you are a lover of Shanghai this is your place honey! This restauraunt is worth the trip into the city definetely! I highly reccomend this place to localists, tourists, and anyone who wants to dish 20 bucks a plate for fabolous food!
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Everyone in NY has been to Joe's in Chinatown for Chinese. Its dumplings are some of the best around, and the rest of the food is similarly tasty. You will wait for a table on most nights, but it... More

Everyone in NY has been to Joe's in Chinatown for Chinese. Its dumplings are some of the best around, and the rest of the food is similarly tasty. You will wait for a table on most nights, but it is worth it. You also have to sit with strangers mostly with a lazy susan in the middle to have the food passed around so it is fun to go with big groups of people. Don't visit the bathrooms here - they are unbeliveably dirty.
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If you're looking for dumplings, this is it! If you can handle having about 2 sq. ft. in which to eat, then you'll love this place! Best on Sunday mornings/afternoons.

If you're looking for dumplings, this is it! If you can handle having about 2 sq. ft. in which to eat, then you'll love this place! Best on Sunday mornings/afternoons.
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This place is completely overrated. It is flooded with tourists who live by the Zagat. They may have changed things a bit since I went, but the last time I was there, we were sharing a table with... More

This place is completely overrated. It is flooded with tourists who live by the Zagat. They may have changed things a bit since I went, but the last time I was there, we were sharing a table with complete strangers. Talk about odd. There are better soup dumplings a couple blocks away in a better atmosphere.
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Joe's has the best soup buns in the tri-state area. There is no place else that even comes close. The pork shoulder is to die for, and goes perfectly with white rice. But, the only reason to wait on... More

Joe's has the best soup buns in the tri-state area. There is no place else that even comes close. The pork shoulder is to die for, and goes perfectly with white rice. But, the only reason to wait on line at this place is the soup buns. Can't stop thinking about them, can't stop eating them. No ambience, slow service, blah, blah, blah. You want good food and the BEST soup buns, come to Joe's. Pros: Soup Buns, Soup Buns, Soup Buns Cons: crowded, ok service
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Often known as too touristy, I think Joe's is great for a Chinatown experience that isn't too overwhelming. The soup dumplings are great (although not as good as New Green Bo), and all the entrees... More

Often known as too touristy, I think Joe's is great for a Chinatown experience that isn't too overwhelming. The soup dumplings are great (although not as good as New Green Bo), and all the entrees I have tried (mainly food like kung po chicken) have been excellent. The ambiance leaves much to be desired, and it is relatively expensive for Chinatown, but still a spot not to be missed. I highly reccomend Joe's.
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