Joe's Shanghai

I've been there twice in the last two months. I thought maybe the first time I went I was expecting too much and therefore was disappointed. However, after going for the second time, I realize that the place is really no big deal. No better really than your local Chinese restaurant. Next time I will hit my local joints instead.

Went back to Joe's Shanghai last night with my wife after about six months hiatus, and found that the quality has dropped considerably since we were here last. Although still a great taste, the soup dumplings were prepared somewhat carelessly, with some already broken when they arrived. The lettuce bed was shredded, instead of carefully placed full leaves, allowing some dumplings to lie against the bamboo of the steamer thus sticking; unable to be lifted without breaking, their precious tasty liquid was lost to the depths below the steamer. This has never happened before - bad night? Or since their great reviews they are getting sloppy? Ordered squids with peppers and black bean sauce, and lions head (meatballs). Squids were cooked well as usual, but nothing to really rave about. The meatballs were a bit too dry, and the bok choi under them was a bit too crunchy, it could have used another 45 seconds cook time. The food took longer to arrive than usual, even though we came early to avoid the worst of the crowds, and there seemed to be more staff milling around, not all of whom appeared to really know exactly what they were supposed to be doing. Maybe some problems from new staff? Unknown. But the prices are a smidgeon higher than last year on some items, and the quality all around seems to have dropped. We probably wont be back anytime soon.

I expected to enjoy the soup dumplings, and indeed they were good, and super fun to eat. However, I was blown away by the delicious cold sesame noodles I ordered on the side. The texture of the noodles was amazing, soft & smooth like velvet. I can't wait to go back to try more noodle dishes, but I admit I will probably try the Midtown restaurant, as I hear the atmosphere is a little more elevated. We'll see....

Joe's Shanghai in Chinatown was recommended to us by the locals here in New York. We are soo glad we made the trip to Chinatown to eat there. It was a truly unique experience. The pork dumplings are to die for and the greatest part is watching everyone's technique on eating these delicacies! You are sat next to strangers since space is limited, but it is all part of the amazing experience.

I have weird chronic cravings for their soup dumplings. This location is much cheaper than the UWS location, but also much busier. If you're during rush hour, expect to be asked if you want to sit with people you don't know. Also, show up ahead of time to grab a number. Pretty authenic Chinese food-even my China born/bred/raised parents approved. Actually, the waiters were really friendly and chatted quite a bit when they realized I spoke Chinese. So if they seem stand-offish, it might be the language barrier.

Awesome soup dumplings; tasty food..

As others have found, the soup dumplings here are great. The food style is 'old style' traditional Shanghai - which is perhaps more strong tasting and odd-vegetable than most western tastes. I love it however. The crab dumplings were excellent, we had the Soya Duck cold dish. It was very good. We had the Bacon with Preserved Vegetable, and that was quite good, and very traditional. Some of my western friends would not find it to their liking though, I'm sure! We had also the Celery with Tofu and Pork. This was only fair (my wife's at home is actually better). Too much oil was the major problem, but the velveted pork shreds were perfect. Like last time - pretty good, doesn't quite make it to excellent though.