Wo Hop Restaurant

(212) 566-3841

15 Mott St (Mosco Street and Worth Street)
New York, NY 10013 40.7141 -73.9988

Get Map & Directions »

Neighborhoods: Civic Center, Downtown

Hours:

24 hours

Price:

$

Last updated 9.29.09

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

Visa, MasterCard

Restaurant Special Features:

Lunch Spot, Cheap Eats

Cuisine:

Chinese

Editor's Tips

What People Are Saying About Wo Hop Restaurant

Featured Review

Contributor

Contributor

Wo Hop's fluorescent-and-linoleum grotto is pure time-machine New York. Droll blue-jacketed waiters dispense schtick and fortune cookies to tables of raucous eaters, while streams of New York's finest line up for takeout. Glossy photos of unknown "celebrities" adorn the back wall. Weary of duck feet and fermented tofu? Put down those chopsticks, and brandish your fork proudly as you plow through the unregenerate Cantonese-American classics that have been served here for years. Don't expect culinary magic, though: Flavors harken back to the era when the two main varieties of Chinese restaurant…

Editor's Tips

Know Before You Go:
There's another Wo Hop down the stairs that's owned by the same owner (it's address is 17 Mott Street).
Know Before You Go:
There's another Wo Hop down the stairs that's run by the same owner (it's address is 17 Mott Street).
The Extras:
If both Wo Hops are full, Hop Kee next door is exactly the same in every way.
What to Drink:
Coke in a can--always!
ambiance
87.5% positive
  1. “would also say that this isnt the best place to go with more than 4 people and certainly not if you are looking for any ambiance.”
  2. “upstairs is more comfortable & ordering is quick (they do want turnover).”
  3. “Love the pictures, they really add a great atmosphere.”
  4. “Not a romantic place to bring the wife, girlfriend or business colleague but if you want to impress as far as food, this is no better than this Asian delight.”
  5. “At first I was reluctant because of it's underground, harried location, but that all disappeared once I tried the food and met the wonderful service staff.”
  6. “rather pay for a good ho-down chinese than for the decor & dishes.”
  7. “Great atmosphere.”
  8. “love the Chinese food in LA, but I can never find chow fun or fried rice made the way it's made in NY, especially at Wo Hop.”
drinks
100.0% positive
  1. “Where else can you order your takeout and be served a Tsing Tao beer on the house while you wait?”
  2. “We really enjoyed the food and the hot tea.”
food quality
85.71000099182129% positive
  1. “It's an ironic statement (probably unintended) about the Carnagie Deli and other tourist traps with good but not unsurpassed food.”
  2. “The food kept coming and the service was friendly and fast.”
  3. “Good food, icy cold Tsing Taos and comical surroundings.”
  4. “At first I was reluctant because of it's underground, harried location, but that all disappeared once I tried the food and met the wonderful service staff.”
  5. “food is still good after all these years.”
  6. “went anyway because I don't really mind American Chinese food and also I had heard how great the food is.”
  7. “rather pay for a good ho-down chinese than for the decor & dishes.”
  8. “Don't be nervous when you walk into this simple underground establishment, the food is outstanding!”
  9. “The food is poor.”
  10. “Trust me, after annual trips to Hong Kong, there is a huge difference in taste between legit chinese food and the stuff we eat here.”
  11. “They have the best fried dumplings and spare ribs, also they serve real big plates - all the food you can eat!”
  12. “DO NOT order American Chinese food there.”
  13. “Steamed Dumplings: The meat inside was still frozen and the tips were dry as if they were froze unpacked and then after 1 month taken from there and dumped in boiled water for 2 seconds.”
  14. “We really enjoyed the food and the hot tea.”
  15. “Two can eat great food for just about $20.00.”
  16. “The best thing about it is after U finish eating then U can walk across the st. and play some VIDEO GAMES at Chinetown Fair and put a quarter into Street Fighter Alpha 3 which is my favorite game after a good meal.”
  17. “We've had bad chinese food but this was probably the worst.”
  18. “The food is very affordable and the service is quick.”
  19. “When there is 0 chinese in the place, that means the food is not authentic.”
  20. “love the food and is totally worth the effort to get there.”
  21. “And if incredible food at cut rate prices is what you want, get in line and enjoy the best Chinatown has to offer.”
  22. “What could I say the food is great, even though the sign in the Mens Room says "Employee's Must Wash @$$”
  23. “Always delicious.”
  24. “awesome food.”
  25. “This is without a doubt the BEST Chinese food for the money.”
  26. “You go there when you want fast service and good New York City Chinese food.”
  27. “Everyone was extremely friendly and fast to help us order and get our food.”
  28. “The chicken wings are awesome.”
  29. “The dumplings and ribs were devoured and the string beans in garlic sauce were fresh and spicy.”
  30. “The steamed dumplings and egg rolls were very good.”
  31. “This is what original good food is all about!”
  32. “It might not be the 'prettiest' place in Manhattan, but Wo-Hop does serve up some of the best Chinese food in town.”
  33. “The service is a total joke, they act like your wasting their time, BUT the food is amazing!”
  34. “I've never had bad food there.”
  35. “Everything was delicious, from their soups to their noodles.”
  36. “Unbelievable Chinese food at an affordable price.”
  37. “I've been going to this joint since I was two, and they have the best food ever.”
  38. “moved to the mid-west six years ago and miss the great food they have.”
  39. “As far as cheap Chinese food goes, Wo Hop is the best I've had in a long time.”
  40. “This is not haute cuisine, but the food is tasty and cheap.”
  41. “As a Chinese I knew I wasn't going to get authentic chinese food because when I entered I saw that none of the customers were Chinese.”
  42. “Excellent food.”
  43. “The service might not be the best, but the food definitely hits the spot.”
  44. “dont forget about the crispy noodles - yum yum”
  45. “Also open 24 hrs, so good for that after hours 4th meal.”
  46. “Sesame noodles were very good and different, not the thick peanuty sauce I am used to.”
  47. “the food was great and plentiful.”
  48. “The wonton soup was excellent and so was the chicken and brocolli.”
  49. “love the Chinese food in LA, but I can never find chow fun or fried rice made the way it's made in NY, especially at Wo Hop.”
  50. “The other places may have more space, better lighting, and nicer staff, but Wo Hop's has the best food.”
  51. “all the food has that authentic chinese flavor.”
  52. “best dumplings- ribs and black bean sauce you'll ever eat.”
  53. “live on Upper West Side, and even though Wo Hop is so far away, I still go only there when I want some good Chinese food.”
  54. “Theres a huge difference) is one of the best noodle places in the city and offers some great NYC Chinatown Chinese food.”
  55. “This little place is the most amazing food Ive ever had.”
  56. “Not a romantic place to bring the wife, girlfriend or business colleague but if you want to impress as far as food, this is no better than this Asian delight.”
  57. “Great food, horrible service.”
  58. “Everyone that I went with agreed that the food was the best they've ever had.”
  59. “They will be open and the food will be great!”
  60. “Once you order your food, you'll look around and desire other people's orders, so take your time ordering.”
  61. “Bad food is bad food no matter what goopy sauce you put on it.”
  62. “good food cold service”
  63. “The food was inedible.”
menu variety
100.0% positive
  1. “Price, taste, variety - like to eat chinese then you must go.”
overall
100.0% positive
  1. “read the previous reviews and wanted to check out this great hole in the wall restaurant.”
  2. “would also say that this isnt the best place to go with more than 4 people and certainly not if you are looking for any ambiance.”
service
81.82000160217285% positive
  1. “would also say that this isnt the best place to go with more than 4 people and certainly not if you are looking for any ambiance.”
  2. “Their service is fast, people there are friendly, and they have lots of visitors' pictures on the walls - that's something nice too.”
  3. “good food cold service”
  4. “The other places may have more space, better lighting, and nicer staff, but Wo Hop's has the best food.”
  5. “The service might not be the best, but the food definitely hits the spot.”
  6. “The service is terrible.”
  7. “The waiters are friendly, and the prices are decent and unbeatable.”
  8. “The service is wonderful and always comes with compliments (the call me the next miss america!)”
  9. “Great food, horrible service.”
  10. “The food is very affordable and the service is quick.”
  11. “can't believe people rave about this place!”
  12. “Everyone was extremely friendly and fast to help us order and get our food.”
  13. “One thing though go into the lower resturant the waiters are very friendly I swear you will have an amazing time, my friends and I will actually go in to the city just for the steamed dumplings at 1am.”
  14. “Once and a life time experience, great environement and service.”
  15. “Once you order your food, you'll look around and desire other people's orders, so take your time ordering.”
  16. “The walls are filled with pictures of people who look vaguely like famous people, but it's not actually them.”
  17. “The service is a total joke, they act like your wasting their time, BUT the food is amazing!”
  18. “The food kept coming and the service was friendly and fast.”
  19. “The waiters are nice and awesome.”
  20. “You have to ask for it, then explain it to the waiter who will give you a weird look but then write it down)”
  21. “At first I was reluctant because of it's underground, harried location, but that all disappeared once I tried the food and met the wonderful service staff.”
  22. “You go there when you want fast service and good New York City Chinese food.”
value
88.88999938964844% positive
  1. “As far as cheap Chinese food goes, Wo Hop is the best I've had in a long time.”
  2. “The food is very affordable and the service is quick.”
  3. “Theres a huge difference) is one of the best noodle places in the city and offers some great NYC Chinatown Chinese food.”
  4. “it was the worst 10 dollars i have ever paid in my ENTIRE life.”
  5. “suggest going with a big group cause the portions are huge and there's enough to go around to everyone with plenty to spare.”
  6. “This is without a doubt the BEST Chinese food for the money.”
  7. “SUM IT: You can try the other expensive fancier places, but if you miss this you won't be missed as this place has it's own following.”
  8. “The waiters are friendly, and the prices are decent and unbeatable.”
  9. “The portions are HUGE and the prices are very, very reasonable!”
  10. “have eaten here twice, and I love it, they have the best Peking Duck I have ever had, and at a reasonable price.”
  11. “Trust me, after annual trips to Hong Kong, there is a huge difference in taste between legit chinese food and the stuff we eat here.”
  12. “love the food and is totally worth the effort to get there.”
  13. “Best cheap Chinese ever!”
  14. “This is not haute cuisine, but the food is tasty and cheap.”
  15. “There are many non-Chinese that dine here for ridiculously cheap prices and huge heaps in terms of portions.”
  16. “Unbelievable Chinese food at an affordable price.”
  17. “price is great.”
  18. “And if incredible food at cut rate prices is what you want, get in line and enjoy the best Chinatown has to offer.”
wait time
100.0% positive
  1. “As long as you are not spooked by cramped seating areas you'll love this place.”
  2. “The food is very affordable and the service is quick.”
  3. “As far as cheap Chinese food goes, Wo Hop is the best I've had in a long time.”
  4. “upstairs is more comfortable & ordering is quick (they do want turnover).”
3 Star Rating: Average

05/26/12

If you like your Chinese food late at

by NarenYoung

If you like your Chinese food late at night with MSG and reckless abandon, then iconic Wo Hop could be for you. Try the scallion beef

4 Star Rating: Recommended

04/16/10

Still great after three decades

by Firesideprinting

I first went to Wo Hop as a young 20 something back in the early 80s. It was a favorite for a late night bite. I went back again last week when I took my kids to the City. They loved it. I still love it. I've never had bad food there. Always delicious. The chicken wings are awesome. My entree last week was pork with string beans. I couldn't eat enough. At some point I had to stop, but I didn't want to. My daughter raved about her chicken with French mushrooms.

The general ambiance would be characterized as "memento clutter". There are photographs, shirt patches, business cards and notes covering the walls. Some new, some old. It's always interesting.

There is a sign in the restaurant that says they've been there since 1938. Success lives on. It's a different, but great dining experience. I'll be back the next time I make it to NYC.

  • Pros: The food
  • Cons: Limited seating
3 Star Rating: Average

10/25/09

Small, but delicious plates

by drjvo

Ask for the Szechwan orange Beef.

  • Pros: Food tasty
  • Cons: Small, Curb appeal 2.5/5, Service too fast 3/5
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/24/09

Great Chinese at a Great Cost

by djegan87

Unbelievable Chinese food at an affordable price. The store is located in the heart of Chinatown on Mott St. Prices are equivalent to that of a McDonalds. Two can eat great food for just about $20.00. Highly recommended from someone who sees themselves as a conuesser of Chinese restaurants in the NY Metropolitan area.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/25/09

Wo Hop and Hop Kee, Best American Style Chinese Food in New York. (Downstairs Wo Hop only, not the upstairs one)

by JoFinkle

Do not be fooled by the upstairs Wo Hop. I went there once and deeply regretted it. The downstairs Wo Hop is the quintessential American Style Chinese food in New York City. Wo Hop and Hop Kee are widely regarded as the two best in the City. They are right down the street from each other, but after going to Wo Hop, I've simply never felt the need to even try Hop Kee. It couldn't possibly be any better. (I'm going this weekend though, so I may eat my words.)

The walls are filled with pictures of people who look vaguely like famous people, but it's not actually them. It's an ironic statement (probably unintended) about the Carnagie Deli and other tourist traps with good but not unsurpassed food. It says that you don't need actual celebrities to endorse your greatness. There is nothing special about Wo Hop except the food and with food like that, it needs nothing else.

Don't be intimidated by the occasional long lines, they move deceptively quickly.

And don't expect anything fancy, just everything that's right about what Americans refer to as "Chinese Food".

  • Pros: Food, ironic decor
  • Cons: Not exactly a classy joint

The Details on Wo Hop Restaurant

Place Categories:

  • fast service
  • love place
  • very reasonable price
  • bad chinese food
  • best wo hop
  • nice waiters
  • noisy cafeteria style
  • best fried dumplings
  • recommended highly
  • famous people
  • huge difference
  • very good sesame noodles
  • fast everyone
  • great atmosphere
  • more comfortable upstairs
  • fresh string beans
  • good hodown chinese
  • best spare ribs
  • huge portions
  • excellent wonton soup
  • best cheap chinese
  • great spot
  • great new york city chinese food
  • great meal
  • best black bean sauce
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