Updated November 2026.
Joe’s Shanghai has been closely associated with soup dumplings in New York since the 1990s. The restaurant now welcomes diners at 46 Bowery in Chinatown. Its xiao long bao remain the reason many people visit, but the broad Shanghainese menu rewards a larger order.
This Joe’s Shanghai review keeps the original visit observations while correcting the location and practical details. The atmosphere is casual, lively and focused on fast table turnover. For another classic Lower East Side meal, compare it with our Russ & Daughters Cafe review.
Joe’s Shanghai Review: Essential Details
- Address: 46 Bowery, New York, NY 10013
- Phone: 212 233 8888
- Cuisine: Shanghainese and Chinese
- Best for: Soup dumplings, casual meals and small groups
- Signature order: Pork soup dumplings or crab and pork soup dumplings
- Website: Joe’s Shanghai official website
The official site currently presents 46 Bowery as the restaurant address. Older references to Pell Street, Midtown and Flushing should not guide a current visit. Hours, payment methods and reservation policies can change. Call ahead if any of those details will affect your plans.
What We Ordered
The soup dumplings were the clear centerpiece of the meal. Their wrappers were thin, while the filling held plenty of hot, savory broth. Let each dumpling rest briefly before eating it.
Our table also included noodles and several shared plates. The original review singled out scallion pancakes, pork shoulder, Shanghai fried noodles and crispy jumbo prawns as worthwhile additions. A mixed order works especially well for a group.
The menu photographed during the visit is useful as a record, not a current price list. Check the restaurant’s latest menu before using any photographed price for planning.
How to Eat the Soup Dumplings
- Lift one dumpling carefully into a spoon.
- Bite a small opening in the wrapper.
- Let the steam escape for a moment.
- Sip the broth, then add ginger or vinegar if desired.
- Finish the dumpling in one or two bites.
This method protects your mouth from the hot broth. It also keeps the wrapper from breaking over the table.
Highlights
- Signature xiao long bao: The hot broth and delicate wrapper create the defining dish.
- Broad menu: Noodles, vegetables, seafood and meat dishes make this more than a dumpling stop.
- Fast pace: Service during the original visit was efficient despite the busy dining room.
- Easy to share: Most of the menu works best when several dishes reach the table together.
- Historic appeal: Joe Si opened the first Joe’s Shanghai in Flushing in 1994.
Things to Note Before Visiting
- Peak meal periods can bring a wait.
- The dining room can feel busy and tourist heavy.
- Soup dumplings arrive very hot.
- Menu prices and availability may differ from older photographs.
- Confirm payment and reservation details directly with the restaurant.
Visiting outside the main lunch and dinner rush can make the experience calmer. Chinatown also has many excellent alternatives nearby. Our Katz’s Delicatessen review covers another famous New York institution. Pizza fans can also read our L’Industrie review.
Value
Joe’s Shanghai is best valued as a shared meal. Ordering dumplings plus two or three larger dishes gives the table more variety. Current prices should be checked before visiting because older menus remain online.
The experience favors flavor and pace over polish. That is part of its appeal. Diners seeking a quiet or formal setting should choose a different restaurant.
Joe’s Shanghai Photos
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Joe’s Shanghai now?
The official address is 46 Bowery in Chinatown, New York City.
What should first time diners order?
Start with soup dumplings, then add noodles, vegetables or another shared main dish.
Is Joe’s Shanghai cash only?
Current official information does not clearly state the payment policy. Confirm with the restaurant before visiting.
Does Joe’s Shanghai take reservations?
The official site does not clearly publish a reservation policy. Call 212 233 8888 for the latest answer.
The Brief Review Verdict
Joe’s Shanghai remains a worthwhile Chinatown stop for its soup dumplings and bustling atmosphere. The best visit is a shared meal with several dishes. Go with realistic expectations about crowds, pace and changing practical details.
For more New York dining ideas, see our Rao’s New York review.