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Dim Sum Palace
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Dim Sum Palace
8.3
Dim Sum Palace is a modern Cantonese dining room on Division Street where steaming baskets of classic dumplings, rice rolls, and fried snacks run late into the night. Locals use it for both weekend dim sum feasts and post-midnight cravings when carts and bamboo steamers are still in motion.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp har gow, Pork siu mai, Pan-fried turnip cake
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Late-night dim sum with a full banquet-style menu in the heart of Chinatown.
Who should go: Groups wanting lively, modern dim sum service
When to visit: Weekend late nights or brunch for peak energy
What to order: Shrimp har gow, pork siu mai, rice noodle rolls
Insider tip: Kitchen runs late—use it as a reliable post-bar dim sum stop.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Division Street; expect difficulty after 6pm. The nearest paid garage is on East Broadway, a 4–6 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual is fine; most diners arrive in everyday attire. No need to dress up unless coming from a night out.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours, especially late nights. Conversation is possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes depending on party size; larger groups may wait longer.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, with tables turning quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including vegetable dumplings, steamed greens, and rice noodle rolls—clearly marked on the menu.
Vegan options: Limited but workable: vegetable dumplings, sautéed greens, and plain rice rolls; confirm ingredients since some dishes may use oyster sauce.
Gluten-free options: Some rice-based items are naturally gluten-free (rice rolls, steamed rice), but cross-contact is likely; not recommended for strict gluten-free diets.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, lively hangouts than a quiet first date. The energy is fun but the noise level makes deeper conversation challenging.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—most guests walk in. Off-peak hours are easy, but late nights and weekend brunch may involve a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with children 6 and up—bright space, fast service, and familiar dumplings. Strollers may be tricky during rush hours due to tight aisles.
Best For
Better for: Late-night dim sum with reliable quality and a large menu—ideal for groups wanting a lively Chinatown setting past normal service hours.
Skip if: You want traditional push-cart dim sum, ultra-refined Cantonese cooking, or a quiet dining room; consider more classic banquet houses instead.
Dim Sum Palace
8.5
Dim Sum Palace’s Chinatown branch at Division Street serves classic Cantonese dim sum and banquet dishes in a roomy dining room that stays open until 3 a.m. nightly. It’s where late-night groups come for har gow, rice rolls, and bigger plates instead of the usual slice or bodega run.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp Har Gow Dumplings, Xiao Long Bao Soup Dumplings, Roast Duck with Pancakes
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A large Cantonese dining room serving full dim sum and banquet menus until 3 a.m.
Who should go: Late-night groups craving dumplings, noodles, and shared plates
When to visit: Post-midnight on weekends when most Chinatown spots are closed
What to order: Har gow, soup dumplings, roast duck and fried rice or noodles
Insider tip: Go with a larger group so you can order family-style and sample more of the menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Division Street is limited late at night; nearby garages on Allen and Pike usually have availability after midnight.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; most guests come in relaxed attire suitable for late-night dining.
Noise level: Moderate to lively depending on hour; post-midnight it can get loud with large groups but still manageable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes between 11 p.m. and 1 a.m.; shorter waits after 1 a.m.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service at this location; evenings before 10 p.m. usually have minimal waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection including vegetable dumplings, sautéed greens, rice rolls, and tofu dishes.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—vegetable dumplings, plain rice rolls, and some sautéed greens are typically vegan; confirm preparation.
Gluten-free options: Some options like rice rolls and steamed vegetables may work, but cross-contact is likely; this is not a gluten-free–dedicated kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, fun late-night outings than intimate dates. The bright room, fast pacing, and family-style sharing make it more playful than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm, especially after midnight. Small groups are seated quickly, while larger parties may wait 10–20 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the evening, yes—spacious tables and familiar dishes work well for families. After 11 p.m., the crowd skews older and the energy gets louder, so late-night visits aren’t ideal for young children.
Best For
Better for: Excellent for late-night dim sum when most Chinatown kitchens have closed; ideal for groups who want a roomy space and extensive menu variety.
Skip if: If you want quiet, intimate dining or strictly gluten-free accommodations, you’ll find better fits elsewhere.