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Wu's Wonton King
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Wu's Wonton King
7.9
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Birthday & Celebration Central
Comfort Food Classics
Hidden Gems Heaven
Wu’s Wonton King is a BYOB Cantonese spot where roast meats, wonton soup, and seafood platters land on lazy Susans for rowdy tables. It’s a go-to for birthdays and family-style celebrations when you want a full table of classics without white-tablecloth formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Shrimp and Pork Wonton Soup, Crispy Roast Duck, Steamed Razor Clams with Garlic Vermicelli
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 6.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Lively BYOB Cantonese banquets with standout roast meats and seafood.
Who should go: Groups planning shared, celebratory Cantonese feasts.
When to visit: Weekend evenings for peak energy and big tables.
What to order: Roast duck, wonton soup, steamed seafood specials.
Insider tip: Bring your own wine or beer and call ahead for duck.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is possible but challenging on the LES, especially after 6pm; nearby paid garages on Essex and Allen are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; most groups come comfortable, but celebratory tables often lean slightly dressy.
Noise level: Loud during peak dinner hours due to large groups and birthday celebrations; expect raised voices at big tables.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger parties.
Weekday lunch: Often no wait, with plenty of tables available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Solid selection—vegetable stir-fries, tofu dishes, and greens work well for veggie diners.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—vegetable dishes and tofu options are available, though sauces may contain small amounts of oyster sauce.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free Cantonese dishes exist (e.g., steamed seafood, rice, certain vegetable plates), but cross-contact is likely; best to ask in advance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the date prefers lively, communal dining. The energy is fun but loud, making it better for friend groups or established couples than quiet, romantic first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially for smaller parties, but waits grow quickly on weekends. Larger groups should call ahead or arrive early to secure a table.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy family-style Chinese food; the room is busy and loud, which works well for families but may overwhelm toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Large-format Cantonese dishes, lively BYOB celebrations, and classic roast meats served family-style at great value for groups.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, refined service, or modern fusion dishes; choose a calmer, more upscale Chinese spot instead.
Wu's Wonton King
8.6
Wu's Wonton King is a Cantonese banquet specialist where big-format seafood, roast meats, and wonton soup draw groups from across the city to its East Broadway stretch. During warmer months, outdoor seating extends the dining room toward the street, giving large parties space to spread out platters of duck, crab, and noodles in the open air.
Must-Try Dishes:
Peking-style roast duck, Salt-and-pepper squid, House wonton soup
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Cantonese banquet classics and whole-roast platters served at street-level tables for big groups.
Who should go: Seafood lovers and large parties planning shared feasts.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours or late nights when big groups gather.
What to order: Roast duck, salt-and-pepper squid, and house wonton soup.
Insider tip: Pre-order whole ducks or crab for outdoor tables when booking.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on East Broadway is limited, especially during peak dinner hours; nearby garages on Allen St. and Pike St. are the most reliable options.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; most diners come in everyday wear suitable for outdoor, family-style dining.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak dinner hours due to large groups and outdoor street activity; quieter on early evenings.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger parties.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal to no wait; easy to walk in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection of vegetable-focused dishes like sautéed greens, tofu plates, and stir-fried noodles, but the menu skews heavily seafood/meat.
Vegan options: Limited options; a few vegetable dishes may work but verify sauces for oyster or fish products.
Gluten-free options: Some dishes like steamed seafood and simple vegetable plates can be gluten-free; best to confirm sauce ingredients and preparation methods.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a fun, casual hang than an intimate first date—large tables, shared platters, and lively street energy make it more suited for group outings than quiet conversations.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, for small groups it’s often doable, though waits spike at prime dinner times. Large parties should book ahead to ensure outdoor seating and availability of big-format dishes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families come often. Kids comfortable with Cantonese flavors will enjoy wonton soup, noodles, and roast meats. Outdoor seating offers space for strollers but no dedicated kid amenities.
Best For
Better for: Big-format Cantonese seafood feasts, roast meats, and lively group dinners—especially outdoors—far more dynamic and shareable than smaller indoor-focused competitors.
Skip if: You want a quiet or romantic meal, strictly vegan options, or refined presentation; other Lower East Side spots offer calmer atmospheres and broader dietary coverage.
Wu's Wonton King
7.8
Wu's Wonton King is a Cantonese spot known for whole roast meats, massive seafood platters, and wonton noodle soups served in a bright, bustling dining room. Industry folks and large groups come for BYOB banquets that feel celebratory without luxury pricing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roast Duck, Wonton Noodle Soup, Salt-and-Pepper Pork Chops
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 6.1
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Classic Cantonese banquet dishes, late-night vibes, and BYOB-friendly tables that attract chefs and locals alike.
Who should go: Groups planning family-style feasts with roast meats and seafood.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours or later evenings when big tables fill the room.
What to order: Roast Duck, Wonton Noodle Soup, Salt-and-Pepper Pork Chops.
Insider tip: Come with a larger party, pre-plan a set of dishes, and take advantage of the BYOB policy for best value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on East Broadway, especially during dinner hours; expect to circle or use nearby paid garages on Division Street or Allen Street.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; anything from jeans to low-key dinner wear fits the room’s lively, unfussy vibe.
Noise level: Loud during peak dinner hours due to large groups and banquet-style service; conversation is manageable in smaller parties but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; easy to walk in unless a big party is ahead.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Moderate options such as vegetable stir-fries, greens, and tofu dishes, but the menu leans heavily on roast meats and seafood.
Vegan options: Limited; a few vegetable-focused plates exist, but sauces and broths often include animal products.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free selections (plain greens, steamed seafood), but cross-contamination is likely and sauces frequently contain soy; best for those with mild sensitivity rather than strict requirements.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a quiet or intimate first date; the room is bright, energetic, and often loud. Better suited for a second or third date centered around shared plates and casual fun.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially for smaller parties. Larger groups should call ahead or expect a wait during peak dinner hours. Walk-ins are common and generally accommodated with some patience.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with older kids who can handle a lively, bustling room. High chairs may be limited, and the noise level can overwhelm very young children.
Best For
Better for: Large-format Cantonese dishes, BYOB celebrations, and value-driven group feasts that feel festive without high-end pricing.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, have strict dietary needs, or prefer a polished, upscale Cantonese experience—other spots may offer calmer rooms and more refined service.