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Mr. Dim Sum

285 Grand St, New York, NY 10002
$$

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Master Critic Review

Mr. Dim Sum 7.8
Lower East Side
Mr. Dim Sum is a compact Grand Street spot focused on made-to-order dim sum plates rather than roaming carts. It’s used by nearby residents as a casual place to sit down for baskets of dumplings, buns, and noodles without committing to a massive banquet hall meal.
Must-Try Dishes: Soup dumplings (xiao long bao), Shrimp and pork siu mai, Scallion pancake
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 8.1 Atmosphere: 6.3 Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: A smaller, sit-down dim sum shop where baskets are cooked to order instead of rolled past you on carts.
Who should go: Locals wanting casual, no-frills dim sum meals
When to visit: Weekday lunches or early dinners for quickest seating
What to order: Soup dumplings, shrimp siu mai, scallion pancake
Insider tip: Use it as a relaxed dim sum warm-up before bar-hopping or dessert elsewhere on Grand Street.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Grand Street is limited; expect metered spots and competition during evenings. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual and low-key; anything from jeans to simple streetwear is appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate during peak hours; quiet enough for conversation during off-peak lunches.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes depending on foot traffic; rarely exceeds 30 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; seating is quick and turnover is steady.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable dumplings, scallion pancakes, and a few stir-fried vegetable dishes.
Vegan options: Limited — some vegetable plates qualify, but many dumplings use egg or dairy in wrappers.
Gluten-free options: Limited — rice noodle dishes may work, but most dim sum items rely on wheat-based wrappers.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s better for casual meetups than formal first dates. The space is tight and functional, but if you want something relaxed and low-pressure, it works.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they operate walk-in only, and small parties are usually seated quickly outside of weekend dinner rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with younger kids; the menu is approachable, service is fast, and the space is informal. No dedicated high chairs or kids’ amenities, though.
Best For
Better for: Quick, made-to-order dim sum without the noise or scale of a banquet hall; ideal for locals who want a simple, predictable meal.
Skip if: You want a full cart-service dim sum experience, large banquet tables, or a more festive weekend atmosphere found at bigger Chinatown institutions.