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Great NY Noodletown
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Great NY Noodletown
8.7
A Cantonese comfort anchor where roast meats and noodle soups are the move, and the room’s constant hum is part of the deal. It shines when you keep the order simple: one noodle soup, one roast-meat plate, one vegetable.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wonton noodle soup, Roast duck over rice, Pan-fried noodles with seafood
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Cantonese roast meats and noodle soups that hit reliably and fast.
Who should go: Noodle-soup loyalists and roast-duck people
When to visit: Weekday lunch for quickest seating
What to order: Wonton noodle soup, roast duck, pan-fried noodles
Insider tip: Pair one soup with one roast-meat plate instead of over-ordering mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very difficult in Chinatown; paid garages nearby but expect a walk. Public transit is strongly recommended.
Dress code: Casual and practical — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are standard.
Noise level: Loud and bustling — conversation is possible but raised voices are normal during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak hours, especially Friday and Saturday nights
Weekday lunch: Often minimal to no wait if you arrive before 1pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — vegetable stir-fries and plain noodle dishes are available but not the focus.
Vegan options: Very limited — possible with simple vegetable-and-noodle orders, but expect compromises.
Gluten-free options: Limited — rice-based dishes and some roast meats may work, but soy-based sauces are common.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both value food over ambiance — it’s loud, fast-paced, and no-frills, but great if shared comfort food is the goal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Great NY Noodletown doesn’t take reservations. Turnover is fast, so lines usually move steadily.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like noodles and roast meats; less ideal for strollers or very young children due to tight seating.
Best For
Better for: Fast, reliable Cantonese roast meats and noodle soups with zero pretense and strong consistency.
Skip if: You want a quieter sit-down, a broad vegetarian menu, or a more modern Chinese dining experience.
Great NY Noodletown
8.5
A Chinatown institution where the smartest BBQ move is classic Cantonese roast meats: char siu with ginger-scallion, roast duck, and crisp-skinned pig when it’s available. The room is utilitarian and fast-moving, but the payoff is big-portion, old-school reliability that rewards ordering like a regular and keeping the meal focused.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roast duck, Char siu with ginger-scallion sauce, Roasted suckling pig (seasonal)
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Old-school Cantonese roast-meat execution with decades of neighborhood demand.
Who should go: Roast-meat loyalists and Chinatown regulars
When to visit: Off-peak lunch for faster seating
What to order: Roast duck, char siu, seasonal roast pig
Insider tip: Ask what’s freshest from the roast station, then build the order around that.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited and competitive; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual and practical—jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are completely fine.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours—conversation is possible but expect a busy dining room hum.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak dinner hours, especially with groups
Weekday lunch: Often a short wait or quick turnover off-peak
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—some vegetable and noodle dishes available, but roast meats dominate the menu
Vegan options: Very limited—best suited for meat-focused diners
Gluten-free options: Limited—some roast meats without sauce may work, but cross-contamination is likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, food-focused first date than a romantic one—the setting is lively and utilitarian, but the food gives you plenty to talk about.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm here, with fast turnover even when there’s a line.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who are comfortable with Chinese BBQ flavors; no special amenities, but families are common.
Best For
Better for: Classic Cantonese roast meats, fast service, and big portions at a budget price
Skip if: You want a quiet atmosphere, modern Chinese cooking, or strong vegetarian/vegan options