Evaluating the customer feedback for Joe's Shanghai, it becomes apparent that the establishment has cultivated a strong reputation for serving authentic and delicious food, with particular acclaim for their signature soup dumplings. Customers frequently highlight the quality, flavor, and authenticity of the dining experience, considering the meals to be a highlight of their visits. However, patrons cite the waiting time as a point of contention, reporting waits of up to an hour, especially during peak hours. The communal dining setup and restaurant's policy of being cash-only have been noted as potential drawbacks for some. Service is described as efficient, if not overtly friendly, and the portion sizes are generous, delivering good value for the money. The ambiance is generally seen as clean, although it lacks distinct coziness, which seems to be a trade-off for focusing on the culinary experience rather than interior design.
Joe's Shanghai positively impresses its customers with the high quality and authenticity of its culinary offerings, especially their signature soup dumplings which are frequently described as 'a must-try', 'incredible', and 'to die for'. The richness and satisfaction derived from the dishes, including the sesame beef, braised pork belly, and other menu items, are often highlighted. Generous portion sizes contribute to the perception of good value for money. The service is reported to be quick and efficient, enhancing the dining experience. Additionally, the strategic location in the heart of Chinatown is appreciated for adding authenticity, and the clean albeit simple ambiance of the restaurant is frequently mentioned with approval.
Despite the numerous positives, Joe's Shanghai faces criticism on several fronts. A recurrent theme is the substantial waiting time, with customers reporting waits of up to an hour due to the restaurant's popularity. The ambiance is described as 'loud and cramped', which, paired with the communal dining oriented towards larger groups, might not appeal to everyone. Some patrons find the food to be inconsistent, with items like the thick seafood noodles and fried buns with condensed milk described as bland or non-essential. The fact that the restaurant is cash-only and implements compulsory tipping is also seen as a drawback for some customers. Additionally, there are observations that some offerings, such as the scallion pancake, can be more oily than anticipated.
While Joe's Shanghai caters to group dining with family-style servings, solo diners or small groups can still enjoy their meal. However, they may face challenges such as longer waits and the possibility of higher costs due to the nature of portion sizes.
The pricing at Joe's Shanghai is considered reasonable by many customers, reflecting the quality and quantity of the food provided. On average, diners can expect to spend about $30 per person. Please note that it is a cash-only establishment, and an 18% tip is typically included in the meal price.
To avoid longer wait times at Joe's Shanghai, it is recommended to arrive early, potentially as they open, or to visit right at noon. The restaurant sees long queues, particularly after 1pm.
Popular Chinatown eatery famed for its soup dumplings and other Shanghai dishes in a spare setting.
