When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
House of Joy
Why House of Joy is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
House of Joy is a vibrant and traditional dim sum parlor located in the heart of New York City, specifically at 28 Pell Street. This restaurant captures the essence of classic dim sum dining, where friendly servers push carts filled with a variety of freshly prepared dishes, allowing guests to select their favorites in a fun and interactive way. The ambiance is lively and authentic, making it a great spot for friends and families to gather and enjoy a shared dining experience. Open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch, House of Joy offers flexibility for meetups at any time of day. Its extensive menu features a wide array of Chinese and Asian flavors, appealing to both dim sum connoisseurs and newcomers alike. The spacious setting accommodates large groups comfortably, ideal for social meals. With a commitment to solid and satisfying food, it is a dependable choice when craving traditional dim sum fare in a bustling city setting. Its location in New York City's Chinatown adds to the cultural richness, providing an immersive culinary encounter that goes beyond just food but also the communal dining atmosphere that dim sum is celebrated for.
Here's what people think of House of Joy
As of recent, House of Joy holds a 4.1-star rating based on 1204 reviews.
Customer reviews for House of Joy are mixed, reflected in its overall 4.1-star rating derived from over 1,200 reviews. Many patrons appreciate the authenticity of the dim sum experience offered, highlighting the variety and freshness of dishes available from the traditional carts. Positive reviews often mention the lively and welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite place for social gatherings and family meals. Reviewers note that the staff is attentive and that the dining format encourages trying multiple small plates, adding to the enjoyment of the meal. However, there are some negative comments primarily focused on inconsistent service and occasional delays in food delivery, which can detract from the overall experience. Some guests also point out that on busy days, the restaurant can become quite crowded and noisy, which might not appeal to everyone. Despite these concerns, many visitors conclude that the strengths of House of Joy — authentic cuisine, traditional dim sum style, and vibrant environment — make it a worthwhile destination for those seeking genuine Asian flavors in New York City. This mixed but predominantly positive feedback shows House of Joy’s strong position as a go-to dim sum parlor while highlighting areas for improvement to enhance customer satisfaction.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Anton S.
I’d argue that’s one of the best dim sum spots on the east coast. The dishes are absolutely delicious - perfect authentic flavor. Recommend siu mai, chicken feet, stuffed eggplant, ribs… actually everything. The service was fast. One of my fav lunch spots in Chinatown
Rita L
Super busy spot! Came by during lunch time last weekend and the wait was 30-40 minutes, crazy packed and food was just average. I liked the pink rolls with fried crunch and shrimp, probably the only thing I’d recommend and enjoyed eating the most. Other items either came a bit cold or not that fully cooked for the flavor to come out. Would say to pick a time when it’s less busy and you might get a better experience. Maybe it was an off day since my friend who lives nearby said the food usually tasted better.
Kundan Sen
Among the best dim sum places in New York City. Cavernous interiors, shiny clean, organized even when packed (which it does get at lunchtime), efficient staff. Dim sums we tried (and we tried a lot) - each one was unique and flavorful. Love that their menu has photos to make selections easier. Good desert dim sum as well.
THE EXPLORER
Five of us went to House of Joy for a Dimsum lunch. We of course had to share a large round table with two strangers which is normal here. We ordered a noodle and shrimp dish which was very good. Then we ordered dumplings from the carts as they pass by our table. The dumplings were average taste but the restaurant is busy and festive so we all had a good time.
C Wu
Great dim sum with cart service. Really busy on the weekends & holidays! Enjoyed the variety in their selections. Went early to secure a table. The line was overflowing into the street when we left. Everyone loved their meal. The children enjoyed their piggy buns!
How to reach House of Joy
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Why House of Joy may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at House of Joy with your friends?
Gathering your friends at House of Joy promises a lively and truly communal dining experience steeped in tradition and warmth. This Chinatown gem offers more than just a meal—it delivers a joyous atmosphere perfect for convivial socializing. With a rich history as a community hub, House of Joy was originally Delight 28, a place where celebrations, family gatherings, and cultural festivities have long been cherished. Its dim sum carts weaving through a sprawling dining room invite guests to interact organically, sparking conversation and camaraderie. The large tables, often seating ten or more guests combined from different parties, naturally encourage a shared dining experience, making it easy to connect over a variety of delicious dishes. Whether you arrive as a small group or a large party, House of Joy’s efficient service and spacious setting ensure everyone feels included and catered to. The inviting ambiance, filled with the hustle and bustle typical of a traditional Chinese banquet hall, enhances the overall enjoyment of dining with loved ones. This is a place where food is shared heart-to-heart, offering an authentic cultural experience that’s ideal for making memories together.
What activities and dining experiences does House of Joy offer for group meetups?
At House of Joy, the social centerpiece is the traditional dim sum service, where servers push carts loaded with freshly steamed and baked delicacies around the dining area. This interactive style of dining lets each person select their favorite items in real-time, making the meal dynamic and engaging. The dim sum menu features crowd-pleasers like Red Rice Noodle Rolls, Baked Salty Egg Yolk Buns, Walnut Buns, and both steamed and baked Pork Buns. These offerings satisfy a wide range of tastes and encourage sharing, perfect for groups eager to sample multiple dishes. Beyond dim sum, there is an extensive dinner menu crafted to appeal to diverse palates, showcasing standout dishes such as Fried Lamb Chop with Teriyaki Sauce, Sauteed Lobster with Ginger & Scallions, and Jumbo Shrimp with Walnuts and Broccoli. The sheer size and diversity of the menu mean that groups can easily find options appealing to every member, from traditional Cantonese flavors to heartier banquet fare.
How does House of Joy’s layout and service enhance group gatherings?
One of House of Joy’s distinctive features is its large banquet hall atmosphere, designed to accommodate big groups comfortably. Tables typically seat around ten guests, and smaller parties are often combined with others to fill a table. This communal seating arrangement fosters an inviting environment for conversation and connection beyond just your immediate group, enriching the social experience. The restaurant’s strategy for managing large groups efficiently includes prompt seating arrangements and pre-arranged menus for bigger parties, minimizing wait time and logistical hassles. Staff members are experienced in handling bustling service, maintaining quick and attentive responses despite the steady flow of customers. While dim sum carts pass continuously, there’s also the option to request items directly from waitstaff for hot and fresh dishes, ensuring quality alongside quantity. This blend of traditional cart service with attentive table service strikes a good balance for groups wanting both authenticity and comfort.
Why is House of Joy perfect for celebrations and meaningful get-togethers?
The ambiance of House of Joy echoes the essence of traditional Chinese banquet halls, complete with classic décor touches like red carpets and chandeliers, creating an elevated yet homey atmosphere. This setting makes it ideal for celebrating special occasions, whether it’s a family reunion, a birthday, or a festive holiday meal. The restaurant’s history as a community gathering place adds to its charm, making guests feel part of a living cultural tradition. Its large dining space can comfortably hold groups of up to 40, making it one of the few dim sum venues in the city that can host sizable celebrations without sacrificing intimacy or service quality. The combination of spaciousness, a celebratory vibe, and authentic cuisine turns every gathering at House of Joy into a memorable event. Guests often remark on the lively, joyful energy that fills the room, encouraging laughter, shared stories, and lasting memories.
What makes the food at House of Joy stand out for group dining experiences?
House of Joy takes pride in offering authentic Cantonese dim sum with a focus on freshness and variety. Signature dishes like the Baked Salty Egg Yolk Buns provide a unique and rich flavor profile that diners rave about, while traditional items such as Red Rice Noodle Rolls underscore the kitchen’s dedication to classic dim sum craft. The menu’s breadth allows groups to tailor their meal to different preferences and dietary needs, with options that range from seafood and lamb to vegetarian-friendly dishes. Portions are generous, meant to be shared family-style, which aligns perfectly with the communal ethos of dim sum dining. The inclusion of a full dinner menu extends the options for groups who want to enjoy a longer, sit-down meal beyond the dim sum experience, providing entrees that bring a different dimension of flavor and heartiness. Overall, the quality and diversity of the food ensure that everyone in a group, regardless of their tastes, can find something delightful.
How does House of Joy’s location and setting contribute to the group meetup experience?
Located in the heart of New York City’s Chinatown, House of Joy benefits from an energetic and culturally rich neighborhood backdrop. This cultural vibrancy spills into the restaurant, reinforcing the authenticity of the dining experience and providing guests with a sense of place. Its central location is convenient and accessible for groups coming from various parts of the city, making it a practical choice for gatherings. The restaurant’s surroundings also offer opportunities for after-meal exploration, whether that’s strolling through Chinatown’s colorful streets or visiting nearby attractions, further enriching the outing. The bustling area creates a lively atmosphere even before guests enter, setting the tone for a festive and sociable meetup. By choosing House of Joy, groups tap into a culturally immersive day out, combining great food, shared experiences, and the chance to enjoy one of New York’s historic neighborhoods together.
What do customers say about their group dining experience at House of Joy?
Customer reviews consistently highlight the restaurant’s capacity to serve groups well, with many noting the ease of booking large parties and the accommodating staff who help organize menus and seating. Guests appreciate the fast, efficient service, especially when dining with bigger groups, which can often be challenging elsewhere. The communal dining style, though sometimes involving shared tables with strangers, is seen by many as an authentic and enjoyable part of the experience. Some point out that the dim sum carts cycle frequently, offering plenty of chances to find fresh options, though temperatures of some items have been mentioned as a minor drawback in reviews. Nonetheless, the overall sentiment is positive, with many recommending House of Joy as an excellent venue for both small dinners and large group celebrations. The consistent 4.1-star rating with over 1,200 reviews reflects a strong general satisfaction and illustrates that the restaurant successfully blends tradition with a welcoming environment for gatherings.
How does House of Joy preserve cultural heritage and why does that matter for group meetups?
The establishment’s management, originally rooted in Chinatown’s immigrant history, strives to preserve traditional dim sum service and Asian cultural heritage amidst neighborhood changes and gentrification pressures. By maintaining the classic dim sum carts, décor, and the communal banquet-style layout, House of Joy acts as a living repository of cultural identity. For groups, this means dining not only on scrumptious food but also within a meaningful cultural context that enriches the social experience. Preserving this heritage matters because it offers diners a unique connection to Chinese traditions, informally educating and immersing guests in practices that have been passed down for generations. This respect for culture adds depth to group gatherings, making celebrations at House of Joy not just meals but occasions that honor community, history, and togetherness.
What tips should groups consider when planning a meetup at House of Joy?
Groups planning meetups at House of Joy should anticipate peak times, especially weekends, since the restaurant’s dim sum popularity can lead to wait times. It is advisable to call ahead or try to reserve for larger parties to expedite seating and ensure the group can be accommodated together. Embrace the communal tables setting, which encourages interaction and a lively atmosphere but might require some flexibility from smaller parties expecting private tables. Since dim sum carts circulate continuously, plan to arrive hungry and ready to explore a variety of dishes on offer, balancing between picking items directly from carts and ordering from the full menu if desired. Finally, consider coordinating your group choices to make sure everyone’s tastes and dietary needs are met, as the menu is extensive and diverse. Being prepared for the bustling energy and shared seating experience will help maximize the joy and connection that House of Joy so beautifully cultivates.