88 Palace

- 88 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002

Introduction / Overview

For those seeking a truly authentic and bustling dim sum experience in New York, 88 Palace offers a quintessential taste of tradition right in the heart of Chinatown. Located at 88 E Broadway, this Chinese restaurant is not just a place to eat; it's a vibrant and lively cultural experience. Unlike many modern eateries, 88 Palace embraces the classic dim sum tradition of steam carts rolling through the dining room, allowing patrons to see, choose, and taste a variety of small, delicious plates as they pass by. This interactive and dynamic service is a highlight for both seasoned dim sum lovers and newcomers. The restaurant is celebrated for its commitment to classic, flavorful dishes, with one customer noting that you go for the "spectacular dumplings and steamed buns" that are "packed with flavor and so so juicy." While some of the provided reviews mention a smaller, more focused menu, this is likely an older or specific perspective, as the full dim sum experience offers a vast array of options from the classics like shrimp harkow and steamed spare ribs to more unique items. The atmosphere is casual, making it a comfortable and approachable spot for a variety of occasions, whether it's a lively family brunch, a relaxed lunch with colleagues, or a satisfying solo dining experience. The restaurant's popularity for lunch and dinner, as well as breakfast and brunch, shows its versatility and appeal throughout the day. For New Yorkers and tourists alike, 88 Palace represents a flavorful and traditional dining experience that is both engaging and delicious, a true slice of a timeless culinary practice.

Location and Accessibility

88 Palace is located at 88 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002, USA. This address places it in a prime spot within Chinatown, an area known for its rich cultural history and vibrant food scene. One important detail to note is that the restaurant is situated on the second floor of a building, which is a common characteristic of larger dim sum halls in the area. This can be a bit tricky to find for first-time visitors, as one customer review pointed out, but it's a key part of the experience. The location is highly accessible via public transportation, with the East Broadway MTA station right nearby, making it incredibly convenient for subway riders. For those driving, paid street parking is available, though it can be competitive in such a busy neighborhood. The central location makes it a great spot for groups and tourists exploring the Lower East Side and Chinatown. Despite being on the second floor, the journey up is part of the discovery, leading you to a spacious dining room filled with the sights, sounds, and smells of authentic dim sum. This accessibility, combined with the slightly hidden, "insider" feel, adds to the charm of visiting 88 Palace, making it a destination rather than just another stop.

Services Offered

• Takeout and Dine-in: 88 Palace provides both takeout and dine-in options. While the dine-in experience, with its traditional dim sum carts, is the main draw, the option for takeout allows customers to enjoy their favorite dishes on the go.
• Table Service: The restaurant offers table service, with friendly staff and dim sum carts that are brought directly to your table. This service model is a hallmark of traditional dim sum dining, providing an interactive and efficient way to enjoy your meal.
• Catering: For larger events or gatherings, 88 Palace also offers catering services, allowing you to bring the delicious flavors of their dim sum to your next party or office event.
• Dining Options for All Meals: The restaurant caters to various dining times, including breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. It also serves desserts and has a good selection of small plates, making it versatile for any part of the day.

Features / Highlights

• Traditional Dim Sum Cart Service: The most distinctive feature of 88 Palace is its use of traditional steam carts. This classic service model is a highlight for many diners, who enjoy the experience of selecting their food directly from the passing carts. It's a lively and engaging way to eat that feels truly authentic.
• Fast Service and Great Tea Selection: The restaurant is noted for its fast service, which is crucial in a high-volume establishment. This efficiency ensures that diners get their food quickly, and the "great tea selection" complements the meal perfectly, as is customary in a dim sum hall.
• Authentic and Varied Dim Sum: The menu is a highlight, offering a vast array of authentic dim sum items. Patrons can enjoy classics like shrimp harkow, chicken feet, and steamed spare ribs, along with other items like sticky rice, steamed pork siu mai, and various rice rolls. This extensive selection ensures there's something for every palate.
• Affordable Pricing: One customer review highlights the excellent value, with a bill of about $15 per person with tip. While another review mentions a $1.80 price point for most dim sum items, it is important to note that prices may vary. However, the overall consensus is that the food is affordably priced for the quality and quantity provided.
• Good for Groups and Tourists: The restaurant's large size and casual atmosphere make it good for groups. The bustling, traditional environment is also a major attraction for tourists looking for an authentic cultural and culinary experience.

Contact Information

88 Palace is located at 88 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002, USA. While the provided information does not include a phone number, the address is the key detail for finding this iconic establishment. In a digital age, many diners find it easy to look up a restaurant's phone number online, but the location itself is the most critical piece of information for a business of this nature. Its presence at a well-known address in Chinatown makes it a recognizable landmark. Given its traditional dining style, reservations may not be a primary service, and the business relies on its physical presence and reputation to attract customers. The address is the straightforward way to get there, and for those who enjoy the experience of discovering a place in person, it's all the contact information that's needed. The lack of a readily available phone number in the data is typical for such a high-volume, walk-in friendly restaurant, where the focus is on a quick, efficient, and in-person dining experience.

What is worth choosing

In a city with countless Chinese restaurants, 88 Palace offers a compelling reason to choose it: the authentic, traditional dim sum experience. This is not just a place to eat; it is a cultural immersion. The rolling dim sum carts are a major highlight, allowing you to see and select your food in a dynamic and exciting way. The fast service ensures that you can enjoy a full meal without a long wait, making it a great option for a quick lunch or dinner. The food is consistently praised for being flavorful, juicy, and well-prepared. With a menu that includes a vast selection of classic dim sum dishes, there is something for everyone, from staple items like shrimp dumplings to more adventurous options. The affordable prices make it an excellent value, allowing you to try a variety of dishes without breaking the bank. The casual atmosphere makes it a comfortable spot for a variety of occasions, whether you're dining alone, with a small group of friends, or a large family. Despite being a bit of a hidden gem on the second floor, the journey to get there is part of the charm. For a genuine, lively, and delicious dim sum experience in New York, 88 Palace stands out as a top choice that delivers both on taste and tradition.

88 Palace

88 E Broadway, New York, NY 10002, USA