Destinations / New York City / Top Things to Do in New York City at Night in Chinatown
Top Things to Do in New York City at Night in Chinatown
1. Nom Wah Tea Parlor
A century-old dim sum icon on lantern-lit Doyers Street, Nom Wah hums after dark with fry-to-order egg rolls, crisp scallion pancakes, and baskets of dumplings.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the quintessential Chinatown night: classic comfort dishes, historic ambiance, and great people-watching right outside the door.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Weeknights 7:30–9:30 pm for manageable waits; on weekends arrive before 6:30 pm or after 9:30 pm.
✓ Insider Tip:
Order the original egg roll and pan-fried pork dumplings; put your name in and wander Doyers Street until you’re texted.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors love the nostalgic vibe, solid dim sum standards, and photogenic setting—lines are common but considered worth it.
2. Apothéke
An apothecary-themed cocktail bar tucked into a narrow bend of Doyers Street, pouring herb-driven drinks in a moody, candlelit space with late-night energy.
✓ Why Go:
Destination cocktails in the heart of Chinatown let you pair an after-dumpling nightcap with serious mixology.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
8:00–10:00 pm on weeknights or around 10:30 pm for a post-dinner drink on weekends.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve when possible and bring ID; try a floral, herb-forward signature for something you won’t find elsewhere.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for inventive drinks and atmosphere; expect a wait at peak hours.
3. Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
This beloved scoop shop dishes out flavors like lychee, durian, and black sesame—ideal for a late dessert stroll along Bayard and Mott.
✓ Why Go:
A sweet finish to a Chinatown evening with adventurous flavors that define the neighborhood.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
9:00–11:00 pm when post-dinner lines move quickly and the street scene is lively.
✓ Insider Tip:
Ask for half-and-half scoops to try more flavors; black sesame with lychee is a crowd favorite.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests rave about unique flavors and quick service in a cozy, no-frills space.
4. Chinese Tuxedo
A contemporary Chinese restaurant set in a restored opera house on Doyers Street, with dramatic lighting and shareable plates designed for a night out.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the special-occasion side of Chinatown—elevated cooking without losing the neighborhood’s buzz.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
7:00–9:00 pm with a reservation; later walk-ins sometimes possible.
✓ Insider Tip:
Book ahead; pair prawn toast or roast duck with a house cocktail before heading to nearby bars.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Widely regarded as stylish and celebratory; a splurge that delivers on flavor and scene.
5. Wo Hop
An old-school basement Cantonese staple feeding night owls with big portions, bright plates, and a timeless NYC Chinatown feel.
✓ Why Go:
For late-night comfort food that’s pure nostalgia—from wonton soup to pork chops over rice.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
After 10:00 pm to miss the dinner crush; great as a final stop before heading home.
✓ Insider Tip:
Use the downstairs entrance for the original spot; share a few classics and expect leftovers.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Loved for hearty portions and vintage charm; service is brisk and straightforward.
6. Peachy’s
A neon-lit subterranean lounge beneath Chinese Tuxedo with DJs, tasty cocktails, and a fashionable crowd late into the night.
✓ Why Go:
It’s a compact, clubby Chinatown vibe steps from great restaurants.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
10:30 pm–1:00 am on weekends; earlier arrivals score easier entry.
✓ Insider Tip:
Expect a line and smart-casual dress; lychee-forward cocktails are standouts.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Guests highlight the cool aesthetic, music, and energy—sometimes crowded but fun.
7. K-One Karaoke Lounge
A multi-room karaoke lounge on Bowery with private rooms, big song catalogs, and bottle service for late-night groups.
✓ Why Go:
A classic NYC night with friends—sing your heart out after noodles or dim sum.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
10:00 pm–1:00 am for peak energy; earlier on weeknights for better rates.
✓ Insider Tip:
Reserve a room and ask about minimum spends; bring a playlist and charge your phone.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Praised for lively atmosphere and spacious rooms; service is efficient during busy hours.
8. Mr. Fong’s
A low-lit neighborhood bar near the Manhattan Bridge with creative cocktails and weekend DJ sets that draw a local, artsy crowd.
✓ Why Go:
Laid-back drinks close to Mott, Bayard, and Doyers without leaving the neighborhood orbit.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
9:00 pm–midnight; later gets louder and more crowded.
✓ Insider Tip:
Show up early to snag a booth; frozen specials hit the spot in warm weather.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Described as chill and stylish—popular, so expect standing room late.
9. Doyers Street
The crooked, lantern-strung heart of Chinatown glows at night—perfect for photos, bar-hopping, and soaking in the neighborhood’s cinematic feel.
✓ Why Go:
It’s the most atmospheric block in the area, with history underfoot and hotspots steps apart.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Blue hour through late evening; warm months are especially lively.
✓ Insider Tip:
For the best shot, stand near the bend looking toward the lantern canopy; combine with a snack run on Bayard.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Visitors call it magical and unmistakably Chinatown—busy but welcoming after dark.
10. Confucius Plaza
A plaza anchored by the bronze Confucius statue where evening lights and traffic create striking backdrops for quick night photos.
✓ Why Go:
An iconic landmark that frames the neighborhood near the Bowery and Division Street corridors.
✓ Best Time to Visit:
Dusk to early night when the statue and surrounding streetscape are beautifully lit.
✓ Insider Tip:
Bring a steady hand or mini-tripod; pair with a short walk along Division Street for more views.
✓ What Visitors Say:
Seen as serene and photogenic—ideal for a brief, meaningful stop.
