damnlines for iPhoneLive lines & push alerts — freeGetdamnlines.comA Chinatown soup dumpling spot on Mott Street known for near-constant lines, even during off-peak hours.
21 Mott St, New York, NY 10013
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The Infatuation's Chinatown soup-dumpling coverage says the only time they were ever seated immediately at Shanghai 21 was 3:50pm on a slow Monday — and even then, 'a line immediately formed right behind us.' The review frames this as evidence the restaurant is essentially always drawing a wait.
Despite the near-constant line, The Infatuation concludes 'the wait is worth it,' and recommends visiting with a group since the restaurant's booth seating comfortably fits around four people per table.
Patterns as reported by press and regulars — not measured by damnlines.
Walk-ins: Yes
Waits are common even during slow periods — The Infatuation reports a line formed behind them even at 3:50pm on a Monday, the only time they were seated immediately.
No reservation information is documented by our source; treat it as walk-in only.
Yes, it's walk-in, but expect a line most of the time, per The Infatuation, which recommends going with a group for the four-person booths.
Sources: The Infatuation