ZipPicks Awards
Best Dim Sum in Chinatown & Bridgeport
Best Brunch in Chinatown & Bridgeport
Best Restaurants With Private Dining Rooms in Chinatown & Bridgeport
Master Critic Review
Phoenix Restaurant
8.1
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Family Friendly Favorites
Birthday & Celebration Central
Comfort Food Classics
Upstairs in Chinatown Square since the 1990s, Phoenix blends menu-based and cart-passed dim sum in a large, banquet-style room. Regulars come for chicken feet, shrimp dumplings, and roast meats at busy weekend seatings, treating it as a classic, slightly old-school option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken feet in black bean sauce, Shrimp shu mai, Steamed BBQ pork buns
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 6.3
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Upstairs banquet hall where classic dim sum and Cantonese roasts run all day.
Who should go: Dim sum traditionalists who like carts and big family tables.
When to visit: Weekend mornings before peak rush or later afternoon lulls.
What to order: Chicken feet, shrimp shu mai, steamed BBQ pork buns.
Insider tip: Ask specifically for favored items if carts skip your section; staff will fire them from the kitchen.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Chinatown Square garage and surface lot parking available; fills quickly on weekends, metered street parking nearby when the plaza is full
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual; families and large groups dress comfortably
Noise level: Lively and loud during peak dim sum hours; conversation is easier at off-peak times
Weekend wait: Usually minimal or short waits (10–25 min), longer on holidays and large-group evenings
Weekday lunch: Often no wait or short wait outside peak dim sum rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options (vegetable dumplings, noodle and tofu dishes), but many items include seafood or pork — confirm when ordering
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable plates and noodles may qualify depending on preparation; ask about eggs, stocks, and sauces
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free program; many dumplings and sauces contain wheat — safer to stick to select rice and seafood dishes after confirming with staff
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or social dates than an intimate one — the room is busy, energetic, and focused on sharing plates rather than quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common, especially for smaller parties. Expect a wait during weekend dim sum; add your name at the host stand and be prepared for paging.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — large round tables, high chairs, and shareable dishes make it family-friendly. Weekend crowds can be loud, which works well for children comfortable in busy spaces.
Best For
Better for: Large family gatherings, traditional dim sum service with carts, and classic Cantonese comfort dishes in a banquet-style setting
Skip if: You want a quiet or romantic meal, highly modern dim sum, or strict dietary accommodations such as gluten-free or vegan-focused menus