Maxi’s, the Flushing-born favorite once crowned the top Chinese restaurant in the U.S., has set up shop on Mott Street—and the buzz (and the line) hasn’t let up since. The new Chinatown outpost delivers everything Maxi’s Noodle 1 and 2 superfans love: broths simmered for hours, noodles with the perfect boing and gigantic dumplings just begging to get put on your feed. The space runs casual and communal—don’t be surprised if you end up shoulder-to-shoulder with a stranger—but the payoff is quick, comforting and deeply satisfying.
The vibe: Bustling in the best way. Come ready for fast-moving lines, elbow-to-elbow tables and steaming bowls flying out of the kitchen. Maybe your new friend at the table beside you will offer to share some of their dumplings…
The food: Hong Kong–style noodle soup made to order, with giant wontons, rich dace fish balls, melt-in-your-mouth beef stew and extras like eggs or crispy fish skin that melts magically into the broth.
The drink: Go for a Hong Kong-style milk tea and coffee or a cold glass of purple-pink lemon ribena.
Time Out tip: Frozen dumplings and wontons are sold by the dozen (plus their signature red chili oil), so you can stock your freezer and flex at your next dinner party.