Potluck Club is a delightful recent addition to the vibrant multigenerational food scene in Manhattan’s Chinatown. A playful, nostalgic-yet-contemporary take on Cantonese fare, their menu is filled with creative interpretations of familiar dishes. A classic walnut shrimp is dressed up with calabrian chili aioli and romanesco cauliflower. Drunken chicken is given a crispy treatment and paired with shrimp chips. Fried chicken and biscuits are made with a Chinese twist with the classic salt and pepper powder and generous amounts of scallion folded into the layered biscuits. Bolo bao (aka the traditional Chinese bakery pineapple bun) is paired with a Dole whip inspired pineapple soft serve for a perfectly refreshing dessert.

But it’s really an experience for all senses. Stepping into the restaurant is being immersed into a fever dream of Hong Kong memories and Chinese American childhood. A “vending machine” elevates household items into an artful display. Scenes from Hong Kong films glow in a light box. Potluck Club doesn’t try to be authentic in a neighborhood filled with mom and pop shops, but it also doesn’t try to be overly fancy, it’s the perfect place for a fun group meal.