Potluck Club: Redefining Cantonese-American Dining in Chinatown
Discover Potluck Club, a vibrant Chinatown restaurant redefining Cantonese-American cuisine. From Salt and Pepper Chicken & Biscuits to Oyster Mushroom Rice Rolls, experience bold flavors and heartfelt community roots in every bite.
Chinatown’s dining scene is evolving, and Potluck Club is leading the way. Co-founded by Cory and his childhood friends, the restaurant blends traditional Cantonese flavors with a fresh, modern perspective. “We wanted to create a space that reflects who we are: deeply rooted in Chinatown, but undeniably New Yorkers,” Cory says.
From its inventive dishes to its vibrant atmosphere, Potluck Club captures the energy of a new generation while honoring its community’s rich history.
A Labor of Love
Potluck Club isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a heartfelt project born from the shared roots and vision of five friends who grew up together in Chinatown. “We’ve known each other since we were 13,” Cory shares. “During the pandemic, we realized how much Chinatown was shrinking due to gentrification and real estate development. We wanted to create something that celebrated our neighborhood and who we are.”
With that mission in mind, Potluck Club was born. Its menu, atmosphere, and ethos reflect a balance of honoring tradition while embracing modernity. “We’re kids with deep Cantonese roots, but we’re also New Yorkers,” Cory says. “That’s the energy we wanted to capture.”
Familiar Flavors, Fresh Perspectives
The menu at Potluck Club draws inspiration from the childhood classics the founders grew up eating, with inventive twists that make each dish feel new and exciting. Two standout items are the Salt and Pepper Chicken and Biscuits and the Oyster Mushroom Rice Rolls with Steak.
“Chicken and biscuits is such an American staple, but we’ve infused it with Cantonese flavors,” Cory explains. Served with a house-made chili plum jam, the dish captures the essence of Potluck Club’s playful culinary style.
As for the rice rolls, Cory describes them as a reimagining of traditional beef chow fun. “Chef Zan took the flat rice noodles we all know and swapped them for rice rolls—something more popular as a breakfast item,” Cory says. “The result is nostalgic but fresh, almost like gnocchi in texture. It’s the perfect example of what we’re trying to do here.”
Chef Zan, a key part of the Potluck team, brings his French and Italian culinary training to the table, giving classic Cantonese dishes a modern edge. “He’s never worked in a traditional Chinese kitchen,” Cory explains. “That’s why our food feels different—it blends Cantonese roots with techniques and influences from all over.”
Building a New Legacy
Beyond the food, Potluck Club is a love letter to Chinatown itself. From its modern yet nostalgic interior design to the sourcing of ingredients from local Chinatown vendors, every detail is rooted in community. “We’re not just creating a restaurant; we’re helping to sustain Chinatown as a cultural and economic hub,” Cory says.
The team’s vision extends beyond the present. With many long-standing Chinatown establishments closing as owners retire and their children pursue other careers, Potluck Club is stepping in to fill the gap. “Our generation isn’t staying in the neighborhood the way we used to,” Cory says. “We wanted to change that by creating a space that feels like home for us and for the next generation.”
A Restaurant with Heart
Potluck Club isn’t just redefining Cantonese-American food—it’s creating a new kind of dining experience that bridges past and future, tradition and innovation. Whether you’re a lifelong Chinatown resident or a first-time visitor, it’s a place where everyone can come together over good food and great vibes.