Hing Kee Noodle Shutters, Altering Chinatown’s Late-Night Landscape

• Hing Kee Noodle closed June 18, 2024.
• The restaurant opened on Eldridge Street in 2009.
• Hing Kee was known for late-night hours and hand-pulled noodles.

Hing Kee Noodle’s closure leaves a gap in Chinatown’s 24-hour food offerings. For years, the eatery drew a steady stream of locals, shift workers, and late-night crowds. Its hours often extended past midnight, serving hand-pulled noodles and Cantonese dishes.

Chinatown has seen several longstanding restaurants shutter since 2020. Hing Kee Noodle’s departure follows the closures of Wo Hop (downstairs) for renovations and Hop Kee’s reduced hours. The pattern has narrowed late-night options in the neighborhood.

Operators cited rising costs as a factor. Staff at Hing Kee Noodle said rent increases and labor shortages made continued operation unsustainable. The next tenant for the 28 Eldridge Street space has not been announced.

Some neighboring businesses expect changes in foot traffic. Late-night workers and students who frequented Hing Kee Noodle may shift to the few remaining venues open past midnight. Community organizations have expressed concern about the shrinking number of accessible, affordable dining options in Chinatown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Hing Kee Noodle close?

Staff at Hing Kee Noodle cited rising rent and ongoing labor shortages as primary reasons for the closure. Increased operational costs made it difficult to maintain profitability. These challenges have affected a number of Chinatown businesses in recent years. No plans exist to reopen at another location.

What impact does the closure have on Chinatown’s late-night scene?

Hing Kee Noodle was among the few Chinatown spots serving food past midnight. Its closure reduces options for shift workers, students, and tourists seeking late-night meals. Other nearby establishments have also reduced hours, signaling an overall contraction of the neighborhood’s late-night dining scene.

Are there plans for another restaurant in Hing Kee Noodle’s space?

As of June 2024, no new tenant for 28 Eldridge Street has been announced. The landlord has not released public statements about a replacement. The space remains vacant following Hing Kee Noodle’s final service on June 18.