What is Mott Street known for?

Mott Street is regarded as the unofficial "Main Street" of Chinatown and serves as the center of Manhattan's Old Chinatown. The stretch between Canal Street and Chatham Square is a major tourist destination lined with restaurants, tea houses, and souvenir shops.

Where is Mott Street located?

Located in downtown New York City within the Chinatown and Little Italy Historic District, Mott Street runs north-south from Bleecker Street to Chatham Square and is flanked by Nolita and Chinatown.

Are there any notable landmarks or buildings on Mott Street?

The Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA) is a key landmark; it originally built its headquarters at 16 Mott Street in 1888—considered the first genuine Chinese building in New York—before moving to 62 Mott Street in 1959.

What can I find to eat or shop for on Mott Street?

The street features a thriving marketplace between Grand and Hester Streets with produce stalls and sidewalk vendors. Notable eateries include Wo Hop (serving egg drop soup and chow fun since 1938) and Buddha Bodai, a vegetarian and kosher restaurant.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Mott Street in New York City

Q: What is the history of Mott Street?

The street existed in its current configuration by the mid-18th century and was renamed in the late 18th century to honor the Mott family, likely businessman Joseph Mott. In the 1870s, Chinese residents began concentrating around the street south of Canal Street.

What to know

Mott Street runs north-south from Bleecker Street to Chatham Square, serving as the unofficial Main Street of Manhattan's Chinatown. Its current configuration was established by the mid-18th century, and it was renamed in the late 18th century to honor the Mott family, likely businessman Joseph Mott, a butcher and tavern owner who supported rebel forces during the American Revolution. In the 1870s, Chinese residents began concentrating south of Canal Street, transforming the area into a cultural hub. A pivotal moment occurred in 1872 when the merchant Wo Kee opened a general store near Pell Street, marking an early anchor for the community. By the 1890s, the street was lined with Chinese restaurants that attracted non-Chinese New Yorkers, signaling the neighborhood's growing influence. Architecturally, the street is home to the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA), which was established in 1883 to serve as an umbrella organization for Chinese Americans. The CCBA first constructed a headquarters at 16 Mott Street in 1888, a renovated Federal-style townhouse that is considered the first genuine Chinese building in New York. The organization later moved to a larger location at 62 Mott Street in 1959. Today, the stretch between Canal Street and Chatham Square remains the historic heart of Old Chinatown. While some areas are lined with souvenir shops and tea houses, the section between Grand and Hester Streets functions as a thriving marketplace. Here, sidewalks are filled with brightly colored awnings and bulk bins of seafood, grains, and richly hued fruits and vegetables.

Visitor tips

Visit the stretch between Grand and Hester Streets for the most authentic marketplace experience with produce stalls.
Look for the historic building at 16 Mott Street to see the first genuine Chinese building in New York.
Allow extra time to navigate the narrow, one-way street which can be very crowded with pedestrians.

Nearby context

Mott Street is an ever-bustling narrow corridor flanked by the distinct atmospheres of Nolita and Chinatown, lying within the Chinatown and Little Italy Historic District.