Dim Sum Palace, the acclaimed family-run restaurant group known for its traditional Cantonese cuisine and expertly prepared dim sum, has opened a new location in Long Island City’s historic Court Square. Since its founding in 2016, the brand has grown steadily across NYC, earning a loyal following with its dedication to culinary craftsmanship, authentic flavors, and warm, community-centered service.
Famed for its all-day dim sum offerings, featuring delicacies like shrimp dumplings, shumai, and sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaf, Dim Sum Palace also serves an extensive menu of Cantonese favorites, including roast duck, sautéed greens, and fresh seafood dishes. The restaurant’s commitment to consistency and quality has made it a go-to destination for dim sum lovers across the five boroughs.
The new location carries added significance, as it opens in the former home of Brooks 1890, a beloved neighborhood institution with deep roots in Long Island City. The building, located near the Queens County Courthouse, has served as a community cornerstone for 135 years. Originally opened in 1890 as a private social club, it evolved into Kleefeld Hall, then Kleefeld’s Saloon, and later the Court Square Restaurant. In the 1970s, Bill “Brooks” Gounaris acquired the space and established Brooks 1890, a name it held until its closure in January 2025.
Brooks 1890 was cherished for its preserved architectural features, ornate tin ceilings, stained-glass windows, tiled floors, and a majestic Gilded Age mahogany bar that became a social hub for local legal professionals, judges, and civic leaders. The stained-glass initials “H” and “K,” honoring the original proprietors Martin Heilbut and Herman Kleefeld, remain intact, bridging past and present.
While the closure of Brooks 1890 marked the end of a storied chapter in the neighborhood’s history, the arrival of Dim Sum Palace breathes new life into the space. The restaurant group embraces its new role as a gathering place for the community, celebrating both its culinary heritage and the rich legacy of the building it now calls home.
Dim Sum Palace delivers a comprehensive Cantonese dim sum experience, blending freshly handmade small plates, robust mains, and signature desserts. Their appetizers shine with refined flavor. Black Truffle Shrimp Dumplings offer rich, aromatic elegance in a sleek wrapper. Classic Shu Mai delights with savory pork, shrimp, and a signature green pea topping. Crispy Shrimp Rolls provide a satisfying crunch, bursting with juicy shrimp in each golden bite.
Two beloved favorites among their patrons are the Roast Duck and Sweet & Sour Chicken with Pineapple. The Roast Duck, served bone-in and prepared in traditional Cantonese style, features rich, tender meat with perfectly crisped skin, a comforting classic for duck lovers. Equally popular is the Sweet & Sour Chicken with Pineapple, which delivers a satisfying crunch with each bite. The battered chicken pieces are fried until golden, then tossed with pineapple, bell peppers, and onions in a tangy, vibrant sauce. Together, these dishes showcase Dim Sum Palace’s ability to balance tradition with bold, crowd-pleasing flavors.
Dim Sum Palace isn’t just celebrated for its savory Cantonese dishes and expertly made dim sum; it’s also known for its exquisite selection of traditional Chinese desserts, which offer a sweet finale to every meal. Rooted in centuries-old recipes and made fresh daily, these desserts embody the same attention to detail and authenticity that define the rest of the menu.
Among the most popular offerings is the Sesame Balls, crispy, golden orbs made from glutinous rice flour and coated in toasted sesame seeds. Filled with a subtly sweet red bean paste, they’re delightfully chewy and satisfyingly crisp on the outside.
The Coconut Jelly dessert is a timeless Cantonese treat, simple yet elegant. Its light sweetness, silky texture, and cooling nature make it a perfect complement to bold or greasy dim sum selections. You may want to consider it as a sweet finale, especially if you’re trying to save room after enjoying one of the restaurant’s feasts.
Their Durian Pastry is one of the more adventurous and conversation-starting items on its dessert roster, an offering that pairs sweet indulgence with bold, tropical flavor rooted in Cantonese culinary tradition. It is a daring treat: flaky, creamy, aromatic, and perfect for those curious about one of the world’s most polarizing fruits.
Whether you’re a fan of traditional sweets or adventurous enough to try new textures and flavors, Dim Sum Palace’s dessert menu provides a perfect finish to a meal steeped in Cantonese tradition.
With this opening, Dim Sum Palace invites Long Island City locals and visitors alike to experience a taste of traditional Cantonese cooking in a setting steeped in history. Balancing reverence for the past with a flavorful future, the restaurant promises to be a new landmark in one of Queens’ most dynamic neighborhoods.
