Bar Chinois
Category: Cocktail Bars, Asian Fusion, Happy Hour Spots
Neighborhood: Downtown
Price:
Address: 455 I St NW #21, Washington, DC 20001, United States
β¨ Vibe
A sultry and energetic "velvet-smirk" sanctuary where French cocktail chic meets a high-octane modern Chinese dim sum parlor.
πΈ Best For
Daily Happy Hour, Award-Winning Mixology, Late-Night Eats, Trendy Weekend Brunch, Post-Workout Refueling
π₯ Highlights
- Award-Winning Excellence: Recognized as the 2024 RAMMY Award Winner for Best Bar in DC and featured in the prestigious Michelin Dining Guide USA.
- Culinary Fusion: An evolving menu featuring fan favorites like the $1 happy hour dumplings, "1970s Garlic Noodles," Gyoza de Boeuf, and a decadent Matcha BrΓ»lΓ©e.
- World-Class Bar Program: Expertly crafted French-inspired cocktails and smooth Espresso Martinis served by a staff frequently praised for their "cream of the crop" service.
βΉοΈ Need to Know
- Happy Hour is hosted daily from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, offering a legendary dollar-dumpling deal and 50% off select cocktails.
- Open late until 1:00 AM on weekdays and 2:00 AM on Saturdays, with a popular weekend brunch served from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
π Weekly Events
Weekend Brunch π₯
Chinese-inspired brunch experience at the 2024 RAMMY Award Winner for Best Bar in DC.
Happy Hour
Daily happy hour specials featuring French-inspired cocktails and wine.
π° In the News
Chinatown Coalition brings expanded Lunar New Year celebrations to DC
Bar Chinois is offering a $65 four-course special menu at its Washington, D.C. and Arlington locations to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The festive meal features a selection of dumplings, noodles, salmon, and duck, complemented by signature dishes like red chili wontons.
D.C.βs Hottest New Sushi Place Debuts in a Familiar Space
Bar Chinois remains a popular fixture in Mt. Vernon Triangle, continuing to serve its signature French-inspired cocktails and dumplings from happy hour until late. The team behind the venue recently expanded their D.C. footprint by opening Katsumi, a focused Japanese sushi and hot plate concept in Logan Circle.
More Dim-Sum News β Bottomless Dim Sum Brunch at Bar Chinois!!
Bar Chinois offers a bottomless dim sum brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. featuring a variety of plates like red chili wontons and French onion beef gyoza. Guests can choose from unlimited dim sum for $37, select bottomless drinks for $23, or a combined package for $57.
DC's Bar Chinois expands to National Landing, offering popular menu and happy hour deals
Bar Chinois has expanded from its original Washington, D.C. location to a second spot in National Landing, Northern Virginia. The new venue features the same popular menu items and happy hour deals that established the brand's reputation in the District.
The Biggest D.C.-Area Restaurant Openings in May
Bar Chinois expanded its D.C.-area presence with a second location in National Landing, Arlington, which opened in May 2025. The 90-seat venue features a turquoise-toned interior and a large outdoor patio, serving the brand's signature French-influenced cocktails and dim sum favorites like black pepper duck, crab Rangoon, and bao buns.
Recent Reviews from Google
My Once-a-Week Cheat Day Paradise If you ever wonder where I disappear to on my once-a-week cheat day, look no further β Iβm maybe at Bar Chinois, living my best double-life between discipline and...
I must say Manager Ian, bartender Nikki and Darryl were the CREAM OF THE CROP!!! This was my first time at Bar Chinois and I GUARANTEE it will NOT BE MY LAST! From the vibes to the aesthetics to the...
What an amazing experience! I wanted to check this restaurant out for some time. I finally made my way in during Restaurant Week. I did the brunch menu and I enjoyed every minute! The hostess was nice...
Great happy hour drink special where drinks are 50% off or $7 cocktails, not sure which. Authentic Asian food with a large variety. They have ramen and other dishes that you are looking for.
I would taken more pictures of the food but everything happened so fast. Knowledge Bartender (Mel). Try the Coco Marseille or ask for a naked and famous. What plates have I tried: 1970s Garlic...
