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    Bar Chinois

    4.4 (40 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 11:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Recommended Reviews - Bar Chinois

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    Ribs
    Viki S.

    I love everything there but the dumplings . I went there during Happy Hour. Those dumplings for me had too thick of a wrapper. I have tons of good Dim Sum in my home town so I was shocked to go to Michelin Guide restaurant with those dumplings. Everything else was really good though.

    Shannon Z.

    I really love the vibe here! The bar area is super cute and aesthetic and the music selection is great too and sets the mood. The food itself is pretty good. The garlic noodles are very buttery. Our favorite item were the wontons which were very flavorful. The duck spring rolls were not super memorable. Service was good and food came out fast.

    Happy Hour Menu
    Margeaux D.

    Popped in here because of happy hour specials and needed dinner that was close to the hotel during our stay. This place was already hopping and lively even through the time we left, and we were greeted immediately and brought to a table by the window (we elected to eat inside this evening because it was a little toasty outside), perfect for people watching. We each ordered a drink and dumplings. News flash I didn't like my drink despite how pretty it was (it was a more drier drink and I'm a fruity drink person - that's on me I should've asked first), and my boyfriend was just going to accept drinking it because it was at the table but our waitress was too kind and took it back for something more fruity. He had the chinois mule (2) (Tito's vodka, créme de cassis, berry shrub, lime, ginger beer) and my first drink that I didn't care for was the humble cobbler (del maguey vida mezcal, peach, genépy des alpes, lime), but my second drink I loved was mousse à la pêche (d'ussé cognac, peach, lime, almond orgeat thyme foam). Extra props for that- we were fully expecting to pay for the drink I didn't like because that was no fault of the restaurant's own, I'm just picky and should've asked first, so that one is on me! We ordered the happy hour dumplings - one pork, one chicken, told our waitress one was to be fried and the other steamed, and we didn't care which was which. They were delicious, perfectly steamed and crispy fried and full of flavor. For entree he had the chili karaage (menu says: chinois style fried chicken, spicy chili and garlic sauce, shaoxing wine, toasted sesame seeds, arugula and soy) was delicious and full of flavor, with a bit of pop and zing from the chili but perfectly balanced with the arugula. I had the char siu rice chicken (menu says: Hong Kong style bbq chicken, red soy, Swiss chard, soy egg, ginger chimichurri and sesame) which also had its own unique kick but full of beautiful color and flavor. Our servers were so sweet and everything was very prompt, despite being so busy.

    Dumplings
    Ryan B.

    Stumbled into Bar Chinois for a weekday happy hour and, let me tell you, this little corner joint is sneaky good. Tucked just out of view like a secret level in a video game, it's easy to miss from the street--but once you're inside, the vibe is lively, the music's bouncing, and the dumplings are ready to party. Happy hour deals? Chef's kiss. Cocktails for $8 and dumplings--four to a plate--for just $4. We did what anyone in their right mind would do: sampled all the dumplings. Chicken, pork, shrimp, and veggie--steamed and fried--like a tasting tour through flavor town. Honestly, they were all on point. Crunchy, juicy, flavorful... I could have kept going, but my waistband had other plans. When happy hour ended, the Chili Karaage (fried chicken nuggets, but make them spicy and dramatic) took center stage. Coated in a bold red chili garlic sauce, they had flavor for days--though some pieces were a bit too crispy, like the chef got carried away with the crunch. But hey, we still demolished the plate like champions. Next up: Popiah de Canard--crispy duck egg rolls that practically demanded a slow clap. That soy apricot sauce? I'd pour it over everything if I could. Let's not forget the cocktails--they were the real divas of the night: * Chinois Mule: A fresh twist on a classic--Tito's, cassis, berry shrub, lime, ginger beer. Summer in a glass. * Iron Goddess: Smoky, rich, complex--bourbon, Montenegro, pimento dram, egg white, and cherry vanilla bitters. Basically a cocktail with a plot twist. * Coco Marseille: Creamy, herbal, and unexpectedly refreshing--like a minty spa day for your mouth. Service was on point. The staff were attentive without hovering--always within flagging distance, always clearing plates like they were in a choreographed routine. We never had to wait long for anything. Bottom line? Bar Chinois may be hidden, but it's got the goods. Come for the happy hour, stay for the cocktails--and make peace with the fact you'll be unbuttoning your jeans before dessert.

    Karen T.

    Walked by this place a few times but never stopped. Today, saw a sign outside and decided to try their dumplings for HH. Tasted like they were from a large batch/mass produced/purchased. The pork one was better marinated and we chose the crunchy version. The chicken was really bland, which we had steamed. The inside was trendy... which made us a little skeptical that it was really Asian food but the vibe was perfect for th neighborhood full of younger bar hoppers and good food.

    Menu
    Tiffany T.

    We came for happy hour, which offers discounted drinks and cheap dumplings. I wish there were more food options on the happy hour menu, but that's okay -- the drinks made it worth it. The neon signs inside make the space feel fun, and although it was quiet when we first walked in, it got super lively (and loud!) later in the evening. It can get hard to hear your friends, so keep that in mind. Service was great -- our waiter was friendly and answered all our menu questions. Coco Marseille Exactly my style of drink! It had a light touch of creaminess from the coconut cream but still felt refreshing. Sweet but not too sweet, and the flavor combo really worked -- I could taste the basil too, which added something special. 4.5/5 Iron Goddess Very refreshing and not too sweet. Simple and easy to drink. 4/5 Mousse à la Pêche The drink underneath leans stronger, but it's topped with light, fluffy peach foam that adds a sweet, flavor-packed contrast. Nicely balanced overall. 3.5/5 Humble Cobbler I expected something sweeter because of the peach, but it wasn't sweet at all. This one's for people who like a strong, smoky whiskey-forward drink. Not for me, but I could see someone enjoying this. 1/5 Pork Dumplings (Happy Hour) Great deal for the price, but taste-wise they reminded me of grocery store dumplings. Filling was packed but not juicy or moist, and the pan-fry gave it a light crisp. I'd probably go for steamed next time. 2/5 Red Chili Wonton Packed with meat, which wasn't dry but also not juicy. Sauce had decent flavor but wasn't spicy at all for me -- though my friends said it was too spicy, so your mileage may vary. 2.5/5 1970s Garlic Noodles with Fried Chicken Gets repetitive quickly. A little salty but otherwise fine. The fried chicken on top was dry. 2.5/5 Char Siu Chicken Rice Tasted like a familiar char siu marinade -- normally on pork -- and worked well on the chicken. The chimichurri sauce helped brighten it up. Chicken was cooked nicely. 3/5

    Coco Marseilles and Fall in Normandy
    Erienne T.

    FANTASTIC cocktails. Truly. As home bartenders ourselves, we really appreciated this place. Every drink we tried was so good and so interesting, we couldn't even choose a favorite. Came for happy hour, and also enjoyed the pork dumplings. Great service. Will be back for a proper dinner sometime soon!

    Garlic Chives GAO Chili Karaage Popiah de Canard Iron Goddess - drink
    Quinncee P.

    Popped in to try a few items since this location just opened. Though it has huge windows, the lighting is dim and intimate. I sat at the bar and both bartenders were friendly. I ordered the Iron Goddess as my drink, and had the garlic chives gao dumplings, the karaage (fried chicken), and the popiah de canard (duck spring rolls). Everything was good but the duck spring rolls were amazing. I expected the fried chicken to be spicier, but I wasn't upset that they weren't. I look forward to coming back and trying more of the menu.

    Inside
    Keyin L.

    Came here with two people and no reservations on Friday night and was seated at high top tables. We ordered the chili oil wontons and salt and pepper shrimp for food. The shrimp was cooked well but needed a lot more salt and seasoning. The chili oil wontons were okay, spicy but the sauce was too acidic and not quite the flavor that chili oil wontons should be. The drink was good so if we come back, we would probably opt for the drinks and skip the food menu. Service was pretty fast for a busy Friday so no complaints there.

    Dumpling
    Yaseen A.

    I went to Bar Chinois for an early dinner, I've been eye-ing this place for a while since they have a great happy hour menu. They have some steals 4 for 4 dumplings (steamed or fried) and drinks for a good price too. I do try other food on their menu and was quite impressed. They have a nice ambiance and vibe and service is great. This will definitely become a neighborhood staple for me!

    Dumplings (Happy Hour)
    Joevi F.

    Bar Chinois (Arlington location) is very good. Amazing Happy Hour (4-7 M-F), $1 dumplings with discounted drinks. I'm not sure if a lot of people know about this location compared to its DC counterpart. Service was good and the dumplings came out very fast for the amount we ordered.

    Veggie dumplings
    Pinky J.

    Was craving Asian food, found a parking space and decided to finally try Bar Chinos in VA. VEGGIE DUMPLINGS $4 I honestly did not like this at all, kinda had an earthy taste and texture that I wasn't a fan of first bite. SALT & PEPPER SHRIMP $12 These shrimps were huge, extra crispy and perfectly seasoned. I'm definitely a fan and wish they came with way more or a high quality option. CRAB RAGOONS $11 OMGGGGG! These are my favorite, super crispy and filling was amazing. These came on top of a duck sauce glaze that added a layer of goodness. It's hard to find places with delicious ragoons so this def my #2 favorite spot for this item. NL MULE (HH) $6 Made with ginger beer and a semi fruity hint with a dried blood orange slice. Refreshing with a kick, good to try and different to my norm. I wouldn't mind getting this again. I wish they had fried rice and more options, this is mostly bar food small plates. Not a dinner date vibe unless you just going for drinks and small bites. Staff was nice and checked on me a few times which I greatly appreciated. Will come back when I want something slight and light.

    Bar views
    Fran W.

    Checked out new location for HH . Same vibes as the DC location , came on a Sunday and it wasn't too busy which I appreciated . $4 dumplings ( for 4) not pictured but worth it! Also hh cocktails are half off ! A bill under $20 you cannot beat. I parked on the street and walked to location but there may be a garage! Can't wait to come back and check out more of the menu !

    Mousse à la Pêche

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    7 months ago

    Interesting cocktails and good food. I particularly enjoyed the Lu Rao Fan. Dumplings are also great.

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    6 months ago

    Excellent service from Mel and Isabel, with wonderful food that made us feel like family--definitely recommend this place!

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    11 months ago

    The food was amazing! The best I had in DC and the staff was very attentive! Highly recommend!

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    Bar Chinois - chinese - Updated May 2026

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