Bar Chinois Menu with Prices 2026

Bar Chinois is most famous for receiving the 2024 RAMMY Award for Best Bar in DC and its unique Gyoza de Boeuf. This signature dish reimagines the classic French Onion Soup as a beef dumpling topped with gruyère and swiss cheese, served with pickled onions and cilantro aioli for $13.00. Patrons also recognize the venue for its high-energy atmosphere and the daily Happy Hour featuring half-priced cocktails and dollar dumplings.

The most popular signature items on the Bar Chinois menu include the Gyoza de Boeuf, the 1970's Garlic Noodles, and the Misozuke Salmon Rice. The kitchen emphasizes bold spices and comforting textures to create these standout offerings. A list of Bar Chinois’ most popular signature items follows below.

• Gyoza de Boeuf: French onion beef gyoza topped with gruyère, swiss, pickled onions, and cilantro aioli.
• 1970's Garlic Noodles: Egg noodles tossed with shiitake mushrooms, spinach, garlic butter, parmesan, and Chef’s soy sauce.
• Misozuke Salmon Rice: Honey-glazed miso salmon served with wasabi seaweed rice seasoning and a mixed greens salad.
• Salt & Pepper Shrimp: Crispy fried shrimp seasoned with aromatic spices and served with a zesty dipping sauce.
• Char Siu Chicken Rice: Hong Kong Style BBQ Chicken served with red soy, swiss chard, soy egg, and ginger chimichurri.
• Pork XLB Dumplings: Pork soup dumplings filled with onions, ginger, and Chef’s soy.

The beverage program at Bar Chinois highlights a robust selection of French-inspired cocktails, wines, and Asian beers. Guests select from inventive mixed drinks or sommelier-chosen wines to complement the savory dim sum. Bar Chinois drink and beverage options are outlined below.

• Chinois Mule: A signature mix of Tito’s Vodka, Crème de Cassis, Berry Shrub, Lime, and Ginger Beer for $14.00.
• Coco Marseille: A refreshing cocktail blending Cazadores Blanco Tequila, Basil Sesame Coconut Cream, Suze, Honey, and Lime for $15.00.
• Mousse à la Pêche: A sophisticated mix of D’Ussé Cognac, Combier Peach, Lime, and Almond Orgeat Thyme Foam for $17.00.
• Iron Goddess: A tea-infused cocktail with Wild Turkey Bourbon, Montenegro, Pimento Dram, and Cherry Vanilla Bitters for $17.00.
• Wine List: A curated selection including Minuty Prestige Rosé for $15.00 per glass and Baron de Ladoucette Pouilly Fumé for $111.00 per bottle.
• Asian Beers: Imported options like TsingTao Lager for $7.00 alongside local brews like Soul Mega IPA for $9.00.

Yes, Bar Chinois offers a distinct lineup of specialty cocktails featuring premium spirits and house-made ingredients. The selection includes the Lucky Snake for $20.00, blending Sorgin Grapefruit Gin, Doctor Bird Rum, dragonfruit, and clarified milk. Guests can select the MSG marTini for $17.00, which incorporates Wilde Gin, MSG-olive brine, and Shaoxing wine. Other creative options include the Tournesol with Mal Bien Espadin Mezcal and yuzu for $19.00, and the BC L'espresso featuring Planteray Cut & Dry Coconut Rum and pandan for $17.00.

The cheapest meal on the Bar Chinois menu is the Garlic Chives Gao which costs $11.00. This small plate features fried chive cube dumplings served with sambal chili, pickled onions, and dark soy.

The most expensive meal on the Bar Chinois menu is the Chicken Under a Brick which costs $38.00. This entree features a half chicken seared for crispy skin and served with creamy polenta, Brussels sprouts, almonds, and pecorino.

The healthiest meals on the Bar Chinois menu are the Roasted Mushroom Salad, the Steamed Shumai, and the Misozuke Salmon Rice. The Roasted Mushroom Salad features nutrient-dense shiitake mushrooms and bean sprouts dressed in black vinegar for $13.00. The Steamed Shumai offers a lighter dumpling option filled with chicken and shrimp for $12.00. The Misozuke Salmon Rice provides heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids from the fish paired with mixed greens for $23.00.

Bar Chinois introduces special offers on a weekly and seasonal basis, including the daily Happy Hour and holiday prix fixe menus. The Happy Hour runs Monday through Sunday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, featuring half-priced cocktails and dollar dumplings. The kitchen also curates events like the Lunar New Year celebration, offering a four-course prix-fixe experience for $65.00 per person on February 17th, 2026. Weekend brunch features a Bottomless Dim Sum option for $39.00 or Dim Sum + Mimosas for $62.00 with a 2-hour time limit.

Yes, Bar Chinois offers Happy Hour specials daily from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. The promotion includes half-priced cocktails and discounted food items such as $1.00 dumplings. Specific drink specials include the Botanical Garden with Tito's Vodka and Plum Wine for $8.50 and the Martini'que with Mezcal Amarás Reposado for $8.50.

No, Bar Chinois does not maintain a loyalty program for dining guests. The establishment focuses on delivering consistent value through daily specials like Happy Hour and inclusive brunch packages rather than a points-based reward system. Guests stay informed about promotions and events through the restaurant's social media channels and email newsletter.

No, Bar Chinois does not offer family meal bundles as the structure supports a shared dining experience where guests select various small plates and entrees à la carte to create a personalized spread. Groups often order multiple servings of dumplings and noodles to replicate a traditional family-style meal at the table.

Yes, Bar Chinois offers vegan options including the Garlic Chives Gao, the Roasted Mushroom Salad, and the Spicy Eggplant. The Garlic Chives Gao features fried chive dumplings free from animal products. The Roasted Mushroom Salad combines shiitake mushrooms with a black vinegar dressing. The Spicy Eggplant offers wok-fried purple eggplant with black vinegar and fresh basil. The menu is clearly marked “V” for vegan. 

Yes, Bar Chinois offers gluten-free options such as the Misozuke Salmon Rice, the Roasted Mushroom Salad, and the Brussels Sprouts. The menu clearly indicates dietary information with "GF" symbols. The Misozuke Salmon Rice is listed as gluten-free, and the Brussels Sprouts with yuzu-soy vinaigrette are available for guests with sensitivities.

Yes, Bar Chinois is pet-friendly on the outdoor patio. The establishment welcomes leashed dogs to join owners at the tables located outside the restaurant. Staff typically provide water bowls to ensure a comfortable experience for pets while guests enjoy their meal al fresco.

Yes, guests can order à la carte at Bar Chinois, selecting items like the Crab Rangoon for $12.00, the Har Gow for $12.00, or the Black Pepper Duck for $25.00. The ala carte options on the Bar Chinois menu allow diners to build a personalized meal of dumplings, noodles, and mains without adhering to a fixed tasting menu, except during specific prix fixe events.

Bar Chinois offers services including private event hosting, outdoor dining, and bottomless brunch. The venue features a terrace for warm-weather seating and a lively interior for social gatherings. Weekend brunch provides a distinct menu featuring Bottomless Dim Sum packages starting at $39.00, which include unlimited plates of dumplings and small bites.

Yes, Bar Chinois offers reservations primarily through the OpenTable platform. Guests book tables up to 30 days in advance for dinner and brunch service. The establishment requires credit card details to secure bookings and enforces a cancellation policy. Large parties of 9 or more must submit an event inquiry form through the website.

No, Bar Chinois does not offer offsite catering services. The establishment focuses on providing the dining experience within the restaurant and does not prepare food for external events or delivery beyond standard individual takeout orders.

Yes, Bar Chinois allows renting the entire restaurant or specific sections for private occasions. The vibrant space suits cocktail receptions, birthday parties, and corporate mixers. The events team works with hosts to design beverage packages and food stations that reflect the restaurant's French-Asian concept.

Yes, Bar Chinois manages house delivery services through third-party platforms like UberEats, Grubhub, and DoorDash. Customers place orders online to have signature dumplings and entrees transported directly to residences in the Washington D.C. area. 

Customer feedback for Bar Chinois consistently praises the energetic vibe and the quality of the dumplings, earning a 4.6-star rating on OpenTable. Reviews frequently highlight the Gyoza de Boeuf and the strong, well-balanced cocktails as major draws. Diners often describe the atmosphere as loud and fun, making the spot popular for group outings and celebrations like New Year's Eve.

The top competitors of Bar Chinois include Chaplin's and Daikaya, which also specialize in Asian cuisine and cocktails in the nearby area. A list of competitors in the Chinatown and Mount Vernon Triangle area follows.

• Chaplin's: A ramen house and cocktail bar in Shaw with a similar high-energy atmosphere and a focus on dumplings and Japanese-inspired drinks.
• Daikaya: A popular izakaya and ramen shop in Chinatown known for its authentic dishes and bustling, multi-level dining space.
• Mandu: Mandu is a modern Korean restaurant nearby offering traditional dishes and a stylish setting for dinner and drinks.
• Karma Modern Indian: Karma is an upscale Indian restaurant in Mount Vernon Triangle attracting a similar professional crowd for lunch and dinner.
• Alta Strada: Alta Strada is a nearby Italian restaurant offering a different cuisine but competing for the neighborhood dining and happy hour traffic.

The service at Bar Chinois is perceived as high-energy and efficient, which matches the fast-paced, club-like atmosphere of the venue. Unlike some traditional sit-down spots in Chinatown that prioritize quiet formality, the staff at Bar Chinois engages with guests in a lively, casual manner, often navigating a crowded room with speed to deliver cocktails and small plates. Reviews suggest the team manages the busy Happy Hour rush effectively, maintaining attentiveness despite the high volume of orders.