Bar Chinois National Landing

Excellent! We came happy hour! Incredible value and some really great original and complex drinks! We started with Pork and Chicken Dumplings which were exquisite. So branch into regular entree Garlic Cream Sauce Noodle with fantastic crispy flavorful chicken. Bar staff well above par in hospitality and attentiveness.

I recently had the pleasure of stopping by Bar Chinois, and I had a great time! The drinks were creative, refreshing. The Beauté Noir was a vibrant slushie that hit the spot and fun. The Lucky Snake was sweet and smooth, perfect for an easy sip, while the Chinois Mule was a little bolder. The ginger beer added a nice, crisp to it. My absolute favorite was the Humble Cobber. It tasted like biting into a juicy, perfectly ripe peach! On the food side, I tried the Garlic Chives Gao, which was unique but surprisingly tasty. The 1970s Garlic Noodles hit the spot for me, it was incredibly flavorful, and the aroma was heavenly. Although I don’t eat seafood, my friend enjoyed the Crab Rangoon and the Steamed Shumai, so they’re definitely worth checking out if seafood is your thing. The vibes at Bar Chinois was cozy, intimate, and inviting. The space is a bit on the smaller side, but that just adds to the charm and atmosphere. The staff friendly as well. I’m looking forward to coming back!

I love the DC location and National Landing brings everything you need. More space than the original location, but the same amazing food and drinks. Always a must for HH food and drinks. I always have the Mousse À La Pẽche and it’s simply amazing and so refreshing. Their staff are amazing and a special shoutout to Jane that makes every experience great!

We have been twice now for happy hour and small plates and have been impressed. The cocktails are creative and high quality. The bartenders were friendly and attentive. The Crab Rangoon's were particularly good, I only wish they would be on the happy hour menu. They were also out of the Lucky Snake cocktail both times because of supply issues. I really hope they figure that out, as I love a good clarified cocktail and am looking forward to trying it, although at $21 I'm not sure how many I will try. Overall, I think this place is better than some of the early bad reviews they got. They probably had some growing pains and I hope that they stick around.

Our server never came over to check on us after taking our orders. We had to wave other servers/ staffs for checks/ pen.. the food was disappointing. The appetizer (crispy shrimp bao) was bland/ not freshly steamed, and the main dishes were just not right…

Our server Noel was fantastic! He gave us excellent recommendations for both food and drinks. The drinks were great, the food was delicious, and the overall experience was amazing. We’ll definitely be coming back!

This restaurant is in a great location and has potential, but unfortunately, our experience on July 3rd at 9:00 PM left much to be desired. My wife and I met friends there for what we hoped would be a pleasant evening. The hostess was warm and helpful in getting us a nice table outdoors — a promising start. However, service quickly deteriorated. The waiter seemed disengaged, though we didn’t mind that at first. We ordered drinks and food. While the drinks arrived promptly, the table wasn’t adjusted or prepared in any way for the meal — something we expected would be resolved when the food came. Unfortunately, it wasn’t. Our food was served without utensils, napkins, or chopsticks, and no one seemed to notice. After nearly 10 minutes and several failed attempts to get a server’s attention, I began eating dumplings — with sauce — using my hands. We had to explicitly ask for basic items just to be able to eat. To make matters worse, a staff member began spraying cleaning product at a nearby table, and the mist was clearly drifting toward our food. When we politely tried to point it out, she walked away without acknowledging our concern. This could be a vastly better experience with a bit of staff training and attention to customer needs. I hope management considers investing in that, because the place certainly has potential.

Go for the $1 dumplings at happy hour. Stay for some of the best Chinese entrees you’ve ever had. This restaurant quickly became one of our favorite places for the delicious dumplings served at a great place. The restaurant could benefit from more tame cocktail selections to complement its delicious food. Great service - we will continue coming back.

Excellent! We came happy hour! Incredible value and some really great original and complex drinks! We started with Pork and Chicken Dumplings which were exquisite. So branch into regular entree Garlic Cream Sauce Noodle with fantastic crispy flavorful chicken. Bar staff well above par in hospitality and attentiveness.

Came for the happy hour and fusion cocktails. The vibes are great and it's near Alamo (where we went for a movie). Finding parking is a little challenging so be prepared to walk a few blocks. My first impression was that this is located in a little alley with outdoor seating that would be cute if the area wasn't so...industrial? corporate? Sitting outside and facing a loading zone is not exactly my idea of relaxing. The inside of the bar is cute. It's nicely decorated with asian theme. The dividers between the bar and the seats combined with the dim lighting provide a sense of privacy and mystery. They even have private rooms for your next private gathering, executive dinner, or family gathering! Great date night spot! Service was excellent and the drinks were tasty and just strong enough. The happy hour snacks advertised at $1 each were a little misleading in that it's $1 per dumpling, which I guess if the average plate of dumplings is $12 with about 6-8 is a good price but these are small and served in dim sum steam baskets so...isn't it the same price as a cheap dim sum spot? Maybe not around here but in a Chinatown yes. Also wished they had more options for happy hour food. The goal with this visit wasn't to dine, but I'd be interested in returning to try their Chinese food to see how authentic/fusion it is!

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.

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.

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

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 !

Stopped in on a Saturday night after seeing a movie in the area. There weren't many people in the restaurant so though we had a reservation it wasn't needed that night. When the server came I asked about their restaurant week menu that is online and he wasn't aware of it. That wasn't a problem but it was interesting that he had no information on it. For food I ordered the 1970's garlic noodles with chicken and it was so so good... ever better the next day too! I would absolutely order that again, we also tried the chicken & shrimp steamed shumai which was also really good. I intend to stop back on for happy hour.

So glad this spot finally opened up by my work. Def had to be one of the best happy hours in the area. $4 dumplings and the absolute best drink I think I've had in a while, the Mousse à la Pêche. I think it took a minute for our bartender to warm up to us for some reason but he was very knowledgeable of the menu especially when it came to my friend who was looking for gluten free options. Fills up pretty quickly but it's a cozy spot.

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.

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.

Great happy hour with $4 for four dumplings and half price cocktails. I got the drink that is green and has coconut cream, very different but very good. Loved the crispy pork dumplings and the Hong Kong-style BBQ chicken! Excellent service from Carlos our server. Classy vibe.

Bar Chinois's National Landing location's grand opening was today! We were seated right away, which was a total plus! The menu offers dumplings, small plates, entrees, and desserts - we ordered: +Red Chili Wontons - pork & shrimp wontons with garlic, chili oil, scallions, a soy vinaigrette, and sesame +Pork XLB Dumplings - pork soup dumplings with onions, ginger, and Chef's soy +Har Gow - crystal prawn dumplings with bamboo shoots, toasted sesame, and Chef's soy +Gyoza de Boeuf - French onion beef gyoza with gruyere, swiss, pickled onions, cilantro aioli, and soy +Steamed Shumai - with chicken & shrimp, water chestnut, carrots, fried garlic, scallions, and Chef's soy +Salt & Pepper Shrimp - with garlic, ginger, scallions, and Szechuan peppercorn +Crab Rangoon - filled with fried crab & cream cheese, with apricot duck sauce, toasted sesame, and soy +Crispy Shrimp Bao - with tempura shrimp, sriracha mayo, chili oil, cucumber, scallions, and toasted same; 3 comes in an order +Chair Siu Chicken - Hong Kong-style BBQ chicken with red soy, swiss chard, soy egg, ginger chimichurri, and sesame +and, the 1970's Garlic Noodles - prepared with egg noodles, shiitake, spinach, garlic butter, Parm, Chef's soy, oyster & fish sauce Items were great portions to share and to sample a variety. Staff were attentive, and the space was dark and sophisticated. There was plenty of seating, and they seem to be setting up some al fresco options as well; note that this is in an alley, so vehicles do pass by often. Reservations are accepted and recommended for larger groups. Limited metered parking as well as garage parking can be found in the area. +shareable plates +friendly service +reservations accepted +metered street and garage parking

Meh. Not bad but over priced. My test item was the salt pepper shrimp, which a true Chinese place knows should be salty and spicy. These were good shrimp but neither of the above. My cocktail similarly was good, but did not sparkle. It did have a pleasant baiju style smoke. The guy next to me said to try NiHao a few blocks away, and he was works-for-Elon rich, so I'm guessing he knows. Gonna try that next time.

Yay so glad one of my fav happy hour spots in DC has made its way to Arlington! They still have their daily happy hour from 4-6 with dollar dumplings and half off drinks during HH. The drinks were delicious and strong. The appetizers were equally delicious. Love the crab Rangoon, ribs, beef gyozas, salt and pepper shrimp...to name a few! Our bartender Hannah was awesome...she took great care of us and the food came out fast. It's super cute and nice in here...this will definitely be one of my go to spots now that it is closer to me.

All of the martinis here are great. The martinis isn't too strong and they're not too sweet. They're made perfectly. The garlic noodles are my favorite. The salt and pepper shrimp is good too. I love the dim light setting. Customer service is always great. There is a garage parking that's available in the area so you don't have to walk too far.

So glad that they opened a location in VA! Such yummy food, friendly people, and great atmosphere. Amazing happy hour, dumplings for $1 and there are cocktails that are half off. The garlic noodles, xlb dumplings, gyoza are some of my favorites.

My order was wrong but the dumplings I did not ask for were delicious. The ambiance was insane for a Monday but apparently run clubs use it as a post run bar so that was fun

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

I live nearby, so I've been anxiously awaiting their opening. Stumbled into their grand opening last week, almost by accident, and I've been back three times since. The service has been just exceptional each time and the ambiance is on point. Maddie, Hannah, Matt, and Frank have all been so friendly and attentive behind the bar. Every cocktail I've tried has been absolutely delicious, though Iron Goddess and Mousse à la Pêche have been my favorites as I work my way through the cocktail menu. The food has been a bit more hit and miss. I tried the pork XiaoLongBao (XLB) dumplings, the har gow, and the red chili wontons at their grand opening and all were delectable. In fact, the XLB were perhaps the best I've found in the DMV, though the presentation was a bit unorthodox (having eaten more than my share at Din Tai Fung while living in Taipei, it has been a frustrating search to find comparable XLB locally and these were the closest I've found). I was equally pleased with the gyoza de boeuf and black pepper duck on my next visit. Unfortunately, I found both the XLB and steamed shumai soggy and overcooked on a Monday night. Hoping it was a fluke and that the XLB will live up to that opening night quality next time. On my fourth visit, the garlic chives gao was a wonderful balance of soft, chewy, and crispy. The 1970's garlic noodles were tasty, but the added fried chicken was dry and tough, so I plan to try it with the shrimp or tofu next time. Overall, I think it's been a great addition to the dining options in Crystal City and a fantastic one for local cocktails.