Old school Chinese restaurant in DMV?

Submitted by ieatglass t3_11b9cwh in washingtondc

I’m having a hard time finding an old school looking Chinese restaurant in the DMV. Think the look of the Chinese restaurant featured in Seinfeld. Printed plates, large wall art, porcelain urns like how Chinese restaurants were in the 80s or 90s. Any recommendations?

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solidrecommendations t1_j9wnslb wrote

Peking Gourmet Inn, Falls Church

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danegermaine99 t1_j9xviv6 wrote

This is the place Bush 41 went to so often the Secret Service installed ballistic glass, iirc

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missskins t1_j9xyyzd wrote

Eh, this place was good when Bush was there. When we go now, it’s only for the duck. Even the duck now is just ok. We only go now for the nostalgia when my mom comes into town, once every year or 2.

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RobinKennedy23 t1_j9yazoz wrote

If you're going out that far, might as well go to Mark's Duck House and pay half the price. It's a dim sum place but you can order entrees too. They have Peking duck too and it's probably one of the better options in the area and not at astronomical pricing like Peking Inn

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Suppose2Bubble t1_j9ym61m wrote

Pro tip: you can have the carcass saved and taken home for your liking, soup stock etc. You'll see this with other patrons while dining. My mother did this often. Maybe a Chinese thing lol

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nakoros t1_ja19imj wrote

My friend once flew home with 4 carcasses in her suitcase. When she asks for the bones they typically offer to throw in some extra for her, so now when she visits it's a serious consideration how much extra suitcase space she sets aside.

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ieatglass OP t1_j9wwobq wrote

Thanks! This isn’t my exact but very close to what I’m looking for and as close as I think I’ll get.

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Reeetankiesbtfo t1_j9wx33p wrote

Its really killer, you can’t go wrong. Service is top notch too.

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HelloJoeyJoeJoe t1_j9ydxke wrote

If you like very overpriced with mediocre food (but decent duck), you've found the place.

Not hating, I still take guests from out of town but more for the experience than the food or value. Which I think you are looking for, so it matches

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Reeetankiesbtfo t1_j9ylkqa wrote

Then where do you recommend for that style of chinese?

I love peter chang but its not the same style

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HelloJoeyJoeJoe t1_j9yz7sw wrote

Yes, let me backtrack and say that I'm wrong. pGI is a suggestion I can't top for OP.

OP didn't ask for good food, good service, good value but a certain vibe. While PGI won't have the traditional porcelain jars or the paintings or printed plates, they have an old school attitude with the waiters who are a bit sassy and FOBish, big large plates of food, the "Cartwright!!!" type of late 80s to mid 90s style

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eneka t1_j9yriob wrote

I agree. It’s so expensive.

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merpderp33 t1_j9wt77a wrote

Wheaton - Paul Kee, Wong Gee and Full Key All vary in room size and specialties but have similar vibes and delicious food

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Guinea-Charm t1_j9x357i wrote

Don’t forget Hollywood East Cafe in the mall. Killer dim sum.

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GayRonSwanson t1_j9wx6hu wrote

Tony Chang’s sucks but is the vibe you’re looking for in DC proper. Recommend skipping it and going for Peking Gourmet in VA instead.

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BrightThru2014 t1_j9y86f5 wrote

City Lights of China isn’t exactly what you’re describing but was considered the best take-out Chinese in DC for awhile through the 90s

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msmith1994 t1_j9yahr2 wrote

City Lights was my thought as well!

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sg8910 t1_ja2mjud wrote

mine as well, feels pretty early 90s.... and in the district

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dcsnarkington t1_j9yi1j1 wrote

Sichuan Pavilion on 14th

Correction K st.

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sg8910 t1_ja2mngy wrote

like food, but not 80s or 90s style in my opinion, got to have that 80s/90s vibe, ie i need some fried wonton strips with duck sauce on the table:)

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BroccoliDue t1_j9wo2ci wrote

Hot pot city in Rockville or Yu Noodles

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n00dle_lover t1_j9x6ahl wrote

Harmony Cafe @ Georgetown but seems to be temporarily closed?

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palaciosw08 t1_j9yora9 wrote

China Boy in Chinatown or Panda Gourmet off route 50 in NE.

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Pleaseworkdamnit t1_j9wos4p wrote

Best I have had was Mama Chang in Fairfax

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EOD_Dork t1_j9x5xrr wrote

Peter Chang has amazing restaurants, but I don't think that they are what OP is looking for.

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TheDeHymenizer t1_j9yp11t wrote

None I know of in the city but Columbia MD has a good one called Hunan Manor

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Oldbayistheshit t1_j9yuob2 wrote

Hunan manor is exactly what OP’s looking for. Best Chinese in all of America

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foreverurgirl t1_j9yn74i wrote

Pandas gourmet is the only answer.

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EmbersDC t1_ja020l2 wrote

Peking Gourmet - Falls Church/Culmore

Hong Kong Pearl - Falls Church/Seven Corners

Sampan Cafe - Franconia/Alexandria

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BodybuilderTall4634 t1_ja030r9 wrote

Han palace - McLean, A&J - Annandale and Rockville; Yu Noodles - Reston and Rockville, Mama Chang - Fairfax

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TitzKarlton t1_ja0hn40 wrote

Tony Cheng’s in Chinatown DC. First floor is Mongolian BBQ, second floor is what you are looking for. They include a high gratuity at the Mongolian BBQ - preCovid - be careful about overtipping.

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sg8910 t1_ja2mpqs wrote

bobs shanghai, so so authentic

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AhhAGoose t1_j9x3kzh wrote

My Chinese wife says there are no Chinese restaurants here, there are a couple places that do a hot pot take out if you have the set up. It’s not cheap

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HelloJoeyJoeJoe t1_j9ye1m9 wrote

Homie, haven't you seen our Chinatown? Full of authentic places like Panera and McDonalds and $3k studios

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