Chao Ku - Menu

1414 9th St NW, Washington DC I-20001-3344, United States

🛍 Pub, Wine, Ribs, Chicken

4.5 💬 173 Reviews
Chao Ku

Phone: +12023199375

Address: 1414 9th St NW, Washington DC I-20001-3344, United States

City: Washington DC

Menu Dishes: 25

Reviews: 173

"The menu also offers plenty of vegetarian options, and everything was beautifully presented with lovely garnishes, in addition to tasting amazing! The homemade hot sauce is so good that it's addictive! I even suggested they should sell it at farmers' markets. They have a selection of wines and beers as well. We tried both of the red wines, and they were bold with robust flavors—something to consider when you order. However, we enjoy strong-flavored wines, so we loved them! The ambiance is wonderful too, with exposed brick that highlights the character of the neighborhood, and reclaimed wooden doors adding charm to the bar and wall paneling. There are two dining areas upstairs: one by the bar and another set apart from it. The service was exceptional! The staff was very knowledgeable about the menu and its ingredients. We can't wait to return, and Chao Ku is now my go-to spot for friends and family visiting Washington, DC!"

Full menu - 25 options

All prices are estimates on menu.

Small Plates

Salads

Appetizer

Dishes

Beef Dishes

Seafood

Vegetarian Dishes

Featured Items

Bahn Mi Sandwich

Seafood Dishes

Salads & More

Burger

Raw Bar*

Noodles

Fried Rice

A La Carte

Teetotalers

Main Course

Zesty Wings Bar

Steven Steven

Wonderful different take on Chinese food. I highly recommend the tower of power, and the vegetable Chinese burger

Address

Show Map

Reviews

Georgia
Georgia

So excited that this neighborhood joint is open. Super tasty and very affordable. Go to Chau Ku!! You'll love it.


Crema
Crema

What a wonderful place! Beautifully designed and appointed fresh Chinese restaurant. Especially loved the friendly service and the delicious dishes.


Peter
Peter

Unpretentious pricing and service, cozy upstairs, thoughtful and well executed menu with variety of classic and innovative Chinese and East Asian dishes. Feel very lucky to have this place pop up in my neighborhood, a new favorite for a casual dinner out. View menu


Todd
Todd

I ordered the Singapore noodles for takeout from Chao Ku, and they were absolutely delicious! The portion sizes were generous, enough for two meals. The pickle plate was also quite enjoyable, although it felt a bit expensive. It’s great to find a Chinese restaurant that offers something beyond the typical American favorites like General Tso's and Sesame Chicken.


Cedar
Cedar

The calamari is addictive. Get your own order, you will not want to share. I went to the soft opening and haven't stopped, it's also cheaper then majority of the new places in Shaw yet the quality of ingredients isn't lacking. I am also truly grateful they do not use dairy in any item. Unless you're a French restaurant you have no business hiding behind all that milk and butter. Will be back often.


Karen
Karen

I celebrated a birthday lunch today at Chao Ku, and the food was exceptional. This restaurant offers a unique twist on Chinese cuisine, and it's definitely a winner! Be sure to try the fried calamari and the Tower of Power, which features ribs and brisket—both were outstanding. The lamb burger with sauce was delightful, and the cucumber salad was perfectly balanced. The upstairs dining area is bright and airy, creating a welcoming atmosphere, and the owner and waitstaff were extremely friendly. The background music was enjoyable without being overpowering, allowing for easy conversation at our table. The prices are very reasonable, with generous portions that are great for sharing. It's also... View menu


Megan
Megan

The menu also offers plenty of vegetarian options, and everything was beautifully presented with lovely garnishes, in addition to tasting amazing! The homemade hot sauce is so good that it's addictive! I even suggested they should sell it at farmers' markets. They have a selection of wines and beers as well. We tried both of the red wines, and they were bold with robust flavors—something to consider when you order. However, we enjoy strong-flavored wines, so we loved them! The ambiance is wonderful too, with exposed brick that highlights the character of the neighborhood, and reclaimed wooden doors adding charm to the bar and wall paneling. There are two dining areas upstairs: one by the ba...

Washington DC

Washington DC

Washington, D.C. is known for its iconic monuments and museums. Typical foods include half-smokes, soul food, and Ethiopian cuisine, reflecting the city's diverse culture.

Categories

  • Pub Enjoy a lively atmosphere with our classic pub favorites. From hearty burgers and fish 'n' chips to savory pies and craft brews, our menu promises a cozy experience ideal for unwinding with friends.
  • Wine A curated selection of fine wines from around the world, offering rich reds, crisp whites, and elegant rosés to pair perfectly with your meal. Savor each bottle's unique aroma, flavor, and complexity. View menu
  • Ribs Savor the rich, smoky flavor of our tender ribs, cooked to perfection and slathered in our signature barbecue sauce. A mouthwatering experience that will leave you craving more.
  • Chicken Succulent and savory, our chicken dishes are crafted with tender meat, flavorful seasonings, and diverse culinary inspirations. Enjoy a delectable variety that's sure to satisfy every palate.

Similar Restaurants

Old City Market And Oven

Old City Market And Oven

522 K St NE, Washington DC I-20002-3526, United States

Menu • Pizza • Coffee • Cheese • Catering


"I typically always forget to write google reviews but this place deserves every word I have to say. I found this spot because the luggage storage app, bounce, sent me here to hold my bags while I toured apartments for the day. Before I left my bags, I decided to try a quiche which was so much better than expected. Growing up in my father's deli, I tend to have high standards for most food because I can usually recognize good ingredients so safe to say I was definitely pleasantly surprised with my quiche. Around mid-day I fell walking around in NoMa and severely hurt my knee. Rather than continuing my tours for the day I decided to come back to pick up my bags and potentially go to the airport to arrive early for my flight. When I got to Old City Market and Oven, they actually gave me ice for my knee and let me sit downstairs uninterrupted. While I was downstairs the cashier told me to call the number in case I needed anything so they can come down and help because they didn't want me walking up the stairs for anything stupid. To say they were sweet was understatement, the level of care I received felt like I was in one of my dad's restuarants growing up which in my opinion is not something you see these days. I decided to have a pizza while I waited because another customer said it was amazing. Even though I was skeptical due to the paper menu, they really did their big one with that pear pizza. This spot really made my day and it makes me happy establishments at this tier still exist."

Reverie

Reverie

3201 Cherry Hill Ln, 20007, Washington, US, United States

Menu • Wine • Coffee • American • Ice Cream


"For a special occasion, make a reservation at Michelin star Reverie, a small restaurant inside a Georgetown alley. If you 're lucky, you 'll meet Poppy the Alley Cat that is taken care of by the community, including by the staff at Reverie. My wife dined at Reverie on a Thursday evening. Here 's our experience. 1) Experience: It 's a Michelin star restaurant so expect superb service. It 's clear that the chef is passionate about his craft and his passion is contagious. Every staff member from our server to the chefs who brought out our food, everyone was knowledgeable, friendly, and approachable. Throughout the stay, we were given wet towels to wash our hands in between snacks. Our water glasses were kept full. If we really loved a dish, our server would point out elements or teach us tips on how to use similar flavors at home. The journey begins with savory snacks and ends with sweet ones. Since the menu changes often, a copy of your dinner 's meu is given to you to take home at the end. It 's a perfect memento, especially if you 're celebrating something special. 2) Food: Reverie 's menu changes, but whatever you 're served will be innovative, fresh, and full of flavor. It 's also a tasting menu. When we went in May 2025, the menu included 17 different bites/dishes. The meal starts and ends with three small bites. The next nine dishes mainly included seafood and one was elk. Every dish is presented on a design-forward plate and came in full color and plated perfectly. A sign of a good restaurant is perfection in every dish and there wasn 't a bad one. We thoroughly enjoyed every single one, but our favorites were the Scallop, which comes in a fun sunchoke cracker sandwich, Hiramasa with juniper and caviar, and the Carolina Gold Rice. 3) Drink: Reverie 's drink menu comes with cocktails named after neighborhoods from around the world, wine, and other options. The Golden Gai is now my wife 's favorite Old Fashioned. She ordered two. For a sweeter refreshing cocktail, get the Old San Juan. For a refreshing, but sherry-forward cocktail, I recommend the Roma Notre. The dinner begins with chilled tea for all and it is very tasty. Savor it. At the end, you 'll have an opportunity to order more tea. Each blend is unique. I recommend any of it. 4) Price: It 's $245 a person for the tasting menu and additional prices for drinks, but for a quality dinner experience, it could be more expensive. We found it to be a fair price, especially for a special occasion. 5) Space: It 's beautiful! The design is not ornate, but rather simple, making it classy. There are two unisex restrooms in the back. When you sit down, you 're offered small stools to place your phones, belongings, etc. 6) Neighborhood: Inside an alley, there 's much to explore nearby from other top restaurants, cafes, and historic homes. We usually find street parking nearby by the Georgetown Waterfront Park. Price per person: $100+ Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5"