Chao Ku

I believe someone else used "unpretentious dining" as a descriptor and I couldn't agree more. I simultaneously felt like a I was having a current dining experience and one reminiscent to simple Chinese eateries in Southern California. The flavors were familiar but not the same. Great addition- looking forward to trying more dishes.

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.

I got the Singapore noodles for takeout from Chao Ku. The food was really, really tasty and also came with large portion sizes. It's really enough for two meals. The pickle plate was also quite good (though a little pricey). It's nice to have a Chinese place that offers something besides the Americanized General Tso's, Sesame Chicken, etc.

Chao Ku was phenomenal!! We ordered the lamb "Chinese burgers," hot and sour noodles, tofu/edamame salad, and eggplant salad, and cooked greens. Everything was so delicious!! You can tell that the veggies were all fresh because they had such rich flavor. The lamb was wonderfully seasoned as well. The lamb burgers and the hot and sour noodles were probably my favorites, although it is hard to decide. There are a lot of vegetarian options on the menu, and everything was presented beautifully with garnishes on top of tasting delicious!! Also, the homemade hot sauce is so delicious it is addicting! I told them they need to sell it at farmers markets! They have a selection of wine and beers. There are two reds, so we each tried one. They are both very bold with strong flavor, something to keep in mind when ordering, but we like strong flavored wines so they were great for us! The ambiance is great also - exposed brick brings out the character of the neighborhood, and reclaimed wooden painted doors compose the bar and some of the wall paneling. There are two dining areas upstairs, one on the bar side and one separated from the bar. The service was also amazing! Everyone was very knowledgeable about the menu and the ingredients. We can't wait to come back and Chao Ku is my new go to for friends and family visiting in DC!

Celebrated a birthday lunch today at Chao Ku and the food was wonderful. This restaurant has a different take on Chinese food and they have a winner! Do not miss the fried calamari or the Tower of Power (ribs and brisket), which was amazing. Lamb burger with sauce was delicious and cucumber salad was just right. Very nice upstairs that was a light and airy dining space and very welcoming owner and wait staff. The music was good as background but did not overwhelm table conversation. The prices are very reasonable and there is plenty of food for the table to share. Family friendly, too! Chao Ku (they also have take-out) should be a regular lunch of dinner stop!