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Sichuan Pavilion is something of an institution, providing solid Chinese food to dine in or carry out to generations in Downtown. The challenge of the menu is its size: it includes old school standards that your father may have ordered, yet has some much more interesting and tongue-tingling szechuan options also. So it behooves the diner to take time to read through thr long menu carefully and to order selectively. Service is efficient and special requests are handled with grace, rather than the eye rolling of their peers. We first ordered crispy beef, which wws well executed with the beef shreds still juicy despite their crackle coating. The sauce had a mild bit of chili heat and subtle sweetness, and was generously salted with a medley of julienned veggies. Our second dish was General Tao Chicken, which is more commonly known as General Tso. It was again, a very well executed version of what has become a popular classic, with perfectly coated and fried nuggets of tender chicken breastfeeding in a sweet and spicy sauce served with broccoli and chili peppers. Sichuan Pavilion is very snug, amd something of a "rabbit warren" with a series of rooms connected by tight pathways. Tables can be small, so try to book in advance. Also, some of the best dishes are the more traditional szechuan style, do take the time to ask your server about them and be prepared for some heat.
I walked here from my hotel to order takeout for dinner with my family the other day. Overall, it was really nice. After placing the order with the front, I was asked to sit just wherever there was an empty seat which was really nice. The staff were all kind to me and it made the experience not too bad. The wait was a little long for the food, but it wasnt too bad overall, I think we were just hungry. We got a bit of food so I will just describe what I got since I didnt really try the other food. The mapo tofu was really good! I wish it had a little more numbing flavor but I just really enjoy numbing. The scallion pancakes were good too! and the Rice was made well. The food came out really hot which was a blessing since I had to make the walk back to the hotel. The ambiance of the restaurant was also nice. I couldn't really explore too much because I was getting takeout but it seemed nice and clean. Overall, I liked this place!
Went here for lunch. Street parking available or parking garage nearby. Entry into restaurant has stairs (didn't see anything for ADA). Restaurant has many tables with flexible arrangements to seat larger parties. Very busy when we came, so we waited a little bit. Food came out very quickly. The food was delicious. Will definitely be back to try the other dishes. The spice level wasn't too bad for someone who is ok with spice.
Your favorite Yelp correspondent handpicked Sichuan Pavillion after gamely searching for a replacement for Tai Shan, his former Szechuan Chinese go-to destination when he used to frequent WDC during his Fortune 100 career. But the sum of too many unforced errors, especially in the hit and miss results with our dishes and lackluster service from the staff, compel a subpar, two-star rating. We ordered: Appetizers Hot & Sour soup and green scallion pancakes. The former was good- Hot and piquant, ideal for warming cold bodies after buffeting swirling winds all day. The latter was mediocre, perfectly fried on the top edges yet undergone and flaccid on the bottom; Entrees Chicken Lo Mein, Kung Pao Chicken and Orange Chicken. Of the trio, only the kung pao passed our test- Spicy, pleasing mouth textures commingling green onions, heat, 5-spice and peanuts. The orange chicken was oversized and almost sacharine sweet, with little to no heat whatsoever. The chicken lo mein was so so. The mood of the restaurant starts with a pleasing note, as you're escorted to your (comfortable) seats amid a cozy yet well appointed dining room...but it closes with a sharp, discordant note that ruins your meal. At 9:15pm, with a stated closing time of 10pm, my wife and son were presented with the bill and abruptly told "Time to leave" by our server. I've never had this happen to me in 35yrs of dining in 41 of our 50 majestic states and a handful of foreign countries! Even though I pride myself on being a generous tipper, I could not force myself to tip more than $7 on a $95 tab. Aggravated that my bride of 28yrs and adult son, who.is an ordained minister at George Washington University, were treated in such a brusque and patently offensive manner! You've been warned, fellow Yelpers, avoid Sichuan Pavillion, especially if you're within an hour of their stated closing time!
As per Yelp 3.5 Star Chinese restaurant rule, this one does live up to the expectation that its secretly amazing and worth a try. Seating was so quick and accommodating for our large suitcases and bags. We felt so well taken care of by the staff of sweet elderly people. They were very well equiped at giving descriptions of the food so you're prepared on what to order, and gave great recommendations. We love the expirence of these type of family-style restaurants because its such an intimate and communal style of eating that you just don't get at other type of restaurants, and that means something in a time where dining is so individualistic! We were three girls who walked in and they fed us like we were preparing to go to war, so safe to say generously portioned! The menu is vast and wide ranging so there is just about anything to fit your dietary needs or adventurous tongue. This is a great and safe restaurant to try the things you're likely unfamiliar with because of the homogeneous DC restaurant palette because they're probably prepared in the most classic and delicious way that they can be made. There's the safe options like lo-mein AND there is also Lamb with Cumin, Beef Tripe, and Duck. I want to reiterate that we're eating pretty authentic Chinese flavors that lean into fermented black bean, sour, and of course Sichuan (should you order those types of dishes) along with the typical Chinese-American flavors we expect out of a "Kung Pao" or "Sesame Chicken." Starter was the Scallion pancake paired with their chili oil which leans salty, spicy and briney from the addition of black bean paste (flavorful and smart addition to cut through the oil) which was crispy and automatic from the green onions layered between the fried thin dough. We had Lo Mein as our main starch which was cooked perfectly with bouncy noodles, crispy and fresh vegetables, and a distinct wok-hei flavor, Salt and Pepper Pork Chops which was so crispy and light but also with so much flavor bodied in their blend of salt/pepper (which for those who do not know, is an umbrella term for other spices such as 5 spice, white pepper, etc...), and String Beans Sichuan Style, which was flash fried and tossed in garlic, just like the famous Din Tai Fung version, only better, and well portioned. I'll come here and miss home. I'll come here when I want to be reminded of my family gatherings. I'll come here for the nostalgia of it all.
Came here for a group dinner. We had a reservation and were seated quickly. Service was friendly and prompt. They offered helpful suggestions of some of their nice dishes. They said they had New Year (soup) dumplings. Sounded good so we ordered that. Very nice indeed. Their appetizer dish 小魚花生 Peanuts with Dried Anchovy is great (with scallion). Their salt / pepper prawn (shell on) is still great as usual.
One of my favorite Chinese restaurants! Love their mapo tofu and fish in hot sauce. Food is always consistent in flavor and I know what to expect. Servers are very attentive.
This was one of my favorite spots when I used to live in DC, so when I came back for a business trip, I had to get it. It's so hard to choose between the spicy fish fillets, the mapo tofu, the tea smoked duck, and the cold spicy chicken, but they are all great! I ended up getting the tea smoked duck and it was just as good as I remember! Tea Smoked Duck - This is probably my favorite menu item, though the other dishes I named are also extremely delicious. This duck comes battered and crispy with a nice smoky flavor and just the right amount of fat on each piece. Did I mention that it's also entirely boneless? It's so good - you take a piece of the juicy and crispy smoky duck and add some green onions, hoisin sauce, and wrap it in a nice fluffy bun and it's utter perfection. I will continue to come back here time and time again when I'm in DC! I did takeout so I didn't experience a ton of the service/ambiance, but when I used to live in DC, the waiters remembered me as a regular and I'd get extra buns free of charge with the tea smoked duck. It's been a while so they didn't remember me this time, but I always loved eating in!
This is my favorite Chinese restaurant in the city! I have been coming for years, the service is fast, the food is hot, delicious, and keeps me coming back! The Mao Pao tofu is amazing, I love the hot dry pepper chicken. The staff are very attentive. The inside feels welcoming and cozy like a true family establishment. This is my go to Chinese place in the city! I always take out of towners here too! I highly recommend you check out Sichuan Pavilion!
Honestly best chinese food I've ever had. Beef lo main was amazing and the scallops with black garlic were great too. The restaurant was really clean and the staff were friendly. Will definitely be returning
The Crispy Duck was super flavorful i think it was brined over night with spices and herbs, it was super crispy and so delicious the sauce was not needed. The Beans Steamed Fish was funky in the best way possible due to the Fermented beans but the flavors were intense and spicy but not unbearable spicy. The fish was tender, flaky; and fresh!
1 month ago
Decently priced and great portions with fast service... but I don't like the food. I only got the kung pao chicken and rice, but the chicken did not taste like any kung pao chicken I've ever had before, and I eat a lot of Chinese food. It's good in a pinch but I wouldn't go out of my way to recommend to anyone. read more
Sichuan Pavilion is something of an institution, providing solid Chinese food to dine in or carry out to generations in Downtown. The challenge of the menu is its size: it includes old school standards that your father may have ordered, yet has some much more interesting and tongue-tingling szechuan options also. So it behooves the diner to take time to read through thr long menu carefully and to order selectively. Service is efficient and special requests are handled with grace, rather than the eye rolling of their peers. We first ordered crispy beef, which wws well executed with the beef shreds still juicy despite their crackle coating. The sauce had a mild bit of chili heat and subtle sweetness, and was generously salted with a medley of julienned veggies. Our second dish was General Tao Chicken, which is more commonly known as General Tso. It was again, a very well executed version of what has become a popular classic, with perfectly coated and fried nuggets of tender chicken breastfeeding in a sweet and spicy sauce served with broccoli and chili peppers. Sichuan Pavilion is very snug, amd something of a "rabbit warren" with a series of rooms connected by tight pathways. Tables can be small, so try to book in advance. Also, some of the best dishes are the more traditional szechuan style, do take the time to ask your server about them and be prepared for some heat. read more
20 days ago
Good restaurants. The location is convenient . Good choice. Food is spicy. Many businessmen have lunch there. read more
I walked here from my hotel to order takeout for dinner with my family the other day. Overall, it was really nice. After placing the order with the front, I was asked to sit just wherever there was an empty seat which was really nice. The staff were all kind to me and it made the experience not too bad. The wait was a little long for the food, but it wasnt too bad overall, I think we were just hungry. We got a bit of food so I will just describe what I got since I didnt really try the other food. The mapo tofu was really good! I wish it had a little more numbing flavor but I just really enjoy numbing. The scallion pancakes were good too! and the Rice was made well. The food came out really hot which was a blessing since I had to make the walk back to the hotel. The ambiance of the restaurant was also nice. I couldn't really explore too much because I was getting takeout but it seemed nice and clean. Overall, I liked this place! read more
Went here for lunch. Street parking available or parking garage nearby. Entry into restaurant has stairs (didn't see anything for ADA). Restaurant has many tables with flexible arrangements to seat larger parties. Very busy when we came, so we waited a little bit. Food came out very quickly. The food was delicious. Will definitely be back to try the other dishes. The spice level wasn't too bad for someone who is ok with spice. read more
Your favorite Yelp correspondent handpicked Sichuan Pavillion after gamely searching for a replacement for Tai Shan, his former Szechuan Chinese go-to destination when he used to frequent WDC during his Fortune 100 career. But the sum of too many unforced errors, especially in the hit and miss results with our dishes and lackluster service from the staff, compel a subpar, two-star rating. We ordered: Appetizers Hot & Sour soup and green scallion pancakes. The former was good- Hot and piquant, ideal for warming cold bodies after buffeting swirling winds all day. The latter was mediocre, perfectly fried on the top edges yet undergone and flaccid on the bottom; Entrees Chicken Lo Mein, Kung Pao Chicken and Orange Chicken. Of the trio, only the kung pao passed our test- Spicy, pleasing mouth textures commingling green onions, heat, 5-spice and peanuts. The orange chicken was oversized and almost sacharine sweet, with little to no heat whatsoever. The chicken lo mein was so so. The mood of the restaurant starts with a pleasing note, as you're escorted to your (comfortable) seats amid a cozy yet well appointed dining room...but it closes with a sharp, discordant note that ruins your meal. At 9:15pm, with a stated closing time of 10pm, my wife and son were presented with the bill and abruptly told "Time to leave" by our server. I've never had this happen to me in 35yrs of dining in 41 of our 50 majestic states and a handful of foreign countries! Even though I pride myself on being a generous tipper, I could not force myself to tip more than $7 on a $95 tab. Aggravated that my bride of 28yrs and adult son, who.is an ordained minister at George Washington University, were treated in such a brusque and patently offensive manner! You've been warned, fellow Yelpers, avoid Sichuan Pavillion, especially if you're within an hour of their stated closing time! read more
1 year ago
As per Yelp 3.5 Star Chinese restaurant rule, this one does live up to the expectation that its secretly amazing and worth a try. Seating was so quick and accommodating for our large suitcases and bags. We felt so well taken care of by the staff of sweet elderly people. They were very well equiped at giving descriptions of the food so you're prepared on what to order, and gave great recommendations. We love the expirence of these type of family-style restaurants because its such an intimate and communal style of eating that you just don't get at other type of restaurants, and that means something in a time where dining is so individualistic! We were three girls who walked in and they fed us like we were preparing to go to war, so safe to say generously portioned! The menu is vast and wide ranging so there is just about anything to fit your dietary needs or adventurous tongue. This is a great and safe restaurant to try the things you're likely unfamiliar with because of the homogeneous DC restaurant palette because they're probably prepared in the most classic and delicious way that they can be made. There's the safe options like lo-mein AND there is also Lamb with Cumin, Beef Tripe, and Duck. I want to reiterate that we're eating pretty authentic Chinese flavors that lean into fermented black bean, sour, and of course Sichuan (should you order those types of dishes) along with the typical Chinese-American flavors we expect out of a "Kung Pao" or "Sesame Chicken." Starter was the Scallion pancake paired with their chili oil which leans salty, spicy and briney from the addition of black bean paste (flavorful and smart addition to cut through the oil) which was crispy and automatic from the green onions layered between the fried thin dough. We had Lo Mein as our main starch which was cooked perfectly with bouncy noodles, crispy and fresh vegetables, and a distinct wok-hei flavor, Salt and Pepper Pork Chops which was so crispy and light but also with so much flavor bodied in their blend of salt/pepper (which for those who do not know, is an umbrella term for other spices such as 5 spice, white pepper, etc...), and String Beans Sichuan Style, which was flash fried and tossed in garlic, just like the famous Din Tai Fung version, only better, and well portioned. I'll come here and miss home. I'll come here when I want to be reminded of my family gatherings. I'll come here for the nostalgia of it all. read more
Came here for a group dinner. We had a reservation and were seated quickly. Service was friendly and prompt. They offered helpful suggestions of some of their nice dishes. They said they had New Year (soup) dumplings. Sounded good so we ordered that. Very nice indeed. Their appetizer dish 小魚花生 Peanuts with Dried Anchovy is great (with scallion). Their salt / pepper prawn (shell on) is still great as usual. read more
26 days ago
3 months ago
This was one of my favorite spots when I used to live in DC, so when I came back for a business trip, I had to get it. It's so hard to choose between the spicy fish fillets, the mapo tofu, the tea smoked duck, and the cold spicy chicken, but they are all great! I ended up getting the tea smoked duck and it was just as good as I remember! Tea Smoked Duck - This is probably my favorite menu item, though the other dishes I named are also extremely delicious. This duck comes battered and crispy with a nice smoky flavor and just the right amount of fat on each piece. Did I mention that it's also entirely boneless? It's so good - you take a piece of the juicy and crispy smoky duck and add some green onions, hoisin sauce, and wrap it in a nice fluffy bun and it's utter perfection. I will continue to come back here time and time again when I'm in DC! I did takeout so I didn't experience a ton of the service/ambiance, but when I used to live in DC, the waiters remembered me as a regular and I'd get extra buns free of charge with the tea smoked duck. It's been a while so they didn't remember me this time, but I always loved eating in! read more
This is my favorite Chinese restaurant in the city! I have been coming for years, the service is fast, the food is hot, delicious, and keeps me coming back! The Mao Pao tofu is amazing, I love the hot dry pepper chicken. The staff are very attentive. The inside feels welcoming and cozy like a true family establishment. This is my go to Chinese place in the city! I always take out of towners here too! I highly recommend you check out Sichuan Pavilion! read more
10 months ago
2 months ago
The Crispy Duck was super flavorful i think it was brined over night with spices and herbs, it was super crispy and so delicious the sauce was not needed. The Beans Steamed Fish was funky in the best way possible due to the Fermented beans but the flavors were intense and spicy but not unbearable spicy. The fish was tender, flaky; and fresh! read more
6 months ago
One of my favorite places! I love coming here for lunch, but it's a yearly Christmas eve favorite. The service is always fast and the staff is always friendly! I love the unlimited tea! This place gets pretty busy but it's very old school/ traditional. My family loves the dry pepper chicken. Please be prepared for the HEAT! That thing is spicy! The salt and pepper shrimp is delicious. And we always get fried rice and lo mein! read more
7 months ago
4 months ago
1 year ago
Pretty authentic chinese food. Cozy vibe. Service was great. Respectful and gave free rice when I took leftovers home. Food had good portions and tasted great. read more
Favorite restaurant in DC for authentic, home style Chinese food. My favorite dishes are the ma po tofu and beef with spicy green peppers. Warning that both of these are pretty spicy. It can get pretty busy during dinner time and on weekends but it's worth the wait. Love the vibe in the restaurant as well. read more
1 year ago
Hands down THE BEST Chinese restaurant in DC. Everything is amazing-- I always order the fish in hot sauce, eggplant, and chicken with dry peppers. The service is great and the ambiance is very casual-- good to come with a large group of friends to share many dishes. read more
3 years ago
Cute place! You get hot tea with your meal. The servers were so nice they even boxed up our food. I also tried the spring rolls everything was good! read more
Back again after a year and you've still got it. The ambiance is friendly and it's a busy but comfortable place. I see some people say it feels confining but it really isn't. There's plenty of room, and personally I like the buzz in the restaurant. Many of the folks are speaking Chinese so I can't understand them anyway but that adds to the the charm for me :) (I live in a very multicultural neighborhood in CA). The food was great again. I started with some hot and sour soup which in years past was maybe a little too authentic but is now more mainstream and I really liked it. Next some Dan Dan noodles and they had a nice serving of sauce and vegetables. The Kung Pao chicken was also fun but the winner every time is the dry fry shrimp. They make it HOT if you ask, and I did. Just make sure you have a beer or something to turn off the heat but this is the best I've had. See you in spring 2024! read more
1 year ago
Most genuine Chinese food in DC. Sichuan cuisine tastes so good and the restaurant even uses traditional Chinese utensils that made us feel at home. Weird their yelp score is low. Would like to see it is highly recommended for Chinese. read more
4 years ago
Legit Sichuan-style Chinese restaurant near Farragut North metro station. Interior is a short walk-up with a cozy dining area and walls adorned with Chinese calligraphy scrolls. The menu has both traditional and Americanized Chinese food. We ordered scallion pancakes as an appetizer, with MaPo tofu and eggplant with garlic sauce. Everything was a solid 2 thumbs up and came quickly. Scallion pancakes were crispy and thin with good chew and generous scallion presence. The MaPo tofu had good numbing and spicy balance, with peppercorns, chili oil and black bean sauce. The eggplant was cooked perfectly with with chili, scallions and plenty of garlic. Service was efficient and courteous. Tea was refilled often and everything requested came promptly. read more
Every time I come to DC, I always stop by this place and I am never disappointed. I came towards the end of dinner service so you could tell we had to be quick. We ordered the tea smoked duck, Dan Dan noodles, Mapo tofu and the pepper salt wings. My favorite was the Mapo tofu followed by the tea smoked duck. The Mapo tofu has just enough spice and despite me not liking tofu, I love this dish! The tea smoked duck comes with little bao buns so that you can put the duck in with the glaze that they have. Overall one of my favorite spots and a must try if you're in DC read more
3 years ago
Came to dine in for Christmas dinner and once again it did not disappoint. There was a slight wait time for 2 people but took less than 10 minutes for a table. Once we sat down we were greeted and served very quickly, with our order arriving just as fast. The pan fried dumplings and hot and sour soup are great starters, and the ma po tofu is still one of the best dishes here! The shrimp lo mein was delicious as well and we loved the kung pao chicken. Overall a great meal and large portions that allowed us to take a lot home. read more
Three cheers for the return of Sichuan Pavilion! I was so sad when they closed during the pandemic. Since they re-opened, I've been once for dine-in and once for take out. The mapo tofu and eggplant in hot garlic sauce are a dream especially if you are a fan of the hot stuff. If you have people in your party who aren't used to spicy food, the bean strings w/ground pork or Sichuan-style string beans are also favorites. In my experience the staff has been great and very attentive. If you dine in you automatically get tea and they keep checking to refill your water. I will always have a place in my heart and stomach for this place! read more
Love the family style portions of food! Hubby and I shared the Sizzling black pepper steak for lunch. Literally served on a sizzling dish! Although it did have an inch of grease at the bottom, the flavor was so good! the crispy pork belly was different from what I thought it would be, but they were still tasty, we well as the fried spring rolls! service was very friendly and polite! love the complementary hot tea served at each table! beautiful dishes as well! read more
3 years ago
Hands down, the best Chinese restaurant in DC. I found it by chance this fall near school and have been a regular since. The place has a traditional Chinese decor, a quiet atmosphere, efficient service, and reasonable prices - all of which make it stand out in this city. With that said, the food here is exceptional. I've been visiting almost every other week and have tried a variety of dishes. My favorites are the spicy boiled fish, twice-cooked pork belly, and salt and pepper squid. The twice cooked pork belly was incredible, maybe the best I've ever had. Another thing worth mentioning: if you pay with cash on a weekend, you get 10% off sooo pretty shweeet I'd say read more
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More info about Sichuan Pavilion
1814 K St NW
Washington, DC 20006
Downtown
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(202) 466-7790
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Do they take reservations?
Yes - for larger parties. I think 6 was the minimum last time I made one.
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Sichuan Pavilion - szechuan - Updated August 2026
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