Walk into Chinatown in DC today and you’ll see the Friendship Archway, a bunch of chains like Walgreens with Chinese subtitles, and a whole lot of glass-and-steel luxury apartments. It’s polished. It’s corporate.
But then there’s Tony Cheng’s Restaurant.
If you grew up in the District or have lived here since the 80s, you know this isn't just a place to grab General Tso’s. It’s a landmark. A "living monument," as some locals call it. But honestly, the story of Tony Cheng’s is way more complicated than just "old restaurant still exists."
Between massive tax scandals, a door that was literally chained shut by the city, and a menu that’s been feeding presidents for decades, it’s a miracle the place is still standing at 619 H St NW.
The Wild Reality of Tony Cheng’s Restaurant Washington DC
Look, let’s be real. Tony Cheng’s is a time capsule.
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You walk in and you’re immediately hit with those sunken felt seats. They haven't been changed since the Reagan administration. It smells like a mix of old wood, soy sauce, and history. On the walls, you’ve got photos of Tony with Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and Marion Berry.
It’s basically the Smithsonian of Chinese food.
For a long time, the setup was simple. The first floor was Tony Cheng’s Mongolian Restaurant. You’d grab a bowl, pile it high with frozen meats and veggies, and watch guys with giant sticks stir-fry it on a massive circular grill. Upstairs? That was the Seafood Restaurant. That’s where the "real" cooking happened—the Peking duck, the Dungeness crab, and the dim sum carts on weekends.
The Tax Man Cometh (and the Chains)
In early 2025, things got messy. Like, $500,000 in back taxes messy.
The DC Attorney General’s office didn't play around. They alleged that the owners owed half a million dollars in unpaid sales and withholding taxes dating back to 2017. One day, people showed up for lunch and found the doors chained.
The city suspended the license. Everyone thought that was it. The end of an era.
But Tony Cheng is nothing if not a survivor. By late 2025, whispers started hitting Reddit and local forums: “Is it open?” It turns out, after a legal circus involving bankruptcy filings and negotiations with the city, the restaurant managed to swing the doors back open. They even did some "sprucing up"—ripping up old carpets and putting in new flooring. It’s still Tony Cheng’s, but maybe without the 40-year-old dust.
Why the Food Still Matters (If You Know What to Order)
Most tourists wander in because it looks "authentic" with the red calligraphy and golden arches. But if you’re a DC local, you know the menu is a minefield.
Some stuff is just... fine. Standard. The kind of greasy Chinese-American fare you can get anywhere.
But then there’s the seafood.
Pro tip: Stick to the stuff in the tanks. If you see the lobsters and crabs hanging out in the water in the middle of the room, that’s what you want. The black garlic scallops and the shrimp with asparagus in black bean sauce are actually legit.
- The Dim Sum: Weekend mornings are the move. They still do the rolling carts, which is getting rarer in the city. The turnip cakes (lu bok go) and the egg tarts are usually the stars.
- Peking Duck: It’s what Tony is famous for. He’s literally cooked this for world leaders. It’s crispy, fatty, and served with those little pancakes that make everything better.
- The "Secret" Spicy Dishes: Tony used to run a place called Szechuan back in the day. When he closed it, he brought the spicy recipes to the Seafood Restaurant. The Ma-Po bean curd here is arguably the best in the metro area if the right chef is in the kitchen.
The Man, The Myth, The... Bribery?
You can't talk about the restaurant without talking about Tony himself.
Tony Cheng isn’t just a cook; he’s a power player. He came from Hong Kong, studied economics in London, and ended up being the unofficial "Mayor of Chinatown." He was so connected that a Washington Times columnist once called the area around the Capital One Arena "Tony Cheng's Neighborhood."
But that influence came with baggage.
Years ago, Tony and his son were actually caught up in a bribery scandal involving a DC councilmember. They got probation. It was a whole thing. But in DC, if you’ve been around long enough and your food is good enough, people tend to look the other way. He’s still the guy who gets invited to the White House to cook for dignitaries.
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Is It Worth the Trip?
Honestly? It depends on what you're looking for.
If you want a modern, "elevated" dining experience with fusion tacos and $20 cocktails, go to China Chilcano down the street.
But if you want to feel the soul of a Chinatown that is rapidly disappearing, you go to Tony Cheng's. You go there for the history. You go there because you want to see the photos of Marion Berry and eat shrimp dumplings while sitting in a chair that’s seen more political deals than the Rayburn Building.
The restaurant is open most days from 11 AM to 9 PM (later on Fridays and Saturdays). It’s at 619 H Street NW.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit:
- Check the floor: If you want a quick, cheap, customized meal, stay on the first floor for Mongolian BBQ. If you want the "real" experience, head upstairs to the second floor for the Seafood and Dim Sum menu.
- Validate your parking: Parking in Chinatown is a nightmare. Ask the staff if they’re still doing validation for nearby garages; they used to, but with the recent tax troubles, it's hit-or-miss.
- Order the "Bamboo-Steamer Beef": It’s a Szechuan dish with slices of beef crusted in crushed rice and pepper. It’s a hidden gem that most people overlook.
- Look past the service: Service can be "old school," which is a polite way of saying they might forget your water refill. Just roll with it.
Tony Cheng’s has survived urban renewal, the building of a sports arena, a global pandemic, and a $500k tax bill. It’s the ultimate DC survivor. Whether you love it or think it’s a relic, Chinatown wouldn’t be Chinatown without it.