Shanghai Lounge

Celebrated with my friends here, the atmosphere, the food, the staff, and customer service were outstanding. We had a great time her and left with full belly. Food was on point and much better than most other places. Enjoyed the experience. Best of all everything was sooooo clean.

Shanghai lounge rocks because it's not trying to prove anything this is freshly prepared Chinese food the traditional way and the ingredients are pretty good love their eggplant love their shrimp love their soup buns and love their service oriented owners and servers that want to make you happy. I am raising the rating of the food to five stars. I visited recently and the food was more than excellent. I think this is the best Chinese restaurant in DC..cucumber salad and soup buns yum!

Shanghai Lounge is a hidden gem in DC’s Georgetown neighborhood, offering some of the most authentic and fiery Chinese cuisine in the DMV area. Just a few blocks from Georgetown’s bustling main streets, the restaurant exudes traditional Chinese charm, with decor rich in vibrant colors, intricate artwork, and decorative accents that evoke a sense of heritage. On this visit, we indulged in a selection of spicy dishes, each showcasing Shanghai Lounge’s skill in balancing heat with nuanced flavors. We began with the **Spicy Beef Tendon**, a standout appetizer with a perfectly tender texture and robust, chili-infused flavor that makes it a must-try for spice lovers. Next, the **Scallion Pancake** surprised us with its uniquely crisp layers and distinctive flavor—better than average, with a crunch that elevates the familiar dish. The **Steamed Pork Soup Bun** was a delightful palate cleanser, though the filling leaned toward the sweet side, and the dumpling skin was slightly thicker than that of more delicate varieties. For something more adventurous, we tried the **Duck’s Blood Cake with Beef Tripe in Spicy Chili Soup**. The broth was rich and deeply flavorful, and although they had run out of duck’s blood cake, a mix of duck and pig’s blood cake made a satisfying alternative. Lastly, the **Grilled Whole Seabass with Spicy Chili Sauce** was a masterpiece, perfectly cooked with tender flesh and a spice-laden sauce that added depth without overpowering the fish. Service was attentive and welcoming, enhancing the experience in this cozy spot. Shanghai Lounge has rightfully earned its place among the best for spicy Chinese fare in the area, and we’ll undoubtedly return to explore more of its bold and expertly crafted dishes. 11-17-24. ### Shanghai Lounge: A Second Szechuan Revelation After my first encounter with this fiery Szechuan restaurant in Georgetown, I found myself irresistibly drawn back, my craving for authentic Szechuan spice growing stronger with each passing day. Today’s revisit to this hidden gem only solidified its place in my culinary heart. Here’s what graced our table: - **Boiled Duck Blood Curd Szechuan Style** - **Spicy Boiled Fish Filets** - **Dry Pot Spicy Beef** - **Spicy Beef Tendon** - **Pan-Fried Chicken Dumplings** The **Boiled Duck Blood Curd**, much like my initial tasting, delivered the same velvety texture and bold flavors that left me enamored. It was a pleasure to find the **Spicy Boiled Fish Filets** equally stellar—silky fish paired with a broth bursting with numbing heat and fragrance. The **Dry Pot Spicy Beef** was a revelation, each bite offering a masterful balance of spice, umami, and smokiness. Meanwhile, the **Spicy Beef Tendon** stood out with its chewy, satisfying texture and expertly seasoned spice profile. To round off the meal, the **Pan-Fried Chicken Dumplings** provided a comforting contrast, golden-crisp on the outside and juicy within. Each dish reaffirmed the kitchen's dedication to authentic Szechuan cooking, its boldness and depth of flavor evident in every bite. I’m already planning my next visit, eager to explore the menu further. Shanghai Lounge is, without a doubt, a must-visit for anyone chasing the thrill of true Szechuan cuisine.

If you are looking for great Chinese food, don't go to Chinatown, go here. Traditional dishes that are amazing. The hand made soup dumplings are great. I really enjoyed the spicy fish broth. The Cummin lamb is also a must try dish at this location. I have returned a year later and I’m already looking forward to my next visit to Georgetown to explore more of this amazing cuisine. My experience was outstanding! Lyn provided exceptional service—she was attentive, answered all my questions, and offered fantastic recommendations. Again the spicy fish was a true highlight, with perfectly balanced flavors and the delightful kick of numbing Sichuan peppers. Every detail was spot on. While the restaurant may appear small from the outside, don’t be deceived—there’s plenty of space upstairs to accommodate larger parties. If you’re searching for authentic Chinese food, this spot is a must-visit. Highly recommend!!!

The food here was great. We were looking for some authentic Chinese food and came across this restaurant but thought it looked a little localized but tried it anyway. They have good Szechuan food and the lady waiter there was so so sweet - she was so excited for me to try out the cumin lamb. The food absolutely did not disappoint (at least the dishes we had) and we'd definitely go back to eat again. The atmosphere was below avg as it was dingy and the smell wasn't great so I wouldn't call it a vibe, but if you're looking for authentic Chinese food, this is a good spot.