Chaplin's Restaurant

chaplins reservations

For those in the District of Columbia seeking a Japanese dining experience that's both authentic and engaging, Chaplin's Restaurant in the vibrant Logan Circle neighborhood often comes highly recommended. Far from a quiet, traditional spot, Chaplin's is a lively and "vibrant" establishment, fashioning itself after the 1930s silent film era, creating a unique atmosphere that complements its culinary offerings. It has become a go-to destination for locals craving genuine Japanese flavors, particularly its acclaimed ramen and innovative small plates.

At its core, Chaplin's aims to transport patrons to an era of entertainment and quality, focusing on meticulously crafted dishes and an imaginative beverage program. The kitchen is helmed by Chef Myo Htun, who brings nearly 30 years of experience cooking under a Master Ramen Chef in Tokyo, ensuring that the ramen served at Chaplin's is deeply authentic. This commitment to traditional techniques, combined with a playful and progressive approach to drinks by co-owners Ari and Micah Wilder, results in a well-rounded and memorable experience. Whether you're a ramen connoisseur or just looking for a lively spot with great food and drinks, Chaplin's offers a distinctive taste of Japan in the heart of DC.

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Location and Accessibility

Chaplin's Restaurant is prominently located in the bustling Logan Circle/Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C., making it a highly accessible spot for locals and visitors. You can find this vibrant Japanese eatery at: 1501 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA. This address places it at a key intersection, contributing to its visibility and ease of access.

The neighborhood itself is known for its dynamic dining and nightlife scene, making Chaplin's a natural fit for those exploring the area. For public transportation users, Chaplin's is conveniently located within a short walking distance (approximately 2-3 blocks) from multiple Metro stations, including Mt Vernon Sq/7th St-Convention Center (Green/Yellow Line) and Shaw-Howard U (Green/Yellow Line). This connectivity ensures that patrons from various parts of the city can reach the restaurant with ease. While street parking in downtown D.C. can be challenging, there are numerous paid parking garages nearby. Options include the Hyatt Washington Convention Center Garage and various lots around Thomas Circle and City Center DC. Some free street parking options might exist further out, but paid garages offer more reliability. The restaurant's strategic location ensures it's a popular choice for both planned dinners and spontaneous gatherings in the D.C. area.

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Services Offered

Chaplin's Restaurant offers a comprehensive range of services designed to provide a full and engaging dining experience:

• Dine-In Service: Chaplin's provides a lively and "vibrant" atmosphere for on-site dining. The restaurant features a main dining area, a bar on each floor, and a popular outdoor patio, accommodating various preferences and group sizes.
• Takeout: For those who prefer to enjoy Chaplin's dishes in the comfort of their own homes or offices, takeout service is available. Orders can typically be placed directly with the restaurant or through their online ordering system.
• Delivery: Chaplin's partners with major third-party delivery platforms such as Grubhub and Seamless, allowing customers across Washington, D.C., to have their favorite ramen, dumplings, and other dishes delivered directly to their doorstep.
• Full Bar with Craft Cocktails: A significant highlight is their extensive beverage program, featuring Japanese-inspired craft cocktails, a global selection of wine and beer (including Japanese beers), and sake. Many of these are available at happy hour pricing.
• Weekend Brunch: Chaplin's offers a popular brunch service on Saturdays and Sundays, often featuring special menu items and drink deals like Bloody Mary specials and Frozen Monkey cocktails.
• Happy Hour: A daily happy hour is available, offering half-price on wine by the glass, draft spirits cocktails, and draft beer. While food happy hour isn't explicitly listed for all seating, it's worth inquiring at the bar.
• Private Events and Catering: Chaplin's boasts versatile event spaces, including private rooms and the option to rent out the entire venue or specific sections like the patio, making it suitable for corporate gatherings, birthday parties, and other celebrations. In-house catering is available for events.
• Reservations: Given its popularity, particularly during peak hours, Chaplin's accepts reservations, which can be made directly via their website or through platforms like OpenTable.

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Features / Highlights

Chaplin's Restaurant distinguishes itself with several unique features and highlights that create a memorable experience for its D.C. patrons:

• Authentic Japanese Ramen: At the heart of Chaplin's appeal is its commitment to authentic ramen, with Chef Myo Htun's nearly 30 years of experience in Tokyo ensuring a genuine taste. Reviewers praise the "amazing broth" and depth of flavor. Ramen options include the acclaimed "Chaplin A.S.S. Maze" (Asian Spicy Sour), Shoyu, Miso, and various vegetarian/vegan choices.
• Unique "Payday Dumplings": A standout feature is the "Payday dumplings," described as "very interesting" and unique due to a tableside injection of sauce (sometimes whiskey, depending on the variant). These are a must-try for many.
• Vibrant and Themed Atmosphere: The restaurant is "very vibrant" and "full of happy patrons," styled after the 1930s silent film era in Japan. This distinctive theme adds to the overall entertainment and dining experience.
• Exceptional Cocktail Program: Chaplin's boasts an "interesting drinks" menu and a "playful and progressive beverage program." Patrons enjoy creative, Japanese-inspired craft cocktails, a wide selection of sake, and Japanese beers.
• Delicious Small Plates and Appetizers: Beyond ramen, the menu features highly praised small plates like Karage (Japanese fried chicken), Gyoza (pork, shrimp, vegetarian, beef options), and the "absolutely phenomenal" Salmon Poke Mini Tacos.
• Outdoor Patio Dining: On warmer days, Chaplin's offers a "very nice" and spacious 90-seat patio, providing a pleasant al fresco dining option for enjoying ramen and drinks.
• Michelin Plate Recognition: Chaplin's has been recognized with a MICHELIN Plate (e.g., 2022), indicating a high standard of quality and good cooking.
• Friendly and Attentive Staff: Reviews frequently commend the staff for being "friendly and attentive," contributing to a positive and welcoming environment.
• Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free Options: The menu is inclusive, offering clearly marked vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free ramen options (e.g., Veggie Shio with Wakame broth), making it accessible to diverse dietary needs.

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Promotions or Special Offers

Chaplin's Restaurant provides several attractive promotions and special offers for its Washington, D.C. clientele, enhancing the value of their dining experience:

• Daily Happy Hour: Chaplin's offers a fantastic happy hour "EVERYDAY from 4pm - 7pm." During this time, patrons can enjoy "1/2 OFF Wine BTG" (by the glass), "1/2 OFF Drafty Spirits Cocktails," and "1/2 OFF Draft Beer." This makes it an ideal spot for after-work drinks or an early dinner start.
• Weekend Brunch Specials: On Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm-4pm, Chaplin's features "Bloody Mary Specials" and "Frozen Monkey Cocktails" at discounted prices, perfect for a relaxed weekend meal.
• Restaurant Week Participation: Chaplin's regularly participates in D.C.'s Restaurant Week events (e.g., Winter Restaurant Week 2025), offering special prix-fixe menus for dinner (e.g., $40) and sometimes brunch (e.g., $35), often including appetizers, ramen/main features, and optional drink pairings.
• Event Packages: For private events, Chaplin's offers various packages, with pricing often starting "from $60 per person" for full venue or outdoor dining rentals, providing a structured way to plan celebrations. They also have minimum spend options for their private "Inside Venue" space.
• Gift Cards: Chaplin's offers gift cards, which are a convenient way to share the experience with friends and family or for corporate gifting.

Locals looking to experience Chaplin's at a great value should definitely consider visiting during Happy Hour or checking their website/social media for upcoming Restaurant Week participation and other limited-time offers.

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Contact Information

For reservations, takeout orders, or any inquiries about Chaplin's Restaurant and its unique Japanese dining experience, you can reach them using the following contact details:

• Address: 1501 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA
• Phone: (202) 644-8806

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Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Chaplin's Restaurant is an exceptionally suitable Japanese dining destination for locals in Washington, D.C., offering a compelling blend of authentic cuisine, a vibrant atmosphere, and excellent value. Its location in the lively Logan Circle/Shaw neighborhood provides easy accessibility via Metro and proximity to other popular attractions, making it a convenient choice for any occasion. For D.C. residents who appreciate genuinely flavorful ramen, Chef Myo Htun's decades of experience ensure a taste that rivals traditional Japanese establishments. The "amazing broth" and the unique "Payday dumplings" are just a couple of the culinary highlights that keep patrons returning.

Beyond the food, Chaplin's creates an engaging experience with its 1930s silent film era theme and a "vibrant" atmosphere, making it more than just a place to eat; it's a social hub. The sophisticated yet playful craft cocktail program, coupled with a daily happy hour featuring significant discounts on drinks, provides excellent incentives for after-work gatherings or casual meet-ups. Furthermore, the availability of a "very nice" outdoor patio is a huge draw during pleasant D.C. weather. The consistently praised "friendly and attentive" staff also contributes significantly to a welcoming environment. For locals seeking a dynamic, authentic Japanese experience that combines delicious food, creative drinks, and a lively ambiance, Chaplin's Restaurant is a top-tier choice that perfectly caters to the spirited pulse of the District.

Chaplin's Restaurant

1501 9th St NW, Washington, DC 20001, USA