Seemor
Northwest Washington › Dupont Circle › Astoria DC
Astoria DCB-Worth Trying
1521 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036
· Restaurant, Cocktail bar
· 4.4/5 Google (682 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout · Outdoor seating
A lively Sichuan spot with standout cocktails and spicy small plates, but expect high prices, small portions, waits, and occasional service bottlenecks; reservations strongly advised.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
Astoria DC delivers bold, well-executed Sichuan flavors and top-tier cocktails in a vibrant Dupont Circle setting, earning solid neighborhood standing. However, documented sanitation issues, inconsistent execution, and operational slowdowns during peak hours prevent a higher grade. Worth visiting for the noodles and cocktails, but expect variable service and plan accordingly.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling, a narrow cocktail-forward space where servers ferry plates of chili wontons and hand-pulled noodles to packed tables. One diner said the noodles were "insanely good," while another praised the friendly, attentive team. However, sporadic reports of long waits and pacing hiccups come up on busy nights. The cooking leans contemporary Sichuan with a few creative twists (think chimichurri ribeye) and a strong bar program to match. It is not white-tablecloth fancy; it is flavor-first and lively, best for sharing a spread of spicy crowd-pleasers like mapo tofu, la-zi chicken, and Dan Dan noodles. Prices skew high for the portions, but many feel the quality and cocktails justify it for a night out. Families can make it work if kids enjoy milder meats or noodles—one parent noted their children loved the red-braised pork. That said, the menu trends spicy and the plates are small, so plan accordingly. Look for approachable options like noodles and tofu, and be ready to adjust spice levels if needed.
At a Glance
- Bold Sichuan flavors with excellent noodles and mapo tofu
- Top-tier cocktails customized to guest preferences
- Small portions and higher prices than typical Chinese spots
- Seating delays and slow pacing at peak hours
- Isolated but serious sanitation complaints require caution
What Sets It Apart
- bartender_custom_cocktails
- late_kitchen_hours
- sichuan_specialties_with_twists
What People Love
- Memorable hand-pulled beef noodles
- Cocktails tailored to taste
- Lively, cozy vibe
- Reliable Sichuan staples with balanced heat
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely high for plate size; plan multiple dishes per person
- Service can be slow and seating disorganized during rush
- Reports of pests and a few foodborne illness claims, though not universal
- Spice-forward menu may challenge conservative palates
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$48-64 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair Dan Dan noodles with a citrus-forward cocktail to balance heat
- Order one vegetable (eggplant or triple delight) to round a spicy spread
- If budget-sensitive, focus on two noodles plus one shareable dish for two
Perfect For
- Date night with cocktails and shared plates
- Late-night bite with bold flavors
- Small-group celebrations that book ahead
- Solo bar dining with crafted drinks
Location Insights
Area: Energetic urban block in Dupont Circle with bars, restaurants, and night-life; draws locals and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, busy streets with steady foot traffic; typical urban late-night crowd.
Nearby: Close to Dupont Circle, hotels, offices, and neighboring restaurants; nightlife hub affecting wait times.
Dupont CircleThe dining scene in Dupont Circle is eclectic, featuring upscale restaurants, casual cafes, and international cuisine. The area is popular for both social dining and business lunches, with a welcoming and energetic atmosphere that attracts a diverse crowd. It is considered safe and highly accessible, with a mix of historic charm and modern amenities.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday17:00–01:00
Tuesday
Wednesday17:00–01:00
Thursday17:00–01:00
Friday17:00–02:00
Saturday17:00–02:00
Sunday17:00–01:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout, Outdoor seating
View full analysis on Seemor →