Bambu

Reviewed by Thomas Head

Easy-on-the-wallet Chinese, Thai, and sushi under one roof.

Bambu

5101 MacArthur Boulevard, NW
Washington, DC 20007
Phone: 202-364-3088

Cuisines:
Chinese, Japanese, Pan-Asian, Sushi, Thai, Vegetarian/Vegan

Opening Hours:
Mon,Tue,Wed,Thu,Sun:
General: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Fri,Sat:
General: 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM

Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes

Nearby Metro Stops:
None nearby

Price Range:
Inexpensive

Dress:
Informal

Crowd:
A mix of older couples, families with children, and neighborhood singles.

Noise Level:
Chatty

Reservations:
Not needed

Best Dishes
Peking duck rolls; Thai beef with fresh basil; Thai chicken with curry and coconut milk; Pad Thai.

Price Details:
Appetizers, $2.50 to $7. Entrees, $7 to $24. Lunch special, $8.


November 2004

On almost any evening, the crowd in this MacArthur Boulevard restaurant reflects the neighborhood--families with young children, older couples, and a sprinkling of singles attracted by the casual atmosphere and low prices. Housed in a converted gas station, Bambu is almost unique among the restaurants in this neighborhood in having some parking in front.

The menu is pan-Asian, primarily Chinese and Thai, with a sushi bar for good measure. The Thai dishes are generally more successful than the Chinese. The duck roll was very good, but Chinese fried-meat dumplings suffered from a thick, doughy crust. Ma po tofu, though indicated as spicy, was rather bland. Shrimp in the shell with spicy salt were fresh and good, but their seasoning seemed blander than in most Chinese restaurants. The Thai beef with fresh basil and the Thai curried chicken with coconut milk were both very good.