Han Palace-Woodley Park

I’m really disappointed, I was debating between georgetown location and this, but this was rated higher so I chose this one. First thing when entering, they sat us down but attitude was rude, the lady gave us like 30 secs and asked if we’re ready when we said we needed more time they rolled their eyes and be like ok 1 min. When we placed our orders, it the pork and shrimp came quickly but think they forgot our other orders. They also weren’t checking our tables to see if we needed anything, we were trying for a very long time to get their attention. Regarding food, the shrimp dumpling was a small portion, and it tasted really bad, it’s obviously the ones that are frozen that you get from a supermarket and steam it, I’ve bought one of those and this is identical, I could’ve just gotten a pack of 16 for the same price compared to the 3 pieces they gave me. PLEASE dont get it, the peking duck was really dry and seemed like it was sitting out there for a bit, I think the lower ranked georgetown location duck was better, but ive had better and this is probably one of the worst ducks I’ve had. Looks are deceiving, it’s very pretty but doesn’t taste good. Also got mapo tofu, it’s literally hot and sour soup and then added some tofu, not true mapo tofu, have had better. The taro mightve been the best thing. But in general rude neglected service, poor food quality, each item disappointed us more and more, don’t understand why it’s rated so high. Would not come back no recommend, overhyped.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

The food was so greasy, the service was ok, I won’t be coming back. I left a 10% tip based on the ok service and the lady was not happy and indicated that I’ve should’ve tipped +18% instead of asking why I wasn’t happy and trying to understand. It was an icky interaction and left a bad taste.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 1

The food was great and the interior design is impeccable. Very impressed by the cozy ambience. The food was yummy and it's a great idea to order a bunch of different side dishes to share with a large party.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

A few nights ago, my family and I dined at this establishment and had a truly enjoyable experience. The food was exceptional, the service was solid, and we left a generous 20% tip, grateful for a great night out. Naturally, we were excited to return and support the business again.

Unfortunately, our return experience could not have been more different.

Upon arrival, we politely requested a table for “2 ½” — a light-hearted reference to dining with our toddler, who is extremely well-behaved and causes no disruption. The hostess didn’t respond, simply stared at us, and then a male staff member Jett or Jeff, who appeared to be the manager, rushed over and abruptly told us they had no availability. When I asked whether they took reservations (thinking we could return the following evening), he responded that they don’t accept reservations.

However, he then contradicted himself by telling us the tables were “reserved.” I counted six completely empty tables and even took video footage of the empty dining room. When I asked for clarification, we were told again that there was no availability and asked to leave.

Something felt off. So, I walked back in to speak with him directly. While I was waiting, I watched as two separate couples, who had just arrived after we did, were seated immediately, without issue. I asked the manager why they were seated while we were told the restaurant was full. He repeated that they had a reservation. However, when I asked those couples directly, they confirmed they did not have a reservation and had just walked in, like we did.

When I pressed further, the manager seemed to pretend not to understand my questions and gave no clear explanation. At that point, it was evident that we were being selectively turned away and targeted for reasons unknown.

This is especially troubling given that my husband speaks Mandarin, and his family has worked for years supporting and teaching Asian scholars in North Carolina. His sister is from China, and we are deeply familiar with and respectful of Asian cultures. We felt welcomed during our first visit, so we’re left wondering what changed and why a young, respectful, paying family would be treated this way on our second visit.

I have video documentation of both visits, including our initial positive experience (I run a TikTok page where I post life style content and had an intention of posting a positive review) , the generous tip, and tonight’s events, as well as the contradictory statements made by staff. I plan to submit a formal report to the Better Business Bureau and share this story publicly across my social media platforms.

Businesses deserve to be celebrated when they provide great service, as I intended to do after our first visit. But they should also be held accountable when they treat customers unfairly and inconsistently, especially when young families and children are involved. We were paying customers, respectful, kind, and ready to support this establishment again but instead, we were dismissed without cause.

Shame on this management team for their unprofessional behavior.

A few nights ago, my family had a great dinner at this restaurant amazing food, good service, and we left a generous tip. We were excited to go back. But when we returned, the experience was completely different. We asked for a table for “2 ½” (our toddler included), and the hostess just stared at us. A manager quickly came over and told us there was no availability, despite six empty tables. When I asked about reservations, he said they don’t take them… then turned around and said the tables were “reserved.” We stepped outside, and moments later, we saw two couples walk in and get seated right away. So I went back in and I asked them if they had reservations, both said no. When I brought this to the manager’s attention, he suddenly acted like he didn’t understand me. It became clear we were being deliberately turned away and unfortunately, it felt discriminatory. We have video from both visits, including receipts and footage showing the empty tables and the other couples being seated. We’re filing a formal complaint with the BBB and sharing this to raise awareness. Good restaurants deserve praise. But when families are mistreated or turned away unfairly there should be accountability.

My family and I stopped by to grab lunch and take it back to our hotel room. The seafood fried rice and beef fried rice were amazing!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I came from the zoo and wanted to sit down for some lunch. We got the Peking Duck and we’re not disappointed. Order a hot tea, the tea service is beautiful. We tried Beef and Vegetable Dumplings, they were juicy and rich, and earned a high recommendation. We were delighted we chose Han Palace it is beautiful and welcoming with superb service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Delicious! Fun environment and great food. Best sesame chicken I have ever had. The service was terrific - very nice and fast.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Good food!! Great service

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Han Style Peking Duck

We like Cantonese cuisine and found the dishes here very well prepared. We especially enjoyed the dim sum, the steamed fish, green vegetables, pickles, duck, and soft shelled crab. The service was excellent and our Chinese waitress provided great advice and made sure we noticed that a gratuity had already been added for our party of seven. The restaurant was very clean and modern. It was possible to hear across our table. We were very pleased with our experience. Also, the entrance is across the street from a Metro subway station!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Group of friends met here for an enjoyable Sunday brunch. We each ordered three dim sum and all had enough to eat. We had fun trying a variety that would have been impossible for a single diner, and most options were tasty enough.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Dimsum

A nice, cozy Chinese restaurant.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 4

Food was very fast and very fresh. Tasty. Wine is good) recommend!

Kid-friendliness: Couple of kids around. Clearly stuff is really to help. Other customers doesn't feel uncomfortable. Appreciate it as a mother without child here

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing. Vibes pretty dope.

Came here to have dinner. Walked in and understand that it was busy, but no one greeted us. We sat at the bar, asked a server a question. Got a mumbling answer. Asked other servers for assistance. They came over with an unwelcoming look. There was a 20 min wait which was understandable. No one offered water to us while we sat at the bar. Everyone that worked there looked like they hated life and working. The server who finally acknowledged us didn't take our order and said we would have to wait for table which I didn't understand because there were available seating at the bar. Very disorganized. Need a manager to lead and direct. Everyone looks like a chicken with their head cut off. Please hire people with better customer service experience. Will not ever give this place a chance. Very sad as it's in the most busiest area where business can be successful if done right. Please train the employees on how to provide better customer service instead of their facial expressions indicating they hate being there. If I could, I would give this place a -20 rating. First impression always matters. Ended up going to Hollywood East Cafe restaurant for some dim sum and it was AWESOME! It was great dim sum with wonderful customer service.