Authentic Japanese cuisine and an extensive drink menu await at Chaplin’s (1501 9th St NW). Chaplin’s chef Myo Htun, a native of Burma, began his culinary career in Japan and continues to create authentic dishes in the heart of Shaw. Co-owners, and brothers, Ari and Micah Wilder worked to create a unique beverage program to compliment Htun’s dishes.
“He learned cooking in Japan for 30 plus years under the master ramen chef that he worked for, who was his mentor, and then was given the blessing to come to the US to start doing his own creations from the authentic training and experience he had in Japan,” Ari Wilder said.
The menu features a variety of ramen dishes, mazemen and small bites like gyoza, fried tofu and dumplings. The beverage program, built to complement the savory and spicy dishes created by Htun, features beer, wine, unique cocktails and tea.
Wilder said they have worked to maintain “price sensitivity” since their opening in 2014 as they wanted to create a “local place that people could come to as often as possible.”
Wilder feels their customers have become like family and he emphasized how much they have enjoyed being members of the Shaw community. “We’ve put all of our eggs in Shaw’s basket, so to speak, because of the response from the neighborhood,” Wilder said.
“We’ve had people come in consistently every week since we first opened, and the community has been a huge part of the reason that we’re still here,” Wilder observed. “And a big part of our family, almost kind of raising our kids, because they’ve spent so much time in the restaurants.”
Chaplin’s kitchen is open Monday through Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday through Friday, 4 p.m. to 12 a.m., Saturday, 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. The bar is open Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 1:45 a.m., Friday, 4 p.m. to 2:45 a.m., Saturday, 12 p.m. to 2:45 a.m. and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 1:45 a.m. with happy hour specials every weekday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The menu is also available for takeout and delivery.
For more information, visit chaplinsdc.com.
Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com.
