When penniless Cantonese dishwasher Frank Fat opened his humble eatery Frank Fat's in 1939, no one could imagine the transformation the seedy, former Italian restaurant/prohibition speakeasy would undergo over the following decades. Because of its proximity to the capitol, Fat’s began to draw a politically elite clientele, who gladly exploited the nearby space for under-the-table deals and after-hours drinking and gambling. Now with a sleek art deco design and souped-up menu of upscale Chinese cuisine, Frank Fat’s continues to attract a heavy legislative contingent rubbing elbows with the numerous other locals and tourists. The four main provinces of China — Peking, Szechwan, Canton and Shanghai — provide inspiration for the extensive menu of top-notch fare. That includes traditional favorites such as orange chicken and Mongolian beef as well as house specialties such as brandy fried chicken and honey walnut prawns. A wealth of vegetarian choices make dining at Frank Fat’s gratifying for the non-meat eaters. Top it all off with some banana cream pie for dessert, and you’ll understand why the Fat family remains one of the premier restaurateur powers in the area.
Reservations suggested. Full bar. Serving lunch Mon–Fri, dinner nightly.
"Frank Fat's still attracts legislators, politicians and other Capitol bigwigs the same way it did decades ago."
— Gayot
When penniless Cantonese dishwasher Frank Fat opened his humble eatery Frank Fat's in 1939, no one could imagine the transformation the seedy, former Italian restaurant/prohibition speakeasy would undergo over the following decades. Because of its proximity to the capitol, Fat’s began to draw a politically elite clientele, who gladly exploited the nearby space for under-the-table deals and after-hours drinking and gambling. Now with a sleek art deco design and souped-up menu of upscale Chinese cuisine, Frank Fat’s continues to attract a heavy legislative contingent rubbing elbows with the numerous other locals and tourists. The four main provinces of China — Peking, Szechwan, Canton and Shanghai — provide inspiration for the extensive menu of top-notch fare. That includes traditional favorites such as orange chicken and Mongolian beef as well as house specialties such as brandy fried chicken and honey walnut prawns. A wealth of vegetarian choices make dining at Frank Fat’s gratifying for the non-meat eaters. Top it all off with some banana cream pie for dessert, and you’ll understand why the Fat family remains one of the premier restaurateur powers in the area.
Reservations suggested. Full bar. Serving lunch Mon–Fri, dinner nightly.
"Frank Fat's still attracts legislators, politicians and other Capitol bigwigs the same way it did decades ago."
— Gayot