City Lights of China in Washington, DC

3.7(375)Washington, DC
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Mixed feedback

3.7-star rating from 375 reviews.

  • Family-friendly
  • Budget-friendly
  • Quick service

Best for / Not ideal for

Best for

  • Quick meals
  • Families
  • Large groups

Not ideal for

  • Fine dining seekers

At a glance

Washington, DC • 3.7★
In Northwest Washington, City Lights of China is a top-rated Chinese buffet destination, boasting a 3.7-star rating from 375 reviewers. This beloved Chinese restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat experience that's hard to resist. With a wide range of options to suit every taste, it's no wonder that patrons rave about their bargain lunch special available all day. Whether you're dining in or taking out, City Lights of China has got you covered, offering delivery and carry out options for convenience. Recent reviewers have also praised their General Tao's Crispy Tofu and Singapore Style Rice Noodles, which are both absolutely delicious. With its good for kids and good for groups atmosphere, City Lights of China is a great choice for both families and large gatherings.
This family-friendly Chinese buffet welcomes diners of all ages.
Address
2443 18th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA, Northwest Washington, Washington, District of Columbia
Phone
(202) 217-1816
Today
11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Rating
3.7 (375 reviews)

What stands out

🍽️Delicious food

Multiple reviewers praise the taste and flavor

📋Huge selection

Lots of options to choose from

✨Fresh, quality food

Multiple reviewers mention the freshness

View reviews →

Before you go

🅿️Parking available

Convenient parking for customers

🍺Alcohol served

Beer, wine, and cocktails available

🥡Takeout available

Order to go

Photos

10 photos

Hours & Location

Status: Hours available

Regular Hours

7 days
Monday
11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Tuesday
11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Wednesday
11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Thursday
11:00 AM – 9:30 PM
Friday
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday
11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday
11:00 AM – 9:30 PM

Popular Times

See when it's busiest
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat

Amenities & Services

Accessibility, service options, and dining details

Amenities

Available facilities and features
TV AvailableGender Neutral RestroomsGood For GroupsGood For KidsWaiter ServiceDogs Allowed

Atmosphere

Ambiance and setting
CasualCozyNoise: Noise level

Dining Options

Food and beverage choices
LunchDinnerCateringDessertTable serviceLunch

Service Options

Dine-in, takeout, delivery
TakeoutDine-inDeliveryReservations

Takeout service is available. Delivery service is offered.

Parking

Parking availability
Bike ParkingBusiness Parking parking

Parking is available for customers.

Payment Methods

Accepted payment types
Business Accepts Credit Cards

Highlights

Special features
Fast serviceGreat tea selection

Food & Drink

Menu offerings
noneAlcoholComfort foodHard liquorLate-night foodQuick bite

Planning

Reservations and groups
Accepts reservations

Reviews

375 reviews

Reviews

Customer reviews available

Loading full reviews...

Frequently Asked Questions

Common answers about this buffet

What are the lunch options like at City Lights of China?

The lunch box options are really lovely and the staff is friendly. There are also bargain lunch specials available all day.

How would you describe the food at City Lights of China?

The food is delicious, authentic Chinese style, and the portions are generous. Some dishes like the General Tao's Crispy Tofu and Singapore Style Rice Noodles are absolutely delicious.

What are some popular dishes at City Lights of China?

Some popular dishes include the General Tao's Crispy Tofu, Singapore Style Rice Noodles, and the pork hot pepper. The orange chicken is also a favorite among customers.

Are the prices reasonable at City Lights of China?

Some customers think the prices are reasonable, while others feel that the food is overpriced. One customer mentioned that if the price were under $10, they would have given it 5 stars.

How is the service at City Lights of China?

Some customers have reported slow service and rude staff, while others have had positive experiences with friendly staff and efficient service.

Can you get delivery from City Lights of China?

Yes, City Lights of China offers delivery through services like Uber Eats and DoorDash. However, some customers have reported issues with their delivery orders, such as missing food or incorrect orders.

How is the food quality at City Lights of China?

Some customers have reported that the food is delicious and fresh, while others have had issues with food quality, such as soggy or tasteless dishes.

How is the customer service at City Lights of China?

Some customers have reported that the customer service is terrible, with rude staff and unhelpful responses to issues.

Show 4 more questions

Is City Lights of China a good option for takeout?

Some customers have reported positive experiences with takeout, while others have had issues with missing food or incorrect orders.

How is the portion size at City Lights of China?

Some customers have reported that the portion sizes are small and not worth the price.

Are there any discounts or promotions at City Lights of China?

Some customers have reported that there are bargain lunch specials available all day, and that the restaurant offers a buy one get one free deal.

Are there any issues with refunds at City Lights of China?

One customer reported that they were charged $67.34 after canceling an order and that the restaurant refused to refund them.

Nearby Places

Local services, shops, and points of interest

119 places nearby (arts & culture, finance, food, government, healthcare)

Museums & galleries

DC Arts Center

Arts Centre

2438 18th Street Northwest

~130 ftWe-Su 14:00-19:00
+1-202-462-7833Website
Gary Taylor's Fine Art and Framing

Art

~580 ftTu-Sa 10:00-18:00
Carry the Rainbow on Your Shoulders

Artwork

~620 ft
Sitar Art Center

Arts Centre

1700 kalorama street

~830 ft
Website

Banking

ATM

Atm

~390 ft
Truist

Atm

~540 ft24/7
Wells Fargo

Bank

1804 Adams Mill Road Northwest

~550 ft
Truist

Bank

1801 Adams Mill Road Northwest

~550 ftMo-Th 09:00-17:00; Fr 09:00-18:00; Sa 09:00-12:00
Truist

Atm

~580 ft24/7
PNC Bank

Bank

1779 Columbia Road Northwest

~590 ftMo-Th 09:00-17:00; Fr 09:00-18:00; Sa 09:00-13:00

Money services

Ria

Money Transfer

1782 Columbia Road Northwest

~770 ft
Western Union

Money Transfer

~840 ft
Ria

Money Transfer

~0.2 mi

Restaurants

Sakuramen

Restaurant

2441 18th Street Northwest

~20 ftMo off; Tu-Th 17:30-22:00; Fr-Sa 12:00-22:30; Su 12:00-21:00
+1 202-656-5285Website
Pizza Mart

Fast Food

2445 18th Street Northwest

~20 ft
+1 202-234-9700Website
Meze

Restaurant

2437 18th Street Northwest

~50 ft
+1 202-797-0017Website
Retrobottega

Restaurant

2435 18th Street Northwest

~70 ftMo-Su 17:00+
+1 202-450-5219Website
Jyoti Indian Cuisine

Restaurant

2433 18th Street Northwest

~80 ft
+1 202-518-5892Website
The Diner

Restaurant

2453 18th Street Northwest

~100 ft24/7
+1 202-232-8800Website
BUL

Restaurant

2431 18th Street Northwest

~100 ftTu-Th 17:00-22:00; Fr,Sa 17:00-23:00; Su 12:00-21:00
+1 202-733-3921Website
Passato Pizza & Grill

Fast Food

2455 18th Street Northwest

~110 ftMo-Th 10:30-00:45; Fr-Sa 10:30-03:15; Su 10:30-00:45
+1 202-791-4463Website
Elfegne

Restaurant

2420 18th Street Northwest

~140 ftMo-Th 17:00-22:00; Fr-Su 12:00-22:00
+1 202-667-4700Website
Mola Empanada

Fast Food

2438 18th Street Northwest

~140 ftWe-Th 17:00-22:00; Fr 17:00-24:00; Sa 12:00-24:00; Su 12:00-21:00
+1 202-328-6232Website
Bukom Cafe

Restaurant

2442 18th Street Northwest

~170 ft
+1 202-265-4600Website
Andy’s Pizza

Fast Food

2465 18th Street Northwest

~210 ft
+1 202-558-9125Website

Bars & Pubs

Club Timehri

Bar

2439 18th Street Northwest

~30 ft
Grand Central

Bar

2447 18th Street Northwest

~50 ftMo-Th 18:00-02:00; Fr 18:00-03:00; Sa 12:00-03:00; Su 12:00-02:00
+1 202-986-1742Website
Code Red

Bar

2440 18th Street Northwest

~150 ftSu-Mo off; Tu-We 17:00-23:00; Th 17:00-01:00; Fr-Sa 17:00-02:00
+1 202-265-0590Website
Madam's Organ

Bar

2461 18th Street Northwest

~170 ftSu-Th 18:00-02:00; Fr,Sa 18:00-03:00
+1 202-667-5370Website
Roofers Union

Pub

2446 18th Street Northwest

~190 ft
+1 202-232-7663Website
Bossa

Bar

2463 18th Street Northwest

~190 ftTu-Th 17:30-02:00; Fr-Sa 17:30-03:00; Su 17:30-02:00
+1 202-667-0088Website
Shenanigan's Irish Pub

Pub

2450 18th Street Northwest

~210 ftMo-Th 15:00-02:00; Fr-Sa 12:00-03:00; Su 12:00-02:00
+1 202-588-7405Website
Tiki on 18th

Bar

2411 18th Street Northwest

~270 ft
+1 202-846-1952Website
Maison Bar à Vins

Bar

1834 Columbia Road Northwest

~310 ftSu,We-Th 17:00-23:00; Fr-Sa 17:00-01:00; Mo-Tu off
Website
Hotbed

Bar

2477 18th Street Northwest

~320 ft
Website
Grand Duchess

Bar

~370 ft
Green Island Cafe

Bar

2327 18th Street Northwest

~440 ft
+1 202-492-4888

Cafes & Coffee

Tryst Coffeehouse

Cafe

2459 18th Street Northwest

~140 ft
Website
D Light

Cafe

~300 ft
The Coffee Shop @ No Goodbyes

Cafe

1770 Euclid Street Northwest

~480 ftMo-Sa 07:00-15:00; Su 07:00-14:00
Website
Pitango

Cafe

~490 ft
Soleluna

Cafe

1787 Columbia Road Northwest

~570 ftMo-Fr 07:00-15:00; Sa-Su 07:00-17:00
Website
Compass Coffee

Cafe

1827 Adams Mill Road Northwest

~780 ftMo-Fr 06:30-17:00; Sa-Su 07:00-19:00
Website

Waste management

Waste bin

Waste Basket

~340 ft
Recycling center

Recycling

~460 ft
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~460 ft
Waste bin

Waste Basket

~500 ft

Postal services

Kalorama Post Office

Post Office

~650 ft
United States Postal Service

Post Box

~750 ft
The UPS Store

Post Office

2202 18th Street Northwest

~960 ft
United States Postal Service

Post Box

~0.2 mi

Public facilities

Drinking water

Drinking Water

~770 ft
Drinking water

Drinking Water

~960 ft
Public restroom

Toilets

~0.2 mi

Hospitals & clinics

MedStar Prompt Care

Clinic

~480 ft
One Medical Group

Clinic

1827 Adams Mill Road Northwest

~750 ft

Pharmacy & medical supplies

CVS Pharmacy

Pharmacy

~880 ft
Website

Specialists

Adams Morgan Dentistry

Dentist

~930 ft

Primary care

Community of Hope Health Center

Doctors

2250 Champlain Street Northwest

~970 ft
Joseph's House

Doctors

1730 Lanier Place Northwest

~0.2 mi

Other services

Little Shop of Flowers

Florist

2421 18th Street Northwest

~230 ftMo-Sa 10:00-17:30; Su off
+1-202-387-7255Website
Throughline Design

Yes

1838 Columbia Road Northwest

~310 ft
Website
Picture Frame Factory

Frame

~560 ft
SparkFund

Yes

~600 ft
Website
FedEx Office

Copyshop

1812 Adams Mill Road Northwest

~620 ftMo-Fr 07:30-21:00; Sa 08:00-18:00; Su 12:00-18:00
Cupid Cleaners

Dry Cleaning

~710 ft
Metro Imaging Solutions

Copyshop

~850 ft
Tienda Malik

Bag

~890 ft

Beauty & spa

Enchanted Nails & Spa

Beauty

2324 18th Street Northwest

~350 ft
MYE Nails & Spa

Beauty

1744 Columbia Road Northwest

~950 ft

Hair services

AsukiSQ Hair Salon

Hairdresser

1794 Columbia Road Northwest

~420 ftMo-Th 09:30-19:30; Fr-Sa 09:30-20:00; Su 10:00-19:00
+1-202-621-6761Website
Columbia Hair Salon

Hairdresser

~810 ftMo-Sa 09:30-19:00; Su 10:00-17:00
Bill Lawrence Salon

Hairdresser

2120 18th Street Northwest

~0.2 mi
+1-202-387-8310Website

Body art

Embassy Tattoo

Tattoo

~790 ftMo-Sa 12:00-22:00; Su 12:00-20:00
+1 202-733-3846Website

Professional services

Tattoo Paradise

Company

~90 ft
Visions

Company

~410 ft

Entertainment venues

Heaven & Hell

Nightclub

2327 18th Street Northwest

~440 ft
The Cave

Nightclub

~590 ft
+1-202-450-1292
Studio Gaga

Nightclub

2218 18th Street Northwest

~830 ft

Parks & amenities

Bench

Bench

~740 ft
Bench

Bench

~750 ft
Bench

Bench

~750 ft
Bench

Bench

~760 ft
Bench

Bench

~780 ft
Bench

Bench

~0.2 mi

Places of worship

Moishe House

Place Of Worship

1753 Euclid Street Northwest

~760 ft

Specialty stores

B&K Convenience Store

Tobacco

2414 18th Street Northwest

~180 ft
Lost City Books

Books

~230 ftMo-Th 11:00-18:00, Fr-Su 11:00-21:00
Website
Wash Hydro

Cannabis

~470 ft
Elevated Lounge

Cannabis

2309 18

~600 ftMo-Su 12:00-20:00
Website
Capitol Hemp Cannabis

Tobacco

~740 ft
Because Science

Gift

1759 Columbia Road Northwest

~820 ftSu-Tu 12:00-18:00; We-Sa 10:00-20:00

Clothing & fashion

toro mata

Clothes

~270 ft
Fleet Feet

Shoes

1841 Columbia Road Northwest

~480 ftMo-Sa 10:00-17:00; Su 12:00-16:00
+1-202-387-3888Website
Le Bustiere Lingerie

Clothes

1744 Columbia Road Northwest

~940 ftMo,Su 12:00-18:00; Tu-Sa 11:00-19:00
+1 202-745-8080Website

Home & garden

Miss Pixie's

Houseware

1830 Columbia Road Northwest

~310 ft
+1-202-232-8171Website

Electronics & technology

Smash Records

Music

2314 18th Street Northwest

~510 ft
Tiny Vinyl Shop

Music

~640 ft
Website

Gyms & fitness centers

Crossfit Hierarchy

Fitness Centre

1681 Kalorama Road Northwest

~940 ft

Sports facilities

Marie Reed Aquatic Center

Sports Centre

2200 Champlain Street Northwest

~0.2 miMo-Fr 06:00 - 21:00
+1 202-234-2162

Parking facilities

Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~220 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~250 ft
Adams Morgan Colonial Parking

Parking

2421 18th St NW 18th Street Northwest

~250 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~310 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~320 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~340 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~530 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~560 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~750 ft
Bicycle parking

Bicycle Parking

~830 ft

Vehicle rentals

Zipcar

Car Sharing

~380 ft
Zipcar

Car Sharing

~550 ft
Adams Mill and Columbia Rd NW

Bicycle Rental

~560 ft24/7
Website
Columbia Rd and Belmont St NW

Bicycle Rental

~560 ft24/7
Website
Zipcar

Car Sharing

~600 ft
Columbia and Ontario Rd NW

Bicycle Rental

~990 ft24/7
Website
18th St & Wyoming Ave NW

Bicycle Rental

~1030 ft24/7
Website

Vehicle services

Air for your Bikes

Compressed Air

~650 ft

Visitor information

Information board

Information

~510 ft