Check Out Ten Tigers Parlour Replacing Chez Billy in Petworth – Grand Opening Saturday

3813 Georgia Avenue, NW

Back in August many of us were saddened to learn that the OG Chez Billy in Petworth had closed and would be reopening with a new concept. Having seen the new space and tasted the new concept, while I always will be a bit nostalgic for the old days, I’m super excited because Chef Tim Ma is the man and I freaking love pot stickers!!

Those who still lament the loss of Chez Billy may remain saddened by some of the interior changes (however: an even better renovated back patio will be coming this spring.) But those who love good food for a good price in a cool space will be very very happy.

For those not familiar with the background of Ten Tigers:

“Ian and Eric Hilton, together with partners Scott Herman and Chef Tim Ma are set to open Ten Tigers Parlour, a neighborhood tea house and bar on December 10 in Petworth. Located in the former Chez Billy space at 3813 Georgia Avenue, NW, the Ten Tigers Parlour will feature an eclectic menu of cocktails, teas, Asian-style street food and pastries throughout the day and evening.

The concept of Ten Tigers Parlour is inspired by the Chinese cultural influences, where tea houses traditionally serve as the community gathering place not only to eat, but to connect. “It has always been our goal to create a great neighborhood spot for people; an extension of their living rooms,” says partner Ian Hilton.

Chef Tim Ma, of Kyirisan, Water & Wall and Chase the Submarine has developed a menu of casual favorites, inspired by dishes he enjoyed as a young child. “I want to present food that is close to my heart, said Chef Tim Ma. It’s great to be able to offer simple dishes that require technique, but are unpretentious and just tasty.” The menu is crafted around a selection of handmade Soup Dumplings ($12), a popular dish not easily found in town. There will be handmade Bao Buns ($9), Pan-Fried Dumplings ($7), a selection of noodles ($11 each), Rice Donburi ($10) and more of Chef Ma’s childhood favorites. Pastry Chef Mollie Bird has designed a offering of Chinese pastries for Ten Tigers that includes egg tarts, sesame balls, almond breads and other specialties.

The Victorian-era décor, complete with replicas of ancient Chinese paintings, original tile floors, and dark wooden beams, provides a sultry yet cozy environment, reminiscent of a late 19th century opium den. “We want to create a comfortable place with a unique vibe that is hard to come by in DC,” said co-owner and former U Street Music Hall general manager Scott Herman.
Ten Tigers’ beverage program offers an assortment of boba tea, Vietnamese coffee, and Thai iced tea in addition to French press coffee and an expanding list of hot teas. Specialty cocktails – all priced at $10 each – include the Mekhong Manhattan (sweet vermouth, honey, Angostura bitters, orange peel), 13 Pell (Tito’s vodka, lychee liquor, cranberry juice, lime slice), Singapore Sling (Plymouth gin, cherry brandy, sweet and sour, club soda, grenadine), Lychee Martini (lychee liquor, Three Olives vodka, lychee juice); and Canton Alley (Four Roses Yellow bouron, ginger liquor, grapefruit juice, black vinegar, candied ginger, lime slice).

At approximately 3,200 square feet, Ten Tigers will accommodate patrons across two levels, plus additional bar seats and a back patio that will be open to guests during warmer months. The main floor features a large bar and two spacious areas, while a second bar and dining/private events area can be found on the upper level. The tea house will open daily at 11 a.m. with the kitchen closing at 9 p.m. between Sunday and Thursday, and at 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The bar will remain open until 2 a.m. on Thursday and through 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

For more information, please visit www.tentigersDC.com or find the team on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter) at @TenTigersDC.”

More shots of the space:

Upstairs with a bit of an Eighteenth Street Lounge vibe:

First floor booths gone with a much more open feel.  There will also be outlets added and free wifi for those who wish to come in early and enjoy some tea (they’ll be open at 11am weekdays.)

First floor bar side:

With another Eighteen Street Lounge vibe:

And delicious, delicious pot stickers.

There is soup in this bun. Soup!  And obviously it was delicious too:

You’ll be able to rent out part of the second floor for events too: