Taberna del Alabardero
Category: Spanish, Live Music Venues, Happy Hour Spots
Neighborhood: Downtown
Price: $$$
Address: 1776 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006
✨ Vibe
A sophisticated and regal slice of Madrid in the heart of DC, featuring elegant red silk wallpaper and a classic, old-school atmosphere that transports guests straight to Spain.
🍸 Best For
Special occasions, corporate dinners, live flamenco performances, authentic Spanish tapas, and high-end happy hours.
🔥 Highlights
- World-Class Entertainment: Vibrant live flamenco performances on Friday and Saturday nights (8–10 p.m.) bring the passion of Spanish culture directly to your table, often featuring interactive moments for celebratory guests.
- Award-Winning Legacy: As a 2019 Honorary RAMMY Award winner and recognized as one of the "9 Classic Old-School Restaurants That Define DC," this historic establishment has been a premier destination for diplomats and connoisseurs since 1989.
- Authentic Spanish Gastronomy: The kitchen excels at traditional staples, from the signature "igloo" salt-cooked bream and luscious paellas to their famous mushroom croquettes and extensive list of world-renowned Spanish wines.
ℹ️ Need to Know
- Take advantage of complimentary parking at the adjacent Penn Parking garage after 4:00 p.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends.
- Reservations are highly recommended for the weekend flamenco shows, and the daily Happy Hour runs from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
🔄 Weekly Events
🍳 Weekend Brunch
Enjoy a selection of authentic Spanish brunch dishes and seasonal flavors.
Happy Hour
Join us for Happy Hour featuring special menu items and drinks in our elegant bar, main dining room, or patio.
📰 In the News
Live Flamenco Dancing Added to La Taberna del Alabardero’s Authentic Spanish Menu
Taberna del Alabardero in Washington D.C. features live flamenco performances by talented dancers and musicians on select Friday and Saturday evenings from 8-10 p.m. The authentic Spanish restaurant offers these spirited cultural experiences at no additional charge, complementing its menu of traditional tapas and Mediterranean cuisine available in the dining room and on the outdoor patio.
Taberna del Alabardero review: Basics — and tapas — are best
Taberna del Alabardero in Washington, D.C. is recognized for its traditional Spanish tapas, with a focus on classic preparations like boquerones with Kalamata olives. Critic Tom Sietsema suggests that the restaurant is at its best when serving foundational dishes and simple small plates.
9 Classic Old-School Restaurants That Define DC
Taberna del Alabardero is a historic Spanish-style restaurant in downtown D.C. known for its elegant red silk wallpaper and authentic dishes like croquetas and tapas. Since 1989, it has served as a primary destination for diplomats and World Bank workers, offering a formal dining experience and a highly-regarded bottomless brunch.
Taberna del Alabardero: 20 years old and counting
Taberna del Alabardero celebrates a milestone 20 years of serving authentic Spanish cuisine in Washington D.C. The restaurant remains a premier destination for traditional gastronomy, known for its classic tapas, signature paellas, and extensive selection of Spanish wines.
6 Fantastic Spanish Restaurants In D.C. That’ll Transport You To Madrid
Taberna del Alabardero is recognized as one of the premier Spanish dining destinations in Washington, D.C., offering an authentic culinary experience that evokes the atmosphere of Madrid. The restaurant is celebrated for its traditional dishes and sophisticated setting, making it a staple for high-end Spanish cuisine in the city.
Recent Reviews from Google
Everything was wonderful! We started with gazpacho appetizer -- beautiful presentation and excellent proportion (see photo). The bream and snapper dishes were really good. The bream was cooked in an...
I tried it as a solo dinner experience during summer restaurant week in DC. The ambiance and design were lovely. There was even live music. The food was generally good. I ordered the Croquetas de...
Fantastic Tuna salad, just like I grew up enjoying it! Mushroom croquettes were delicious, so we ordered twice. Paired w wonderful Garnasha for a great happy hour. Place is nostalgic!
Excellent spot for celebrating a special occasion! 5/5 in every single category. If you love a live performance with great service and food, you cannot miss Alabardero. We went to celebrate my...
I highly recommend this classy restaurant. The food, ambiance and service is excellent!! We got great service from Elmer, and Maria. They were very attentive, excellent service. Kudos to them! The...
