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Taberna del Alabardero

Name: Taberna del Alabardero
Address: 1776 I Street, NW(Entrance on 18th St.) Entrance on 18th Street NW, Washington, DC, United States, 20006
Telephone: (202) 429-2200
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

3012 Reviews

$31 to $50

Traditional Spanish

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This piece of Spain, just steps from The White House, will transport you to an elegant and royal atmosphere surrounded by friendly faces, an engaging menu and world-renowned wines.

Taberna Del Alabardero opened its doors in 1989, becoming the first Spanish restaurant in DC, and this year celebrates its 30 Anniversary with the 2019 Honorary RAMMY award. Spanish Chef Oscar Ordonez brings back the authentic Spanish Cuisine and introduces new dishes with traditional ingredients.

Taberna’s seasonal menu features classic tapas, luscious paellas, refreshing sangria, and delicious desserts, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Dress code: Business casual

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Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jul 7, 2022

7:00 PM

Booked 28 times today

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Additional information

Dining style
Fine Dining
Cuisines
Traditional Spanish, Spanish, Tapas / Small Plates
Hours of operation
Lunch Mon–Fri 11:30 am–2:30 pm Brunch Sat, Sun 11:30 am–2:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu 5:30 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:30 pm–10:30 pm Sun 2:00 pm–8:00 pm Happy Hour Mon–Fri 3:00 pm–7:00 pm
Phone number
(202) 429-2200
Website
http://www.alabardero.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Oscar Ordonez
Catering
Taberna del Alabardero Spanish Catering offers Food Delivery as well as Full Service catering. More details at alabardero.com
Private party facilities
Taberna del Alabardero welcomes you to its private and semi private spaces, perfect to host your events. Lunch, Dinner or Happy Hour, formal or casual, we will organize your event according to your needs and guide you towards a successful and memorable experience.
Private party contact
Catalina: (844) 451-0133

Location
1776 I Street, NW(Entrance on 18th St.) Entrance on 18th Street NW Washington, DC 20006
Neighborhood
Downtown
Cross street
Entrance on 18th Street, between H and I
Parking details
Complimentary self parking after across the street, on 818 18th street NW. Monday to Friday after 4pmSaturday and Sunday all day
Public transit
Farragut West Metro Station or Farragut North
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Dancing, Delivery, Dog Friendly, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

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Offers

Live flamenco music! at 8 PM
Multiple dates available
Fri - Sat - 2:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Make your dinner reservation and enjoy Live Flamenco performance. Starting at 8 pm, every Friedays and Saturdays

Popular dishes

Pan Tumaca$10.00
Bread with tomato and garlic
Tosta de Setas con Manchego y Manzana$13.00
Mushroom Toast With Manchego And Apple
Anchoas del Cantábrico con pan tostado y salmorejo$19.00
Cantabric Anchovies with toasted bread and salmorejo
Boquerones en Vinagre con Aceitunas$17.00
Anchovies In Vinegar With Olives
Tortilla de Patatas$12.00
Potato Omelette
Ensaladilla de Atún$11.00
Tuna And Potato Salad
Berenjenas fritas con miel$9.00
Fried Eggplant chips with Honey
Patatas Bravas$11.00
Fried Potatoes With Spicy Mayo
Patatas con Allioli$11.00
Fried Potatoes With Allioli
Manchego frito con mermelada de frambuesa$13.00
Fried Manchego with Raspberry
Croquetas de Boletus y Trufa$13.00
Mushroom And Truffle Croquettes
Croquetas de Jamón Serrano$14.00
Serrano Ham Croquettes
Calamares a la andaluza con allioli de ajetes$16.00
Fried Calamari with green onion aioli
Pulpo a la Gallega$18.00
Octopus With Potato And Paprika
Gambas al Ajillo$17.00
Garlic Shrimp
Txipirones en su Tinta con Arroz$17.00
Baby Squids With Ink Sauce And Rice
Solomillo de Cerdo al Whiskey con Patatas$15.00
Whiskey Pork Tenderloin With Potatoes
Txistorra de Arbizu a la sidra$13.00
Txistorra Sausage in cider sauce
Morcilla de arroz con salsa de pimiento y puré de manzana$13.00
Rice blood sausage with piquillo sauce and apple puree

Cheese and Charcuterie

Jamón Ibérico$39.00
Iberian Ham
Jamón Serrano$15.00
Serrano Ham
Jamón serrano y queso manchego$20.00
Serrano Ham And Manchego Cheese
Queso Manchego$11.00
Manchego cheese
Tabla de Ibéricos$33.00
Iberian pork cured meats: Ham, Loin, Chorizo and Salchichón
Tabla de Quesos españoles$23.00
Spanish cheese: Idiazábal (Sheep), Mahón (Cow), Manchego (Sheep) and Murcia al Vino (Goat)

Appetizers

Ajoblanco malagueño$14.00
Almond and garlic cold soup
Gazpacho andaluz$14.00
Cold Tomato Soup
Salmorejo cordobés$14.00
Salmorejo cold soup
Gazpacho de cereza con mango y cebollino$15.00
Cherry gazpacho with mango and chive
Tartar de salmón con guacamole$23.00
Salmon tartare with guacamole
Ensalada Clásica Alabardero$16.00
Alabardero Classic salad
Ensalada con gambas, mango, aguacate y queso de cabra$18.00
Shrimp, mango, avocado and goat cheese salad
Ensalada con queso azul, naranja, uvas y pan de pasas y nueces$17.00
Salad with blue cheese, orange, grapes and nuts and raisins bread
Mejillones a la mantequilla$18.00
Mussels in butter sauce
Pulpo a la parrilla con mojo$28.00
Grilled Octopus with Mojo Picón sauce

Paella

Each kind of paella is cooked for a minimum of 2 portions. All prices are per portion. Each portion feeds one person. Your Paella will be ready in 25 minutes, we recommend to select one kind of paella per table.

Arroz Negro$36.00
with Squid Ink, Shrimp and Baby Squid
Paella mixta$38.00
with Seafood and Chicken
Paella de marisco$38.00
with Seafood
Paella con pollo y txistorra$36.00
with Chicken and txistorra sausage
Paella de Langosta$43.00
with Lobster, Shrimp, Mussels and Clams
Paella de rabo de toro$36.00
with Oxtail
Paella Valenciana$34.00
with Chicken and vegetables
Paella de Verduras$30.00
with Vegetables

Fideuà

Each kind of Fideua is cooked for a minimum of 2 portions. All prices are per portion. Each portion feeds one person. Your Fideuà will be ready in 15 minutes, we recommend to select one kind of Fideuà per table.

Fideuà de marisco$38.00
Vermicelli noodles with Seafood
Fideua mixta$38.00
Vermicelli noodles with Seafood and Chicken
Fideuà Negra$36.00
Vermicelli noodles with Squid Ink, Shrimp and Baby Squid
Fideua con pollo y txistorra$36.00
with Chicken and txistorra sausage
Fideua de Pollo$34.00
with Chicken and vegetables
Fideuà de Langosta$43.00
with Lobster, Shrimp, Mussels and Clams
Fideua de rabo de toro$36.00
Vermicelli noodles with Oxtail
Fideuà de Verduras$30.00
Vermicelli noodles with Vegetables

Sides

Pimientos de Piquillo$9.00
Piquillo Peppers
Pimientos de Padrón$9.00
Padrón Peppers
Salteado de Setas$9.00
Sautéed Mushrooms
Coles de Bruselas$9.00
Brussels Sprouts
Espárragos a la Parrilla$9.00
Grilled Asparagus
Brócoli$9.00
Broccoli
Patatas Revolconas$9.00
Mashed potatoes with chorizo

From the Sea

Pimientos rellenos de gambas con salsa de langosta$23.00
Red peppers stuffed with shrimp and lobster sauce
Salmón a la parrilla con ensalada de brócoli y naranja$30.00
Grilled salmon with with broccoli and orange salad
Sardinas a la parrilla con mojo verde y berenjenas con menta y miel$30.00
Grilled sardines with green mojo and eggplant with mint and honey
Chilean seabass con arroz cremoso de tinta de calamar$36.00
Chilean Sea Bass with squid ink creamy rice
Bronzino a la Plancha con Verduras Salteadas$34.00
Pan Seared Branzino with Sautéed Vegetables
Bronzino a la sal$36.00
Salt-crusted Branzino

From the Land

Pollo en salsa de cerveza con patatas$28.00
Chicken in beer sauce with baked potatoes
Albóndigas a la madrileña con patatas revolconas$28.00
Madrileña style meatballs with mashed potatoes with chorizo
Carrillera de ternera con puré de calabaza, naranja y cardamomo$34.00
Veal cheek with pumpkin, orange and cardamom puree and red wine sauce
Chuletas de cordero a la brasa con arroz cremoso con boletus$36.00
Grilled lamb chops with creamy rice with mushrooms
15oz Chuletón con Patatas Alabardero y Pimientos de piquillo$42.00
15oz Ribeye with piquillo peppers and Alabardero potatoes
Solomillo de ternera con patatas alabardero y pimientos de Padrón$48.00
8oz Beef filet mignon with Alabardero potatoes and Padron peppers

What 3,012 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7

4.7 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.7Service
4.7Ambience
4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

RM
RandyM
Cincinnati
13 reviews
vip
4.0
13 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall4food4service3ambience4
The food was very good and portions were huge. I think the staff was a little overwhelmed, the staff was working hard, but failed to hit the standard that this restaurant’s reputation is based on.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great place to celebrate anniversaries! They had the table ready with petals and champagne. The tapas are authentic and best paella I’ve ever had. Best tapas place in DC. Get churros for dessert
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing service all around and delicious food. Nice and very extensive wine list. Also really beautiful inside
W
Walter
New York Area
29 reviews
vip
4.0
29 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food3service5ambience5
Specialty dish, suckling pig was very disappointing with soggy and thick skin.
JE
JeevaE
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great place to visit when in DC. The standards have not dropped over the 20 + years I have been there .
AR
ARCHIPAYO
Washington DC
59 reviews
vip
5.0
59 reviews
Dined on June 27, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Not only was the menu varied, the food tasty and the ambiance very pleasant but the service was extremely good. Highly attentive, with not only our primary server doing a wonderfully careful job but also, several other people who were particularly polite and responsive.
J
Joseph
New England
12 reviews
vip
4.0
12 reviews
Dined on June 27, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience3
Very nice atmosphere! The restaurant was quiet and clean, and the service was good. The tapas were amazing (we had the calamari and croquettes). The paella was good but the seafood was a bit over cooked. Overall, a nice dinner and a place that I would definitely visit again.
AM
AMADC
Washington DC
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on June 26, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a great meal! Thank you.
h
hudsjen
Baltimore
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on June 26, 2022
overall4food4service4ambience5
Good meal, variety of menu options - enjoyed the live entertainment!
S
Samuel
Philadelphia
16 reviews
5.0
16 reviews
Dined on June 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Superb, it truly is the best restaurant In Washington DC.
JN
JayN
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 25, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service was great, highly recommended.
FH
FaridaH
Minneapolis
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 24, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Live music and dancing was phenomenal! Food was fabulous! Loved being outdoors and having the music outdoors.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 22, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Super amazing
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
vip
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 22, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience4
Servers are arrogant to customers
VH
VirginiaH
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 21, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We really enjoyed our dinner. We went for tapas before a show and everyone was very happy. The only flaw was the parking. While free, the building the parking is in closes at 7, and the only access is to walk down the steep and narrow ramp.
R
Roberto
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 20, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Delicious food, impeccable, gracious service. I really love this restaurant.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very thoughtful and attentive. Our table had rose petals for our anniversary and they brought us champagne and dessert to celebrate. Food is always excellent and very authentic.
LC
LizC
Washington DC
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
It has been some time since we last visited this restaurant. We booked it to celebrate our anniversary before heading to a concert in town. We love it. We had a magnificent time. To us, the best thing about this restaurant is great service, the staff goes the extra mile to satisfy their clients. The menu continues to be authentically classic Spanish cuisine and prices are quite reasonable. We will be back!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago
3 reviews
vip
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 18, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
Never knew I could visit Spain by going to DC. Well done .
J
Jeannie
Washington DC
14 reviews
vip
2.0
14 reviews
Dined on June 17, 2022
overall2food2service2ambience4
It may be worth returning to just for drinks and the flamenco performance, otherwise just ok. Watch out for the upselling (ex. bottled water which we didn't order) and skimpy wine pours. We ordered tapas which were so-so. The eggplant with honey was delicious and the highlight. The decor is pretty and there is an outdoor patio which is a plus.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 16, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and attentive staff
m
martinr
Washington DC
28 reviews
vip
5.0
28 reviews
Dined on June 15, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
Top quality and service.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on June 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Víctor is the best!!! Thank you for you amazing service
TT
TheresaT
Washington DC
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on June 14, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food and service excellent as always. New awning that has sides when it rains, perfect.
MC
MarshallC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 13, 2022
overall5food4service5ambience5
We have fond memories of our three vacations in Spain and the Taberna brought the wonderful dining experiences there back to life both in terms of food and setting. Our waiter (though not from Spain) was attentive and engaging. This was our second visit , both have been treasured.
W
Warren
Washington DC
67 reviews
vip
4.0
67 reviews
Dined on June 11, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
Good food and exceptional service! Lved the Flamenco music but could've done without the "tap-dancing"...or at least not so much of it! VERY amusing to watch one of the older female guests "sensually" (drunkenly!) try to dance!!! 😌
DB
DrBonBon
Los Angeles
13 reviews
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on June 10, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
I love this placed and go there each time I am in DC. the staff went out of their way to accommodate us so we could also enjoy the Flamenco dancing after our dinner. Wonderful special place. Thanks especially to Paola and our table server.
K
Kerric
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 10, 2022
overall4food4service3ambience5
We had bad luck with server our glasses were empty during meal, two drinks spilled on the table we had to clean ourselves (no assistance) we didn’t get any bread but everyone else around us did. Our bill for two kids and three adults $448.00 plus tip. Overall food was good.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
1 review
1.0
1 review
Dined on June 10, 2022
overall1food1service1ambience5
Paella lacked flavor, lobster was mushy and uncooked, clams were cold, shrimp was good, mussels were cold, flat weird unidentifiable fish was threatening. The ambiance was amazing! Price was too high for quality of food. Servers would rather be somewhere else. Sangria was three days old-returned and they did not take it off the bill.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on June 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely meal and service. Thanks!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 9, 2022
overall5food3service3ambience2
There were flies all over our table and AC was not working properly
S
Samuel
Philadelphia
17 reviews
5.0
17 reviews
Dined on June 9, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Taberna del Alabardero in Washington DC is always superb with exceptional service and wonderful food. It is only matched by the by the Taberna del Alabardero in Madrid, Spain. The wine offerings from Spain are marvelous.
M
Matzi
Washington DC
63 reviews
vip
5.0
63 reviews
Dined on June 7, 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Loved my experience here. The atmosphere is chic and classy yet warm and colorful. Service is very professional and food was delivered quickly and freshly prepared. the place was packed on a Tuesday night - that speaks to how great this place is! going on our 'list' :-)
J
Jamie
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 5, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
The interior was beautiful, the food was delicious and the staff were courteous
SL
SoniaL
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on June 4, 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Overall , we enjoyed our evening. Also, we were very thankful for the anniversary momentos (champagne, card, etc.). The staff were very attentive and courteous. Enjoyed the show as well!
DM
DannyM
Los Angeles
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on June 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
There was flamenco music outside but since we were inside it was at a level that was pleasant. The food all around was excellent. The servers were almost too attentive if that is possible.
L
Lalo
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 4, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great Spanish food, service, cocktails and wine. My favorite Spanish restaurant in the US for 30+ years.
L
Lisa
Washington DC
15 reviews
5.0
15 reviews
Dined on June 3, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
So enjoyed eating once again at this dining establishment. They had flamenco dancing which was fabulous. Between the food, service, and ambiance, we thoroughly enjoyed our time spent there.
RN
RubenN
New York Area
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely great experience and very highly recommended!! I am originally from Spain and this was a great experience. Food and service 200% We will be back!!!
JL
JulieL
Washington DC
2 reviews
vip
1.0
2 reviews
Dined on May 29, 2022
overall1food2service1ambience4
The server was clearly put off that we were there for Tapas and we wouldn’t be ordering the paella. While pushing us to make a quick decision on our wine, he tried to upswell us to a $350 bottle, perhaps to make up for us only ordering tapas, we ended up with a $150 bottle. He was rushing us to place our food order as well, and while commenting that the tapas that we had ordered consisted of mostly potatoes, he didn’t provide any recommendations. The restaurant wasn’t busy, so there really was no reason to try turn our table over as quickly as this server was intent on doing. Definitely not a restaurant we will visit again or recommend to friends.

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Surfaces sanitized between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Distancing maintained in common areas

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

You can order delivery directly from Taberna del Alabardero using the Order Online button. Taberna del Alabardero also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 429-2200.

Taberna del Alabardero is rated 4.7 stars by 3012 OpenTable diners.

Taberna del Alabardero does offer gift cards which you can purchase here.