Taberna del Alabardero

It's wonderful to find a little piece of your culture in Washington DC. After walking around the city on Christmas Eve, coming across this restaurant and tasting a delicious meal that transported me to Madrid was the best Christmas gift I have ever received.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellent Spanish food. The Seafood Paella is the Best. Very good Tapas.

Kid-friendliness: Food variety

Wheelchair accessibility: Yeah

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Everything was just amazing, we had such a great Saturday night with the Flamenco dance!! Very recommend

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Sat in the private room with family. Food and service was unbelievable. Sto gly recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Steak

Great food, wine, and service. I highly recommend the Pescado a la Sal!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My husband and I regard this as one of the very best Spanish restaurants not merely in DC, but also in the United States -- so much so that we drive several hours, from our home in central Virginia, merely to dine here. In addition to outstanding food --including an adequate selection of vegetarian options for flexible vegan people such as ourselves-- the superb service we have received deserves to be highlighted and commended. Our first visit was on our tenth wedding anniversary, and everyone (from the Maître D' to all the servers) went out of their way to make us feel welcomed. Equally importantly to us, La Taberna del Alabardero is one of those rare restaurants these days in which outstanding food is coupled with timeless refinement and attention to detail. Upon walking into this restaurant, we always feel as though we have been transported to a fine-dining restaurant in Madrid's historic downtown. Special thanks to Antonio (and all his dedicated staff) for the extraordinary service and food. We look forward to many more memorable dinners at La Taberna del Alabardero. ¡Salud!

Vegetarian options: Patatas Bravas, Tortilla de Patatas, Escalibada, Paella Vegetariana, Souffle de chocolate, mihojas.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Patatas Bravas, Rice Pudding, Milhojas Con Cream

I've been here twice and I liked the tapas and paella dishes, and the DESSERTS!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Paella de Arroz Negro, Paella de Marisco, Jamón Serrano Y Queso Manchego, Milhoja de Crema, Croquetas de Jamon

Taberna del Alabardero is arguably one of the best restaurants I have ever visited. It is like going back in time where high-quality service and Beauty are genuinely celebrated. My husband and I have already been here twice and plan to return as often as possible. We celebrated our 10th Wedding Anniversary here, and they made it a truly unique, unforgettable experience. The service provided by each one of them is truly exceptional. Special mention goes to Antonio, who served us on Nov 24. And the food is something you will never forget.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Patatas Bravas, Rice Pudding, Tortilla de Patata, Fried Eggplant

We booked a table for two for date night the Tuesday before thanksgiving. I was surprised by how empty the place was. This is an authentic Spanish restaurant. We ordered tapas though they do have main courses and paella. Everything we had was delicious. I was in Spain not long ago and this put me right back. Service was spectacular. They have a lovely private dining space for a large party. Coat check took. 10/10. I highly recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Gambas Al Ajillo, Patatas Bravas, Churros Con Chocolate, Croquetas De Jamón Serrano, Fried Eggplant

Restaurant looking a bit shabby, some of the back of chairs were down right dirty….45 years in business and it shows.
Was so looking forward to our meal and unfortunately it was disappointing. The octopus had a slimy membrane attached that was off putting but the paella was the most disappointing. The flavour was just ok, there was no socaratt so it was just lots of wettish rice. But the service was outstanding.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 2

Service: 5

We celebrated our wedding anniversary at this delicious spot in Washington DC, just a few blocks away from the White House. From the host, waitress and staff everything went smooth. Our table was decorated elegantly and the atmosphere is classy with beautiful Spanish sty decor. The food and desserts were delicious. We also enjoyed live music and spanish dace outdoors. It will be a memorable moment.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Lamb Chops

Walked by and decided to stop here for dinner. Service was great and paella de pollo y txistorra and de arroz nero were both spot on. Service was great and we were pleasantly suprised by this hidden gem.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Delicious 😋

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

We came here after dinner for the flamenco show and dessert. They told us we had to buy more than dessert to watch the show so we did get some tapas. I can understand the policy since it was a packet house and appreciate them letting us stay even though we didn’t order a whole lot. The flamenco show was incredible. My husband and I have loved seeing flamenco in Spain and were looking to see something similar. We were not prepared for the show to be as amazing and authentic as it was. The dancer, guitarist, singer, and drummer were all extraordinary. The food was okay. We had the fried eggplant and the lemon tarte. The paella looked good but I didn’t try it. I wouldn’t get the eggplant again but would love to come back to try other things on the menu.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Very old school atmosphere. Our waiter seemed very disappointed when we went with tap water instead of bottled water. We ordered oxtail paella and it came with 2 reconstituted oxtail per se and lots of chicken. Wine prices were too crazy for us so we settled for sangria which was pretty pleasant. Not sure if I will go back again.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1