Experience Authentic Spain: A Look At Taberna Del Alabardero In Washington D.C.
Stepping into Taberna del Alabardero is, in a way, like taking a trip across the Atlantic without leaving Washington D.C. This much-loved spot brings the true taste of Spain right to your table, offering a dining experience that feels both grand and incredibly welcoming. From the moment you walk in, you get a sense of its deep roots and dedication to Spanish tradition, which is pretty special to be honest.
This restaurant, you see, has a rich history that started back in 1974 in Madrid. It then brought those same traditional Spanish flavors and that warm hospitality to the heart of Washington D.C. in 1989. So, it's not just a place to eat; it's a piece of Spanish heritage, a place where every visit truly feels like a journey through time and culture, which is rather unique.
For those who appreciate good food and a genuine atmosphere, Taberna del Alabardero is a standout. It was the very first Spanish restaurant to open its doors in D.C., and it has continued to be a place of reference for many years. They even celebrated their 30th anniversary in 2019, picking up an honorary Rammy Award, which is quite an achievement, you know.
Table of Contents
- A Story of Spanish Tradition: Madrid to Washington D.C.
- The Flavors of Spain: A Culinary Journey
- Meet the Chef: Oscar Ordonez
- Beyond the Plate: Dining Features and Ambiance
- Gatherings and Celebrations: Private Dining and Happy Hour
- The Larger Picture: Grupo Lezama's Legacy
- Planning Your Visit: Reservations and Online Ordering
- Frequently Asked Questions About Taberna del Alabardero
A Story of Spanish Tradition: Madrid to Washington D.C.
Taberna del Alabardero started its life as a traditional Spanish restaurant in Madrid way back in 1974. That original spot became the foundation for something much bigger, actually. It's the very origin of Grupo Lezama, a large group that now has many employees and different businesses, which is pretty impressive when you think about it.
The Washington D.C. location opened its doors in 1989. This made it the very first Spanish restaurant in the city, which is a big deal. For over three decades, it has been bringing those traditional dishes from Spain right to the heart of Washington. It really has been a consistent presence, serving up a slice of Spain for a long, long time, you know.
The restaurant's history in D.C. is quite notable. As I was saying, it marked its 30th year in 2019, receiving an honorary Rammy Award. This award recognizes its significant contribution to the dining scene, which is something they can be very proud of. It shows how much they mean to the community, basically.
There's also a Taberna del Alabardero in Seville, which opened in 1992. That one is in a 19th-century palace house, and it's also a well-known spot for food in Seville. It's also home to the prestigious ESHS, a hospitality school. So, the name itself carries a lot of weight and history across Spain and beyond, which is pretty cool.
The Flavors of Spain: A Culinary Journey
When you visit Taberna del Alabardero, you're there for the food, and it does not disappoint. The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, all inspired by Spanish regional cooking. You can find many choices, from small plates to larger meals, which is rather nice.
You can start with traditional Spanish tapas, which are perfect for sharing. There's also a selection of cheese and charcuterie. For something lighter, they have soups and salads. But, you know, the main attractions often include their paella and fideuà, which are both classic Spanish rice and noodle dishes, respectively.
Paella, for example, is a popular choice, and it needs a minimum of two portions to order. They also typically serve one kind of paella per table, so everyone gets to enjoy the same delicious preparation. It's a dish that takes time to prepare properly, so it's fresh for you, which is great.
Fideuà, on the other hand, is made with vermicelli noodles. This dish also takes a bit of time, at least 20 minutes, to be ready. It's worth the wait, though, for that authentic taste. You can choose from their classic tapas, traditional paellas, fresh fish, and premium meat options, which gives you plenty of choices, really.
They also make sure to have options for everyone. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices are available, which is very thoughtful. And, you know, don't forget to order some of their fresh homemade bread to go with your meal. A Spanish wine or sangria is a good idea for a toast, too, making the experience complete, as a matter of fact.
Meet the Chef: Oscar Ordonez
Bringing all these authentic Spanish flavors to life is Spanish Chef Oscar Ordonez. He's responsible for making sure the traditional Spanish cooking is spot on. But he also introduces new dishes, always using traditional ingredients, which is a good balance, apparently.
His approach means that while you get the tastes you expect from Spain, you might also find something new and exciting on the menu. This focus on both the old and the new helps keep the dining experience fresh and interesting for everyone. It's a commitment to both heritage and innovation, you see.
The menus at Taberna del Alabardero change throughout the year, with four different menus offered. This means that with each season, you might discover something different. It's a way their cooking brings together tradition and new ideas, which is rather clever.
Beyond the Plate: Dining Features and Ambiance
Taberna del Alabardero is more than just a place to eat; it's an experience. This classy and elegant spot also has a wine bar, which is a nice touch. You can enjoy your meal or drinks with live music sometimes, adding to the atmosphere, which is pretty cool.
They offer outdoor seating, which is perfect for enjoying the weather when it's nice. This is a popular feature, especially in the heart of Washington D.C. It gives you another way to enjoy your time there, which is something many people look for.
Live music is a regular occurrence, especially flamenco music and dance. For example, on certain dates in August, like the 2nd, 9th, 23rd, and 30th, you could find live flamenco with "Los Ninis" starting at 7:30 PM. This adds a really authentic Spanish feel to the evening, making it truly memorable, you know.
The restaurant has several distinct areas for dining. There's the main dining room, which is often bustling. There's also the bar area, which can be a bit more casual. And, of course, the patio for that outdoor dining experience. Each area offers a slightly different feel, which is rather versatile.
Gatherings and Celebrations: Private Dining and Happy Hour
If you're looking to host an event, Taberna del Alabardero has options. They offer three elegant private dining spaces. These rooms, along with the bar, main dining room, and patio, are well-suited for a wide range of events. So, whether it's a small get-together or a larger celebration, they can likely accommodate you, which is helpful.
For parties of 10 or more, they have special banquet and cocktail menus available. This makes planning group events much simpler. You can choose from these pre-arranged menus and beverage packages, which takes some of the guesswork out of organizing, frankly.
Happy hour at Taberna del Alabardero works on a first-come, first-served basis, typically. However, if you have a group of 10 or more and want to host a happy hour, you can book one of their rooms. This allows you to enjoy special price menus and beverage packages, which is a nice perk for groups, you know.
The Larger Picture: Grupo Lezama's Legacy
As mentioned, Taberna del Alabardero is the very beginning of Grupo Lezama. This group has grown significantly over the years. Today, it has more than 500 employees, which is a substantial number. It operates 10 restaurants, which is a pretty big portfolio.
Beyond restaurants, Grupo Lezama also has a catering line, which helps bring their Spanish flavors to events outside their establishments. They also run three hospitality schools, an online hospitality school, and even a college. This shows their deep commitment to the culinary and hospitality fields, basically.
Other establishments under the Grupo Lezama umbrella include La Botillería and El Café de Oriente. These places, like Taberna del Alabardero, are known for their quality and connection to Spanish tradition. It’s a network of places that truly celebrates Spanish culture and food, which is pretty cool.
Planning Your Visit: Reservations and Online Ordering
If you're ready to experience Taberna del Alabardero for yourself, getting in touch is easy. You can contact them for inquiries, to make reservations, or for any other information about their authentic Spanish cuisine and services. They are ready to welcome you, which is always nice to hear.
For those who prefer to enjoy their Spanish meal at home, online ordering is available. You can place your order for pick-up or delivery right away by calling 202-429-2200 or by ordering online. This flexibility makes it easy to get your Spanish food fix, you know.
You can also schedule an order for later online, which is convenient for planning ahead. This means you can set a time that works best for you, whether it's for dinner tonight or a special meal next week. It's all about making it simple for you to enjoy their food, really.
The restaurant is highly regarded, with many positive reviews. For example, on TripAdvisor, it's ranked among the top restaurants in Washington D.C., based on hundreds of unbiased reviews. This speaks to the consistent quality and service they provide, which is rather reassuring.
To learn more about authentic Spanish cuisine on our site, you can find additional details. Also, to explore the full range of dining experiences in Washington D.C., you might want to check out this page.
Frequently Asked Questions About Taberna del Alabardero
What kind of food does Taberna del Alabardero serve?
Taberna del Alabardero serves traditional Spanish food, including tapas, cheese and charcuterie, soups, salads, paella, and fideuà. They also have fresh fish, premium meat dishes, and a variety of desserts. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free choices are available, too, which is very helpful.
When did Taberna del Alabardero open in Washington D.C.?
Taberna del Alabardero opened its doors in Washington D.C. in 1989. It holds the distinction of being the first Spanish restaurant in the city. The original Taberna del Alabardero was founded earlier, in 1974, in Madrid, Spain, which is pretty cool.
Can you host events at Taberna del Alabardero?
Yes, you can host events at Taberna del Alabardero. They have three elegant private dining spaces, plus the bar, main dining room, and patio, all suitable for various events. Special banquet and cocktail menus are available for parties of 10 or more, which makes planning easier, basically.
Taberna del Alabardero | Spanish Restaurant in Washington DC
Taberna del Alabardero | Spanish Restaurant in Washington DC
Taberna del Alabardero | Spanish Restaurant in Washington DC
