Image: Inky.
Last Updated: October 2025
Overview:
The team behind the excellent Chicatana previously worked at Boqueria. When they decided to move the Mexican spot down a couple doors, the Spanish-centric La Plaza became the backfill. When Chicatana got hit by a fire, they added some Mexican items to La Plaza’s menu – presumably pending Chicatana’s opening. But we have buried the lede. La Plaza is doing really good Spanish food in a low-key neighborhood spot a bit off the beaten track. It is worth making the trip, as some guides might say.
The Spanish elements on the menu are focused on a few things they do well. They take sourcing seriously (Tom reports they use Seylou bread for pan con tomate). They execute skillfully. The result is dishes that sing. The simply grilled artichokes atop a nutty mojo blanco may induce you to swipe with your finger even after the artichokes are gone. The white beans become black in the squid ink sauce beneath the grilled squid, with pops of spicy red pepper and garlic shavings. The papas bravas is a substantial bowl topped with crema and roasted pepper slices. We would not steer you away from any taco cravings you might be looking to sate, but this is Spanish cooking that stands up to just about any place in the city.
The layout remains a few tables out front in the enclosed patio area (one step up to get in). Inside is a bar and a series of hightop tables along the opposing wall. It is not large or fancy, but its pretensions lie elsewhere. The wine list is short and affordable. The cocktail list a little longer with agave options plentiful.
Other Guidance: They have several veggie and GF options, but it is a small kitchen.
Summary:
Cuisine: Spanish
Neighborhood: Columbia Heights/Petworth
Address: 3917 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20011
Website: https://www.laplaza14st.com/
Reservations: Walk-in
Other Critics/Voices:
Washington Post: Tom transfers his Chicatana love to the new spot too.
Washingtonian: Lots of Chicatana coverage, but nothing on La Plaza yet.