Image: Lamb Shank
Last Updated: December 2023
Overview:
Taberna del Alabardero is like a grande dame of D.C. dining, holding forth in a large ornate room serving classic Spanish to a still-robust crowd. You can imagine the smoke swirls of yesteryear in the corners of the ceiling above as the downtown cliques of yesteryear gathered. Smoking indoors is gone, but the sense of place remains and still serving a mix of the downtown crowd by day, and, later, those dressed for a special evening out.
As mentioned, the food is classics done well. Not one, but two legs of jamón are cradled on a rack to be cut and served are on display as you enter. For tapas, it is traditional fare: shrimp in garlic and olive oil; Jamón (Serrano and Ibérico) and Manchego; Spanish tortilla. There are a few main courses like a lamb shank or a filet of fish that are done without much fuss. A large number of paella options round out the menu, including non-meat versions. The service is old school with the paella presented then mixed and plated table side. Desserts are also traditional. The flan was rich and denser than most. Tom in the Post preferred the rice pudding. The wine list leans Spanish and covers a good portion of the country.
The restaurant opened in 1989, the first American outpost of a Spanish restaurant group from Madrid. Alabarderos are the guards of the king’s palace. Here they guard the culinary traditions, and they do it well.
Other Guidance: From website: “Our dress code is Business Casual, being more relaxed at the patio.” There are some interior steps around the dining room. GF and vegetarians can find much to work with.
Summary:
Cuisine: Spanish
Neighborhood: Downtown
Address: 1776 I St NW, Washington, DC 20006
Website: https://alabardero.com/
Reservations: Opentable
Other Critics/Voices:
Washington Post: Tom gave it 2.0 stars in 2016 and inclusion in the Spring Dining Guide. (although to be fair, this is one of those reviews that reads like a better rating than he gave). 2.5 stars in 2007, but no longer online. Phyllis Richman from 1996: “Fresh sardines are grilled, the wonderful Spanish ham is sautéed with artichokes or stuffed with cheese into crumb-coated, rolled breast of veal. And every day a family-style stew, sometimes as homey as just leeks with potatoes, simmers at the ready for tapas or full entrees.”
Washingtonian: #44 in 2009; #24 in 2008.
DonRockwell.com – points for generally positive (though not always) takes over many years.
Lori Gardner (Been There Eaten That)
Michelin: Was listed at one point.