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José Andrés is the unofficial culinary king of DC. The chef owns and operates eight powerhouse restaurants here, and from Zaytinya to The Bazaar, Andrés knows how to draw a crowd. But it's Jaleo, the crown jewel of Andrés' kingdom, that's always full of guests from around the world, many of whom have remained devoted to the DC institution since it opened in the ‘90s, despite its less-than-stellar food.
The restaurant's red neon sign is a tempting siren’s call for anyone walking down E St. and the signature red and yellow honeycomb tiles lining the dining room are as colorful as the cast of characters eating here. There are the tourists from the National Portrait Gallery in their sweatshirts and jeans sitting next, federal workers from the trade commission in Bonobos and Dockers, and high school students making their way downtown, but under the watchful eyes of their parents two tables down.
And though the food falls squarely in the ‘just fine’ category, the restaurant’s location and huge dining room, great for last minute group dinner, make it a popular choice. Like the friend that’s always ready to serve up the kind of questionable advice you secretly want to hear (no, you don’t need closure), Jaleo is dependable.
photo credit: Reema Desai
photo credit: Reema Desai
The Penn Quarter spot serves an assortment of tapas from a menu longer than the last season of your favorite Netflix show. With over 50 dishes to choose from, dining here can sometimes feel like an old-school game of Battleship. There are misses, like their patatas bravas and paella valenciana, which taste like someone was napping when they were supposed to be seasoning. But every once in a while, you come across a hit, like the coliflor salteada made with dates and olives, a pleasant balance of sweet and savory.
With so many choices on the table, it can be tough to narrow your options. If it's your first time here, try one of the restaurant's three tasting menus. It'll help you figure out what works for you—and after that, à la carte is the only way to go.
It'll take some work, like finding the quickest commute route during rush hour, but Jaleo has a little something for everyone—you just have to find what you like. And if what you like is eating out in a lively environment that puts you at the heart of the city, then this is the place for you.
Food Rundown
photo credit: Reema Desai
Pollo Croquetas
photo credit: Reema Desai
Coliflor Salteada
photo credit: Reema Desai
Patatas Bravas
photo credit: Reema Desai