Taberna del Alabardero

Taberna del Alabardero, traditional Spanish cuisine in Washington D.C.

Taberna del Alabardero is a traditional Spanish restaurant located in Washington D.C., just steps from the White House. The establishment opened its doors in the U.S. capital in 1989 and presents itself as one of the city's first Spanish restaurants. It is part of Grupo Lezama, a group with a presence in Spain since 1974.

The first Taberna del Alabardero opened in 1974 in Madrid, opposite the Royal Palace, and took its name from the royal guard, the halberdiers. In 2019 the restaurant celebrated its thirtieth anniversary in Washington with the honorary RAMMY award.

Culinary offering and chef

Spanish chef Joaquín Ruiz leads the kitchen, which revives classic Spanish recipes and introduces new dishes made with traditional ingredients and Mediterranean products. The menu is seasonal and includes classic tapas, paellas, sangria and desserts, with vegetarian and gluten-free options.

The restaurant structures its offering into several menus: the main menu, a brunch menu available on Saturdays and Sundays, a happy hour menu and a wine list. It also offers pickup and delivery service.

Events and themed dinners

The programming includes special events, such as the wine dinner with Bodegas Matarromera. Flamenco performances are held on Fridays and Saturdays and aim to reinforce the venue's Spanish atmosphere; each evening two shows are offered in two different areas of the restaurant. The site notes that full visibility of the stage cannot be guaranteed for every guest.

The restaurant also indicates that customers can get $50 off purchases of $150 or more when paying with inKind.

Spaces and private events

The venue has three private event spaces, as well as a bar, the main dining room and a patio. For groups of ten or more, special banquet and cocktail menus are available.

Hours and services

Pickup and delivery service runs Monday through Saturday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm and Sundays from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. Lunch is served every day from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, while Saturday and Sunday brunch is offered from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm. Dinner is served Monday through Thursday from 2:30 pm to 10:00 pm, Fridays and Saturdays from 2:30 pm to 10:30 pm and Sundays from 2:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Happy hour takes place Monday through Friday from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

The restaurant offers up to three hours of parking validation at Penn Parking, located next to 818 18th St., between H and I streets, Monday through Friday from 4:00 pm and all day on Saturdays and Sundays.

The group and its surroundings

Grupo Lezama, headquartered in Madrid, manages other fine dining establishments in Marbella, Seville, Malaga and the Basque Country, as well as a culinary school in Seville.

Location and contact

1776 I Street NW, Entrance on 18th, between H and I, Washington, DC 20006 · Phone: 202-429-2200 · Hours: Pickup and delivery: Monday to Saturday from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm; Sunday from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm. Lunch: Monday to Sunday from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. Saturday and Sunday brunch: 11:00 am to 2:30 pm. Dinner: Monday to Thursday from 2:30 pm to 10:00 pm; Friday and Saturday from 2:30 pm to 10:30 pm; Sunday from 2:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Happy Hour: Monday to Friday from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.