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Hours
Sun
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM2:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Mon
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM3:00 PM - 7:00 PM5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Tue
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM3:00 PM - 7:00 PM5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Wed
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM3:00 PM - 7:00 PM5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Thu
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM3:00 PM - 7:00 PM5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Fri
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM3:00 PM - 7:00 PM5:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Sat
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM5:30 PM - 10:30 PM
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Ratings and reviews
4.5
RATINGS
Food
Service
Value
Atmosphere
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Details
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Hispanic/Latinx-owned
Tripadvisor allows businesses to update and manage their attributes and details, but does not verify the accuracy of this information.
PRICE RANGE
$30.00 – $80.00
cuisines, special diets, meals, features
Does this restaurant offer highchairs for toddlers?
Details
Hispanic/Latinx-owned
Tripadvisor allows businesses to update and manage their attributes and details, but does not verify the accuracy of this information.
About
This piece of Spain, just steps from The White House, will transport you to an elegant and royal atmosphere surrounded by friendly faces, an engaging menu and world-renowned wines. Taberna Del Alabardero opened its doors in 1989, becoming the first Spanish restaurant in DC, and this year celebrates its 30 Anniversary with the 2019 Honorary RAMMY award. Spanish Chef Carlos Gómez Segovia brings back the authentic Spanish Cuisine and introduces new dishes with traditional ingredients. Taberna’s seasonal menu features classic tapas, luscious paellas, refreshing sangria, and delicious desserts, as well as vegetarian and gluten-free options.
PRICE RANGE
$30.00 – $80.00
CUISINES
Spanish, Basque
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Buffet, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, American Express, Mastercard, Visa, Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Live Music, Family style, Non-smoking restaurants, Gift Cards Available
Top 3 reasons to eat here
Sponsored by: Taberna Del Alabardero
1. Authentic Spanish food
"Food that made me think about the food I used to eat at home"
asturias2905
2. Tasty Tapas
"The gazpacho, bread and tapas are all very authentic and tasty"
cstansfield
3. Happy Hour M-F 3-7PM
"this place is famous for the sangria"
simretus
Contribute
4.5
556 reviews
Excellent
305
Very good
148
Average
67
Poor
26
Terrible
10
Jonathan R
Washington DC1110 contributions
Favorite Review
Dec 2023 • family
My wife, daughter, and I recently went for dinner at Taberna. Although it had been a couple of years since our last visit, the quality of food and service remained high. Among their classic dishes, I could have their gazpacho every day and never get tired of it, and the gambas al ajillo were delectable. I also thought my daughter’s oxtail was very good. On our next visit, we need to try some of the newer dishes, but what we had was first-rate.
Written December 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brian R
Vienna719 contributions
Sep 2022 • none
We had let Taberna know we were coming to celebrate a special occasion, and they did a great job of decorating our table and even had champagne and a card for us. We started with a pitcher of the red sangria, the squid in its ink, and the tortilla, then had the paella mixta (half of which we took home) and the arroz con leche and torrija for dessert. Everything was very good, and the service was prompt and efficient. The atmosphere is also very nice, and we appreciated that the noise level was quiet enough that we could talk easily. The bill was $169 before tip for far more food than two people could eat. We'll be back.
Written September 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KRCLofAL
Madison169 contributions
Sep 2024 • solo
The Garlic and Almond soup was sublime and the plantas bravas nicely spiced. The highlights were the ambiance as it is a beautiful setting, reminiscent of Spain, and the impeccable service provided by Antonio G as I truly enjoyed all his fabulous recommendations. I look forward to returning the next time I am in DC.
Written September 23, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Red P
6 contributions
Jul 2024 • family
My family (of 6 including 2 children and their grandparents) visited the Taberna on July 13, 2024 and we were appalled by the service. Our waiter was shockingly rude, barking at us rather than taking our order, spilling food and drink on us, ignoring our requests. He was among the most senior of the waiters which made the behavior the more surprising. Sadly the food was no consolation as the paella was mediocre at best!
Written July 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kerbear2011
Baltimore63 contributions
Jun 2022 • none
Came here with out of state friends. Food tasted good, way over priced though. Service wasn't at all as I expected. The only one that had refills the entire time was me by the assistant server and everyone else stayed dry. We were brought out two brushetta for a table of 4, no fresh bread was offered although every table around us got some (different server). I didn't feel very welcomed by the server and felt some racial bias (could be just me). Food tasted good but for a 448.00 bill for three adults and two kids plus the 80.00 tip I expected so much more. Left feeling disappointed.
Written June 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bart G
Delray Beach483 contributions
Aug 2023 • couples
One of the finest restaurants I have dined at in recent memory. Impeccable service and presentation. The interior of the restaurant is so beautiful and adds so much to the overall experience. We started with the Tortilla de Patatas and Jamón serrano y Queso manchego. The wine list was quite extensive. We enjoyed a bottle of Cava. For our entree we enjoyed Paella de pollo y txistorra (Chicken and txistorra sausage). It was served tableside. The flavor and texture of the rice was amazing. The sausage and chicken was perfectly cooked ; nothing was dried out. We then enjoyed a great Spanish Rośe wine with our entree. Our server was so welcoming and attentive (her name escapes me but she is originally from Venezuela). For dessert we enjoyed the Churros with chocolate sauce-so rich and tasty. A special thank you to Sommelier Álvaro Correas for the wonderful tour of the restaurant.
Written August 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cabowong
Westerville90 contributions
Mar 2023 • couples
The food was average. It’s not exactly authentic Spanish food.
We had the Ensalada de Atun (similar to Ensalada Rusa), chorizo en cidra, tortilla de patata, pan con tomate and churros con chocolate. All of the portions were fine except for the churros which were $11 for four small pieces and maybe 2 oz of chocolate….and the churros were covered in sugar.
In total we spent about $120 for a few small plates. A bit expensive for what we got.
The service was average considering our waiter was replaced without us knowing. We barely got any attention. However, his full attention was probably on the larger birthday party.
I think that there’s better alternatives. Unfortunately I took a chance on this instead of Jaleo.
Written April 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott L
2 contributions
May 2022 • none
Way over priced. Staff riendly and we enjoyed the music that's all. The food was average, wine was very average but cost $98. Bill was $500 for 6people for a basic dish and one bottle of wine. Not even close to worth it.
Written May 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew P
Falls Church12 contributions
Oct 2023 • couples
I don't have any complaints about the food. The mazamorra was excellent and the croquettes and pig were decent. The waitress made a mess of the pig cutting it up though.
Unfortunately, the service was not good at all, especially for a restaurant recommended in the Michelin guide. Despite having reservations and the restaurant being nearly empty when we arrived, we were seated in the back of the restaurant and around a corner with no breeze. It was quite hot. Although the guide says this restaurant has AC, and there was an AC unit above us, it was not running. Neither were the fans. There were long periods of time where no server was anywhere visible to us and no one came to check if we wanted a refill of our wine for anything. It took forever to get the check and get out of there.
Written October 16, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ario
Washington DC17 contributions
Feb 2021 • none
I received two gift cards to Taberna a few years ago, each worth at least $100. On Friday, February 5, my in-laws, my wife and I decided to order takeout from Taberna to eat at home. Before ordering, I called them to confirm how to use the gift cards, and they told me that I had to pay at the restaurant to do so.
After ordering, I headed to Taberna to pick up the food. Upon arrival, the person at the entrance told me the food was ready (it was indeed sitting in two large bags by the entrance), but that she needed to call the manager to get the gift cards applied. They spent about 20 minutes going back and forth, while the food was getting soggy in the containers. Finally the manager came out and said the gift cards were no longer valid (that they were too old and they had changed systems).
He said he would go check again, and left again for another minutes while the food got even soggier, and finally came out again and said that they indeed didn't work. He then told me that he would have to charge me for the meal, and that he would have their finance/accounting person take a look into it the following Monday. He took care to ask me for my contact info, and promised me he would get back to me as soon as they figured it out.
Well, it has been 4 weeks, and I haven't received a call. I ended up being charged $163.35, on top of losing the (at least) $200 in gift cards, which the manager insisted on keeping so he could verify them.
All in all, this was a terrible experience from start to finish. From the fact that I had to wait inside the restaurant for 30 minutes (which defeated the purpose of ordering takeout, as I didn't want the COVID exposure), to the fact that the food was completely soggy by the time I got home, to the fact that the manager didn't even bother calling as he had promised.
I can comfortably say I will never again go to Taberna (I had been several times before COVID) and I will tell all friends and visitors to avoid it.
Written March 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stan A
Orcas Island87 contributions
Apr 2023 • couples
This is a must while in DC, reasonable and impeccable fine dining with Fri & Sat flamenco dancing and music!
Tapas were out of this world: squid(puntillitas), garlic prawns(Gambus a Ajillo), Croquetas de Jabon Serrano and the Ensalada con gamba, mango, aguacate y quesa de Cabra to start us off.
We each had both the red and white Sangrias. Perfect drinks, highly recommend a pitcher of your favorite.
Our server was superb and his name was Antonio, we hope to sit at his table next time. Loved giving a 25-30% tip, I just rounded up ‘cause we love him and everything about this place!
Written April 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffery G
Arlington706 contributions
Jan 2022 • couples
Wife and I visited here during DC restaurant week. They had parking in a garage right across the street, and when entering we did not have to wait long to be seated. The place had a nice Spanish vibe, and the live singing and dancing was really good. For a starter we had the fried potatoes with spicy sauce and the garlic shrimp. The potatoes nice and crispy with a really good kick in the sauce and my wife loved her garlic shrimp. We had the chicken and sausage paella for our entree, it was so good and very filling. Really loved the rice and the squeeze of Limon really set it off. For dessert the Churro con Chocolate was great. We really love the whole meal and will visit again.
Written January 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
215gerardos
Community of Madrid8 contributions
Oct 2019 • none
The title means Great Food in the Basque language of Northern Spain and I could not find a better one for this review.
Imagine you are at the Trumps´ and they invite you for lunch; immediately you mind will see overcooked steaks and McDonald´s hamburgers so graciously decline and take your leave. Now, you think, we are we going to have dinner? Eureka! Walk three short blocks from the White House and you will find La Taberna del Alabardero ( The Halberdier´s Tavern), an extraordinary Real Spanish Restaurant; the decor is nice, the Maître d´ a real professional who will lead you to your table and offer the lavish menu.
If you are not familiar with Spanish cuisine let me point out that in no way resembles TexMex food, also fantastic but different. Let the waiter guide you through the dishes and wine chart and I can guarantee a highly rewarding experience.
My favorite is the oxtail with some veggies on the side or, if you want to get a sample I suggest you go for the Tapas, small bite-size examples of all that Spain can offer.
It will be better if you make a reservation but even if you don’t there is a nice bar where you can enjoy a refreshing Sangria while your table is ready. Buen Provecho!
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles Stansfield
Rockville81 contributions
Jul 2024 • couples
My wife and I were there last night to celebrate my 78th birthday. Neither the atmosphere or the food has changed in 35 years. We were there when they opened in 1989, and still go there once every year or two for lunch or dinner. I think this time the food was better than ever. The meal was excellent and so was the service and the decor. If you know Hispanic culture, you should spend 15 minutes in the bar looking at the pictures on the wall of the VIPs who have dined there. It's amazing. And, visit the special dining room and look at the paintings on the wall! Taberna is a reason to make the trip into DC from the suburbs.
Written August 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kroon2014
Eindhoven11 contributions
Jul 2022 • family
We had a great diner with our 3 daughters to celebrate the 12th birthday of our oldest daughter during a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the states. There was a problem with a mussel but they elegantly fixed it. Really friendly staff. Great people. Would love to go there again. Really recommend the place.
Written July 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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