My friend's and my family went there for dinner after reading good reviews on the internet. I was driving and I dropped them off at the restaurant and went look for a parking lot. Finding a parking lot there wasn't easy and took me almost 15 minutes. I expected them to order drinks and some appetizer by the time I got there. However, when I went back, my friend and my families were not seated and stand waiting for the table even though our table was available because the waiter said until everyone is accounted for, they will not be seat us. My wife pleaded number of times to the waiter that because of the little children, it was difficult to stand and wait. The waiter continued to say that it is the rule of the restaurant to not to seat guests until everyone is there to maximize number of customers served. The waiter was arrogant and not respectful. Our two children were waiting like poor puppies in an area where dozens of people were coming in and out every minute. My wife was very infuriated and she wanted to leave the restaurant just as I got there. In order to reconcile this matter, I spoke again to the waiter. I hoped that he would give at least a slight hint of apology so we can bring it to a closure. However, he continued to defend this incomprehensible rule. We lost our appetites and left the restaurant to have dinner at a restaurant across the street. One of the reasons why we went there was because the reviews said this place had welcoming atmosphere for families with children. Well, I was dead wrong. If you reserved a table for six, make sure that all six people are there. I do not recommend this place for family with children. Single people may enjoy this place but not those with children.

Others have praised this place and I agree. Very nice experience. Don't expect typical large American portions, but don't let that stop you from trying something new. You can always go across to the Starbucks later if you're still hungry.

Jose Andres' Jaleo restaurants are a great excuse to grab a few friends, knock back a few sangrias, and enjoy some excellent tapas.

Jaleo is first and arguably the best traditional tapas joint in town. For the uninitiated, tapas are "small plates". Generally, you would go with a group of 4-6 people and order 2-3 tapas apiece. Sharing is the name of the game - half the fun is being able to try a bunch of new things. You know how in some restaurants the appetizers are infinitely more interesting than the entrées? This is like eating a whole bunch of appetizers.

The menu is divided into 3 sections; hot, cold, and seasonal. The hot and cold menus don't seem to change, and the seasonal menu only changes a few times a year.

A little known secret is that Jaleo is one of the first restaurants in America to serve Jamon Iberico - think prosciutto's most exciting cousin. It's not cheap, mind you... this stuff goes for a few hundred dollars a pound, but is it ever worth the money! Other standouts on the menu are the oxtail, bacalao (salt cod), patatas bravas, fried squid, and duck confit. On a recent trip, we very much liked the watermelon-tomato skewers and gazpacho. Desserts tend to be large, too sweet and uninteresting. One standout has been the basque cake, and if they have goat cheese ice cream on the menu. Unfortunately, the ice cream was served with a berry soup that was overpoweringly sweet.

The wine list is small and Spain-centric but well priced and there are a few fun selections by the glass. However, I would just go straight to the sangria.

Service can be a little dicey... I've had good and bad experiences at the two Jaleos that I've been to. Food-wise, my only complaint is that some things get repetitive - aioli and ‘Romesco’ sauce show up on a large number of menu items. Desserts are also somewhat forgettable.

Summary:
Price: As expensive as you'd like to make it.
Pros: Fun experience, good food.
Cons: Can be crowded, you might get to know your neighbors better than you thought.
Best Dish(es): Duck confit, oxtail, jamon iberico.
Needs Work: Desserts, repetitiveness.
Dress Code: Casual.

Jaleo opened in the Penn Quarter in 1993 next door to the Shakespeare Theater at the corner of 7th and E Sts. NW.

Tapas are usually for an early evening snack with drinks, usually eaten before a late dinner. At Jaleo, most diners order three or four plates a person and make a meal of them. Tapas are much more enjoyable in a group setting, where diners can taste a multitude of different dishes. It's amusing to watch the uninitiated order only one dish per person, and see the surprise on their face when a seemingly small plate is served to them.

Menu items include a selection of Spanish sausages and cheeses, salt-cod fritters, pork loin with figs, steamed mussels, crispy calamari with aioli, endives stuffed with oranges, goat cheese, and almonds. Most tapas are priced around $6, with a range from $4 to $10, so expect to pay at least $20 per person, a beverage included. My favorites are the grilled portabella, fried calamari, steamed mussels, and garlic shrimp. I got adventurous and tried sea urchin once, and I can't tell you how relieved I am that they have taken it off the menu. You can order sangria by the glass or pitcher; it's refreshing and fruity.

Though the menu offers a handful of entrées (such as a wonderful paella), you really want to try the tapas. The interior focuses on a large mural of a flamenco dancer inspired by John Singer Sargent's painting "Jaleo." You can watch live flamenco dancing on Wednesday at 7:45pm and 8:45pm.

Jaleo is Metro accessible, located 1 block north of the Archives/Navy Memorial exit on the green/yellow lines or 2 blocks south of Gallery place/MCI center exit on the red line.

Hours
Monday 11:30am-10pm
Tuesday-Thursday 11:30am-11:30pm
Friday and Saturday 11:30am–12am
Sunday 11:30am–10pm
Brunch is served on Sunday.

Reservations are recommended for lunch and dinner.

Jaleo offers a great assortment of tapas at a reasonable price. The restaurant provides a fun way to spend time with friends, sitting outdoors and sipping sangria. I recommend the seafood choices, which are quite good. Try the grilled portabella and the paella. Flamenco dancers also entertain diners on Wednesday nights between 8 and 9 pm. The restaurant is a great place to dine if you're planning on going to events at the Shakespeare Theater (located just beside Jaleo) or the MCI Center, which is a few blocks away. Make sure to call for reservations on the weekend, as it can get quite busy.