Jaleo can fit the bill for almost any occasion, and would be one of my first recs for someone looking for a dinner spot in DC. It’s just classic and very reliable (also who doesn’t love well done Spanish tapas??). This is a Jose Andres restaurant, and I would eat anything he served me.

I’d recommend getting a sangria pitcher for the table (great bang for your buck), and splitting a hefty number of small plates. Their menu is huge, and you might gravitate towards staples like bacon wrapped dates, but don’t skip the veggies! They’re all interestingly done and bursting with flavor. Make sure you save room for dessert too, because their rice pudding with a hint of lemon is perfect- I’ve been thinking about it ever since I last went.