Good For: Din with friends, Happy Hour

Gotta Order: Sangria, bacon wrapped dates, gazpacho, sautéed spinach, rice pudding

Vibes: Upbeat and fun, vibrant, crowded, great place for drinks and din, sometimes loud

Notes: 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. Don’t skip the veggies! Make sure you save room for dessert, because their rice pudding is amazing.