Tapas restaurant near DC Convention Ctr
 

I stayed at the Renaissance hotel near the Mount Vernon Square convention center a couple of years ago. Nearby, 5 minutes walking distance, was a great Tapas restaurant... but I don't recall the name. I remember it took up two floors of space and it was near the convention center... and, aside from the food, that's it.

If anyone knows the place from this limited description - is it still open? what's the name of the place? is the food still good?

I'm headed to DC in a couple of weeks and would like to try it again.

Thanks!

All I can think of is Jaleo. It is probably a 10 minute walk and not really on 2 floors. More of a few steps up to the second level. Does that ring any bells?

You may be thinking of Zaytinya....which is indeed two floors and closer to the Convention Center than Jaleo. It features mezza... more of a Middle-Eastern version of tapas.

Yeah, that sounds like Zaytinya at 9th & G, which is close to the new convention center and was very close to the old one.

Note that Zaytinya is not Spanish tapas, but Lebanese-Greek.

That said, it's really good!!

I think it might be Jaleo because it was Spanish-themed rather than eastern Mediterranean. But heck, I'll try both since they're so close to where I'll be!

Thanks folks, big help!

There's also La Tasca on Seventh St NW a few blocks (5 minutes) from the Convention Center. Can't recall if it's two floors. Regardless, Jaleo is much better.

If it was so loud at 6pm that you couldn't think or breathe, it was Jaleo. the place is loud like the cheech and chong movie bit.

I went to La Tasca last year, and I dont remember a second floor. Its Spanish style Tapas. The food was okay, the sangria was good though.

I'm guessing it's Jaleo . . .

You remember Jaleo. Chef Jose Andres owns 3 joints with one block. Jaleo - Spanish Tappas, Oyamel - Mexican tappas, and Cafe Atlantico where the Minibar serves small plates with a generally Latin theme. I think Andres owns Zatania too. I have eaten at each. I prefer Atlantico for a twosome, and Jaleo for a crowd.

I did a "tapas" approach at the bar at Cafe Atlantico a few months back and loved it (I ordered ~4 different appetizers as dinner). Definitely a latin theme, and they do have an upstairs as well. Absolutely delicious, too. Highly recommended if you're in the neighborhood.

As long as we are going off topic, Minibar in Cafe Atlantico is a fun night out.

Update: I've been in town a couple days now on my trip. Turns out it was La Tasca I was remembering. I went by there one night and the service was completely non-existent, so I walked out.

I went to Zaytinya last night and it was great - best food and service I've had in quite some time. I'm tempted to go back tonight, but I want to try Jaleo too so I think that's where I'll end up.

Thanks for the help!

Honestly after Zaytinya Jaleo will be a disappointment.

I do highly recommend another night at Zaytinya.

If you are feeling a little rich and lucky - try to get reservations at Minibar - which is a very unique experience - what they call Molecular Gastronomy!