Jaleo
Buzzy Spanish spot from chef José Andrés serving tapas, paella & sangria in a striking, artsy space.
Jaleo is rated 4.5 / 5 from 6,150 Google reviews and sits about 4.4 km (55 min walk) from Anacostia station.
General overview
About Jaleo
Jaleo is José Andrés’s Spanish tapas restaurant in downtown Washington, DC, near Gallery Place, Capital One Arena, and the National Mall. It offers à la carte tapas, paellas, sangria, Spanish wines, and a lively dining-room atmosphere. No admission ticket is required; guests pay for food and beverages.
- Spanish tapas and shared plates
- Paella, traditional Spanish specialties, and seasonal dishes
- Sangria, Spanish wines, sherry, and cocktails
- Central location at 7th Street NW, convenient for downtown sightseeing and events at Capital One Arena
- Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary options are generally available; ask the restaurant about current preparation details
Things to do here
Tapas dining
Order several small Spanish plates to share, including well-known options such as croquetas, patatas bravas, gambas, and jamón when available.
Paella
Jaleo is known for Spanish rice dishes and paellas, which may be available in several styles and can take time to prepare.
Sangria and Spanish beverages
Enjoy sangria, Spanish wines, sherry, beer, and cocktails alongside the food.
Group or celebratory dining
The restaurant is suitable for social meals, pre-theater or pre-event dining, and larger parties, subject to reservation and availability.
The restaurant is in a busy downtown area. Allow extra time for traffic, parking, security or event crowds, and finding a table. For a show or game, consider arriving well before the event.
Reserve ahead for dinner, weekends, groups, celebrations, and arena-event days. Walk-ins may be possible but are not guaranteed.
This overview is general knowledge, not confirmed against an official source — verify hours, prices and entry rules before you go.
Photo gallery
See it before you go
Most asked
How to reach
Jaleo is about 4.4 km (~55 min walk) from Anacostia station on the Washington Metro.
Before you go
Good to know
Verify tickets, seasonal hours, entry rules, and special events on the official website before visiting.
Pair it up
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L'Enfant Plaza
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Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Jaleo from Anacostia station?
Jaleo is about 4417 m (roughly 55 min walk) from Anacostia station on the Washington Metro. Use the directions link on this page for turn-by-turn walking directions.
What is Jaleo rated?
Jaleo has a Google rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 6,150 reviews.
What's near Jaleo?
Also within a short walk of the same station: Hyatt House Washington DC / The Wharf, InterContinental Washington D.C. - the Wharf by IHG, United States Botanic Garden.
Is Jaleo wheelchair accessible?
Yes — Google lists the following accessibility features for Jaleo: wheelchair-accessible entrance, wheelchair-accessible parking, wheelchair-accessible restroom, wheelchair-accessible seating.
Is there parking near Jaleo?
Google lists these parking options near Jaleo: paid street parking, paid garage parking.
Is Jaleo good for children?
Google does not list Jaleo as particularly suited to children — check current details before visiting with kids.
Are dogs allowed at Jaleo?
Google does not list Jaleo as allowing dogs.
Does Jaleo have outdoor seating?
Yes — Google lists Jaleo as having outdoor seating.
Do I need a ticket to visit Jaleo?
No. Jaleo is a restaurant with no general admission ticket. You pay for the food and drinks you order.
Do I need a reservation?
Not always, but reservations are strongly recommended for dinner, weekends, large parties, celebrations, and days with events at Capital One Arena.
What type of food does Jaleo serve?
It serves Spanish cuisine, especially tapas, paellas, cured meats, cheeses, seafood, vegetables, desserts, sangria, and Spanish wines.
Can I dine there before an event at Capital One Arena?
Yes. The location is convenient for the arena, but pre-event periods can be especially busy. Reserve early and allow time to pay and walk to the venue.
Is Jaleo suitable for vegetarians or other dietary restrictions?
Usually, yes. The menu commonly includes vegetarian dishes and may accommodate vegan, gluten-sensitive, or allergy-related requests. Discuss requirements with staff because recipes and cross-contact conditions can change.
How long should I allow for a meal?
Plan on about one to two hours. A paella, large group, or busy event period may require more time.
Is there parking nearby?
Nearby garages and limited street parking may be available, but downtown parking can be expensive and difficult during events. Metro or rideshare may be more convenient.
Can I bring a pet?
Service animals are generally permitted. Ordinary pets are typically not allowed indoors, and any patio exception should be confirmed directly.
Are the hours and prices current?
No. The information here is based on general training knowledge and has not been live-verified. Hours, menus, prices, fees, policies, and contact details can change; check the official website before relying on them.
Data and photos from Google Places, generated August 23, 2026. Ratings, hours and prices can change — confirm anything time-sensitive before you go.