Jaleo in Penn Quarter never disappoints. It is our traditional “Go-To” restaurant every year for our first Caps home game. José Andrés’ playful, high-energy personality comes through in every part of the restaurant, from the lively atmosphere, the attentive service, and especially the dishes that feel both distinctly Spanish but also modern.

We sat outside on a beautiful night that hovered around 72°F. We were dining with great friends, one of whom was a New York Rangers fan, but we won’t hold that against him. Jaleo has added a new covered outdoor space since the last time we dined here, and it really added to the aesthetic.

We started with a glass of Estrella Galicia and a glass of Ontañon Reserva tempranillo. Jaleo is one of the few places you can find Estrella Galicia on tap. It was crisp and refreshingly satisfying. The tempranillo was the best red wine I have had at Jaleo in recent visits.  Admittedly, I have struggled to find a red wine on the list that I have enjoyed here, but this wine really hit the mark.  

We also ordered a few of the liquid “Ferran Adria” olives to start. They are on the menu in combination with the traditional olives, but you can order them separately if preferred. They are translucent spheres of pureed and strained olive juice, and they’re worth ordering every time. We have had several iterations of this dish at other restaurants in Spain and Portugal, but Jose’s version is the best.

From the tapas menu we shared the Pan de Cristal con Tomate: crispy slices of bread toasted on the grill, brushed with fresh tomato and finished with a sprinkle of sea salt. The bread retained its crispness and the tomato was nicely tangy and bright.  We typically pair this with some jamon or chorizo, but this evening we decided on the Spanish classic Croquetas de Jamón which are Spanish fritters of Jamón Ibérico and béchamel that can be best described as “fried soup”. The crisp breading gives way to a delicate filling that melts in your mouth with every bite. We opted for Jamon croquetas this visit, but the chicken croquetas are equally delicious.

The menu also offers lots of options for diners with dietary restrictions. Our friends who were gluten and dairy intolerant ordered the Ensalada Campera (conserved tuna, fingerling potatoes, green beans, onions, tomatoes, capers, and hard-boiled eggs with sherry dressing) and the Empedrat de Mongetes (Catalán white bean salad with tomatoes, onion, bell peppers, olives, and sherry dressing). Both looked delicious and were thoroughly enjoyed.

We also shared the Salmón con Pisto. The Atlantic salmon was seared and cooked to perfection — moist, tender, and flaking cleanly without falling apart — alongside Spanish-style stewed vegetables.

With five of us dining, we treated ourselves to a shared paella: the Arroz de Pollo con Verduras y Setas. The chicken was moist and tender rather than dry, and the mushrooms, vegetables and spices delivered classic Spanish flavor. It was served with a side of garlic aioli which really enhanced the flavors of the paella. The balance was spot-on. One slight criticism of the dish was that it was missing the slightly toasted, crispy rice from the bottom of the pan that you are craving with a paella.

Jaleo is a DC institution that still maintains high-quality food and service. It’s only a quick three-minute walk from the Arena, so it is a perfect option for a pre/post-game meal. With a large and varied menu, you can try something new every time you visit, or stick to your tried-and-true favorites. There is no wrong answer here.