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Name: Jaleo
Address: 7271 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD, 20814
Telephone: (301) 913-0003
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.39

Jaleo

7271 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD, 20814

(301) 913-0003
Store is closed

Jaleo Menu

CÓCTELES ESPECIALES

José Andrés’ Gin and Tonic

Alma

Albariza

Spanish Collins

Clouds Over the Cosmos

Mayahuel

Cuba Libre

El Compadre

Dark and Stormy

José Andrés' Margarita

Clara
SANGRÍA

Cava

Jaleo's Classic
Beer

Moritz Lager (Spain)

Estrella Damm Daura Lager (Spain)

Estrella Galicia Lager (Spain)

Beck's Non-alcoholic (Germany)
Beer - Draft

Estrella Damm Lager (Spain)

Heavy Seas Small Craft Pilsner (MD)

Yuengling Lager (PA)

Flying Dog Doggie Style Pale Ale (MD)

Otter Creek Black IPA (VT)

Allagash White Witbier (ME)
Wines By The Glass

Kila Vins El Cep Macabeo Xarel.lo Parellada Chardonnay 2010 (sparkling)

Borsao Garnacha (campo De Borja) 2011(rosé)
Wines By The Glass - Fortified

Fino Jarana Lustau Palomino Fino

Nectar González Byass Pedro Ximenez

Manzanilla La Gitana Hidalgo-la Gitana (500ml) Palomino Fino

Amontillado La Garrocha Grant (375ml) Palomino Fino

East India Lustau Palomino (pedro Ximenez)

Oloroso 15 Año Maestro Sierra (375ml) Palomino Fino
Wines By The Glass - White

Ossiam Sierra Norte Macabeo Sauvignon Blanc (utiel-requena) 2010

Cortijo Viura (rioja) 2011

Valdelainos Pedro Escudero Verdejo (rueda) 2011

Flor Del Páramo El Páramo Albarín Blanco (vt Castilla Y León) 2011

Acustic Garnacha Blanca Garnacha Gris Macabeo Pansal (montsant) 2010

La Caña Albariño (rías Bixas) 2011
WINES BY THE GLASS

Fino

Manzanilla La Gitana

Amontillado La Garrocha

Oloroso 15 años

Palo Cortado Marqués de Rodil

Brut de Brut

Rosat Trepat Reserva Brut

Las Colinas del Ebro

Egeo

Nessa

Blanc Selecció

Tempestad

Mencos

Flor del Páramo

Viña Sastre

Arrocal

Can Blau

A Portela

Viña Real Crianza

Casa l'Angel

ÀN/2

Healthy Meal suggestions for Jaleo

CÓCTELES ESPECIALES

José Andrés’ Gin and Tonic [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Alma [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Albariza [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spanish Collins [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Clouds Over the Cosmos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mayahuel [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cuba Libre [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

El Compadre [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dark and Stormy [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

José Andrés' Margarita [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Clara [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
SANGRÍA

Cava [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jaleo's Classic [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Beer

Moritz Lager (Spain) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Estrella Damm Daura Lager (Spain) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Estrella Galicia Lager (Spain) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Beck's Non-alcoholic (Germany) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Beer - Draft

Estrella Damm Lager (Spain) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Heavy Seas Small Craft Pilsner (MD) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Yuengling Lager (PA) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Flying Dog Doggie Style Pale Ale (MD) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Otter Creek Black IPA (VT) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Allagash White Witbier (ME) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Wines By The Glass

Kila Vins El Cep Macabeo Xarel.lo Parellada Chardonnay 2010 (sparkling) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Borsao Garnacha (campo De Borja) 2011(rosé) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Wines By The Glass - Fortified

Fino Jarana Lustau Palomino Fino [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Nectar González Byass Pedro Ximenez [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Manzanilla La Gitana Hidalgo-la Gitana (500ml) Palomino Fino [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Amontillado La Garrocha Grant (375ml) Palomino Fino [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

East India Lustau Palomino (pedro Ximenez) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Oloroso 15 Año Maestro Sierra (375ml) Palomino Fino [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Wines By The Glass - White

Ossiam Sierra Norte Macabeo Sauvignon Blanc (utiel-requena) 2010 [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cortijo Viura (rioja) 2011 [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Valdelainos Pedro Escudero Verdejo (rueda) 2011 [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Flor Del Páramo El Páramo Albarín Blanco (vt Castilla Y León) 2011 [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Acustic Garnacha Blanca Garnacha Gris Macabeo Pansal (montsant) 2010 [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

La Caña Albariño (rías Bixas) 2011 [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
WINES BY THE GLASS

Fino [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Manzanilla La Gitana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Amontillado La Garrocha [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Oloroso 15 años [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Palo Cortado Marqués de Rodil [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Brut de Brut [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rosat Trepat Reserva Brut [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Las Colinas del Ebro [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Egeo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Nessa [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Blanc Selecció [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tempestad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mencos [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Flor del Páramo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Viña Sastre [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Arrocal [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Can Blau [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

A Portela [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Viña Real Crianza [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Casa l'Angel [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

ÀN/2 [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Bethesda for healthy meals suggestion.

Bethesda Deli At Bethesda Place ( 7700 Wisconsin Ave,Ste G )

Bethesda Gourmet ( 4350 E West Hwy )

Auntie Anne’s Pretzels ( 7107 Democracy Blvd )

Visit below restaurant in Bethesda for healthy meals suggestion.

Auntie Anne’s Pretzels ( 7107 Democracy Blvd )

Write An Anonymous Review

Katy E.

My boyfriend and I went for an early dinner on my birthday before heading a show and had a great experience. We were seated quickly and our server was incredibly polite. I have Celiac (gluten-intolerant) and am also vegetarian, so I know I can be a pain sometimes! The server and hostess were great at helping me get the right menu and answer questions. The manager even came out with my gluten free items to reassure me. The endives were my favorite, but everything was pretty good. I liked being able to taste several different things. Towards the end of the meal we were running late and asked for the check as our last dish was coming out. The server apologized and took our last dish off the check! We assured him that it wasn't his fault...we had just lost track of time, but he insisted that we be credited for the plate. The hostess got our coats for us right away and everything went smoothly. I would definitely eat there again.
(5)
Bao N.

Sangria was delicious and you can't go wrong with any of the small plate tapas! Outdoor seating was huge bonus! Loved the Bethesda location.
(5)
Jon G.

We recently visited, utilizing a gift certificate for "The Jaleo Experience", which the restaurant had generously donated to a community fundraising event. We have been to Jaleo on previous occasions, but found the food, service (even on a busy Saturday night) and overall experience this time to be the best yet! We informed our (excellent, personable) server of a few personal dietary preferences and he ensured the wonderful array of items were a great match. The entire meal was characterized by unique items (each accompanied by an explanation of ingredients and region of Spain from where it originated), with the wine (included)/food being delicious and served in a great presentation. The manager even stopped by our table (great view of passersby on the street) to make sure everything was great. We left quite full, but not overly stuffed and certain to be returning to Jaleo on a future occasion! In addition, we now have a new idea for a special gift, confident another couple would enjoy their visit as well! :-)
(5)
Amber V.

Awww-mazing!! Service was great & food was even better. We had a shellfish allergy & they took special care, food was fantastic. I recommend the tasting menu. Wish they were closer to home.
(5)
Barbara F.

Really was disappointed compared to many past times. Don't mind the noise or wait, but good bread? To dip into sauces of tapas & olive oil? Essential, but it was soft & bland & tasted like store bought. Dampened our spirits. Sangria was delicious, but rest of meal was quite uneventful. perhaps an off night, but not a motivator to return
(3)
Izzat A.

I heard so many good things about this place but had never had tapas before so I didn't know what to expect. Went here for lunch with coworkers this past Friday. It actually met the hype! I got the Chicken and Eggplant sandwich which was okay. Ingredients were fresh but it just didn't wow me. One thing that did really impress me were the Patatas bravas which are potatoes with a sauce and alioli. The waitress was really nice but the food took quite a while to come out even though they weren't busy. It's definitely not cheap so it won't become a regular place for me but I'd come here again. Prolly really 3.5*
(4)
Jeff R.

OK went here for a mini date night with the Mrs. We rolled in at about 6:30. The place had some traffic going on but there are still open tables. We put our name on the table list and are told they will have one set up for us in 10 mins or so. Great- we head over to the bar. Again some folks there but no problem getting a seat. We are seated for 5 mins - no bartender has come over. 5 freaking mins! They are all watching a soccer game at the other end. I finally just stroll down and take out some cash (universal sign for me thirsty and want drinky). Snag 1\2 a carafe of sangria and head back to the Mrs. All the while ignoring the annoyed look of the bartender who I had asked for service. 25 mins later we get seated - Its now 7ish. No problem we can still make the 9pm show no problem right? Umm not so fast. As in our server is not so fast. It takes her another 20 mins to bring over a menu. OK - breath - I'm sure that the food will be as good as the one down town right? In a word... no. Octopus was way over salted, the Lamb was cooked to death, and the rabbit was the same. The beet salad was good though. Right so now its 8:20 ish and we need to bounce. So I ask for the check . The server goes into a desert full court press. We decline and mention that we need to get out to a show @ 9. Our server leaves. 5 mins no check 10 mins no check. Finally as she seems to have vanished I go up to the hostess section and ask for help. 20 mins later a check appears. I assume it was right frankly I didn't even look, just threw down cash, and did a full on sprint to try and make our show. Right so let's recap service bad, food sub par at best. I'm really sorry we wasted a night out on this place. Don't make the same mistake.
(1)
L Q.

A group of us went for a quick lunch between meetings. We only had 30 minutes. The chef was accommodating and the food was outstanding.
(4)
Lexie D.

Allow me to be the 1,000,000th person to weigh in on Jose Andres with absolutely no credibility. Go here for: 1.) Upscale-casual dining with a person you're comfortable with. The food, the actual EXPERIENCE, isn't enough to carry your personal awkwardness. 2.) Cava sangria on a hot day. It will instantly make you feel classy and tipsy! 3.) The potato tapa. It's 100 shades of amazing. I could have eaten 4. 4.) The chicken croquettes are also pretty darn tasty, except they're much cheesier/gooier and less chicken-esque than I expected. Everything else - the other dishes, the service - was underwhelming. That's the key, though, to this restaurant's success: nothing is ever bad. Nothing is ever complainable. It's just a middly Andres staple in all the major dining neighborhoods, reminding you that you're too broke for the really great stuff.
(3)
K L.

This year, Jaleo offered a Mother's day brunch that was just fantastic! It was $55, so a little pricey.. but for that price, it was all you can eat tapas plus 1 free alcoholic drink. Considering the price of tapas at Jaleo, this was well worth it! The menu was a limited version of their regular menu, but still with very good selections (bacon wrapped dates, salads, shrimp, mussels, salmon taratare, calamari etc. etc. ). I really hope they offer this promotion again!
(5)
Tracia D.

Our foodie club came here to check out the new & improved renovations & was kinda hoping the menu slightly changed as well, not because we didn't like the menu before, but just to keep up with the renovation theme:). Well, no new menu, but we were so pleased with both the the food we were eating and the new interior designs, nothing mattered. I got the beet salad & Jaleo's version of a grilled cheese. They were both extremely good. The presentation was so nice I kinda didn't want to eat it. I really enjoyed the beet chip that topped my salad. Y'all should sell those by the pound; it was so good. For the life of me I can't remember the name of the sandwich, but I can tell you it was very good. Everything the foodie club got was delicious -- calamari sandwich, the lamb, the salmon, and the list goes on. We ALL thoroughly enjoyed our food. We even heard the infamous "Mmmm mmmm mmmm" from one of the members. When he utters those words with a smile on face & eyes closed, you know it's an amazing meal. I will DEFINITELY be back.
(5)
Janet D.

Our group was 6 for a Sunday night - the place was busy but by no means packed. We had secured a reservation through Open Table and Jaleo did call to confirm. The food was great and not a complaint to be had about it. Complaints were elsewhere... Our server was less than attentive to us. We had to flag him down for 1.drinks 2. appetizers 3. questions and our 4. dinner order. He never introduced himself and never really engaged with us throughout the meal. He gave plenty of attention to the table behind us but would walk right past us without checking in on us. We were dressed appropriately enough and even better than others (cut off shorts, hoodies, jeans, sneakers - all abounded throughout the restaurant). The other complaint was we were seated were the sun was directly in the eyes of two of our party. We requested another table and were denied even though there were suitable tables nearby that remained vacant for entirety of our meal. This was a second visit based on a wonderful first visit. Again, great food but the experience was not. Will not return anytime soon.
(3)
Crissy K.

Good food, great location. I don't know what people are complaining about. Sure, some dishes won't be as good as others, but that's why you go to a tapas place with friends and sample a whole bunch of dishes! Three words: Bacon. Wrapped. Date. Single best thing on the menu, the perfect combination of sweet and savory. You may want to get more than one order. Our waiter the other night was very helpful in navigating the largely Spanish language menu (yes, they have English descriptions next to all the dish names, but it's a lot to take in!) and picking out his favorites from each section. A great way to end the day!
(4)
Maggie R.

Nice Service and delicious spinach dish! Randi Hill was accommodating and friendly from start to end.
(4)
Sowmya S.

My friends and I dined at Jaleo to celebrate a friend's 29th birthday. We wanted it to be special, as my friend is a foodie and enjoys a good meal. And a great meal is exactly what I got. The food was delicious and the ambience was great. We got a table at a quiet corner overlooking the road, as I had requested. Our waitress was very friendly and made our dinner a joy. She was so bubbly and lively that although I was really hungry and did not want to wait, I forgot all about it and enjoyed our little chat about the menu. She helped us pick out some of the dishes we ordered and was very helpful with the wine list too. The service was prompt and very quick. I am a vegetarian and usually I dont find much to eat but this place definitely had a lot to offer. We ordered the apple and fennel salad and although I am personally not a salad person, this salad blew me away.... very well balanced and a very complete dish with lot of texture. We ordered about 7 dishes (5 of which were vegetarian) and all of them were delicious (The meat was rated by my bf). The only complaint, if I am allowed to have one after such a splendid dinner, is that the eggplant fritters were very undercooked, probably because they were sliced too thick. It tasted great but I really could not bite into the center of the uncooked eggplant. All in all, a wonderful experience. I definitely am looking forward to my next meal here.
(4)
Ab R.

BRING YOUR WALLET! Tapas might be the cool thing, but really, a bowl of bean soup and a little plate of sausages with two beers costs $65? Whose BMW am I financing?
(1)
Don I.

If you are the adventurous type then this restaurant is for you. As a tapas bar, the menu consists of lots of smaller single-serving size dishes that requires you to order several to make a complete meal. While on the one hand, this makes for some interesting variety in the meal, the downside is that the total cost of the meal goes way up. You also need to get used to having dishes delivered throughout the meal, which can lead to waiting for a dish after having just consumed one. Overall I thought the food was good and the dessert- olive oil ice cream with grapefruit was delicious.
(4)
Sophia K.

Delicious and just right. The ingredients are fresh. Somehow the best flavors just shined out. I was amazed with this place, mainly because I wasn't expecting it to be so tasty! This place is genuinely good, except for the sangria, which was decent --it was too watery. The ensalada de remolacha con citricos was fantastic! The beets really made the salad. The portion size for the salad was also larger than I expected. The chorizo was very light, yet very filling. This place serves entirely tapas, so don't expect any big plates. I suggest if you're worried about ordering too little or too much, order a few dishes first, then order more if you're still hungry because the turn out for the food is very fast. The asparagus looked delicious, I think that will get that next time I go to Jaleo. The atmosphere is pleasant. I sat outside in the patio so it was nice having that evening breeze. It looked loud inside, so I am glad the weather allowed us to sit outside.
(4)
George C.

I'm not a huge fan of tapas restaurants but this place was very good. - The breaded eggplant was excellent. Lightly breaded and fresh. Yum! - The cherry tomatoes stuffed with crab was probably my least favorite. It wasn't as good as it could have been. - The chorizo with mashed potato's were very good. - Duck served with rice was excellent. It was a hearty plate and the portion was larger than the others. - The fried bacon wrapped figs are an amazing combo. EVERYONE should order them! - The sangria was excellent. We tried the red but the white looked good as well. - The atmosphere was nice. Big windows, bright colors. Outside seating available as well. - Servers were friendly and plates were cleared so we had more room on our table for more food. Our server also did a good job explaining the dishes. I can't wait to come back for round 2!
(4)
Eric C.

Food was pretty fantastic especially the paella. The setting is a bit over the top...like a nightmare from a Almodovar movie.
(4)
Aelisa D.

Jaleo is a Spanish tapas restaurant, not to be confused with Ricky Martin's single released in '03. There are several around the DC area. I found myself at the Bethesda location last night. It's in a really cute part of Bethesda. Last night it was particularly quaint with white lights and light snow coming down. It would be a great place to take a date. Overall the food and drinks were good but I feel like most of the items were a bit overpriced for what you get. The tapas are meant for sharing and are pretty small portions. The paella is good, the garlic sauce on the side is awesome and bound to keep vampires away for days. There are two different types of Sangria: The Cava - White sparkling wine with fresh strawberries and mint. The Classic - Brandy, appples, and lemon juice. I tried and liked both although the Cava seems more like a summer drink. It's worth going to Jaleo if you've never had Spanish tapas, but get ready to fork out a substantial amount of money for small portions of well presented food.
(3)
Alexander K.

Came here on a Sunday awhile back for brunch, it was decent with good brunch items such as their version of "steak and eggs". The second time we ordered the Iberico pork rib paella, it was flavorful but I felt the pork and the amount of paella served was a bit on the skimpy side for the amount charged. Dessert was good and plated well, it was a white cake of some sort with a leche sauce.
(3)
Daniela K.

I've always come to Jaleo after work for Happy Hour ($4 sangria, you can't beat it). Today, after seeing that the spot I'd originally planned on dining had shut down, my date and I decided to try Jaleo for lunch. What a pleasant surprise! They're lunch combo deals were just what they said on the menu - deals. $12 gets you a half soup of the day (I'd say it's a generous "half") and one of their delicious sandwiches offered. We chose the JLT (Jamon, manchego, lettuce, tomato) and the grilled cheese (manchego, blue cheese, truffle oil, and a honey butter sauce...m'm m'm good). There's also a salad and soup combo option, both of which are served until 2p. I will say, EXCELLENT. Definitely coming back and might even make this a go-to on a Friday!
(4)
Diana M.

Great food always great sangria. Little overpriced, but a great place for a group at happy hour.
(5)
Fred K.

Been coming to this Jaleo for so many years for dates, birthdays, special occasions, and happy hours. There is a new parking garage option right on Bethesda avenue and woodmont. It doesn't accept coins but pay by credit card. No more quarters! This Jaleo has redecorated many times and looks as good as the original 7th street location. However, the DC location is a notch better, but this branch is very good too. I wouldn't mind just ordering a pitcher of sangria and just eat any ham, especially their JamÃ³n ibÃ©rico de bellota FermÃn, and put it on top of their Pan de cristal con tomate, and some manchego cheese. But for their other tapas, their grilled hanger steak, scallops (just two per order), garlic shrimp, fried potatoes, calamari, cod and potato fritters are good. Their happy hour specials are quite good and also believe they have late night happy hour too. Good place in Bethesda to take out of town friends and family here and rarely ever disappoints.
(4)
Siu M.

*2.5 stars* Jaleo, I want to love you but I'm just not impressed. Positives: -Prompt and friendly service -Inviting and creative decor (love the huge red hanging lights) -Availability of outdoor seating -Fun vibe Negatives: -Sangria was way too sweet and a bit overpriced at $8/glass -Flavors from all the tapas we got were underwhelming (a hint of something was missing from every dish) -Very uneven seasoning, picture one bite of bland chicken followed by one bite of very salty chicken -Tapas didn't come out in the right order at all. We got our creamy rice with mushrooms first and then came the salad and the cold roasted eggplants...big no no Overall, not a place I would consider coming back to as there are better tapas places in the DMV area.
(2)
John R.

Great service. Awesome atmosphere. Amazing food. We had the brussels sprout salad, cantaloupe serrano ham salad and apple fennel cheese salad. Also, the watermelon goat cheese salad was my favorite. While I don't know the names of these dishes they were all amazing. They were so refreshing and the flavors were different than the usual salads I'm used to. The salmon tartare and tuna tartare cone were very tasty as well. We ordered the hanger steak, grilled chicken and the quail. If I were to rank these the steak was the best, followed by the chicken and the quail last (mostly because it was a little overcooked) The fritata was one of my favorites with the addition of chorizo to it. The service was great as the manager Sebastian took care of us throughout our lunch. To top it off the hazelnut mouse cake was ridiculously good. It literally tastes like a ferrero rocher. To top it off they put a scoop of coffee ice cream on top. It tastes like a hazelnut cup of coffee. If I'm ever in Bethesda again I'll definitely come back here again.
(5)
Justine K.

I forgot how much I enjoyed Happy Hour Specials at Jaleos. Tappas are $4 and sangria is $5 until 7pm. I always get the cheese fritters (chicken fritters are on the regular menu at full price), calamari, endives with goat cheese, and a hamburger slider. All are very satisfying. I thoroughly enjoy the sangria and the staff are great.
(4)
Sonj H.

We had great service and lots of interesting bites on our last trip (been 4 or 5 times now) it's tasty but I would avoid things like the uni which was not near the quality of a fine sushi spot and is priced exorbitantly, any way they make potatoes is delicious and the meats are yummy, I also love the cheese plates. We are finding east coast tapas are a thing, and they are a lot pricier than west coast, but these are tasty.
(4)
Phil W.

We came to Bethesda and asked for the Chef to send whatever... He went all out sent us amazing dishes lomo bellota, presa ibericos, erizos and vieres en vivo, and amazing paellas for the paella festival. We didnt have to order a single thing. By far this has been the best post birthday lunch ever! Gracious Chef Miguel and server Melissa! Not to forget the cava and wine they paired everything with.
(5)
Melissa W.

Happened to pop in during Bethesda Row Restaurant Week and Jaleo's offer was 4 tapas selections and 1 dessert for $30. Pretty good deal and a few of the options caught my eye, so I decided to give it a try. Here's the run down: Tuna tartare cone and salmon tartare cone - nice presentation and the cone had a nice crisp. Oddly, the salmon was too salty and the tuna under-seasoned, maybe that's why they're paired together? They were also quite oily; the oil seeped through the cone and was all over my hand. Endives, goat cheese, oranges and almonds - simple yet brilliant combination. However, it seemed like someone sloppily put it together and some endives had so much oil that in certain bites, it was a burst of oil (gross). Traditional chicken fritters - the inside was surprisingly soft. After the first bite, I hesitated and wondered if it was undercooked. Strange texture and didn't enjoy it. Porklion with roasted onion and blue cheese - the best of the 4 "entrees", the sauce was a bit salty but well-cooked dish. Crunchy chocolate-caramel mousse with coffee-rum ice cream and cocoa nib - the mousse itself is just okay but when you scoop everything together, yum!! The bottom seemed to be a ferrero rocher crust that was addictive. Also want to mention that service was not very good. Understand that it was late in the evening and it's important to efficiently clean-up, but you still need to serve your customers! Had to ask for the check 3 times. Overall, disappointing meal, especially given chef Jose Andres' fame in the greater DC area.
(3)
Mei W.

I've been to Jaleo once before but it was for dinner and even then I wasn't impressed. This time a friend and I came here for Sunday brunch and my opinion hasn't changed. For drinks, we ordered grapefruit juice and cafe con leche. For some reason they decided to serve the grapefruit in a wine glass...which I guess seems more classy but also pretty expensive for the amount they gave us. For the amount I was getting, I might as well have ordered a glass of wine. The cafe con leche was also tiny but delicious. For the brunch, we shared the huevos estrellados with ham and the arroz a la cubana. The huevos estrellaods was extremely salty to the point where it left your mouth dry The arroz a la cubana was alright but there was nothing special about it. Overall the prices were pretty expensive for brunch. Although the food wasn't great, the service was. Our waitress was very attentive and helpful when we asked questions about the menu. If you're going to pay these high prices for brunch, you might as well go to either El Masa 14 or El Centro where you have the unlimited option and the tapas are way better.
(2)
Holli P.

The food was outstanding and very true to traditional Spanish tapas. However, the service was inattentive and slow...and this was on a Sunday evening. I'll definitely return but that's because I plan to express my unhappiness with my server before I leave and trust that they will take corrective action.
(4)
Morgan M.

Been here twice and had great experiences both times! Good service, great atmosphere, and delicious food. What we ordered: Clouds over the cosmos cocktail-so refreshing, perfect for the summer and not very alcoholic tasting Patatas bravas-love the two sauces together and potatoes are fried to perfection Rabbit-enjoyed the marinade, kind of smoky, but didn't think the rabbit was tender enough (would have rather stuck with the quail which has amazing sauce) Pan de cristal-too much tomato and kind of mushy Rellenos with goat cheese-super small serving and but good flavor Bacon wrapped date fritters-by far the best thing of the night, perfect combo of sweet and salty Overall, had a great time and will be back!
(5)
Ron M.

I don't know what to say. We went in there for authentic tapas and sangria. What I got was a smart ass Italian server and a manager that only offered an apology. The waitress who was belligerent and so snobby and made the whole party embarrassed. Not what I would expect from an upscale restaurant! The food was good, and the sangria was good but not great as they made it out to be. Spoke to the manager and he was sorry but offered no discount on our check.
(2)
Kerry C.

Ok service here. LOVE the olive oil. Tapas are well made and taste good. Selection of beers are lacking. Convenient location so I come here often. I've tried almost everything on the tapas side of the menu and don't have any major complaints. Favorites: beet salad, cured ham, grilled hanger steak, chorizo, sautÃ©ed mushrooms, cauliflower with dates and olives, shrimp with sautÃ©ed garlic, to name a few...
(4)
David B.

If I could give this place no stars I would. I have been here 3 times now and keep hoping it will get better. The service was beyond bad. The food for all the hype about Jose Andres was less than stellar. Maybe Jose should spend sometime in his own place. Besides that my wife reminded me that he pulled out of Trumps Post Office project downtown. Donald consider yourself fortunate. You can find someone with more talent. Maybe open up a Mexican place instead of some lame Spanish place with bad food and service.
(1)
David R.

I think Jaleo is great but pricy. And the have a huge gluten free menu, plus a vegetarian menu. The food is small portions on small plates. It's Spain style. Many hams, seafoods, veggies, cheeses of European (not Mexican) flavor. Plus they have great atmosphere and friendly staff.
(5)
Jen H.

Food is not great and prices are high. If you have limited time in Bethesda, pass this restaurant by. There are many more in the area to try.
(2)
Anne D.

Arriving right at last call (10PM on a Monday night) we were encouraged to order (quickly), but were not made to feel that we were inconveniencing anyone -- which I appreciated. Got a glass of their Tempranillo (Los Cantos), and it was delicious, so we ordered another. It was the last glass and last bottle, so the bartender gave it to us on the house, another nice touch. I was afraid that given the expansion over the last years (and Jose's attention elsewhere) that it would start to feel chain-y, but with friendly service and solid food I think it's still a good option. One tapas we got stood out: sauteed cauliflower - firm to the bite and super savory.
(3)
Aimee N.

Quick trip to DC area for a client meeting and was able to fit in a nice dinner with my birthed who lives in Bethesda. He had been wanting to come back to Jaleo to try the menu again since it had been a couple of years. Really fancy, modern decor with a Spanish twist but not overdone. Inliked the fact the tables had writing all over it like classy graffiti is what I would call it. Jaleo is a tapas style restuarine so if you are not familiar with that style or don't like to share than beware because sharing is what you do. Right now they have a Monday special with all you can eat Paella for $25 per person and if you like sangria you can get unlimited for an additional $15. You choose a salad and dessert to go with the meal as well. My brother and I opted to do the tapas since we were feeling a variety of tastes. We were both pretty hungry so opted to order 6 dishes first. (I apologize ahead of time as the menu was in Spanish and I cannot for the life of me remember the names so will give you the English version) First dish out were the bacon covered dates, which you cannot go wrong with anything wrapped in bacon but the saltiness of the bacon was a great complement to the sweetness of the date. Good portion for two with 6 coming on the plate. Second dish that came out was the sautÃ©ed soinach with raisins. Ate this with some of the other dishes that came out later as a side and it was really flavorful and good. Third dish we had was the rabbit confit. It came with two size able pieces with a tomato based sauce that was pretty yummy. The 4 th dish that came out was by far our favorite as it was grilled calamari with squid ink and buttered rice. This dish was cooked perfectly and had this smoky char to it that made it so good. 5th dish we had was the chorizo with potato purÃ©e. I have had a lot of chorizo but not made or tasted like this. Great spicy flavor to it and just the right amount of salt and the pure balanced out the whole dish. The sixth dish that came out was the seared scallops with balsamic and some purÃ©e too. The presentation was beautiful and when it first came the balsamic seemed like it might overpower the scallop but with a bite of everything In one forkful it tasted delish! So....I know I said we ordered 6 dishes but we decided we were still hungry and decided to throw in the quail to round off our meal. It came with one quail breast with sauce underneath. Quail was cooked really well and added the final kid of protein we needed to be full! Be prepared to spend $$$ here but if you like tapas and trying a variety of small tastes for a good well rounded meal, this is definitely a place to try.
(4)
Carolyn M.

Fabulous B and I decided to have some tapas as I found myself unexpectedly in the area after work and she was able to join me. I must say that this location was a great disappointed when measured against the quality of the food at the Penn Quarter and Crystal City locations but at least the service was satisfactory. We ordered the daily special of chicken atop a bed of spinach, as well as the fried calamari,three cheese sampler, eggplant with red pepper and onions, and the chocolate flan (mousse) for dessert. All the tapas were pretty much unspectacular. In fact, it tasted like the staff were bored and tired in the kitchen. Nothing special at all, except for the three cheese sampler which were each perfectly paired with apricot jam, fig spread and handmade nut brittle respectively. The cheese sampler was of the high quality I have come to expect of Jaleo but all the other tapas were unremarkable and quite boring with a lack of flavor. Thankfully, the dessert was chocolate and worth the calories.
(2)
Alejandro B.

Review #250 goes to an awesome Easter Brunch, which I shared with my DC-based sister. If I were to redo my visit to Jaleo, I'd merely focus on just ordering cheese and ham at Jaleo: in this regard, the restaurant really does justice to a Spanish culinary tradition. (This really isn't the place to do American-style brunch, as the family sitting next to us did. I'm sure Jaleo cooks some mean pancakes, but its raison d'etre is ham and cheese.) Jaleo curates the ham and cheese experience perfectly, offering enough diverse tastes. I loved seeing how the various jamones differ, from acorn-fed Iberico Fermin to dry cured Serrano. In terms of cheeses, Jaleo brings them out with crunchy bread topped with innovative jellies. One of our favorite selections was the ham marinated in paprika and garlic, sliced thin and served with mini Spanish breadsticks. My sister and I came here on Easter 2015 for some sibling bonding and enjoyed just ordering jamon y queso periodically, enjoying the relaxed vibe of the holiday. I can't say I was really impressed with the other things we ordered. Yes, they are executed well, but they're textbook Spanish items, without the authority and innovation I'd expect from a chef like Jose Andres. Given the price, I'd say they're worth a pass. The patatas bravas are everything good patatas bravas should be: crispy exterior with a garlicky aioli and a paprika sauce. If you asked me what made Jaleo's stand out over other Spanish restaurants I've been to, though, I wouldn't be able to tell you. I wasn't a fan of the olive oil ice cream. While the flavor was on point (olive oil and cream go hand in hand, surprisingly), the texture of the ice cream was icy instead of creamy. You only get one scoop too, which is placed atop of frozen grapefruit (itself one of my least favorite foods). At $8, this dessert is a pass (you're better off visiting a specialty ice cream parlor and trying its own olive oil flavor). I've seen a few reviewers complain about this place for having the atmosphere of a chain restaurant. I wouldn't subtract any stars from my review for that reason, but I do have to agree to an extent. It's pretty cheesy when the menu proudly proclaims that "Slurping soups is allowed (Sorry, Mom!)" and deep frying is in no way overrated. Because of this, I have no problem coming to Jaleo with my family but would be hesitant to eat here on a first date. Service here really took the cake. Our waitress was friendly and attentive. She was articulate when it came to recommending selections, and really made us feel welcome. We got our food quickly and were able to order additional items promptly. Jaleo gave me a great Easter experience because certain aspects of the meal (service and ham/cheese) really stole the show over slightly-above-average desserts and dishes.
(4)
Adam B.

Pretty much the same menu as the DC and Vegas outposts and the same oh-so-tasty food. Their roasted pulpo (octopus) is rich with delicious olive oil, the calamari was a hit, the charred and seasoned artichokes were a revelation, and the fried dates with bacon were a great sweet/savory combination. This has more of a neighborhood joint feel, though it's quite large. If I lived in the area, I'm sure I'd stop in here frequently for a bite or to have cocktails at the large bar. It's another success, but I will say the service here was not quite as slick or swift as at the other two locations I've been to. Still very worthwhile for a great meal.
(4)
Tara B.

I myself was embarrassed to bring my guest here. It started well; we were seated promptly and put orders in immediately for their "famous" shrimp as well as the scallops. The food came soon enough, but sadly, it was cold, the shrimp's sauce had no flavor, and bore no resemblance to the same dish I had at the Jaleo DC a few years prior. I guess things have gone downhill, or the Bethesda location has much lower standards! The food (and service) got even worse... next came brussels sprouts salad, which came with the sprouts undercooked, clearly CANNED apricots that were way too sweet, and a sad oily sauce that added nothing to the salad. Next was the tortilla espanola, which had no flavor on its own, but out of desperation, adding some of the shrimp's sauce made it edible. The last dish was the quail. Simply disgusting. The meat was overcooked and the sauce was just awful. We were truly disappointed in all of the food, along with the service. Towards the end, we had no refills on our drinks, no check ins, and we were simply waiting for several minutes for the check, with no result. Finally my guest had to go approach the hostess and asked for our check--when does this ever happen?? Then the time between waiting for the check to be processed was also uncalled for. Never again will I return to Jaleo. Jose Andres should be embarrassed of putting his name on this restaurant!
(1)
Massiel G.

I came here to celebrate my Husband birthday. Never been to a tapas place this was our first time here. When we walk in I love all there decorations and the atmosphere they had with the colors and everything was so nice. The dress code it's casual you don't have to be fancy at all which is great. We sat on our table. And our waiter was very nice and informative. She explain how to oder being that it was our first time there. We Oder the ham and cheese croquets it' was soooo good and as well the chicken croquets but I preferred the ham ones as my Husband like the chicken more. The patatas bravado were on point sooo good!!! Calamari we had to Oder twice how fresh it was with that yummy sauce We had other couple things and everything was so yummy I really enjoy this place and you don't feel so full which it so great the deserts were so good my husband got the flan and his brother got the chocolate mouse, I decide go with the soup desert one and it was wonderful the service and the food. It's a great place, you don't get full so fast & the sangria was so good. I recommend this place come here enjoy there food the sangria and have a great time.!!!
(4)
Jennifer E.

I looooove their gambas alajillo. It's divine :) Everything I've had here has been tasty that is why we keep coming back each time we visit my stepdaughter in Maryland.
(5)
Ali L.

In townvisiting family. Food and happy hour were both good, we sat at the bar and the bartender was incredibly rude. I actually didn't check out the normal menu, but for $4 tapas and $5 wine from 430-7pm, I'd go back and just not sit at the bar. Calamari and patatas bravas were excellent. Service was rude.
(3)
James M.

I've been to quite a number of tapas restaurants in my lifetime and Jaleo is definitely not worth the hype. It's expensive for the small portions they give you, and the dishes aren't even tasty. Plus, everything we ordered was waaaaay too salty. Did they change the chef or something? Perhaps that's what they need to do... Bethesda might have a lot of restaurants, but Jaleo is definitely not anywhere close to the top of that list.
(2)
Andrea T.

Service was SO disappointing. I am a huge fan of JosÃ© AndrÃ©s -- so much so that I've been to almost all of his DC area restaurants, America Eats Tavern, minibar, Zaytinya, Oyamel, and even Pepe. I have also dined at the other Jaleo locations (DC and Crystal City) and gushed about my experience so it was no surprise that my brother-in-law wanted to try Jaleo while in DC. I hadn't been to the Bethesda location before but it couldn't possibly be bad -- right??? First let's start with drinks -- we asked our waiter if he had any recommendations. He then opened the drink menu and said "here are the options." No suggestions or recommendations apparently. We took a minute to discuss since the waiter was absolutely NO help but did dutifully hover nearby until we made our decision. We tend to opt for the tasting menu at new-to-us restaurants so we can get a sense of what they can offer. I have been to other Jaleo locations before but not one to turn down a tasting menu - hey, I might get something I like and wouldn't have otherwise ordered. You never know. We ordered the "JosÃ©'s Way" experience. Our waiter brought out the first few rounds of dishes. He sort of explained them, however, if he was unsure of something he mumbled out a few words then left our table. The best was when food runners brought out our dishes but did not tell us what we were eating. Sadly our waiter was no where to be found to explain. Our solution - ask for a menu so we could try to figure out what we were given. Seriously we had to consult a menu to know what we were eating -- unbelievable! I thought a tasting menu would be full of explanation about what was in the dishes and why the ingredients work well together. Okay, so I don't need to know why the selected ingredients work well together - but it would be nice to know what I was eating. I still don't know what the uni dish was called or what was in it fully. Trout roe? Cucumber? Some other fine diced veg?? I thought service was part of the Think Food Group and JosÃ© AndrÃ©s standard. Staff at the other Jaleo locations boast about the dishes they set before their customers so I was taken aback by this place basically throwing food at us then running away. Jaleo in Bethesda felt like just another boring restaurant in an average food scene. Admittedly we probably would have had a better time making up our own tasting menu (embutidos, gin and tonic oysters, Ferran AdriÃ liquid olives). We didn't get any charcuterie which was a huge mistake. My dining companion thought it might be part of the tasting menu - but it wasn't. Now we know. In fact we are going to another restaurant tonight that specializes in charcuterie to make up for last night. My takeaway -- know what you want before going in and if you order the Tasting Menu (any option) at the Jaleo in Bethesda, make sure to keep the menu so you know what's going in your mouth. I will not be back to the Bethesda location.
(1)
Krista Z.

My organization held an event at Jaleo for our funders, board, and staff and everyone had a great time. Everyone complimented the food and drinks and planning the event with Sarah was a breeze. I would highly recommend having an event at Jaleo! A colleague and I stopped in to sample some menu items in order to choose the menu for the event and everything we had was delicious. It was difficult to choose what tapas we would have at the event because everything was wonderful.
(5)
Allison W.

I decided to finally try Jaleo during DCRW and I'm glad I did! Met a friend for dinner on a snowy Wednesday, and the place was nearly empty. We arrived a little early for our reservation so we decided to have a couple of drinks at the bar while the HH specials were still going. The red wine sangria was tasty, though I can't definitively say it was sangria. This tasted more like a champagne juice drink, but yummy and half-price nonetheless. We also shared the calamari and patatas bravas (also both half-price). Those potatoes were great, definitely on my list to order again. We sat down at our table for dinner a little while later, and the place was still pretty quiet which works for me. The menu is long and interesting (yay for small plates!) but I think it would be helpful to take a look before you go so you have an idea of what you're looking to try. The wine list is also ridiculously long so that could be fun to try with a bigger party. The Restaurant Week menu was significantly shorter, but you did get 5 plates for the fixed $35. Since we had already had 2 plates at HH prices it didn't make much sense to limit ourselves to that menu, so we ordered a la carte. The apple and fennel salad had generous chunks of cheese and it was a refreshing take on salad - great recommendation from the server! We also got the goat cheese stuffed peppers which were OK (I probably wouldn't try again) as well as the seafood paella (small version) which was delicious. I would definitely be interested in coming back with a few friends for the full-size version. We finished with the chocolate mousse, served with crunchy hazelnut and coffee ice cream. My friend and I were talking about it after we got home that night. SO GOOD. In total we paid about $35 a person for a full selection of the menu and plenty of food. The RW menu was a good deal since we could have had twice the plates, but I left more than satisfied. The HH deals are great so my gameplan for next time is have a few small plates at the bar, and then enjoy a huge serving of paella with friends. Stay tuned!
(4)
David H.

I've been to the Crystal City location before, on this visit the Bethesda location was closer to where I was staying. I like the location of this Jaleo. We were seated on the left side of the restaurant against a wall facing the big windows, which were open on a beautiful day. It was surprisingly very empty on a Sunday during July 4th weekend, I was expecting it to be packed. Erizos de mar con pipirrana* Sea urchin with diced peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers and trout roe This was a refreshing start to our lunch. Cono de salmÃ³n crudo con huevas de trucha* Salmon tartare and trout roe cone The salmon tartare was nice and fatty. The cone gave a nice crunch with each bite of fatty salmon. Lomo de buey con ValdeÃ³n* Grilled hanger steak with mustard sauce and ValdeÃ³n blue cheese This was delicious! The blue cheese paired really well with the perfectly medium rare hanger steak. SalmÃ³n crudo con vinagreta de anchoas Salmon crudo with anchovy-lemon oil This was the least favorite of the meal. The flavor was real light on the anchovy-lemon oil. It was more nutty and sweet. Gambas al ajillo Shrimp sautÃ©ed with garlic This is always good, be sure to dip the bread in the sauce afterwards! Patatas bravas* Fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce and alioli Great experience again, this time I got to bring my fiancee to try, so I am glad it lived up to the expectations that I was giving her.
(4)
Michael K.

A bit better than the downtown location. Food seemed much the same, but service was slightly better and the place wasn't nearly as tacky. It still took a long time, but at least the people were friendly. We two came in without a reservation at about 8:30 on a Friday and they acted like it was the end of the world when we asked for a table. I guess they found one of the many empty ones to spare for us. I hate when hosts do that. Many of the tables didn't fill up the whole time we were there. So I don't know. We ate outside on the sidewalk, which was pretty nice, though a bit chilly. I can hardly fault them for the weather, though. Anyway, all in all an okay experience, but with much room for improvement.
(4)
Michelle V.

Best patatas bravas I've had! Loved the chicken in garlic sauce, and the sausage with mashed potatoes! Great service. The flan dessert is excellent.
(5)
Marivic L.

I'll be short and sweet with my review. These guys know how to do tapas and they know how to give great service at this location. I've been going to Jaleo since one opened in Crystal City years ago. I had several dishes (see pics) and each one was really great. The beet salad was surprisingly good. I'll continue to come here to eat the good old standbys - with some new tapas mixed in.
(4)
Judi G.

Jose Andrea does not disappoint. Tapas selections are vast with the great Spanish cheese, Ibernian hams and wild mushroom rice to name a few. Perfectly poached egg with crisp edges rules here with caviar on top and crisp bread to rub into the dripping left in the bowl. Bloody gazpacho and sangria to name a few from. A large drink selection. A place you can return over an over
(4)
Michael H.

Another, of many, excellent dinner and sangria thanks to the superb veteran server, Laura. She is so attentive and beautiful. Some of my friends have shied away from the delicious " omelet " as often it can be cold in Spain. Here it is fresh , warm and completely memorable. Never even once had the slightest problem with any dish here. Ole Jose!!!
(5)
D H.

Eating at Jaleo right now. Food is mediocre. Do not order the paella! It's very greasy. Service is meh. Took a very long time to get the food to us. I had to ask 3 times before my stuff arrived. Staff doesn't seem to remember our orders or what we've asked for. It doesn't seem like they're short on staff either. I wouldn't mind much if the food want good but the service was better then that would have accommodated the lack of taste in the food. The only thing good was the apple salad. Oh well.
(2)
Kevin F.

Having been here before, I was excited to return. Jaleo has so much cachet that it's oozing from the Yelp reviews. Well, I suppose cachet is enough to carry 4 or more stars in Maryland, but not where I'm from. I had the stuffed dates, cauliflower, pepper w goat cheese and a lovely Garracha wine I can't find! Jaleo (Behesda) has become too chain-y, too blasÃ© and informal. It's more like a Mexican restaurant than an elegant go-to place. I had a nice time, but it really lacked the soul that would set it apart
(3)
Ali B.

Oh Jose. Teach your managers to save a few tables for foot traffic. Totally empty table seating only to be offered bar seating. I'm sure your menu holds up but this is disappointing + several parties left as we did.
(3)
Lisa S.

Over the past year, Jaleo has become my favorite happy hour spot. They do happy hour Sunday through Friday, from 4:30-7pm, and 10pm-midnight on Saturday. The happy hour specials include $4 tapas (from a limited list), and drinks for $4-8. Every time I've come, it has been easy to get a table in the bar area. A few times, it's been crowded when we left, but no issues if you get there on the early side. Service is pretty hit-or-miss in the bar area, and the chairs in the bar are quite uncomfortable. However, the food, drink, and atmosphere mostly make up for the service hiccups and uncomfortable chairs! My favorite $4 tapas include a mini burger, fried bacon-wrapped dates, and fried calamari with garlic aioli. One of my friends swears by their chicken fritters, but I haven't tried them yet. I haven't been here for dinner yet, but I did attend a large event here where food was served and about half of the restaurant was reserved for us. They did a great job at the event- the service and paella were the two things I remember most well about the night! So if you're throwing a larger event, you might want to look into Jaleo. Definitely one of the better spots for happy hour in Bethesda!
(4)
Janet L.

I'm a fan of the Jaleo in DC and I'm a fan of this location too. I came here with a friend one evening and only tried two of the dishes here - their paella and their octopus/fingerling potatoes dish. Both are wonderful. The octopus dish is one of my favorite dishes at Jaleo and it must be the paprika (is that what it is?) combine with that almost light, buttery sauce that really makes it great! The service was great the evening that we went. We were seated at the time of our reservation. No long waits or anything. Desert was delicious! Wines were great! I'll definitely be back when I can afford to splurge again.
(4)
Kat F.

Came here for an event that my apartment building was putting on. I have been so excited to try this place out for almost two years now. It definitely didn't live up to my expectations, especially considering the fact that it's a celebrity chef's restaurant. None of the dishes we tried were really anything great. Fennel salad was the worst. Potato omelet was my favorite, mainly because it reminded me of something my mom used to make for me as a kid. Bacon wrapped dates were way too sweet. The pizza-looking manchego, tomato paste and bread thing was pretty disappointing. There was something deep fried with cheese that wasn't bad. I don't think I've ever actually had paella, but it was not as good as I had hoped (though the previous Yelp reviews had warned me that it wasn't going to be very good). It tasted like something I could make myself in a cast-iron skillet. Luckily we caught the tail-end of happy hour, so we were able to try the red sangria and Moscow mule at decent prices ($5 and $8, respectively). I'm just glad we didn't have to pay for any of the food, since it really wasn't any good. I checked the menu and the tapas are incredibly overpriced. If I'm in the mood for Spanish tapas, I'll stick to Barcelona in DC.
(3)
Diane B.

I came here with a friend looking for some good tapas. I was rewarded with just OK tapas. This place was slightly annoying to get to (hey, it's Bethesda, I understand), and rather loud for easy conversation. The tapas themselves were a little short on the classics and a little big on modern twists. They were also expensive. The shrimp came out overcooked and the meat came out drier than we would have liked. The sangria tasted rather like candy. Overall, the food was short on flavor. I will try to avoid coming back.
(2)
Alexis C.

The bad experience started from just parking and continued until the day after we were there. We attended the feria de Seville at the strathmore and with the below par "tapas" and sangria there, we decided to redeem Spanish food and headed to Jaleo. I'll start with the good; the food was pretty decent and my sangria was just how sangria should be. FYI- the chocolate "flan" was good, but expect chocolate mousse in texture. Our server was knowledgable and nice. Now onto my many complaints. First of all, parking is a nightmare. The only street parking available is appears to only be available to another restaurant and they make you move for their valet service. We ended up having to park in a public garage for $12. Once we got inside to a pretty empty restaurant because of an early 5pm Sunday dinner, it took a manager and a host a good 3-4min of staring at the seating sections before deciding where to sit us. Of course, none of that was communicated. Once seated, my boyfriend and I both went to the bathroom to wash our hands. The bathroom was not kept and for a recent renovation, I was surprised. When I came back to the table, my boyfriend told me there was no soap in the men's room. Greattttt. We told the same manager confused about seating. We looked over a pretty large menu and I was really excited to try the squash blossoms and I let my boyfriend (from Canary Islands) order everything else. We were finally ready to order and only then informed they were out of 3 of the items we wanted. We tried just about everything. I don't recommend the manchego cheese and green apple the cheese wasn't sweet enough to pair with the very acidic and tart apple. When we finished, I had my boyfriend go back into the bathroom. Yea, still no soap. Two hours people! Ew. On another note, my boyfriend loses his wallet constantly. I'd average twice a month. The day after, he realized his wallet was gone. We called the restaurant 3 separate times AND went all the way back to Bethesda (we live in Va) to talk to a manager. No one was helpful. Without even looking or asking anyone else, all of them immediately said it wasn't there. What they don't know, is that I bought my boyfriend the tile locator. The wallets last known location was the restaurant. Unbelievable. Dishonest people may be everywhere, but they are certainly at Jaleo. We won't be back.
(2)
Mariano L.

The service was good, we ordered the seafood paella but they were skimpy on the seafood. We enjoyed the chicken paella better on an earlier visit.
(3)
Victor J.

The casual diner in me is absolutely digging the decor here at Jaleo. Spanish themed with ample seating, bar space and warmly lit makes it great for the lone vacationer (me), date night or the classic family/group affair. I had the 'Cordorniz con salsa de Romero y alioli de miel' which for us non Spaniards, again, me, translates to grilled quail with rosemary sauce and a honey alioli. Absolutely fantastic to say the least!
(4)
Charlie B.

Been here two times, one time for drinks, and another for a party of four. The ambiance is great, with the restaurant being very clean and fun. The prices for the very small tapas plates are above average. I had an overall better experience at Estadio, the spanish tapas place on 14th St in D.C. and will be going there next time we crave Tapas.
(3)
Darren N.

As a first time patron of Jaleo, the night was started with a carafe of Jaleo's classic sangria. A refreshing drink to have seated by the restaurant's open windows. The expansive menu was a bit overwhelming, especially considering we had to choose multiple, so let me highlight some of my favorites: Mejillones vinagreta (mussels with pipirrana) - The cucumber, tomato and onion salad made this a refreshing dish. My favorite of the night. Lomo de buey con ValdeÃ³n (hangar steak with mustard sauce and blue cheese) - The ValdeÃ³n blue cheese was not overpowering and paired well with the steak. Gambas al ajillo (shrimp sauteed with garlic) - The garlic and olive oil sauce that sits at the bottom of the bowl is delightful, use the bread to soak that in. For the desserts, I enjoyed the pastel de chocolate y avellanas (chocolate mousse with praline ice cream). If you'd prefer a less rich dish, the flan al estilo tradicional de mamÃ¡ Marisa con espuma de crema catalana (Spanish custard) was also very good. As far as the JosÃ© AndrÃ©s experience, I personally prefer the tapas of Jaleo to the mezze of Zaytinya. Even though these small dishes added up to a big bill, it was a pleasant dining experience nonetheless.
(4)
Swatee G.

solid 3 stars- mostly for the consistent food. I have been here several times, and wit each visit comes the same feeling- the service leaves a LOT to be desired! If you are sitting at the bar, you will never see a server follow up with you at the right time, even though I will admit the food comes out without much ado. The bartenders tend to go VERY light with the alcohol at this location in my opinion, and as much as I LOVE the red wine sangria here - it's nothing more than no rum, some wine and LOTS of sugar syrup! The food- tends to be consistent in taste always - the paella is always yummy, and the chicken croquettes are an absolute fav for me. The patatas bravas dish is yummy too and the apple fennel salad is something that I try never to miss - the manchego cheese is spot on! Usually end up skipping dessert given the amount of sugar i consume with the red wine sangria, but I still like the ambiance here. If I had a choice between this location and the Arlington location, I would probably chose the later.
(3)
Christine C.

Overpriced. Some dishes were good and some were ok. I've heard the crystal city location is much better. I came here with a later group for lunch on the weekend so maybe the experience could've been better. We sampled many dishes. I would say it's better as a date spot
(4)
Jennifer L.

The decor is great and the food is consistently good and creative. Regrettably our waiter, Chris , was so disengaged and could care less. His colleague, Phillipe, saved the night by assisting us get the bill and be very gracious and charming. we shared our experience with the manager who also didn't seem to care. is it me or is the art of hospitality dead?? Jose Andres tell me it isn't so!
(3)
Alex And Katya O.

Overhyped and Overpriced Let me start by saying we have been to many tapas restaurants, and this is by far the least impressive. The portions are tiny. Calling these plates "tapas" is an over statement, these were more like samples. The dishes we had ranging from scallops to quail was not impressive and lacked flavor. For the price you expect much better. We will definitely not go back. If you want a real taste of Spanish tapas at a fair price, I highly recommend Isabella's Taverna and Tapas Bar in Frederick, MD.
(2)
Lucy K.

Good tapas, good sangrias, great service, and not too expensive for this type of restaurant. My friend and I stopped here for a late dinner and ended up sitting at the bar. This ended up being a good choice, because our bartender gave us excellent service, and we could see all the food going out to other tables (which helped us decide on ours)! So many options! We started with the smoked pork loin (Lomo iberico de bellota Fermin) and three cheeses (pasamontes manchego, idiazabal, and valdeon). The pork loin was suggested to us by our server, and I would highly recommend it for any charcuterie lover. It was delicious. The cheeses were all also tasty, with the idiazabal as my favorite. Which was good, because there was more of it in the second round! Arroz cremoso de setas (creamy rice with seasonal mushrooms and idiazabal) and chistorra envuelta en patata frita (chorizo wrapped in crisp potato) made up our second round. I also ordered a salmon tartare with trout roe cone (cono de salmon crudo con huevas de trucha) for myself, which I was a little skeptical of (in a cone? Of what? Turns out, phyllo dough or something similar). While the first two dishes were certainly tasty, the cone was easily the best bite of the evening. We didn't even make it to a third round, sadly, since we filled up on the first two. So many things left to try! A very good experience overall.
(4)
Cora C.

Jaleo is absolutely delicious. We were able to sample so many plates and they were all super yummy. I will be back to try the other plates we didn't have the last time we went.
(5)
Jen D.

We had the Jaleo Experience tasting menu and sparking sangria. Both the food and drink were amazing and included an excellent variety. We had 20 courses in total, including 17 savory and 3 sweet, and left completely satisfied. The selection was much better than what we would've picked ourselves, and turned out to be an amazing deal compared to ordering the plates a la carte. Unlike some of the other yelpers, we found the service to be excellent. Our waitress meticulously talked us through each course, and even brought out extra items for us to try based on what we enjoyed. We were initially told a tasting menu generally included 11-13 courses, but ended up trying much more. Some of our favorites included salmon tartar with trout roe, brioche sliders with roasted red pepper and garlic aioli, oyster with gin & tonic, and wilted spinach with apple and pine nuts. We'll definitely return.
(5)
Paul T.

The food at this place was pretty hit or miss. The menu is enormous, so we asked our server for suggestions. He ended up suggesting about half the menu. I think he was trying to be helpful, but there were only two of us eating. We were really just after the highlights. The cones with raw fish were delicious. Everything else was under seasoned. For what we paid, and considering the reputation of JosÃ© AndrÃ©s, I expected much more. Perhaps we should have gotten the paella? I don't think I'll be returning to find out. The cocktails were absolutely delicious, however. That saved the night.
(2)
Mike B.

Stopped by Jaleo for a drink with some friends. They got a pitcher of "Sangria" that tasted more like champagne that was poured over fruit. It didn't really have any any of those really fruit notes that you usually get from sangria. It wasn't bad- I think calling it sangria though is a stretch. The star of this show was this one Tapa that I got. It was a mini hamburger made out of Iberico ham. I had recently watched the Iron Chef America battle between Michael Voltaggio and Bobby Flay in battle Ibierco and was dying to try out this ingredient which I'd never had. The mini hamburger was AMAZING. SOO freakin' good. Easily on the top two burgers I've ever eaten. It was so good that I took the mini slider and urged my two friends to nibble off a piece to experience this joy. At first when it came to the table- I was like - "this is what I get for 7 dollars?." After eating it, I was like, "This is totally worth 7 dollars!" My friend got the mussels which were good- every mussel now pales in comparison to the mussels I had at Timpanos though. I also got to try a little of the crab salad- which had flavors that really kinda overshadowed the crab. All in all a wonderful little drink. The experience was topped off with a margarita shot with a salt foam that was much better than I ever imagined it could be! I highly reccomend it! The salt foam just melted into the drink as you drank it. Amazing!
(4)
Greg S.

Nice atmosphere. Friendly and attentive wait staff. Interesting and creative menu items. Not the best bang for your buck though considering portion size and price.
(4)
Racquel C.

I came here for restaurant week - The food was good. The salmon was cooked very well. The beet salad was refreshing, and I loved the mussels. I thought the patatas barvas were overrated, but good nonetheless. The chocolate mousse with hazelnut was delicious!
(3)
Abby I.

Had dinner at jaleos recently and will never go back- we ordered a shrimp dish that arrived with literally one shrimp... The rest was rice. The other dishes were as measly and the end bill was very high. I do not need to go to a place like this- how disappointing!!
(1)
Twenty-Three T.

Order the Jumbo Lump Crab salad;you'll thank yourself later. The salmon carpaccio is heaven and the gambas are a little heavy but the spice makes up for it on the back end. There's a grilled chicken with cream spinach and salsa verde that's good but a little too on the char side. The drinks are amazing. The Jose Andres Gin & Tonic is so strong you may not need a second cocktail. Their Dark & Stormy is the best I've had in recent memory. Our server was amazingly attentive and extremely knowledgeable. Next time, dessert!
(4)
Char T.

So one star is probably a bit harsh but I haven't had such terrible service in years. We ordered the chefs special and were not at all impressed with what we got. The food was alright but extremely overpriced. Worst of all was the service. We had probably about 10 dishes and there was a ridiculous wait between each dish. They brought out 1 to 3 dishes out at a time and between one of the sets, we sat for about 40 minutes. Additionally they kept bringing the wrong plates to our table and we would have to correct them over and over again. There seemed to be no communication between the wait staff.
(1)
Georgia M.

I'm a little ticked off at Jaleo restaurant. I have two separate issues, however, the culmination of the first issues coupled by the next 3 was our 'walk out' moment. #1. We got there at 4:15. Bar and restaurant were empty, so we figured, why don't we sit at the bar and take advantage of the HH menu and drinks? Mom and dad are 77 and 79 respectively. Even the tables in the bar area were too high for them to sit in. (Unless I grabbed mom up and popped her into a seat.) Me: "They can't do this, is there a lower table? or can we get the special at a table?" No dice. Whatever. We were going for dinner anyway. #2 We were seated, and close to the door. Furthest away in that section from the table of twenty five 9-11 yo kids that arrived in a limo for (I am assuming the pre-game to a Justin Bieber concert) sounded like we were in the middle of a daycare. We asked to be moved around the corner to the other section. No dice---the poor waitress asked her manager, but told us that the other section wasn't open yet, so even though there were only 2 other tables taken in the restaurant besides the kids party, we couldn't move. #3 "Restaurant week" 5 small plates for $35 sounds like a good deal, but it was mandated that the entire table participate. Sorry, the 4 of us did not want 20 plates. Again, we had gone with the intention of just getting their regular menu, so no harm, no foul. At this point, the kids began screaming and barking like dogs, my moms ears are hurting, We still decide to suck it up because my dad wanted to eat there. Sorry, if it had been just me and hubby, we would have been out of there. # 4 Dad orders a bottle of wine that he liked--"I'm so sorry, we are out of that." Really? Dad was pissed that we left, but I had to make the executive decision to go across the street to American Tap Room. The waitress was the sweetest person. She apologized all over the place. We dropped nearly $300 next door that she could have gotten $60 out of if her manager would have allowed us to move around the corner. I'm sorry, if even ONE of our requests had been accommodated (the one away from the shrieking barking 9-11yo girls would have been the best, in an otherwise empty restaurant) we would have stayed. The poor waitress apologized all over herself, and it wasn't her fault. I blame management. It is a nasty, icy, snowy night. Not too many folk are coming out.
(2)
Sarah H.

Love this place. We came here with about a dozen people and they were still very nice and accomodating. I'm sorry to report that we were the cause of the noise in the place when we were there, but other than us it wasn't loud at all. Food is wonderful (especially the bacon wrapped dates), sangria is to die for. The service was a little slow. We asked them to bring things out just as they were ready, but there were often big gaps in between waves of food, and they were small waves. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Jim P.

We went there for dinner on a crowded Saturday night, and we couldn't believe how good everything was. We were lucky to get a window-side table that was probably the quietest one in the restaurant, and the servers were all unusually nice. Everything from the sangria to the gazpacho to the tapas (salad with garlic-anchovy dressing, codfish balls, roasted onions with feta cheese, chicken with something) to the amazing dessert (chocolate cake with hazelnuts) was just outstanding. We will definitely be going back.
(5)
Alison C.

I was in Bethesda on a business trip and was thrilled when my cousin suggested that we meet at Jaleo for dinner, despite my also having reservations at the Washington DC location the following evening. The festive restaurant was bright, colorful, and uplifting. The service was attentive, and the food was great. Despite my older cousins not having much experience with tapas, they fully embraced the concept and joined me in the ordering of multiple dishes. We started with glasses of zesty Albarinos and munched on crusty bread. We then kept the carbs going by ordering the thin, crispy tomato bread, which was smeared with a fresh smashed tomato puree. I had also sampled this dish at Bazaar in LA, and it was one of my favorite Jose Andres tapas, both there and at Jaleo. The crunch of the toast, paired with the ripe acidity of the tomato, was sheer deliciousness. Our Manchego Cheese plate was paired with apples in a muscatel, but was sorely lacking in flavor. Heads of cauliflower were sautÃ©ed with dates and olives, but were cooked to too heavy of a char. The Grilled Hanger Steak was tough, yet flavorful in its mustard sauce and topping of blue cheese. The homemade Chorizo was plump and smoky, plated over decadent olive oil mashed potatoes and covered with a heavy helping of apple cider sauce. Grilled Calamari was served with a robust squid ink sauce and white rice. The Pedro XimÃ©nez vinegar over the seared Scallops was truly enticing, and the inclusion of pine nuts added a nutty flavor. The Grilled and Marinated Chicken was cooked in garlic and plated in several large chunks topped with a bold parsley puree. The chicken was another favorite. Jaleo's quality in taste and execution really converted my cousins on the whole tapas concept. This was another winner for Jose Andres.
(4)
Elaine S.

Absolutely excellent. EVERY plate! My friend and I were thoroughly impressed, and every plate we ordered was unique and tasty. Drinks were nice too, and the waiter was wonderful. I loved the decor and atmosphere too! Will definitely be going back! What's not to like?!
(5)
Jose B.

Expect to pay a lot and walk out feeling like you could've ordered another tapa or 2. I'm not sure why this place is so popular, either. The pulpo a la gallega (octupus) was over saturated in oil to the point it dominated every bite. The jamon serrano is served with little hard bread sticks. What is that? Bread folks! The steak was hard. Flavorful but be ready to fight off the headache chewing. The reason you won't get a headache is because there are only about 4 small pieces on your plate. The white sangria you'll like if you like champagne. Otherwise, you'll probably prefer it elsewhere. I'm half Spanish. My fam never comes here for a reason. If you must do Jaleo though, I'd recommend the Crystal City location over this one.
(2)
Sarah M.

Disclaimer: The prices are high for the amount of food you receive. Although the food is tapas style, each dish is around $10. The visited this Jaleo today for a late lunch. Although we were too late for lunch (it ended at 3 pm, we still enjoyed our meal). The wait staff was nice and helpful in suggesting food that we might enjoy. We ordered a plethora of dishes including: grilled shrimp, hanger steak, scallops, Russian salad, marinated chicken, jamon, and cheese. We left stuffed and happy.
(4)
Cynthia L.

Another job well done Jose Andres - so if you don't know, that means you'll get solid food hear, but def not for the money-conscious. Having been to minibar and Oyamel and loved both, this place does not disappoint for me. We sat at the bar (because otherwise, on a Friday evening, it's a 45 minute-minimum wait). Edgar, our bartender/waiter/comedian was hilarious and attentive. We each had two of our drinks because they were That good (Sangria, Cuba Libre, and the other two, can't remember, sorry!) I don't know how I even still had room in my stomach for more food, considering we had just been across the street chowing down, but decided to try their: -Pisto manchego con huevos - Stewed vegetables with a quail egg. No meat, but I was opting for a light dish. The stewed vegetables were very well....stewed, soft and seasonings all soaked up but a little oily. The fried quail egg (I love eggs of any kind...well, maybe not ostrich) was perfect over the vegetables. Def would've been perfect to have a slice of bread/baguette to polish this dish off. -Flan, or their take on it was delicious: soft and creamy with vanilla bean "bits" in each bite, whipped cream, and a couple clementine slices on the side. I was told their paella is good here but that is seriously a meal in and of itself. If you haven't been here, it's small portions, so great for people to share dishes. Place is pretty dim in the evenings (for those that really care about that). It's a great place to dine and chat, not dine and dash. Best to make reservations . Perfect way to end a Friday evening. Thank you!
(4)
Elizabeth K.

Great drinks, fun vibe, and with an occasion hiccup, really good food. My husband and I come sometimes, but its particularly fun with a few more people, when you can share more dishes. Many memorable meals here!
(4)
Sophie A.

I've been coming to this location consistently since it first opened. After tonight, my thoughts are as follows: the new decor: awful. There is far too much going on, and the energy is way too high (all different shades of red, various patterns and textures, a rather strange mural on the back wall). It's simply distracting and there appears to be no central theme. The service needed improvement. Friendly, but the servers seemed overwhelmed and were slow to take our orders and slow to follow up. That said, the hostess was very pleasant. Finally, the food was delicious. It was restaurant week and they really outdid themselves (5 courses per person; all excellent).
(3)
Helen K.

Stopped in with my BF for a drink. We loved the sangria (3 rounds later!) didn't have a chance to have the food other than the chicken croquettes (tasty). I would like to come back to try the gazpacho. Extra stars for the two happy hours! (Early and late night)
(4)
Bethany H.

I had a boyfriend once that was a complete jerk. Well, who hasn't? But he was a food snob, so we ate well. He took me to Jaleo's one night for Spanish tapas. It was orgasmic! (made up for some other things) The atmosphere is wonderful, but Jaleo's is no secret; expect to wait.
(5)
Michelle R.

I've been to the DC Jaleo a gazillion times, but this was my first time here in recent memory. I actually like it BETTER than the DC location. More families, way fewer tourists, less chaotic in general, and though I really like the Spanish K-pop atmosphere at the DC location, I much prefer the darker more rustic atmosphere here-- though it is still definitely Jose Andres style. There is a happy hour menu here-- 4-7 and then 10 to close (though we missed it, sadly). There isn't a happy hour at the DC Jaleo (WHY WHY WHY!). The bar is also much bigger and more roomie. The drinks were solid-- gin and tonics are just delicious at Jaleo-- if you get a drink here, get this. The flauta de jamÃ³n ibÃ©rico FermÃn (Bread and ham) is better in DC-- they use different bread in DC that is mucho better. But still, it's bread and ham, so obviously it's great. The sandÃa con tomate (watermelon salad with goat cheese) was BETTER here. Yay! The watermelon was more ripe and there was A LOT more goat cheese. The pulpo a la Gallega 'Maestro Alfonso' (octopus with potatoes) was also better here. Much more awesome octopus, bigger dish in general. More yumminess. The salpicÃ³n de cangrejo* (crabmeat salad) is way better at the DC location. The crab was okay, but the item wasn't as described, it was mixed with mayo and sort of lackluster. It was stringy too. I wanted lumps, not strings! The Cono de salmÃ³n crudo con huevas de trucha (a cone shaped app with fish and caviar) was okay, but to me they put way too much mayo in it at the expense of the tuna. More fish, less mayo please. Love the roe eggs on top. Lastly the melÃ³n con jamÃ³n serrano (cantaloupe and ham) was really cool, first time I've had this. The cantaloupe was very finely sliced along with the ham, and it was a very light and delicate app but super tasty. Loved this! One last note was that the flatware was WAY too big for little apps. Maybe because this is more "family" oriented they use more traditional flatware, but I much prefer the smaller, heavier fork and knives at the DC location. It's hard to eat tapas with a full sized fork. But because the dishes were larger here and the ingredients cut into much larger pieces (in some cases) there may be some form fitting function thing going on. Verdict-- the DC location is a little fancier and more detail oriented. It's also slightly more expensive at the DC location (for some items). However, there is not much to do in this area (besides eat and check out the Apple Store), so for location obviously the DC Jaleo has much more to offer.
(4)
Tara N.

Not sure how the food is. Unfortunately we never got past the awful service. Bad service is one thing but this service was downright rude. Never ok.
(1)
Maria Jose S.

It has been the worst food experience I've had in 3 years living in the US.. Size of the meals and prices are ridiculous..! Won't ever come again.. Very disappointed; no paella with seafood and they have something with shrimp and pasta that is not even close!
(1)
Steve B.

Hola, Jose! I finally found an excuse to take my honey to the Bethesda Jaleo, one of the local outposts of the modern Spanish tapas restaurant. We were charmed and delighted by the food and service, and the atmosphere was good enough. I expected a lot from the place created by TV chef and high-end local restaurateur Jose Andres (Minibar, Zaytinya, Oyamel, Cafe Atlantico, etc.) and ranked #27 in the latest Washingtonian Magazine's 100 Very Best Restaurants. I mostly got it. We made our reservation for 5:00 on a Saturday afternoon, early for dinner but a good fit after a theater matinee in D.C. The place was deserted when we arrived, and muy crowded when we left mid-dinner rush. I expected a more formal or nicer ambiance. The restaurant is set up modern and casual, with bare tabletops, bright colors and graphics, funky oversize banquettes, and everywhere, big printed words from Spanish cuisine. Ruby Tuesday's meets IKEA meets the Mad Tea Party. Despite the far-in-advance reservation and the mostly empty room, we were seated 15 feet from the open kitchen doorway. Uphill from here. Like other small-plates joints, the menu is long and interesting, worth an advance read. We asked for a drink and got started on ordering small things. I had a Mayahuel, really a good drink, smooth and intriguing. First up: Pan de Cristal con tomate (in English, "here's some bread with tomaters"; some translations may be approximate) and Sopa de Pescado 'va por ti Clemente' ("fisherman's soup just for you, Clem"). The bread was simple but brilliant, firm crusty bread with excellent olive oil and tomatoes. The soup was substantial, with savory broth and fresh mussels, shrimp, and clams. Next round: Garbanzos con espinacas 'que bien cocinas Tichi' ("garbanzo and spinach stew, yum yum") and AtÃºn con ajonjolÃ y piquillos confitados* ("raw tuna with sesame seed crust and peppery relish"). The delectable garbanzo stew was a standout for us, even among flashier fare. The tuna was first-rate, though not the most original dish we had. More food: Plato mixto de croquetas ("croquettes of both chicken and ham, amIright?"), Chorizo casero con purÃ© de patatas al aceite de oliva ("chorizo sausage with mashed potatoes in cider sauce"), and Gambas al ajillo ("shrimp and OMG guys so much garlic"). The croquettes were pretty good, but the fillings were interchangeable. My missus adored the chorizo in its apple-flavored mashed potato bed. The garlic shrimp were outstanding, but yeah there's garlic on there. Finished, somehow, by splitting the Pastel Vasco con helado de leche merengada ("Basque cake that tastes like your Mom works back there") and two excellent cups of coffee. The cake is a light creamy thing, tasting of cinnamon and vanilla; you'd like it. Service was attentive and cheerful---small-plates restaurants up the demand for monitoring your table, what with all the little courses happening. Not cheap, but I've paid more for much less memorable food. If you like a little adventure, are willing to pay for thought-provoking food, and you don't mind some noise and crowds, give it a try. We'll be back. iHasta luego!
(4)
Robert C.

Jaleo's nothing special in my book. I would only go here for their Happy Hour (4:30 - 7 PM). Otherwise, the food's too overpriced given the quality and taste. Jaleo's Classic Sangria ($4) - Red Wine Sangria with Brandy, Lemon Juice & Apples. Your average sangria, you can't go wrong with one :) Patatas Bravas ($4) - Potatoes, Spicy Tomato Sauce & Alioli. Surprisingly, it was my fav dish from the happy hour menu. Calamares A La Romana ($4) - Fried Calamari w/ Alioli. It's just ok, nothing special. Gambas Al Ajillo ($4) - Shrimp SautÃ©ed w/ Garlic. I was actually excited to try this dish after reading its yelp reviews. However, it's only decent & def overhyped in my opinion.
(3)
Monique M.

BEWARE OF NELSON L.(bartender)!!! Bastard chased me outside for a bill I'd ALREADY PAID!!! What makes it so bad is I even tipped him 25% on service that really didn't warrant the extra gratuity. All I had was 2 drinks in a matter of about 30-45 mins. Then he had the nerve to say, "I'm sorry. Your next drink is on me." Nah, I'm good! You can take your drink, and suck real hard! I know all black people (supposedly) look alike but damn, kid! Needless to say, I won't be back. Which is a real shame b/c the drinks were pretty good. I had a Mayahuel, and I wanted to try another drink that had egg whites in it. However, there's just too much competition, not to mention better customer service (I.e.-no bartenders under the age of 40 w/Alzheimer's)
(1)
Julie H.

Went to Jaleo for the first time to celebrate my 21st (belated) birthday with a few friends. Bethesda is home to over 200 restaurants, but I wanted to try this one because I love the concept of tapas. Being able to try many dishes from a restaurant to really know what it is about. One of my favorite dishes from tapas restaurants is Gambas al ajillo. Therefore, we of course ordered this to try it out along with many other dishes. We ordered a total of 8 dishes for 4 people, which was plenty for us to share. The gambas al ajillo was a disappointing dish, it lacked flavor and didn't have the garlic-y kick that gambas al ajillo is known for. I also love dipping bread ingot eh sauce, but it was just all oil going into the bread. I would rate the dish a 5/10, nothing special. We also ordered the calamari, which is a dish that is difficult to mess up, platatas braves which was good, mussels which lacked flavor, dates wrapped in bacon which was plain, the beef dish (I forgot the name of) that had a polenta underneath of it was probably one of the better dishes. Along with several other dishes that we got which were alright. Overall, I think the food here is average (nothing special, and not my favorite tapas place). However, it is a great ambience and the service is great.
(3)
Erin F.

4.5 stars. I have to admit that I was very impressed with Jaleo during my most recent visit. They've always been a bit hit or miss for me, but everything that I tasted last night was very well done. The prices are a bit high for the amount of food you get, but what can you do? Also, just as a side note, we did take out (including paella) and for reasons that I don't understand, they refuse to take the paella out of the pan! So you have to carry the pan with you wherever you're doing take-out, leave a $30 deposit and then return the pan when you're done. Absurd. Anyway, we ordered take out for a team of six people, so there were lots of opportunities to try different things. Some of my favorites were: Pollo Al Ajillo Con Salsa Verde- although since it was take-out it didn't come with the dressings on top Garbanzos Con Espinacas 'Que Bien Cocina Tichi'- I do not know why I have never ordered this before. It was wonderful. It's like a thick garbanzo bean and spinach soup. It would have been incredible with an egg. Setas Al Ajillo- the mushrooms are so good. Coliflor Salteada Con Aceitunas Y DÃ¡tiles- cauliflower is cooked perfectly. Other things that were not quite as good: Tortilla Menorquina- pretty plain & simple, but tasted good Coles De Bruselas- they are just steamed brussels sprouts- Zaytinya has a better version. Secreto IbÃ©rico Con Pan Con Tomate Y Salsa Verde: It's not a very large portion for a steak and it was a bit too salty. We also ordered a ton of other stuff, I just didn't try any of it. I was impressed with Jaleo's ability to meet the request for the order. I will definitely come back- impressed with the quality.
(4)
Flavio L.

Here is what I think...this restaurant is extremely interesting. The service we initially received was awful...all our server could talk about was that her shift was over in 20. When you come to sit with your family for a nice dinner, you really don't want attitude. Additionally, the server did not care to hear our opinions about anything. When you are telling your customers the specials and they react, you don't single them out and say "well I guess you wont be having that by your reaction." This was totally embarrassing, as were her other answers to our questions. We spent over $200 on our meal, the least you can do is provide some people skills. In fact, we could barely wait until her shift was over. The next server and the individual she was training, were extremely nice. I would give this place more stars but our initial server left a sour taste in all of our mouths. Lastly, my father, who lived most of his life in Europe and has been to Spain several times asks if they serve any "traditional Spanish pastas." The servers response was, "thats Italian food, this is a Spanish restaurant, they don't serve pasta in Spanish cuisine." Well here is a fun fact "In Roman times, the Iberian Peninsula was a wheat stock for the Roman Empire. Later on, the Moores introduced pasta to the Iberian Peninsula almost at the same time as in Sicily. Yet today, pasta in Spain is a rarity. Pasta is usually found in the region of Catalonia, pasta is most popular for home cooking." Seeing how this is a Spanish niche restaurant, I feel it was a good question to ask. Plain and simple, our server's attitude and arrogance was awful and ruined our time, I would not return. Cheers.
(2)
Kimberly B.

I love Jaleo, but before today I had only been to the Las Vegas location. Overall, the food was good, but the quality was not as good as Las Vegas. I made a reservation for 6pm, but arrived early for happy hour. At the bar we ordered mini burgers, fried calamari, endives with mandarin, and bread with tomato. The calamari and the burgers were amazing! Next time, we will get two orders of these and skip the others because the bread was soggy and the endives were filled with a large quantity of olive oil. The drinks were delicious! We had gin and tonic Jose's way, but try them all! The service at the bar was pretty good overall, but not great. There were five or so people behind the bar chatting and watching soccer. I just expected it to be better since there were so many people, but it seemed like there was only one actual bartender. After the bar we moved to a table and ordered garlic shrimp and chicken as well as the chicken croquettes and a cheese/jamon plate. The garlic shrimp was well seasoned and a hit at our table. The cheese/meat plate was also a hit! Everyone loved them. My suggestions: Be prepared for the prices and look at the menu before you arrive. Go during happy hour(4-7 Monday-Friday, but check the website just to be sure) and try the drinks and all of the foods on the Jaleo hour menu. Go on Monday when they have Unlimited Paella and sangria for $40. That deal also comes with salad and a dessert. If you are unsure of what to order ask your server or the bartender. :) Enjoy!
(3)
Michael F.

I'm always a little worried when I see Chef tasting options. They can knock it out of the park if executed appropriately, or they can leave you filled only with regret as you're left wanting more. If you can't tell by the rating, Jaleo's tasting hit a clear homerun. My co-worker and I were down for training and selected The Classic Experience chef tasting. The portions provided were more than fair, providing enough for us both to enjoy and ensured we were full at the end. For only $38/person, the price was reasonable as well. Each tapas that came seemed better than the previous. I wish I wrote down everything we tried to help convenience everyone reading this review its worth it with details. Instead, you'll just have to trust me when I say its worth it! And if the food doesn't blow you away, the Sangria will. If I wasn't so amazed by the constant arrival of tapas, I could have easily enjoyed another (and another). I'm sure the Sangria will compliment anything on the menu.
(5)
Nat L.

went with my little sister and her friends. i don't speak a lick of spanish so i can't remember any dish names, but i can describe them. you'll have to bear with me. i'm doing my best. we made reservations for kind of late in the evening, 8:15. our table wasn't ready when we showed up so we grabbed a drink at the bar. I had a margarita that i felt was very average. my sister and her friend had the sangria and they absolutely loved it. I didn't want to try it because i had to drive later, but from the way they downed it, i'm guessing it's pretty good. We ordered bread and then some sort of cheese with apricots. the cheese was a more mild than i was expecting. I don't really recommend that dish. there was a beet salad that I didnt try because I don't like beets, but it looked good and, again, my sister and her friend had no problem devouring it. we ordered some sort of toasted bread that had tomato on it. also delicious. clearly these are very fresh tomatoes. at the same time though, it's not a super complex dish and I kind of feel like i could expect more from a restaurant with a reputation like jaleo's. The chicken croquettes were AMAZING in my opinion, but the table was split on them. they were very rich and savory, so if that's not your cup of tea, these aren't for you. i absolutely loved them though. The other dish I remember us loving was some sort of hangar steak. it had a type of horseradish sauce with it and it was cooked perfectly rare. this was easily a table favorite. the scallops we ordered were fine, but a little weird. they were cooked perfectly and the sauce was amazing, but there was some sort of breadcrumb topping that honestly added nothing to the dish and just gave it a weird texture. after dinner a very polite, well mannered staff member came up to us and surveyed us on where we came from beforehand, if we had ever been there before, etc. i want to say that the guy was perfectly charming and polite. we were joking aorund with him at our table and he was playing along very well. however, i think his overall assignment was a bit strange. it was probably the most aggressive attempt at market research i've seen in a restaurant. obviously he was assigned to come to our table with a map and questionnaire and ask things like "did you walk or drive?" or "how much did you spend tonight?". Instead of putting clients on the spot like that, management should just leave a slip at tables with those questions and promise a raffle for a free meal or something. the market research attempt sort of messes up the mood a little.
(4)
John W.

Spanish Tapas I found out about this place after looking up chef Jose Andres online. I'm a semi-fan of his cooking show on PBS, and found out he was based in DC after googling him. Of the many restaurants he has in the VA/DC/MD Metro area, this one of the places I had to check out during my twice yearly visits to the area. So how was the food? Very enjoyable and very good! We had approximately 8 dishes, including a simple chicken and mushroom paella for lunch. While not all the tapas dishes were something to rave about because they were simple. The ones that stood out were the lamb chops (cooked perfectly and very flavorful), the duck leg (nice large piece cooked very well), fried noodles with shrimp (nice texture and flavor) and the baby potatoes (very good, you can even cook them yourself as he has shown everyone on his show). All the dishes were very good, and I couldn't complain at all about them. We were there for lunch and the space is very large. Service was very good and I felt that everything I had was worth it. Some items were a bit iffy, like the sausage, but that is generic tapas. If you come here, try some of the more unique items.
(4)
michelle s.

I love tapas! Okay, you probably know that I used to live in Spain from my past reviews so I'm quite critical of the American interpretation. However, Jaleo's does them well. Gambas con ajillo, pan con tomate y manchego, y la paella de pescado y mariscos are fabulous. Delicious and authentic flavors. Portions could be a bit larger. The white sangria is popular but it tasted like bubble gum; I'm not a fan. If you're in Bethesda, Jaleo is a fun place to go with a large group to enjoy some yummy plates. Walking distance from the Metro.
(4)
Susan F.

I love Jaleo! Great Tapas. You must try the dates wrapped in bacon. The sangria is to die for so make sure you order atleast a half a pitcher if you are going to drink more than one glass. Save room for the Chocolate Hazelnut Torte (which they did take off their menu, but is back due to numerous complaints it was gone). ***Update...I am changing my rating from 5 stars to 4 stars. I am a little disappointed with my visit tonight. They have changed one of their potato dishes (patatas bravas) which the potatoes use to be diced. Now they are cut very thin. So basically they are potato chips with sauce on them. Then there was a chorizo/potato dish I ordered which were little chorizo sausages wrapped in one of these "potato chips". I feel like I spent a lot of money on tapas. Please take the overpriced potato chips off the menu!!! I could have just gone to the grocery store and paid a couple dollars for a bag of Lays potato chips!!!!
(4)
David S.

Food is excellent. All tapas I had were very tasty, well seasoned, good portions for the most part. Flow of service and restaurant design could have been better. Too loud. We got seated and our order was taken in a reasonable amount of time but took 20 minutes for first tapas and wine to arrive. Next 3 courses arrived about 15 minutes later. We had to remind the waiter about the last course. Should have had more staff in the kitchen for a Saturday night in the Washington,DC suburbs.
(4)
Georgina S.

Tonight we had the lobster paella and it was outrageously delicious. The evening specials are always exquisite! We had the white asparagus and fried baby artichokes with anchovy paste which were exceptional. We have to back again and try the other new menu items recently added. Food here never gets boring...for sure. This restaurant is the best in Bethesda!
(5)
Sarah W.

There are rotating items, but I think over the years, I've tried about 70% of the menu. This is my family's go-to restaurant for a nice-but-not-upscale-reliably-delicious restaurant. Gotta say, the one menu item I've never tried but always wanted to is the paella. Other than that, my perennial favorites: apple and fennel salad with cheese and walnuts patatas bravas with aioli - this just changed recently, i'm not crazy about the new tomato based sauce accompanying it, but the aioli is tasty! roasted sweet onions with pine nuts - this i just tried for the first time and was fantastic! lambchops fried dates wrapped in bacon - my all-time favorite. if my heart wouldn't explode because of it, i'd eat these babies every day sangria! I can honestly say that I've never had anything *bad* here. Not everything is 5 stars, but it's all tasty and I have never once left disappointed.
(5)
Donna C.

It's hard to believe that this place continues to get better... Been going there before/after movies since Landmark Cinema opened, and went again last night. Service was great and the food was the best it's been in recent visits. I recommend, as always, the manchego and apple salad, which has been recently updated to include a few walnuts and shaved fennel. YUMMY!! I also recommend a new dish of brussels sprouts with serrano ham (not much so it doesn't overpower)...small sweet sprouts made better by a nice tangy coating - must've had some vinegar in it...tasty good. My only suggesting is that they offer dipping sauce options for the friend calamari....the garlic aioli is getting boring and isn't too subtle. And of course there are great margaritas and good sangria!
(4)
Garry C.

I have decided Jaleo is a much better drink destination as opposed to a dining one. I like tapas, in fact, I love tapas at the right place. Some of the food at Jaleo is really good, but all-in-all it is overpriced for something not that spectacular. But for drinking, I think it is just that spectacular. I love their red sangria...apple and orange slices in a not too overpowering red wine mixture. The white sangria is my fave though. Be prepared to dish out the big bucks since you can only get it in a half or full pitcher. It is delicious cava, brandy, strawberries, mint, and maybe some apple juice. Also be prepared to stumble out of there. We went on Saturday when the weather was gorgeous and sat outside to watch bustling Bethesda. It is also nice to sit up at the nice bar. The bartenders are always very attentive and you can get tapas their as well if the mood strikes. Probably the best bet is for happy hour with discounted sangria and wine.
(3)
Charlotte Anne B.

Good for happy hour. I went yesterday with people from work. The food was fine. I am not a tapas person. Frequently, I think for what restaurants charge neither the quality nor quantity is there. However, this place has great specials between 4:30 and 7 pm. My coworkers ordered the sangria and said it didn't have much kick to it, but it was tasty. This is actually a plus since many of us would be driving later. The service was quite competent and polite. It was a nice time. We were early so it was very quiet, but I could see it being particularly fun when it picked up later in the evening. The long list of happy hour food specials was nice. I will have to go some time when it is not happy hour to try a few things on the rest of the menu, but the happy hour deals were too good to pass up. $4 a plate is a great deal.
(4)
Sara L.

I know a lot of people are down on this place, so I went in to this meal skeptical. But it turned out really well! We stopped in for lunch on our way to a movie and it was a nice, not-too-trendy dining experience. The problem is there are too many menu choices so it's probably easy to go wrong. To help you decide, we had: Apple and fennel salad - Very good! Spinach with raisins and apples - Tasty, but not for everyone. You have to really like cooked spinach. Chick pea stew - Just so so Shrimp with garlic - Tasty, but nothing special Fried cod balls - Very good! Melon and ham - Very good! The service was good, other than the fact the bussers seemed a bit too eager to clear our table...they took away the bread half way into the meal!
(4)
Christopher G.

An utter waste of time and money. I was new to tapas at the time we tried it. The waiter advised ordering 2-3 tapas each. Service was adequate, nothing more. I have since eaten tapas at other restaurants and it was nothing like this experience - thankfully. The tapas servings here are smaller than those at other tapas restaurants and twice as expensive. We ordered a cheese plate that contained 3 small triangles of cheese, which all tasted similar. The shrimp dish we ordered contained 3 shrimp about the size of those included in the average fried rice at a Chinese restaurant. The calamari serving was equally miniscule. None of the dishes were especially memorable and much of it was on the mushy side. The restaurant is dominated by a huge bar that runs through it. The modus operandi seems to be to encourage diners to get smashed at the bar and then stagger down to their tables - ostensibly so they overlook the tiny portions and the astounding prices and confuse themselves into believing they got a bargain. The bill for two of us, with no alcoholic beverages ordered, came to a whopping $78. Even worse, both of us were starved when we left and ended up having to go somewhere else to eat. Not sure if Jaleo in DC is as much a rip-off as this one or not, and I do not intend to find out. This restaurant seems to be running off of the reputation of celebrity chef Jose Andres - but it is just not worth it. If you are interested in one of Andres' restaurants and want tapas, you would do much better to seek out Zaytinya in DC, which offers much better proportioned tapas and you feel like you get what you pay for.
(1)
Shayne C.

i had a great time wont lie i like the one in dc better...but our waitress was awesome and completely sweet. great place.
(4)
Jessica N.

I went to Jaleo with my husband on a very unbusy Tuesday night. The service was great. The food was just okay. I found the eggplant to be undercooked and weirdly sweet. It was a little strange. The curry chickpeas had very little flavor and the server didn't ask me how I preferred my egg:( But what made me sure that I would NEVER go back was the restroom. The restroom decor is dated and looks like it has never been renovated. But that wasn't the issue. I found a roach in the bathroom. I couldn't believe it, so I stepped on it and looked closer....and yep...a roach. That made me really wary of going back there. If the roaches are to the extent that they are being killed by the guests...there could be a problem. I'm really kind of grossed out by roaches in general so it was hard to deal with.
(1)
Bobbi B.

"regredible": adj. describing the aftermath feeling of paying a large sum of money for small amounts of crappy food. Okay, I haven't been to a Jaleo for years, and when I did go it was the D.C. location. So my decision to treat a friend to a birthday dinner at the Bethesda location last night was based purely on memory and the reasonably positive reviews from Yelpers. Maybe I went on an off night? Maybe the one in D.C. is better?? (Maybe not - see this review ow.ly/3itaa ) Here's what I got for a bill that came to more than $100 for 2 people: - a dodgy rocking table that the waiter tried to 'fix' by shoving a napkin under one leg (my guest and I decided to get up and relocate to another table on our own, since the place was most definitely not crowded) - a few glasses of wine (not much to say here, wine by the glass 'aint cheap anywhere & Jaleo offers the same $8 - $11 range) - a perhaps 1 oz.. serving of reasonably tasty butternut squash soup and gazpacho - a small plate (yes, I realize this is tapas) of 'grilled' asparagus swimming -- SWIMMING -- in meaty tasting grease or oil or whatever that was - a small plate of limp sauteed spinach drowning in the same meaty tasting grease - a small plate of unremarkable cauliflower, also tainted with that awful, old-tasting meaty flavored grease - an itty bitty flan for the birthday girl - she was blown away by how miniscule it was, most likely because she was starving at that point and hoped to at least find sustenance in dessert What the..?! Do I feel ripped off? You bet I do. Am I pissed? You bet I am. Hey, Chef Andres, if you're reading this: It's time to do a little quality control on the restaurants that bear your name. Won't be back.
(1)
Celia W.

My experience at this restaurant was only so-so. I brought out a couple friends and my boyfriend to have a dinner with and meet my mother. To start with, the waiter took for EVER to get to our table to get drinks let alone take our order. We started off with a pitcher of sangria, and I gotta say, that wasn't sangria that was wine with pieces of apple floating in it. The food was pretty good. If I were basing this review on the flavors of the food alone this place would be a solid 4 star. I loved the olives and bread that came out before hand. I think we were supposed to also have some sort of oil with the bread but the incompetent waiter failed to bring it, even after we asked several times. I also asked our rude, inattentive server about the chance for cross contamination with my meal (I have a shellfish allergy, and food prepared on the same surface as shellfish can cause me to have a reaction). He explained that there was a chance but that he would speak with the chef. Apparently he failed to do this because I had a reaction that night. And what's worse is he got a complete attitude with me when I tried to explain my allergy to him. It's also worth noting that your tapas will come out as they're done in the kitchen carried by food runners who really don't speak English. Truth be told, the waiter really didn't do anything and we almost felt bad to tip the jerk. After a meal of roughly $220 for five people we were full but slightly unsatisfied.
(2)
Brian P.

A nice tapas place in the city center of Bethesda. I enjoyed a selection of their vegetarian offerings with some herbivoric colleagues. The endives loaded with goat cheese were crunchy and light. The vegetable paella was thick and hearty. We also had a very nice mushroom/rice/cheese selection. Sangria was a B+ -- sparkly, but not aromatic. Service was delightful and full of good suggestions. I'd definitely return if offered, but would sooner explore other options left up to me.
(3)
Ernest P.

Been here a bunch of times, most recenlty last Saturday night so time for a review . . . Enjoyed eating tapas style as usual, getting to try lots of different dishes, not getting bored with any one dish. New find, dates wrapped in bacon and deep fried was awesome. Always love the salt cod fritters, especially for the honey aioli. Special of duck confit with pear sauce perfectly executed. Good as usual were the fried calamari, octopus with potatos, lamb chops, beet salad, spinach and pine nuts, and piquillos stuffed with goat cheese. A little disappointing were the Marinated mushrooms. So garlicky and flavorful in the past, just insipid and flavor-LESS this time. Tried Patatas Bravas and not impressed. Like a plate of unseasoned home fries, wan tomato sauce and a little aioli to add barely enough flavor to register. Hello, salt? Service was quick and efficient. Probably had 11 dishes on the table within 13 minutes of placing our order. Too bad he forgot to ring in the Grilled Quail as I really wanted to try it! We didn't realize it until we were driving home Sangria tasty, but seemed weak on the alcohol from what i remembered (and compared to my home-made version). Not fun screaming at your tablemates either because it is pretty loud on a busy night. Getting across the restaurant to the bathroom is an adventure as well with the lobby and bar jam packed. Still sticking with 4 stars because the food is always really good, and sometimes great.
(4)
A C.

Great service, food, drinks, and ambiance! The mushroom dish was great (Not the one with rice. I can't remember what it was called). Beets salad was amazing.
(4)
Paul M.

In my dreams I live in a garret, I struggle to make the rent, and I am desperately unlucky in love. But I have my art and my taste and my sensibilities and in my little village of Cadaques all the cafe owners extend me limitless credit knowing that one day I will become a great surrealist artist and I will make them and my little corner of Spain famous. The reality is of course I am suburban guy working 9 to 5 and paying a mortgage. ( and CapitalOne are extending me endless credit ) But sit me in Jaleo, give me some fine white sangria, some skirt steak, croquettes and sausage and white beans ( the beet salad was just OK) and my dreams somehow seem more real. I have spent my life avoiding sangria - it always seemed like a non-drinker's drink to me. I had white sangria for the first time today - and only because I was five minutes late and my friend had ordered a pitcher. My God, it grabbed me by the throat and screamed S-U-M-M-E-R at me.
(4)
Michael R.

Great lamb sandwich for lunch but the service was incredibly slow despite few people. Took me 20 min to get my meal and soup. They didn't even try and bring my soup first. maybe it was a bad day for that server. I'll still try again. *update* since trying it again, at least 3 times, they've atoned for their slow service. Great tapas, the food is reasonably priced (you should expect more than average at this place), and the atmosphere is reasonable.
(4)
Emily H.

This is your typical Bethesda restaurant - decent food, trying-to-be-trendy atmosphere, and semi-elevated prices. Very popular, but I've never understood why. I love Tapas, but I'd much rather make the trek to Bodega in Georgetown because their food is so much better.
(2)
Tom D.

Disclaimer: I went for lunch during restaurant week. In a way, I don't think it is fair to review a restaurant based on RW experience as restaurants seldom put their best foot forward during restaurant week. Obviously, I am not a big fan of RW -- and don't think it does much to promote the state of dining in greater DC. End of rant. Well, almost. So for RW lunch at Jaleo they were offering 2 tapas for $12 dollars. First, 2 tapas would run you $13-15 so it isn't much of a savings. Second, unless you are smart about ordering -- many of the tapas servings would leave you hungry if you only had 2 for lunch. So I opted for a sandwich -- I had the grilled sausage with peppers -- it was quite good. I also liked the gazpacho. They should serve it with potato chips.......or what they call patatas bravas. Start new rant (sorry). Patatas bravas are not potato chips! I don't know what they were thinking when the stopped serving patatas bravas and started serving patatas chipas. These are not close to any patatas bravas you would find in Spain any real Spanish restaurant. I would love to see the reaction if they ever tried this in Spain. Jose Andres, I admire you. You are a great chef, a great personality -- and have done much for the local food scene, but this is beyond comprehension. I have been a fan of Jaleo for quite some time, it's not the best Spanish food I have had, but it is good and it's a fun place to go with friends -- but trying to pass off potato chips as patatas bravas? (End of rant....sorry!). So, at least for lunch the sandwiches are the best bet -- and they are quite good and come with a side. Next time I am asking for potato chips to see what they serve....
(2)
Aja A.

We had my pre-graduation from college dinner here, and it was un-freaking-believable. We ate a ton of incredible food, but the great thing about tapas is they are so managable and small that you have to really work to be full the way you would definitely be at Cheesecake or Maggianos. We probably tried 75% of the menu and every single thing was delicious. I particularly remember this salad with endive, goat cheese, and a tangerine dressing that even my father, who hates green things, loved. The wines were perfect, the service was perfect, the food was perfect. I haven't been back since May but it is definitely on my list of things to do.
(4)
IH K.

I just don't think it's that good. I am really sorry to have to say that. There are so many people who desperately love this place and I want to be part of that crowd (every time I go). I simply find myself disappointed when MAYBE 1 out 6 tapas ordered make me go "mmm." Perhaps I'm biased against chain restaurants (particularly ethnic ones). So, my take on this place is that you can definitely find better without looking too hard. But if you happen to be in Bethesda, it's not bad. I wouldn't necessarily DIScourage anyone from eating here, I'd simply ENcourage you to try somewhere else :)
(2)
T C.

Good for some tapas and a few drinks. Sangria was good but expensive. Food was good but not worth a whole meal's price. Stop in, order a few tapas and have a few drinks.
(3)
Sara F.

I'll admit, I'm not a tapas specialist as I've only been to two tapas restaurants in my life, but I love Jaleo. I've only been to the Bethesda location, but I've been coming here for years. Tapas restaurants consist of small dishes that are shared. The tapas are fantastic if you're looking for a light dinner after you've overdosed on popcorn at the movie theater or if you're going out with a group of friends. Obviously during peak dinner hours, it may be difficult to get a table. I've never had a problem with the service no matter how crowded. Even though I guzzle water, my glass is always refilled promptly, empty plates cleared in a timely manner, and I've never had to wait very long for food. If there's a wait for a table, you can always eat at the bar, which I did once on New Year's Eve a long time ago. Some dishes to recommend include but are not limited to Patatas Bravas, Espinacas a la Catalana (rather simple, but delicious), Tortilla de patatas, Gambas al ajillo, and BuÃ±uelos de bacalao (be careful! This dish is hot temperature wise). I've never had anything that tasted bad here, but keep an eye on what you order. If you start adding on more dishes, your meal can get to be a little bit pricey. When I was poorer, I used to make a list to keep track of how much I was spending. Also, the bathrooms are very clean. When going to the bathroom (left past the bar) look at the doors carefully. If there is a male bull fighter, it is the men's bathroom. If there is a female flamenco dancer, it is the women's bathroom. It seems pretty straight forward, but I've seen people staring at the doors in confusion. I highly recommend Jaleo as a delicious restaurant especially if you're looking for a light dinner. It's definitely great for a group, and if you need to wait for a table on a busy night, it's worth the wait.
(4)
Esther D.

I've been here three times so far and I always think it'll get better... but it never does. The reason I was attracted to this place in the beginning was because it's tapas?? There's nothing really special about any of the food there and I feel like I can make everything that comes out of the kitchen. Regardless whether or not I really can or not, if i feel like it's something I can make myself... it's not worth paying $10 for a small dish. It's also very overpriced for something I can stuff in my face with two bites. I've been there recently with my family for a birthday celebration and had a taste of literally every dish that did NOT have pork or seafood and the only thing that I really enjoyed was the paella. But I've had better paella at different spanish restaurants. The decor is nice. It's kinda flashy and although there is a bar, it's more of a restaurant feel.
(2)
Karen P.

A friend of mine and I went for lunch. Being MLK day, it was virtually empty and that probably contributed to the lackadaisical service. We skipped the tapas and both selected sandwiches from the lunch menu. Mine was a very nice combination of ham and manchego cheese. ...but they forgot to remove the wax outer layer from the cheese ("inedible rind" according to wikipedia). My friend had the vegetarian sandwich which was supposed to come with eggs - and it did once she requested them after received an un-egged sandwich.
(3)
Tom T.

You can't go wrong with the food here. Price is a little steep, but it's Bethesda so whatcha gonna do?
(4)
Gretchen D.

Let me preface this review by saying I'd normally give Jaleo 3.5 stars, but since you can't do halves, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt with four stars since I plan on a return trip. That being said... I've been trying to get to Jaleo for a while now. Heard good things about it, it just didn't happen. But it's birthday weekend AND they extended their Restaurant Week specials, so heeeeeeellyeah! Its karma, baby!! Friday night reservations at the Bethesda location are must because the place definitely gets crowded. We were good to go, and quickly ordered a pricey (in my opinion) full carafe of sangria. However, I will say that it was the 'carafe that kept on giving' - my glass never seemed empty and the beverage was quite yummy! On to the food!! The traditional seafood stew was tasty, but a bit salty. But the gazpacho - holy crapinoli! SOOO GOOD! It was fresh and light - the perfect blend of tomato, cucumber, cilantro and I think I even tasted a bit of crÃ¨me fraiche in there! YUM! Next we tried the roasted sweet onions sprinkled with pine nuts, blue cheese and a bit of balsamic vinegar. Eh - you live and learn. Next!! The organic egg topped with caviar and served with toasted brioche - very good, although the toasted brioche was a little overpowering, thus the caviar couldn't truly be appreciated. The seared bay scallops with sofrito, Serrano ham and wine was a little too oily, and the texture was a bit mushy, IMO. The grilled quail with rosemary sauce and honey alioli was tasty, but the presentation left much to be desired. It was like looking at a grilled bloated frog spread-eagle on a plate garnished with rosemary (see pic). Just doesn't make you want to eat it. But eat it, we did - after laughing at it. It was 'okay' thanks to the accompanying sauces - or maybe it was the sangria making us all giddy...? We also ordered some organic marinated mushrooms and a garlic shrimp dish. Both were wonderful - no sangria needed. Overall, I was glad to finally visit Jaleo, and I'll definitely go back for seconds and thirds - if only for the gazpacho, it's worth it! The ambiance was great, the location is terrific, and the staff was wonderful (thanks Laura L.)! We had a great time.
(4)
Sam H.

I came here again after a 1.5 year break just because a friend and I couldn't decide what to eat in bethesda. Especially since we were on a mission to hit up every single Happy Hour join that the 301 has to offer. So... since we pretty much tried all the restaurants of the street and had one left. Jaleos.. (the owner was on NPR the other day talking about food) Dissapointingly this place didn't really have a decent happy hour menu or one dedicated for such. Just a few food here and there that was a buck off or so. To talk about this place, what makes a great Tapas place is always their ingredients. And i have to say Jaleos does seem to use pretty decently fresh ingredients. Kinda feels like your taking a bite of nature in the middle of the city. As for over all quality of food... (pretty heavy on the wallet for those who have a decent appetite) Taste wise... well average. I'll come again but... only after I walk around the streets of bethesda a few more times and run out of palces to eat. Not a must have but... a good enough. :)
(3)
Kyla C.

We wanted to check this place out since we've never been to a Jose Andres restaurant before. We got some delicious classic sangria to drink and about 6 tapas to share. My least favorite was the special of cherry tomatoes stuffed with lump crab meat. The taste was just off and not my favorite. All of the others I liked though: bread with machego cheese, fried eggplant, chorizo with pureed potatoes (super creamy), fried bacon wrapped figs and (my husbands favorite) duck breast with rice and duck confit (really rich but good). Overall I was pleased with the food and had a good experience. Wish he had a restaurant closer to home.
(4)
andres l.

Great place to eat but only if you are not looking for the authentic thing. Jaleo could be describe as part Spanish fusion food part authentic Spanish food. Chef Jose tries to please Americans palate with "tapas modernas" but if you really want to taste the real Spanish flavor order some of the "tapas clasicas", like the "croquetas de pollo", "tortilla de patatas" or "gambas al ajillo" and of course you can not forget the "Sangria", very nice and sweet. Best time to go is with a group, everyone order two tapas and pass them along.
(4)
Bryony B.

I went here during restaurant week for lunch and it was yummy. I got the endive, goat cheese and almond plate...wow it was delicious. The bacon wrapped figs are always a favorite. There was a thyme onion soup that was not that great, no flavor. I also liked these little sausages wrapped in what seemed like chips. I would say there is a variety of yummy dishes to try although every dish isn't always spectacular. I didn't get to try the dessert since I had to leave early but I was pleased with the Sangria!!
(4)
Sam D.

Went there many time, but the last time that I was there was a big disappointment. Most likely, won't be going back for the food. I feel that the food was not as flavorful. I have been going there since 2002. The ambiance is nice and definitely a great place to impress a first date.
(2)
Thuy L.

This place is fun if you want to try something new, but the food really is not that great. I've probably only had 1 or 2 small dishes that I liked. And please, do yourself a favor and do not get their paella. At least not the paella with the lobster. It's not lobster. It's lagostinos. Read: small 2 inch long "lobsters" aka crawfish. Save your money and go to another tapas place.
(2)
Hugh B.

I don't understand the naysayers. The boyfriend and I went here on a whim this Saturday evening. The place was pleasantly buzzing, with a nice (albeit suburban) crowd. A pitcher of red sangria was just what the doctor ordered. Our server, Laura, was excellent. She sounded Spanish of accent, so I would pronounce her name La-oo-ra. But never mind that. All the tapas we had were great. We had patatas bravas (loved the chip-like potatoes and the savory sauces), gambas, green peas with romesco sauce, wild mushroom rice, Daniel Moynihan sausage, and fried pasta (rossejat). We cleaned our plates. Now granted, we almost ALWAYS clear our plates but sometimes we complain about the quality of the food when doing so. At Jaleo, we had no complaints.
(4)
Yesy D.

Not your typical boring Spanish Tapas!! Frog legs, sea urchin, quail are some of the interesting things their menu have to offer. And if you want to stick to the classics they have the BEST Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp) I've ever had!!!
(4)
Lisa J.

Jaleo is by far our favorite restaurant to eat at in DC! Whenever family or friends come to visit, this is where we take them for either dinner or brunch! Gambas al ajillo are my husband's favorite and a sure crowd winner no matter who is with us! Some of our other favorites include but are certainly not limited to: arroz con pato, the spinach (with apples and pinenuts), lomo de buey, asparagus with romesco, the potatoes with green sauce (not the patatas bravas- the other ones), the JLT (for lunch), the potato omelette (for brunch), and the flan. The sangria is some of the best I've had in the city! (why wouldn't the Spaniards do it best?) Most importantly, the service we receive on a consistent basis when we visit Jaleo is spectacular! Everyone from the host staff, to the bartenders, servers, and even management make us feel as if we're the only table in the restaurant. This is truly the one reason we continue to dine here! In fact, one time we were eating at jaleo and amongst our regular list of items to order, we decided to do the chicken and mushroom paella. The servers are kind enough to warn you that it takes 45 mins to make (it says it on the menu too). However, by mistake ours was overcooked slightly- the chef noticed and had it remade before it even came to us. To apologize, he sent us some interesting tapas that we otherwise would not have thought to order. One that I distinctly remember and now continue to order is the peppers. They're grilled and served with an aioli sauce. The thing about these peppers is that it's like playing roulette- 1 in every 12 (or something like that) is spicy. The rest are very mild. So for us, this waiting another 45 mins for our paella was now turned into a game or who's going to get the spicy one and who can or cannot handle it. Once we did get the paella, it was delicious! (and cooked perfectly!) I can't wait for the next time we go to jaleo!
(5)
Daniel K.

Love the paella! I usually order it to go. I call in ahead and they have it ready to go in the pan that it was cooked in. You leave a 30 dollar deposit and return it later or trade it in the next time you order. It is a nice mid week treat after a long day at work!
(4)
Maria L.

Always love this place- food is consistently good, service is excellent, and the sangrias are awesome!
(5)
Nathaniel M.

Pretty good but you have to know what your ordering if not you will do like I did and order a huge paiaya. Pleasant wait staff and very patient. I would definitely eat here again.
(4)
JorgeF H.

Went to Jaleo Bethesda over the weekend with my friends and it was as good as it gets! To say it in a few words, our server was really detailed and there for us whenever we needed anything... Food, well.... Jose Andres, Delicioso! Consistent every time we go and very positive ambiance. "Regredible" - NOT "Incredible" YES!!! Sorry, let's stop the bias reviewing and instead be subjective and informative...
(4)
John K.

It's okay. White win sangria is very tasty though pricey. Tapas are good though nothing exceptional. -John
(3)
Nan G.

Sangria please! Of course; make it a pitcher. I have never had a bad experience at Jaleos. Whether it's this location or the one downtown, the service is always friendly and fast and the food is so delicious. I actually enjoy the chewy bread with the olive oil and spices. Our usual order consists of these tasty treats: Gazpacho Patatas bravas Pimientos del piquillo rellenos de queso Buuelos de bacalao Salmn a la plancha Dtiles con tocino (sinfully delicious- dates wrapped in bacon oh my) Bocata de jamn y queso Manchego Classic On my last visit I took my daughter before her first trip to Spain. She loved it too. I enjoy coming here with a small group. Sharing is the best!
(4)
Roll T.

Tried out the Bethesda location a couple of nights ago. Everything we sampled was from the seasonal menu. We tried the following (in order from best to worst): Pimientos del piquillo rellenos de queso de caa de cabra a la plancha (4.25/5.00): These red peppers generously doused in olive oil, lightly garnished with cilantro, and stuffed with goat cheese were amazing. The only problem is that they barely make a dent in one's stomach and the plate runs $7. I could eat 50 of these plates and not be full. Regardless, they were tasty and I would recommend them. Canelones tradicionales (4.25/5.00): Tiny pasta rolls stuffed with pork and lavishly basted in bechamel sauce. Yum. A little more filling than expected given the inordinate amount of bechamel sauce used in this dish. Codorniz rellena de frutos secos con granada (3.75/5.00): Quail stuffed with sausage and pinenuts. This dish came in a sweet sauce decorated with pomengranate seeds. Our waiter (very nice) stated that his two favorite seasonals on the menu were this quail dish and the aforementioned pork rolls. Having said that, he also warned us that the quail is only a 1/2 quail and runs $9. Although the portion is minute, it certainly is an interesting combination and worth sampling. Rape con pur de berenjenas (3.75/5.00): Finely cooked monkfish lying atop eggplant puree. The puree expertly matched the supple monkfish. A good amount of the puree remained after we devoured the monkfish, and I used it to finish off the bread that came with our meal. Trinxat de la Cerdanya (2.50/5.00): An absolutely forgettable mishmash of cabbage, bacon, and potato. Jaleo deserves points for creating this odd dish, but it just didn't deliver in taste. Regardless, I was still happy we ordered it because at least it was filling. ... The bread that comes with one's meal at Jaleo is an overly chewy disaster served only with olive oil. I was absolutely stunned that a restaurant that administered overall excellent tapas started the experience so carelessly. The olives they served were pedestrian, at best. They could take some tips from Mendocino Grill by serving their olives slightly warmed after being doused in olive oil. The service at the Bethesda location, unlike the reviews for the DC location, is commendable. Our server was friendly, polite, and made pleasant observations regarding menu choices. I think Jaleo is a nice place to go if you are on an expense account. Also, since tapas are inherently romantic, it can be a good spot to take your girlfriend on a moderately special location (or, if you are like me, in the middle of the week because you happen to be in Bethesda and Mon Ami Gabi won't seat you without reservations). This is NOT a good place to take a first date simply because it is cavernous, the tables are a bit too close, and the place is loud (then again, I think one should NEVER go to an expensive restaurant on a first date, but that's beside the point). Overall, Jaleo is worth a visit, but be prepared to drop some coin.
(3)
Anna G.

Came here on a Sunday during Happy Hour and sat in the bar section. It was great! Our server was fantastic, a really big salesperson, but not too annoying. She was knowledgeable and we really really really enjoyed the shrimp tapa (with the most amazing garlic sauce quite possibly EVER) and the endive salad tapa. The sangria was also decent and reasonably priced on the happy hour menu. I don't know that I would go here too often for dinner or lunch, as the price of the small plates on the regular menu look like they could add up really quick, but I will definitely go back to take advantage of the great food and great happy hour prices.
(4)
Barbara M.

LOVE this place- went again last night. The tapas are unusual and delicious - try the onion with blue cheese and pine nuts! The chorizo wrapped potato.. I haven't had anything there I didn't love. I'm a real foodie and a cook- and I do not exaggerate when I say the grapefruit sorbet with olive oil ice cream is off the charts wonderful! I'll probably go back just for that. I never order desert- haven't in years - but decided to try that because it sounded unusual and it was remarkable to say the least.
(5)
Shaun O.

I went here for my NIH interview with a couple grad students. I am not a big fan of tapas since it never seems to fill me up. As we had finished our first round of tapas, my mind started to wander to the stores across the street where I could finish off my appetite....however, I placed an order for paella (slightly pricey though) and found that it quickly filled me up. Great paella, great seafood tapas and good red wine sangria.....
(4)
Rhina G.

happy hour is the only way i'd justify going here. the discounted happy hour prices were decent for the decent food we got. it was tasty, we had the dates, chistorra sausage, gambas al ajillo, and it was worth the $4 per tapa. however, the service was not the greatest. our waitress seemed to be getting us out of the way, took forever to see if all was well with us...other staff was great though. our water kept getting filled regularly and a variety of people dropped by with our tapas though it took a long time to get our last dishes. wouldn't pay full price.
(2)
Mel M.

ok, it was back in 2004 that i was recommended to try jaleo, i just had the chance to go on 1/20/2012......so maybe jaleo was great back in 2004...but not now. first, service was good and cordial. i will talk about each of my tapas dishes 1- beet and citrus salad with pistachio: Very Good 2- potato frita, WAKALA, it was over salted and there was a nasty white cream on it 3- lomo cerdo-- was dry and tough...perhaps over cooked 4- shrimp in garlic sauce.....reminded me of red lobster and shrip was either old or over cooked... 5- chocolate mousse: it was not moussey in texture, it seemed worse than J-ELLO in the grocery store. this place is reallllllly overrated....dont waste your time.
(1)
Hrishikesh H.

Ordered chicken paella which tasted pretty good. It was friday evening and the place was not crowded when we got in, but still the service was not good.
(3)
Caitlin C.

Recently, some friends and I went to Jaleo in Bethesda for happy hour (or Jaleo Hour--yes, it really is called that). Featuring red wine sangria for $4 a glass and small plates for also $4, Jaleo is a great place to relax and enjoy the early evening. While I found the sangria to be bland, the small plates were delicious. My favorites were the Croquetas de pollo (chicken fritters) and the Gambas al ajillo (shrimp in garlic sauce)
(3)
Kenna T.

i am not sure if it's my SF-and-now-NYC living that has given me an unfair edge on expecting good things from restaurants, but this place was not as good as hoped. it was recently ranked in the top 100 of the wpost restaurants. so i figured it couldn't have been that bad. the service was very nice and friendly, if not too crisp. the waiter suggested a very nice bottle of wine, which also happened to be the most expensive. that's fine. 1st order of business was the cheese 'round' - manchego and some softer peppery cow's milk (i think) which was great. the tortilla espanola with mushrooms was just not cooked (egg was running when it was cut), so they took it back and nuked it more. we didn't even get a new order, it was the same one we sliced into. i didn't mind this too much since i am not a fan of wasting food, so ok. next up was the asparagus (this was the best dish i had all night), the mushrooms (totally bland and no flavor), and fried calamari (which i don't eat but the 'aoili' was simply mayonnaise apparently - we had to ask for lemon). the atmosphere was nice and they did not rush us at all, which was nice for a crowded sunday night after christmas. and it wasn't too high priced. but we did go to the tastee diner not an hour later to have 2nd dinner.
(2)
Andrew A.

Overall I would say that this is a great restaurant if you want a good tasting experience. Don't get me wrong the food is great, there's just not enough of it. Two of my climbing buddies and I went to dinner here after a climbing trip and had to continuously order more and more food because we were never satisfied at the portions. We eventually got to a point where we just thought that we were going broke just trying to eat a decent meal,so we paid the huge bill and went to Chipotle,which was very satisfying. The service was nothing to write home about.. The food didn't take too long to come out, it was just that the waitress was pretty unpleasant. I can't quite put my finger on it, but she just made us feel as though we didn't belong there somehow. It was a little bit on the pretentious side and we didn't much care for it.
(2)
Emir A.

seriously good place! Great food, decent prices, and my God, friendly waitstaff... granted, she appeared to have been from Europe, so I guess DC assholness didnt get to her yet. Must try for sure.
(4)
Prateeksha N.

I'd call Jaleo the perfect place to cozy up with good friends and a pitcher of sangria on a cold wintry night. Been there twice so far and had a great experience both times. Have come to love spanish tapas after eating here. They offer a wide variety of both vegetarian and seafood choices. Something for everyone to try. I remember trying the butterfish, the baby potatoes, and the braised peashoots---and they were all so good!
(5)
Annie A.

Indeed a fan of all the spanish tapas from the menu. I ve had the chance to try most and its all so good. My personal favourite are the muchrooms in garlic butter sauce. They also have a breakfast menu if you manage to go a little early and the spanich omlette is so good. Oh and not to forget I love the cava the white sangria with floating strawberries.
(4)
Assistant F.

I was really looking forward to enjoying the food here but the disappointment was so great I doubt that I'll give them a second try. Maybe it was a bad day for them but nothing that we had was great. The codfish fritters were ok but nothing to rave about. We had the chorizzo wrapped in a potato chip and we couldn't finish it. The worst however was the paella. We ordered the chicken paella with chef choice of mushrooms. That dish was probably worse than the dish we had at Oya. There was no flavor whatsoever in this dish not even salt. The chicken in the dish had an awful smell and taste, it was as though the chicken was not cleaned properly. We had two bites asked for it to go and left. I was hoping that maybe I could add some seasonings to it at home and it would work, but it couldn't be helped I just couldn't get rid of that awful smell and taste of the chicken. Idk maybe the chicken wasn't washed but that is an experience I wouldn't want repeated. First impressions do count and I will not be visiting any Jaleo in the future.
(1)
ILAN B.

I visited Jaleo again. I ordered th patatas bravas, which are always good. I also ordered the paella again. This time it was, ok. It might be because it wasn't my favorite, the Mediterranean, or the lack of soffrito layer on the bottom. This time the paella just wasn't very flavorful. Don't get me wrong, I am still a fan of Jaleo, but I think Bethesda needs a privately owned, non-chain spanish restaurant to keep Jaleo in check.
(3)
Sunshine M.

Food is excellent but way way way over priced! I know its bethesda but this is ridiculous!
(2)
Maria A.

I have been to Jaleo in downtown DC, a couple of times. The sangria has always been reasonably good, but the food has not been up to par. Last week I went to the Bethesda location with 4 of my girlfriends. We were greated very pleasantly by a spanish speaking waiter. We decided to sit outside. First order was booze, being that I was with my wine pals. We ordered a pitcher of Sangria, wich is a Spanish version of punch with a kick, that our waiter brought right away along with a serving of bread. We ordered about 6 different tapas. I had to had las croquetas, since my mother used to make them. These were very well done, my mom would be proud of Jaleo. We ordered squid in a olive sauce, and it was fresh and very nicely condimented. In fact my friend and I were so in love with its flavors that we wanted to order more, but we refrained. The Tortilla span~ola was also another special treat. Tortilla span~ola is just a omelette, but at Jaleos is just not any omelette. It was absolutely delicious, just a tad sweet and soft. The spanish cheeses were deliciously fresh and we even had an eggplant with sun dried tomatoes that was divine, and I am not a eggplant person. We were stuffed by the time we left, but I surely got dessert to go. White chocolate mousse with a tad of rasberry syrup. Fab. The service was friendly and very responsive. The Bethesda, Md location is definitively the location to visit. Jaleo is a great place to go with friends to have a nice night out.
(3)
Ben and Danielle W.

Ben and Danielle visited here about a year ago. we are a bit fuzzy about what we ordered (however, what is crystal clear was how delicious the food was). We are pretty sure some of the items included Patatas bravas, Gambas al ajillo, an orange and cheese dish and Pollo al ajillo con salsa verde. The funny thing was we had just seen an episode of "Made in Spain" with Jose Andreas where he discussed the process of making the orange and cheese so clearly we had to order them and they definitely lived up to the expectations. We enjoyed everything we ate! Ben got some Sangria which was enjoyable but nothing special. Tapas here are leaps and bounds better than other Tapas places (like one that may be located in Rockville). I think it is safe to say that if we had a bigger budget we would be frequent Jaleo on a more regular basis but for now we will save it for special occasions. Also of note is the lively environment and the wonderful contemporary decor.
(5)
Nicole L.

They offer a wide variety of tapas dishes - for the adventurous you can try the rabbit stew, blood sausage or duck confit. On the safe side, lots of cheeses, vegetables or beef dishes. For someone who loves to try different types of ingredient - this is one of those places. Portion is small enough so it won't overwhelm you but when it's good, it's perfect leaving you wanting more. I've tried the paella it's excellent with fresh seafood. One of the rare find is the white gazpacho soup served cold with muscat grape, lump crab and toasted almond. They also have good sangria and cava with strawberry. Excellent flan to finish off the dinner. I always enjoy a great meal at Jaleo.
(5)
Lisa P.

Love the grilled hanger steak and potatas bravas here. The gazpacho and green apple and manchego cheese salad are also so good. I've never had a bad bite at Jaleo and I've been too many times to count!
(4)
Angela M.

Another pitcher of Sangria just for me? Oh, that's awfully generous of you, but I don't need one to myse.....Ok, I'll take it!! Is this the place with the great Sangria? I'm not sure if I remember eating here....I kid, I kid. That was some great Sangria. I really do think I polished off at least one pitcher by myself - boy was I friendly that evening! I have to admit that some of the tapas here are a little weird, but it's Spanish cuisine, and there are so many normal ones, you picky eaters have no excuse! My non-epicurious (I made that up) husband even ate enough to be satisfied. We had some really delicious tapas and since it was my friend's birthdays, so there was like 15 of us and we all shared our different dishes. I suppose that was a big-time perk. Gambas al aijillo, pimientos del piquillo rellenos de queso, and espinacas a la Catalana were some of the really good ones that I remember (as in remember eating, but I had to cheat off the menu). The octopus ink & rice one wasn't really up my alley and I found that the paella was a tad too salty for me. We thought we were all a bit too stuffed for dessert, but then we left and we all got icecream around the corner....I'll tell you about that one in another review :) Overall, this place is FANCY and the food is good. No, not like Fancy Ketchup, not like "here's your one chance Fancy, don't let me down...", but NICE. It is pricey so bring your big wallet and a medium appetite.
(4)
Aleia C.

The food at this place was fantastic. It was quite busy on a Friday night so make a reservation if you can. We had a dessert with salted caramel...salted caramel has become my newest obsession. Delicious!
(4)
Mark L.

Used to live in Bethesda and went here all the time. Quite good tapas, paella and excellent red sangrias. Yes it's a chain but good nonetheless.
(4)
Mary L.

Growing up in the area taught me many important lessons. One of them being that sometimes you get no respect as a young person. I've had mixed reviews about this place. When I have come here with my parents, I have had a pretty good experience with decent service. However, if I come with a friend/ friends, I almost never get good service. The sangria is pretty good. The food is decent. There are some dishes that I have on my must list like patatas bravas, spinach with raisins and apples, and shrimp with garlic. There is a lot to choose from and it's fun to share with a couple of friends. This way, everyone is guaranteed to find something that they like (whether it be what they originally ordered for themselves or not).
(3)
Denis G.

I did not like it the first time, but my wife convinced me to give it a second try after she pointed out how popular and highly rated it was. My impression was worse than the first time. The tapas are minuscule, expensive, and you will have to hunt for your speckle of meat under the greens. The wine glasses are more like a finger than a glass. This restaurant will probably suit you if you weigh 75 lbs, eat like a bird and only care about how things look rather than how they taste, but otherwise, be prepared to either have to buy a large number of entrees (with the resulting large tab) or to leave hungry. Service was as slow and unattentive as the first time.
(1)
Jill B.

Gotta love eating lots of small plates and sharing them with your loved one! Our server Devin sure knows how to make you feel pampered. He is knowledgable and caring about what he does. Love the Moorish Stew, beet and orange salad, stuffed peppers with goat cheese and lamb chops! I am starting to crave it again!
(5)
Geoff O.

I had an excellent experience of Jaleo, although I did go at the off-peak time of 4pm on a Friday. As such, the place seemed a bit empty. I prefer intimate spaces to such large halls as Jaleo anyway. Nonetheless, the tapas was mostly exceptional. I went with my dad, and we ordered incredibly balanced endives with oranges and chevre. That somewhat spoiled us because it was the best of all the dishes we ordered. Also exceptional was the mussels cooked in their own juice, a mushroom dish that balanced the fungi taste with raisins, and nicely seared salmon with roasted vegetables. Less spectacularly, we ordered a dish of roasted vegetables that was kind of bland. Jaleo has a huge menu of tapas, and you can nicely budget your way around the menu if that is your wish. The wine list also seems pretty chill.
(4)
Mikkela T.

Still tipsy from a Sunday happy hour of $4 glasses of wine and half price tapas... figs in bacon, wrinkly potatoes, cheese and a bar character talking at us... she left once she was refused more wine... we stayed to giggle and drink quietly... okay, not quietly! But I didn't cuss.
(3)
Rachel O.

My date and I show up at 8 on a Saturday night. There is a 30 minute wait, but first come first serve at the bar. We're seated in T minus 2 minutes! I had always been nervous to come here since I'm a picky eater and there is a lot of sharing required. Luckily I had a good date. So we had a pitcher of the white sangria... YUM... and after my date took all the strawberries the bartender cut me up another plate full. Two points for Jaleo. We had the Tomatillos con relleno de cangrejo -Cherry tomatoes stuffed with crabmeat for $9.00, Mejillones en vinagreta -Marinated mussels with cucumber, tomato and green peppers for $6.00, Calamares a la plancha con olivas- Whole fresh squid with green olives $7.50, Something vegetarian with goat cheese that was amazing, but I couldn't find it again on the menu, a salty lox cream cheesy one, and the oyesters. We also had the flan for dessert. The oyesters were just eh. Almost everything else was just fabulous. I was only sad to have such a small serving of it! Thats tapas though. It was a great date place, but be prepared to lay out the wallet because if you eat enough to be full, it's gonna be pricey.
(4)
Catherine H.

As my dad hates tapas, my mom always drags me to Jaleo for lunch when I'm in town (oh, pooooooor me), with last week being no exception. As always, the experience was very good-- Jaleo's kitchen is remarkably consistant in their quality of preperation. This trip we particularly enjoyed the pork tenderloin and mussels with tomatos. I love their beet salad, which is spiked with cirtus, cheese and walnuts, and my mom and I both can't get enough of their potatos with cheese sauce (hello, classy cheese fries!). We were not so fond of the monkfish with eggplant and black olive oil, which was fine but not spectacular. As other folks have noted Jaleo has some ass kicking sangria which I could have easily downed a few quarts of had I not, you know, been with my MOM (yes, I'm a grown up, and yes that is me caving under mom pressure. Like you don't :-) ). As it is I'm trying to figure out a time when I can go back for more sans parent, because the sangria is So Damn Tasty. Jaleo's got a very pretty, spacious dining room that can feel loud when it's crowded and very empty when it's not. Since we got there well before the holiday-diminshed crowds it felt somewhat deserted, but this is the only time I've been there and felt that way so most likely it was a fluke. For those of you who aren't familiar with tapas or feel intimidated by the menu I strongly suggest relying on Jaleo's waitstaff. Jose Andres has his staff trained well, and in my experience they make excellent recommendations. We always ask our waiter what he or she liked the best when they did the staff tasting and so far we've never been steered wrong.
(4)
Jessica M.

I love tapas and everything tapa I tried here i really liked. They had the best grilled octopus I have had in a long time! I have been to the Jaleo in DC but the one in Bethesda has a more laid back casual feel but the food is still just good. I plan to be a repeat customer for years to come!
(4)
Kelly K.

Overpriced first of all. Tapas were kind of strange...I will not return.
(2)
F. Rick P.

We have been to Jaleo before and been quite pleased with our dining experience; however, we have frequented the Jaleo located in Washington, DC. Our experience with the Bethesda restaurant was anything but pleasant. Looking past the atrocious service and the fact that our table was not ready despite having made reservations, we had 2 or 3 winners of tapas...out of about 15. The paella was under-seasoned, overcooked, and barely palatable. The texture and flavor had you wanting the water you should have been drinking, had there been water in your glass. We order bacalao, and with a suggestion from our superbly knowledgable waitress, got two different preparations. The fried, salty bacalao was delicious, one of the few winners, the other arrived limp and flavorless upon a horrific looking green slime. Many of the dishes that came left the eater either feeling like something was missing, or that it was just a terrible palate experience. This was not helped by the fact that we could not even eat some of the bread normally offered to customers at the table as the restaurant had run out by 9:30. So even the few gems we ordered, such as the mussels could not be fully enjoyed due to the lack of bread. Perhaps this review is a bit scathing but our overall dining experience was quite disappointing and even more so because we have had such wonderful previous experiences. If you are still determined to enjoy Jaleo "fine" dining experience, make sure to avoid the Bethesda property at all cost, it was save you a pretty penny and a belly full of disappointment.
(1)
Pete D.

OK, the ambiance is great - busy, upscale, bustling restaurant full of beautiful people..fair enough. But what do you really get? I've been to Tapas restaurants before...I expect small dishes...but 35 dollars for a small carafe of sangria which wasn't even that good? The paella was supposed to be created by a guest chef from Spain...it was a half inch of rice a roni with 4 shrimp thrown on top for 50 dollars! I've been to Spain many times and the food here is not even close the quality I had there. I really wanted to like this restaurant but I can't...Sorry Jaleo - Adios!
(2)
Pat R.

My boyfriend took me to Jaleo Friday night 12/10/10 and we had a wonderful time. We got there 30 minutes prior our reservations and the host sat us immediately by the window. I was amazed how packed the place was. Everything from beginning to end was great. Our server was very helpful and always made sure we were doing fine.I will definitely go there again in the future.We tried a lot of dishes. My favorite was the shrimp tapas and the patatas brava's it was delicious!! If you are willing to try something new and different this is the place to go!
(5)
Jennifer L.

On a recent visit with a friend who lives at the edge of DC, we had a late Sunday lunch at Jaleo in Bethesda. It was a lovely day, so we opted for al fresco dining. We started with a 1/2 pitcher of white sangria, which was light and refreshing, with strawberries and fresh mint leaves floating in the carafe. The tapas we ordered were all very good. We had the Pimientos del piquillo relleno de queso y setas (Sweet peppers stuffed with goat cheese and mushrooms) , Tortilla de patatas al momento (Classical Spanish potato & onion omelet), grilled baby corn in a smokey red pepper sauce, Gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), and Calamares a la plancha (Whole squid with mashed potato and pimenton). It was all delicious, and we quite enjoyed ourselves. Jaleo's service was attentive but not overbearing. All in all, a great experience, and now I have a craving for tapas...
(4)
Melody C.

Came here for birthday, small dinner with sister and bf. Long wait, even though we did have a reservation - they still made us take a buzzer. Parking is a hassle in bethesda. food was good - i always love the bacon wrapped dates, but a lot of the food was pretty salty. people love the sangrias. good for groups.
(3)
B Z.

I have to say that I am disappointed and kind of peeved this restaurant gets such accolades. The interior is outdated,old feeling and not at all "special" for a chef so well known. It is in need of a facelift and cleaning.just felt drab. I took a day to drive here for a special occasion due to write ups and chef notoriety ....for me, the highlight of meal was the ale for $5. Very good, and bread was nice. Some of my party liked enough to eat so that was good. My biggest complaint--- lukewarm salads that should have been served crisp and fresh , were warm and oily, very oily. If a salad that describes itself as crisp apples fresh citrus etc, I expect cold and fresh , not oily and warm. Please know that menu does not detail what is really in the dishes so if you have dislikes, ASK first. The protein dishes were not freshly made; sorry. Salmon was inedible so fishy it was terrible. Sent back. Duck dish, definitely made ahead of time. Nothing as described. Rice not made fresh to order as one would expect from this chef, and for the price.- the dish just looked pale and not appetizing . So very sad. I watched the person that ordered it eat it and it was a shame he did because it seemed clear it wasn't an exciting plate or pleasing, just edible only. This is how we found all the tapas we ordered... not as described. I will not go back . Waiter was very nice but I don't think he described things the way they were delivered. Made them sound fabulous but kitchen couldnt deliver. He still deserved over 20% which we left. Jose needs to visit his restaurants more......this one is not up to par OR we just ordered the worst items......or came the wrong day. So sorry - I hate writing bad reviews especially for a place we had such high hopes for. But in this area, there's too many great restaurants . This is simply not one of them. Again, I'm sorry. But I'm also disappointed. Gas to drive here is $$$$
(2)
Alex V.

I've been here a few times in the past and have always enjoyed the food. This latest visit, however, left something to be desired. The waiter was slow and sangria weak. The worst: the paella is nothing short of garbage. I've never seen paella like this before and all of my guests ate only one bite before setting down their folks. I can understand trying new twists with traditional dishes, but this was truly horrible. We wanted to google images of paella to show them how far they have strayed. Will probably never go back...too bad.
(1)
amy c.

We came to Jaleo with friends. This was our FIRST time at a tapas bar. Amazing! The sangria was great, white and read. The tapas, they were wonderful. We had a huge selection from the menu since we were sharing with friends. One of my favorites and a recommendation if you eat brussel sprouts was the Warm Brussel Sprout Salad. The calmari was also to die for! Would hightly recommend!
(5)
Amy T.

I went to Jaleo a couple of years ago during a business trip. Not only was this my first trip to D.C., but it was my first Tapas experience. And what a wonderful Tapas experience to have. We happened to go on an evening when they had live dancers performing in the restaurant (I'm completely ignorant when it comes to Latin dances and what dance they were performing, but it was AWESOME to watch them swirling and moving gracefully and with such powerful emotion throughout the restaurant and between tables). We had paella and the portion was HUGE and the flavors just exploded in my mouth - yum.... We also enjoyed a mushroom dish and calamari and I don't remember what else, but I just remember how much I enjoyed all of the dishes. I also remember that the service was quite good. I went with two colleagues and none of us were really sure of what to order and the waiter was extremely helpful and accommodating. I am one of those people who loves to eat a variety of foods instead of just one main dish, therefore tapas is perfect. The decor was nice, the wait was a bit long, because it was a last minute decision to eat here, but if I am ever in the area again, I'm pretty sure I'd make a point of going back to Jaleo.
(5)
Frank F.

Mixed experiences. Really enjoyed this place the last time we were there--but the food on prior visits was just OK.
(3)
Sam R.

Hit Jaleo this past Saturday, and I can say I came away impressed. The play by play: I had reservations for 6:30 (yes, dammit I know that's early -- but take note they don't take reservations past 6:30, and I didn't really feel like hanging at the CROWDED bar with my date for 2 hours). Of course, my date is running late ... I talk to the hostess and let her know, she knowingly laughs at me and hands me one of those Christmas light coaster things and says no problem. Good, cause the place is packed. Plus one for good customer service. Date arrives around 7:00, and we promptly get seated. Nice. Suckers waiting in line give us some nasty looks, I laugh at them. Sit down, chit chat and look at the menu. It's, uhh, extensive. Not Tolstoy big, but definitely one of the bigger menus I've ever laid eyes on. We end up ordering six dishes ... I can't remember the names much less spell them, but we had sausage, chorizo, potatoes, bread/ham thingy, pork and duck. All were excellent. We even got an extra order of a different potato cheese dish gratis (waitresses mistake), which actually ended up being one of the best dishes we ate. Plus two for the food and service. Heading into the final leg of dinner, we ask for the dessert menu and recommendations. The waitress at this point is being VERY friendly with my date, leaning in a lot closer then normal, hand on the shoulder, whispering sweet dessert nothings into her ear ... HMMMM. No gents, the night didn't end like a typical letter to Penthouse Forum - sorry to disappoint. But, the chocolate mousse and basque cake was good. Plus three 1/2 for dessert and the additional "waitress service" not offered on the menu. So all in all a very nice place -- never rushed, good service, good food and a nice atmosphere. Oh, and the sangria everyone raves about? Pretty good ... but it gave me flashbacks to college and Boone's Farm that all the ladies used to drink. Too sweet for my taste.
(5)
Kelsey V.

I was at Jaleo last night for "Jaleo Hour" where I discovered the red sangria COMES OUT OF A GUN BEHIND THE BAR! This is totally and utterly unacceptable. If I wanted sangria from a gun, I would just buy a carton of Don Simon. This made me so sad.
(3)
Nina S.

I recall really liking this restaurant the first time I visited about 6-7 years ago, but I thought it was just okay this time. We sampled seven little dishes and only 2 were really good (citrus & beet salad, morel mushrooms w/tomato compote). One was just awful (neither of us could stomach the duck breast risotto) and the rest were average dishes (grilled chicken was boring, garlic shrimp - tasty, but it's so easy to just add butter and do this dish well, grilled artichoke, and Iberian steak, which was really fatty, although the potatoes on the side were great). My favorite was the drink I ordered. I forget the name, but it was a mix of gin, honeydew, cucumber and lemon. I think that for the $ we spent, I'm more inclined to try a new restaurant vs. return here, but I'd be happy to test it again with a larger group who might better know what to order. Maybe we didn't order well, but 2 out of 7 is just okay in my book. Update to the above: the sparkling white-wine sangria almost makes up for the lesser than expected food experience - REALLY good drinks here. 5 stars on the drink options. :)
(3)
Katharine M.

Jaleo is our go-to restaurant in Bethesda. We usually eat at the bar, just cause it's quicker, and the bartenders are fun to hang out with. And the happy hour is a good deal! I love that, for as long as I've been coming here, I can always find something new on the menu I haven't tried. I definitely have my favorites I keep coming back to, like the bacon wrapped dates (my vegetarian friend makes an exception for those dates, oh man they're so good!), the endives with goat cheese and mandarin oranges, the patatas bravas, and the apple, fennel, and manchego salad. And, of course, the sangria. Great place to bring friends who come to visit, in-laws, etc. Sharing tapas is fun, it's social, and the food and service are reliably good.
(5)
Nicolas. L.

I had a bad experience here. The waiter was a total idiot. He knew absolutely nothing about the food and was slow, kept forgeting we existed and when we did ask for something he would have to be reminded three times. The food should have made up for that, but...it was just...ok. Nothing to get excited about. I was disappointed all around.
(1)
Becky F.

Jaleo had me at the pitcher of Sangria. Though not the best I ever had, the price was right. We were seated immediately, the waiter was fantastic and always there to refill the water- and that pitcher of Sangria. The Paella left something to be desired... The Tapas on the other hand, were great. I would go back just for the sangria and tapas and skip out on an actual entree or paellla.
(4)
Morgan W.

Our lunch here was ok. The tapas weren't the best I've ever had, with the chorizo dish being almost inedible. The bacon wrapped dates were a highlight, and the boyfriend really enjoyed his beet salad. Our server was very nice and gave us a lot of great recommendations for other restaurants in the area. This seems like a good place to go for happy hour or maybe to get a couple of tapas before or after a movie, but I am not certain that I would stop in for a lunch or dinner again.
(3)
James R.

had not been here in years and was surprisingly impressed. the average tapas place is like the average sushi joint: uninspired menu, mediocre execution, very high ratio $:ounce of food. so, as with sushi, when you find a place that either offers a great deal, or provides excellent food at the same price, you've got a rare winner. Jaleo falls into this latter category. Going in I was interested in about 20% of the menu. By the end of the meal, I wanted to try everything. Here's what rocked today: - salt cod, oranges, black olives (definitely my favorite dish of the meal) - sausage and white beans - bacon wrapped figs - shrimp in garlic (a classic that they really deliver on) - fennel/apple salad - anchovy/idiazabal salad whole crushed garlic cloves and rosemary in the olive oil was a nice touch, too, although the bread was unexceptional, as was the sangria
(4)
Angelita Lisandra F.

I've been craving Spanish food since returning from Spain. I'd eaten at the downtown Jaleo many times and loved the food, but it had been too long. Watching Jose Andres's videos on YouTube also whetted my appetite. He's a great character and creative fun chef. Before going out to Jaleo, I read Yelp reviews and ordered accordingly: - Gazpacho - Pimientos del piquillo rellenos de queso/Piquillo peppers filled with goat cheese - Setas al ajillo/Organic Tuscarora Farm mushrooms sautÃ©ed with garlic and herbs (I'm vegetarian) My boyfriend got the: - Gambas al ajillo*/The very, very famous tapa of shrimp sautÃ©ed with garlic and guindilla pepper - Lomo de buey*/Grilled skirt steak with piquillo peppers We also ordered the special fingerling potatoes with cilantro sauce (based on reviews that the patatas bravas were now chips and not as good as the old style -- a style our server told us would be changing by the end of Nov.08 again) The potatoes and mushrooms and gazpacho were stand-outs from my perspective. We were both EXTREMELY happy and pleased with our meal and FULL. we didn't have room for dessert, but the boyfriend got an espresso. I sampled and thought it tasted a little over-roasted/burned. But he like it and I think that of lots of really dark espresso roasts. Anyway very fun, Delightful, Yumminess that inspired me for weeks! We both want Jose Andres' cookbooks now! OH, and there was a line. Reservations would help ya. But so would patience and not arriving too hungry. They were precise with their estimate on when a table would be available to us. we waited not a minute longer than the estimate.
(5)
Daniel C.

I've been to Jaleo a few times and while it's always fine, it's just never as good as I think it ought to be based on reputation, prices and sister restaurants. So it's the standard small plate fare that you get at all the Jose Andres restaurants, and it's all tasty enough but there's really nothing outstanding about it. I originally went with high hopes as I'm a big fan of Zaytinya and Oyamel, but this just didn;t do it for me. Recently went to Sol de Espana further out along Rockville Pike where you can get similar fare which is much more delicious. So while there's nothing wrong with the place and the food is tasty enough, there are better places you can go.
(3)
Michael W.

Jaleo looks like the perfect tapas restaurant. It is trendy, has a nice vibe to it, the service is good, it is popular (the owner/chef is a TV star) and the food is not too bad. Nevertheless, to be sincere, I never liked it so much since I always though the place was some sort of poshy and pricy pub with pseudo-fancy food which my wife used to fancy. So, why give it only one star? Well...last week we went to Jaleo in Bethesda to celebrate a friend's new job and my friends and wife made the mistake of ordering the Shrimp Paella. To make a long story short, a few hours after we arrived home, she started feeling sick and had one of the worst food poisonings I have ever seen (three days stuck at home and no eating). Since my wife is nursing our little baby, this was a huge nuisance and made us really worried. Unfortunately we are pretty sure it was Jaleo's food that caused the food poisoning since we don't go out often and, on that week, that was the first and only restaurant we ate in. Because of what happened, we contacted Jaleo by email but got no answer. Therefore I would highly recommend NOT going to Jaleo, specially for its sea food dishes. PS: At the time I wrote this review, Jaleo hadn't contacted us, but one week later they contacted us by email and were very polite in their response. They said that they investigated what happened but did not receive any other complaints on that particular day or did not find out any abnormalities. Nevertheless, they offered us a complimentary dinner which we still didn't use. Because of that I increased their rating to two stars instead of one.
(2)
Jenny L.

Went here for Happy Hour last week for the first time. Decent happy hour specials. Great sangria though. Okay place - not too memorable. Don't know if I'll be back for an actual meal.
(3)
Sunmy B.

I am definitely a fan of Jaleo's. I love their tapas and I think their prices are just right. The drink specials are awesome, so if you can make it to happy hour, then give it a try. Don't forget to grab a pitcher of Sangria to accompany your meal. The staff is friendly and the servers are attentive. It's a great place to gather a group of friends together and enjoy one another's company over great food and drinks.
(4)
Suzanne S.

Jaleo is the best place to go for...sangria...dinner with friends...a first date...just about any occasion. The sangria is the best I've ever tasted (except when I make their recipe a little stronger). They really capitalized on the tapas craze, but the DC location has been around for a long time. The owner, Jose Andres, is a fixture in DC, with 3 Jaleos, Zaytinya, Cafe Atlantico, and Oyamel under his name. Each restaurant is special in its own way, but I think Jaleo is his best as it is true to his culture. Having studied in Spain, this is where I go to get foods you can't find anywhere else like "Pan con tomate y jamon serrano" (procuitto on tomato bread) and Gazpacho, but they also have tapas I never had in Spain like Manzanas y manchego, a wonderfully flavorful apples and cheese salad. I bring my version to about every party I go to and it is always a hit. My favorite dishes besides the ones I've already mentioned: --Ensaladilla Rusa - Potato and Tuna salad (sounds horrible but it's amazing, especially to soak up the sangria) --Camarones al alijo --Arroz con setas --Lamb chops - they come with a rosemary sauce that is to die for --Calamares - this is the standard for calamari --Espinacas --Patatas Bravas Don't forget to start with the bread and olive oil and make room for dessert. The Hazelnut Torte is amazing.
(5)
Coimhin B.

Jaleo is a bit of a mixed bag, but I like it. Some of the dishes are fantastic (like the chicken with pureed parsley), but others leave you feeling a little cheated. For this reason, you can certainly feel ripped off the first time you visit if you make poor choices. The best option is to go with friends who can show you around the menu a bit. Honestly, I tend to frequent Jaleo mostly for their happy hours, when you can get a selection of tapas (as well as Sangria and wine) for half price. This makes it an affordable social snacking venue as otherwise it could certainly burn a sizeable hole in your wallet.
(4)
Anvy N.

Jaleo serves the worst tapas I've ever had in all of my life. Granted, it may be unfair to compare this place to the restaurants I've frequented in SF, NYC, and Houston, but I figured Jaleo would be decent given it's high ratings. It didn't meet my (already low) expectations. The food: Quail with apple, pork, and foie gras stuffing: inadequately described on the menu .. I didn't taste any pork and definitely NO FOIE GRAS in the stuffing .. false advertising much? instead the quail was stuffed with walnuts (?!) and apple .. they didn't mention that there would be nuts in the stuffing .. the stuffing was basically ALL nuts and some apple (and the sweetness was overpowering and did not complement the quail) .. i could not discern nor taste any meat at all in the stuffing .. the breast meat was pink and raw and tasted horrible compared to the parts that were cooked .. when I made this complaint to my waitress, she said "oh it's just really, really tender because of the apples" ... does that make any sense? tender meat shouldn't be mushy and foul-tasting. potatos: the cafeteria at my hospital makes better potato wedges (I'm dead serious) .. they got so wet from the tobasco sauce, and I spit out the aioli in my napkin because it tasted like a big hunkin' heap of fat .. which is a shame because i love aioli chorizo on top of garlic mashed potatos: this was good .. but sadly something we could've made at home pork and foie gras cannelloni: again, lies ... where was the foie gras? this didn't taste bad (like the quail), but wasn't worth it at all. The service: A complete joke. The service was terrible! I don't want to be a snob but I've had better service at hole-in-the-wall joints where the waiters have at least tried everything on the menu and can describe the food well. It was obvious that our waitress had not tried much of the plates that I asked about and could not give even a single recommendation as to what is good or popular. I should've taken that as an early warning sign. I try to keep my reviews objective and try not to insult or disparage anyone, but the hostess was a miserable idiot. In a restaurant with NO OTHER diners, she seated us by the kitchen where we could see everyone working, and we had to get up and remove ourselves and sit by the window .. we had requested a booth (there were at least 3 in the restaurant), and the hostess said that it was reserved .. well guess what?! during our entire meal at Jaleo, no one took that booth! what did we do to deserve such treatment?
(1)
Jeff G.

Jaleo in Bethesda is definitely unlike any tapas bar in Spain, but that's ok because the atmosphere is excellent and the food is top notch. Upon entering the restaurant, you are overwhelmed by the warm tones that permeate the place and the massive murals on the wall. The huge bar at the center of the restaurant gives homage to the roots of the tapa. Be prepared to wait, because there's usually a crowd. I suggest a drink at the bar, though the sangria is ho-hum. Service here is generally attentive, but fairly brusque. The waiters are pretty no-nonsense and are more interested in getting the food out than being friendly (fine by me). The food is wonderful and really keeps with the tapas from Spain (side note, I spent a lot of time in Spain a few years ago and ate at many a tapas bar, so I'm a bit of a tapas snob, but probably for no real reason). You must order the tortilla espanola, pan con tomate, pulpo de gallego, and the patatas bravas. Everything else is up to you, but you should try anything with anchovies and basically any seafood dish that they have. This is a great place to go with a group, but beware your wallet because you will spend a lot here, even if you do not think that the bill will be that high. ******UPDATE******* So, my wife and I went to Jaleo last night, and we were somewhat disappointed. It's possible that they were having an off night, but the overall experience was not very good. We had a reservation at 8:00, but the people at the host stand seemed frantic in trying to find us a table, and the one that we were given was not that great. Our waitress was completely out of her mind and it took her nearly 10 minutes to even take our drink order. We were ready to walk out. The most disappointing part was the food. Gambas al ajillo, a staple tapa were TERRIBLE. There was no garlic flavor and the shrimp was barely warm. Pulp de Gallego, one of my favorite spanish dishes, had way too much paprika and was not hot. Overall, I'm going to have to reduce my rating down a star for last night's experience. Hopefully Jaleo will work to get its act back together, until then I will visit other tapas spots in the city.
(3)
Lou K.

So another reason I love this place. Every summer they feature zucchini blossoms stuffed with goat cheese as a special, I'm telling you this is The. Best. Thing. I have ever eaten. So tonight I say to the manger, I know you have these in the summer, tell me when, and he's like, oh I hate to say but yesterday. I am literally crushed but happily drinking sangria and eating red peppers stuffed with goat cheese and anticipating lamb chops and suddenly here come the manager with the zucchini blossoms. Awesome. Comped which I would have joyfully paid for. I love this place and you should too.
(5)
Tatanisha L.

Wonderful food! Great service! I always enjoy my meal at Jaleo. Whenever I am in Bethesda, I go to Jaleo for tapas. I enjoy introducing my friends to it, as well. The menu has some variations according to the season; however, many of my favorites remain. The quail is delicious, as well as the papas fritas (fried potatoes), spears of asparagus and the delicious flan that melts in your mouth.
(5)
Jesssie M.

I wanted to love this place. My sister and parents went without me (tear) the first time and RAVED! Knowing how picky my dad is about giving a restaurant the thumbs up, I was excited when the four of us returned for a meal. But I was so underwhelmed. The tapas style dining was a nice change of pace. Lots of the dishes sounded very interesting. We started with some drinks...my Bloody Maria was really gross, it was like drinking salsa. Not the tasty Bloody Mary I needed to hide my hangover from my parents. The best items we tried were the Higos Con Paleta IbÃ©rica De Bellota -- figs with prosciutto, and the Pimientos Del Piquillo Rellenos De Queso -- roasted red peppers stuffed with goat cheese. Both were excellent. However, we ordered numerous items that did NOT excite me, including mussels that had 0 flavor and some chopped up potatoes with a mayo-like dipping sauce. Dining here takes planning and strategy, and it stresses me out. Besides the food, the restaurant has a nice layout, decor, and comfortable outdoor area. However the service was not good. We were left stranded without a server for a noticeable amount of time. We had to flag down another waiter to get ours. The combination of many sub-par tapas, a few good ones sprinkled in, and lame service only gets you a 3 star review, especially for the prices.
(3)
Elena P.

Boys- get over the small plate size. The food is worth it. Get: white sangria, pan con tamAte, the lamb (best dish on the menu), cauliflower, spinach, patatas bravas, chicken ajillo, ....so full. The hazelnut dessert is also worth it if you're not dying full after that...which I usually am. Ps-good date spot! Share stuff!
(5)
Elodie T.

I came here thinking that I had plenty of time before going to meet friends in Silver Spring for a play. Maybe I should've informed my waitress that I was on a tight schedule (but really, I thought 1.5-2 hours would be enough for a total of 4 plates to share with a friend), because she'd disappear for the longest time. We ordered 4 plates- 2 came out pretty quickly and were delicious (fried dates wrapped in bacon, sliced apple and fennel salad) and then it was another 30 minutes before we could get her attention to inquire after our missing plates (Arroz Mediterraneo, skirt steak). Then the plates finally arrived 15 minutes later. The food was delicious, but the wait spoiled the meal. Even asking for the check after we received our last two plates (who knew when we'd see her next?), I didn't make the play. We only ordered 4 plates!! Only a 3 for the quality of food. If service had been better this could have easily been 4+/5.
(3)
Christina C.

I know that this place is so great, that technically, they are 5 stars. However, given the service I received recently at the Bethesda location, I can't bring myself to give it a full 5. I guess I became spoiled after eating at the Jaleo in DC. There, the waitress was very attentive and really made no errors. As for Jaleo Bethesda, we were left neglected for a while, no water, no drinks. After finally getting water, it'd be another 15 mins before seeing our waitress. One of out drinks did get messed up, but she noticed it while bringing it, so I take that as more of a bar error. Also, the bar did make an error in coffee - trying to pass a cappuccino as a cafe con leche. Now, for the food. I mean, it IS JALEO! The food is always phenomenal. Superbly well-presented. Delicious. Fresh. Authentic Spanish food. Eat it. Enjoy. Love it. Have a cocktail. Enjoy a dessert (their flan is my personal favorite) with a coffee. You will not regret it.
(4)
Farha K.

I have yet to be disappointed with the Tapas scene in the DC area that's for sure. Each place I go to tops the last one, and I'm not complaining at all! Between the 2 of us we ended up ordering a few different plates, and a couple drinks and every single thing was great. The braized oxtail was to die for! Perfectly spiced and cooked so you could taste the meatiness of the meat and not overpowered by too many spices it was a great start to the meal. Continued on with grilled shrimp and ceviche.. the cauliflower in the ceviche was rather odd since it was raw and added a misplaced crunch to the dish, but the squid and scallops were incredibly fresh and buttery. The staff were incredibly friendly..there was none of that stuffy big time chef vibe going on around..which is refreshing to see in this area. Will definitely be coming back.
(5)
Todde D.

Food was good. But not great. Service and staff were also good.
(3)
Staffan D.

I really enjoy our meals in this restaurant. Plenty of great tapas to chose from, nice and professional staff and a good location. I do wish they could start serving their amazing great white sangria by the glass, and not just by the pitcher.
(4)
Richard Z.

This place has a very nice atmosphere. It was crowded when we went for a Saturday dinner. It's a very clean, very modern place. Most of the menu consists of tapas, so they have a large selection. The food also came out very quickly despite the place being full. Our waiter was very knowledgable and was able to describe the dishes in great detail and gave lots of recommendations. The food itself is good, but not amazing. The patatas bravas and the Iberian ham croquettes (they are pretty cream on the inside) are a must. The grilled quail tasted great, but the portion was very small. We also got the steamed mussels and calamari, both of which were fairly standard. Overall I would say the food is fairly authentic, though a tad saltier. They have a new gin and tonic sorbet on the dessert menu which I couldn't resist ordering. It's a lump of icy gin sorbet with four clumps of what looks like whipped cream, but is actually made of tonic. The texture is pretty unique; it's like very very soft sorbet that's just about to melt, and also pretty bubbly. Taste wise, it's just like a gin and tonic. It comes with pieces of candied lemon peel, which go great with it. Great place to eat if you're feeling Spanish!
(4)
Crissy T.

I found two seats at the bar Saturday night--surprisingly--because the place was packed, and the wait was 90 minutes. The food doesn't disappoint but I agree with others who say the dishes are pricey for the amount of food you get. I wish they'd add hooks under the bar so one can hang their purse.
(3)
Norman G.

Unlike its sister restaurant in the Penn Quarter, this branch tends to be uncrowded at lunch though busy in the evenings, especially on weekends. The menu, with frequent variations, offers an enormous variety of choices. Some are familiar dishes--like garlic shrimp. Others are likely to sound exotic. Almost everything is worth a try. Three dishes for sharing per adult makes an excellent meal. But the plates are small and for larger groups more than a single order of group favorites will be necessary. Dishes arrive as they are ready, so don't expect an orderly presentation. Eat what you get when you get it.
(4)
Eddie K.

Can't beat the combination of the JamÃ³n IbÃ©rico De Bellota Fermin (the best cured ham) placed on top of the Pan De Cristal Con Tomate (toasted bread with tomato). Love the Pasamontes Manchego as well. Been coming here since it opened, but recently they changed their red sangria recipe. I don't like this version. Has to much cinnamon flavor.
(4)
Melissa R.

I've never been to another Jaleo, but after a movie at Bethesda Row, my husband thought it'd be a great place to have a late dinner - 11 pm. We ordered five dishes. Four came out relatively quickly and were quite good. The fifth, a chorizo with garlic potatoes and olive oil, was still missing, and it was just my second plate as my husband pretty much enjoyed the other three himself. We had our waiter and 3 other workers check on us during this period, each asking why we were still sitting there expectantly. We told them, each time, that we were waiting for my final dish. At midnight, our waiter came over and said that they were out of our dish and that the kitchen was now closed. Um, what? If we had 4 people checking on this dish, how did we not find out about this sooner???? We would have ordered another dish before the kitchen closed, no harm done! So, $40 later, I left completely hungry and really dissatisfied. Get on your game, Jaleo. You're failing.
(1)
Karen S.

Very disappointing. I recently went to the D.C. location and had a great time, but my experience in Bethesda was very sub-par. First, the way the tables are set up is not ideal. Though both locations aren't very big, the D.C. one manages to create little nooks so there's a little more privacy. In Bethesda, everyone is very close and it just feels more crowded. I ordered six tapas. I enjoyed the croquetas (though I was sad they didn't come in the shoe like they do in D.C.-- it was a bit of a letdown to see them just on a napkin on a plate) and the patatas bravas. The little sandwiches with tomato and jamon iberico were good, but maybe not not something I'd order again for $15 (they were really small!). I found the rabbit confit very dry, to the point where I didn't finish it. I also had an issue with the seafood stew, which was very salty. I understand that seafood stew is going to have more salt than usual, but after picking out the couple of clams, mussels and shrimp in it, I couldn't get through more than a few spoonfuls of the soup. I told the manager when he came back, but he just said he'd let the chef know and didn't offer to do anything about it. Perhaps if it had come with a little more bread it would have been more tolerable, but it only came with one little toasted piece. I also ordered the cauliflower, which never showed up. I know tapas come out in random order, but more than 15 minutes after our last plates were cleared, I had to ask the waiter where it was. He wasn't even apologetic-- he just said he could ask them to make it right now. It took another 10 minutes for it to arrive, and I found it kind of weird and lackluster. I didn't particularly enjoy the sweet dates and salty olives with the cauliflower. The cauliflower itself was strangely cooked; the outsides were charred but the rest of it was still basically raw. This is just another detail from this lackluster location: My boyfriend also noticed that one of the two stalls in the men's bathroom could not lock, and the one with a lock had a very precariously balanced toilet seat. If I ever go back to Jaleo, it will definitely be to the D.C. location. The staff here don't particularly seem to care and the food is not as good.
(2)
Cita C.

Their tapas are good, but their paella is absolutely terrible. It comes in a huge, very authentic-looking paella dish, but is very one-color and bland. I had the paella here twice, many months apart, and found it to be the same. The rice was undercooked, the whole thing had a single flavor of pork that saturated everything, causing it to look rather brown throughout, and it was generally not seasoned well. But I have no complaints about the tapas, drinks, or the service. Next time I come I'm just going to camp out at the bar and enjoy some tapas. Though it is overall very pricey.
(2)
Chris K.

we used to be big proponents of jose's restaurants, but we've seen a dramatic shift lately. portions are generally much smaller than they were when we began frequenting these places. it's greedy and unsatisfying--a giant middle finger to the diners. the drinks have shrunken too--be it through the use of smaller glasses or additional ice. the last two visits, my wife and i left angry and in search of snacks. jose, you suck. suck.
(1)
Moira N.

Review for paella only. Jaleo has been an all-time favorite restaurant. I love the tapas, flautas and sangria but when we start talking about paella, that would be a different story. I am on a mission to find the best paella in DC and from what I've read, Jaleo would have good paella ... NOT! I thought of letting it pass the first time. We had paella in the downtown location and it was extremely salty that you can't even fathom to eat it unless you are want to have some kidney disease. The next time was in the Bethesda location and I ordered the shrimp and calamari. It was salty (at least less salty that the downtown one) and bitter ... my guess is that the bitterness came from overcooked and burned sauteeing of the shrimp head (you get a lot of good flavor if done right but not with the paella that was served to me) ... so lesson learned ... NEVER, NEVER order paella again! Stick to tapas and other dishes on the menu.
(1)
Margaret N.

Food a bit overpriced, so I definitely recommend you come here only for happy hour! Happy hour is only at the bar area and there aren't many spaces, so I recommend you come early! Their sangria is amazing and pretty strong! Would recommend getting a pitcher! Great selection of tapas too! Definitely going back for happy hour sometime soon!
(4)
U.S. A.

YUM YUM YUM. I've always had good service and delicious food. The sausage dishes are great, cod balls are way good, shrimp is tasteeee. You really can't go wrong, I like the redesign of it.
(5)
Wesley Y.

I came in at 4:45 PM and was just in time for happy hour. Had 4 tapas for $4/each Wasn't in a drinking mood and had to drive so no Sangrias for me. Cured Ham,sausages, chicken fritters, calamari. Everything we had was good, its small portions and easy to share. I posted a picture to show what I had! I wasn't stuffed after splitting these with a friend, but I also didn't break the bank getting a little taste of a few different dishes. P.S Happy Hour is an awesome deal! I think they have Saturday happy hour from 10-close or something as well as 4:30-7. Happy hour makes everything here worth it, not sure about coming in during regular hours.
(4)
Andalisa L.

In my opinion Jaleo is reserved for special occasions as it can be pricier, but the food is great and I've had positive experiences overall! I first went to Jaleo (in DC) for restaurant week and my table left with happy, yet extremely full, tummies. I recently visited Jaleo in Bethesda with my mother and we ordered about 5 plates to share which came to about $55 with some sangria. I insisted we get the bacon wrapped dates as they are my favorite!! We also compared two tortillas (Spanish omelet) one with sausage and one without. The one with sausage won hands down. The staff are attentive and friendly and the decor is fun and unique. When I went to Jaleo for restaurant week I was with a group of 4 and we sat at the foosball table which was a lot of fun-just be careful you don't poke the person sitting across from you... It can get a bit nosy cause there are so many people around and the tables are close to each other. Also, any chance you have please order something with manchego. Because, manchego cheese is the best.
(4)
M L.

We have been going to Jaleos in Bethesda for years. Went today for a late lunch and noticed the serving. size on every tapas dish we had ordered had become significantly smaller than before. and the flan wad so tiny my son ate it in two spoonfuls. Felt kind of cheated.
(3)
Amanda W.

I enjoyed our visit here overall. I was not as impressed with our red sangria as I see many people are but most of the food made up for it. I do recommend avoiding the ham fritters, as the texture was simply unappealing, unlike any I've had before. The Salmon plate was killer and the hangar steak and stuffed mushrooms were also great. Where Jaleo really lost points with me was service. We were at dinner with business colleagues and not everyone was familiar with the style of food. Our waiter made no attempt to explain the plates or make recommendations other than the $60+ per person . (No thanks, we will navigate the menu on our own.) The final kicker was when we were still drinking and chatting, no one was waiting for a table, our check was brought by our waiter and my water taken from directly in my hands by the bus staff. We never received another offer of drinks or coffee. The place was nearly empty, but if they needed our table someone could have kindly recommended we move to the bar to chit chat. I felt rushed and unwelcome.
(3)
Maddie B.

I ate here with my mom on a weekend afternoon and it was full but not too crowded, we did not need a reservation at that time. The service was relatively good as the server seemed to have too many tables for one person in my opinion, but he was attentive. We got five different tapas to share. The quality of the tapas varied a lot, two were fantastic, one was alright, and the other two didn't seem worth the price. (I say not worth the price because of the lack of flavor, not the size, they are tapas of course!) The two that were not as good were also served cold and they were pretty much frozen on the inside. I'm not sure whether I would go back for the food as I feel that there are plenty of other restaurants in the area that offer better food for the price.
(3)
Beth F.

This was a bizzarre experience. My takeaway was that I had just eaten a meal's worth of oily salt bread. My boyfriend, who is lactose intolerant, asked if there was dairy in the chicken fritters and the server, who actually went back into the kitchen (presumably to ask the chef and not just to adjust his outfit) to ask, assured us that it was dairy free. Later, BF bites into a croquette oozing with bechamel sauce. um... Server cannot be found. Neither can he be seen to order a second round of drinks (we were there at happy hour and wanted to get our money's worth). Finally, he gets a manager to come over and apologize. Manager says he will return to order my BF something different. Here's where more oddness occurs: the manager vanished for the remainder of our meal, never to be seen again! We had to flag down an (adorable and pleasant) busboy to get more food for my BF and the aforementioned drinks. The busboy basically became our de facto server for the rest of the meal, and even made our drinks, for which we thanked him profusely. I really hope they pool tips. The server was weird in other ways too. Like he was very very eager for us to order in the beginning, ignoring conversational cues that made it obvious we were in the middle of greeting each other and had only been given the menu a minute earlier. Let us take off our coats, guy. I guess the overall impression is: no sense of timing or appropriateness. After the dairy mistake, the server should have been all over us with attentiveness, at LEAST until Justin had gotten some food he could actually ingest comfortabley. We had to literally walk up to the bar and ask for our check from him when it was time to leave. Quelle dommage. The food itself: it was happy hour fare, so mainly small oily pieces of flatbread with cheeses or cold toppings. We stopped at Safeway on the way home. Seriously, I love busboys, though.
(2)
Mala H.

Very tasty food and yummy strong drinks. The lamb medium rare was delicious. The squid with ink was out of this world.
(4)
Helen S.

I don't think I'd ever make it here for a meal when their happy hour menu is so brilliant. My friend and I split the calamari, chicken fritters, bacon wrapped dates, and gambas al ajillo (shrimp and garlic), plus I got a sangria. All were tasty and only $4 each, which is how tapas should all be priced considering the portion sizes. Despite the small portions, the meal was super filling and I would definitely come back again for a treat after work.
(4)
Kathleen P.

If you order the apple salad- be aware not a lot of walnut in the salad despite description. Only one found.,Service is slow at times.? Be prepared to remind waiter. Good food- minus that.
(4)
Zach W.

Had a reservation at 8:30, had to wait an hour to be seated. We made this reservation over a month ago for a large group for a birthday party. We were very disappointed. However, the did offer us sangria on the house. Still, I don't know if I would return. If you can't take a big party, don't do it!
(2)
Jessica P.

After the manager contacted me and apologized for the service, I decided to go back to Jaleo. This time, the service and food were excellent, which I had been used to in the past. We were seated right away in a corner of the restaurant, which was perfect for being able to talk to each other. We were a group of 6, and enjoyed some pitchers of sangria and a wide variety of tapas. My favorite was the manzanas con manchego, and my fiance enjoyed the rabbit. Everything had beautiful presentation and our waitress was attentive throughout. We also ordered a delicious dessert- chocolate mousse with caramel and praline ice cream. At the end of the evening, we were all very satisfied with both the service and the delicious tapas. We will definitely be returning again!
(5)
Georgio S.

Sangria 5 stars, Tapas 1 star. Ordered over 10 plates and only a few stood out. Get the Endives, Lamb chops, skirt steak. Skip the Brussels sprouts with the heavy cumin nasty flavor, skip the chorizo that I spit into my napkin cus it was so bad, skip the over cooked rubbery Shrimp, Skip the dry rabbit that sits in a horrible tasting sauce, Skipped the dessert cus too many other things sucked. $184 wasted dollars... Thanks Jose Andres you rock!
(2)
Pallabi G.

I rarely come here for their actual menu food apart from one restaurant week before I became a Yelper. Dates wrapped in bacon, don't question, just do it. It's worth it. Chicken croquettes, a surprise! Warm and gooey instead of a solid piece of chicken like I was expecting. Calamari, a generous helping for 4 dollars. Sangria, nothing to write home about especially when you realize that the fruit has not been soaking in the wine for hours but rather for the 5 seconds before you get it. Even though I didn't get it recently, I do remember the gazpacho there being particularly delicious.
(4)
Jessica H.

My boyfriend and I came here on Saturday for his birthday. When we arrived we were 10 min late to our reservation but I had already called to let them know. They said it was fine so we didn't expect to wait when we arrive (because we had a show to go to afterwards, we were on a time crunch) . We did have to wait a bit when we got there. Due to the miscommunication, my boyfriend and the manager got off to a rough start. It was also very crowded so service was actually quite slow. I've use to work in the food industry and what I did appriciate was when we sat down we were greeted by a server that wasn't ours and she apoligized for us having a rough start and offer to get us started with drinks. Randy (the manager) also stopped by our table a few times to check on us and make sure that the rough start did not ruin our dinner. I really appriciated this because it was my boyfriend birthday and I just really wanted him to enjoy that night. Overall it was a great experience. The ambiance was great and the food was excellent. Jaleo is by far the best Spanish food I've had in DC.
(5)
Yaofu Z.

The company had a gathering at this place and everything was ordered already. The menu are definitely very interesting and I got to try many different items. Most of items were reasonably tasty, but I do not think anything stands out. The decor was decent and so is the service we got.
(4)
Khine H.

Jaleo was amazing, yes it's a little pricey but we are in Bethesda/DC area, so what did you expect? The food was delicious and the atmosphere was nice. The waiter knew the menu well and had a lot of good advice to offer. A good place to go if you like Tapas. The shrimp is delicious--you can't waste any of the sauce--must dip every last ounce of it with the bread.
(4)
Dan M.

I've only been for happy hour because the deals are great. From 4:30-7 every day but Saturday (when the specials last from 10:00-midnight, you get tapas for just $4, and the portions are much larger than I expected. For that price, you can come with some friends and try just about every option on the menu. The gambas al ajillo (some kind of garlic shrimp) was my personal fave. Plus, glasses of sangria and a few other options were also $4. I haven't found any truly great sangria in DC, but this is one of the better ones, and after a few glasses, I was starting to feel it, something I can't say about the sangria at other places around, like La Tasca. The decor is nice, too - you could definitely come here with a date or after work and fit right in.
(4)
E W.

I had attended a company event here and we were given tapas that were "fine"... nothing special. My wife and I went for their Monday "all you can eat Paella" special. What we found out was the the paella we could have was limited to either their chicken and mushrooms or their all-veggie versions... no seafood. We were a bit shocked. The waiter didn't even try to make an excuse or offer an apology... it was simply, "that's the way it is". We departed and ate elsewhere.
(2)
Denise K.

Service was good and fast. The inside decor was great. Sangria pitcher was a great choice. The shrimp tasted fishy to me. The cheese plate wasn't all that impressive. The rabbit didn't taste good but maybe I just don't like rabbit. The spinach was with raisins and pine nuts and on the sweet side. The baby salty potatoes were REALLY salty. Even the fennel and apple salad with large chunks of cheese wasn't that good. The steak tartar was the only tasty think on the menu but a bit raw for my taste. Even the bread wasn't good. Ouch. Retracted a star for being so incredibly overpriced. I went with 3 people and we each paid $50, without going over the top
(1)
Deydre M.

Well lets just say check the menu before going. I stopped by with my Best Friend and the interior is nice but food is not what you expect. Friendly server. Overpriced.
(3)
Lexy M.

I love this place. I would call myself a regular. The bartenders are fantastic!!! Professional, knowledgable, and friendly. I will say, from what I see, the staff runs this place. The staff knows more about the food and drinks than the management (which is crazy!). Ive never seen the management be particular active or helpful when the staff needs it. (One of my biggest pet peeves!) If you sit at the bar and are taken care of by Phil, Nelson, Edgar, or Jaime you are guaranteed a great experience!!!
(5)
Elliott B.

While I digest my food let me reminisce on my meal. It was good, not great. Certainly not bad. Service wasn't good certainly as we asked for bread four separate times and had lengthy waits for our food even though the place was nearly empty. But onto the important thing, the food. With a party of 6, we ordered a considerable amount of meals. My choices were the scallops, the smoked sheep cheese, and the smoked salmon dish. All of the food was alright, nothing too impressive. The scallops were a bit fishy tasting so I'm not exactly sure how fresh they were, the cheese portion they gave for twelve dollars was laughable. 1 the cheese wasn't that good, and 2 I can go to a fine restaurant and get a whole cheese board with a much better selection and much more cheese for 20 dollars. Two pieces of cheese is just ridiculous for twelve dollars, and again it was not that great. The smoked salmon dish was the definition of average which was disappointing. Was this place as bad as my review makes it sound? No. Would I go back? Probably not. Was it worth the $$$? I don't think so. If you want a safe place for tapas, I would go here. But if you're wanting a good experience with good food, look somewhere else.
(3)
Chanel H.

I hate starting this review with "well I lived in Spain for awhile" but I'm going to be a douche and go ahead and do so. I lived in Spain for awhile :) and Jaleo pulls through as a pretty solid place to take me back and enjoy the wonderful pleasures of Spanish food. Good thing my cousin was there to keep me in check, because I wanted a pitcher for the two of us. She ordered a carafe and that was plenty for the two of us, because the sangria is nice and strong, not too sweet. The perfect drink on a hot summer day. The bacon wrapped dates are deep fried, which was not how it was in Spain but I'll take it. These were amazing! There was a perfect balance of slightly sweet, salt, fat, and crunch that make these addictive. My favorite dish was the chorizo casero con pur de patatas al aceite de oliva: homemade chorizo with olive oil potato puree and cider sauce. In Spain I fell in love with chorizo cooked in cider, and here I could eat these every dayyyy...the chorizo was perfect, very very juicy, not too salty, just right. The potato puree and cider sauce are a great match, and seems to update and modernize the traditional dish I love so much. Our meal wasn't perfect though. I was disappointed to say the gambas al ajillo was just salty and didn't have a lot of flavor. Also, I was craving a traditional Spanish tortilla and this was so disappointing--it was all egg with bits of potato and almost no onion. I wanted thick potatoey goodness that is barely held together by eggs. But we eat on, and these two dishes aren't enough to deter me from the rest of the menu. Writing this review is making me so hungry. I can't wait to go back!
(4)
Jay B.

4.5 stars. Tapas are fun and delicious! (But they can end up being an expensive meal.) Jaleo has a chef's tasting menu if you are unfamiliar with the food--and it will be a lot of food even for the cheapest option. We asked for no mushrooms and they easily accommodated our request. We didn't have a reservation and had to wait in the bar for a while before we got a table, and we had to close out our tab there instead of letting it roll into our dining bill, which was a bit annoying but seems to be practiced by other restaurants in the area. I went another time with a large group, and they accommodated us quite well with good service and delicious food.
(4)
S B.

The portions are just the right amount! It's nice to try a variety of dishes as opposed to ordering one item. Everything we ordered was delicious!
(5)
Kyle G.

STRONG 4 stars. With 300 other reviews, what can I tell you? I'll just shoot a list down here: 1) Happy Hour 2) Sangria 3) That awesome cocktail with smoke and fennel as ingredients 4) BACON WRAPPED DATES (stressed for importance, they are the perfect food) 5) Great service with generally good yet plastic feeling ambiance If you're from out of town, it's not going to change your life. If you're around town, pop in and have a drink, a bite and share a smile.
(4)
Bill N.

Had lunch with my beautiful friend for her Birthday. We loved it and liked the service. The food and its presentation were superlative.
(5)
Scott L.

TOTAL FAN! First, the Cosmo, perfect! The waiter was excellent! he went over the menu with us and then began the parade of DELICIOUS! Chicken Croquette's YUM smooth and silky. the cheese plate was exceptional! I wasn't a huge fan of the calamari it wasn't as crispy as i like. The whole evening was great, the food kept coming! Great place with friends or a date!
(4)
Carl S.

Food was alright, and the service was decent. A little overpriced but the ambience makes it worth it.
(4)
Michelle W.

Went there for HH and ordered some drinks and appetizers. The food didn't quite blow me away. It was well executed, but didn't have much of the "wow" factor.
(3)
Mary S.

I absolutely love this restaurant. It has such a great ambiance and the food is excellent. It also has reasonable prices. You really can't go wrong with any choice. Occasionally you will get a waiter that isn't super friendly, but I tend to overlook that because I love their food too much! The sangria is amazing also!
(4)
Rebecca Z.

I haven't found anything on the menu that I don't like!
(5)
Chase R.

Used a groupon. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. With so many other options in the area I don't think I will be back.
(3)
K G.

I had very good experience at this location. The food was tasty and served hot. The staff were all friendly and polite. The manager was visible most of the time. The furniture and decoration was colorful and comfortable. The dessert was excellent and it was generous amount of dessert for two people to share. The only reason I gave 4 stars is the Cheese menu. They provide excellent selections and the server was knowledgeable about them, but they were a little price for the amount they were serving. We got just 3 small pieces of cheese (As small as tomb) for more than $12.00. I understand that they are high quality cheese that you might not be able to find in any store, but still was not worth the dollar value.
(4)
Sarah M.

My roommate knew that I have been itching to go to Jaleo for a while and so she made a reservation and said LETS GO! We spent an hour or so roaming around Bethesda, popping in and out of the unique fashion and beauty shops. After a pre-dinner glass of wine across the street at Mussel Bar, it was off to Jaleo! We were warmly greeted by the friendly hosts and by the vibrant colors and design of the restaurant. Undoubtedly on a Saturday night at 7PM in the spring it was busy, but we felt more excitement to be around all that joy then concerned about the noise level. Our evening at Jaleo started as it should, with a glass of the Red Wine Sangria with Brandy and Lemon Juice (a Jaleo classic). It comes filled to the rim with a fresh orange slice and some quartered strawberries. As for tapas, the two of us shared an order of five small plates. Our queso selection was the Rey Silo Rojo; an intensely flavored cow's milk cheese with pimentÃ³n, paired with almonds and bitter orange jam. Our frituras was the Patatas Bravas: a Jaleo favorite of white potatoes fried with smoked paprika and served warm with tomato sauce and aioli. Our verduras was Trigueros con Romesco; grilled asparagus with Romesco sauce. As for proteins, we ordered the Gambas Al Ajillo; the famous tapa of shrimp sautÃ©ed with garlic, and the Pollo Al Ajillo Con Salsa Verde; grilled marinated chicken served with parsley purÃ©e and garlic sauce. Everything was delicious and for tapas style, which usually comes out at unexpected times, the delivery of plates was timed very well. All I can say is that tapas inspired by and under the direction of JosÃ© AndrÃ©s cannot be beat. For dessert we shared the Helado De Aceite De Oliva Con Pomelo; olive oil ice cream with grapefruit and each ordered a cup of CafÃ©. It was the perfect sweet ending to a wonderful meal. We both noticed that at the end of the meal we felt satisfied but didn't have an ugh, "stuffed" feeling. We enjoyed everything from the exceptionally attentive staff to the interesting and delicious small dishes, right in the center of the bustling and beautiful Bethesda. The meal is worth the price and I could definitely see myself going back sometime.
(5)
Karen G.

I was pretty disappointed with Jaleo for several reasons: 1.) The service was pretty bad. It was really slow and unfriendly. We ordered a few tapas to start and I actually wanted to order more food but the service was so slow that we just decided to leave. 2.) The atmosphere was just ok - it looked pretty beat up. The menus and furniture were in rough shape and the bathroom was a little dingy. I expect more from a restaurant that charges medium-high prices for food and drink. 3.) I didn't think the food was that great. Everything we ordered was really greasy. 4.) the prices were pretty high given all of the things described above. I don't think I'll be back to Jaleo. There are a lot of other restaurants to experience in the area.
(2)
Stephanie W.

The quality of the food here is inconsistent. It can be really good (like the apple manchego salad!!!!!!) or only ok. I get nervous when trying new things here because I don't know what to expect in the way of quality. Also, I don't particularly care for the decor here - it feels a bit like a bathroom with all of the hard surfaces.
(3)
Jennifer M.

I was excited to try Jaleo while visiting a friend. I haven't had tapas in forever and thought this would hit the spot. It mostly missed the mark. First of all, the front of the restaurant was dominated by two large tables of teenagers and one overbearing mother ( I think it was a sweet 16). The manger and staff were clearly enamored with/distracted by this. We ordered a number of items and most were "okay." The potatos bravas were above average though. The artichoke with anchovies and olive tapenade was below average and we barely ate it-I couldn't taste any hint of anchovy. Our meats were forgotten about and brought out very late. We received the bill and were charged the wrong price for said meat. I would give it another chance because my friend swears its normally great but this time was definitely not.
(2)
Eunice K.

nothing stuck out i'd rather go to la tasca (they have better choices and better food imo) the one good thing here was the choco mousse
(1)
Asina G.

Jaleo is one of my favorite restaurants from when I lived in the DC area (the location in DC and the one in Bethesda). I went to the one in Bethesda on my last visit there. The happy hour has some pretty awesome deals -- $4 for a glass of sangria, and good prices on certain tapas. I love love love the garlic shrimp! I could eat several of these by myself. And I love dipping my bread into the leftover garlic concoction. Delish! Also good are the chicken in green sauce, quail, lamb...I could go on and on. I see that they have opened a Jaleo in Vegas! I'll have to make a visit the next time I'm in Vegas!
(4)
Christopher W.

The service was very helpful and the food here seemed very well made. The drinks was really delicious, and since this place mainly served tapas, it was no surprise the portions were very small. Be prepared to order a lot if you are in a party that is hungry. This place is ideal for light meals and good drinks.
(4)
Tal S.

Too pricey!!! We ordered 8 tapas, payed 60$ and stayed hungry! Nothing was especially tasty, some was even gross... don't waste your money.
(2)
lizzie b.

A bit overrated, I'd say. The food is not that inspired, as Jennifer N. put it. I would agree with her rating that Boston has better tapas, which is NOT saying much. Overall, I didn't find the food to be that fresh. The bread, for example, seemed a day old. Our waitress was smug and unaccomodating. Started out with the shrimp -- way too buttery, and I actually got kinda sick later that evening from it. Tried the beet salad, which has been one of my stand-bys. For the price, you'd think they would sub out the goat cheese for me with another cheese. Nope. It's like stringy greens with a few beets -- hard to digest. Tried the oily oily eggplant and red pepper appetizer. Drowning in gooey oil. No flavor or texture. Decided to cancel the mussels because I had had my share of blah food. Would never go back. Loved the company, though :)
(1)
Anita C.

First impression of Jaleo: This place needs a waiting area. While the restaurant looks spacious from the outside, it is actually pretty cramped inside. I walked in to put my name in for a party of 2 at around 6:20, and the restaurant was packed. It was cold outside, so I looked for a place at the bar to sit. Packed. There are no seats to sit in by the door, nor is there comfortable space to even stand to wait for your seat. I enjoyed the loud, vibrant atmosphere inside. As for the food, my friend and I tried: 1) Chorizo Palacios ($8): Thin slices of salty sausage with a few small breadsticks over top. This was just OK. I personally thought the sausage was too salty and difficult to pick up. 2) Patatas Bravas ($7): Roasted potatoes with cheese and a spicy tomato sauce. This dish reminded me of something I could easily make at home - there were no inspiring flavors or anything. 3) Lomo de buey ($12): A grilled skirt steak in a red sauce. This was my favorite dish of the evening, mostly because I'm a big fan of steak. It was cooked to a nice medium rare, but the meat was difficult to chew. 4) Fried dates wrapped in bacon ($8.50): The dates were very sweet, which contrasted well with salty bacon. However, I thought the dates were still a little too sweet, so I paired them with the salty chorizo sausages. The end result was actually great - salty and sweet! The highlight of my meal was actually my drink: the drink is not online, but they serve it here at the Bethesda location. It's brandy mixed with lemon and a fruity alcohol, and it's absolutely delicious! I was very pleased with it. It was $10. I ended up paying $36 including tax and tip, so the total bill was $72 for two people. It was too much for the small amounts of food I consumed and mediocre quality of food. All in all, the food was okay, but nothing to write home about.
(3)
Betsy S.

Great Spanish food in downtown Bethesda. Lively atmosphere as well.
(4)
Matt S.

The food was pretty good. The waiter was friendly and helpful at first but became somewhat short shortly thereafter. He didn't offer to even refill my water or ask if I wanted another cocktail. He didn't seem concerned about answering questions once the food was delivered. They say they have a full bar however they were unable to make a Singapore Sling... I was somewhat disappointed. When I asked for the check he suddenly got in a great mood... of course. We were treated more as a burden than welcomed guests. 2 stars for good food only. I won't be back to Jaleo.
(2)
J B.

Great spot, great cocktails, great food!
(5)
Colin H.

Had dinner here last night with another couple to celebrate a recent milestone, and overall the evening was nice. I was the first to arrive and thought it would be good to start off our meal with a carafe of white-sangria. The white-sangria is sweeter, and smoother compared to the red-sangria imo. Overall a nice drink. Variety is what tapas is about right? We ordered multiple items off their menu. I do not remember the Spanish names from the menu, but will do my best to capture the closest English translation. We ordered the grilled-skirt steak(Good savory dish!), the "very, very famous" shrimp small-plate (shrimp cooked in LOTS of oil and garlic), the seared scallops (only 2!? But tasty!) w/pine-nuts, the bacon-wrapped dates (Very Addictive!), the beet and goat cheese salad(Love it!), and lastly the shrimp and calamari paella (I DO NOT RECOMMEND...OVER-PRICED, and NOT VERY GOOD). Our server was pleasant, and even though she seemed stressed she maintained her composure and did things with a smile. That usually wins me over, and I'll be ok with my dining experience, even though I could nit-pick some moments but not worth being like that. The food imo is ok. I know chef Jose Andres is renowned, and famous in the culinary world, but Jaleo's options are above-average at best. I think after this experience I can confidently say Jaleo is over-priced for their offerings. The paella was the most disappointing item of the meal, if you're charging patrons over $40 and requesting we order this 30-minutes ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld, then it better be delicious! When it came out, the presentation was lacking, there were only 4-shrimp, and the calamari was chopped into tiny-bits that added to the disappointment. The rice was more grainy then I like, and there were no vegetables. It looked like something I could make at home for far less money. DO NOT ORDER THE SHRIMP & CALAMARI PAELLA! IT IS NOT GOOD! If I have to have dinner in Bethesda again, I'll be sure to check out other options and go to Jaleo as a last resort.
(2)
Jonathan P.

Came here for drinks and a couple tapas. We got the bacon-wrapped dates, which were great, and the potatoes with mojo verde, which were wonderfully salty/savory. Obviously this is a very small amount of the menu, but 2-for-2 is pretty good. The drink selection was not quite what we were hoping for, especially in the beer department. The DC location has at least a few local and craft beers available, but in Bethesda, not so much. After the first drink, we just really weren't interested in more. Service was good, a bit confused at times, with up to 3 different bartenders asking us if someone else had taken our order already.
(3)
Scarlette T.

some of their tapas are pretty good. honestly the bussers/runners are far more attentive than the servers, but the manager made up for it. greeting was a little sour but we wound up sitting where we wanted (the place was EMPTY). will come back only for happy hour.
(2)
Shachi B.

Went to Jaleo for Restaurant Week and was not disappointed! On the whole, it helped that we went on a Monday so service was a little more attentive. The 5 courses for 35 sounds like it won't fill you up, but looks can be deceiving. We were kindly rolled out of the restaurant after filling our tummies with a variety of tapas. Dish recommendations: potato omlette, beet salad, calamari (my friend said it rocked). I give this place a gold star for participating in Restaurant week - I would have never found it otherwise and now, I'll be a regular!
(3)
Bettina R.

I recently visited Jaleo to partake in their Restaurant Week menu. Although going to Bethesda isn't exactly convenient for me, my original plan to visit another restaurant was spoiled due to their being closed on Saturday, and my friend (who lives in Bethesda) suggested Jaleo. Though the Restaurant Week menu wasn't available online, I'd been to another Jose Andres restaurant in DC (Oyamel) which I enjoyed, so I agreed to meet here. I'm so glad I did. Despite criticisms I'd heard about the portion sizes on Restaurant Week menus being on the small side, I didn't find that to be the case at all. Not only did the RW menuc consist of four courses, but they were also all generously portioned. To start, I had a fantastic mushroom soup with IdiazÃ¡bal cheese and a poached egg. The creamy, slow-cooked egg complemented the earthy mushrooms, and the nutty cheese topped it all off perfectly. I'd read great things about the jambas al ajillo (shrimp sauteed in garlic), so I chose that for my second course, and though I enjoyed them, nothing in particular wowed me. I wanted more garlicky flavor! (My friend's chicken croquettes looked and smelled scrumptious, though I didn't sample them.) I followed the shrimp with the salmon and vegetables, which I also thoroughly enjoyed. The salmon wasn't overdone (I'm sort of finicky about that), and vegetables were seasoned and cooked well. For dessert, I had the chocolate mousse, which was served with hazelnut ice cream and crushed hazelnuts. I love love loved this dish. My friend's flan also looked outstanding. Disclaimer: I'm pleased with my experience of the menu at Restaurant Week prices. I guess the jury's still out on whether I'd be willing to shell out more for what I got. Probably not. That being said, though, I'd try Jaleo soon for happy hour to sample more tasty bites. I don't know how the other locations measure up to this one, but I enjoyed that the Bethesda location was light, airy, and spacious. Naturally, I'll report back here with a follow-up, but suffice it to say that I was pleased enough with my initial impression of Jaleo to want to return.
(4)
Karen L.

Dropped by here for happy hour while my sisters and I were visiting Bethesda. We ordered the Sangria which was delicious. We were served bread with oil, garlic, and fresh rosemary. This was nice because we were starving, We also ordered Pan con tomate y queso Manchego, Ensalada Rusa, and Gambas al ajillo. Our fave was the Pan con tomate y queso Manchego that we ordered them twice! Our server was sooo friendly and was very attentive. Atmosphere was relaxed, chill, yet vibrant.
(4)
Jodi G.

Hands down, the best meal I've had in Bethesda! I love tapas, & these were not a let down! We started out w/fresh bread and garlic olive oil. I had the traditional sangria and my friend had a mojito. Their sangria was great! The only thing I'd suggest is adding more types of fruit instead of just apples. The mojito was tasty, very limy. For dinner, my friend and I both had the prixe-fix menu (Restaurant week). This gave us a choice of 5 tapas each for $35 each. While our choices were limited to what was on this menu, it was spectacular nonetheless. We shared a total of 10 tapas ranging from endive salad to scallops. We also had a beet citrus salad, asparagus, shrimp, sausage, pork loin, a chocolate tort, and vanilla ice cream!!! Our waiter was great, which can be a rarety. I wish I remembered his name. Ooops! The restaurant itself is nicely located with a great atmosphere in or outside. We sat outside, which was nice since the weather was great.
(5)
Tracy L.

Saturday, June 5, 2011 - I finally finished trying all the DC restaurants owned by Jose Andres. What did I remember the most about my final stop, Bethesda-based Jaleo? Packed as heck around 7 pm on the Saturday when I was here. Reservations completely necessary. In fact, I recommend going later to avoid big crowd, and that's exactly what we did. When we came back a couple of hours later for late night dinner, the business had winded down. We ordered 4 plates of tapas and they came swiftly. Say hello: -Rabbit confit with apricot puree (Interesting mix of game and sweetness) -Fried pasta with shrimp (Nice seafood-flavored treat) -Grilled hanger steak with red peppers (We ordered it "medium," and the meat was nice and tender) -Traditional Sangria (It came with fresh-looking fruit. I hate Sangria with "weary" fruit in it.) Say bye bye: -Wild mushroom rice with cheese (very, very oily) Overall I felt rather neutral about Jaleo. I can't say it's great but it's not too bad. I wouldn't mind trying the paella and other small bites next time. Btw, all the little plates add up in no time. Watch your wallet.
(3)
Michael K.

Not really worth it... My wife and I noticed that the prices have gone way up! A few years back, the majority of their tapas averaged 5 to 9 dollars. Now it seems that many of their dishes range 12 to 14 dollars each. You'll want to try several dishes so the bill can add up easily... My wife and I tried their scallops, mini churizos wrapped in crispy potato, marinated steak, and crab meat dish. Their marinated steak was really good, but the other dishes didn't really wow me.. I should be "wowed" at these prices...
(1)
Laura M.

I absolutely love Jaleo. I love it any time of day - lunch, "jaleo" hour, or dinner. BUT in my opinion, you do need to know what to order here. Not all tapas are created equal - some are excellent, others are good, still others are downright boring. I am never disappointed at Jaleo, but I've also been going here for years and rarely order something I haven't ordered before. My personal favorites include the ensalada de remolacha, cebolla asada, trigueros con romesco, espinacas a la catalana, buÃ±uelos de bacalao, mejillones al vapor. Check out their specials, which are often unusual and fabulous. As others have said, it can be pricey - especially if you order lots of meat, and not a lot of beans, veggies, and potatoes.
(4)
Rachel C.

Went there with the boyfriend for a celebration dinner, and I was really impressed! I can't remember the name of the first dish we got--but it was toasted bread with tomato puree and thin Spanish ham folded on top of it. Delicious! We split a shrimp paella with little bits of cuddlefish mixed into the rice. It tasted both gourmet (for me) and heart-warming, like a nice stew your grandmother might make. A tiny bit too salty, but that only hit towards the end. The flavors were lovely. Had a glass of their red sangria (yum) and a chocolate mousse atop a layer of rum-soaked cake with salted caramel and toasted hazelnuts...pure heaven. I'm not terribly familiar with Spanish cuisine, so for a newcomer, this was a great experience! I'll be back.
(4)
Alan W.

in the old days, you began the meal at Jaleo with complimentary olives, bread, and a little olive oil. These days no olives and no bread, unless you ask for it. Most of the tapas require bread to mop up the often delicious sauces, but the management seems to believe that if it doesn't provide bread you will order more tapas. These days the food is consistent: Many tapas are delicious but some (e.g., the ostras a la gallega) seem lackluster. Wine by the class is overpriced ($10 per glass from a bottle that retails for $11.99)--but what else is new? Servers are solicitous but overworked. The decor is trendy but overdone. You can spend a pleasant two hours at El Jaleo, but expect at best an OK dining experience.
(3)
Paul B.

Spent $45 and ended up going to Five Guys. Unless you are foodie save your money. I felt hungry afterwards and ended up at Five Guys
(2)
Janet H.

If you have a large party I would not recommend coming here. Generally, I think tapas aren't the most fulfilling meal anyone could get. You pay a lot for a little bit of food. Granted, you are paying for the dining experience, however, if you are left paying a lot and walking out still hungry... its not the type of experience any person wants. We had a larger party of about 18 people. I'm not sure what Jaleo consider as a large party but they have a seperate menu for them. This menu provides 3 sets of tasting menu type 3 course meal for the party to choose from. Their price range from $40/person to $60/person. You are required to pick one of these for the whole group to share. Our tab was over $1000 and we are not sure what we ate. I felt like I paid $65 for appetitizers :( Here's why. I thought when you have a "shared" family style meal, your portion will also be family size. Boy were we wrong. You know that little tapa size salad you get? It's still the same size. They give you 4 of those to "share". If you do the math, it's about 4-5 people sharing each of these tapas. We each had a piece of lettuce and I was lucky, I got a tomato too. One of our entree tapa was the garlic mushrooms. Yes, you guessed it. Each person had ONE mushroom. You get the idea. Luckily, there's free bread in the dining world. I think we had our server bring out 5 baskets of bread for our side of the table alone throughout the night. That was the only way we could fill our stomachs :( yeah, and we paid $65 per person. Btw, my favorite was the flan dessert. I had one spoonful of that :P
(3)
Stephanie T.

Not impressed at all. I get that tapas are suppose to have small servings, but it gets really expensive for these very small servings. Like some of the dishes are $15+ for about two spoonfuls. The food is forgettable and honestly, a little too salty. Unoriginal, but even that is okay if the food is solid, which it is not. It really is overpriced for mediocre food. Service was probably the worst. The water guy poured most of the water on the table instead of in the glass. It was almost impossible to get the waitress, and we sat most of the time waiting... waiting to order the drinks after we get to our table - 15 minutes, waiting to order the first round of tapas - 20 minutes, waiting to another round of tapas - 15 minutes, waiting for food - another 20 minutes, waiting to order desert - 25 minutes, waiting to get dessert - 15 minutes. Total time of waiting: more than 2 hours, time of eating - 45 minutes. They also forgot some of the things we ordered. I thought tapas were for sharing, but they never gave us silverware for the dishes. Would I ever go back? No. Don't waste your time here.
(2)
Bryan B.

I'm usually extremely picky with Tapas because I want it to taste like its worth it. I went there with my Fiance and mother in law a while back We literally order maybe 12 different Tapas and a few glasses of Sangria. I can genuinely say that the service was amazing, the waiter was very knowledgeable about the dishes and provided every dish in a timely matter even though the restaurant was busy. I must say that the Sangria was literally the best thing I have tasted in years. I will literally go back just for the Sangria which I tried at the Jaleo at the Washington , DC location and was nowhere near as good. Not only was the service exceptional but the food was worth every dollar and maybe more. I look forward to every chance I can return with friends and family,
(4)
Sarah W.

went here with 6 people last night for my mom's birthday. Paella de pollo y setas silvestres - AMAZING. Chicken & Mushroom Paella Conejo en salmorejo con purÃ© de albaricoque (Rabbit Confit) Hubby & Dad liked this. Mom didn't care for it, the rest of us didn't try it...creepy! Dad grew up eating game, and hubby is super adventurous. Pimientos del piquillo rellenos de queso - the group liked this one (goat cheese & peppers) Garbanzos con espinacas (chickpeas & Spinach) - AMAZING, love loved this one Chistorra envuelta en patata frita - yum yum yum chorizo with a sliver of potato - fried DÃ¡tiles con tocino 'como hace todo el mundo' our favorite (fried dates wrapped with bacon) BuÃ±uelos de bacalao (cod fritters) this was a group favorite - we ordered 2 plates! Ensalada de remolacha con cÃtrico - everybody loved this one - very colorful, I don't care for stinky cheese so I didnt partake in this one. Escalivada catalana - this was really good too DESSERT: Helado de aceite de oliva con cÃtricos texturados (olive oil ice cream with grapefruit) this was AMAZZZZZZZZZEBALLS. You can taste the olive oil but in a GOOD way, and i dont normally like grapefruit but it complimented the ice cream really well. Espuma de chocolate negro con bizcocho de cacao y helado de avellana (chocolate mousse) - what could possibly be bad about this? NOTHING!!! DRINKS: white sangria - yum yum.
(4)
Zara K.

emm...seriously? so all of you love potatoes with skin and with marinara and a fancy named mayonnaise smothered all over them? or deep fried calamari that u can also get any where else maybe in a larger portion. and what about the prawns? four teeny medium sized shrimps with a red sauce and garlic...(i make them better at home ...it takes 2 minutes aswell) Yes, the place is average and SOooo not a big deal when it comes to the food. its a fun place no doubt, the crowd keeps coming as happy hour approaches and so do the tapas! but the tapas? are average. even la tasca has much better options!! and oh they dont split the bill very well either , i was left to pay for two tapas that were not ordered by me but my freind, however they accommodated which was very nice of them! and the bread they give is a joke! BUT a fun place!
(3)
Sonja B.

If you want good tapas, don't come here. If you want the best dish served to be the crushed garlic and rosemary olive oil with the bread, this place is for you! I ordered the Gambas al Ajillo (Shrimp with garlic) - 6 undercooked pieces of shrimp in olive oil with a few pitiful slices of garlic - all for the low low price of $9. Here's a tip, save the money and make this yourself at home in 5 minutes. Trust me, you could do better. The fried codfish balls were texturally off-putting though tasty, and the honey aioli was quite decent. There are only so many ways you can mess up mayonnaise and honey, really. And the chorizo with mashed potatoes...I actually like the potatoes, so much that I actually might recommend the dish. Just the potatoes of course, unless you like sausage with an incompatible mix of spices. All in all, this place is a joke. 2 stars for filling my belly and hoping I don't get sick.
(2)
Thomas B.

What an overpriced joke for a saucer full of food that busted my wallet. I am not sure what all the hype is about for this place. The service was mediocre and the atmosphere is loud. They recommend getting three tapas for each person if you are going to share them. Now, people, I understand the tapas thing, but I would expect to get more than one bite if I am going to share it with someone. The sangria had more fruit than booze. I do not remember ordering fruit cocktail with a splash of wine, but that is what I got. This place is all hype and show. Go elsewhere and save some money and have a much better meal. Just because the chef has written a cookbook or two does not make it a good restaurant.
(2)
Adrienne L.

(3.5 stars) Our little trio headed over for a post-work happy hour, and it was pretty decent for Bethesda. The sangria was potent and cheap, and the discounted tapas bar menu was extensive -- bacon-wrapped deliciousness everywhere. We also had two kinds of potatoes, as if the famine was coming. What I was not excited about were the terribly uncomfortable bar stools; my back was bruised the next day. I think you also have to actually sit at the bar to get happy hour specials, which would be fine except for the fact that it cannot sit more than 30 people. We were lucky to get seats at all.
(3)
Salma M.

My husband and I love this place we try to go there as often as we can, relax get 5 or 6 different things with a pitcher of Sangria, the red wine and white wine sangrias are both very good! This an amazing place!
(4)
Anne N.

Do not try to book this place for a large group! The food is pretty good, but it is pricey for what you get. I only give it 2 stars because the management. When we made a reservation for 16, whoever we spoke to said that if we added anymore people, we would need to be seated separately, so obviously we didn't add anymore people. When we first showed up it seemed like they had lost out reservation. When they finally seated us, it was at 2 separate tables. We told the wait staff that we were supposed to be seated together, they quickly got the manager. He came over and quickly said that they never book a single table for a party our size. We said that's not what we were told. I work in customer service, and I would never take the combative tone he took with us. He said that it was him on the phone we spoke to and he never said we could sit together. We quickly left. The wait staff seemed apologetic, the manager didn't care at all and pretty much said we were lying. It's too bad a relatively nice restaurant has such a terrible manager...
(2)
Yofriend H.

Beautiful, clean, fancy atmosphere, LOUD you practically have to scream to have a conversation with the people you are dinning with. (friday night) Food was expensive and the portions very small like really small im not kidding is like having a "2 bite meal" im not kidding you. the place i think is nice to come to have drinks with your friends, or pretend you are all fancy and sophisticated oh maybe you are :-). the food tasted very good and is a nice place but I still have diarrhea after eating a delicious chicken paella there last night, i mean as soon as i got home i was sick "so much for a birthday" im still sick so i won't be coming back. The place is very nice and the food is good
(3)
Thomas M.

This place was nowhere near authentic. The sangria was not up to par. I'm from Cadiz, Spain and this restaurant was a disappointment.
(1)
Lorena B.

After spending the day at Aveda yesterday, I decided to take myself to an early dinner here. As it was just me and The September Issue, I sat at the bar. The happy hour specials are awesome: $4 sangria and tapas, though it's a limited menu. Can't beat the price. The bread served before the tapas was tough and must have been sitting out all day. The patatas bravas were delicious, as were the gambas en ajilio (shrimp in garlic). I wanted to try the bacon-wrapped dates but was too stuffed. Now the bad stuff: whoever the bartender with the mohawk is, cut the attitude. Jaleo is good and all but it's not Citronelle or something. No need to be so snotty. He ignored me after giving me the menu even though I closed it when I knew what I wanted. I finally had to ask if I could order now. When the couple next to me placed her order, he drummed his fingers on the bar the whole time. You're at work dude, what else do you have to do? Also their paella is lame. I wanted to surprise my mom with one but they've changed the menu since I was last there. There's no longer a paella with a ton of seafood; there's rice and shrimp or rice and chicken. Eso es arroz con pollo not a paella! Anyway, if you sit at the bar, ask for Luis. He's way friendlier than Mohawk and makes a mean white sangria!
(3)
Margaret O.

Jaleo is quickly becoming my favorite DC restaurant. I've eaten both at the Penn Quarter and Bethesda locations. As a veggie eater, i applaud the many options (what no portobello mushroom sandwich for me?) and last night I discovered the sweet onion and blue cheese dish. A sweet onion was cooked until it had a melt in your mouth texture and served room temp with pine nuts, blue cheese and olive oil. Just gorgeous. The serving staff in Bethesda are very friendly and have more time than the servers in Penn Quarter. Last night the waitress gave me a perfect wine suggestion and gave me plenty of space and time which I appreciated as I was dining alone. For the variety of veggie dishes alone, this will remain a favorite of mine. The vibe and the sherry selection help too.
(4)
Stacey M.

Was really looking forward to trying this restaurant and it was a special night out for the family as we hadn't all been together for a while. Food was tasty but only the mini-burger was exceptional. Our biggest compliant was that the meal was very rushed and dishes were thrown onto the table as they were ready - so we didn't really have time to enjoy. There was no logical flow to the way the food came out and we actually had to ask them to slow it down - it should have been broken down into something more like courses. Experience was sort of anti-tapas, which to me means a long meal where you linger over drinks and tasty snacks. Surprisingly our favorite dish was the dessert with olive oil ice cream and grapefruit.
(2)
Sarah G.

I went here as a couple and I have to say I have more fun at tapas restaurants with a group of 3-5 people than a simple pair. More flavors to try (dozens!) instead of 8 or so for 2 people. The atmosphere lends itself better to groups, too, I feel. Good sangria (I still think about it years later). A fun place to go in a small group.
(4)
Olivia D.

The tapas scheme gets me every time. Coupled with happy hour sangria specials, it's even worse. On Friday evening my train of thought went something like this. "$3.50 sangrias! Yay, happy hour time." "Are there any happy hour food specials? No? Oh well." "I'll just get a few little plates to nibble on as I'm drinking." "I'm still hungry and this tastes good. I think I'll order some more." "Did we really just spend $70 on a few nibbles and $3.50 sangria?" Yes we did. Score one for the tapas again. It's not that I've never been to Jaleo. It's not that I'm a newbie to tapas restaurants. It's just that the whole small plates thing completely distorts my sense of wallet and recession. The cheaply priced drinks also exacerbate that sense of distortion. The food can be tasty. The endives with goat cheese, orange and almonds ($6.50) is delicious, as is the scallops ($8) with pistachios and raspberries (though there are only two scallops included). Even the brussel sprouts (yes, brussel sprouts! $7) with apricots, apple pieces and serrano ham is awesome. These three dishes all do the job of hitting a wide spectrum of tastes and textures, leaving the palate satisfied. My lesser favorite dishes are the lamb with rosemary sauce (two pieces for $11.50), whose sauce tastes like it's from a jar of Lawry's and shows no hints of rosemary; and the mussels ($8) with bay leaf and salt, which lacks flavor at all besides butter -- which you think would be a good thing, but in this case is so blah. Many a times, I've eaten at Jaleo and inevitably someone orders the patatas bravas and fried calamari. These tend to be good for the first few bites, but then the home fries with spicy sauce turn to mush and the calamari could be straight fried batter for all you know because all you can taste is the garlicky aioli. In the end, it's fun for a time, but not enough bang for my buck. Not at times like these, when you can get $2 appetizers and drink specials for happy hour elsewhere.
(3)
Tim R.

This was way better than I expected. Ate at the bar. Hanger steak. Mussels. Apple with manchego. Salmon. Service at the bar was good, but liked the food the most. Favorite was the mussels.
(4)
Eddie M.

I'm a jaded New Yorker that thinks of Bethesda as being pretty barren of good restaurants, but this is an exception. They have a lot of classic tapas and pinxos, but this time they also rose to the seasonal availability of clementines to incorporate them into a number of dishes, and to a group that features clementines as a prominent ingredient. I had them roasted, served with a not-too-sweet syrup, and topped with herbs - it was very nicely done. So...now I know one place I'll go back to in Bethesda.
(4)
David O.

Let me start off by saying that I'm not a Latin cuisine expert, so take this review for what you will. I was in Bethesda for an early dinner with the gf and we actually intended on going to another restaurant, but it wasn't opening until 5 pm, so we looked around and checked out all the menus... We ended up going with Jaleo, because we heard some good things and we were in the mood for tapas. The restaurant had a nice feel to it and it started to fill up as we progressed into "dinner time". We got a basket of bread and it came with some whole garlic (roasted?) with some rosemary and some really nice extra virgin olive oil to dip into. That was a decent little starter. Our server was really nice and he answered our questions well, so that was good. I think we ordered 5 tapas, plus 2 beers each (btw they have Old Dominion on tap), and had the chocolate mousse dessert, and the tab came to $90+. The endive tapas was my favorite out of the 5 we ordered, and it was really tasty. Everything else was kind of nice, but none of the other 4 tapas blew us away. The flavors were kind of "clean and simple", but at the same time, it was just kind of okay. The fried shrimp was cooked nicely, but the dipping sauce wasn't anything special. Similarly, the chicken was cooked nicely and moist, but again the sauce didn't really give us something super delicious and memorable. The dark chocolate mousse with hazelnut ice cream desert, however, was pretty good. All in all, the service was very good, and they had different people running food, refilling water, clearing the plates, etc. The atmosphere was nice and it could definitely have been a better experience if the food "hit the spot" more. Maybe it was an off-day for us? The thing that summed it up for us is that with a $90+ tab for two (not including the $20 tip) , you'd probably expect a pretty good meal, but I don't know that we'll be back any time soon. I was actually going to give this 2-starts, because I've had better, but that seemed too low considering everything else, and we only tried 5 tapas and the menu is much larger to include entrees, etc.
(3)
Tanya M.

Recently visited with a bunch of girlfriends for dinner. We were seated quickly (I had made a reservation the day before) and we all very much enjoyed sharing several tapas each and pitchers of sangria. Everyone was very pleased with what they ordered and all mentioned that they would return! Prices range but for a large group dinner with drinks, the bill wasn't too bad at all! They had no problem splitting the bill on several credit cards.
(4)
Lenny C.

Jaleo has been, and remains a place where one will never be disappointed, and the reason that they get three stars from me, instead of 4 or 5, is that I've been going there consistently since they first opened, and prior to that I had been going to the other Jaleo in DC... and to me it seems like they've been slowly but surely going from a 5-star rating to a 4 and now, when I finally sit down to write them a review, after a little debating I give them three. I am a hard reviewer of the amazing food from Spain. I lived in Spain for several years in the late 80s and visit that wonderful country regularly: I know my Spanish food! The tapas in Jaleo are good - some are great, but not as many as one would hope, most are good and a few are forgettable. It also sucks that my favorite tapa in the world (Cazon) is no longer served. When I asked why, I was told that too many people were complaining because they oppose serving shark. Here's my issue, although cazon is (for some odd reason) described as shark, it is actually not really a shark, but usually monk fish... to me, a Spanish restaurant which doesn't have one of Andalusia's best-known tapas is like a Mexican restaurant that no longer serves fajitas. The bar in Jaleo is always packed, and the sangria is acceptable, but tends to taste more like Mexican sangria than true Spanish sangria, which is heavier on spirits with the wine than other versions. The octopus tapas are excellent, but I'm always afraid they too will disappear if anyone starts complaining about the fact that... well - you know where I'm leading... I've also noticed that some of the tapa sizes have shrunk over the years, especially the cheese platter. Jaleo should be nonetheless credited as the place which brought the food of Spain to the forefront in the Greater DC area and for that specific bit of culinary history they deserve 100 stars, but I honestly think that their menu needs a little fine tuning back to the past.
(3)
Melissa H.

My husband and I had dinner with two other couples on Saturday night. We ended up at Jaleo since it was Bethesda Row's Restaurant Week. It was a good excuse to try a place we had been wanting to check out, especially as we are leaving for Spain in less than three weeks. Service was fantastic all night. Our waitress was awesome and really took good care of us. I tried the white sangria which had tons of fruit in it and a nice, refreshing quality. With dessert I had a glass of Cava which ended the meal perfectly. As for food, this is what I remember our table trying (we did have multiple orders of a few items): -Pan con tomate -Endibias con queso de cabra y naranjas (endives with goat cheese, oranges, and almonds) -Pimientos del piquillo rellenos de queso (piquillo peppers filled with goat cheese) -Trigueros con romesco (grilled asparagus with romesco sause) -Croquetas de pollo (chicken croquettes) -Patatas bravas -Gambas al ajillo -Datiles con tocino (bacon wrapped fried dates) Everything I tried was good, although the fried dates and pan con tomate were my favorite dishes. I also liked the patatas bravas and could have ate a whole plate myself. However I felt like the pieces were bit too small -I would have preferred bigger pieces of potato. We don't go up to Bethesda too often, but the location of Jaleo is really good. Not too far from the Metro, and there is also lots of free parking nearby. Overall, we had a great meal at Jaleo, and I definitely will be going again, although probably will go to the one in Penn Quarter as it's more convenient.
(4)
Christine A.

This is for the Bethesda location. The company I was with made the night worthwhile; the restaurant did not. Food: 1 stars. We ordered 6 plates between the two of us. We had to send 2 back because they were TOO salty - we felt we were eating salt-licks. Of the other four, we were not very impressed, especially for the price of each plate. My friend told the waiter, who in turn brought the manager out. The manager didn't charge us for one of the plates four remaining plates. We still felt the meal was too expensive for what we got. To top it all off, I was sick the whole night - as if I drank a gallon of sea water. Saying that was an unpleasant experience is an understatement. Service: 4 stars I have to say that the service was good. Our waitress was charming, funny and attentive. She was upset that we did not enjoy our food. The manager wasn't as charming, but did take the one dish off our bill. That doesn't change the fact that I'll never go back to this Jaleo again. And chances are, I won't go to any of the others, either.
(1)
Miriam B.

What a nice restaurant. Just enjoyed some terrific red sangria, vegetarian paella, flan ham croquettes. The house made chorizo and the bacon wrapped dates were completely flavorless though. Service was very quick and attentive. This is not a place to enjoy a quiet meal. It gets very noisy. For tapas I have found better places in DC.
(3)
Tiffany P.

Went to Jaleo for Happy Hour and some small Tapas - was disappointed that when we walked in they didn't inform us that Happy Hour specials were strictly at the bar. We didn't find out until after we were already seated. Being as it was somewhat of a date I didn't want to be seated at the bar I preferred something a little more intimate, so we didn't get to take part in the happy hour drink specials which seemed decent. We got the Olive and Cheese appetizer, the bacon wrapped dates and the quail. The Olive and Cheese appetizer was okay. The cheese was small cubes of Manchego which I've had before, and the olives cut back on the bitter/dryness of the cheese but I wasn't totally impressed with the delivery/presentation. Looked like it was served in an old anchovy tin. The bacon wrapped dates were.. interesting. One would taste purely like bacon, the next would just taste like a date flavored with bacon. They were good but just good. I didn't know what to expect with the Quail because I had never tried it before - it came out whole, which took me by surprise. My idea of tapas is small shared plates but how do you divide a whole quail (it's about the size of a frog) without ripping it in half which was just a bit barbaric feeling. Over all I think it was a bit over priced and I've had better Tapas at other places. The Sangria wasn't that great and served in a small rocks glass - the other drink the waiter recommended sounded fancy but was just a glorified gin and tonic. Wasn't too impressed.
(2)
Kate A.

Maybe I'm just not a huge fan of tapas. While looking at the menu, I only wanted to try maybe half of what was on it; the other things looked questionable. Then of course you only get these teeny plates of food, and when I was there, they each came out one at a time, so you couldn't even mix flavors; you just ate all of one dish, then all of the next, and so on. Plus, the price was RIDICULOUS! I paid over $70 for these small plates of mediocre food. I will never be going there again.
(1)
Bill S.

I have been to this Jaleos about five times and the one down town more. I think I will skip the Bethesda Jaleos for a while. first I want to say that the one downtown is much better. It has a better wine list and I think they pay more attention to the food. We had a cafe (the call it a carafe, its really about two glasses of wine. This is a little misleading from the bar menu. The wine was OK, not great. One beer, three tapas and a paella for two. Diner was around $110 with the tip. I don't think this is a dinning value as to at all. One of the appetizers was a selection of sausage. We got five little overcooked wieners that all tasted the same and where not great. We had the salt cod fritters which where very good and a scallop dish for $10 that featured two small pieces Very disappointing. Our main course was the Mediterranean Paella with shrimp ($41). The portion was huge and it was very good. They get you on the tapas. Nickle bags of novelty food, some good some not. For Paella and a beer its a good night out.
(2)
Dustin R.

I come to Bethesda at least once a year for business and Jaleo is a must stop for me every time. I love the tapas bar and Jose does an amazing job with flavors, variety, and authenticity (option with authentic Jamon Iberico). My only compliant is that he keeps changing the menu and many of my favorites keep disappearing. My favorite was the Lamb Chops he had a couple years ago. Those were probably the best I ever had. I keep finding other dishes to subside my cravings... like the bacon wrapped dates. I don't think I ever had a bad dish here. I just with Jose would bring back those amazing Lamb Chops!
(4)
Alex B.

We were seated at the bar, because all the tables were taken. The service was extremely slow. Even at the bar we waited 35-50 minutes for our tapas to arrive. Jamon Iberico arrived the last, it was like half an ounce and all lard, almost no meat, and it cost $14. Other plates were on the microscopic side as well and sometimes tasted like reheated. We paid $80 and were not full at all. Sangria was good. Overall, food is OK, if you are willing to cope with slow service and inadequate prices.
(2)
Linda L.

Jaleo has small tapas that are flavorful and delicious but a little pricey for the amount that you get. The white sangria here is really good. You can taste the wine in the fruits after you finish the sangria.
(4)
John Z.

Food is overpriced for the under-quality of their tapas. Drinks are overpriced and not prepared well (Shout out to Lima and Cafe Citron for the best mojitos, so far.) The decor of the place makes seating awkward.
(1)
Barb P.

The food was tasteless and all our meat choices (even salmon) was burnt. I also have a gluten allergy and even though they offer a gluten free menu, I am sick as a dog as I write this review. Stear clear from this place!
(1)
Carla B.

I.love.tapas. I.love.sangria. I.love.jaleo. I've been coming here for a longgg time and have tried a wide variety of dishes, but here are my favorites: Endibias con quese de cabra y naranja (endives with goat cheese, orange, and almonds) - this is fantastic if you need a little refresher sitting outside on a hot day. The cheese and the orange blend together in perfect salty-sweet way with the almonds added a crunch. The endives make it super easy to hold and eat this fantastic tapita! Croquetas de pollo (chicken croquettes) - these croquettes take me back to my days studying abroad in Madrid... and they taste fantastic! Crispy out the outside and creamy on the inside, my mouth is watering while typing this. Just kidding (not really). Gambias al ajillo (garlic shrimp) - so garlicy, so shrimpy, so delicious. The garlicy olive oil is fantastic to dip your bread in... after you've demolished the shrimp, of course. IMPORTANT TIP. If you want chorizo DO NOT get the chorizo casero tradicional. This is really disappointing and, despite what the name implies, NOT the way chorizo tapas are traditionally served in Spain. The closest thing to this is the chorizo palacios.
(4)
Candice H.

My FAVORITE items: Patatas Bravas and Chicken Croquettes. So delish. I never have to wait long to be seated here, the service is great, and the prices are fantastic.
(5)
CL C.

The atmosphere is eclectic and fun. The food is delicious, loved the garlic shrimp and scallops. The only negatives is their choice of specialized drinks...they need more. I wasn't a fan of either of their sangrias. But I would definitely go back for the food. The prices were very reasonable.
(4)
Chandan D.

Awesome the first time, ehhh the second. This place has a few interesting dishes but I think that I expect more from the guy who allegedly brought tapas to the US. The patatas bravas were awesome the first time, but the second time, I noticed that it was just a plate of grease. While enticing because of the prices, i'd stay away from the happy hour specials and stick to the more obscure seafood tapas - you might have a better experience than I did. I had some of the white sangria and while inspired, just didn't taste that great. Not unlike a lot of their other dishes.
(2)
Heather S.

It's become fashionable in "foodie" circles to slam Jose Andres' food empire, but I have never had a bad time at Jaleo, either the Bethesda location or downtown. Tapas are generally well-executed, with the occasional clunker like the Arroz con Pato we tried the other night. Lively scene, good cocktails, excellent sangria, and decent friendly service. Two cocktails, six tapas, and two coffees came to $75 - not the cheapest meal, but we were very full and happy for the money.
(4)
Maria S.

I used to work in Bethesda and we'd visit Jaleo frequently since it was walking distance from the office. The Good ~I love the white gazpacho soup! Most places don't serve the white gazpacho (they should really stop discriminating!) ~The Chorizo 'Palacios' and the marinated olives and Manchego cheese are amazing flavors. ~The apple and fennel salad are my safety here ~The chorizo wrapped in potato is another great choice. What could be better ~I was not impressed with the sangria. I've had better. ~Price can add up since each small plate that severs 1 range from $7- $10. You try 3 small plates (which is not filling) and you're down $30! All in all a solid 3 stars.
(3)
Jason L.

We came here on a weekend afternoon to see what this place was all about. There was a local street festival going on and Bethesda was pretty crowded. That made for some fun people watching as we were eating our meal. Unfortunately watching the residents of Bethesda would turn out to be much more entertaining than the food and ambience of Jaleo. First and foremost this place needs some updating on the inside. The furniture is all dinged and the paint chipped. It looks like they went to a Farmer Riggins barn sale and bought a bunch of 1940's dining room furniture. As I walked to the bathroom from my table I couldn't help but get irritated by the disrepair of the bar area as well. The bathroom was also a mess and the man in the bathroom stall sounded like he was recovering from tuberculosis. Our waiter was pretty pitiful for most of the dining experience as well. He would stay gone for long stretches of time. We ordered four menu items to start off with. Two of the courses came fairly quickly (about 10 minutes). The other two courses didn't come out until about 25-30 minutes later. Wasn't at all pleased with the amount of time between the dishes. Here are some of things we ordered: 1. Croquetas de pollo: chicken fritters which were easily the best thing we ordered. It would be quite difficult to mess this one up though. I would be willing to try the other fritters on their menu based on how good these were. 2. Chistorra envuelta en patata frita: hmm this dish can be compared to Alex Pettyfer, looks real good on the outside but quite rotten on the inside. The potato wasn't cooked enough for me and the chorizo in the middle was very underwhelming. Pass. 3. Trucha a la Navarra: seared trout wrapped in serrano ham; This was by far the worst of the bunch. I could tell when it first came to the table that I wasn't going to like this one. The trout was way too "fishy" for my liking and the ham had an unusual taste for serrano ham. The whole dish tasted like a nasty oyster flavored salt block. 4. Grilled Hanger Steak: pretty good; standard dish served with fries and and egg on top; worth a try I may come back here once to try it again but there are much better places to found in Bethesda. Should they not bring the heat next time they may get bumped down to 2 stars.
(3)
Angie C.

We ate here for a birthday last week. Made reservations for 4 people and when our party expanded to 6 they were pretty accommodating. The Sangria here was good. The Cava (white sparkly strawberry goodness) was better and stronger than the other type of Sangria that they have. We started off with a few Tapas and I can honestly say that I hated the Croquetas de pollo- I think it's because they were filled with what I can only describe as chicken mush. The Chistorra envuelta en patata frita was delicious. Next time I would just order four of these. And not share them with anyone. I don't know why I keep going to Tapas places when I know that I hate sharing my food. There's nothing worse than watching someone else eat the delicious tiny chorizo that you wanted to put in YOUR belly. Anyways, we had a couple other dishes but I don't remember them so I'm guessing they were neither good or bad. The Chicken Paella was nothing to write home about and the white sauce they served it with was pretty much all Mayo. Or at least it tasted like it. Which depending on who you are can be viewed as a positive. I actually remember eating here for lunch before when my friend and I took off from work to go watch New Moon (I was young what can I say) and I was much more impressed during that meal. They had something where you could choose a soup/salad/sandwich combination and what I ate was good so maybe I will be back for lunch and update.
(3)
Varn S.

I went with a group of about 10 people hoping to take advantage of their happy hour tapas menu. Unfortunately we could not order at the bar because of the size of our group so we ended up at a regular table with the regular menu. We picked a few tapas just for the sake of trying the place out, but decided to have our actual dinner elsewhere since their selection is very expensive. What we did try was flavorful and tasty, although presentation flair was minimal at best. The staff here was excellent. The place was sparsely packed and we were seated almost instantly. Our waitress was very patient as we sorted out the mess of our poor planning, and she was very attentive despite our small order. I would definitely come back here with a smaller group for happy hour.
(3)
Harmony H.

Jaleo is a cool place to get unique food and a variety of flavors but most of the food i've tried hasn't been great (been there twice). The paellas are okay, very buttery and only good if you have a group of 4 or more, otherwise its way too much food. The goat cheese with apricot spread was to die for. The salads we had were mediocre (apple salad the and anchovy one). We had a lamb dish and also a potato salad dish as well that were just okay. Overall it's a fun experience but the food is eh. Ambiance: The atmosphere is pretty nice and its always packed, even on a weekday late in the night.
(3)
Tino D.

My friends and I went here for dinner one night and we all had a great time. The food was incredibly delicious. Some of the more memorable dishes we had were: a) grilled lamb, b) asparagus and c) seared scallops. Equally excellent was the service we received. The waitress was friendly, quick and very helpful in recommending some of her favourites dishes. This restaurant is definitely worth checking out if you're in the area.
(4)
Crystal N.

Best SANGRÃAS in DC! On a rainy Saturday night, Jaleo was lively and packed. My boyfriend and I were lucky to find two seats at the end of the bar where we could look into the kitchen and see how cool and well managed the restaurant really is. The bartenders also took a lot of care mixing drinks and every strawberry, mint, and lime were arranged glass by glass so perfectly.
(5)
Will G.

Dinner and drinks. Started off with a Mint Julep. Bartender didn't know how to make it, not a big deal. Manager came by and made me the stiffest drink (good thing) I have ever had outside of Stan's in DC. Food started with bread and olive oil with fresh garlic and rosemary, delicious. We had a bunch of small plates. Everything was great with the exception of the watermelon salad which was just "OK.". The Lamb T-Bones were ridiculous.
(4)
John C.

My wife and I just love this place. I mean we eat out at some of the top restaurants in every city we visit and live, but this place always hits the spot. The food is always consistently good. and the service is usually either very good or good, and the price is moderate. We generally eat at the location downtown in DC, but this version in Bethesda was good also. Sitting outdoors was very relaxing, but with good energy,(DC streets get a little noisy with fire trucks and raucous crowds), and as always it met our expectations, good, good, good, down the line.
(4)
Katie M.

What we ordered: Cava sangria- Sparkling wine sangria with Cava, Liquor 43, strawberries and mint $18 for a half carafe This was delicious and VERY strong- and I'm not a lightweight drinker by any means. We got about 3 drinks total out of the half carafe size which makes it $6/glass. Pretty normal price for Bethesda. This drink was worth the price and I would order it again. We decided to split the $20 for three tapas lunch deal, and I think it was an ok value for what we got. "Gambas al ajillo- The very, very famous tapa of shrimp sautÃ©ed with garlic" About $6.50 for 7 small shrimp Wow these were good. They were moist, garlic-y, buttery, and so very tasty- pretty much like a shrimp scampi. "Cordero a la brasa con salsa de romero- Grilled lamb T-bones with rosemary sauce" About $6.50 for two 1 oz steaks We ordered these medium and they came out well done. Still, they were tender and had the most delicious light barbeque and rosemary sauce. Despite not being prepared to order, they were very yummy. "Croquetas de pollo- Traditional chicken fritters" About $6.50 for 5 croquettes These were little croquettes filled with what tasted like Thanksgiving-style chicken stuffing. They were frickin amazing, like Thanksgiving just exploded in my mouth. Final bill: $40 not including tip Service: Very good. When we walked in, we were seated almost immediately. Water glasses were always full, our sangria and food arrived promptly, and he asked us how the food was. When we asked for the check we got it quickly and were able to get in and out of there in less than 45 minutes. Which probably could have been even less if we had been trying to have a quick lunch. Overall impression: I loved eating here. The decor was pretty and fun, the service was great, the food was amazing, and value for our money was ok, if a bit over-priced. I will most definitely be going back. Though next time I think I'll get a group together and try out their paella. They are served in a traditional paella pan, and take over 30 minutes to cook. Maybe I'll go for my birthday dinner and sit at the cute private curtained-in table... buen provecho indeed!
(4)
Sherri D.

Went here for my boyfriend's birthday dinner. The food was decent... in my opinion, it was pretty pricey for stuff that I could get at La Tasca. We got two carafes of the sangria. Eh, the sangria could have had more flavor and fruit. We had a very nice dinner, none the less. Very nice ambience and the servers were friendly and attentive.
(3)
Laura P.

I haven't been to Jaleo in three years and this was such a pleasant return. Forget the negative reviews - they recently revamped the menu and it seems as though they have mastered the changes. I had the Ensalada Campera with generous portions of fingerling potatoes, green beans, endive and tuna and loved every bite. The wine selection has improved over the years also. Kudos to the servers - they were excited to share some of the new menu items and get feedback on our selections. Thanks Jaleo, I've missed you!
(5)
Jim T.

I took a date here on a Friday night in November of 2012. With the small portions of food I expected that the food would be some of the best I have ever had. I mean thats the deal right, you get less but it tastes way better? wrong. Even with a full plate, this was basically like a chilis, fridays, or applebees. It makes me wonder who businesses like this can justify their service. It is unethical to charge this much for a tiny amount of food. There is no way that any of those plates you see in the pictures should cost more than 10.00. Their margins are too high
(2)
Abby C.

Food/Cost: (4/5) I came here with a friend for lunch during Bethesda Row's Spring 2011 Restaurant Week ($15/ three courses) -- *joyful jump into the air*. For my three dishes I chose the Gazpacho, the Scallops, and the Shrimp. My friend got the Endives, Chorizo wrapped in Crispy Potato, and Fried Calamari. The Gazpacho ($7 regular price) was a marvelous opener to our meal -- it had a depth of flavor that I haven't gotten before from chilled soups -- and the meal only got better. The Calamari ($7) here is EXCELLENT -- tender squid, a good mix of tentacles and body rings, perfectly seasoned, and fresh from the frier. My mouth waters as I type this. A close second favorite was the Scallop dish ($11?) -- beautifully seared, fresh, and succulent. Even the scallop's romesco sauce was fabulous; I'm not ashamed to say we used the free bread (also good) to wipe the plate clean. The Shrimp ($9) dish came with 7 medium-sized shrimp swimming in savory butter sauce; but one complaint was that they didn't devein the shrimp thoroughly and I'm not sure the 7 shrimp justified the $9 price tag. The Endives ($7) and Chorizo ($7.50) were my least favorite two dishes, but that's due to personal taste preference (I don't like the bitterness of endives and the chorizo was too salty for me); they were still cooked well, and had a great balance of texture and flavor. Despite my great experience here, I'm withholding a perfect, 5-star rating because I think the regular prices here are a bit inflated for amount of food you get here -- it is only tapas-size after all. Ambiance: (4/5) This location was decently filled for a Friday afternoon around 1:00pm. There was a good mix of young and old, families, friends, and couples. Jaleo is cheerfully decorated with rich, bright colors. The vibe was Spanish, but bordering on circus-like. It was a fun, light-hearted atmosphere, but not particularly refined. However, perhaps that changes at night with the proper lighting? The dining room features a tall ceiling, which makes the place feel spacious even though the tables placed a bit close to each other. There is a bar area on the other side of the booth seating. Location: (5/5) The Bethesda Jaleo is located on the corner of Woodmont Avenue and Elm Street, where you can't miss the big "Jaleo" sign. It's only a short walk from the Bethesda metro stop and is part of Bethesda Row so there are plenty is plenty of shopping and entertainment to be found. Parking is also plentiful given the parking lots in the area. A beautiful and lively area! Service: (4/5) Our male waiter was very attentive and friendly. After learning that this was my first time at Jaleo, he explained the menu before giving us time to decide. During our meal, he came by many times to check up on us and brought us the check in a flash when asked. Overall: (4/5) Jaleo serves up delicious food, but those with a limited budget may want to think carefully before coming here as a regular-priced meal with 3 dishes (the waiter suggested 3-4 tapas orders for each person) will run at least $30. As for me, I would certainly make this one of my top places to go during Restaurant Weeks (or if you know someone else is footing the bill :P).
(4)
Enrico N.

Almost everything we had was great. Your bill will add up fast with the number of dishes you'll have to get but its worth it. Chorizo casero tradicional - Would have been better if it was spicy but still pretty good Lomo de buey - Cooked just right, nicely seasoned Conejo en salmorejo con purÃ© de albaricoques - Rabbit has too many bones so not my favorite, but still tasted great Croquetas de pollo - Out of everything, I probably disliked this the most. Kind of tasted like fancy chicken nuggets at like a dollar a piece Pastel de chocolate y avellanas - Pretty good Overall I'd definitely recommend this place and come back again.
(4)
Wesley T.

I have heard so much about Jaleo that I was really excited to try it out. Jose Andres is the man so I was even more psyched. I was very disappointed. My first mistake was probably ordering the prix fixe restaurant week menu. I had rice with mushrooms(undercooked rice that had a texture of grainy sand when it went down). Patatas bravas sauce was bland and not brava at all. The lomo pork was tough. The only real highlight was the dessert. I had a chocolate and hazelnut mousse, which had nice sweetened, toasted hazelnuts on top. It was really good. Unforunately, I went to Jaleo to experience tapas like I had in Spain, not a dessert I can get anywhere. Server was passable but the server seemed sad or something. I don't think I will go back to this location. I may give another Andres restaurant a shot.
(2)
Crys B.

This review is based on one happy hour experience to be fair. Bright, tropical decor. I went with a coworker on a Thursday evening for happy hour at the bar. The bartender was nice but a little pushy. But the $4 calamari and $4 endive with orange and goat cheese was AMAZING!!! Fresh, flavorful, the calamari was cooked perfectly. Can I say I'm excited to go back again!? Also the sangria was really nice - perfect touch of brandy i believe for $4 or $5. I also think they have beer for less than $4 too, I'm not a beer drinker. I haven't gone for dinner and not sure that I will considering the happy hour is pretty good and has a nice sampling of seafood, chicken, meat and veg plates. One of the other reviewers mentioned that she liked this one better than the DC location and I think I agree with that.
(4)
Julie L.

The husband and I decided to go crazy and try Jaleo for a fancy date night. We made reservations via OpenTable just a few hours before heading over, and I'm glad we did. We were seated immediately, despite being about 15 minutes early. We got a half-carafe of Sangria, which was quite tasty. We also had the recommended tapas for appetizers (the bread with manchego cheese), as well as the bacon-wrapped dates and the goat cheese-filled peppers. All were very delicious! We ordered the paella as a main course. It really is a beautiful dish - I appreciated the presentation (they show you the huge paella in the pan before serving it on your dish) and highly enjoyed the taste. We got the chicken paella with mushrooms. It was decimated awfully quickly. I highly recommend trying any paellas at least once here. The little story about the paellas by Jose Andreas regarding the perfect cooking wasn't a lie. Service was great, food was tasty, we'd love to come back again.
(5)
Viri V.

I was actually very pleased with the service and food at this restaurant. Around noon-ish on a Sunday there wasn't any rush and this is a great place to try for a fancy brunch. I tried three different tapas (gambas, gazpacho and scrambled eggs). They recommend three tapas for a brunch sitting and all were very tasty - flavors were great and i definitely felt three was good enough to fill me up not including dessert. I opted for their watermelon mimosa which was also good. Service was what I anticipated for a restaurant this caliber. Staff checking water levels and seeing if they could answer questions and just great attention in general (not being overbearing but just the right amount of courtesy). For me, this place is definitely a great recommendation and is spacious for families, couples, etc. This is also a great location for some Sunday shopping - felt this was a nice Sunday outing overall.
(4)
Ani P.

(3.5 stars) My girlfriend and I dumped our babies on our respective hubbies and went out for a much needed girls only dinner. I was surprised that Jaleo was pretty hoppin' with people on a Wednesday night! Oh my, Bethesda-ites are actually out and about!! The vibe was surprisingly laid back and not pretentious. I would have felt totally comfortable in jeans, a cute tank and flip flops. My sangria was fabulous. The taste was smooth, not too sweet and went down like juice. I stuck to one cocktail as it was hella strong. I ordered one tapas -- mushroom with pea shoots. Light, refreshing, lemony, the perfect amount olive oil, and just plain ole good. We shared the veggie paella. The menu says it's enough food for 2-4 people. If 2 people finish the entire dish, it's pure gluttony and a carb coma will surely follow. It's a good dish to split 4 ways. The rice wasn't flavorful. I expected more of a delicate saffron taste or something to give the rice zing! Tons of veggies made the paella sparkle. Every bite of rice had a well-cooked veggie. I was satisfied. This dish could have been made better. Then the phone call came. Thankfully, it wasn't from my husband. My gf's hubby was in a panic b/c the baby was crying and of course he needed his wife to rescue him. My husband often does this me. *Sigh* Luckily we were just about done with our food. Our waiter was on high alert due to baby duty and quickly packed up leftovers and gave us our bill. Would I dine at Jaleo again? Absolutely.
(3)
Alison F.

Lots of reviews, so not much new to say, but I would add that Jaleo is great for kids. Especially younger kids with unpredictable palates. Go ahead and order 10 different little plates -- see if they like the potatoes, the sausage, the beans, whatever. This place saved me when I was living in Bethesda with a 19-month-old whose palate changed every day. Lovely patio seating also gave him plenty to look at.
(5)
Jenna K.

Jaleo is a great place for tapas although it can be very expensive. All of the food is excellent. My favorite are the figs wrapped in bacon as well as the patatas bravas. I also love the chocolate and hazelnut dessert. This time we got the shrimp which was supposed to be popular although I did not think it was that good. The lamb also was nothing to ride home about. Overall a great place with friends although it can get pricey so you have to watch out if you want a huge dinner.
(4)
Lianne Z.

Given that the metro area lacks impressive places I really loved this place. It was PERFECT for my five hour girls night catch up dinner. The food was pretty decent, albeit nothing too spectacular that stuck out. They have a nice range of cheeses and serve up a mean pitcher (or three) of sangria. The servers are patient and there is outdoor and indoor seating (perfect for a beautiful spring day!) I woke up the next morning remembering a lot of laughter, good times and a restaurant that kindly moved us inside when it got too cold out (you know since we were there for five hours.) I'd definitely go back!
(4)
Andy J.

My girlfriend and I ate here based on someone's recommendation...we were both very pleased with what we ordered. Jaleo is one of the best restaurants we have eaten at, and it's definitely the best tapas we have ever had. The atmosphere was nice, the service was friendly and swift, and everything we ate was above average. It was a bit expensive, but we will definitely be going back again.
(4)
Jennifer B.

My friend had been talking about this place for a while, so while during my trip to MD, I knew I had to try it...and I'm glad I did!! N ow I'm just mad I haven't found a place similar to this in Atlanta! I love tapas style places and this one was excellent. I will try to explain what we had, to the best of my ability: spinach w/ apple & pinenuts (WOW), the potatoes w/ some kind of yummy sauce, garlic chicken, calamari (pretty good--not the best I've had though), something w/ chorizo, and like 3 other things I can't think of. We went in the middle of the day on a Thursday, so there was no wait. I'm sure this place is packed to death on the weekends! Can't wait to go back or find a similar place in the A!
(4)
Jess L.

Went here for Restaurant Week in 2010--best idea ever. Had the endive with goat cheese and oranges, spinach with apples, raisins and pine nuts, bacon-wrapped dates, scallops, and flan. Everything was amazing, but I liked the dates so much I had to try and make my own. SO GOOD.
(4)
Laura W.

If the blog "Stuff White People Like" were a restaurant, Jaleo would be it. Jaleo perfectly caters to the Bethesda norm: Educated white folks who Studied Abroad and now will freely offer their expertise to you of "what the locals eat in Spain." But as any self-effacing joke requires, I must admit that I can confirm the stereotype, as I will gladly tell you my stories of eating churros and tapas during that weekend side trip I spent in Barcelona. Jaleo is most certainly not a cheesy tex-mex place (try Uncle Julio's, barf, or Austin Grill, double barf, both of which are practically on top of this place). So if your dining companion says, "No Jaleo for me, I had Taco Bell last night" (true story), you can safely convince them otherwise. Now you're seated inside the restaurant. If you are a Educated White Person who Studied Abroad, you can rest easy with the knowledge that simply knowing how to pronounce the menu items will be impressive to your dinner companion. Jaleo follows in the fine tradition of restaurants who do not deign to put the menu items in English, but instead write the names in Spanish as though to appear more authentic. If you are however, one of those people who Studied Abroad in France (like me), instead of those who Studied Abroad in Spain, you will have to resort to the old standby, point and stutter, "Patatuhs...um...THAT ONE." How will the quality of the food here compare to your experiences abroad? If anything is to be said from the quality of the Sangria, let it be known that my sangria here was fruity and robust, and not adulterated with club soda. That alone is worth some stars to me. I ordered Patatas Bravas and Scallops with Butternut puree. The patatas weren't exactly how I remembered, but alas, nothing really can compared to wistful memories of The Semester Spent Abroad - where everything is automatically better in retrospect. At least - that's what I'll tell my dinner companions.
(3)
Jerome A.

As a European expatriate, it was not exceptional as all the food we tried in Jaleo can be bought at any European grocery store. Food was good, not mind blowing, but good. The only part of this experience we were impressed was the waitress: she was knowledgeable and very helpful. She made us feel special and we truly appreciated.
(3)
Amoolia S.

Yummy. Gazpacho is delicious! I recommend the cauliflower and the patatas bravas.
(4)
Amani A.

Service here is excellent and the staff is knowledgable about the menu items. The biggest problem I had with this place is it was so so so salty that I could only have a bite of each item than wash it back with water, and I know it's tapas so the portions are extremely small and that coming from someone who get full off of a happy meal lol.. I ordered three items and my boyfriend ordered six we both left hungry and disappointed after spending over $100
(2)
Christi D.

Tapas are fun, but you don't have to go to Jaleo to try tapas for the first time. The paella tasted like the old rice in the firdge you use to make fried rice...but without transforming it into tasty fried rice. The long island ice teas and other drinks don't have a lot of alcohol in them. If your friends are dying to try a Jaleo, then go to the one in Chinatown. Or, if you must go to a place that serves drinks and don't want to go to a bar, don't feel bummed about wasted money. Go to a place with drinks with only so-so food because you'll be happier at the end of the day with a new outfit...purchased with excess money saved from not going to Jaleo. Besides, Bethesda has tons of other options.
(2)
Ling T.

Jaleo has long been a favorite of mine. The food is always consistently good quality although a bit on the pricey side if you want to indulge in A LOT of tapas. My favorite dishes are (hands down) the Gazpacho, Dates wrapped in Bacon, and the Patatas bravas. The Beet Salad and Calamari are also excellent. Usually I don't have room for dessert but there is a Blood Orange herbal tea that is amazing and their homemade sherbets are usually quite good. I highly recommend going to the Jaleo hour where a selection of tapas are only $4 a plate and the Sangria is on special. Downside is you have to sit at the bar. However, it tends to be a LOT more affordable and you can still order other things off the regular menu if there is something you absolutely must have.
(5)
Anna K.

Well, the food was OK over all. We had a few great dishes but too many "meh" dishes! AND the service was slow. VERY SLOW. AND there was no rhyme or reason to the order of the dishes even when it was perfectly clear what should have come first, second, third, etc... The meat plate was delicious. The lamb was an "A" and the chicken was an "A-" -- charred well but the char overwhelmed the seasoning. The eggplant was slimy and flavorless. The potatoes were OK. The rice and mushrooms was OK. The sangria was watered down. The coffee was bitter and the cake was OK (B/B+). I won't be returning.
(2)
sophie S.

One of my favorite places for tapas. Delicious cheeses and meats. The vegetables are fresh and flavored to perfection. The salads are amazing! They also have a delicious almond soup that is very light and served beautifully. The goat cheese with apricot was one of my favorites as well as the spinach salad. The pallea is very different but delicious!! tortilla is close to the real thing (tortilla patatas.) the traditional salad of egg, tuna, greens, olives and olive oil is one of my favorite salads around. The atmosphere is beautiful. Great bar as well as yummy sangria's and many different kinds. The strawberry mint is fabulous! The service is wonderful and fast. Expect a wait on weekends, sometimes during the week as well. Close walk from Bethesda metro, otherwise street parking or find a lot and walk. It is in a great location of Bethesda! Not too expensive, between two people expect to pay about 45-55 for both. Not inexpensive.
(4)
Natalie L.

One of my favorite places to go to in the area. Huge fan of the tapas and sangria. Service is pretty good as well!
(4)
Jessica P.

Jaleo feels like one of the great culinary tragedies of my life. When this place opened in Bethesda, my best friend and I could not get enough. I was in high school and really didn't have the money to be spending on tons of dinners out, but we came here anyway because it was worth it. Unfortunately, the service and menu have really declined since then, in my opinion. They seem to have systematically been taking all of my favorite things off the menu one by one and replacing them with things that are not nearly as delicious. I used to always get the potatoes in cabrales cheese sauce, for example, (A. Mazing.) and that is now gone and has been replaced by baby potatoes in some sort of mediocre green parsley sauce. They still show pictures of the patatas al cabrales on their website, which breaks my heart/makes me hungry. They also used to do a phenomenal bison special, and that hasn't been on the menu in ages, nor has the rabbit stew. All things I used to devour enthusiastically. Things still worth trying: the calamari is a good standard, and I really like the endibias (endives with goat cheese/oranges/almonds), the quail, and the espinacas a la catalana (sauteed spinach, raisins, pinenuts, and apples, though to be honest this particular dish was kind of briny the last time I ordered it). The basque cake is also a great dessert, though I am usually too full to order it. But honestly, I've gotten to a point where even these dishes aren't worth it for the terrible service you have to endure at this restaurant. It never used to be like this when it opened, but they have been horribly slow and inattentive virtually every time I've been for the past three years or so. They will forget to bring your bread until you ask them twice, they will bring your tapa before they remember to bring you a glass of water, they will put a tiny dash of olive oil on a plate for you and your dining partner to share between you, then take the bottle of olive oil away, and you will finish it with half a piece of bread and have to wait another ten minutes to ask for more when you see your waiter passing by. It's just ridiculous. I can't imagine why this has become such a standard there, perhaps their management went to hell or something. I used to bring huge groups of friends and family here for birthdays and the like, but now I go only very occasionally.
(3)
Kimberly S.

If anyone has a bad time there or doesn't like it, it's because they don't get it. Yes the portions are small but come on, it's tapas! They're supposed to be small for sampling and sharing. The quality of the food is FANTASTIC, our server told us that they try to buy local and organic as much as possible and while the menu descriptions seem a little weird the food somehow always works (like a dish of watermelon and tomato, which was awesome btw). Yes it can get a little expensive but you can also get out of there without spending too much money so it really depends on you. Also, I LOVED the white sangria, I love sweeter drinks and this was perfect for me (strong too) although my friends prefer red b/c the white was too sweet for them. Overall if you keep an open mind and love great food you are aok in there.
(5)
Marc W.

Went for a Saturday date night. The Bad: Sangria pitcher was tasty but smaller than I thought. Paid regular price but happy hour pitcher is a great deal. The good: Margaritas and the scallops were great. Expect to buy 3-4 tapas to have a good meal. They have a late nigh happy hour on Saturday that starts around 10pm. Apple dessert (forgot the name) was the best I ever tasted. Great place for a happy hour drink or with people you don't mind sharing food with
(5)
Liz C.

Taking a look at the other reviews, I think other people will agree that the most negative comment I can make about Jaleo Bethesda is their Sangria. I've been to the DC location and the sangria there is much better. Perhaps it depends on the bartender? Either way, I once again enjoyed the food. *clap clap* Jose Andres. My friends and I went to the Bethesda location for a Restaurant Week special of $15 for 3 tapas each. THIS IS AN AMAZING DEAL, just so you know, AMAZING. The menu offered are the more popular and delicious dishes. I loved the shrimp in garlic and oil sauce, the chicken croquettes, and my favorite, the endives with goat cheese and oranges. Service was friendly, lunch time on an early saturday afternoon was relatively quiet (our reservation wasn't required), and 9 tapas among 3 ladies, we were stuffed. Nyom, nyom, I will be back. Er, maybe to the DC location if I want red sangria though...
(4)
Yuan Z.

eh. I went to the dc location years back when Jaleo first opened. Food, service, wine, decor, all amazing. Flash forward to Jose's current food empire and its a bit disappointing. with all his restaurants, the place has lost that feel. You can taste it in the mediocre (and overpriced) food Its such a shame.
(3)
Emily D.

Great place! We got here in a FREEZING night before the rest of our party of 6 arrived and cozied up to the bar on a busy Saturday night. My boyfriend and I went through a few glasses of delicious sangria way too fast and once our friends arrived we were already in love with Jaleo. We sampled lots of different things but some of my favorites were the roasted Brussels sprouts (my current favorite green veg) and the endive salad with goat cheese. But my friends, to be quite honest, what really stole my heart was the sangria. We had pitchers of white and red at the table but red was my favorite as I thought the white was a bit too sweet. This is a great place for a group of couples who are out for a great night. Probably not a good place for deep intimate conversation but perfect for a night out with friends. Go there, get the sangria and have fun!
(4)
Annalynn C.

During this trip, Jaleo is my second favorite restaurant that I visited. I liked it so much, I requested to go back a second time. I loved the vegetarian selection. I'm in love with mushrooms and they had so many dishes that included mushrooms; I was in heaven! The Spanish omelet with mushrooms were delicious. I also enjoyed the lamb chops, endive with goat cheese, mandarin orange, and almonds. Their dessert selection is amazing. The berry soup with goat cheese ice cream is a must try if you like goat cheese. The flavor isn't intense and it is a bit on the tart side, but it's awesome! I also fell in love with Counter Culture Coffee because of Jaleo. I can't say enough nice things. Good food. Good service. Decent price. Highly recommend it for folks visiting Bethesda and the DC area.
(3)
Lyndsey F.

Nice place and nice staff. Good food. The steak (lomo de bury) was amazing. The pan con queso manchego had less cheese than it used to - that was a disappointment.
(4)
Martin B.

I finally got my fill of the tapas craze at Jaleo this weekend. At around 7:45 on a Saturday night it wasn't too crowded and we were able to get a table for 5 without a reservation. Our waiter was attentive and friendly, and gave plenty of great suggestions on which dishes to get. The food came out pretty quickly, and boy was it good! The standard bread and olive oil was excellent, and it actually made for a nice way to neutralize the mouth between dishes. The first dish I got was basically serrano ham with cantaloupe and sherry dressing. It was artfully presented (unfortunately I didn't bring my camera, so no pictures!) and tasted great, the savory taste of the ham blending perfectly with the sweet taste of the cantaloupe. I was worried though; I had a feeling that if the rest of the dishes were like that, I wouldn't leave full. Boy was I wrong. My next dish was the fried salt cod fritters, which came with a honey aioli. The waiter claimed the saltiness would be balanced by the sweetness, and while I didn't find the fritters very salty at all, the aioli wasn't overpowering. I also tried my buddy's setas al ajillo which are basically sauteed mushrooms and they were great. By the end of this course I was starting to feel pretty damn full! Finally the last course came. "Chorizo casero tradicional," basically a spicy sausage on mashed potatoes. It was amazingly tasty and went well with the taters, and while I was sad to see it go I definitely didn't mind feeling like I'd stuffed my belly with enough food to last a winter. Jaleo's a pricey venue to go to (each dish runs around 9 dollars, some more expensive and some less) and while it may or may not knock you off your feet, it can be a fun experience trying these little dishes and sharing them with your dining partners. I'd definitely come here again if I was in the mood for more upscale dining but didn't know exactly what I wanted.
(4)
Howard W.

Wish I could rate service and food separately. Food awesome; server horrific. Just had dinner with group of 5 and ordered the restaurant week deal. Food - great selection of tapas; most were excellent (particularly gazpacho, fried dates, grilled chicken w/parsley purÃ©e, and patatas bravas). Our server, however, was perhaps the slowest and most inept waitron I've ever seen. We'll go back, but only because we've been to Jaleo many times and like it a lot and generally have had good service. But, if I hadn't been before, the quite-excellent food wouldn't be enough to bring us back.
(3)
Victoria S.

I love Jaleo! I prefer the Bethesda location because it's right on the corner where there's lots of downtown Bethesda traffic. The one in DC is a bit empty when I went. It's a good place to start out the night if you are hanging in Bethesda because of its central location The tapas are the best! (Better than La Tasca.) The patatas bravas are my favorite - I usually order 2 because I have to have a whole one to myself. Endives with goat cheese, oranges and almonds are a must! The white cava and red sangria is yummy . (I prefer the red.) I recommend Jaleo for any occasion.
(5)
Katherine I.

I had forgotten it was restaurant week when we arrived. We made a reservation, and once our 6 person party was complete, we were whisked to our table promptly. For a Sunday evening the service was great. Very aware of the levels of our drinks and more then happy to oblige a request for extra bread to sop up the drippings of some amazing dishes such as chickpeas and shrimp. plates. With the six of us we eneded up each doing the RW menu, which was 4 plates, one from each section and a dessert. The menu was more limited then the regular menu but contained a lot of my favorite dishes. Since there were six choices in each section, we decided to just order the whole menu. We were not disappointed. It was warmer here in the Mid-Atlantic than it had been in recent weeks so we justified the three pitchers of sangria, one sparkling, the other two red. For dessert I had the cheese homemade ice cream. Served with a butter biscotti-like cookie it was a heavenly finish to a sinful evening!
(4)
Christina W.

Six of us met here for a fun night out on Friday. We had a reservation, and they led us to a great table near the open door, where the unseasonably warm night air breezed in. I had never been to Jaleo, but have spent a few months in Spain, and I was looking forward to eating some of the dishes I had tried there. We started off with a carafe of sangria--as others have noted, I've had more flavorful, but it was perfectly palatable. The manchego and olives were great. The pan tomate with serrano ham was delicious. We really went to town and ordered multiples of a lot of different food--the spinach, the gambas al ajillo (yummy!), the croquetas de pollo (these were served piping hot & tasted exactly like what I had had in Spain), the mushrooms, the beet salad, and the tortilla espanola (kind of like a potato omelette--not a tortilla like you'd see wrapped around a burrito). Dessert was the flan and the chocolate hazelnut cake (really more like a mousse)--both gone within minutes of their arrival. The service was prompt and friendly. The waiter didn't mind one of my friends giving him a hard time all night about not serving Budweiser. One friend ordered an Absolut martini and apparently, they were out of Absolut and substituted Stoli without mentioning it to her (she saw it on the bill). I would have to say that overall, the only downside was the price. The price, including alcohol & tip, was $56/person. I wasn't surprised, since I read the prices as I was ordering the food, but it seemed like a lot considering. I would go back, but just not regularly--I think there is better value out there--though I loved everything we tried.
(3)
Eli L.

The fried eggplant with honey was a great way to start the meal. Then we advanced to a delicate cut of cod - salted and poached in a pesto-like sauce. It was the sushi of Spain - a unique taste! The shrimp in garlic sauce and scallops were next - what dishes. And then we finished with the Olive Oil ice cream and Pineapple special desert which is so good that it is worth just going for desert! All around a great meal and the service was also excellent.
(4)
Jed S.

Argh. I really, really want to give Jaleo five stars. The meal itself was wonderful. Unfortunately, the service, while pleasant, was awful. Off the bat, I'll note that my friend and I had lunch here during Bethesda Row's restaurant week, but that does not excuse the service. The restaurant was not crowded (despite it being noon on a weekday). I ordered Sopa de cebolla y tomillo con queso IdiazÃ¡bal (Caramelized onion and thyme soup with poached egg and IdiazÃ¡bal cheese), Patatas bravas (sliced, fried fingerling potatoes topped with a spicy tomato sauce and alioli), and Pollo al ajillo con salsa verde (Grilled marinated chicken served with a parsley purÃ©e and garlic sauce). My friend had one of the salads (I forget which one), and two things I forget. (But she really liked them!) My food was fantastic. The soup was the best I've ever had-the onion flavor was good without being overpowering, the poached egg was delicious, and the thyme flavor was an amazing example of what one can achieve with a sachet garni. I'm sold-I've always just tossed herbs into my soups and not bothered putting them in cheesecloth and pulling them out later, but this soup convinced me that it's worth the effort. The potatas bravas? Again, amazing. The chicken? Well, kinda just chicken. Good, and a protein, but nothing special, either. In the end, because the food was so good, four star total and I will certainly go back, but I would hesitate to bring a date or someone I wish to impress here, for fear of a repeat of the service issues. I know it's tapas and not quite the same as a restaurant with an appetizer followed by one entree, but still, it's incredibly awkward when one person has food and the other doesn't. As Anna K. said in her review, there seemed to be no rhyme or reason as to what was served when, and worse, my friend was served her salad a good 10-15 minutes after my soup arrived.
(4)
Hannah C.

3 1/2 stars... I'm almost a fan... and they really didn't do anything wrong. If life were fair, they'd get 5 stars, but life's not fair. This place truly is A-OK. We ate (engorged ourselves on) the happy hour specials and drank to our hearts' content. My wine wasn't great but there's a point in the evening where it doesn't bother you anymore and you just keep eating, drinking, and giggling. Jaleo's a good place for that. The staff was attentive and helpful. The decor is vibrant. The crowd is unrowdy. I think I held a star back because I need more vegan options. The mushrooms were great. You could do much worse than Jaleo. It's a decent choice and if you're coming here, I wouldn't say no to an invitation... hint, hint.
(3)
David W.

Now that Jaleo accepts reservations, I will be going more often. I have been a fan for years, but really disliked not being able to reserve a table - especially for large groups. My girlfriend and I went for our 2nd anniversary, and since Jaleo was our first date, we returned. We asked to be seated at the same table, and they accommodated us. The service was great, food was delicious - overall a very good experience that keeps us coming back again and again. The Paella Festival was going on at the time (June), and we got the Arroz con pluma ibÃ©rica y verduras de Alicante (Iberico pork paella with green garlic and seasonal vegetables), which was great. New menu items including the Arroz de pato 'Jean-Louis Palladin' (rice with duck confit, duck breast and foie gras cream) were delicious. A half carafe of the white sangria rounded out our meal nicely.
(4)
Olivia L.

Delicious food. The Gazpacho is the best I have ever had (and I'm Spanish). Sometimes when it's crowded though the service suffers.
(4)
Vanessa S.

Tonight was my second visit to Jaleo and possibly my last. We had an 8:30 reservation so by the time the third tapa came out the restaurant was clearing out. The service was terribly slow. The waiter suggested we order the lamb and it came out tough and fatty. It was inedible. We explained our dissatisfaction with the dish and it still showed up on our bill. After waiting nearly 15 minutes for a dessert menu, we decided to just ask for the check. When we told the waiter that we didn't want to wait any longer, his response was "oh do you want coffee instead." Sadly he was on another planet. I will have to think twice before I return.
(2)
Emacs V.

ChouriÃ§o is not Spanish, not authentic probably south American, all they have to do is go to a Spanish or Portuguese store and get the real thing, there is a Spanish grocery store a couple of blocks down the street in Bethesda how hard can it be to be authentic
(1)
alexandra f.

OH. MY. GOD. Part of me is seriously considering not moving back to NYC this week at risk of not being able to eat at Jaleo more often. This place is incroyable! Apparently, it was restaurant week? $30 bucks, 4 tapas plates, 1 dessert and a full belly. Can't complain. What did we order that has me singing a restaurant's praise you may ask? Gazpacho Endive salad Croquetas de pollo (Chicken fritters) Gambas al ajillo (Shrimp) Arroz cremoso de setas (Wild mushroom rice) Cebolla asada con queso PicÃ³n (Sauteed onions with Picon cheese) Vieiras con remolacha y pistachos (Scallops) Lubina con vinagreta de ajos y romero (Sea bass) I could go into detail about how savory and mouth watering each of these dishes were but we'd be here all day. The chicken fritters, endive salad, and sea bass were definite winners in all these picks.
(5)
Fenny L.

It was partly our fault. It was 7:30 on a Saturday night, and we didn't make reservations. We had called earlier in the day to make reservations, but were told that the only openings left was for 9:45. We decided to play with fate - and got burned. Such is the destiny of those who dare play footsie with fate, I suppose. We arrived at Jaleo at 8 and were told that there would be a "45 minute - 1 hour wait" for our party of three. Well, considering that we were told 9:45 for reservations, we felt that we were doing pretty good, and went up to the bar. 45 minutes and several drinks later, I went to check up on how much longer (mostly to decide if we should order another drink, now or later), and the hostess briskly assured me that they were "clearing the tables now". Great! I head back to the bar and shared the good news. As we waited for the tables "to be cleared", we noticed that several parties - that had arrived after us - were already seated and eating. But as my husband pointed out, those were couples, and tables of 2 are easier to seat then tables of 3. We wait 25 minutes more for the "tables to be cleared", before I went to check up at the hostess stand again. The hostess, while not rude, was very brusque and assured me that we would get the very next table. I would have probably been kinder in my thoughts (and this review), if I wasn't told nearly 30 minutes before, that they were "clearing the tables" for us. Fortunately, this hostess wasn't lying, and within 5 minutes, our buzzer goes off, and we were seated in the corner, which was private (which was good, considering some of our off colored humor). Perhaps it's just my tastebuds, but the tapas were pretty much hit or miss with me. A few exceptional dishes were the grilled lamb chops (cordero a la brasa), which were tender, juicy and perfectly medium rare, the sauteed shrimp (gambas al ajillo), which were so flavorful and succulent that I dipped my bread into the sauce, the sauteed spinach (espinacas a la catalana), and the seared scallops (vieriras con remolacha y pistachios), which was served with pistachios and raspberries. However, the rest of the dishes were very "meh" to me. The rossejat (fried seafood pasta - paella style) was limp and oily, and the seafood seemed over cooked. The potato salad with tuna (ensaladilla rusa) was basically potato salad with canned tuna mixed in, very weak in my estimation. The wild mushroom rice, while flavorful and had the consistency of a creamy risotto was underdone as the center of the rice was hard.. My other problem with the tapas, was the pricing. Let's take for example the lamb chops. For $11.50, we received two small lamb chops. Yes, they were perfectly seasoned and quite delicious, however I would expect more then 4 oz of lamb (including bone - so really, 2.5 oz) for that price. Or the scallops, which was $8 for two small-medium pieces of scallops. The pricing just didn't seem to align with the portions. Yes, I understand that Jaleo is a more "upscale" and yuppy restaurant, but that still doesn't excuse the price gouging. I admit that I'm a little spoiled by dim-sum, where little dishes of food - just like tapas - cost only $2.50. Yes, the atmosphere isn't quite as nice, but the food generally tastes better, and you will leave satisfied. In the beginning, our server was a bit curt with us, brushing us off and rushing through the menu and the options. However, between our raunchy jokes, and our overall jovial mood, I think we thawed her out. By the end of the meal, she was much nicer and took the time to chat with us about some of the ingredients on the menu and some of her own personal recommendations. No matter how busy the dining room, she was very prompt in checking on us, and making sure that we had our food and had our drinks replenished often. In addition, once she found out that this was a birthday dinner, she brought out a dish of sorbet (which was gross - I think it was sugar-free or something - but the sentiment was appreciated) with a candle for him. I am not faulting Jaleo for making us wait for a table (again, Saturday night with no reservations), however, I am disappointed that our "45 minutes to 1 hour wait" turned into an hour and 20 minutes. While some dishes are quite marvelous, between the mediocre dishes and the pricing, I really can't give Jaleo more then 3 stars. I may come back - but only with reservations.
(3)
Kim R.

I am pretty picky about Spanish food, but I think overall the food here is pretty good. I particularly like the patatas bravas. I had a special lobster paella (which was made with Maine lobster, not langostinos) and it was fabulous. Other dishes were good and solid. The red sangria is really tasty, the white is sweet and not my thing. It's somewhat Americanized, but it's in a great location, the service is always good (in my experience) and the food has always been very good. The restaurant can be noisy and some of the tables are quite close together (read: not all that romantic). If you'd like to expose your kids to Spanish food though, this is probably a good option. It's loud already and there are plenty of things for them to try safely (beware of head-on shrimp, which could be traumatic for the unitiated). The aforementioned patatas bravas are a good place to start. I always say this, but it's true here as well, the earlier you come, the better things will go with kids.
(3)
Nan W.

Perpetually bored by the task of making one's way through an oversized entree, bite after same-old-same-old bite, we adore small plates. And Jaleo does small plates quite nicely - even extremely well. Our party of five snagged the nice table in the back corner, hard by the kitchen - surprisingly the quietest corner, where conversation was not only possible, but pleasant. We each ordered 2 tapas. Okay, I ordered 3 - I was feeling peckish. The plates arrived in no particular order, which encouraged leisurely grazing accompanied by conversation. It's really fun to wait and see what they'll bring next, like opening your presents at your 9th birthday party. By far the best one was the watermelon with goat cheese. What can I say. YUM. This plate was succeeded by a bowl heaped with little potatoes, perfectly cooked till just tender but without a hint of mush, with a terrific green sauce alongside that I suspect may have contained a smidgen or seven of garlic, along with copious cilantro. These adorable little tubers got popped by the entire party. The one dish that disappointed was a little omelet with mushrooms. If it had a flavor, that flavor pretty much eluded my taste buds. My friend was mad for the dates wrapped in a reddish-brown substance that (my husband claims) comes from the bark of the bacon tree. All this and more went down wonderfully with a bottle of Cava, a light sparkler selling that night for $20. All in all, we had a lovely festive time and spent around $20 per head, tax and tip included - pretty reasonable! Was it a massive oversized meal, complete with the usual congealed leftovers dumped unappetizingly into a styrofoam container for tomorrow's lunch? If that's your idea of a good restaurant, pass Jaleo by. But if you enjoy grazing on a wide variety of imaginatively prepared dishes that won't break the bank, sampling and savoring bites of this and that, Jaleo is a must-visit. PS. I was too full, after 3 plates, for the desserts. But a bite never hurt anyone. They all tasted great.
(4)
Raymond W.

You can't really rightfully judge a tapas place when you only order 2 items so I will give them a 4 based on the food I did have. I ordered a shirt steak and roasted red pepper, eggplant, and sweet onion tapas dishes. Ordering 3 plates is a much better bet for a full meal, but it will easily be more than $20. If you are a bigger eater, prepare to shell out some dough. Food wise, Jaleo was excellent as I was eating bread with the leftover steak sauce, and the Calamari my friend ordered had a perfect fried crust. Next time I dine at Jaleo I'll be sure to bring more hungry stomachs.
(4)
Miguel C.

I really wanted to like this place but........... I liked the location, atmosphere, the sangria, but I was not impressed with the food. It's my first time going to a Spanish restaurant so I have nothing to compare it to but I would say this is one of my least favorite foods. Maybe it was the way if was served, in those little appetizer plates. I expected a meal not something served in multiple small dishes. The food didn't have that "wow" effect and the sangria was just average. Price is a bit on the expensive side for what you get. Coming back again? Maybe for drinks...
(2)
Olivia L.

Went on a Saturday night (it was prom night -- apparently the hip prom kids were here too) and sat at the bar. No wait, and we got our favorite bartender. The patatas bravas are no longer chips, they're hunks of fingerling potatoes. Yay! But I write this review not about the food or drink, but the clientele. I am sooo glad that I'm not single, cruising the mean streets of the DC metro area. So we're sitting at the bar, and there's this guy next to me who is clearly by himself, nursing gin and tonics. White dress shirt fresh from the cleaners, and looks clean cut. Seems like a nice guy. Ok, so he orders his 2nd drink and asks for the check -- in passable Spanish. Finally (she must have been an hour late), this flashy girl comes in and it's sooo clearly a blind date. He offers her his seat (bonus point) and she doesn't take it, but just stands at the bar assertively. She gets carded and pulls out a Gucci wallet, and then quizzes him on what kind of car he drives...it's a smart car (ding ding ding!). She pushes, and he admits that he got the smart car for financial reasons (more alarm bells for her). Now his buzzer goes off and they move toward a table, but she hasn't paid for her drink yet -- he says, "Have you paid for that?" and the glare he gets, o my! But he recovers quickly, with a "Let me get this for you." The bartender (a class act), insists that it her drink is on the house. And off they go.
(4)
Jonathan E.

This is the TGI Friday's of Tapas. The service though is terrible. You never know when the food is coming and in what order and sometimes they bring all your food within 30 minutes and they there will be another 30 minute wait for just one moe dish. You always wonder if they screwed it up or forgot. I've often had to go to the bar while sitting down to get a drink b/c the waiter ignored us. Not fine dining, more like TGI Friday's in service and food quality.
(3)
Eric M.

very clean, fresh, and light. the scallops were cooked perfectly and had the perfect sauce to go with it. it didn't overwhelm the delicate flavor of the scallop. definitely try the octopus. it was boiled perfectly and melts in your mouth. hangar steak was awesome. the cod was one of the most unique dishes i've had in a while. the method of cooking is different. it cooks the cod fully, but it comes out almost like a sashimi. the shrimp in garlic sauce came out a bit salty, but other than that, the meal, service and sangria were excellent! great location too. interested in trying Chef Andres' other restaurants too.
(4)
Mona G.

I came here for lunch with some co-workers during restaraunt week. Although the food was delicious, the service was horrible!!! The place wasnt packed at all so we expected it to take normal lunch hour time. My friend received her last course of the three courses exactly one hour and 20 minutes after we had first sat down. She couldnt even finish her food and we ended up being late back to work.
(2)
Juju J.

This is probably one of the most overrated places to eat in DC (area). Maybe it's way past its hay day, but he tapas we ordered were just so-so. Most of the stuff was swimming in oil or mayo to disguise the aging recipes and possibly the cheaper ingredients in the food. The service was fine and decor was ok. However, I think next time if I want Spanish tapas I might check out La Tosca, which is cheaper and probably as good if not better.
(2)
Vivian K.

so my first experience in a DC tapas place was at Jaleo's and let's just say that when you come here pre drunk, after brunch, on a sunday, around 4... this is not the place to be.. and quite frankly.. they definitely didn't hit HIGH expectations.. TRAVEL LOG 3:45pm: walked into jaleo with chang w. , his coworker and wife, and someone else i believe but i was too drunk to remember. went straight to the bar and asked if we could get a table.. the bartender laughed because he saw we were wasted and directed a waitress to seat us. 4:00pm: sat down atta table near the window so that we could people watch. other patrons in the restaurant were giving us the stare down because it's in bethesda and they can't believe that people could be drunk on a sunday afternoon.. waitress gave us the menu and asked for the drink specials. 4:10pm: chang's coworker orders a screwdriver for his russian wife, and we order a pitcher of sangria for the table. waitress tries to be friendly with us "roughin's" and chang's coworkers says a raunchy joke.. to which we all laugh.. but not because it was funny.. but because we were drunk 4:25pm: the sangria is placed on the table, and it's strong so we're downin' it like water.. the 2 bloody marys and 1 guiness i had before is still making my head swirl.. i decide to forgo the bathroom because i'm afraid to trip. 4:35pm: we laugh and joke about all topics.. conversation flows very well... other patrons, mostly 65 and older, shake their heads and try to cover their ears. waitress politely tells us that she won't be serving us anymore... to which we were disappointed, however, the new waitor a big 6'1 guy comes over to ask if we need anything else. 5:00pm: conversation continues and then we get some free tapas.. we think we hit the jackpot however, the manager comes by to politely tell us that after we finish these potato fried thingies that we will haveta pay the bill and leave. confusion sets in, and we ask why.. and he states that we've offended our previous waitress.. and we were being too loud... realization sets in as we remember that the coworker said something about being naked to the waitress.. we give him a dirty look since he's the one that got us kicked out now.. 5:10pm: we're officially kicked out.. and those potato thingies weren't that good either.. HA! .. we jump on the metro to finish the nite in dupont. MORAL OF STORY: don't go to jaleo if you wanna have fun, go there for a dinner date or something, because it's not really set up for the 'lounge scene' and 'lounge convo' ... tapas weren't that great and kinda expensive.. and since it's in bethesda you can get some pretentious people in there.. also, don't make jokes with the waitress about being naked when your wife's sitting next to you.. you can get you and your party kicked out..
(3)
Maren P.

The food at Jaleo is pretty good; the fact that I'm a big fan of the whole 'small plate/tapas' setup is a big part of it. The restaurant was super crowded on a Saturday night, and it definitely felt a bit hectic - food came out in a reasonable amount; however, any special requests (milk, butter, etc) took a bit longer. Everything was very perfunctory and satisfactory - I guess I was hoping for a bit of ambiance and some warm and fuzzies.
(3)
Paolo L.

I don't really get why this is such a highly highly rated Spanish restaurant. The food is generally good, but not spectacular to merit all the awards it has received. The atmosphere is very trendy in both the Bethesda and DC locations, though I have frequented the branch in Bethesda a bit more. Overall, I don't think the food is worth the prices they are asking for... but hey, it's also the ambiance and trendy crowd you are paying for.
(3)
Jackie B.

The competition is always between whether Jaleo is better or if La Tascua is. I'd have to say La Tascua is way better all around. The prices at Jaleo range from $5 to $8 for tapas. Pretty reasonable prices. Too bad the tapas aren't very good. I thought they were super salty. and then I had to drown the salty taste with bitter sangria. yuck. Whatever you do, don't bother with most of the potato dishes. We got two of them and they were not what I expected. The patatas bravas ended up being potato chips with a red sauce and globs of aioli sauce on top. The other dish was suppose to be chrizo with potatoes. It ended up tasting like those little sausages [smokies?] with a potato chip wrapped around it. The calamari we got was salty and it came with the same aioli sauce that the potato chips had on them. The boy really liked the shrimp which I thought were alright. Not much flavor to them. Weird since it was suppose to be the "favorite". I gave it two stars because the place was nice and the serves was pretty good. But that was about it. I'd rather go some place else for Tapas.
(2)
Natalie F.

The white sangria is amazing! It takes like the most delicious champagne with fresh mint and strawberries and something else I can't put my finger on. I tried the mushroom dish and the beet salad. It was so incredible. The olives and bread were awesome too! It's very pricey though, get ready to spend some money. A pitcher of the white sangria is 27.00. It's so worth it though:)
(5)
Jason J.

I've eaten at other branches of Jaleo and always had good experiences, but the Bethesda branch has some rough edges. Brought the family her on a Saturday. The food was wildly inconsistent. Patatas Bravas and the beet salad were excellent, but the scrambled eggs with mushrooms (a brunch special) was horribly over-salted. We couldn't eat a bite. The real shocker, though, is that after we sent it back they didn't take it off our bill! That's really appalling. It was only $6.50, but just on principle we're never going back. Downtown Bethesda has plenty of choices where the customer is treated better.
(1)
Holly C.

Nice place to meet friends for drinks and appetizers, small plates right! They have the best sangria, hmmmm. Get creative with what you order and you shouldn't be disappointed. The interior is way cool, and the staff was decent. Hard to miss on the corner and parking is right there, so why not try it out.
(4)
Bob V.

Got Jose Andres? No? Well, get thee to Jaleo in Bethesda for great tapas. My friends savored the whole calamari de pelayo lovely in light olive oil and lemon; just right and not fussed over. The arroz cremona is really a delicious imposter masquerading as risotto with mushrooms and iztal cheese. The "Daniel Patrick Moynihan" is a cheeky poke at a blonde, large sausage on white beans: (wink)! The staff, including host Mardin, were fun, gracious and very welcoming. Check it out!
(3)
Bala L.

I've been there twice. This is the first and only place I've tried Spanish/Portuguese cuisine. The first time I went there with colleagues for lunch. It seemed as though the food portions were small. But with a couple of appetizers and six entrees for the six of us, we were full! Not full in an overstuffed kind-of-way, but we all felt we had just enough food to stay awake after lunch! The food itself was fresh and tasty, and I found the combinations interesting (apples, apricots, dates in spiced entrees?). The cheese appetizer was good as well, and their chocolate cake was wonderful (not too sweet, good for dark chocolate lovers). Pretty big place for a restaurant in downtown Bethesda. We didn't try the tapas.
(4)
Allix B.

I went to Jaleo in Bethesda for the first time on Saturday evening. We started off with a carafe of their sangria - which was delicious. The food items that we had for dinner, however, were not as fantastic as I had hoped. The fried baby artichokes and chorizo wrapped in potato were both very good, but the eggplant and chicken pesto left something to be desired. If you're looking for tapas in the area, I prefer La Tasca in Rockville Town Square.
(3)
linda d.

I had heard about this amazing tapas place in Bethesda, so when a friend was in town for business we decided to try out this place. The nice thing about tapas is that you end up feeling satisfied by the end of the meal without feeling like you've gorged yourself with food. Or at least that's how I feel about tapas. The small plates were tasty and they have little olives for you to snack on as well. It is definitely on the pricier end, so be ready to have a slightly lighter wallet on your way out.
(4)
Gers A.

Decent tapas. What makes it fun are the sangrias with friends. Oh, and the figs wrapped in bacon with a pinenut aren't bad either ! I much prefer the Chinatown location, however. In Bethesda, you have too many teenyboppers walking around. And though Bethesda is very diverse and progressive, too many U of M alums with uber- fraternity and sororities social mentality , which is why I much prefer the downtown location.
(3)
Steve F.

Quite friendly, with very tasty food. Favorites included the bacon-wrapped dates and the goat cheese filled red peppers. Both the red and white sangria were quite tasty, though our table preferred the white (light and sweet). The only thing that was a bit of a miss was the baby potatod with green sauce.
(4)
Jay K.

I don't have much experience with Spanish tapas, but this place was pretty good. I had the red sangria and it was ok, although the fruit in it was delicious. Some plates I have tried here are Manzanas, which is slice apple salad with cheese. This was very unique and pretty good. The calamari here is very delicious and probably my favorite plate I had here. I also tried a chicken dish, which was very tasty, but very small in portion. I also had other seafood dishes, which were decent enough, but not memorable. Overall, this place is okay and I am sure those who are a fan of these types of food will enjoy it very much.
(3)
Becky T.

This was my first time having tapas and they were all really delicious. It's a great place to go with friends and for everyone to share a little bit of everything. My favorite were the potato pancakes and the duck with poached pears were amazing. The paella was ok, a little too saffron intensive for my taste. The downside to this place is that because it was tapas the portions were really small, yet still cost $5-8 for each. It would be cheaper to dim sum.
(4)
Ashley M.

i can't add much apart from what's already been said, so I will say this: Jaleo is probably my favorite restaurant in Bethesda and the food is far superior to La Tasca.
(5)
Bruno C.

best tapas in town (at least from what I have experienced). descent prices. usually good service. overall a good food experience.
(4)
Hello H.

Tapas and sangria weren't bad, but as with most tapas places, Jaleo is, in my opinion, way overpriced for the amount you actually eat. If you are at all $ conscious, you probably shouldn't go here on an empty stomach. For me, the quality of the food and the price are the two main criteria for a high rating. Atmosphere was nice, though, and the servers were all friendly.
(3)
SAM d.

I went there the other night and it was disappointing. The food was very average. The cod fritter is nasty. I didn't enjoy it at all. I had better experience there and I didn't recall the food being this bad. This is not a cheap place either.
(2)
Renato S.

drink specials for happy hour are nice, especially if you enjoy wine, but I don't. Don't come for the food, calamari was wayyy to salty, the chicken fritters were just bad.
(3)
Audrey W.

Tapas! Love the DC location for all the District has to offer but the Bethesa spot is closer!
(4)
Chris C.

I love this Jaleo! The food, while expensive, is very, very well prepared, and I have never not enjoyed a stay. I like to come here with groups to celebrate birthdays and holidays, and the tapas environment is the best way to easily share our time.
(5)
Jen L.

I normally do not eat Spanish food, so I can't really rate the food accurately. Bad: The prices for the portions were high. The food was okay. I was still hungry. Good: The decor was trendy and enticing.
(2)
Brynn D.

this used to be my favorite restaurant 4 years ago when i lived in the DC area. i revisited this past weekend on a trip back home to visit friends/family/dentist/fireworks and was slightly (ever so) let down. i used to drool over those apples+manchego and the current version (while wildly different + endlessly more complex) is just as pleasing. however the patatas bravas are now glorified potato chips in catsup. the garlic shrimp are about the same and still delicious. i didn't see my old fave portobello mushroom dish and i regret that i didn't get the current mushroomy offering. the monkfish was buttery and rich but lacked any other dimension. the bread has lost its super-crusty rustic edge. red sangria was strong and delicious. my fruit soup dessert was good but not as decadent as i remember they used to be. in general my visit was very mixed but the way i remember the dishes i remember are better than what i recently experienced.
(3)
Shiehan C.

First off - it's pricey because it's a name. Once you get over that, the experience becomes much more enjoyable. I was here for a friend's birthday in late December, with a group of 10-15 people. We managed to split the checks up into tables, and after everything was done for, was about $30 per person. For my table, this included two sangrias, one paella to share for all of us, and about 6-7 various tapas that we all sort of shared. I know tapas in Spain are considerably much cheaper than the $7-$8 Jaleo charges, but it's hard to find good tapas in the DMV area anyway. The ambiance was pretty good, although given that I was here with a large party, I didn't pay much attention to the decor. I do remember kind of weaving around table to get to the restrooms. I would definitely come back, and I'm seriously considering suggesting Jaleo the next time I'm on a date.
(4)
Dana M.

I've only eaten here a few times (which has always been good!!), but the happy hour sangria (and late happy hour on Saturday nights) is AMAZING.
(4)
Jamila T.

I gathered here with my sister and a few friends the night before my birthday, which was a few weeks ago. Street parking is available, but the area has a couple of large parking garages in between the shops, so parking really wasn't much of a hassle. And I don't have to worry about testing my parallel parking skills again! lol It was restaurant week, but unfortunately the rule is everyone at the table has to select to participate in restaurant week- they don't allow just a few people to participate and others to not participate. So we decided to just go with their traditional menu. No restaurant week menu for us! So there were a ton of appetizers on the table, so alot was being shared. I ordered: - SalmÃ³n con coliflor y frambuesas. Which is seared salmon with a cauliflower puree and raspberries. I'm a salmon girl so I must say the flavors really complimented each other. -Garbanzos Con Espinacas 'Que Bien Cocinas, Tichi'. My favorite dish of the night. It was a Moorish chickpea and spinach stew that is served with a fried egg on top. I am a lover of chickpeas or spinach or egg anything separately, so combined can you say... BANGIN!!! It was soo good that I went and found a similar recipe so I can make it in my own kitchen ;) -I love red wine, so the red sangria is a no-brainer. However, the red Sangria was definitely was missing something. I drank it all with refills, nonetheless. lol On a Friday night this place was busy, so service wasn't the best, but it was acceptable and didn't take away from our evening. Yes tapas are a little on the expensive side, but I think the serving sizes are appropriate. Of course anyone could say that you should get more food, but then they wouldn't be tapas... now would they? humm. Tapas are almost like teasers. Overall, I would like to say I'd recommend this place. I would definitely come back with some friends...
(4)
Jess A.

This place was super inconsistent. The first two plates we got were delicious (patatas bravas and a blue cheese) but the last two (rabbit confi and a squid with stewed ink) were super bland and not good. So I think they do well with easy stuff (fried potatoes and cheese) but not entree style stuff (the rabbit and squid). For the price, it's just not worth it--you get so little for your money. I'd go somewhere else.
(2)
Amie D.

The food here was great. I feel like the atmosphere is a little too generic, and I had hoped for something more personal or with an intimate vibe, but this place is more like a chain (BETTER, but still had that feel overall). but it doesn't matter because the food is just beyond amazing good. Pricey. We went during restaurant week, and still for 3 people it was around $140. I'm still thinking about the bacon wrapped dates, and Endives, so good.
(4)
A A.

I used to come here a bit when I lived in MD, but coming back after a while I wasn't as impressed. I don't actually remember much of what I had, so that's why I'll leave it as a fine dining experience, but nothing where I'd wait in line for ages. The staff was inquisitive about how we were faring, and the waitress was fine.
(3)
Erica G.

I came to the Bethesda outpost of Jaleo about two weeks ago for happy hour. Happy hour drinks specials include discounted wine and 4 dollar sangria. I wish there were more discounted sangrias. I love their white sangria with cava and strawberries. -pan con tomate y queso manchego: not my favorite. The manchego seemed like it was prepared and sliced and had that odd texture on the outside. -croquetas de pollo: yum. I have no idea what is in croquetas but I do love them! -pollo al ajillo con salsa verde: wonderful. The chicken was cooked perfectly and the sauce was amazing. This was the overall winner of the night! Some notes on the atmosphere: happy hour is only at the small bar area which is extremely annoying since if you snagged a spot early like me, you might have people reaching over, between or across you. If you come a little late you might have a hard time finding somewhere to sit.
(4)
Joanna C.

I went for a weekday lunch so it wasn't crowded at all, which was awesome because the service was great and the food came out super quickly! Our waitress was really nice and full of suggestions, and my friends and I had a long, relaxing lunch. We tried a bunch of dishes and enjoyed them. I really liked the grilled cheese, endives, selection of Spanish cured meats, chorizo wrapped in crispy potato, and fried squid. The grilled cheese sandwich in particular with its four cheeses and perfect amount of meltedness was delicious! I wouldn't recommend the patatas bravas, which were good, but nothing special (though the spicy sauce that came with it was good), and the Moroccan stew, which was sub-par and bland. However, I really enjoyed the filling tapas and sandwich and had a fun time!
(4)
Adam T.

A little disappointed in Jaleo. It was really solid, don't get me wrong, but nothing really outstanding. The grilled quail was probably the standout dish I had. Everything else was fine, just nothing too exciting. And for the price, I'm expecting nearly everything to be a standout dish. Service was quite slow, which for a Monday night was surprising. Our waitress just disappeared for ten, fifteen minutes at a time. Meh.
(3)
Alicia B.

The tapas are delicious and varied. I love going with friends and relax at Jaleo.
(5)
Heather J.

I don't know how it's possible that I haven't reviewed Jaleo yet. I have been here countless times, and only realized that I hadn't yet reviewed it while making a list of the places I go all the time. I love this place. I could go on and on about all the dishes I love, but I'll just name a few. I love the patatas bravas (who doesn't?) - they're salty and a little bit spicy, with a creamy sauce on top that just perfectly complements the spice. The apple, manchego, fennel, and walnut salad is absolutely a don't-miss. It is so refreshing, and I never get sick of it. I've had a few different duck dishes here and all have been fantastic. The mushrooms with garlic are excellent, and the bacon-wrapped dates are to-die-for. If you like sangria, try the white sangria, which comes with strawberries and mint in it. So, why only 4 stars? It gets really, really crowded and noisy, and it's kind of overpriced. But will those things stop me from going back again and again? Nope.
(4)
Chard X.

Get the stewed squid. It's the best squid I've ever had anywhere. It's also one of the only edible dish on the menu.
(3)
Karen H.

I came here for dinner with two friends. The waiter suggested 3-4 plates each and we ordered 10 which ultimately ended up being just a little over kill. We started with the Pan De Cristal Con Tomate (excellent) and the JamÃ³n IbÃ©rico De Bellota Fermin, which was by far the most expensive ham at $22 but a very delicious splurge. Highlights from the meal that we all loved were the hanger steak, calamari, apple fennel salad, and sauteed cauliflower. The dishes that we had mixed reviews on were the signature garlic shrimp, sauteed seasonal mushrooms with the potato puree, and the Spanish omelette with potatoes. The one dish we all agreed we could have done without was the grilled marinated chicken, which was recommended by the waiter- it wasn't terrible but it was nothing special, it tasted like something I could make it home and maybe even make a better version myself. All three of us like white wine so we naturally ordered a carafe of white sangria and were all sort of meh--none of us really liked the mint. We tried another carafe of the red next and all liked it better but agreed it was nothing special. I was disappointed with my rice pudding dessert but my friend's flan was delicious! The service was just the right pace and we didn't feel rushed, even though we were the second to last to leave the restaurant. Overall, it was a good experience and I'll definitely be back, especially considering their happy hour specials.
(4)
Michael L.

A high energy environment with good ambiance. The food was very good. (Loved the grilled cauliflower.) Why only 3 stars? Two reasons. I ordered a $70 bottle of Rioja, a wine I drink a lot, and it was barely OK. For $70, I expected much more. I tasted it and wasn't sure if the wine was off or just not what I was expecting. I asked the sommelier to taste it to see if he thought it was OK. He did and said he thought it was fine but offered to replace it if I wanted. Very nice service. I don't send back bottles just because I made a bad choice, so we went with it. Second, the waiter was hustling us through the service very quickly. When we asked him to recommend a few dishes, he did it in about 20 seconds. Whoa! Contrast that to the outstanding service I've received twice at Estadio downtown, and the difference is striking. If you want a great tapas experience, Estadio is the better (and more expensive) choice. It's close to our home, so we'll probably go again. As I said, the food was very good and the place was lively.
(3)
Christina L.

Jaleo has a trendy eclectic vibe (think foosball table transformed into a table). I met with a friend for dinner/drinks and enjoyed the Jaleo favorite (all I can remember is that it had potatoes and a spicy cheesy sauce on top), parsley chicken, and fried dates. I'd recommend to come here if you're in a sharing mood/want to walk around Bethesda afterwards! Service was a bit slow (hence the 4 stars not 5) but other than that, I left happy!
(4)
Mike S.

I personally love Spanish cuisine, so I had a very high expectation before entering Jaleo last week for my weekend dinner-out. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is great with nicely decorated bar and table areas. But when it comes to its service, I wasn't very pleased. I might have been sitting on a bad table, but my waiter barely came by to check up on us. One of my guests had to wait for his water to be filled for about ten minutes one time, and he eventually got the waiter's attention by waiving his cup in the air. Despite its service that night, the food was decent. I would not make any negative comment towards its chef. People still love to go to Jaleo, and I wouldn't be surprised about the fact.
(3)
Sabrina B.

Why all the excitement over this place?! I was disappointed. I did all this research since I had a gluten-free friend come to town and it seemed like this was supposed to be a top spot...hmmph. The best part was that they were able to provide him with a full gluten-free menu and plates are brought out specially marked to assure no mix-ups. Otherwise, please spend your money somewhere else. It was simply *annoying* to pay so much money for food, service, and atmosphere that was just 'eh'. I wish I could write/remember what we ordered, but it really was not even that memorable. The sangria was pretty good. The food was 'fine' nothing extraordinary or worth the money. I will not be back nor recommend it
(1)
Phi N.

So the place is much larger than expected, and it is very well decorated. It has a fun atmosphere to it. My friends come here to drink, and really enjoy it. However, my ratings are purely based on food! My parents and I came here the other night and ordered way too many dishes. All the smaller dishes happened to come out first, so we ordered extra dishes. Then as more dishes came out, they also happened to be bigger. We ended up over ordering... oh well, good thing I'm fat! We started off with bread that comes with oil... Us americans prefer butter... can we have both, please? Anyway, our first dish was the fried dates-- they were good but not as amazing as the reviews make them seem. The SalpicÃ³n de cangrej (sort of a crabmeat salad) was next and had good flavor to it. Other vegetables we ordered were the wild mushrooms and the grilled asparagus. The mushrooms were really simple, drenched in butter, and fantastic! (butter makes everything fantastic...) and the asparagus came with a romesco sauce that I really liked. For meats, we got: -Grilled quail ( has a rosemary sauce and honey alioli); it's hard to share something like this. -Some kind of special steak that was on the specials menu (overrated) -Chorizo with potato purÃ©; although the sausage was good, in the end it is a sausage for 9 bucks... -Rice with duck confit, duck breast and foie gras cream. This was probably my second favored dish. Had excellent flavor, a good blend of different meats, rice, and textures, and was a rather large tapas plate. -calamari: this dish was larger too but it was lacking in crispiness, doesn't come with lemon, and is eaten with mayo, which I don't think goes as well as other sauces I've had for calamari. -scallops: these were some jumbo scallops. I thought they were well cooked but the sauce just wasn't that good. If you look at my picture, it's the green sauce I didn't really like. The red sauce was okay. -We also ordered the rabbit; this dish was horrible in my opinion. It might be my taste buds, but they hated it... I had one bite and gave up on it. -The lamb chops were the last dish dish that we got. This was also my favorite dish. Red meat, cooked well, tender, and great taste. What more can I ask for?? So to sum it up, wild mushrooms, the lamb chops, and duck confit are definitely worth getting. The rabbit has been blacklisted... and everything else is just okay. and... hopefully you don't get my waitress. She was slow in coming around, didn't get refills until we asked way later on, and then was talking to her friend who doesn't work there for like 5-10 minutes while we were waiting to pay. To her credit, she was very nice and helpful when around... just not always there. ***Adding in a couple things because I don't want to write a whole new review** Stuffed peppers were really good. Brussels sprouts salad wasn't for me...
(3)
Tami B.

I used to come here for lunch maybe once a month or so when I worked in the area. I hadn't been to Jaleo in awhile as I don't work there anymore. My favorite lunch was gazpacho ($8) and gambas al ajillo (shrimp sautÃ©ed with garlic, $12). When my friend wanted to go to Jaleo after the movies down the street, I jumped at the chance. I ordered my old standby. The gazpacho was as delicious as I remember it (the recipe is online via the Washington Post and I occasionally make it myself, but I don't do the little details of the croutons and topping). However, the big disappointment was with the gambas. Instead of the lightly sautÃ©ed shrimp accompanied by toasted thin garlic slices, swimming in aromatic oil, there was a heavy dollop of tomato paste that tasted like it came right out of the can mixed into the dish, and only one or two garlic slices were present. I wiped off most of the tomato paste (I can't imagine why I didn't have the sense to send it back!) and then re-wet it in the oil. Very disappointing. When I mentioned this to the waiter (when he finally showed up), he said I could have asked for it without the tomato. However, tomato is not even mentioned in the description, I still like Jaleo but it cost me to be wiser. The decor has been updated nicely. It was very busy on the Saturday afternoon we came and they seated us at a tall table in the bar. There were open tables right below us (4 2-tops pushed together into 4-tops). I asked if we could sit down there but they said they were reserved and "the people are on their way." My friend and I felt the hard seats of the tall chairs dig into our thighs and there was no place to park our feet comfortably. Meanwhile, as long as we were there, the "people" never came.
(4)
JR C.

True to a Tapas restaurant. Sangria was great, very simple and refreshing. Nice atmosphere... sheek but not snooty. The only criticism I have is that I wish that they had more pork-free menu options. However I do understand being that the restaurant is of Spanish theme. -Salud!
(4)
Daniel A.

Jaleo's Happy Hour is fantastic. Glass of Sangria: $4. Listed tapas: $4 each. Beer: $4. There is plenty of space at the bar if you are having an office happy hour or you can grab a small table if you are with a few friends. Happy hour ends at 7, so get there early and take advantage.
(5)
Ryan B.

The tapas are good and it's a great place to go with a bunch of friends for a meal and drinks. The service is just okay.
(4)
Suzie G.

I hadn't been here in over a year and I was really disappointed. The stuffed pepper looked like it had been microwaved and the paella was over cooked and fishy. On a good note, the drinks were delicious and the manager was very attentive and caring.
(2)
Doug P.

Best service I have had in years, food was perfect for a date and drinks (sangria) was great for outdoor dining on a spring evening. A must-do in Bethesda/DC.
(5)
Kiranj P.

Verdict: A very generous two-stars...this is the first (and only) restaurant where I've sent food back. Pros: Other than menu variety (which should be a given since its a Tapas place)? not many... Cons: Loud, mediocre service, flavorless food, virgin sangria (or so it seemed) I absolutely don't understand the hype around this place. Granted I've had the real deal (Pintxos in Bilbao, San Sebastian, Barcelona, etc.), but this place still felt like an over-Americanized let down of a Spanish Tapas place. Here's a quick run-down of what I remember ordering (mind you, most of which were recommended by the waiter): Pan Tomate (w/ manchego) - the ONLY reason this place got a 2nd star is due to my love for manchego, as simple as a dish this is (tomato rubbed on bread, w/manchego) it was the highlight of my meal... Gambas al ajillo- their "best selling" shrimp dish according to the waiter that I absolutely must try. Wow. This was the only dish I've ever sent back in my entire life. Even if I don't like a dish, I'll still eat it because I hate wasting food and this is the first time I've ever failed. The flavor was off - I couldn't stomach it. Pollo al ajillo (w/ salsa verde) - nothing special, my guess is there's something in their garlic sauce that doesn't still well with me - I was able to take this one down with the salsa verde though... Patatas Bravas - a classic, but nothing noteworthy here, the "spicy tomato sauce" was extremely bland. My wife ended up getting 3-4 unmemorable vegetarian dishes that she was not impressed with. Her biggest complaint was that the Sangria tasted like fruit punch and felt like it had (at most) 1 oz of wine in the entire carafe. To make matters worse, we couldn't even hear ourselves think let alone carry a conversation since it was so loud. As a final slap in the face, our meal ended up being expensive. Overall, very poor execution, spotty service and bland food. I certainly wouldn't recommend it nor would I eat here ever again.
(2)
Greg O.

I'm wavering between 3 and 4 stars for Jaleo. I've been here on many occasions. Some of the food is great, some of it mediocre at best. Its in a great location right in downtown Bethesda. And its rather large, so seating is usually not an issue. It can get pretty loud though. Out of the tapas, I love the bacon wrapped dates and the sauteed mushrooms. The chorizo was disappointing, as was the fried green tomato. And the gazpacho, the one time I had it, was horrible. Some of the salads are really good, and the duck is very tasty. So its kind of all over the board. As for the service, its usually pretty friendly, but when it gets busy, it can be really slow.
(3)
Shiladitya C.

Absolutely delicious paella with pork ribs. Tapas are mostly tasty. It does take a long while for the order to arrive though. Overall, a highly recommended dinner option!
(4)
Tyler S.

We'll start with the bad: - Service was a little bland (But it was 4th of July and they all seemed new-ish). Then again, this was also the bar area, not the restaurant part. Now for the good: - Portion sizes!! Wonderful! - The food comes out as it's prepared, meaning that it doesn't sit under a heat lamp! - Everything is seasoned PERFECTLY - There's no salt and pepper on the table which is GREAT because they season and flavor it MORE than enough! - The dessert list is stupendous - The sangria....ooohhh the sangria - The prices are set at a very nice rate, totally worth every penny - Our actual server (not our bar server) was so great - The food-runners were funny and helpful Just go.
(4)
Sarah C.

'Here's to good friends Tonight is kind of special.....' Remember that??? Is that lion's brew still around? Welp, we didn't have beer but the previous night was special. And we had a pitcher of sangria instead hehe. My younger bro and a long time pal each had a few hours free so I was one happy bunny. The pitcher of sangria was refreshing. The mixture of red wine, ice, small chopped apples (only apples, I believe) and, dare I say, orange juice (?) was a fusion of fun. If not OJ, then definitely some kind of fruit juice. We ordered the paella first since it took 25+ minutes to cook. The Paella Arroz a banda con gambas was our decision. This was a gathering of rice, spices, shrimp, monkfish and cuttlefish. Arrived in the traditional paellera (paella pan) and suitable for 2-4 peeps. Monkfish is a f-'ugly thing but they are quite tasty - the white fleshy chunks made me smile. The squid-like cuttlefish was cut into small cubes and scattered everywhere. I enjoyed the meaty texture. Shrimps staring back at me were not my cup of tea, but at least the body shells were peeled - now, off with their heads! My mouth was having a party and the special guests didn't disappoint us. This dish also introduced a spoon size serving of a mayo sauce rich in garlic flavor. Oh garlic, how I love ye. Please let me backtrack. While we were waiting for the paella, we chose a few tapas so that we don't end up eating the paellera (paella pan) also. The tapas (appetizers, small dishes) for the evening were: -Chipirones en su tinta: Squid cooked in black ink and white rice *Squid black ink sauce was addicting. Heck, I just wanted the ink! -Rabo de toro con naranjas: Braised boneless oxtail served with oranges, potato puree and red wine sauce *Rich and hearty tapa. -Cordero a la brasa con salsa de romero: Grilled lamb chops with rosemary sauce *Tempted to lick the plate - tangy sauce. -Croquetas de pollo: Traditional chicken croquetas (chicken fritters) *Lightly crisp on the outside. The inside had minced chicken w/an almost 'cream of chicken' flavor. Solid texture w/creamy soup outcome. Still appealing. -Trigueros con romesco: Grilled asparagus with romesco sauce *Heart the sauce. Similar to a light version of Korean doenjang (fermented soybean paste....mmmmmmmm) Photos of everything are in my profile and their business profile yelp.com/biz/jaleo-betheâ€¦ Note: After consulting w/Lester K. then Kevin L., I decided to post some of the pics as local photos. A few are of acceptable quality so it's out there now :) Our server was spectacular. Timed everything wonderfully and such a gentle soul. What a pleasing and harmonious evening. Thank you my dear pal, A. Now time to burn the eats by shivering away in the bone chilling weather.
(4)
Samantha B.

One of my favorite restaurants in Bethesda and I like this location better than the one in downtown DC. It is expensive but the food is definitely worth it. I love their takes on salads and their hangar steak is fantastic. Great if you want a light meal. The service has always been fantastic. You can usually walk in and get a table but on busier nights you may have to wait so it is best to make a reservation and to make a reservation if you have a big group. There is something for everyone here.
(5)
Paul D.

I think I could do Tapas every day. I could certainly eat the Bacon Wrapped Dates here everyday! Those things are out of this world! Nothing I love more than eating a big variety of really good food. I loved most of the plates that I tried. Because of such a huge menu, you're not expected to love everything. The deep fried mashed potato balls weren't that great. Not, when compared to the Bacon Wrapped Dates! I'm jones'n for some of them right now. They're just bacon wrapped dates that are breaded and fried. Yet somehow, that's enough. I was pleasantly surprised by the Brussels Sprouts, they were good and contained the infamous Serrano Ham. Mmm pork, that's a way to get me to eat Brussels Sprouts. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seâ€¦ I'm told I should've tried the Sangria. However, I prefer to drink only water when fine dining or eating really good food. My experience was a bit surreal because we had something like 9 plates between the two of us. I don't know, all I remember is that I ate a big variety of a lot of food, that just kept coming. See Photo's My one complaint is that the menu is huge and written in Spanish with English subtitles. As a result, it took me 20 minutes to read it all and make up my mind.
(4)
J T.

I have been to this Bethesda Jaleo at least a dozen times, and the one down in Chinatown about the same. That one seems to still have it going on, but the one in Bethesda seems to be tanking. Our server was friendly, but pretty sloppy overall. At the start, she was filling our water glasses and inadvertently dropped tinny, dirty condensation droplets from the water pitcher into my gin and tonic. Um, thanks for that. It took over 10 minutes to get one glass of wine, and another five for the second one (both ordered at the same time). That was *okay* with me but the glass that held my cab was ridiculously filthy. Soap stains and water spots covered the entirety of the glass, with floaties in the wine itself. I got a weird look from the waitress when I asked for another, clean glass. She held the glass up and inspected it for awhile before finally huffing and taking it away. She came back after another ~10 minutes. I cannot believe a restaurant this "refined" and "upscale" would serve wine in a glass this disgusting, nor can I figure out why it was such an extraordinary request to have clean glassware. Regarding the food, the apple/fennel salad was solid (as usual), but the salt cod fritters were slimy and tasteless. In general, it seems as if Jaleo has gone down-market to fill the seats (and the coffers). Overall, it seems like a bad idea in the end, and I won't be going back any time soon.
(2)
Ron H.

For all the hype surrounding this place, I consider it a let down. We went in for a late dinner, and the service was horrible. The waitress took forever, wasn't attentive, and disappeared for a good amount of time. The restaurant wasn't even crowded so evidently she went off to Narnia every 15 minutes. Now the food. Eeehh. For the price and reputation of this place, I was expecting the caliber of Amada, Jose Garces' flagship restaurant in Philadelphia. Instead, this was an average tapas place that was forgettable. I'd rather drive the 2.5 hrs up to Philly for really great tapas than go back to this place.
(2)
Amanda G.

I've been to this place twice. The first time the food was pretty good...I ordered a bunch of tapas and a pitcher of sangria. Everything tasted fine, but I've definitely had better at other tapas restauraunts...Jaleo's quality and selection of tapas was nothing special to me and the sangria (although good) wasn't the best I've had.) The second time I went to Jaleo wasn't as pleasant... My boyfriend and I went here for our Valentine's Day dinner and we decided to order one of their huge Paellas (which serves 2-4 people.) We decided on one that had a whole bunch of seafood (can't remember the exact name..but it was whatever one had the most seafood.) We both thoroughly enjoy seafood and its flavor, however when our paella came out the first thing we noticed was that the large shrimp scattered around the dish still had heads on. I understand this may be authentic, but it was not what we were expecting and we found it to be slightly unappetizing. Regardless of this, we tried the paella. When we did, we both almost spit it out because it was RIDICULOUSLY over-salted and it had a fish sauce flavor which overpowered the rest of the dish. It tasted like we were eating rice soaked in salt and fish oil. We barely ate it, and in retrospect we should probably have asked for a refund or to swap it with something else. The ambience of the restaurant is pretty nice. The bar is a little small, but so are most bars at these types of restaurants. Pretty decor, but a bit too loud in here if you want to have a good conversation. Service wasn't exceptional, but it was decent. I'm giving it 2 stars because the first time I went the food was average and service wasn't bad...and on the assumption that they had a bad day the second time around. Overall though, I wasn't as blown away by this restaurant as some other reviews suggest I should be.
(2)
Helen C.

This was the first time I had quail, and it was like extremely tender chicken, so it was great. The sauce that came with the quail was very very good. I really liked the Moorish stew and they gave me quite a lot of it (compared to the other dishes). My friend got the the octopus with ink which was good and the ham. I'm not a huge fan of ham to begin with, so I didn't really think it was worth it. Overall, a nice atmosphere and cute date location.
(5)
Jennifer N.

The best part is the atmosphere - it's a festive space, brightly colored, and cheerful - it's the kind of place that makes you want to kick back and drink a big pitcher of sangria. The food is less inspired than the atmosphere (my former hometown, Boston, has a far better tapas place- Dali- that is infinitely better than Jaleo) - the best of the tapas we sampled was the gambas ajillo (but not as garlicky as I would have liked), the least exciting was the Moorish stew (chick peas, spinach). The paella is more risotto than paella - very, very rich - it's tasty enough, but very heavy. Everything was absolutely fine but not particularly inspired (even the bread with olive oil was fairly unremarkable and I couldn't help but think that there are a million ways it could be made more exciting). This is also definitely not a sit-and-linger place, especially on a Saturday evening when the waitstaff is trying to turn over tables as quickly as possible.
(3)
Kathleen M.

JosÃ© AndrÃ©s has not had to get a restraining order on me but it's probably because I live in Chicago. I adore him, his pbs show, the dvds of the show and this summer, I got to visit his restaurants. Be still my heart. We made reservations way in advance and even though our friends were really really late meeting us, they seated us and acted like they couldn't think of a better way to spend a Saturday night then letting us sit at a table and sip Sangria. It was restaurant week so we got to try all kinds of fabulous tapas and they were all completely outstanding. Between the four of us, I think we may have tried everything. We loved it so much that my friend from DC is even planning her birthday party at Jaleo. We took pictures of the food, of us, of the floor - can you tell I was enthused? The only thing that could have made it better was JosÃ© AndrÃ©s had stopped by our table personally. Guess we'll have to come back and try to meet him next time!
(5)
Jennifer L.

Great service! Lovely people, good location, convivial atmosphere. The tapas and cocktails were very tasty. And here it comes: But. The pork paella was the worst thing I have ever been served in a restaurant. Anywhere. Ever. The good news is that everyone was very kind, took it the food away and did not charge us. We will go back- but not for the paella.
(2)
Brook H.

We decided to visit Jaleo with some friends, one of whom loved the place. I had never had tapas before but I read up and prepared myself. I have to say the food was absolutely delicious and the service was wonderful. I do recommend putting in a reservation, especially on a Friday or Saturday night, so you're seated very quick. So, you ask, why only 3 stars? Why not 4 or 5? Well, in case people don't know, tapas basically translates to "appetizers". You're basically spending dinner-level prices on small appetizers. I expected this, especially from posh downtown Bethesda, but it doesn't detract from the fact that you easily spend $16-$20/person to eat something about 1/2 the size of a full meal. Add onto this that parking in downtown Bethesda is a pain in the butt. We pulled into a public parking garage half-block walk from Jaleo and it was a nightmare. We drove all the way up to the top (floor 6?) and EVERYTHING was completely parked. People were squeezing their cars in and out past each other, stealing people's spaces, etc. Do yourself a favor and take the metro next time you want to visit the area during prime time. In summary, the food is very good and the service wonderful. The area is a real pain to drive around and park in and the cost is very high. If you know what you're getting into (and/or have the money to blow) I say this place is perfectly fine.
(3)
Johnny A.

Do try the chef special. A great selection of what they have to offer. Wait staff are just amazing and they know their stuff.
(3)
Fred K.

Been coming to this Jaleo for so many years for dates, birthdays, special occasions, and happy hours. There is a new parking garage option right on Bethesda avenue and woodmont. It doesn't accept coins but pay by credit card. No more quarters! This Jaleo has redecorated many times and looks as good as the original 7th street location. However, the DC location is a notch better, but this branch is very good too. I wouldn't mind just ordering a pitcher of sangria and just eat any ham, especially their JamÃ³n ibÃ©rico de bellota FermÃn, and put it on top of their Pan de cristal con tomate, and some manchego cheese. But for their other tapas, their grilled hanger steak, scallops (just two per order), garlic shrimp, fried potatoes, calamari, cod and potato fritters are good. Their happy hour specials are quite good and also believe they have late night happy hour too. Good place in Bethesda to take out of town friends and family here and rarely ever disappoints.
(4)
Siu M.

*2.5 stars* Jaleo, I want to love you but I'm just not impressed. Positives: -Prompt and friendly service -Inviting and creative decor (love the huge red hanging lights) -Availability of outdoor seating -Fun vibe Negatives: -Sangria was way too sweet and a bit overpriced at $8/glass -Flavors from all the tapas we got were underwhelming (a hint of something was missing from every dish) -Very uneven seasoning, picture one bite of bland chicken followed by one bite of very salty chicken -Tapas didn't come out in the right order at all. We got our creamy rice with mushrooms first and then came the salad and the cold roasted eggplants...big no no Overall, not a place I would consider coming back to as there are better tapas places in the DMV area.
(2)
John R.

Great service. Awesome atmosphere. Amazing food. We had the brussels sprout salad, cantaloupe serrano ham salad and apple fennel cheese salad. Also, the watermelon goat cheese salad was my favorite. While I don't know the names of these dishes they were all amazing. They were so refreshing and the flavors were different than the usual salads I'm used to. The salmon tartare and tuna tartare cone were very tasty as well. We ordered the hanger steak, grilled chicken and the quail. If I were to rank these the steak was the best, followed by the chicken and the quail last (mostly because it was a little overcooked) The fritata was one of my favorites with the addition of chorizo to it. The service was great as the manager Sebastian took care of us throughout our lunch. To top it off the hazelnut mouse cake was ridiculously good. It literally tastes like a ferrero rocher. To top it off they put a scoop of coffee ice cream on top. It tastes like a hazelnut cup of coffee. If I'm ever in Bethesda again I'll definitely come back here again.
(5)
Justine K.

I forgot how much I enjoyed Happy Hour Specials at Jaleos. Tappas are $4 and sangria is $5 until 7pm. I always get the cheese fritters (chicken fritters are on the regular menu at full price), calamari, endives with goat cheese, and a hamburger slider. All are very satisfying. I thoroughly enjoy the sangria and the staff are great.
(4)
Sonj H.

We had great service and lots of interesting bites on our last trip (been 4 or 5 times now) it's tasty but I would avoid things like the uni which was not near the quality of a fine sushi spot and is priced exorbitantly, any way they make potatoes is delicious and the meats are yummy, I also love the cheese plates. We are finding east coast tapas are a thing, and they are a lot pricier than west coast, but these are tasty.
(4)
Phil W.

We came to Bethesda and asked for the Chef to send whatever... He went all out sent us amazing dishes lomo bellota, presa ibericos, erizos and vieres en vivo, and amazing paellas for the paella festival. We didnt have to order a single thing. By far this has been the best post birthday lunch ever! Gracious Chef Miguel and server Melissa! Not to forget the cava and wine they paired everything with.
(5)
Melissa W.

Happened to pop in during Bethesda Row Restaurant Week and Jaleo's offer was 4 tapas selections and 1 dessert for $30. Pretty good deal and a few of the options caught my eye, so I decided to give it a try. Here's the run down: Tuna tartare cone and salmon tartare cone - nice presentation and the cone had a nice crisp. Oddly, the salmon was too salty and the tuna under-seasoned, maybe that's why they're paired together? They were also quite oily; the oil seeped through the cone and was all over my hand. Endives, goat cheese, oranges and almonds - simple yet brilliant combination. However, it seemed like someone sloppily put it together and some endives had so much oil that in certain bites, it was a burst of oil (gross). Traditional chicken fritters - the inside was surprisingly soft. After the first bite, I hesitated and wondered if it was undercooked. Strange texture and didn't enjoy it. Porklion with roasted onion and blue cheese - the best of the 4 "entrees", the sauce was a bit salty but well-cooked dish. Crunchy chocolate-caramel mousse with coffee-rum ice cream and cocoa nib - the mousse itself is just okay but when you scoop everything together, yum!! The bottom seemed to be a ferrero rocher crust that was addictive. Also want to mention that service was not very good. Understand that it was late in the evening and it's important to efficiently clean-up, but you still need to serve your customers! Had to ask for the check 3 times. Overall, disappointing meal, especially given chef Jose Andres' fame in the greater DC area.
(3)
Mei W.

I've been to Jaleo once before but it was for dinner and even then I wasn't impressed. This time a friend and I came here for Sunday brunch and my opinion hasn't changed. For drinks, we ordered grapefruit juice and cafe con leche. For some reason they decided to serve the grapefruit in a wine glass...which I guess seems more classy but also pretty expensive for the amount they gave us. For the amount I was getting, I might as well have ordered a glass of wine. The cafe con leche was also tiny but delicious. For the brunch, we shared the huevos estrellados with ham and the arroz a la cubana. The huevos estrellaods was extremely salty to the point where it left your mouth dry The arroz a la cubana was alright but there was nothing special about it. Overall the prices were pretty expensive for brunch. Although the food wasn't great, the service was. Our waitress was very attentive and helpful when we asked questions about the menu. If you're going to pay these high prices for brunch, you might as well go to either El Masa 14 or El Centro where you have the unlimited option and the tapas are way better.
(2)
Holli P.

The food was outstanding and very true to traditional Spanish tapas. However, the service was inattentive and slow...and this was on a Sunday evening. I'll definitely return but that's because I plan to express my unhappiness with my server before I leave and trust that they will take corrective action.
(4)
Morgan M.

Been here twice and had great experiences both times! Good service, great atmosphere, and delicious food. What we ordered: Clouds over the cosmos cocktail-so refreshing, perfect for the summer and not very alcoholic tasting Patatas bravas-love the two sauces together and potatoes are fried to perfection Rabbit-enjoyed the marinade, kind of smoky, but didn't think the rabbit was tender enough (would have rather stuck with the quail which has amazing sauce) Pan de cristal-too much tomato and kind of mushy Rellenos with goat cheese-super small serving and but good flavor Bacon wrapped date fritters-by far the best thing of the night, perfect combo of sweet and salty Overall, had a great time and will be back!
(5)
Ron M.

I don't know what to say. We went in there for authentic tapas and sangria. What I got was a smart ass Italian server and a manager that only offered an apology. The waitress who was belligerent and so snobby and made the whole party embarrassed. Not what I would expect from an upscale restaurant! The food was good, and the sangria was good but not great as they made it out to be. Spoke to the manager and he was sorry but offered no discount on our check.
(2)
Kerry C.

Ok service here. LOVE the olive oil. Tapas are well made and taste good. Selection of beers are lacking. Convenient location so I come here often. I've tried almost everything on the tapas side of the menu and don't have any major complaints. Favorites: beet salad, cured ham, grilled hanger steak, chorizo, sautÃ©ed mushrooms, cauliflower with dates and olives, shrimp with sautÃ©ed garlic, to name a few...
(4)
David B.

If I could give this place no stars I would. I have been here 3 times now and keep hoping it will get better. The service was beyond bad. The food for all the hype about Jose Andres was less than stellar. Maybe Jose should spend sometime in his own place. Besides that my wife reminded me that he pulled out of Trumps Post Office project downtown. Donald consider yourself fortunate. You can find someone with more talent. Maybe open up a Mexican place instead of some lame Spanish place with bad food and service.
(1)
David R.

I think Jaleo is great but pricy. And the have a huge gluten free menu, plus a vegetarian menu. The food is small portions on small plates. It's Spain style. Many hams, seafoods, veggies, cheeses of European (not Mexican) flavor. Plus they have great atmosphere and friendly staff.
(5)
Aimee N.

Quick trip to DC area for a client meeting and was able to fit in a nice dinner with my birthed who lives in Bethesda. He had been wanting to come back to Jaleo to try the menu again since it had been a couple of years. Really fancy, modern decor with a Spanish twist but not overdone. Inliked the fact the tables had writing all over it like classy graffiti is what I would call it. Jaleo is a tapas style restuarine so if you are not familiar with that style or don't like to share than beware because sharing is what you do. Right now they have a Monday special with all you can eat Paella for $25 per person and if you like sangria you can get unlimited for an additional $15. You choose a salad and dessert to go with the meal as well. My brother and I opted to do the tapas since we were feeling a variety of tastes. We were both pretty hungry so opted to order 6 dishes first. (I apologize ahead of time as the menu was in Spanish and I cannot for the life of me remember the names so will give you the English version) First dish out were the bacon covered dates, which you cannot go wrong with anything wrapped in bacon but the saltiness of the bacon was a great complement to the sweetness of the date. Good portion for two with 6 coming on the plate. Second dish that came out was the sautÃ©ed soinach with raisins. Ate this with some of the other dishes that came out later as a side and it was really flavorful and good. Third dish we had was the rabbit confit. It came with two size able pieces with a tomato based sauce that was pretty yummy. The 4 th dish that came out was by far our favorite as it was grilled calamari with squid ink and buttered rice. This dish was cooked perfectly and had this smoky char to it that made it so good. 5th dish we had was the chorizo with potato purÃ©e. I have had a lot of chorizo but not made or tasted like this. Great spicy flavor to it and just the right amount of salt and the pure balanced out the whole dish. The sixth dish that came out was the seared scallops with balsamic and some purÃ©e too. The presentation was beautiful and when it first came the balsamic seemed like it might overpower the scallop but with a bite of everything In one forkful it tasted delish! So....I know I said we ordered 6 dishes but we decided we were still hungry and decided to throw in the quail to round off our meal. It came with one quail breast with sauce underneath. Quail was cooked really well and added the final kid of protein we needed to be full! Be prepared to spend $$$ here but if you like tapas and trying a variety of small tastes for a good well rounded meal, this is definitely a place to try.
(4)
Carolyn M.

Fabulous B and I decided to have some tapas as I found myself unexpectedly in the area after work and she was able to join me. I must say that this location was a great disappointed when measured against the quality of the food at the Penn Quarter and Crystal City locations but at least the service was satisfactory. We ordered the daily special of chicken atop a bed of spinach, as well as the fried calamari,three cheese sampler, eggplant with red pepper and onions, and the chocolate flan (mousse) for dessert. All the tapas were pretty much unspectacular. In fact, it tasted like the staff were bored and tired in the kitchen. Nothing special at all, except for the three cheese sampler which were each perfectly paired with apricot jam, fig spread and handmade nut brittle respectively. The cheese sampler was of the high quality I have come to expect of Jaleo but all the other tapas were unremarkable and quite boring with a lack of flavor. Thankfully, the dessert was chocolate and worth the calories.
(2)
Alejandro B.

Review #250 goes to an awesome Easter Brunch, which I shared with my DC-based sister. If I were to redo my visit to Jaleo, I'd merely focus on just ordering cheese and ham at Jaleo: in this regard, the restaurant really does justice to a Spanish culinary tradition. (This really isn't the place to do American-style brunch, as the family sitting next to us did. I'm sure Jaleo cooks some mean pancakes, but its raison d'etre is ham and cheese.) Jaleo curates the ham and cheese experience perfectly, offering enough diverse tastes. I loved seeing how the various jamones differ, from acorn-fed Iberico Fermin to dry cured Serrano. In terms of cheeses, Jaleo brings them out with crunchy bread topped with innovative jellies. One of our favorite selections was the ham marinated in paprika and garlic, sliced thin and served with mini Spanish breadsticks. My sister and I came here on Easter 2015 for some sibling bonding and enjoyed just ordering jamon y queso periodically, enjoying the relaxed vibe of the holiday. I can't say I was really impressed with the other things we ordered. Yes, they are executed well, but they're textbook Spanish items, without the authority and innovation I'd expect from a chef like Jose Andres. Given the price, I'd say they're worth a pass. The patatas bravas are everything good patatas bravas should be: crispy exterior with a garlicky aioli and a paprika sauce. If you asked me what made Jaleo's stand out over other Spanish restaurants I've been to, though, I wouldn't be able to tell you. I wasn't a fan of the olive oil ice cream. While the flavor was on point (olive oil and cream go hand in hand, surprisingly), the texture of the ice cream was icy instead of creamy. You only get one scoop too, which is placed atop of frozen grapefruit (itself one of my least favorite foods). At $8, this dessert is a pass (you're better off visiting a specialty ice cream parlor and trying its own olive oil flavor). I've seen a few reviewers complain about this place for having the atmosphere of a chain restaurant. I wouldn't subtract any stars from my review for that reason, but I do have to agree to an extent. It's pretty cheesy when the menu proudly proclaims that "Slurping soups is allowed (Sorry, Mom!)" and deep frying is in no way overrated. Because of this, I have no problem coming to Jaleo with my family but would be hesitant to eat here on a first date. Service here really took the cake. Our waitress was friendly and attentive. She was articulate when it came to recommending selections, and really made us feel welcome. We got our food quickly and were able to order additional items promptly. Jaleo gave me a great Easter experience because certain aspects of the meal (service and ham/cheese) really stole the show over slightly-above-average desserts and dishes.
(4)
Adam B.

Pretty much the same menu as the DC and Vegas outposts and the same oh-so-tasty food. Their roasted pulpo (octopus) is rich with delicious olive oil, the calamari was a hit, the charred and seasoned artichokes were a revelation, and the fried dates with bacon were a great sweet/savory combination. This has more of a neighborhood joint feel, though it's quite large. If I lived in the area, I'm sure I'd stop in here frequently for a bite or to have cocktails at the large bar. It's another success, but I will say the service here was not quite as slick or swift as at the other two locations I've been to. Still very worthwhile for a great meal.
(4)
Tara B.

I myself was embarrassed to bring my guest here. It started well; we were seated promptly and put orders in immediately for their "famous" shrimp as well as the scallops. The food came soon enough, but sadly, it was cold, the shrimp's sauce had no flavor, and bore no resemblance to the same dish I had at the Jaleo DC a few years prior. I guess things have gone downhill, or the Bethesda location has much lower standards! The food (and service) got even worse... next came brussels sprouts salad, which came with the sprouts undercooked, clearly CANNED apricots that were way too sweet, and a sad oily sauce that added nothing to the salad. Next was the tortilla espanola, which had no flavor on its own, but out of desperation, adding some of the shrimp's sauce made it edible. The last dish was the quail. Simply disgusting. The meat was overcooked and the sauce was just awful. We were truly disappointed in all of the food, along with the service. Towards the end, we had no refills on our drinks, no check ins, and we were simply waiting for several minutes for the check, with no result. Finally my guest had to go approach the hostess and asked for our check--when does this ever happen?? Then the time between waiting for the check to be processed was also uncalled for. Never again will I return to Jaleo. Jose Andres should be embarrassed of putting his name on this restaurant!
(1)
Massiel G.

I came here to celebrate my Husband birthday. Never been to a tapas place this was our first time here. When we walk in I love all there decorations and the atmosphere they had with the colors and everything was so nice. The dress code it's casual you don't have to be fancy at all which is great. We sat on our table. And our waiter was very nice and informative. She explain how to oder being that it was our first time there. We Oder the ham and cheese croquets it' was soooo good and as well the chicken croquets but I preferred the ham ones as my Husband like the chicken more. The patatas bravado were on point sooo good!!! Calamari we had to Oder twice how fresh it was with that yummy sauce We had other couple things and everything was so yummy I really enjoy this place and you don't feel so full which it so great the deserts were so good my husband got the flan and his brother got the chocolate mouse, I decide go with the soup desert one and it was wonderful the service and the food. It's a great place, you don't get full so fast & the sangria was so good. I recommend this place come here enjoy there food the sangria and have a great time.!!!
(4)
James M.

I've been to quite a number of tapas restaurants in my lifetime and Jaleo is definitely not worth the hype. It's expensive for the small portions they give you, and the dishes aren't even tasty. Plus, everything we ordered was waaaaay too salty. Did they change the chef or something? Perhaps that's what they need to do... Bethesda might have a lot of restaurants, but Jaleo is definitely not anywhere close to the top of that list.
(2)
Krista Z.

My organization held an event at Jaleo for our funders, board, and staff and everyone had a great time. Everyone complimented the food and drinks and planning the event with Sarah was a breeze. I would highly recommend having an event at Jaleo! A colleague and I stopped in to sample some menu items in order to choose the menu for the event and everything we had was delicious. It was difficult to choose what tapas we would have at the event because everything was wonderful.
(5)
Andrea T.

Service was SO disappointing. I am a huge fan of JosÃ© AndrÃ©s -- so much so that I've been to almost all of his DC area restaurants, America Eats Tavern, minibar, Zaytinya, Oyamel, and even Pepe. I have also dined at the other Jaleo locations (DC and Crystal City) and gushed about my experience so it was no surprise that my brother-in-law wanted to try Jaleo while in DC. I hadn't been to the Bethesda location before but it couldn't possibly be bad -- right??? First let's start with drinks -- we asked our waiter if he had any recommendations. He then opened the drink menu and said "here are the options." No suggestions or recommendations apparently. We took a minute to discuss since the waiter was absolutely NO help but did dutifully hover nearby until we made our decision. We tend to opt for the tasting menu at new-to-us restaurants so we can get a sense of what they can offer. I have been to other Jaleo locations before but not one to turn down a tasting menu - hey, I might get something I like and wouldn't have otherwise ordered. You never know. We ordered the "JosÃ©'s Way" experience. Our waiter brought out the first few rounds of dishes. He sort of explained them, however, if he was unsure of something he mumbled out a few words then left our table. The best was when food runners brought out our dishes but did not tell us what we were eating. Sadly our waiter was no where to be found to explain. Our solution - ask for a menu so we could try to figure out what we were given. Seriously we had to consult a menu to know what we were eating -- unbelievable! I thought a tasting menu would be full of explanation about what was in the dishes and why the ingredients work well together. Okay, so I don't need to know why the selected ingredients work well together - but it would be nice to know what I was eating. I still don't know what the uni dish was called or what was in it fully. Trout roe? Cucumber? Some other fine diced veg?? I thought service was part of the Think Food Group and JosÃ© AndrÃ©s standard. Staff at the other Jaleo locations boast about the dishes they set before their customers so I was taken aback by this place basically throwing food at us then running away. Jaleo in Bethesda felt like just another boring restaurant in an average food scene. Admittedly we probably would have had a better time making up our own tasting menu (embutidos, gin and tonic oysters, Ferran AdriÃ liquid olives). We didn't get any charcuterie which was a huge mistake. My dining companion thought it might be part of the tasting menu - but it wasn't. Now we know. In fact we are going to another restaurant tonight that specializes in charcuterie to make up for last night. My takeaway -- know what you want before going in and if you order the Tasting Menu (any option) at the Jaleo in Bethesda, make sure to keep the menu so you know what's going in your mouth. I will not be back to the Bethesda location.
(1)
Jennifer E.

I looooove their gambas alajillo. It's divine :) Everything I've had here has been tasty that is why we keep coming back each time we visit my stepdaughter in Maryland.
(5)
Ali L.

In townvisiting family. Food and happy hour were both good, we sat at the bar and the bartender was incredibly rude. I actually didn't check out the normal menu, but for $4 tapas and $5 wine from 430-7pm, I'd go back and just not sit at the bar. Calamari and patatas bravas were excellent. Service was rude.
(3)
Catherine H.

As my dad hates tapas, my mom always drags me to Jaleo for lunch when I'm in town (oh, pooooooor me), with last week being no exception. As always, the experience was very good-- Jaleo's kitchen is remarkably consistant in their quality of preperation. This trip we particularly enjoyed the pork tenderloin and mussels with tomatos. I love their beet salad, which is spiked with cirtus, cheese and walnuts, and my mom and I both can't get enough of their potatos with cheese sauce (hello, classy cheese fries!). We were not so fond of the monkfish with eggplant and black olive oil, which was fine but not spectacular. As other folks have noted Jaleo has some ass kicking sangria which I could have easily downed a few quarts of had I not, you know, been with my MOM (yes, I'm a grown up, and yes that is me caving under mom pressure. Like you don't :-) ). As it is I'm trying to figure out a time when I can go back for more sans parent, because the sangria is So Damn Tasty. Jaleo's got a very pretty, spacious dining room that can feel loud when it's crowded and very empty when it's not. Since we got there well before the holiday-diminshed crowds it felt somewhat deserted, but this is the only time I've been there and felt that way so most likely it was a fluke. For those of you who aren't familiar with tapas or feel intimidated by the menu I strongly suggest relying on Jaleo's waitstaff. Jose Andres has his staff trained well, and in my experience they make excellent recommendations. We always ask our waiter what he or she liked the best when they did the staff tasting and so far we've never been steered wrong.
(4)
Jessica M.

I love tapas and everything tapa I tried here i really liked. They had the best grilled octopus I have had in a long time! I have been to the Jaleo in DC but the one in Bethesda has a more laid back casual feel but the food is still just good. I plan to be a repeat customer for years to come!
(4)
Kelly K.

Overpriced first of all. Tapas were kind of strange...I will not return.
(2)
F. Rick P.

We have been to Jaleo before and been quite pleased with our dining experience; however, we have frequented the Jaleo located in Washington, DC. Our experience with the Bethesda restaurant was anything but pleasant. Looking past the atrocious service and the fact that our table was not ready despite having made reservations, we had 2 or 3 winners of tapas...out of about 15. The paella was under-seasoned, overcooked, and barely palatable. The texture and flavor had you wanting the water you should have been drinking, had there been water in your glass. We order bacalao, and with a suggestion from our superbly knowledgable waitress, got two different preparations. The fried, salty bacalao was delicious, one of the few winners, the other arrived limp and flavorless upon a horrific looking green slime. Many of the dishes that came left the eater either feeling like something was missing, or that it was just a terrible palate experience. This was not helped by the fact that we could not even eat some of the bread normally offered to customers at the table as the restaurant had run out by 9:30. So even the few gems we ordered, such as the mussels could not be fully enjoyed due to the lack of bread. Perhaps this review is a bit scathing but our overall dining experience was quite disappointing and even more so because we have had such wonderful previous experiences. If you are still determined to enjoy Jaleo "fine" dining experience, make sure to avoid the Bethesda property at all cost, it was save you a pretty penny and a belly full of disappointment.
(1)
Allison W.

I decided to finally try Jaleo during DCRW and I'm glad I did! Met a friend for dinner on a snowy Wednesday, and the place was nearly empty. We arrived a little early for our reservation so we decided to have a couple of drinks at the bar while the HH specials were still going. The red wine sangria was tasty, though I can't definitively say it was sangria. This tasted more like a champagne juice drink, but yummy and half-price nonetheless. We also shared the calamari and patatas bravas (also both half-price). Those potatoes were great, definitely on my list to order again. We sat down at our table for dinner a little while later, and the place was still pretty quiet which works for me. The menu is long and interesting (yay for small plates!) but I think it would be helpful to take a look before you go so you have an idea of what you're looking to try. The wine list is also ridiculously long so that could be fun to try with a bigger party. The Restaurant Week menu was significantly shorter, but you did get 5 plates for the fixed $35. Since we had already had 2 plates at HH prices it didn't make much sense to limit ourselves to that menu, so we ordered a la carte. The apple and fennel salad had generous chunks of cheese and it was a refreshing take on salad - great recommendation from the server! We also got the goat cheese stuffed peppers which were OK (I probably wouldn't try again) as well as the seafood paella (small version) which was delicious. I would definitely be interested in coming back with a few friends for the full-size version. We finished with the chocolate mousse, served with crunchy hazelnut and coffee ice cream. My friend and I were talking about it after we got home that night. SO GOOD. In total we paid about $35 a person for a full selection of the menu and plenty of food. The RW menu was a good deal since we could have had twice the plates, but I left more than satisfied. The HH deals are great so my gameplan for next time is have a few small plates at the bar, and then enjoy a huge serving of paella with friends. Stay tuned!
(4)
David H.

I've been to the Crystal City location before, on this visit the Bethesda location was closer to where I was staying. I like the location of this Jaleo. We were seated on the left side of the restaurant against a wall facing the big windows, which were open on a beautiful day. It was surprisingly very empty on a Sunday during July 4th weekend, I was expecting it to be packed. Erizos de mar con pipirrana* Sea urchin with diced peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers and trout roe This was a refreshing start to our lunch. Cono de salmÃ³n crudo con huevas de trucha* Salmon tartare and trout roe cone The salmon tartare was nice and fatty. The cone gave a nice crunch with each bite of fatty salmon. Lomo de buey con ValdeÃ³n* Grilled hanger steak with mustard sauce and ValdeÃ³n blue cheese This was delicious! The blue cheese paired really well with the perfectly medium rare hanger steak. SalmÃ³n crudo con vinagreta de anchoas Salmon crudo with anchovy-lemon oil This was the least favorite of the meal. The flavor was real light on the anchovy-lemon oil. It was more nutty and sweet. Gambas al ajillo Shrimp sautÃ©ed with garlic This is always good, be sure to dip the bread in the sauce afterwards! Patatas bravas* Fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce and alioli Great experience again, this time I got to bring my fiancee to try, so I am glad it lived up to the expectations that I was giving her.
(4)
Michael K.

A bit better than the downtown location. Food seemed much the same, but service was slightly better and the place wasn't nearly as tacky. It still took a long time, but at least the people were friendly. We two came in without a reservation at about 8:30 on a Friday and they acted like it was the end of the world when we asked for a table. I guess they found one of the many empty ones to spare for us. I hate when hosts do that. Many of the tables didn't fill up the whole time we were there. So I don't know. We ate outside on the sidewalk, which was pretty nice, though a bit chilly. I can hardly fault them for the weather, though. Anyway, all in all an okay experience, but with much room for improvement.
(4)
Michelle V.

Best patatas bravas I've had! Loved the chicken in garlic sauce, and the sausage with mashed potatoes! Great service. The flan dessert is excellent.
(5)
Marivic L.

I'll be short and sweet with my review. These guys know how to do tapas and they know how to give great service at this location. I've been going to Jaleo since one opened in Crystal City years ago. I had several dishes (see pics) and each one was really great. The beet salad was surprisingly good. I'll continue to come here to eat the good old standbys - with some new tapas mixed in.
(4)
Judi G.

Jose Andrea does not disappoint. Tapas selections are vast with the great Spanish cheese, Ibernian hams and wild mushroom rice to name a few. Perfectly poached egg with crisp edges rules here with caviar on top and crisp bread to rub into the dripping left in the bowl. Bloody gazpacho and sangria to name a few from. A large drink selection. A place you can return over an over
(4)
Diane B.

I came here with a friend looking for some good tapas. I was rewarded with just OK tapas. This place was slightly annoying to get to (hey, it's Bethesda, I understand), and rather loud for easy conversation. The tapas themselves were a little short on the classics and a little big on modern twists. They were also expensive. The shrimp came out overcooked and the meat came out drier than we would have liked. The sangria tasted rather like candy. Overall, the food was short on flavor. I will try to avoid coming back.
(2)
Alexis C.

The bad experience started from just parking and continued until the day after we were there. We attended the feria de Seville at the strathmore and with the below par "tapas" and sangria there, we decided to redeem Spanish food and headed to Jaleo. I'll start with the good; the food was pretty decent and my sangria was just how sangria should be. FYI- the chocolate "flan" was good, but expect chocolate mousse in texture. Our server was knowledgable and nice. Now onto my many complaints. First of all, parking is a nightmare. The only street parking available is appears to only be available to another restaurant and they make you move for their valet service. We ended up having to park in a public garage for $12. Once we got inside to a pretty empty restaurant because of an early 5pm Sunday dinner, it took a manager and a host a good 3-4min of staring at the seating sections before deciding where to sit us. Of course, none of that was communicated. Once seated, my boyfriend and I both went to the bathroom to wash our hands. The bathroom was not kept and for a recent renovation, I was surprised. When I came back to the table, my boyfriend told me there was no soap in the men's room. Greattttt. We told the same manager confused about seating. We looked over a pretty large menu and I was really excited to try the squash blossoms and I let my boyfriend (from Canary Islands) order everything else. We were finally ready to order and only then informed they were out of 3 of the items we wanted. We tried just about everything. I don't recommend the manchego cheese and green apple the cheese wasn't sweet enough to pair with the very acidic and tart apple. When we finished, I had my boyfriend go back into the bathroom. Yea, still no soap. Two hours people! Ew. On another note, my boyfriend loses his wallet constantly. I'd average twice a month. The day after, he realized his wallet was gone. We called the restaurant 3 separate times AND went all the way back to Bethesda (we live in Va) to talk to a manager. No one was helpful. Without even looking or asking anyone else, all of them immediately said it wasn't there. What they don't know, is that I bought my boyfriend the tile locator. The wallets last known location was the restaurant. Unbelievable. Dishonest people may be everywhere, but they are certainly at Jaleo. We won't be back.
(2)
Mariano L.

The service was good, we ordered the seafood paella but they were skimpy on the seafood. We enjoyed the chicken paella better on an earlier visit.
(3)
Victor J.

The casual diner in me is absolutely digging the decor here at Jaleo. Spanish themed with ample seating, bar space and warmly lit makes it great for the lone vacationer (me), date night or the classic family/group affair. I had the 'Cordorniz con salsa de Romero y alioli de miel' which for us non Spaniards, again, me, translates to grilled quail with rosemary sauce and a honey alioli. Absolutely fantastic to say the least!
(4)
Charlie B.

Been here two times, one time for drinks, and another for a party of four. The ambiance is great, with the restaurant being very clean and fun. The prices for the very small tapas plates are above average. I had an overall better experience at Estadio, the spanish tapas place on 14th St in D.C. and will be going there next time we crave Tapas.
(3)
Darren N.

As a first time patron of Jaleo, the night was started with a carafe of Jaleo's classic sangria. A refreshing drink to have seated by the restaurant's open windows. The expansive menu was a bit overwhelming, especially considering we had to choose multiple, so let me highlight some of my favorites: Mejillones vinagreta (mussels with pipirrana) - The cucumber, tomato and onion salad made this a refreshing dish. My favorite of the night. Lomo de buey con ValdeÃ³n (hangar steak with mustard sauce and blue cheese) - The ValdeÃ³n blue cheese was not overpowering and paired well with the steak. Gambas al ajillo (shrimp sauteed with garlic) - The garlic and olive oil sauce that sits at the bottom of the bowl is delightful, use the bread to soak that in. For the desserts, I enjoyed the pastel de chocolate y avellanas (chocolate mousse with praline ice cream). If you'd prefer a less rich dish, the flan al estilo tradicional de mamÃ¡ Marisa con espuma de crema catalana (Spanish custard) was also very good. As far as the JosÃ© AndrÃ©s experience, I personally prefer the tapas of Jaleo to the mezze of Zaytinya. Even though these small dishes added up to a big bill, it was a pleasant dining experience nonetheless.
(4)
Swatee G.

solid 3 stars- mostly for the consistent food. I have been here several times, and wit each visit comes the same feeling- the service leaves a LOT to be desired! If you are sitting at the bar, you will never see a server follow up with you at the right time, even though I will admit the food comes out without much ado. The bartenders tend to go VERY light with the alcohol at this location in my opinion, and as much as I LOVE the red wine sangria here - it's nothing more than no rum, some wine and LOTS of sugar syrup! The food- tends to be consistent in taste always - the paella is always yummy, and the chicken croquettes are an absolute fav for me. The patatas bravas dish is yummy too and the apple fennel salad is something that I try never to miss - the manchego cheese is spot on! Usually end up skipping dessert given the amount of sugar i consume with the red wine sangria, but I still like the ambiance here. If I had a choice between this location and the Arlington location, I would probably chose the later.
(3)
Christine C.

Overpriced. Some dishes were good and some were ok. I've heard the crystal city location is much better. I came here with a later group for lunch on the weekend so maybe the experience could've been better. We sampled many dishes. I would say it's better as a date spot
(4)
Jennifer L.

The decor is great and the food is consistently good and creative. Regrettably our waiter, Chris , was so disengaged and could care less. His colleague, Phillipe, saved the night by assisting us get the bill and be very gracious and charming. we shared our experience with the manager who also didn't seem to care. is it me or is the art of hospitality dead?? Jose Andres tell me it isn't so!
(3)
Alex And Katya O.

Overhyped and Overpriced Let me start by saying we have been to many tapas restaurants, and this is by far the least impressive. The portions are tiny. Calling these plates "tapas" is an over statement, these were more like samples. The dishes we had ranging from scallops to quail was not impressive and lacked flavor. For the price you expect much better. We will definitely not go back. If you want a real taste of Spanish tapas at a fair price, I highly recommend Isabella's Taverna and Tapas Bar in Frederick, MD.
(2)
Jen H.

Food is not great and prices are high. If you have limited time in Bethesda, pass this restaurant by. There are many more in the area to try.
(2)
Lucy K.

Good tapas, good sangrias, great service, and not too expensive for this type of restaurant. My friend and I stopped here for a late dinner and ended up sitting at the bar. This ended up being a good choice, because our bartender gave us excellent service, and we could see all the food going out to other tables (which helped us decide on ours)! So many options! We started with the smoked pork loin (Lomo iberico de bellota Fermin) and three cheeses (pasamontes manchego, idiazabal, and valdeon). The pork loin was suggested to us by our server, and I would highly recommend it for any charcuterie lover. It was delicious. The cheeses were all also tasty, with the idiazabal as my favorite. Which was good, because there was more of it in the second round! Arroz cremoso de setas (creamy rice with seasonal mushrooms and idiazabal) and chistorra envuelta en patata frita (chorizo wrapped in crisp potato) made up our second round. I also ordered a salmon tartare with trout roe cone (cono de salmon crudo con huevas de trucha) for myself, which I was a little skeptical of (in a cone? Of what? Turns out, phyllo dough or something similar). While the first two dishes were certainly tasty, the cone was easily the best bite of the evening. We didn't even make it to a third round, sadly, since we filled up on the first two. So many things left to try! A very good experience overall.
(4)
Cora C.

Jaleo is absolutely delicious. We were able to sample so many plates and they were all super yummy. I will be back to try the other plates we didn't have the last time we went.
(5)
Jen D.

We had the Jaleo Experience tasting menu and sparking sangria. Both the food and drink were amazing and included an excellent variety. We had 20 courses in total, including 17 savory and 3 sweet, and left completely satisfied. The selection was much better than what we would've picked ourselves, and turned out to be an amazing deal compared to ordering the plates a la carte. Unlike some of the other yelpers, we found the service to be excellent. Our waitress meticulously talked us through each course, and even brought out extra items for us to try based on what we enjoyed. We were initially told a tasting menu generally included 11-13 courses, but ended up trying much more. Some of our favorites included salmon tartar with trout roe, brioche sliders with roasted red pepper and garlic aioli, oyster with gin & tonic, and wilted spinach with apple and pine nuts. We'll definitely return.
(5)
Paul T.

The food at this place was pretty hit or miss. The menu is enormous, so we asked our server for suggestions. He ended up suggesting about half the menu. I think he was trying to be helpful, but there were only two of us eating. We were really just after the highlights. The cones with raw fish were delicious. Everything else was under seasoned. For what we paid, and considering the reputation of JosÃ© AndrÃ©s, I expected much more. Perhaps we should have gotten the paella? I don't think I'll be returning to find out. The cocktails were absolutely delicious, however. That saved the night.
(2)
Mike B.

Stopped by Jaleo for a drink with some friends. They got a pitcher of "Sangria" that tasted more like champagne that was poured over fruit. It didn't really have any any of those really fruit notes that you usually get from sangria. It wasn't bad- I think calling it sangria though is a stretch. The star of this show was this one Tapa that I got. It was a mini hamburger made out of Iberico ham. I had recently watched the Iron Chef America battle between Michael Voltaggio and Bobby Flay in battle Ibierco and was dying to try out this ingredient which I'd never had. The mini hamburger was AMAZING. SOO freakin' good. Easily on the top two burgers I've ever eaten. It was so good that I took the mini slider and urged my two friends to nibble off a piece to experience this joy. At first when it came to the table- I was like - "this is what I get for 7 dollars?." After eating it, I was like, "This is totally worth 7 dollars!" My friend got the mussels which were good- every mussel now pales in comparison to the mussels I had at Timpanos though. I also got to try a little of the crab salad- which had flavors that really kinda overshadowed the crab. All in all a wonderful little drink. The experience was topped off with a margarita shot with a salt foam that was much better than I ever imagined it could be! I highly reccomend it! The salt foam just melted into the drink as you drank it. Amazing!
(4)
Greg S.

Nice atmosphere. Friendly and attentive wait staff. Interesting and creative menu items. Not the best bang for your buck though considering portion size and price.
(4)
Racquel C.

I came here for restaurant week - The food was good. The salmon was cooked very well. The beet salad was refreshing, and I loved the mussels. I thought the patatas barvas were overrated, but good nonetheless. The chocolate mousse with hazelnut was delicious!
(3)
Maria Jose S.

It has been the worst food experience I've had in 3 years living in the US.. Size of the meals and prices are ridiculous..! Won't ever come again.. Very disappointed; no paella with seafood and they have something with shrimp and pasta that is not even close!
(1)
Sophie A.

I've been coming to this location consistently since it first opened. After tonight, my thoughts are as follows: the new decor: awful. There is far too much going on, and the energy is way too high (all different shades of red, various patterns and textures, a rather strange mural on the back wall). It's simply distracting and there appears to be no central theme. The service needed improvement. Friendly, but the servers seemed overwhelmed and were slow to take our orders and slow to follow up. That said, the hostess was very pleasant. Finally, the food was delicious. It was restaurant week and they really outdid themselves (5 courses per person; all excellent).
(3)
Helen K.

Stopped in with my BF for a drink. We loved the sangria (3 rounds later!) didn't have a chance to have the food other than the chicken croquettes (tasty). I would like to come back to try the gazpacho. Extra stars for the two happy hours! (Early and late night)
(4)
Georgia M.

I'm a little ticked off at Jaleo restaurant. I have two separate issues, however, the culmination of the first issues coupled by the next 3 was our 'walk out' moment. #1. We got there at 4:15. Bar and restaurant were empty, so we figured, why don't we sit at the bar and take advantage of the HH menu and drinks? Mom and dad are 77 and 79 respectively. Even the tables in the bar area were too high for them to sit in. (Unless I grabbed mom up and popped her into a seat.) Me: "They can't do this, is there a lower table? or can we get the special at a table?" No dice. Whatever. We were going for dinner anyway. #2 We were seated, and close to the door. Furthest away in that section from the table of twenty five 9-11 yo kids that arrived in a limo for (I am assuming the pre-game to a Justin Bieber concert) sounded like we were in the middle of a daycare. We asked to be moved around the corner to the other section. No dice---the poor waitress asked her manager, but told us that the other section wasn't open yet, so even though there were only 2 other tables taken in the restaurant besides the kids party, we couldn't move. #3 "Restaurant week" 5 small plates for $35 sounds like a good deal, but it was mandated that the entire table participate. Sorry, the 4 of us did not want 20 plates. Again, we had gone with the intention of just getting their regular menu, so no harm, no foul. At this point, the kids began screaming and barking like dogs, my moms ears are hurting, We still decide to suck it up because my dad wanted to eat there. Sorry, if it had been just me and hubby, we would have been out of there. # 4 Dad orders a bottle of wine that he liked--"I'm so sorry, we are out of that." Really? Dad was pissed that we left, but I had to make the executive decision to go across the street to American Tap Room. The waitress was the sweetest person. She apologized all over the place. We dropped nearly $300 next door that she could have gotten $60 out of if her manager would have allowed us to move around the corner. I'm sorry, if even ONE of our requests had been accommodated (the one away from the shrieking barking 9-11yo girls would have been the best, in an otherwise empty restaurant) we would have stayed. The poor waitress apologized all over herself, and it wasn't her fault. I blame management. It is a nasty, icy, snowy night. Not too many folk are coming out.
(2)
Abby I.

Had dinner at jaleos recently and will never go back- we ordered a shrimp dish that arrived with literally one shrimp... The rest was rice. The other dishes were as measly and the end bill was very high. I do not need to go to a place like this- how disappointing!!
(1)
Char T.

So one star is probably a bit harsh but I haven't had such terrible service in years. We ordered the chefs special and were not at all impressed with what we got. The food was alright but extremely overpriced. Worst of all was the service. We had probably about 10 dishes and there was a ridiculous wait between each dish. They brought out 1 to 3 dishes out at a time and between one of the sets, we sat for about 40 minutes. Additionally they kept bringing the wrong plates to our table and we would have to correct them over and over again. There seemed to be no communication between the wait staff.
(1)
Tara N.

Not sure how the food is. Unfortunately we never got past the awful service. Bad service is one thing but this service was downright rude. Never ok.
(1)
Alison C.

I was in Bethesda on a business trip and was thrilled when my cousin suggested that we meet at Jaleo for dinner, despite my also having reservations at the Washington DC location the following evening. The festive restaurant was bright, colorful, and uplifting. The service was attentive, and the food was great. Despite my older cousins not having much experience with tapas, they fully embraced the concept and joined me in the ordering of multiple dishes. We started with glasses of zesty Albarinos and munched on crusty bread. We then kept the carbs going by ordering the thin, crispy tomato bread, which was smeared with a fresh smashed tomato puree. I had also sampled this dish at Bazaar in LA, and it was one of my favorite Jose Andres tapas, both there and at Jaleo. The crunch of the toast, paired with the ripe acidity of the tomato, was sheer deliciousness. Our Manchego Cheese plate was paired with apples in a muscatel, but was sorely lacking in flavor. Heads of cauliflower were sautÃ©ed with dates and olives, but were cooked to too heavy of a char. The Grilled Hanger Steak was tough, yet flavorful in its mustard sauce and topping of blue cheese. The homemade Chorizo was plump and smoky, plated over decadent olive oil mashed potatoes and covered with a heavy helping of apple cider sauce. Grilled Calamari was served with a robust squid ink sauce and white rice. The Pedro XimÃ©nez vinegar over the seared Scallops was truly enticing, and the inclusion of pine nuts added a nutty flavor. The Grilled and Marinated Chicken was cooked in garlic and plated in several large chunks topped with a bold parsley puree. The chicken was another favorite. Jaleo's quality in taste and execution really converted my cousins on the whole tapas concept. This was another winner for Jose Andres.
(4)
Elaine S.

Absolutely excellent. EVERY plate! My friend and I were thoroughly impressed, and every plate we ordered was unique and tasty. Drinks were nice too, and the waiter was wonderful. I loved the decor and atmosphere too! Will definitely be going back! What's not to like?!
(5)
Jose B.

Expect to pay a lot and walk out feeling like you could've ordered another tapa or 2. I'm not sure why this place is so popular, either. The pulpo a la gallega (octupus) was over saturated in oil to the point it dominated every bite. The jamon serrano is served with little hard bread sticks. What is that? Bread folks! The steak was hard. Flavorful but be ready to fight off the headache chewing. The reason you won't get a headache is because there are only about 4 small pieces on your plate. The white sangria you'll like if you like champagne. Otherwise, you'll probably prefer it elsewhere. I'm half Spanish. My fam never comes here for a reason. If you must do Jaleo though, I'd recommend the Crystal City location over this one.
(2)
Sarah M.

Disclaimer: The prices are high for the amount of food you receive. Although the food is tapas style, each dish is around $10. The visited this Jaleo today for a late lunch. Although we were too late for lunch (it ended at 3 pm, we still enjoyed our meal). The wait staff was nice and helpful in suggesting food that we might enjoy. We ordered a plethora of dishes including: grilled shrimp, hanger steak, scallops, Russian salad, marinated chicken, jamon, and cheese. We left stuffed and happy.
(4)
Cynthia L.

Another job well done Jose Andres - so if you don't know, that means you'll get solid food hear, but def not for the money-conscious. Having been to minibar and Oyamel and loved both, this place does not disappoint for me. We sat at the bar (because otherwise, on a Friday evening, it's a 45 minute-minimum wait). Edgar, our bartender/waiter/comedian was hilarious and attentive. We each had two of our drinks because they were That good (Sangria, Cuba Libre, and the other two, can't remember, sorry!) I don't know how I even still had room in my stomach for more food, considering we had just been across the street chowing down, but decided to try their: -Pisto manchego con huevos - Stewed vegetables with a quail egg. No meat, but I was opting for a light dish. The stewed vegetables were very well....stewed, soft and seasonings all soaked up but a little oily. The fried quail egg (I love eggs of any kind...well, maybe not ostrich) was perfect over the vegetables. Def would've been perfect to have a slice of bread/baguette to polish this dish off. -Flan, or their take on it was delicious: soft and creamy with vanilla bean "bits" in each bite, whipped cream, and a couple clementine slices on the side. I was told their paella is good here but that is seriously a meal in and of itself. If you haven't been here, it's small portions, so great for people to share dishes. Place is pretty dim in the evenings (for those that really care about that). It's a great place to dine and chat, not dine and dash. Best to make reservations . Perfect way to end a Friday evening. Thank you!
(4)
Elizabeth K.

Great drinks, fun vibe, and with an occasion hiccup, really good food. My husband and I come sometimes, but its particularly fun with a few more people, when you can share more dishes. Many memorable meals here!
(4)
Lou K.

So another reason I love this place. Every summer they feature zucchini blossoms stuffed with goat cheese as a special, I'm telling you this is The. Best. Thing. I have ever eaten. So tonight I say to the manger, I know you have these in the summer, tell me when, and he's like, oh I hate to say but yesterday. I am literally crushed but happily drinking sangria and eating red peppers stuffed with goat cheese and anticipating lamb chops and suddenly here come the manager with the zucchini blossoms. Awesome. Comped which I would have joyfully paid for. I love this place and you should too.
(5)
Tatanisha L.

Wonderful food! Great service! I always enjoy my meal at Jaleo. Whenever I am in Bethesda, I go to Jaleo for tapas. I enjoy introducing my friends to it, as well. The menu has some variations according to the season; however, many of my favorites remain. The quail is delicious, as well as the papas fritas (fried potatoes), spears of asparagus and the delicious flan that melts in your mouth.
(5)
Eddie K.

Can't beat the combination of the JamÃ³n IbÃ©rico De Bellota Fermin (the best cured ham) placed on top of the Pan De Cristal Con Tomate (toasted bread with tomato). Love the Pasamontes Manchego as well. Been coming here since it opened, but recently they changed their red sangria recipe. I don't like this version. Has to much cinnamon flavor.
(4)
Michelle R.

I've been to the DC Jaleo a gazillion times, but this was my first time here in recent memory. I actually like it BETTER than the DC location. More families, way fewer tourists, less chaotic in general, and though I really like the Spanish K-pop atmosphere at the DC location, I much prefer the darker more rustic atmosphere here-- though it is still definitely Jose Andres style. There is a happy hour menu here-- 4-7 and then 10 to close (though we missed it, sadly). There isn't a happy hour at the DC Jaleo (WHY WHY WHY!). The bar is also much bigger and more roomie. The drinks were solid-- gin and tonics are just delicious at Jaleo-- if you get a drink here, get this. The flauta de jamÃ³n ibÃ©rico FermÃn (Bread and ham) is better in DC-- they use different bread in DC that is mucho better. But still, it's bread and ham, so obviously it's great. The sandÃa con tomate (watermelon salad with goat cheese) was BETTER here. Yay! The watermelon was more ripe and there was A LOT more goat cheese. The pulpo a la Gallega 'Maestro Alfonso' (octopus with potatoes) was also better here. Much more awesome octopus, bigger dish in general. More yumminess. The salpicÃ³n de cangrejo* (crabmeat salad) is way better at the DC location. The crab was okay, but the item wasn't as described, it was mixed with mayo and sort of lackluster. It was stringy too. I wanted lumps, not strings! The Cono de salmÃ³n crudo con huevas de trucha (a cone shaped app with fish and caviar) was okay, but to me they put way too much mayo in it at the expense of the tuna. More fish, less mayo please. Love the roe eggs on top. Lastly the melÃ³n con jamÃ³n serrano (cantaloupe and ham) was really cool, first time I've had this. The cantaloupe was very finely sliced along with the ham, and it was a very light and delicate app but super tasty. Loved this! One last note was that the flatware was WAY too big for little apps. Maybe because this is more "family" oriented they use more traditional flatware, but I much prefer the smaller, heavier fork and knives at the DC location. It's hard to eat tapas with a full sized fork. But because the dishes were larger here and the ingredients cut into much larger pieces (in some cases) there may be some form fitting function thing going on. Verdict-- the DC location is a little fancier and more detail oriented. It's also slightly more expensive at the DC location (for some items). However, there is not much to do in this area (besides eat and check out the Apple Store), so for location obviously the DC Jaleo has much more to offer.
(4)
Twenty-Three T.

Order the Jumbo Lump Crab salad;you'll thank yourself later. The salmon carpaccio is heaven and the gambas are a little heavy but the spice makes up for it on the back end. There's a grilled chicken with cream spinach and salsa verde that's good but a little too on the char side. The drinks are amazing. The Jose Andres Gin & Tonic is so strong you may not need a second cocktail. Their Dark & Stormy is the best I've had in recent memory. Our server was amazingly attentive and extremely knowledgeable. Next time, dessert!
(4)
Steve B.

Hola, Jose! I finally found an excuse to take my honey to the Bethesda Jaleo, one of the local outposts of the modern Spanish tapas restaurant. We were charmed and delighted by the food and service, and the atmosphere was good enough. I expected a lot from the place created by TV chef and high-end local restaurateur Jose Andres (Minibar, Zaytinya, Oyamel, Cafe Atlantico, etc.) and ranked #27 in the latest Washingtonian Magazine's 100 Very Best Restaurants. I mostly got it. We made our reservation for 5:00 on a Saturday afternoon, early for dinner but a good fit after a theater matinee in D.C. The place was deserted when we arrived, and muy crowded when we left mid-dinner rush. I expected a more formal or nicer ambiance. The restaurant is set up modern and casual, with bare tabletops, bright colors and graphics, funky oversize banquettes, and everywhere, big printed words from Spanish cuisine. Ruby Tuesday's meets IKEA meets the Mad Tea Party. Despite the far-in-advance reservation and the mostly empty room, we were seated 15 feet from the open kitchen doorway. Uphill from here. Like other small-plates joints, the menu is long and interesting, worth an advance read. We asked for a drink and got started on ordering small things. I had a Mayahuel, really a good drink, smooth and intriguing. First up: Pan de Cristal con tomate (in English, "here's some bread with tomaters"; some translations may be approximate) and Sopa de Pescado 'va por ti Clemente' ("fisherman's soup just for you, Clem"). The bread was simple but brilliant, firm crusty bread with excellent olive oil and tomatoes. The soup was substantial, with savory broth and fresh mussels, shrimp, and clams. Next round: Garbanzos con espinacas 'que bien cocinas Tichi' ("garbanzo and spinach stew, yum yum") and AtÃºn con ajonjolÃ y piquillos confitados* ("raw tuna with sesame seed crust and peppery relish"). The delectable garbanzo stew was a standout for us, even among flashier fare. The tuna was first-rate, though not the most original dish we had. More food: Plato mixto de croquetas ("croquettes of both chicken and ham, amIright?"), Chorizo casero con purÃ© de patatas al aceite de oliva ("chorizo sausage with mashed potatoes in cider sauce"), and Gambas al ajillo ("shrimp and OMG guys so much garlic"). The croquettes were pretty good, but the fillings were interchangeable. My missus adored the chorizo in its apple-flavored mashed potato bed. The garlic shrimp were outstanding, but yeah there's garlic on there. Finished, somehow, by splitting the Pastel Vasco con helado de leche merengada ("Basque cake that tastes like your Mom works back there") and two excellent cups of coffee. The cake is a light creamy thing, tasting of cinnamon and vanilla; you'd like it. Service was attentive and cheerful---small-plates restaurants up the demand for monitoring your table, what with all the little courses happening. Not cheap, but I've paid more for much less memorable food. If you like a little adventure, are willing to pay for thought-provoking food, and you don't mind some noise and crowds, give it a try. We'll be back. iHasta luego!
(4)
Robert C.

Jaleo's nothing special in my book. I would only go here for their Happy Hour (4:30 - 7 PM). Otherwise, the food's too overpriced given the quality and taste. Jaleo's Classic Sangria ($4) - Red Wine Sangria with Brandy, Lemon Juice & Apples. Your average sangria, you can't go wrong with one :) Patatas Bravas ($4) - Potatoes, Spicy Tomato Sauce & Alioli. Surprisingly, it was my fav dish from the happy hour menu. Calamares A La Romana ($4) - Fried Calamari w/ Alioli. It's just ok, nothing special. Gambas Al Ajillo ($4) - Shrimp SautÃ©ed w/ Garlic. I was actually excited to try this dish after reading its yelp reviews. However, it's only decent & def overhyped in my opinion.
(3)
Monique M.

BEWARE OF NELSON L.(bartender)!!! Bastard chased me outside for a bill I'd ALREADY PAID!!! What makes it so bad is I even tipped him 25% on service that really didn't warrant the extra gratuity. All I had was 2 drinks in a matter of about 30-45 mins. Then he had the nerve to say, "I'm sorry. Your next drink is on me." Nah, I'm good! You can take your drink, and suck real hard! I know all black people (supposedly) look alike but damn, kid! Needless to say, I won't be back. Which is a real shame b/c the drinks were pretty good. I had a Mayahuel, and I wanted to try another drink that had egg whites in it. However, there's just too much competition, not to mention better customer service (I.e.-no bartenders under the age of 40 w/Alzheimer's)
(1)
Julie H.

Went to Jaleo for the first time to celebrate my 21st (belated) birthday with a few friends. Bethesda is home to over 200 restaurants, but I wanted to try this one because I love the concept of tapas. Being able to try many dishes from a restaurant to really know what it is about. One of my favorite dishes from tapas restaurants is Gambas al ajillo. Therefore, we of course ordered this to try it out along with many other dishes. We ordered a total of 8 dishes for 4 people, which was plenty for us to share. The gambas al ajillo was a disappointing dish, it lacked flavor and didn't have the garlic-y kick that gambas al ajillo is known for. I also love dipping bread ingot eh sauce, but it was just all oil going into the bread. I would rate the dish a 5/10, nothing special. We also ordered the calamari, which is a dish that is difficult to mess up, platatas braves which was good, mussels which lacked flavor, dates wrapped in bacon which was plain, the beef dish (I forgot the name of) that had a polenta underneath of it was probably one of the better dishes. Along with several other dishes that we got which were alright. Overall, I think the food here is average (nothing special, and not my favorite tapas place). However, it is a great ambience and the service is great.
(3)
Erin F.

4.5 stars. I have to admit that I was very impressed with Jaleo during my most recent visit. They've always been a bit hit or miss for me, but everything that I tasted last night was very well done. The prices are a bit high for the amount of food you get, but what can you do? Also, just as a side note, we did take out (including paella) and for reasons that I don't understand, they refuse to take the paella out of the pan! So you have to carry the pan with you wherever you're doing take-out, leave a $30 deposit and then return the pan when you're done. Absurd. Anyway, we ordered take out for a team of six people, so there were lots of opportunities to try different things. Some of my favorites were: Pollo Al Ajillo Con Salsa Verde- although since it was take-out it didn't come with the dressings on top Garbanzos Con Espinacas 'Que Bien Cocina Tichi'- I do not know why I have never ordered this before. It was wonderful. It's like a thick garbanzo bean and spinach soup. It would have been incredible with an egg. Setas Al Ajillo- the mushrooms are so good. Coliflor Salteada Con Aceitunas Y DÃ¡tiles- cauliflower is cooked perfectly. Other things that were not quite as good: Tortilla Menorquina- pretty plain & simple, but tasted good Coles De Bruselas- they are just steamed brussels sprouts- Zaytinya has a better version. Secreto IbÃ©rico Con Pan Con Tomate Y Salsa Verde: It's not a very large portion for a steak and it was a bit too salty. We also ordered a ton of other stuff, I just didn't try any of it. I was impressed with Jaleo's ability to meet the request for the order. I will definitely come back- impressed with the quality.
(4)
Flavio L.

Here is what I think...this restaurant is extremely interesting. The service we initially received was awful...all our server could talk about was that her shift was over in 20. When you come to sit with your family for a nice dinner, you really don't want attitude. Additionally, the server did not care to hear our opinions about anything. When you are telling your customers the specials and they react, you don't single them out and say "well I guess you wont be having that by your reaction." This was totally embarrassing, as were her other answers to our questions. We spent over $200 on our meal, the least you can do is provide some people skills. In fact, we could barely wait until her shift was over. The next server and the individual she was training, were extremely nice. I would give this place more stars but our initial server left a sour taste in all of our mouths. Lastly, my father, who lived most of his life in Europe and has been to Spain several times asks if they serve any "traditional Spanish pastas." The servers response was, "thats Italian food, this is a Spanish restaurant, they don't serve pasta in Spanish cuisine." Well here is a fun fact "In Roman times, the Iberian Peninsula was a wheat stock for the Roman Empire. Later on, the Moores introduced pasta to the Iberian Peninsula almost at the same time as in Sicily. Yet today, pasta in Spain is a rarity. Pasta is usually found in the region of Catalonia, pasta is most popular for home cooking." Seeing how this is a Spanish niche restaurant, I feel it was a good question to ask. Plain and simple, our server's attitude and arrogance was awful and ruined our time, I would not return. Cheers.
(2)
Kimberly B.

I love Jaleo, but before today I had only been to the Las Vegas location. Overall, the food was good, but the quality was not as good as Las Vegas. I made a reservation for 6pm, but arrived early for happy hour. At the bar we ordered mini burgers, fried calamari, endives with mandarin, and bread with tomato. The calamari and the burgers were amazing! Next time, we will get two orders of these and skip the others because the bread was soggy and the endives were filled with a large quantity of olive oil. The drinks were delicious! We had gin and tonic Jose's way, but try them all! The service at the bar was pretty good overall, but not great. There were five or so people behind the bar chatting and watching soccer. I just expected it to be better since there were so many people, but it seemed like there was only one actual bartender. After the bar we moved to a table and ordered garlic shrimp and chicken as well as the chicken croquettes and a cheese/jamon plate. The garlic shrimp was well seasoned and a hit at our table. The cheese/meat plate was also a hit! Everyone loved them. My suggestions: Be prepared for the prices and look at the menu before you arrive. Go during happy hour(4-7 Monday-Friday, but check the website just to be sure) and try the drinks and all of the foods on the Jaleo hour menu. Go on Monday when they have Unlimited Paella and sangria for $40. That deal also comes with salad and a dessert. If you are unsure of what to order ask your server or the bartender. :) Enjoy!
(3)
Michael F.

I'm always a little worried when I see Chef tasting options. They can knock it out of the park if executed appropriately, or they can leave you filled only with regret as you're left wanting more. If you can't tell by the rating, Jaleo's tasting hit a clear homerun. My co-worker and I were down for training and selected The Classic Experience chef tasting. The portions provided were more than fair, providing enough for us both to enjoy and ensured we were full at the end. For only $38/person, the price was reasonable as well. Each tapas that came seemed better than the previous. I wish I wrote down everything we tried to help convenience everyone reading this review its worth it with details. Instead, you'll just have to trust me when I say its worth it! And if the food doesn't blow you away, the Sangria will. If I wasn't so amazed by the constant arrival of tapas, I could have easily enjoyed another (and another). I'm sure the Sangria will compliment anything on the menu.
(5)
Nat L.

went with my little sister and her friends. i don't speak a lick of spanish so i can't remember any dish names, but i can describe them. you'll have to bear with me. i'm doing my best. we made reservations for kind of late in the evening, 8:15. our table wasn't ready when we showed up so we grabbed a drink at the bar. I had a margarita that i felt was very average. my sister and her friend had the sangria and they absolutely loved it. I didn't want to try it because i had to drive later, but from the way they downed it, i'm guessing it's pretty good. We ordered bread and then some sort of cheese with apricots. the cheese was a more mild than i was expecting. I don't really recommend that dish. there was a beet salad that I didnt try because I don't like beets, but it looked good and, again, my sister and her friend had no problem devouring it. we ordered some sort of toasted bread that had tomato on it. also delicious. clearly these are very fresh tomatoes. at the same time though, it's not a super complex dish and I kind of feel like i could expect more from a restaurant with a reputation like jaleo's. The chicken croquettes were AMAZING in my opinion, but the table was split on them. they were very rich and savory, so if that's not your cup of tea, these aren't for you. i absolutely loved them though. The other dish I remember us loving was some sort of hangar steak. it had a type of horseradish sauce with it and it was cooked perfectly rare. this was easily a table favorite. the scallops we ordered were fine, but a little weird. they were cooked perfectly and the sauce was amazing, but there was some sort of breadcrumb topping that honestly added nothing to the dish and just gave it a weird texture. after dinner a very polite, well mannered staff member came up to us and surveyed us on where we came from beforehand, if we had ever been there before, etc. i want to say that the guy was perfectly charming and polite. we were joking aorund with him at our table and he was playing along very well. however, i think his overall assignment was a bit strange. it was probably the most aggressive attempt at market research i've seen in a restaurant. obviously he was assigned to come to our table with a map and questionnaire and ask things like "did you walk or drive?" or "how much did you spend tonight?". Instead of putting clients on the spot like that, management should just leave a slip at tables with those questions and promise a raffle for a free meal or something. the market research attempt sort of messes up the mood a little.
(4)
Jesssie M.

I wanted to love this place. My sister and parents went without me (tear) the first time and RAVED! Knowing how picky my dad is about giving a restaurant the thumbs up, I was excited when the four of us returned for a meal. But I was so underwhelmed. The tapas style dining was a nice change of pace. Lots of the dishes sounded very interesting. We started with some drinks...my Bloody Maria was really gross, it was like drinking salsa. Not the tasty Bloody Mary I needed to hide my hangover from my parents. The best items we tried were the Higos Con Paleta IbÃ©rica De Bellota -- figs with prosciutto, and the Pimientos Del Piquillo Rellenos De Queso -- roasted red peppers stuffed with goat cheese. Both were excellent. However, we ordered numerous items that did NOT excite me, including mussels that had 0 flavor and some chopped up potatoes with a mayo-like dipping sauce. Dining here takes planning and strategy, and it stresses me out. Besides the food, the restaurant has a nice layout, decor, and comfortable outdoor area. However the service was not good. We were left stranded without a server for a noticeable amount of time. We had to flag down another waiter to get ours. The combination of many sub-par tapas, a few good ones sprinkled in, and lame service only gets you a 3 star review, especially for the prices.
(3)
Elena P.

Boys- get over the small plate size. The food is worth it. Get: white sangria, pan con tamAte, the lamb (best dish on the menu), cauliflower, spinach, patatas bravas, chicken ajillo, ....so full. The hazelnut dessert is also worth it if you're not dying full after that...which I usually am. Ps-good date spot! Share stuff!
(5)
Elodie T.

I came here thinking that I had plenty of time before going to meet friends in Silver Spring for a play. Maybe I should've informed my waitress that I was on a tight schedule (but really, I thought 1.5-2 hours would be enough for a total of 4 plates to share with a friend), because she'd disappear for the longest time. We ordered 4 plates- 2 came out pretty quickly and were delicious (fried dates wrapped in bacon, sliced apple and fennel salad) and then it was another 30 minutes before we could get her attention to inquire after our missing plates (Arroz Mediterraneo, skirt steak). Then the plates finally arrived 15 minutes later. The food was delicious, but the wait spoiled the meal. Even asking for the check after we received our last two plates (who knew when we'd see her next?), I didn't make the play. We only ordered 4 plates!! Only a 3 for the quality of food. If service had been better this could have easily been 4+/5.
(3)
Christina C.

I know that this place is so great, that technically, they are 5 stars. However, given the service I received recently at the Bethesda location, I can't bring myself to give it a full 5. I guess I became spoiled after eating at the Jaleo in DC. There, the waitress was very attentive and really made no errors. As for Jaleo Bethesda, we were left neglected for a while, no water, no drinks. After finally getting water, it'd be another 15 mins before seeing our waitress. One of out drinks did get messed up, but she noticed it while bringing it, so I take that as more of a bar error. Also, the bar did make an error in coffee - trying to pass a cappuccino as a cafe con leche. Now, for the food. I mean, it IS JALEO! The food is always phenomenal. Superbly well-presented. Delicious. Fresh. Authentic Spanish food. Eat it. Enjoy. Love it. Have a cocktail. Enjoy a dessert (their flan is my personal favorite) with a coffee. You will not regret it.
(4)
Farha K.

I have yet to be disappointed with the Tapas scene in the DC area that's for sure. Each place I go to tops the last one, and I'm not complaining at all! Between the 2 of us we ended up ordering a few different plates, and a couple drinks and every single thing was great. The braized oxtail was to die for! Perfectly spiced and cooked so you could taste the meatiness of the meat and not overpowered by too many spices it was a great start to the meal. Continued on with grilled shrimp and ceviche.. the cauliflower in the ceviche was rather odd since it was raw and added a misplaced crunch to the dish, but the squid and scallops were incredibly fresh and buttery. The staff were incredibly friendly..there was none of that stuffy big time chef vibe going on around..which is refreshing to see in this area. Will definitely be coming back.
(5)
Todde D.

Food was good. But not great. Service and staff were also good.
(3)
Staffan D.

I really enjoy our meals in this restaurant. Plenty of great tapas to chose from, nice and professional staff and a good location. I do wish they could start serving their amazing great white sangria by the glass, and not just by the pitcher.
(4)
Richard Z.

This place has a very nice atmosphere. It was crowded when we went for a Saturday dinner. It's a very clean, very modern place. Most of the menu consists of tapas, so they have a large selection. The food also came out very quickly despite the place being full. Our waiter was very knowledgable and was able to describe the dishes in great detail and gave lots of recommendations. The food itself is good, but not amazing. The patatas bravas and the Iberian ham croquettes (they are pretty cream on the inside) are a must. The grilled quail tasted great, but the portion was very small. We also got the steamed mussels and calamari, both of which were fairly standard. Overall I would say the food is fairly authentic, though a tad saltier. They have a new gin and tonic sorbet on the dessert menu which I couldn't resist ordering. It's a lump of icy gin sorbet with four clumps of what looks like whipped cream, but is actually made of tonic. The texture is pretty unique; it's like very very soft sorbet that's just about to melt, and also pretty bubbly. Taste wise, it's just like a gin and tonic. It comes with pieces of candied lemon peel, which go great with it. Great place to eat if you're feeling Spanish!
(4)
Crissy T.

I found two seats at the bar Saturday night--surprisingly--because the place was packed, and the wait was 90 minutes. The food doesn't disappoint but I agree with others who say the dishes are pricey for the amount of food you get. I wish they'd add hooks under the bar so one can hang their purse.
(3)
Norman G.

Unlike its sister restaurant in the Penn Quarter, this branch tends to be uncrowded at lunch though busy in the evenings, especially on weekends. The menu, with frequent variations, offers an enormous variety of choices. Some are familiar dishes--like garlic shrimp. Others are likely to sound exotic. Almost everything is worth a try. Three dishes for sharing per adult makes an excellent meal. But the plates are small and for larger groups more than a single order of group favorites will be necessary. Dishes arrive as they are ready, so don't expect an orderly presentation. Eat what you get when you get it.
(4)
Melissa R.

I've never been to another Jaleo, but after a movie at Bethesda Row, my husband thought it'd be a great place to have a late dinner - 11 pm. We ordered five dishes. Four came out relatively quickly and were quite good. The fifth, a chorizo with garlic potatoes and olive oil, was still missing, and it was just my second plate as my husband pretty much enjoyed the other three himself. We had our waiter and 3 other workers check on us during this period, each asking why we were still sitting there expectantly. We told them, each time, that we were waiting for my final dish. At midnight, our waiter came over and said that they were out of our dish and that the kitchen was now closed. Um, what? If we had 4 people checking on this dish, how did we not find out about this sooner???? We would have ordered another dish before the kitchen closed, no harm done! So, $40 later, I left completely hungry and really dissatisfied. Get on your game, Jaleo. You're failing.
(1)
Karen S.

Very disappointing. I recently went to the D.C. location and had a great time, but my experience in Bethesda was very sub-par. First, the way the tables are set up is not ideal. Though both locations aren't very big, the D.C. one manages to create little nooks so there's a little more privacy. In Bethesda, everyone is very close and it just feels more crowded. I ordered six tapas. I enjoyed the croquetas (though I was sad they didn't come in the shoe like they do in D.C.-- it was a bit of a letdown to see them just on a napkin on a plate) and the patatas bravas. The little sandwiches with tomato and jamon iberico were good, but maybe not not something I'd order again for $15 (they were really small!). I found the rabbit confit very dry, to the point where I didn't finish it. I also had an issue with the seafood stew, which was very salty. I understand that seafood stew is going to have more salt than usual, but after picking out the couple of clams, mussels and shrimp in it, I couldn't get through more than a few spoonfuls of the soup. I told the manager when he came back, but he just said he'd let the chef know and didn't offer to do anything about it. Perhaps if it had come with a little more bread it would have been more tolerable, but it only came with one little toasted piece. I also ordered the cauliflower, which never showed up. I know tapas come out in random order, but more than 15 minutes after our last plates were cleared, I had to ask the waiter where it was. He wasn't even apologetic-- he just said he could ask them to make it right now. It took another 10 minutes for it to arrive, and I found it kind of weird and lackluster. I didn't particularly enjoy the sweet dates and salty olives with the cauliflower. The cauliflower itself was strangely cooked; the outsides were charred but the rest of it was still basically raw. This is just another detail from this lackluster location: My boyfriend also noticed that one of the two stalls in the men's bathroom could not lock, and the one with a lock had a very precariously balanced toilet seat. If I ever go back to Jaleo, it will definitely be to the D.C. location. The staff here don't particularly seem to care and the food is not as good.
(2)
Cita C.

Their tapas are good, but their paella is absolutely terrible. It comes in a huge, very authentic-looking paella dish, but is very one-color and bland. I had the paella here twice, many months apart, and found it to be the same. The rice was undercooked, the whole thing had a single flavor of pork that saturated everything, causing it to look rather brown throughout, and it was generally not seasoned well. But I have no complaints about the tapas, drinks, or the service. Next time I come I'm just going to camp out at the bar and enjoy some tapas. Though it is overall very pricey.
(2)
Chris K.

we used to be big proponents of jose's restaurants, but we've seen a dramatic shift lately. portions are generally much smaller than they were when we began frequenting these places. it's greedy and unsatisfying--a giant middle finger to the diners. the drinks have shrunken too--be it through the use of smaller glasses or additional ice. the last two visits, my wife and i left angry and in search of snacks. jose, you suck. suck.
(1)
Moira N.

Review for paella only. Jaleo has been an all-time favorite restaurant. I love the tapas, flautas and sangria but when we start talking about paella, that would be a different story. I am on a mission to find the best paella in DC and from what I've read, Jaleo would have good paella ... NOT! I thought of letting it pass the first time. We had paella in the downtown location and it was extremely salty that you can't even fathom to eat it unless you are want to have some kidney disease. The next time was in the Bethesda location and I ordered the shrimp and calamari. It was salty (at least less salty that the downtown one) and bitter ... my guess is that the bitterness came from overcooked and burned sauteeing of the shrimp head (you get a lot of good flavor if done right but not with the paella that was served to me) ... so lesson learned ... NEVER, NEVER order paella again! Stick to tapas and other dishes on the menu.
(1)
Margaret N.

Food a bit overpriced, so I definitely recommend you come here only for happy hour! Happy hour is only at the bar area and there aren't many spaces, so I recommend you come early! Their sangria is amazing and pretty strong! Would recommend getting a pitcher! Great selection of tapas too! Definitely going back for happy hour sometime soon!
(4)
U.S. A.

YUM YUM YUM. I've always had good service and delicious food. The sausage dishes are great, cod balls are way good, shrimp is tasteeee. You really can't go wrong, I like the redesign of it.
(5)
Wesley Y.

I came in at 4:45 PM and was just in time for happy hour. Had 4 tapas for $4/each Wasn't in a drinking mood and had to drive so no Sangrias for me. Cured Ham,sausages, chicken fritters, calamari. Everything we had was good, its small portions and easy to share. I posted a picture to show what I had! I wasn't stuffed after splitting these with a friend, but I also didn't break the bank getting a little taste of a few different dishes. P.S Happy Hour is an awesome deal! I think they have Saturday happy hour from 10-close or something as well as 4:30-7. Happy hour makes everything here worth it, not sure about coming in during regular hours.
(4)
Andalisa L.

In my opinion Jaleo is reserved for special occasions as it can be pricier, but the food is great and I've had positive experiences overall! I first went to Jaleo (in DC) for restaurant week and my table left with happy, yet extremely full, tummies. I recently visited Jaleo in Bethesda with my mother and we ordered about 5 plates to share which came to about $55 with some sangria. I insisted we get the bacon wrapped dates as they are my favorite!! We also compared two tortillas (Spanish omelet) one with sausage and one without. The one with sausage won hands down. The staff are attentive and friendly and the decor is fun and unique. When I went to Jaleo for restaurant week I was with a group of 4 and we sat at the foosball table which was a lot of fun-just be careful you don't poke the person sitting across from you... It can get a bit nosy cause there are so many people around and the tables are close to each other. Also, any chance you have please order something with manchego. Because, manchego cheese is the best.
(4)
M L.

We have been going to Jaleos in Bethesda for years. Went today for a late lunch and noticed the serving. size on every tapas dish we had ordered had become significantly smaller than before. and the flan wad so tiny my son ate it in two spoonfuls. Felt kind of cheated.
(3)
Amanda W.

I enjoyed our visit here overall. I was not as impressed with our red sangria as I see many people are but most of the food made up for it. I do recommend avoiding the ham fritters, as the texture was simply unappealing, unlike any I've had before. The Salmon plate was killer and the hangar steak and stuffed mushrooms were also great. Where Jaleo really lost points with me was service. We were at dinner with business colleagues and not everyone was familiar with the style of food. Our waiter made no attempt to explain the plates or make recommendations other than the $60+ per person . (No thanks, we will navigate the menu on our own.) The final kicker was when we were still drinking and chatting, no one was waiting for a table, our check was brought by our waiter and my water taken from directly in my hands by the bus staff. We never received another offer of drinks or coffee. The place was nearly empty, but if they needed our table someone could have kindly recommended we move to the bar to chit chat. I felt rushed and unwelcome.
(3)
Maddie B.

I ate here with my mom on a weekend afternoon and it was full but not too crowded, we did not need a reservation at that time. The service was relatively good as the server seemed to have too many tables for one person in my opinion, but he was attentive. We got five different tapas to share. The quality of the tapas varied a lot, two were fantastic, one was alright, and the other two didn't seem worth the price. (I say not worth the price because of the lack of flavor, not the size, they are tapas of course!) The two that were not as good were also served cold and they were pretty much frozen on the inside. I'm not sure whether I would go back for the food as I feel that there are plenty of other restaurants in the area that offer better food for the price.
(3)
Beth F.

This was a bizzarre experience. My takeaway was that I had just eaten a meal's worth of oily salt bread. My boyfriend, who is lactose intolerant, asked if there was dairy in the chicken fritters and the server, who actually went back into the kitchen (presumably to ask the chef and not just to adjust his outfit) to ask, assured us that it was dairy free. Later, BF bites into a croquette oozing with bechamel sauce. um... Server cannot be found. Neither can he be seen to order a second round of drinks (we were there at happy hour and wanted to get our money's worth). Finally, he gets a manager to come over and apologize. Manager says he will return to order my BF something different. Here's where more oddness occurs: the manager vanished for the remainder of our meal, never to be seen again! We had to flag down an (adorable and pleasant) busboy to get more food for my BF and the aforementioned drinks. The busboy basically became our de facto server for the rest of the meal, and even made our drinks, for which we thanked him profusely. I really hope they pool tips. The server was weird in other ways too. Like he was very very eager for us to order in the beginning, ignoring conversational cues that made it obvious we were in the middle of greeting each other and had only been given the menu a minute earlier. Let us take off our coats, guy. I guess the overall impression is: no sense of timing or appropriateness. After the dairy mistake, the server should have been all over us with attentiveness, at LEAST until Justin had gotten some food he could actually ingest comfortabley. We had to literally walk up to the bar and ask for our check from him when it was time to leave. Quelle dommage. The food itself: it was happy hour fare, so mainly small oily pieces of flatbread with cheeses or cold toppings. We stopped at Safeway on the way home. Seriously, I love busboys, though.
(2)
Mala H.

Very tasty food and yummy strong drinks. The lamb medium rare was delicious. The squid with ink was out of this world.
(4)
Helen S.

I don't think I'd ever make it here for a meal when their happy hour menu is so brilliant. My friend and I split the calamari, chicken fritters, bacon wrapped dates, and gambas al ajillo (shrimp and garlic), plus I got a sangria. All were tasty and only $4 each, which is how tapas should all be priced considering the portion sizes. Despite the small portions, the meal was super filling and I would definitely come back again for a treat after work.
(4)
Kathleen P.

If you order the apple salad- be aware not a lot of walnut in the salad despite description. Only one found.,Service is slow at times.? Be prepared to remind waiter. Good food- minus that.
(4)
Zach W.

Had a reservation at 8:30, had to wait an hour to be seated. We made this reservation over a month ago for a large group for a birthday party. We were very disappointed. However, the did offer us sangria on the house. Still, I don't know if I would return. If you can't take a big party, don't do it!
(2)
Jessica P.

After the manager contacted me and apologized for the service, I decided to go back to Jaleo. This time, the service and food were excellent, which I had been used to in the past. We were seated right away in a corner of the restaurant, which was perfect for being able to talk to each other. We were a group of 6, and enjoyed some pitchers of sangria and a wide variety of tapas. My favorite was the manzanas con manchego, and my fiance enjoyed the rabbit. Everything had beautiful presentation and our waitress was attentive throughout. We also ordered a delicious dessert- chocolate mousse with caramel and praline ice cream. At the end of the evening, we were all very satisfied with both the service and the delicious tapas. We will definitely be returning again!
(5)
Georgio S.

Sangria 5 stars, Tapas 1 star. Ordered over 10 plates and only a few stood out. Get the Endives, Lamb chops, skirt steak. Skip the Brussels sprouts with the heavy cumin nasty flavor, skip the chorizo that I spit into my napkin cus it was so bad, skip the over cooked rubbery Shrimp, Skip the dry rabbit that sits in a horrible tasting sauce, Skipped the dessert cus too many other things sucked. $184 wasted dollars... Thanks Jose Andres you rock!
(2)
Pallabi G.

I rarely come here for their actual menu food apart from one restaurant week before I became a Yelper. Dates wrapped in bacon, don't question, just do it. It's worth it. Chicken croquettes, a surprise! Warm and gooey instead of a solid piece of chicken like I was expecting. Calamari, a generous helping for 4 dollars. Sangria, nothing to write home about especially when you realize that the fruit has not been soaking in the wine for hours but rather for the 5 seconds before you get it. Even though I didn't get it recently, I do remember the gazpacho there being particularly delicious.
(4)
Jessica H.

My boyfriend and I came here on Saturday for his birthday. When we arrived we were 10 min late to our reservation but I had already called to let them know. They said it was fine so we didn't expect to wait when we arrive (because we had a show to go to afterwards, we were on a time crunch) . We did have to wait a bit when we got there. Due to the miscommunication, my boyfriend and the manager got off to a rough start. It was also very crowded so service was actually quite slow. I've use to work in the food industry and what I did appriciate was when we sat down we were greeted by a server that wasn't ours and she apoligized for us having a rough start and offer to get us started with drinks. Randy (the manager) also stopped by our table a few times to check on us and make sure that the rough start did not ruin our dinner. I really appriciated this because it was my boyfriend birthday and I just really wanted him to enjoy that night. Overall it was a great experience. The ambiance was great and the food was excellent. Jaleo is by far the best Spanish food I've had in DC.
(5)
Yaofu Z.

The company had a gathering at this place and everything was ordered already. The menu are definitely very interesting and I got to try many different items. Most of items were reasonably tasty, but I do not think anything stands out. The decor was decent and so is the service we got.
(4)
Khine H.

Jaleo was amazing, yes it's a little pricey but we are in Bethesda/DC area, so what did you expect? The food was delicious and the atmosphere was nice. The waiter knew the menu well and had a lot of good advice to offer. A good place to go if you like Tapas. The shrimp is delicious--you can't waste any of the sauce--must dip every last ounce of it with the bread.
(4)
Dan M.

I've only been for happy hour because the deals are great. From 4:30-7 every day but Saturday (when the specials last from 10:00-midnight, you get tapas for just $4, and the portions are much larger than I expected. For that price, you can come with some friends and try just about every option on the menu. The gambas al ajillo (some kind of garlic shrimp) was my personal fave. Plus, glasses of sangria and a few other options were also $4. I haven't found any truly great sangria in DC, but this is one of the better ones, and after a few glasses, I was starting to feel it, something I can't say about the sangria at other places around, like La Tasca. The decor is nice, too - you could definitely come here with a date or after work and fit right in.
(4)
E W.

I had attended a company event here and we were given tapas that were "fine"... nothing special. My wife and I went for their Monday "all you can eat Paella" special. What we found out was the the paella we could have was limited to either their chicken and mushrooms or their all-veggie versions... no seafood. We were a bit shocked. The waiter didn't even try to make an excuse or offer an apology... it was simply, "that's the way it is". We departed and ate elsewhere.
(2)
Denise K.

Service was good and fast. The inside decor was great. Sangria pitcher was a great choice. The shrimp tasted fishy to me. The cheese plate wasn't all that impressive. The rabbit didn't taste good but maybe I just don't like rabbit. The spinach was with raisins and pine nuts and on the sweet side. The baby salty potatoes were REALLY salty. Even the fennel and apple salad with large chunks of cheese wasn't that good. The steak tartar was the only tasty think on the menu but a bit raw for my taste. Even the bread wasn't good. Ouch. Retracted a star for being so incredibly overpriced. I went with 3 people and we each paid $50, without going over the top
(1)
Deydre M.

Well lets just say check the menu before going. I stopped by with my Best Friend and the interior is nice but food is not what you expect. Friendly server. Overpriced.
(3)
Lexy M.

I love this place. I would call myself a regular. The bartenders are fantastic!!! Professional, knowledgable, and friendly. I will say, from what I see, the staff runs this place. The staff knows more about the food and drinks than the management (which is crazy!). Ive never seen the management be particular active or helpful when the staff needs it. (One of my biggest pet peeves!) If you sit at the bar and are taken care of by Phil, Nelson, Edgar, or Jaime you are guaranteed a great experience!!!
(5)
Elliott B.

While I digest my food let me reminisce on my meal. It was good, not great. Certainly not bad. Service wasn't good certainly as we asked for bread four separate times and had lengthy waits for our food even though the place was nearly empty. But onto the important thing, the food. With a party of 6, we ordered a considerable amount of meals. My choices were the scallops, the smoked sheep cheese, and the smoked salmon dish. All of the food was alright, nothing too impressive. The scallops were a bit fishy tasting so I'm not exactly sure how fresh they were, the cheese portion they gave for twelve dollars was laughable. 1 the cheese wasn't that good, and 2 I can go to a fine restaurant and get a whole cheese board with a much better selection and much more cheese for 20 dollars. Two pieces of cheese is just ridiculous for twelve dollars, and again it was not that great. The smoked salmon dish was the definition of average which was disappointing. Was this place as bad as my review makes it sound? No. Would I go back? Probably not. Was it worth the $$$? I don't think so. If you want a safe place for tapas, I would go here. But if you're wanting a good experience with good food, look somewhere else.
(3)
Chanel H.

I hate starting this review with "well I lived in Spain for awhile" but I'm going to be a douche and go ahead and do so. I lived in Spain for awhile :) and Jaleo pulls through as a pretty solid place to take me back and enjoy the wonderful pleasures of Spanish food. Good thing my cousin was there to keep me in check, because I wanted a pitcher for the two of us. She ordered a carafe and that was plenty for the two of us, because the sangria is nice and strong, not too sweet. The perfect drink on a hot summer day. The bacon wrapped dates are deep fried, which was not how it was in Spain but I'll take it. These were amazing! There was a perfect balance of slightly sweet, salt, fat, and crunch that make these addictive. My favorite dish was the chorizo casero con pur de patatas al aceite de oliva: homemade chorizo with olive oil potato puree and cider sauce. In Spain I fell in love with chorizo cooked in cider, and here I could eat these every dayyyy...the chorizo was perfect, very very juicy, not too salty, just right. The potato puree and cider sauce are a great match, and seems to update and modernize the traditional dish I love so much. Our meal wasn't perfect though. I was disappointed to say the gambas al ajillo was just salty and didn't have a lot of flavor. Also, I was craving a traditional Spanish tortilla and this was so disappointing--it was all egg with bits of potato and almost no onion. I wanted thick potatoey goodness that is barely held together by eggs. But we eat on, and these two dishes aren't enough to deter me from the rest of the menu. Writing this review is making me so hungry. I can't wait to go back!
(4)
Jay B.

4.5 stars. Tapas are fun and delicious! (But they can end up being an expensive meal.) Jaleo has a chef's tasting menu if you are unfamiliar with the food--and it will be a lot of food even for the cheapest option. We asked for no mushrooms and they easily accommodated our request. We didn't have a reservation and had to wait in the bar for a while before we got a table, and we had to close out our tab there instead of letting it roll into our dining bill, which was a bit annoying but seems to be practiced by other restaurants in the area. I went another time with a large group, and they accommodated us quite well with good service and delicious food.
(4)
S B.

The portions are just the right amount! It's nice to try a variety of dishes as opposed to ordering one item. Everything we ordered was delicious!
(5)
Kyle G.

STRONG 4 stars. With 300 other reviews, what can I tell you? I'll just shoot a list down here: 1) Happy Hour 2) Sangria 3) That awesome cocktail with smoke and fennel as ingredients 4) BACON WRAPPED DATES (stressed for importance, they are the perfect food) 5) Great service with generally good yet plastic feeling ambiance If you're from out of town, it's not going to change your life. If you're around town, pop in and have a drink, a bite and share a smile.
(4)
Bill N.

Had lunch with my beautiful friend for her Birthday. We loved it and liked the service. The food and its presentation were superlative.
(5)
Scott L.

TOTAL FAN! First, the Cosmo, perfect! The waiter was excellent! he went over the menu with us and then began the parade of DELICIOUS! Chicken Croquette's YUM smooth and silky. the cheese plate was exceptional! I wasn't a huge fan of the calamari it wasn't as crispy as i like. The whole evening was great, the food kept coming! Great place with friends or a date!
(4)
Carl S.

Food was alright, and the service was decent. A little overpriced but the ambience makes it worth it.
(4)
Anita C.

First impression of Jaleo: This place needs a waiting area. While the restaurant looks spacious from the outside, it is actually pretty cramped inside. I walked in to put my name in for a party of 2 at around 6:20, and the restaurant was packed. It was cold outside, so I looked for a place at the bar to sit. Packed. There are no seats to sit in by the door, nor is there comfortable space to even stand to wait for your seat. I enjoyed the loud, vibrant atmosphere inside. As for the food, my friend and I tried: 1) Chorizo Palacios ($8): Thin slices of salty sausage with a few small breadsticks over top. This was just OK. I personally thought the sausage was too salty and difficult to pick up. 2) Patatas Bravas ($7): Roasted potatoes with cheese and a spicy tomato sauce. This dish reminded me of something I could easily make at home - there were no inspiring flavors or anything. 3) Lomo de buey ($12): A grilled skirt steak in a red sauce. This was my favorite dish of the evening, mostly because I'm a big fan of steak. It was cooked to a nice medium rare, but the meat was difficult to chew. 4) Fried dates wrapped in bacon ($8.50): The dates were very sweet, which contrasted well with salty bacon. However, I thought the dates were still a little too sweet, so I paired them with the salty chorizo sausages. The end result was actually great - salty and sweet! The highlight of my meal was actually my drink: the drink is not online, but they serve it here at the Bethesda location. It's brandy mixed with lemon and a fruity alcohol, and it's absolutely delicious! I was very pleased with it. It was $10. I ended up paying $36 including tax and tip, so the total bill was $72 for two people. It was too much for the small amounts of food I consumed and mediocre quality of food. All in all, the food was okay, but nothing to write home about.
(3)
Betsy S.

Great Spanish food in downtown Bethesda. Lively atmosphere as well.
(4)
Matt S.

The food was pretty good. The waiter was friendly and helpful at first but became somewhat short shortly thereafter. He didn't offer to even refill my water or ask if I wanted another cocktail. He didn't seem concerned about answering questions once the food was delivered. They say they have a full bar however they were unable to make a Singapore Sling... I was somewhat disappointed. When I asked for the check he suddenly got in a great mood... of course. We were treated more as a burden than welcomed guests. 2 stars for good food only. I won't be back to Jaleo.
(2)
Shiehan C.

First off - it's pricey because it's a name. Once you get over that, the experience becomes much more enjoyable. I was here for a friend's birthday in late December, with a group of 10-15 people. We managed to split the checks up into tables, and after everything was done for, was about $30 per person. For my table, this included two sangrias, one paella to share for all of us, and about 6-7 various tapas that we all sort of shared. I know tapas in Spain are considerably much cheaper than the $7-$8 Jaleo charges, but it's hard to find good tapas in the DMV area anyway. The ambiance was pretty good, although given that I was here with a large party, I didn't pay much attention to the decor. I do remember kind of weaving around table to get to the restrooms. I would definitely come back, and I'm seriously considering suggesting Jaleo the next time I'm on a date.
(4)
Dana M.

I've only eaten here a few times (which has always been good!!), but the happy hour sangria (and late happy hour on Saturday nights) is AMAZING.
(4)
Tal S.

Too pricey!!! We ordered 8 tapas, payed 60$ and stayed hungry! Nothing was especially tasty, some was even gross... don't waste your money.
(2)
lizzie b.

A bit overrated, I'd say. The food is not that inspired, as Jennifer N. put it. I would agree with her rating that Boston has better tapas, which is NOT saying much. Overall, I didn't find the food to be that fresh. The bread, for example, seemed a day old. Our waitress was smug and unaccomodating. Started out with the shrimp -- way too buttery, and I actually got kinda sick later that evening from it. Tried the beet salad, which has been one of my stand-bys. For the price, you'd think they would sub out the goat cheese for me with another cheese. Nope. It's like stringy greens with a few beets -- hard to digest. Tried the oily oily eggplant and red pepper appetizer. Drowning in gooey oil. No flavor or texture. Decided to cancel the mussels because I had had my share of blah food. Would never go back. Loved the company, though :)
(1)
Christina L.

Jaleo has a trendy eclectic vibe (think foosball table transformed into a table). I met with a friend for dinner/drinks and enjoyed the Jaleo favorite (all I can remember is that it had potatoes and a spicy cheesy sauce on top), parsley chicken, and fried dates. I'd recommend to come here if you're in a sharing mood/want to walk around Bethesda afterwards! Service was a bit slow (hence the 4 stars not 5) but other than that, I left happy!
(4)
Jamila T.

I gathered here with my sister and a few friends the night before my birthday, which was a few weeks ago. Street parking is available, but the area has a couple of large parking garages in between the shops, so parking really wasn't much of a hassle. And I don't have to worry about testing my parallel parking skills again! lol It was restaurant week, but unfortunately the rule is everyone at the table has to select to participate in restaurant week- they don't allow just a few people to participate and others to not participate. So we decided to just go with their traditional menu. No restaurant week menu for us! So there were a ton of appetizers on the table, so alot was being shared. I ordered: - SalmÃ³n con coliflor y frambuesas. Which is seared salmon with a cauliflower puree and raspberries. I'm a salmon girl so I must say the flavors really complimented each other. -Garbanzos Con Espinacas 'Que Bien Cocinas, Tichi'. My favorite dish of the night. It was a Moorish chickpea and spinach stew that is served with a fried egg on top. I am a lover of chickpeas or spinach or egg anything separately, so combined can you say... BANGIN!!! It was soo good that I went and found a similar recipe so I can make it in my own kitchen ;) -I love red wine, so the red sangria is a no-brainer. However, the red Sangria was definitely was missing something. I drank it all with refills, nonetheless. lol On a Friday night this place was busy, so service wasn't the best, but it was acceptable and didn't take away from our evening. Yes tapas are a little on the expensive side, but I think the serving sizes are appropriate. Of course anyone could say that you should get more food, but then they wouldn't be tapas... now would they? humm. Tapas are almost like teasers. Overall, I would like to say I'd recommend this place. I would definitely come back with some friends...
(4)
Jess A.

This place was super inconsistent. The first two plates we got were delicious (patatas bravas and a blue cheese) but the last two (rabbit confi and a squid with stewed ink) were super bland and not good. So I think they do well with easy stuff (fried potatoes and cheese) but not entree style stuff (the rabbit and squid). For the price, it's just not worth it--you get so little for your money. I'd go somewhere else.
(2)
Amie D.

The food here was great. I feel like the atmosphere is a little too generic, and I had hoped for something more personal or with an intimate vibe, but this place is more like a chain (BETTER, but still had that feel overall). but it doesn't matter because the food is just beyond amazing good. Pricey. We went during restaurant week, and still for 3 people it was around $140. I'm still thinking about the bacon wrapped dates, and Endives, so good.
(4)
Chase R.

Used a groupon. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't great. With so many other options in the area I don't think I will be back.
(3)
Erica G.

I came to the Bethesda outpost of Jaleo about two weeks ago for happy hour. Happy hour drinks specials include discounted wine and 4 dollar sangria. I wish there were more discounted sangrias. I love their white sangria with cava and strawberries. -pan con tomate y queso manchego: not my favorite. The manchego seemed like it was prepared and sliced and had that odd texture on the outside. -croquetas de pollo: yum. I have no idea what is in croquetas but I do love them! -pollo al ajillo con salsa verde: wonderful. The chicken was cooked perfectly and the sauce was amazing. This was the overall winner of the night! Some notes on the atmosphere: happy hour is only at the small bar area which is extremely annoying since if you snagged a spot early like me, you might have people reaching over, between or across you. If you come a little late you might have a hard time finding somewhere to sit.
(4)
Joanna C.

I went for a weekday lunch so it wasn't crowded at all, which was awesome because the service was great and the food came out super quickly! Our waitress was really nice and full of suggestions, and my friends and I had a long, relaxing lunch. We tried a bunch of dishes and enjoyed them. I really liked the grilled cheese, endives, selection of Spanish cured meats, chorizo wrapped in crispy potato, and fried squid. The grilled cheese sandwich in particular with its four cheeses and perfect amount of meltedness was delicious! I wouldn't recommend the patatas bravas, which were good, but nothing special (though the spicy sauce that came with it was good), and the Moroccan stew, which was sub-par and bland. However, I really enjoyed the filling tapas and sandwich and had a fun time!
(4)
Adam T.

A little disappointed in Jaleo. It was really solid, don't get me wrong, but nothing really outstanding. The grilled quail was probably the standout dish I had. Everything else was fine, just nothing too exciting. And for the price, I'm expecting nearly everything to be a standout dish. Service was quite slow, which for a Monday night was surprising. Our waitress just disappeared for ten, fifteen minutes at a time. Meh.
(3)
Alicia B.

The tapas are delicious and varied. I love going with friends and relax at Jaleo.
(5)
Heather J.

I don't know how it's possible that I haven't reviewed Jaleo yet. I have been here countless times, and only realized that I hadn't yet reviewed it while making a list of the places I go all the time. I love this place. I could go on and on about all the dishes I love, but I'll just name a few. I love the patatas bravas (who doesn't?) - they're salty and a little bit spicy, with a creamy sauce on top that just perfectly complements the spice. The apple, manchego, fennel, and walnut salad is absolutely a don't-miss. It is so refreshing, and I never get sick of it. I've had a few different duck dishes here and all have been fantastic. The mushrooms with garlic are excellent, and the bacon-wrapped dates are to-die-for. If you like sangria, try the white sangria, which comes with strawberries and mint in it. So, why only 4 stars? It gets really, really crowded and noisy, and it's kind of overpriced. But will those things stop me from going back again and again? Nope.
(4)
Chard X.

Get the stewed squid. It's the best squid I've ever had anywhere. It's also one of the only edible dish on the menu.
(3)
K G.

I had very good experience at this location. The food was tasty and served hot. The staff were all friendly and polite. The manager was visible most of the time. The furniture and decoration was colorful and comfortable. The dessert was excellent and it was generous amount of dessert for two people to share. The only reason I gave 4 stars is the Cheese menu. They provide excellent selections and the server was knowledgeable about them, but they were a little price for the amount they were serving. We got just 3 small pieces of cheese (As small as tomb) for more than $12.00. I understand that they are high quality cheese that you might not be able to find in any store, but still was not worth the dollar value.
(4)
Karen H.

I came here for dinner with two friends. The waiter suggested 3-4 plates each and we ordered 10 which ultimately ended up being just a little over kill. We started with the Pan De Cristal Con Tomate (excellent) and the JamÃ³n IbÃ©rico De Bellota Fermin, which was by far the most expensive ham at $22 but a very delicious splurge. Highlights from the meal that we all loved were the hanger steak, calamari, apple fennel salad, and sauteed cauliflower. The dishes that we had mixed reviews on were the signature garlic shrimp, sauteed seasonal mushrooms with the potato puree, and the Spanish omelette with potatoes. The one dish we all agreed we could have done without was the grilled marinated chicken, which was recommended by the waiter- it wasn't terrible but it was nothing special, it tasted like something I could make it home and maybe even make a better version myself. All three of us like white wine so we naturally ordered a carafe of white sangria and were all sort of meh--none of us really liked the mint. We tried another carafe of the red next and all liked it better but agreed it was nothing special. I was disappointed with my rice pudding dessert but my friend's flan was delicious! The service was just the right pace and we didn't feel rushed, even though we were the second to last to leave the restaurant. Overall, it was a good experience and I'll definitely be back, especially considering their happy hour specials.
(4)
Michael L.

A high energy environment with good ambiance. The food was very good. (Loved the grilled cauliflower.) Why only 3 stars? Two reasons. I ordered a $70 bottle of Rioja, a wine I drink a lot, and it was barely OK. For $70, I expected much more. I tasted it and wasn't sure if the wine was off or just not what I was expecting. I asked the sommelier to taste it to see if he thought it was OK. He did and said he thought it was fine but offered to replace it if I wanted. Very nice service. I don't send back bottles just because I made a bad choice, so we went with it. Second, the waiter was hustling us through the service very quickly. When we asked him to recommend a few dishes, he did it in about 20 seconds. Whoa! Contrast that to the outstanding service I've received twice at Estadio downtown, and the difference is striking. If you want a great tapas experience, Estadio is the better (and more expensive) choice. It's close to our home, so we'll probably go again. As I said, the food was very good and the place was lively.
(3)
Mike S.

I personally love Spanish cuisine, so I had a very high expectation before entering Jaleo last week for my weekend dinner-out. The atmosphere inside the restaurant is great with nicely decorated bar and table areas. But when it comes to its service, I wasn't very pleased. I might have been sitting on a bad table, but my waiter barely came by to check up on us. One of my guests had to wait for his water to be filled for about ten minutes one time, and he eventually got the waiter's attention by waiving his cup in the air. Despite its service that night, the food was decent. I would not make any negative comment towards its chef. People still love to go to Jaleo, and I wouldn't be surprised about the fact.
(3)
Sabrina B.

Why all the excitement over this place?! I was disappointed. I did all this research since I had a gluten-free friend come to town and it seemed like this was supposed to be a top spot...hmmph. The best part was that they were able to provide him with a full gluten-free menu and plates are brought out specially marked to assure no mix-ups. Otherwise, please spend your money somewhere else. It was simply *annoying* to pay so much money for food, service, and atmosphere that was just 'eh'. I wish I could write/remember what we ordered, but it really was not even that memorable. The sangria was pretty good. The food was 'fine' nothing extraordinary or worth the money. I will not be back nor recommend it
(1)
Tami B.

I used to come here for lunch maybe once a month or so when I worked in the area. I hadn't been to Jaleo in awhile as I don't work there anymore. My favorite lunch was gazpacho ($8) and gambas al ajillo (shrimp sautÃ©ed with garlic, $12). When my friend wanted to go to Jaleo after the movies down the street, I jumped at the chance. I ordered my old standby. The gazpacho was as delicious as I remember it (the recipe is online via the Washington Post and I occasionally make it myself, but I don't do the little details of the croutons and topping). However, the big disappointment was with the gambas. Instead of the lightly sautÃ©ed shrimp accompanied by toasted thin garlic slices, swimming in aromatic oil, there was a heavy dollop of tomato paste that tasted like it came right out of the can mixed into the dish, and only one or two garlic slices were present. I wiped off most of the tomato paste (I can't imagine why I didn't have the sense to send it back!) and then re-wet it in the oil. Very disappointing. When I mentioned this to the waiter (when he finally showed up), he said I could have asked for it without the tomato. However, tomato is not even mentioned in the description, I still like Jaleo but it cost me to be wiser. The decor has been updated nicely. It was very busy on the Saturday afternoon we came and they seated us at a tall table in the bar. There were open tables right below us (4 2-tops pushed together into 4-tops). I asked if we could sit down there but they said they were reserved and "the people are on their way." My friend and I felt the hard seats of the tall chairs dig into our thighs and there was no place to park our feet comfortably. Meanwhile, as long as we were there, the "people" never came.
(4)
JR C.

True to a Tapas restaurant. Sangria was great, very simple and refreshing. Nice atmosphere... sheek but not snooty. The only criticism I have is that I wish that they had more pork-free menu options. However I do understand being that the restaurant is of Spanish theme. -Salud!
(4)
Phi N.

So the place is much larger than expected, and it is very well decorated. It has a fun atmosphere to it. My friends come here to drink, and really enjoy it. However, my ratings are purely based on food! My parents and I came here the other night and ordered way too many dishes. All the smaller dishes happened to come out first, so we ordered extra dishes. Then as more dishes came out, they also happened to be bigger. We ended up over ordering... oh well, good thing I'm fat! We started off with bread that comes with oil... Us americans prefer butter... can we have both, please? Anyway, our first dish was the fried dates-- they were good but not as amazing as the reviews make them seem. The SalpicÃ³n de cangrej (sort of a crabmeat salad) was next and had good flavor to it. Other vegetables we ordered were the wild mushrooms and the grilled asparagus. The mushrooms were really simple, drenched in butter, and fantastic! (butter makes everything fantastic...) and the asparagus came with a romesco sauce that I really liked. For meats, we got: -Grilled quail ( has a rosemary sauce and honey alioli); it's hard to share something like this. -Some kind of special steak that was on the specials menu (overrated) -Chorizo with potato purÃ©; although the sausage was good, in the end it is a sausage for 9 bucks... -Rice with duck confit, duck breast and foie gras cream. This was probably my second favored dish. Had excellent flavor, a good blend of different meats, rice, and textures, and was a rather large tapas plate. -calamari: this dish was larger too but it was lacking in crispiness, doesn't come with lemon, and is eaten with mayo, which I don't think goes as well as other sauces I've had for calamari. -scallops: these were some jumbo scallops. I thought they were well cooked but the sauce just wasn't that good. If you look at my picture, it's the green sauce I didn't really like. The red sauce was okay. -We also ordered the rabbit; this dish was horrible in my opinion. It might be my taste buds, but they hated it... I had one bite and gave up on it. -The lamb chops were the last dish dish that we got. This was also my favorite dish. Red meat, cooked well, tender, and great taste. What more can I ask for?? So to sum it up, wild mushrooms, the lamb chops, and duck confit are definitely worth getting. The rabbit has been blacklisted... and everything else is just okay. and... hopefully you don't get my waitress. She was slow in coming around, didn't get refills until we asked way later on, and then was talking to her friend who doesn't work there for like 5-10 minutes while we were waiting to pay. To her credit, she was very nice and helpful when around... just not always there. ***Adding in a couple things because I don't want to write a whole new review** Stuffed peppers were really good. Brussels sprouts salad wasn't for me...
(3)
A A.

I used to come here a bit when I lived in MD, but coming back after a while I wasn't as impressed. I don't actually remember much of what I had, so that's why I'll leave it as a fine dining experience, but nothing where I'd wait in line for ages. The staff was inquisitive about how we were faring, and the waitress was fine.
(3)
Kiranj P.

Verdict: A very generous two-stars...this is the first (and only) restaurant where I've sent food back. Pros: Other than menu variety (which should be a given since its a Tapas place)? not many... Cons: Loud, mediocre service, flavorless food, virgin sangria (or so it seemed) I absolutely don't understand the hype around this place. Granted I've had the real deal (Pintxos in Bilbao, San Sebastian, Barcelona, etc.), but this place still felt like an over-Americanized let down of a Spanish Tapas place. Here's a quick run-down of what I remember ordering (mind you, most of which were recommended by the waiter): Pan Tomate (w/ manchego) - the ONLY reason this place got a 2nd star is due to my love for manchego, as simple as a dish this is (tomato rubbed on bread, w/manchego) it was the highlight of my meal... Gambas al ajillo- their "best selling" shrimp dish according to the waiter that I absolutely must try. Wow. This was the only dish I've ever sent back in my entire life. Even if I don't like a dish, I'll still eat it because I hate wasting food and this is the first time I've ever failed. The flavor was off - I couldn't stomach it. Pollo al ajillo (w/ salsa verde) - nothing special, my guess is there's something in their garlic sauce that doesn't still well with me - I was able to take this one down with the salsa verde though... Patatas Bravas - a classic, but nothing noteworthy here, the "spicy tomato sauce" was extremely bland. My wife ended up getting 3-4 unmemorable vegetarian dishes that she was not impressed with. Her biggest complaint was that the Sangria tasted like fruit punch and felt like it had (at most) 1 oz of wine in the entire carafe. To make matters worse, we couldn't even hear ourselves think let alone carry a conversation since it was so loud. As a final slap in the face, our meal ended up being expensive. Overall, very poor execution, spotty service and bland food. I certainly wouldn't recommend it nor would I eat here ever again.
(2)
Greg O.

I'm wavering between 3 and 4 stars for Jaleo. I've been here on many occasions. Some of the food is great, some of it mediocre at best. Its in a great location right in downtown Bethesda. And its rather large, so seating is usually not an issue. It can get pretty loud though. Out of the tapas, I love the bacon wrapped dates and the sauteed mushrooms. The chorizo was disappointing, as was the fried green tomato. And the gazpacho, the one time I had it, was horrible. Some of the salads are really good, and the duck is very tasty. So its kind of all over the board. As for the service, its usually pretty friendly, but when it gets busy, it can be really slow.
(3)
Shiladitya C.

Absolutely delicious paella with pork ribs. Tapas are mostly tasty. It does take a long while for the order to arrive though. Overall, a highly recommended dinner option!
(4)
Christopher W.

The service was very helpful and the food here seemed very well made. The drinks was really delicious, and since this place mainly served tapas, it was no surprise the portions were very small. Be prepared to order a lot if you are in a party that is hungry. This place is ideal for light meals and good drinks.
(4)
Sarah C.

'Here's to good friends Tonight is kind of special.....' Remember that??? Is that lion's brew still around? Welp, we didn't have beer but the previous night was special. And we had a pitcher of sangria instead hehe. My younger bro and a long time pal each had a few hours free so I was one happy bunny. The pitcher of sangria was refreshing. The mixture of red wine, ice, small chopped apples (only apples, I believe) and, dare I say, orange juice (?) was a fusion of fun. If not OJ, then definitely some kind of fruit juice. We ordered the paella first since it took 25+ minutes to cook. The Paella Arroz a banda con gambas was our decision. This was a gathering of rice, spices, shrimp, monkfish and cuttlefish. Arrived in the traditional paellera (paella pan) and suitable for 2-4 peeps. Monkfish is a f-'ugly thing but they are quite tasty - the white fleshy chunks made me smile. The squid-like cuttlefish was cut into small cubes and scattered everywhere. I enjoyed the meaty texture. Shrimps staring back at me were not my cup of tea, but at least the body shells were peeled - now, off with their heads! My mouth was having a party and the special guests didn't disappoint us. This dish also introduced a spoon size serving of a mayo sauce rich in garlic flavor. Oh garlic, how I love ye. Please let me backtrack. While we were waiting for the paella, we chose a few tapas so that we don't end up eating the paellera (paella pan) also. The tapas (appetizers, small dishes) for the evening were: -Chipirones en su tinta: Squid cooked in black ink and white rice *Squid black ink sauce was addicting. Heck, I just wanted the ink! -Rabo de toro con naranjas: Braised boneless oxtail served with oranges, potato puree and red wine sauce *Rich and hearty tapa. -Cordero a la brasa con salsa de romero: Grilled lamb chops with rosemary sauce *Tempted to lick the plate - tangy sauce. -Croquetas de pollo: Traditional chicken croquetas (chicken fritters) *Lightly crisp on the outside. The inside had minced chicken w/an almost 'cream of chicken' flavor. Solid texture w/creamy soup outcome. Still appealing. -Trigueros con romesco: Grilled asparagus with romesco sauce *Heart the sauce. Similar to a light version of Korean doenjang (fermented soybean paste....mmmmmmmm) Photos of everything are in my profile and their business profile yelp.com/biz/jaleo-betheâ€¦ Note: After consulting w/Lester K. then Kevin L., I decided to post some of the pics as local photos. A few are of acceptable quality so it's out there now :) Our server was spectacular. Timed everything wonderfully and such a gentle soul. What a pleasing and harmonious evening. Thank you my dear pal, A. Now time to burn the eats by shivering away in the bone chilling weather.
(4)
Samantha B.

One of my favorite restaurants in Bethesda and I like this location better than the one in downtown DC. It is expensive but the food is definitely worth it. I love their takes on salads and their hangar steak is fantastic. Great if you want a light meal. The service has always been fantastic. You can usually walk in and get a table but on busier nights you may have to wait so it is best to make a reservation and to make a reservation if you have a big group. There is something for everyone here.
(5)
Paul D.

I think I could do Tapas every day. I could certainly eat the Bacon Wrapped Dates here everyday! Those things are out of this world! Nothing I love more than eating a big variety of really good food. I loved most of the plates that I tried. Because of such a huge menu, you're not expected to love everything. The deep fried mashed potato balls weren't that great. Not, when compared to the Bacon Wrapped Dates! I'm jones'n for some of them right now. They're just bacon wrapped dates that are breaded and fried. Yet somehow, that's enough. I was pleasantly surprised by the Brussels Sprouts, they were good and contained the infamous Serrano Ham. Mmm pork, that's a way to get me to eat Brussels Sprouts. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seâ€¦ I'm told I should've tried the Sangria. However, I prefer to drink only water when fine dining or eating really good food. My experience was a bit surreal because we had something like 9 plates between the two of us. I don't know, all I remember is that I ate a big variety of a lot of food, that just kept coming. See Photo's My one complaint is that the menu is huge and written in Spanish with English subtitles. As a result, it took me 20 minutes to read it all and make up my mind.
(4)
J T.

I have been to this Bethesda Jaleo at least a dozen times, and the one down in Chinatown about the same. That one seems to still have it going on, but the one in Bethesda seems to be tanking. Our server was friendly, but pretty sloppy overall. At the start, she was filling our water glasses and inadvertently dropped tinny, dirty condensation droplets from the water pitcher into my gin and tonic. Um, thanks for that. It took over 10 minutes to get one glass of wine, and another five for the second one (both ordered at the same time). That was *okay* with me but the glass that held my cab was ridiculously filthy. Soap stains and water spots covered the entirety of the glass, with floaties in the wine itself. I got a weird look from the waitress when I asked for another, clean glass. She held the glass up and inspected it for awhile before finally huffing and taking it away. She came back after another ~10 minutes. I cannot believe a restaurant this "refined" and "upscale" would serve wine in a glass this disgusting, nor can I figure out why it was such an extraordinary request to have clean glassware. Regarding the food, the apple/fennel salad was solid (as usual), but the salt cod fritters were slimy and tasteless. In general, it seems as if Jaleo has gone down-market to fill the seats (and the coffers). Overall, it seems like a bad idea in the end, and I won't be going back any time soon.
(2)
Ryan B.

The tapas are good and it's a great place to go with a bunch of friends for a meal and drinks. The service is just okay.
(4)
Suzie G.

I hadn't been here in over a year and I was really disappointed. The stuffed pepper looked like it had been microwaved and the paella was over cooked and fishy. On a good note, the drinks were delicious and the manager was very attentive and caring.
(2)
Doug P.

Best service I have had in years, food was perfect for a date and drinks (sangria) was great for outdoor dining on a spring evening. A must-do in Bethesda/DC.
(5)
Amanda G.

I've been to this place twice. The first time the food was pretty good...I ordered a bunch of tapas and a pitcher of sangria. Everything tasted fine, but I've definitely had better at other tapas restauraunts...Jaleo's quality and selection of tapas was nothing special to me and the sangria (although good) wasn't the best I've had.) The second time I went to Jaleo wasn't as pleasant... My boyfriend and I went here for our Valentine's Day dinner and we decided to order one of their huge Paellas (which serves 2-4 people.) We decided on one that had a whole bunch of seafood (can't remember the exact name..but it was whatever one had the most seafood.) We both thoroughly enjoy seafood and its flavor, however when our paella came out the first thing we noticed was that the large shrimp scattered around the dish still had heads on. I understand this may be authentic, but it was not what we were expecting and we found it to be slightly unappetizing. Regardless of this, we tried the paella. When we did, we both almost spit it out because it was RIDICULOUSLY over-salted and it had a fish sauce flavor which overpowered the rest of the dish. It tasted like we were eating rice soaked in salt and fish oil. We barely ate it, and in retrospect we should probably have asked for a refund or to swap it with something else. The ambience of the restaurant is pretty nice. The bar is a little small, but so are most bars at these types of restaurants. Pretty decor, but a bit too loud in here if you want to have a good conversation. Service wasn't exceptional, but it was decent. I'm giving it 2 stars because the first time I went the food was average and service wasn't bad...and on the assumption that they had a bad day the second time around. Overall though, I wasn't as blown away by this restaurant as some other reviews suggest I should be.
(2)
Helen C.

This was the first time I had quail, and it was like extremely tender chicken, so it was great. The sauce that came with the quail was very very good. I really liked the Moorish stew and they gave me quite a lot of it (compared to the other dishes). My friend got the the octopus with ink which was good and the ham. I'm not a huge fan of ham to begin with, so I didn't really think it was worth it. Overall, a nice atmosphere and cute date location.
(5)
Jennifer N.

The best part is the atmosphere - it's a festive space, brightly colored, and cheerful - it's the kind of place that makes you want to kick back and drink a big pitcher of sangria. The food is less inspired than the atmosphere (my former hometown, Boston, has a far better tapas place- Dali- that is infinitely better than Jaleo) - the best of the tapas we sampled was the gambas ajillo (but not as garlicky as I would have liked), the least exciting was the Moorish stew (chick peas, spinach). The paella is more risotto than paella - very, very rich - it's tasty enough, but very heavy. Everything was absolutely fine but not particularly inspired (even the bread with olive oil was fairly unremarkable and I couldn't help but think that there are a million ways it could be made more exciting). This is also definitely not a sit-and-linger place, especially on a Saturday evening when the waitstaff is trying to turn over tables as quickly as possible.
(3)
Kathleen M.

JosÃ© AndrÃ©s has not had to get a restraining order on me but it's probably because I live in Chicago. I adore him, his pbs show, the dvds of the show and this summer, I got to visit his restaurants. Be still my heart. We made reservations way in advance and even though our friends were really really late meeting us, they seated us and acted like they couldn't think of a better way to spend a Saturday night then letting us sit at a table and sip Sangria. It was restaurant week so we got to try all kinds of fabulous tapas and they were all completely outstanding. Between the four of us, I think we may have tried everything. We loved it so much that my friend from DC is even planning her birthday party at Jaleo. We took pictures of the food, of us, of the floor - can you tell I was enthused? The only thing that could have made it better was JosÃ© AndrÃ©s had stopped by our table personally. Guess we'll have to come back and try to meet him next time!
(5)
Jennifer L.

Great service! Lovely people, good location, convivial atmosphere. The tapas and cocktails were very tasty. And here it comes: But. The pork paella was the worst thing I have ever been served in a restaurant. Anywhere. Ever. The good news is that everyone was very kind, took it the food away and did not charge us. We will go back- but not for the paella.
(2)
Brook H.

We decided to visit Jaleo with some friends, one of whom loved the place. I had never had tapas before but I read up and prepared myself. I have to say the food was absolutely delicious and the service was wonderful. I do recommend putting in a reservation, especially on a Friday or Saturday night, so you're seated very quick. So, you ask, why only 3 stars? Why not 4 or 5? Well, in case people don't know, tapas basically translates to "appetizers". You're basically spending dinner-level prices on small appetizers. I expected this, especially from posh downtown Bethesda, but it doesn't detract from the fact that you easily spend $16-$20/person to eat something about 1/2 the size of a full meal. Add onto this that parking in downtown Bethesda is a pain in the butt. We pulled into a public parking garage half-block walk from Jaleo and it was a nightmare. We drove all the way up to the top (floor 6?) and EVERYTHING was completely parked. People were squeezing their cars in and out past each other, stealing people's spaces, etc. Do yourself a favor and take the metro next time you want to visit the area during prime time. In summary, the food is very good and the service wonderful. The area is a real pain to drive around and park in and the cost is very high. If you know what you're getting into (and/or have the money to blow) I say this place is perfectly fine.
(3)
Johnny A.

Do try the chef special. A great selection of what they have to offer. Wait staff are just amazing and they know their stuff.
(3)
Katy E.

My boyfriend and I went for an early dinner on my birthday before heading a show and had a great experience. We were seated quickly and our server was incredibly polite. I have Celiac (gluten-intolerant) and am also vegetarian, so I know I can be a pain sometimes! The server and hostess were great at helping me get the right menu and answer questions. The manager even came out with my gluten free items to reassure me. The endives were my favorite, but everything was pretty good. I liked being able to taste several different things. Towards the end of the meal we were running late and asked for the check as our last dish was coming out. The server apologized and took our last dish off the check! We assured him that it wasn't his fault...we had just lost track of time, but he insisted that we be credited for the plate. The hostess got our coats for us right away and everything went smoothly. I would definitely eat there again.
(5)
Bao N.

Sangria was delicious and you can't go wrong with any of the small plate tapas! Outdoor seating was huge bonus! Loved the Bethesda location.
(5)
Jon G.

We recently visited, utilizing a gift certificate for "The Jaleo Experience", which the restaurant had generously donated to a community fundraising event. We have been to Jaleo on previous occasions, but found the food, service (even on a busy Saturday night) and overall experience this time to be the best yet! We informed our (excellent, personable) server of a few personal dietary preferences and he ensured the wonderful array of items were a great match. The entire meal was characterized by unique items (each accompanied by an explanation of ingredients and region of Spain from where it originated), with the wine (included)/food being delicious and served in a great presentation. The manager even stopped by our table (great view of passersby on the street) to make sure everything was great. We left quite full, but not overly stuffed and certain to be returning to Jaleo on a future occasion! In addition, we now have a new idea for a special gift, confident another couple would enjoy their visit as well! :-)
(5)
Amber V.

Awww-mazing!! Service was great & food was even better. We had a shellfish allergy & they took special care, food was fantastic. I recommend the tasting menu. Wish they were closer to home.
(5)
Barbara F.

Really was disappointed compared to many past times. Don't mind the noise or wait, but good bread? To dip into sauces of tapas & olive oil? Essential, but it was soft & bland & tasted like store bought. Dampened our spirits. Sangria was delicious, but rest of meal was quite uneventful. perhaps an off night, but not a motivator to return
(3)
Jonathan P.

Came here for drinks and a couple tapas. We got the bacon-wrapped dates, which were great, and the potatoes with mojo verde, which were wonderfully salty/savory. Obviously this is a very small amount of the menu, but 2-for-2 is pretty good. The drink selection was not quite what we were hoping for, especially in the beer department. The DC location has at least a few local and craft beers available, but in Bethesda, not so much. After the first drink, we just really weren't interested in more. Service was good, a bit confused at times, with up to 3 different bartenders asking us if someone else had taken our order already.
(3)
Jeff R.

OK went here for a mini date night with the Mrs. We rolled in at about 6:30. The place had some traffic going on but there are still open tables. We put our name on the table list and are told they will have one set up for us in 10 mins or so. Great- we head over to the bar. Again some folks there but no problem getting a seat. We are seated for 5 mins - no bartender has come over. 5 freaking mins! They are all watching a soccer game at the other end. I finally just stroll down and take out some cash (universal sign for me thirsty and want drinky). Snag 1\2 a carafe of sangria and head back to the Mrs. All the while ignoring the annoyed look of the bartender who I had asked for service. 25 mins later we get seated - Its now 7ish. No problem we can still make the 9pm show no problem right? Umm not so fast. As in our server is not so fast. It takes her another 20 mins to bring over a menu. OK - breath - I'm sure that the food will be as good as the one down town right? In a word... no. Octopus was way over salted, the Lamb was cooked to death, and the rabbit was the same. The beet salad was good though. Right so now its 8:20 ish and we need to bounce. So I ask for the check . The server goes into a desert full court press. We decline and mention that we need to get out to a show @ 9. Our server leaves. 5 mins no check 10 mins no check. Finally as she seems to have vanished I go up to the hostess section and ask for help. 20 mins later a check appears. I assume it was right frankly I didn't even look, just threw down cash, and did a full on sprint to try and make our show. Right so let's recap service bad, food sub par at best. I'm really sorry we wasted a night out on this place. Don't make the same mistake.
(1)
L Q.

A group of us went for a quick lunch between meetings. We only had 30 minutes. The chef was accommodating and the food was outstanding.
(4)
Lexie D.

Allow me to be the 1,000,000th person to weigh in on Jose Andres with absolutely no credibility. Go here for: 1.) Upscale-casual dining with a person you're comfortable with. The food, the actual EXPERIENCE, isn't enough to carry your personal awkwardness. 2.) Cava sangria on a hot day. It will instantly make you feel classy and tipsy! 3.) The potato tapa. It's 100 shades of amazing. I could have eaten 4. 4.) The chicken croquettes are also pretty darn tasty, except they're much cheesier/gooier and less chicken-esque than I expected. Everything else - the other dishes, the service - was underwhelming. That's the key, though, to this restaurant's success: nothing is ever bad. Nothing is ever complainable. It's just a middly Andres staple in all the major dining neighborhoods, reminding you that you're too broke for the really great stuff.
(3)
K L.

This year, Jaleo offered a Mother's day brunch that was just fantastic! It was $55, so a little pricey.. but for that price, it was all you can eat tapas plus 1 free alcoholic drink. Considering the price of tapas at Jaleo, this was well worth it! The menu was a limited version of their regular menu, but still with very good selections (bacon wrapped dates, salads, shrimp, mussels, salmon taratare, calamari etc. etc. ). I really hope they offer this promotion again!
(5)
Tracia D.

Our foodie club came here to check out the new & improved renovations & was kinda hoping the menu slightly changed as well, not because we didn't like the menu before, but just to keep up with the renovation theme:). Well, no new menu, but we were so pleased with both the the food we were eating and the new interior designs, nothing mattered. I got the beet salad & Jaleo's version of a grilled cheese. They were both extremely good. The presentation was so nice I kinda didn't want to eat it. I really enjoyed the beet chip that topped my salad. Y'all should sell those by the pound; it was so good. For the life of me I can't remember the name of the sandwich, but I can tell you it was very good. Everything the foodie club got was delicious -- calamari sandwich, the lamb, the salmon, and the list goes on. We ALL thoroughly enjoyed our food. We even heard the infamous "Mmmm mmmm mmmm" from one of the members. When he utters those words with a smile on face & eyes closed, you know it's an amazing meal. I will DEFINITELY be back.
(5)
Michelle W.

Went there for HH and ordered some drinks and appetizers. The food didn't quite blow me away. It was well executed, but didn't have much of the "wow" factor.
(3)
Mary S.

I absolutely love this restaurant. It has such a great ambiance and the food is excellent. It also has reasonable prices. You really can't go wrong with any choice. Occasionally you will get a waiter that isn't super friendly, but I tend to overlook that because I love their food too much! The sangria is amazing also!
(4)
Rebecca Z.

I haven't found anything on the menu that I don't like!
(5)
Jennifer M.

I was excited to try Jaleo while visiting a friend. I haven't had tapas in forever and thought this would hit the spot. It mostly missed the mark. First of all, the front of the restaurant was dominated by two large tables of teenagers and one overbearing mother ( I think it was a sweet 16). The manger and staff were clearly enamored with/distracted by this. We ordered a number of items and most were "okay." The potatos bravas were above average though. The artichoke with anchovies and olive tapenade was below average and we barely ate it-I couldn't taste any hint of anchovy. Our meats were forgotten about and brought out very late. We received the bill and were charged the wrong price for said meat. I would give it another chance because my friend swears its normally great but this time was definitely not.
(2)
Eunice K.

nothing stuck out i'd rather go to la tasca (they have better choices and better food imo) the one good thing here was the choco mousse
(1)
Asina G.

Jaleo is one of my favorite restaurants from when I lived in the DC area (the location in DC and the one in Bethesda). I went to the one in Bethesda on my last visit there. The happy hour has some pretty awesome deals -- $4 for a glass of sangria, and good prices on certain tapas. I love love love the garlic shrimp! I could eat several of these by myself. And I love dipping my bread into the leftover garlic concoction. Delish! Also good are the chicken in green sauce, quail, lamb...I could go on and on. I see that they have opened a Jaleo in Vegas! I'll have to make a visit the next time I'm in Vegas!
(4)
Sarah M.

My roommate knew that I have been itching to go to Jaleo for a while and so she made a reservation and said LETS GO! We spent an hour or so roaming around Bethesda, popping in and out of the unique fashion and beauty shops. After a pre-dinner glass of wine across the street at Mussel Bar, it was off to Jaleo! We were warmly greeted by the friendly hosts and by the vibrant colors and design of the restaurant. Undoubtedly on a Saturday night at 7PM in the spring it was busy, but we felt more excitement to be around all that joy then concerned about the noise level. Our evening at Jaleo started as it should, with a glass of the Red Wine Sangria with Brandy and Lemon Juice (a Jaleo classic). It comes filled to the rim with a fresh orange slice and some quartered strawberries. As for tapas, the two of us shared an order of five small plates. Our queso selection was the Rey Silo Rojo; an intensely flavored cow's milk cheese with pimentÃ³n, paired with almonds and bitter orange jam. Our frituras was the Patatas Bravas: a Jaleo favorite of white potatoes fried with smoked paprika and served warm with tomato sauce and aioli. Our verduras was Trigueros con Romesco; grilled asparagus with Romesco sauce. As for proteins, we ordered the Gambas Al Ajillo; the famous tapa of shrimp sautÃ©ed with garlic, and the Pollo Al Ajillo Con Salsa Verde; grilled marinated chicken served with parsley purÃ©e and garlic sauce. Everything was delicious and for tapas style, which usually comes out at unexpected times, the delivery of plates was timed very well. All I can say is that tapas inspired by and under the direction of JosÃ© AndrÃ©s cannot be beat. For dessert we shared the Helado De Aceite De Oliva Con Pomelo; olive oil ice cream with grapefruit and each ordered a cup of CafÃ©. It was the perfect sweet ending to a wonderful meal. We both noticed that at the end of the meal we felt satisfied but didn't have an ugh, "stuffed" feeling. We enjoyed everything from the exceptionally attentive staff to the interesting and delicious small dishes, right in the center of the bustling and beautiful Bethesda. The meal is worth the price and I could definitely see myself going back sometime.
(5)
Karen G.

I was pretty disappointed with Jaleo for several reasons: 1.) The service was pretty bad. It was really slow and unfriendly. We ordered a few tapas to start and I actually wanted to order more food but the service was so slow that we just decided to leave. 2.) The atmosphere was just ok - it looked pretty beat up. The menus and furniture were in rough shape and the bathroom was a little dingy. I expect more from a restaurant that charges medium-high prices for food and drink. 3.) I didn't think the food was that great. Everything we ordered was really greasy. 4.) the prices were pretty high given all of the things described above. I don't think I'll be back to Jaleo. There are a lot of other restaurants to experience in the area.
(2)
Stephanie W.

The quality of the food here is inconsistent. It can be really good (like the apple manchego salad!!!!!!) or only ok. I get nervous when trying new things here because I don't know what to expect in the way of quality. Also, I don't particularly care for the decor here - it feels a bit like a bathroom with all of the hard surfaces.
(3)
George C.

I'm not a huge fan of tapas restaurants but this place was very good. - The breaded eggplant was excellent. Lightly breaded and fresh. Yum! - The cherry tomatoes stuffed with crab was probably my least favorite. It wasn't as good as it could have been. - The chorizo with mashed potato's were very good. - Duck served with rice was excellent. It was a hearty plate and the portion was larger than the others. - The fried bacon wrapped figs are an amazing combo. EVERYONE should order them! - The sangria was excellent. We tried the red but the white looked good as well. - The atmosphere was nice. Big windows, bright colors. Outside seating available as well. - Servers were friendly and plates were cleared so we had more room on our table for more food. Our server also did a good job explaining the dishes. I can't wait to come back for round 2!
(4)
Eric C.

Food was pretty fantastic especially the paella. The setting is a bit over the top...like a nightmare from a Almodovar movie.
(4)
Aelisa D.

Jaleo is a Spanish tapas restaurant, not to be confused with Ricky Martin's single released in '03. There are several around the DC area. I found myself at the Bethesda location last night. It's in a really cute part of Bethesda. Last night it was particularly quaint with white lights and light snow coming down. It would be a great place to take a date. Overall the food and drinks were good but I feel like most of the items were a bit overpriced for what you get. The tapas are meant for sharing and are pretty small portions. The paella is good, the garlic sauce on the side is awesome and bound to keep vampires away for days. There are two different types of Sangria: The Cava - White sparkling wine with fresh strawberries and mint. The Classic - Brandy, appples, and lemon juice. I tried and liked both although the Cava seems more like a summer drink. It's worth going to Jaleo if you've never had Spanish tapas, but get ready to fork out a substantial amount of money for small portions of well presented food.
(3)
Alexander K.

Came here on a Sunday awhile back for brunch, it was decent with good brunch items such as their version of "steak and eggs". The second time we ordered the Iberico pork rib paella, it was flavorful but I felt the pork and the amount of paella served was a bit on the skimpy side for the amount charged. Dessert was good and plated well, it was a white cake of some sort with a leche sauce.
(3)
Daniela K.

I've always come to Jaleo after work for Happy Hour ($4 sangria, you can't beat it). Today, after seeing that the spot I'd originally planned on dining had shut down, my date and I decided to try Jaleo for lunch. What a pleasant surprise! They're lunch combo deals were just what they said on the menu - deals. $12 gets you a half soup of the day (I'd say it's a generous "half") and one of their delicious sandwiches offered. We chose the JLT (Jamon, manchego, lettuce, tomato) and the grilled cheese (manchego, blue cheese, truffle oil, and a honey butter sauce...m'm m'm good). There's also a salad and soup combo option, both of which are served until 2p. I will say, EXCELLENT. Definitely coming back and might even make this a go-to on a Friday!
(4)
Colin H.

Had dinner here last night with another couple to celebrate a recent milestone, and overall the evening was nice. I was the first to arrive and thought it would be good to start off our meal with a carafe of white-sangria. The white-sangria is sweeter, and smoother compared to the red-sangria imo. Overall a nice drink. Variety is what tapas is about right? We ordered multiple items off their menu. I do not remember the Spanish names from the menu, but will do my best to capture the closest English translation. We ordered the grilled-skirt steak(Good savory dish!), the "very, very famous" shrimp small-plate (shrimp cooked in LOTS of oil and garlic), the seared scallops (only 2!? But tasty!) w/pine-nuts, the bacon-wrapped dates (Very Addictive!), the beet and goat cheese salad(Love it!), and lastly the shrimp and calamari paella (I DO NOT RECOMMEND...OVER-PRICED, and NOT VERY GOOD). Our server was pleasant, and even though she seemed stressed she maintained her composure and did things with a smile. That usually wins me over, and I'll be ok with my dining experience, even though I could nit-pick some moments but not worth being like that. The food imo is ok. I know chef Jose Andres is renowned, and famous in the culinary world, but Jaleo's options are above-average at best. I think after this experience I can confidently say Jaleo is over-priced for their offerings. The paella was the most disappointing item of the meal, if you're charging patrons over $40 and requesting we order this 30-minutes ahead of time to allow the flavors to meld, then it better be delicious! When it came out, the presentation was lacking, there were only 4-shrimp, and the calamari was chopped into tiny-bits that added to the disappointment. The rice was more grainy then I like, and there were no vegetables. It looked like something I could make at home for far less money. DO NOT ORDER THE SHRIMP & CALAMARI PAELLA! IT IS NOT GOOD! If I have to have dinner in Bethesda again, I'll be sure to check out other options and go to Jaleo as a last resort.
(2)
Scarlette T.

some of their tapas are pretty good. honestly the bussers/runners are far more attentive than the servers, but the manager made up for it. greeting was a little sour but we wound up sitting where we wanted (the place was EMPTY). will come back only for happy hour.
(2)
Shachi B.

Went to Jaleo for Restaurant Week and was not disappointed! On the whole, it helped that we went on a Monday so service was a little more attentive. The 5 courses for 35 sounds like it won't fill you up, but looks can be deceiving. We were kindly rolled out of the restaurant after filling our tummies with a variety of tapas. Dish recommendations: potato omlette, beet salad, calamari (my friend said it rocked). I give this place a gold star for participating in Restaurant week - I would have never found it otherwise and now, I'll be a regular!
(3)
Diana M.

Great food always great sangria. Little overpriced, but a great place for a group at happy hour.
(5)
J B.

Great spot, great cocktails, great food!
(5)
Daniel A.

Jaleo's Happy Hour is fantastic. Glass of Sangria: $4. Listed tapas: $4 each. Beer: $4. There is plenty of space at the bar if you are having an office happy hour or you can grab a small table if you are with a few friends. Happy hour ends at 7, so get there early and take advantage.
(5)
Bettina R.

I recently visited Jaleo to partake in their Restaurant Week menu. Although going to Bethesda isn't exactly convenient for me, my original plan to visit another restaurant was spoiled due to their being closed on Saturday, and my friend (who lives in Bethesda) suggested Jaleo. Though the Restaurant Week menu wasn't available online, I'd been to another Jose Andres restaurant in DC (Oyamel) which I enjoyed, so I agreed to meet here. I'm so glad I did. Despite criticisms I'd heard about the portion sizes on Restaurant Week menus being on the small side, I didn't find that to be the case at all. Not only did the RW menuc consist of four courses, but they were also all generously portioned. To start, I had a fantastic mushroom soup with IdiazÃ¡bal cheese and a poached egg. The creamy, slow-cooked egg complemented the earthy mushrooms, and the nutty cheese topped it all off perfectly. I'd read great things about the jambas al ajillo (shrimp sauteed in garlic), so I chose that for my second course, and though I enjoyed them, nothing in particular wowed me. I wanted more garlicky flavor! (My friend's chicken croquettes looked and smelled scrumptious, though I didn't sample them.) I followed the shrimp with the salmon and vegetables, which I also thoroughly enjoyed. The salmon wasn't overdone (I'm sort of finicky about that), and vegetables were seasoned and cooked well. For dessert, I had the chocolate mousse, which was served with hazelnut ice cream and crushed hazelnuts. I love love loved this dish. My friend's flan also looked outstanding. Disclaimer: I'm pleased with my experience of the menu at Restaurant Week prices. I guess the jury's still out on whether I'd be willing to shell out more for what I got. Probably not. That being said, though, I'd try Jaleo soon for happy hour to sample more tasty bites. I don't know how the other locations measure up to this one, but I enjoyed that the Bethesda location was light, airy, and spacious. Naturally, I'll report back here with a follow-up, but suffice it to say that I was pleased enough with my initial impression of Jaleo to want to return.
(4)
Karen L.

Dropped by here for happy hour while my sisters and I were visiting Bethesda. We ordered the Sangria which was delicious. We were served bread with oil, garlic, and fresh rosemary. This was nice because we were starving, We also ordered Pan con tomate y queso Manchego, Ensalada Rusa, and Gambas al ajillo. Our fave was the Pan con tomate y queso Manchego that we ordered them twice! Our server was sooo friendly and was very attentive. Atmosphere was relaxed, chill, yet vibrant.
(4)
Jodi G.

Hands down, the best meal I've had in Bethesda! I love tapas, & these were not a let down! We started out w/fresh bread and garlic olive oil. I had the traditional sangria and my friend had a mojito. Their sangria was great! The only thing I'd suggest is adding more types of fruit instead of just apples. The mojito was tasty, very limy. For dinner, my friend and I both had the prixe-fix menu (Restaurant week). This gave us a choice of 5 tapas each for $35 each. While our choices were limited to what was on this menu, it was spectacular nonetheless. We shared a total of 10 tapas ranging from endive salad to scallops. We also had a beet citrus salad, asparagus, shrimp, sausage, pork loin, a chocolate tort, and vanilla ice cream!!! Our waiter was great, which can be a rarety. I wish I remembered his name. Ooops! The restaurant itself is nicely located with a great atmosphere in or outside. We sat outside, which was nice since the weather was great.
(5)
Tracy L.

Saturday, June 5, 2011 - I finally finished trying all the DC restaurants owned by Jose Andres. What did I remember the most about my final stop, Bethesda-based Jaleo? Packed as heck around 7 pm on the Saturday when I was here. Reservations completely necessary. In fact, I recommend going later to avoid big crowd, and that's exactly what we did. When we came back a couple of hours later for late night dinner, the business had winded down. We ordered 4 plates of tapas and they came swiftly. Say hello: -Rabbit confit with apricot puree (Interesting mix of game and sweetness) -Fried pasta with shrimp (Nice seafood-flavored treat) -Grilled hanger steak with red peppers (We ordered it "medium," and the meat was nice and tender) -Traditional Sangria (It came with fresh-looking fruit. I hate Sangria with "weary" fruit in it.) Say bye bye: -Wild mushroom rice with cheese (very, very oily) Overall I felt rather neutral about Jaleo. I can't say it's great but it's not too bad. I wouldn't mind trying the paella and other small bites next time. Btw, all the little plates add up in no time. Watch your wallet.
(3)
Michael K.

Not really worth it... My wife and I noticed that the prices have gone way up! A few years back, the majority of their tapas averaged 5 to 9 dollars. Now it seems that many of their dishes range 12 to 14 dollars each. You'll want to try several dishes so the bill can add up easily... My wife and I tried their scallops, mini churizos wrapped in crispy potato, marinated steak, and crab meat dish. Their marinated steak was really good, but the other dishes didn't really wow me.. I should be "wowed" at these prices...
(1)
Laura M.

I absolutely love Jaleo. I love it any time of day - lunch, "jaleo" hour, or dinner. BUT in my opinion, you do need to know what to order here. Not all tapas are created equal - some are excellent, others are good, still others are downright boring. I am never disappointed at Jaleo, but I've also been going here for years and rarely order something I haven't ordered before. My personal favorites include the ensalada de remolacha, cebolla asada, trigueros con romesco, espinacas a la catalana, buÃ±uelos de bacalao, mejillones al vapor. Check out their specials, which are often unusual and fabulous. As others have said, it can be pricey - especially if you order lots of meat, and not a lot of beans, veggies, and potatoes.
(4)
Rachel C.

Went there with the boyfriend for a celebration dinner, and I was really impressed! I can't remember the name of the first dish we got--but it was toasted bread with tomato puree and thin Spanish ham folded on top of it. Delicious! We split a shrimp paella with little bits of cuddlefish mixed into the rice. It tasted both gourmet (for me) and heart-warming, like a nice stew your grandmother might make. A tiny bit too salty, but that only hit towards the end. The flavors were lovely. Had a glass of their red sangria (yum) and a chocolate mousse atop a layer of rum-soaked cake with salted caramel and toasted hazelnuts...pure heaven. I'm not terribly familiar with Spanish cuisine, so for a newcomer, this was a great experience! I'll be back.
(4)
Alan W.

in the old days, you began the meal at Jaleo with complimentary olives, bread, and a little olive oil. These days no olives and no bread, unless you ask for it. Most of the tapas require bread to mop up the often delicious sauces, but the management seems to believe that if it doesn't provide bread you will order more tapas. These days the food is consistent: Many tapas are delicious but some (e.g., the ostras a la gallega) seem lackluster. Wine by the class is overpriced ($10 per glass from a bottle that retails for $11.99)--but what else is new? Servers are solicitous but overworked. The decor is trendy but overdone. You can spend a pleasant two hours at El Jaleo, but expect at best an OK dining experience.
(3)
Paul B.

Spent $45 and ended up going to Five Guys. Unless you are foodie save your money. I felt hungry afterwards and ended up at Five Guys
(2)
Janet H.

If you have a large party I would not recommend coming here. Generally, I think tapas aren't the most fulfilling meal anyone could get. You pay a lot for a little bit of food. Granted, you are paying for the dining experience, however, if you are left paying a lot and walking out still hungry... its not the type of experience any person wants. We had a larger party of about 18 people. I'm not sure what Jaleo consider as a large party but they have a seperate menu for them. This menu provides 3 sets of tasting menu type 3 course meal for the party to choose from. Their price range from $40/person to $60/person. You are required to pick one of these for the whole group to share. Our tab was over $1000 and we are not sure what we ate. I felt like I paid $65 for appetitizers :( Here's why. I thought when you have a "shared" family style meal, your portion will also be family size. Boy were we wrong. You know that little tapa size salad you get? It's still the same size. They give you 4 of those to "share". If you do the math, it's about 4-5 people sharing each of these tapas. We each had a piece of lettuce and I was lucky, I got a tomato too. One of our entree tapa was the garlic mushrooms. Yes, you guessed it. Each person had ONE mushroom. You get the idea. Luckily, there's free bread in the dining world. I think we had our server bring out 5 baskets of bread for our side of the table alone throughout the night. That was the only way we could fill our stomachs :( yeah, and we paid $65 per person. Btw, my favorite was the flan dessert. I had one spoonful of that :P
(3)
Stephanie T.

Not impressed at all. I get that tapas are suppose to have small servings, but it gets really expensive for these very small servings. Like some of the dishes are $15+ for about two spoonfuls. The food is forgettable and honestly, a little too salty. Unoriginal, but even that is okay if the food is solid, which it is not. It really is overpriced for mediocre food. Service was probably the worst. The water guy poured most of the water on the table instead of in the glass. It was almost impossible to get the waitress, and we sat most of the time waiting... waiting to order the drinks after we get to our table - 15 minutes, waiting to order the first round of tapas - 20 minutes, waiting to another round of tapas - 15 minutes, waiting for food - another 20 minutes, waiting to order desert - 25 minutes, waiting to get dessert - 15 minutes. Total time of waiting: more than 2 hours, time of eating - 45 minutes. They also forgot some of the things we ordered. I thought tapas were for sharing, but they never gave us silverware for the dishes. Would I ever go back? No. Don't waste your time here.
(2)
Bryan B.

I'm usually extremely picky with Tapas because I want it to taste like its worth it. I went there with my Fiance and mother in law a while back We literally order maybe 12 different Tapas and a few glasses of Sangria. I can genuinely say that the service was amazing, the waiter was very knowledgeable about the dishes and provided every dish in a timely matter even though the restaurant was busy. I must say that the Sangria was literally the best thing I have tasted in years. I will literally go back just for the Sangria which I tried at the Jaleo at the Washington , DC location and was nowhere near as good. Not only was the service exceptional but the food was worth every dollar and maybe more. I look forward to every chance I can return with friends and family,
(4)
Sarah W.

went here with 6 people last night for my mom's birthday. Paella de pollo y setas silvestres - AMAZING. Chicken & Mushroom Paella Conejo en salmorejo con purÃ© de albaricoque (Rabbit Confit) Hubby & Dad liked this. Mom didn't care for it, the rest of us didn't try it...creepy! Dad grew up eating game, and hubby is super adventurous. Pimientos del piquillo rellenos de queso - the group liked this one (goat cheese & peppers) Garbanzos con espinacas (chickpeas & Spinach) - AMAZING, love loved this one Chistorra envuelta en patata frita - yum yum yum chorizo with a sliver of potato - fried DÃ¡tiles con tocino 'como hace todo el mundo' our favorite (fried dates wrapped with bacon) BuÃ±uelos de bacalao (cod fritters) this was a group favorite - we ordered 2 plates! Ensalada de remolacha con cÃtrico - everybody loved this one - very colorful, I don't care for stinky cheese so I didnt partake in this one. Escalivada catalana - this was really good too DESSERT: Helado de aceite de oliva con cÃtricos texturados (olive oil ice cream with grapefruit) this was AMAZZZZZZZZZEBALLS. You can taste the olive oil but in a GOOD way, and i dont normally like grapefruit but it complimented the ice cream really well. Espuma de chocolate negro con bizcocho de cacao y helado de avellana (chocolate mousse) - what could possibly be bad about this? NOTHING!!! DRINKS: white sangria - yum yum.
(4)
Zara K.

emm...seriously? so all of you love potatoes with skin and with marinara and a fancy named mayonnaise smothered all over them? or deep fried calamari that u can also get any where else maybe in a larger portion. and what about the prawns? four teeny medium sized shrimps with a red sauce and garlic...(i make them better at home ...it takes 2 minutes aswell) Yes, the place is average and SOooo not a big deal when it comes to the food. its a fun place no doubt, the crowd keeps coming as happy hour approaches and so do the tapas! but the tapas? are average. even la tasca has much better options!! and oh they dont split the bill very well either , i was left to pay for two tapas that were not ordered by me but my freind, however they accommodated which was very nice of them! and the bread they give is a joke! BUT a fun place!
(3)
Sonja B.

If you want good tapas, don't come here. If you want the best dish served to be the crushed garlic and rosemary olive oil with the bread, this place is for you! I ordered the Gambas al Ajillo (Shrimp with garlic) - 6 undercooked pieces of shrimp in olive oil with a few pitiful slices of garlic - all for the low low price of $9. Here's a tip, save the money and make this yourself at home in 5 minutes. Trust me, you could do better. The fried codfish balls were texturally off-putting though tasty, and the honey aioli was quite decent. There are only so many ways you can mess up mayonnaise and honey, really. And the chorizo with mashed potatoes...I actually like the potatoes, so much that I actually might recommend the dish. Just the potatoes of course, unless you like sausage with an incompatible mix of spices. All in all, this place is a joke. 2 stars for filling my belly and hoping I don't get sick.
(2)
Thomas B.

What an overpriced joke for a saucer full of food that busted my wallet. I am not sure what all the hype is about for this place. The service was mediocre and the atmosphere is loud. They recommend getting three tapas for each person if you are going to share them. Now, people, I understand the tapas thing, but I would expect to get more than one bite if I am going to share it with someone. The sangria had more fruit than booze. I do not remember ordering fruit cocktail with a splash of wine, but that is what I got. This place is all hype and show. Go elsewhere and save some money and have a much better meal. Just because the chef has written a cookbook or two does not make it a good restaurant.
(2)
Adrienne L.

(3.5 stars) Our little trio headed over for a post-work happy hour, and it was pretty decent for Bethesda. The sangria was potent and cheap, and the discounted tapas bar menu was extensive -- bacon-wrapped deliciousness everywhere. We also had two kinds of potatoes, as if the famine was coming. What I was not excited about were the terribly uncomfortable bar stools; my back was bruised the next day. I think you also have to actually sit at the bar to get happy hour specials, which would be fine except for the fact that it cannot sit more than 30 people. We were lucky to get seats at all.
(3)
Salma M.

My husband and I love this place we try to go there as often as we can, relax get 5 or 6 different things with a pitcher of Sangria, the red wine and white wine sangrias are both very good! This an amazing place!
(4)
Anne N.

Do not try to book this place for a large group! The food is pretty good, but it is pricey for what you get. I only give it 2 stars because the management. When we made a reservation for 16, whoever we spoke to said that if we added anymore people, we would need to be seated separately, so obviously we didn't add anymore people. When we first showed up it seemed like they had lost out reservation. When they finally seated us, it was at 2 separate tables. We told the wait staff that we were supposed to be seated together, they quickly got the manager. He came over and quickly said that they never book a single table for a party our size. We said that's not what we were told. I work in customer service, and I would never take the combative tone he took with us. He said that it was him on the phone we spoke to and he never said we could sit together. We quickly left. The wait staff seemed apologetic, the manager didn't care at all and pretty much said we were lying. It's too bad a relatively nice restaurant has such a terrible manager...
(2)
Yofriend H.

Beautiful, clean, fancy atmosphere, LOUD you practically have to scream to have a conversation with the people you are dinning with. (friday night) Food was expensive and the portions very small like really small im not kidding is like having a "2 bite meal" im not kidding you. the place i think is nice to come to have drinks with your friends, or pretend you are all fancy and sophisticated oh maybe you are :-). the food tasted very good and is a nice place but I still have diarrhea after eating a delicious chicken paella there last night, i mean as soon as i got home i was sick "so much for a birthday" im still sick so i won't be coming back. The place is very nice and the food is good
(3)
Thomas M.

This place was nowhere near authentic. The sangria was not up to par. I'm from Cadiz, Spain and this restaurant was a disappointment.
(1)
Lorena B.

After spending the day at Aveda yesterday, I decided to take myself to an early dinner here. As it was just me and The September Issue, I sat at the bar. The happy hour specials are awesome: $4 sangria and tapas, though it's a limited menu. Can't beat the price. The bread served before the tapas was tough and must have been sitting out all day. The patatas bravas were delicious, as were the gambas en ajilio (shrimp in garlic). I wanted to try the bacon-wrapped dates but was too stuffed. Now the bad stuff: whoever the bartender with the mohawk is, cut the attitude. Jaleo is good and all but it's not Citronelle or something. No need to be so snotty. He ignored me after giving me the menu even though I closed it when I knew what I wanted. I finally had to ask if I could order now. When the couple next to me placed her order, he drummed his fingers on the bar the whole time. You're at work dude, what else do you have to do? Also their paella is lame. I wanted to surprise my mom with one but they've changed the menu since I was last there. There's no longer a paella with a ton of seafood; there's rice and shrimp or rice and chicken. Eso es arroz con pollo not a paella! Anyway, if you sit at the bar, ask for Luis. He's way friendlier than Mohawk and makes a mean white sangria!
(3)
Margaret O.

Jaleo is quickly becoming my favorite DC restaurant. I've eaten both at the Penn Quarter and Bethesda locations. As a veggie eater, i applaud the many options (what no portobello mushroom sandwich for me?) and last night I discovered the sweet onion and blue cheese dish. A sweet onion was cooked until it had a melt in your mouth texture and served room temp with pine nuts, blue cheese and olive oil. Just gorgeous. The serving staff in Bethesda are very friendly and have more time than the servers in Penn Quarter. Last night the waitress gave me a perfect wine suggestion and gave me plenty of space and time which I appreciated as I was dining alone. For the variety of veggie dishes alone, this will remain a favorite of mine. The vibe and the sherry selection help too.
(4)
Stacey M.

Was really looking forward to trying this restaurant and it was a special night out for the family as we hadn't all been together for a while. Food was tasty but only the mini-burger was exceptional. Our biggest compliant was that the meal was very rushed and dishes were thrown onto the table as they were ready - so we didn't really have time to enjoy. There was no logical flow to the way the food came out and we actually had to ask them to slow it down - it should have been broken down into something more like courses. Experience was sort of anti-tapas, which to me means a long meal where you linger over drinks and tasty snacks. Surprisingly our favorite dish was the dessert with olive oil ice cream and grapefruit.
(2)
Sarah G.

I went here as a couple and I have to say I have more fun at tapas restaurants with a group of 3-5 people than a simple pair. More flavors to try (dozens!) instead of 8 or so for 2 people. The atmosphere lends itself better to groups, too, I feel. Good sangria (I still think about it years later). A fun place to go in a small group.
(4)
Janet D.

Our group was 6 for a Sunday night - the place was busy but by no means packed. We had secured a reservation through Open Table and Jaleo did call to confirm. The food was great and not a complaint to be had about it. Complaints were elsewhere... Our server was less than attentive to us. We had to flag him down for 1.drinks 2. appetizers 3. questions and our 4. dinner order. He never introduced himself and never really engaged with us throughout the meal. He gave plenty of attention to the table behind us but would walk right past us without checking in on us. We were dressed appropriately enough and even better than others (cut off shorts, hoodies, jeans, sneakers - all abounded throughout the restaurant). The other complaint was we were seated were the sun was directly in the eyes of two of our party. We requested another table and were denied even though there were suitable tables nearby that remained vacant for entirety of our meal. This was a second visit based on a wonderful first visit. Again, great food but the experience was not. Will not return anytime soon.
(3)
Crissy K.

Good food, great location. I don't know what people are complaining about. Sure, some dishes won't be as good as others, but that's why you go to a tapas place with friends and sample a whole bunch of dishes! Three words: Bacon. Wrapped. Date. Single best thing on the menu, the perfect combination of sweet and savory. You may want to get more than one order. Our waiter the other night was very helpful in navigating the largely Spanish language menu (yes, they have English descriptions next to all the dish names, but it's a lot to take in!) and picking out his favorites from each section. A great way to end the day!
(4)
Maggie R.

Nice Service and delicious spinach dish! Randi Hill was accommodating and friendly from start to end.
(4)
Sowmya S.

My friends and I dined at Jaleo to celebrate a friend's 29th birthday. We wanted it to be special, as my friend is a foodie and enjoys a good meal. And a great meal is exactly what I got. The food was delicious and the ambience was great. We got a table at a quiet corner overlooking the road, as I had requested. Our waitress was very friendly and made our dinner a joy. She was so bubbly and lively that although I was really hungry and did not want to wait, I forgot all about it and enjoyed our little chat about the menu. She helped us pick out some of the dishes we ordered and was very helpful with the wine list too. The service was prompt and very quick. I am a vegetarian and usually I dont find much to eat but this place definitely had a lot to offer. We ordered the apple and fennel salad and although I am personally not a salad person, this salad blew me away.... very well balanced and a very complete dish with lot of texture. We ordered about 7 dishes (5 of which were vegetarian) and all of them were delicious (The meat was rated by my bf). The only complaint, if I am allowed to have one after such a splendid dinner, is that the eggplant fritters were very undercooked, probably because they were sliced too thick. It tasted great but I really could not bite into the center of the uncooked eggplant. All in all, a wonderful experience. I definitely am looking forward to my next meal here.
(4)
Ab R.

BRING YOUR WALLET! Tapas might be the cool thing, but really, a bowl of bean soup and a little plate of sausages with two beers costs $65? Whose BMW am I financing?
(1)
Don I.

If you are the adventurous type then this restaurant is for you. As a tapas bar, the menu consists of lots of smaller single-serving size dishes that requires you to order several to make a complete meal. While on the one hand, this makes for some interesting variety in the meal, the downside is that the total cost of the meal goes way up. You also need to get used to having dishes delivered throughout the meal, which can lead to waiting for a dish after having just consumed one. Overall I thought the food was good and the dessert- olive oil ice cream with grapefruit was delicious.
(4)
Sophia K.

Delicious and just right. The ingredients are fresh. Somehow the best flavors just shined out. I was amazed with this place, mainly because I wasn't expecting it to be so tasty! This place is genuinely good, except for the sangria, which was decent --it was too watery. The ensalada de remolacha con citricos was fantastic! The beets really made the salad. The portion size for the salad was also larger than I expected. The chorizo was very light, yet very filling. This place serves entirely tapas, so don't expect any big plates. I suggest if you're worried about ordering too little or too much, order a few dishes first, then order more if you're still hungry because the turn out for the food is very fast. The asparagus looked delicious, I think that will get that next time I go to Jaleo. The atmosphere is pleasant. I sat outside in the patio so it was nice having that evening breeze. It looked loud inside, so I am glad the weather allowed us to sit outside.
(4)
Tyler S.

We'll start with the bad: - Service was a little bland (But it was 4th of July and they all seemed new-ish). Then again, this was also the bar area, not the restaurant part. Now for the good: - Portion sizes!! Wonderful! - The food comes out as it's prepared, meaning that it doesn't sit under a heat lamp! - Everything is seasoned PERFECTLY - There's no salt and pepper on the table which is GREAT because they season and flavor it MORE than enough! - The dessert list is stupendous - The sangria....ooohhh the sangria - The prices are set at a very nice rate, totally worth every penny - Our actual server (not our bar server) was so great - The food-runners were funny and helpful Just go.
(4)
Izzat A.

I heard so many good things about this place but had never had tapas before so I didn't know what to expect. Went here for lunch with coworkers this past Friday. It actually met the hype! I got the Chicken and Eggplant sandwich which was okay. Ingredients were fresh but it just didn't wow me. One thing that did really impress me were the Patatas bravas which are potatoes with a sauce and alioli. The waitress was really nice but the food took quite a while to come out even though they weren't busy. It's definitely not cheap so it won't become a regular place for me but I'd come here again. Prolly really 3.5*
(4)
Ron H.

For all the hype surrounding this place, I consider it a let down. We went in for a late dinner, and the service was horrible. The waitress took forever, wasn't attentive, and disappeared for a good amount of time. The restaurant wasn't even crowded so evidently she went off to Narnia every 15 minutes. Now the food. Eeehh. For the price and reputation of this place, I was expecting the caliber of Amada, Jose Garces' flagship restaurant in Philadelphia. Instead, this was an average tapas place that was forgettable. I'd rather drive the 2.5 hrs up to Philly for really great tapas than go back to this place.
(2)
Tim R.

This was way better than I expected. Ate at the bar. Hanger steak. Mussels. Apple with manchego. Salmon. Service at the bar was good, but liked the food the most. Favorite was the mussels.
(4)
Eddie M.

I'm a jaded New Yorker that thinks of Bethesda as being pretty barren of good restaurants, but this is an exception. They have a lot of classic tapas and pinxos, but this time they also rose to the seasonal availability of clementines to incorporate them into a number of dishes, and to a group that features clementines as a prominent ingredient. I had them roasted, served with a not-too-sweet syrup, and topped with herbs - it was very nicely done. So...now I know one place I'll go back to in Bethesda.
(4)
Victoria S.

I love Jaleo! I prefer the Bethesda location because it's right on the corner where there's lots of downtown Bethesda traffic. The one in DC is a bit empty when I went. It's a good place to start out the night if you are hanging in Bethesda because of its central location The tapas are the best! (Better than La Tasca.) The patatas bravas are my favorite - I usually order 2 because I have to have a whole one to myself. Endives with goat cheese, oranges and almonds are a must! The white cava and red sangria is yummy . (I prefer the red.) I recommend Jaleo for any occasion.
(5)
David O.

Let me start off by saying that I'm not a Latin cuisine expert, so take this review for what you will. I was in Bethesda for an early dinner with the gf and we actually intended on going to another restaurant, but it wasn't opening until 5 pm, so we looked around and checked out all the menus... We ended up going with Jaleo, because we heard some good things and we were in the mood for tapas. The restaurant had a nice feel to it and it started to fill up as we progressed into "dinner time". We got a basket of bread and it came with some whole garlic (roasted?) with some rosemary and some really nice extra virgin olive oil to dip into. That was a decent little starter. Our server was really nice and he answered our questions well, so that was good. I think we ordered 5 tapas, plus 2 beers each (btw they have Old Dominion on tap), and had the chocolate mousse dessert, and the tab came to $90+. The endive tapas was my favorite out of the 5 we ordered, and it was really tasty. Everything else was kind of nice, but none of the other 4 tapas blew us away. The flavors were kind of "clean and simple", but at the same time, it was just kind of okay. The fried shrimp was cooked nicely, but the dipping sauce wasn't anything special. Similarly, the chicken was cooked nicely and moist, but again the sauce didn't really give us something super delicious and memorable. The dark chocolate mousse with hazelnut ice cream desert, however, was pretty good. All in all, the service was very good, and they had different people running food, refilling water, clearing the plates, etc. The atmosphere was nice and it could definitely have been a better experience if the food "hit the spot" more. Maybe it was an off-day for us? The thing that summed it up for us is that with a $90+ tab for two (not including the $20 tip) , you'd probably expect a pretty good meal, but I don't know that we'll be back any time soon. I was actually going to give this 2-starts, because I've had better, but that seemed too low considering everything else, and we only tried 5 tapas and the menu is much larger to include entrees, etc.
(3)
Tanya M.

Recently visited with a bunch of girlfriends for dinner. We were seated quickly (I had made a reservation the day before) and we all very much enjoyed sharing several tapas each and pitchers of sangria. Everyone was very pleased with what they ordered and all mentioned that they would return! Prices range but for a large group dinner with drinks, the bill wasn't too bad at all! They had no problem splitting the bill on several credit cards.
(4)
Heather S.

It's become fashionable in "foodie" circles to slam Jose Andres' food empire, but I have never had a bad time at Jaleo, either the Bethesda location or downtown. Tapas are generally well-executed, with the occasional clunker like the Arroz con Pato we tried the other night. Lively scene, good cocktails, excellent sangria, and decent friendly service. Two cocktails, six tapas, and two coffees came to $75 - not the cheapest meal, but we were very full and happy for the money.
(4)
Lenny C.

Jaleo has been, and remains a place where one will never be disappointed, and the reason that they get three stars from me, instead of 4 or 5, is that I've been going there consistently since they first opened, and prior to that I had been going to the other Jaleo in DC... and to me it seems like they've been slowly but surely going from a 5-star rating to a 4 and now, when I finally sit down to write them a review, after a little debating I give them three. I am a hard reviewer of the amazing food from Spain. I lived in Spain for several years in the late 80s and visit that wonderful country regularly: I know my Spanish food! The tapas in Jaleo are good - some are great, but not as many as one would hope, most are good and a few are forgettable. It also sucks that my favorite tapa in the world (Cazon) is no longer served. When I asked why, I was told that too many people were complaining because they oppose serving shark. Here's my issue, although cazon is (for some odd reason) described as shark, it is actually not really a shark, but usually monk fish... to me, a Spanish restaurant which doesn't have one of Andalusia's best-known tapas is like a Mexican restaurant that no longer serves fajitas. The bar in Jaleo is always packed, and the sangria is acceptable, but tends to taste more like Mexican sangria than true Spanish sangria, which is heavier on spirits with the wine than other versions. The octopus tapas are excellent, but I'm always afraid they too will disappear if anyone starts complaining about the fact that... well - you know where I'm leading... I've also noticed that some of the tapa sizes have shrunk over the years, especially the cheese platter. Jaleo should be nonetheless credited as the place which brought the food of Spain to the forefront in the Greater DC area and for that specific bit of culinary history they deserve 100 stars, but I honestly think that their menu needs a little fine tuning back to the past.
(3)
Melissa H.

My husband and I had dinner with two other couples on Saturday night. We ended up at Jaleo since it was Bethesda Row's Restaurant Week. It was a good excuse to try a place we had been wanting to check out, especially as we are leaving for Spain in less than three weeks. Service was fantastic all night. Our waitress was awesome and really took good care of us. I tried the white sangria which had tons of fruit in it and a nice, refreshing quality. With dessert I had a glass of Cava which ended the meal perfectly. As for food, this is what I remember our table trying (we did have multiple orders of a few items): -Pan con tomate -Endibias con queso de cabra y naranjas (endives with goat cheese, oranges, and almonds) -Pimientos del piquillo rellenos de queso (piquillo peppers filled with goat cheese) -Trigueros con romesco (grilled asparagus with romesco sause) -Croquetas de pollo (chicken croquettes) -Patatas bravas -Gambas al ajillo -Datiles con tocino (bacon wrapped fried dates) Everything I tried was good, although the fried dates and pan con tomate were my favorite dishes. I also liked the patatas bravas and could have ate a whole plate myself. However I felt like the pieces were bit too small -I would have preferred bigger pieces of potato. We don't go up to Bethesda too often, but the location of Jaleo is really good. Not too far from the Metro, and there is also lots of free parking nearby. Overall, we had a great meal at Jaleo, and I definitely will be going again, although probably will go to the one in Penn Quarter as it's more convenient.
(4)
Christine A.

This is for the Bethesda location. The company I was with made the night worthwhile; the restaurant did not. Food: 1 stars. We ordered 6 plates between the two of us. We had to send 2 back because they were TOO salty - we felt we were eating salt-licks. Of the other four, we were not very impressed, especially for the price of each plate. My friend told the waiter, who in turn brought the manager out. The manager didn't charge us for one of the plates four remaining plates. We still felt the meal was too expensive for what we got. To top it all off, I was sick the whole night - as if I drank a gallon of sea water. Saying that was an unpleasant experience is an understatement. Service: 4 stars I have to say that the service was good. Our waitress was charming, funny and attentive. She was upset that we did not enjoy our food. The manager wasn't as charming, but did take the one dish off our bill. That doesn't change the fact that I'll never go back to this Jaleo again. And chances are, I won't go to any of the others, either.
(1)
Miriam B.

What a nice restaurant. Just enjoyed some terrific red sangria, vegetarian paella, flan ham croquettes. The house made chorizo and the bacon wrapped dates were completely flavorless though. Service was very quick and attentive. This is not a place to enjoy a quiet meal. It gets very noisy. For tapas I have found better places in DC.
(3)
Tiffany P.

Went to Jaleo for Happy Hour and some small Tapas - was disappointed that when we walked in they didn't inform us that Happy Hour specials were strictly at the bar. We didn't find out until after we were already seated. Being as it was somewhat of a date I didn't want to be seated at the bar I preferred something a little more intimate, so we didn't get to take part in the happy hour drink specials which seemed decent. We got the Olive and Cheese appetizer, the bacon wrapped dates and the quail. The Olive and Cheese appetizer was okay. The cheese was small cubes of Manchego which I've had before, and the olives cut back on the bitter/dryness of the cheese but I wasn't totally impressed with the delivery/presentation. Looked like it was served in an old anchovy tin. The bacon wrapped dates were.. interesting. One would taste purely like bacon, the next would just taste like a date flavored with bacon. They were good but just good. I didn't know what to expect with the Quail because I had never tried it before - it came out whole, which took me by surprise. My idea of tapas is small shared plates but how do you divide a whole quail (it's about the size of a frog) without ripping it in half which was just a bit barbaric feeling. Over all I think it was a bit over priced and I've had better Tapas at other places. The Sangria wasn't that great and served in a small rocks glass - the other drink the waiter recommended sounded fancy but was just a glorified gin and tonic. Wasn't too impressed.
(2)
Barb P.

The food was tasteless and all our meat choices (even salmon) was burnt. I also have a gluten allergy and even though they offer a gluten free menu, I am sick as a dog as I write this review. Stear clear from this place!
(1)
Bill S.

I have been to this Jaleos about five times and the one down town more. I think I will skip the Bethesda Jaleos for a while. first I want to say that the one downtown is much better. It has a better wine list and I think they pay more attention to the food. We had a cafe (the call it a carafe, its really about two glasses of wine. This is a little misleading from the bar menu. The wine was OK, not great. One beer, three tapas and a paella for two. Diner was around $110 with the tip. I don't think this is a dinning value as to at all. One of the appetizers was a selection of sausage. We got five little overcooked wieners that all tasted the same and where not great. We had the salt cod fritters which where very good and a scallop dish for $10 that featured two small pieces Very disappointing. Our main course was the Mediterranean Paella with shrimp ($41). The portion was huge and it was very good. They get you on the tapas. Nickle bags of novelty food, some good some not. For Paella and a beer its a good night out.
(2)
Dustin R.

I come to Bethesda at least once a year for business and Jaleo is a must stop for me every time. I love the tapas bar and Jose does an amazing job with flavors, variety, and authenticity (option with authentic Jamon Iberico). My only compliant is that he keeps changing the menu and many of my favorites keep disappearing. My favorite was the Lamb Chops he had a couple years ago. Those were probably the best I ever had. I keep finding other dishes to subside my cravings... like the bacon wrapped dates. I don't think I ever had a bad dish here. I just with Jose would bring back those amazing Lamb Chops!
(4)
Alex B.

We were seated at the bar, because all the tables were taken. The service was extremely slow. Even at the bar we waited 35-50 minutes for our tapas to arrive. Jamon Iberico arrived the last, it was like half an ounce and all lard, almost no meat, and it cost $14. Other plates were on the microscopic side as well and sometimes tasted like reheated. We paid $80 and were not full at all. Sangria was good. Overall, food is OK, if you are willing to cope with slow service and inadequate prices.
(2)
Linda L.

Jaleo has small tapas that are flavorful and delicious but a little pricey for the amount that you get. The white sangria here is really good. You can taste the wine in the fruits after you finish the sangria.
(4)
John Z.

Food is overpriced for the under-quality of their tapas. Drinks are overpriced and not prepared well (Shout out to Lima and Cafe Citron for the best mojitos, so far.) The decor of the place makes seating awkward.
(1)
Sherri D.

Went here for my boyfriend's birthday dinner. The food was decent... in my opinion, it was pretty pricey for stuff that I could get at La Tasca. We got two carafes of the sangria. Eh, the sangria could have had more flavor and fruit. We had a very nice dinner, none the less. Very nice ambience and the servers were friendly and attentive.
(3)
Carla B.

I.love.tapas. I.love.sangria. I.love.jaleo. I've been coming here for a longgg time and have tried a wide variety of dishes, but here are my favorites: Endibias con quese de cabra y naranja (endives with goat cheese, orange, and almonds) - this is fantastic if you need a little refresher sitting outside on a hot day. The cheese and the orange blend together in perfect salty-sweet way with the almonds added a crunch. The endives make it super easy to hold and eat this fantastic tapita! Croquetas de pollo (chicken croquettes) - these croquettes take me back to my days studying abroad in Madrid... and they taste fantastic! Crispy out the outside and creamy on the inside, my mouth is watering while typing this. Just kidding (not really). Gambias al ajillo (garlic shrimp) - so garlicy, so shrimpy, so delicious. The garlicy olive oil is fantastic to dip your bread in... after you've demolished the shrimp, of course. IMPORTANT TIP. If you want chorizo DO NOT get the chorizo casero tradicional. This is really disappointing and, despite what the name implies, NOT the way chorizo tapas are traditionally served in Spain. The closest thing to this is the chorizo palacios.
(4)
Candice H.

My FAVORITE items: Patatas Bravas and Chicken Croquettes. So delish. I never have to wait long to be seated here, the service is great, and the prices are fantastic.
(5)
CL C.

The atmosphere is eclectic and fun. The food is delicious, loved the garlic shrimp and scallops. The only negatives is their choice of specialized drinks...they need more. I wasn't a fan of either of their sangrias. But I would definitely go back for the food. The prices were very reasonable.
(4)
Chandan D.

Awesome the first time, ehhh the second. This place has a few interesting dishes but I think that I expect more from the guy who allegedly brought tapas to the US. The patatas bravas were awesome the first time, but the second time, I noticed that it was just a plate of grease. While enticing because of the prices, i'd stay away from the happy hour specials and stick to the more obscure seafood tapas - you might have a better experience than I did. I had some of the white sangria and while inspired, just didn't taste that great. Not unlike a lot of their other dishes.
(2)
Laura P.

I haven't been to Jaleo in three years and this was such a pleasant return. Forget the negative reviews - they recently revamped the menu and it seems as though they have mastered the changes. I had the Ensalada Campera with generous portions of fingerling potatoes, green beans, endive and tuna and loved every bite. The wine selection has improved over the years also. Kudos to the servers - they were excited to share some of the new menu items and get feedback on our selections. Thanks Jaleo, I've missed you!
(5)
Jim T.

I took a date here on a Friday night in November of 2012. With the small portions of food I expected that the food would be some of the best I have ever had. I mean thats the deal right, you get less but it tastes way better? wrong. Even with a full plate, this was basically like a chilis, fridays, or applebees. It makes me wonder who businesses like this can justify their service. It is unethical to charge this much for a tiny amount of food. There is no way that any of those plates you see in the pictures should cost more than 10.00. Their margins are too high
(2)
Jason L.

We came here on a weekend afternoon to see what this place was all about. There was a local street festival going on and Bethesda was pretty crowded. That made for some fun people watching as we were eating our meal. Unfortunately watching the residents of Bethesda would turn out to be much more entertaining than the food and ambience of Jaleo. First and foremost this place needs some updating on the inside. The furniture is all dinged and the paint chipped. It looks like they went to a Farmer Riggins barn sale and bought a bunch of 1940's dining room furniture. As I walked to the bathroom from my table I couldn't help but get irritated by the disrepair of the bar area as well. The bathroom was also a mess and the man in the bathroom stall sounded like he was recovering from tuberculosis. Our waiter was pretty pitiful for most of the dining experience as well. He would stay gone for long stretches of time. We ordered four menu items to start off with. Two of the courses came fairly quickly (about 10 minutes). The other two courses didn't come out until about 25-30 minutes later. Wasn't at all pleased with the amount of time between the dishes. Here are some of things we ordered: 1. Croquetas de pollo: chicken fritters which were easily the best thing we ordered. It would be quite difficult to mess this one up though. I would be willing to try the other fritters on their menu based on how good these were. 2. Chistorra envuelta en patata frita: hmm this dish can be compared to Alex Pettyfer, looks real good on the outside but quite rotten on the inside. The potato wasn't cooked enough for me and the chorizo in the middle was very underwhelming. Pass. 3. Trucha a la Navarra: seared trout wrapped in serrano ham; This was by far the worst of the bunch. I could tell when it first came to the table that I wasn't going to like this one. The trout was way too "fishy" for my liking and the ham had an unusual taste for serrano ham. The whole dish tasted like a nasty oyster flavored salt block. 4. Grilled Hanger Steak: pretty good; standard dish served with fries and and egg on top; worth a try I may come back here once to try it again but there are much better places to found in Bethesda. Should they not bring the heat next time they may get bumped down to 2 stars.
(3)
Angie C.

We ate here for a birthday last week. Made reservations for 4 people and when our party expanded to 6 they were pretty accommodating. The Sangria here was good. The Cava (white sparkly strawberry goodness) was better and stronger than the other type of Sangria that they have. We started off with a few Tapas and I can honestly say that I hated the Croquetas de pollo- I think it's because they were filled with what I can only describe as chicken mush. The Chistorra envuelta en patata frita was delicious. Next time I would just order four of these. And not share them with anyone. I don't know why I keep going to Tapas places when I know that I hate sharing my food. There's nothing worse than watching someone else eat the delicious tiny chorizo that you wanted to put in YOUR belly. Anyways, we had a couple other dishes but I don't remember them so I'm guessing they were neither good or bad. The Chicken Paella was nothing to write home about and the white sauce they served it with was pretty much all Mayo. Or at least it tasted like it. Which depending on who you are can be viewed as a positive. I actually remember eating here for lunch before when my friend and I took off from work to go watch New Moon (I was young what can I say) and I was much more impressed during that meal. They had something where you could choose a soup/salad/sandwich combination and what I ate was good so maybe I will be back for lunch and update.
(3)
Varn S.

I went with a group of about 10 people hoping to take advantage of their happy hour tapas menu. Unfortunately we could not order at the bar because of the size of our group so we ended up at a regular table with the regular menu. We picked a few tapas just for the sake of trying the place out, but decided to have our actual dinner elsewhere since their selection is very expensive. What we did try was flavorful and tasty, although presentation flair was minimal at best. The staff here was excellent. The place was sparsely packed and we were seated almost instantly. Our waitress was very patient as we sorted out the mess of our poor planning, and she was very attentive despite our small order. I would definitely come back here with a smaller group for happy hour.
(3)
Harmony H.

Jaleo is a cool place to get unique food and a variety of flavors but most of the food i've tried hasn't been great (been there twice). The paellas are okay, very buttery and only good if you have a group of 4 or more, otherwise its way too much food. The goat cheese with apricot spread was to die for. The salads we had were mediocre (apple salad the and anchovy one). We had a lamb dish and also a potato salad dish as well that were just okay. Overall it's a fun experience but the food is eh. Ambiance: The atmosphere is pretty nice and its always packed, even on a weekday late in the night.
(3)
Tino D.

My friends and I went here for dinner one night and we all had a great time. The food was incredibly delicious. Some of the more memorable dishes we had were: a) grilled lamb, b) asparagus and c) seared scallops. Equally excellent was the service we received. The waitress was friendly, quick and very helpful in recommending some of her favourites dishes. This restaurant is definitely worth checking out if you're in the area.
(4)
Crystal N.

Best SANGRÃAS in DC! On a rainy Saturday night, Jaleo was lively and packed. My boyfriend and I were lucky to find two seats at the end of the bar where we could look into the kitchen and see how cool and well managed the restaurant really is. The bartenders also took a lot of care mixing drinks and every strawberry, mint, and lime were arranged glass by glass so perfectly.
(5)
Will G.

Dinner and drinks. Started off with a Mint Julep. Bartender didn't know how to make it, not a big deal. Manager came by and made me the stiffest drink (good thing) I have ever had outside of Stan's in DC. Food started with bread and olive oil with fresh garlic and rosemary, delicious. We had a bunch of small plates. Everything was great with the exception of the watermelon salad which was just "OK.". The Lamb T-Bones were ridiculous.
(4)
John C.

My wife and I just love this place. I mean we eat out at some of the top restaurants in every city we visit and live, but this place always hits the spot. The food is always consistently good. and the service is usually either very good or good, and the price is moderate. We generally eat at the location downtown in DC, but this version in Bethesda was good also. Sitting outdoors was very relaxing, but with good energy,(DC streets get a little noisy with fire trucks and raucous crowds), and as always it met our expectations, good, good, good, down the line.
(4)
Katie M.

What we ordered: Cava sangria- Sparkling wine sangria with Cava, Liquor 43, strawberries and mint $18 for a half carafe This was delicious and VERY strong- and I'm not a lightweight drinker by any means. We got about 3 drinks total out of the half carafe size which makes it $6/glass. Pretty normal price for Bethesda. This drink was worth the price and I would order it again. We decided to split the $20 for three tapas lunch deal, and I think it was an ok value for what we got. "Gambas al ajillo- The very, very famous tapa of shrimp sautÃ©ed with garlic" About $6.50 for 7 small shrimp Wow these were good. They were moist, garlic-y, buttery, and so very tasty- pretty much like a shrimp scampi. "Cordero a la brasa con salsa de romero- Grilled lamb T-bones with rosemary sauce" About $6.50 for two 1 oz steaks We ordered these medium and they came out well done. Still, they were tender and had the most delicious light barbeque and rosemary sauce. Despite not being prepared to order, they were very yummy. "Croquetas de pollo- Traditional chicken fritters" About $6.50 for 5 croquettes These were little croquettes filled with what tasted like Thanksgiving-style chicken stuffing. They were frickin amazing, like Thanksgiving just exploded in my mouth. Final bill: $40 not including tip Service: Very good. When we walked in, we were seated almost immediately. Water glasses were always full, our sangria and food arrived promptly, and he asked us how the food was. When we asked for the check we got it quickly and were able to get in and out of there in less than 45 minutes. Which probably could have been even less if we had been trying to have a quick lunch. Overall impression: I loved eating here. The decor was pretty and fun, the service was great, the food was amazing, and value for our money was ok, if a bit over-priced. I will most definitely be going back. Though next time I think I'll get a group together and try out their paella. They are served in a traditional paella pan, and take over 30 minutes to cook. Maybe I'll go for my birthday dinner and sit at the cute private curtained-in table... buen provecho indeed!
(4)
Maria S.

I used to work in Bethesda and we'd visit Jaleo frequently since it was walking distance from the office. The Good ~I love the white gazpacho soup! Most places don't serve the white gazpacho (they should really stop discriminating!) ~The Chorizo 'Palacios' and the marinated olives and Manchego cheese are amazing flavors. ~The apple and fennel salad are my safety here ~The chorizo wrapped in potato is another great choice. What could be better ~I was not impressed with the sangria. I've had better. ~Price can add up since each small plate that severs 1 range from $7- $10. You try 3 small plates (which is not filling) and you're down $30! All in all a solid 3 stars.
(3)
Kate A.

Maybe I'm just not a huge fan of tapas. While looking at the menu, I only wanted to try maybe half of what was on it; the other things looked questionable. Then of course you only get these teeny plates of food, and when I was there, they each came out one at a time, so you couldn't even mix flavors; you just ate all of one dish, then all of the next, and so on. Plus, the price was RIDICULOUS! I paid over $70 for these small plates of mediocre food. I will never be going there again.
(1)
Abby C.

Food/Cost: (4/5) I came here with a friend for lunch during Bethesda Row's Spring 2011 Restaurant Week ($15/ three courses) -- *joyful jump into the air*. For my three dishes I chose the Gazpacho, the Scallops, and the Shrimp. My friend got the Endives, Chorizo wrapped in Crispy Potato, and Fried Calamari. The Gazpacho ($7 regular price) was a marvelous opener to our meal -- it had a depth of flavor that I haven't gotten before from chilled soups -- and the meal only got better. The Calamari ($7) here is EXCELLENT -- tender squid, a good mix of tentacles and body rings, perfectly seasoned, and fresh from the frier. My mouth waters as I type this. A close second favorite was the Scallop dish ($11?) -- beautifully seared, fresh, and succulent. Even the scallop's romesco sauce was fabulous; I'm not ashamed to say we used the free bread (also good) to wipe the plate clean. The Shrimp ($9) dish came with 7 medium-sized shrimp swimming in savory butter sauce; but one complaint was that they didn't devein the shrimp thoroughly and I'm not sure the 7 shrimp justified the $9 price tag. The Endives ($7) and Chorizo ($7.50) were my least favorite two dishes, but that's due to personal taste preference (I don't like the bitterness of endives and the chorizo was too salty for me); they were still cooked well, and had a great balance of texture and flavor. Despite my great experience here, I'm withholding a perfect, 5-star rating because I think the regular prices here are a bit inflated for amount of food you get here -- it is only tapas-size after all. Ambiance: (4/5) This location was decently filled for a Friday afternoon around 1:00pm. There was a good mix of young and old, families, friends, and couples. Jaleo is cheerfully decorated with rich, bright colors. The vibe was Spanish, but bordering on circus-like. It was a fun, light-hearted atmosphere, but not particularly refined. However, perhaps that changes at night with the proper lighting? The dining room features a tall ceiling, which makes the place feel spacious even though the tables placed a bit close to each other. There is a bar area on the other side of the booth seating. Location: (5/5) The Bethesda Jaleo is located on the corner of Woodmont Avenue and Elm Street, where you can't miss the big "Jaleo" sign. It's only a short walk from the Bethesda metro stop and is part of Bethesda Row so there are plenty is plenty of shopping and entertainment to be found. Parking is also plentiful given the parking lots in the area. A beautiful and lively area! Service: (4/5) Our male waiter was very attentive and friendly. After learning that this was my first time at Jaleo, he explained the menu before giving us time to decide. During our meal, he came by many times to check up on us and brought us the check in a flash when asked. Overall: (4/5) Jaleo serves up delicious food, but those with a limited budget may want to think carefully before coming here as a regular-priced meal with 3 dishes (the waiter suggested 3-4 tapas orders for each person) will run at least $30. As for me, I would certainly make this one of my top places to go during Restaurant Weeks (or if you know someone else is footing the bill :P).
(4)
Enrico N.

Almost everything we had was great. Your bill will add up fast with the number of dishes you'll have to get but its worth it. Chorizo casero tradicional - Would have been better if it was spicy but still pretty good Lomo de buey - Cooked just right, nicely seasoned Conejo en salmorejo con purÃ© de albaricoques - Rabbit has too many bones so not my favorite, but still tasted great Croquetas de pollo - Out of everything, I probably disliked this the most. Kind of tasted like fancy chicken nuggets at like a dollar a piece Pastel de chocolate y avellanas - Pretty good Overall I'd definitely recommend this place and come back again.
(4)
Wesley T.

I have heard so much about Jaleo that I was really excited to try it out. Jose Andres is the man so I was even more psyched. I was very disappointed. My first mistake was probably ordering the prix fixe restaurant week menu. I had rice with mushrooms(undercooked rice that had a texture of grainy sand when it went down). Patatas bravas sauce was bland and not brava at all. The lomo pork was tough. The only real highlight was the dessert. I had a chocolate and hazelnut mousse, which had nice sweetened, toasted hazelnuts on top. It was really good. Unforunately, I went to Jaleo to experience tapas like I had in Spain, not a dessert I can get anywhere. Server was passable but the server seemed sad or something. I don't think I will go back to this location. I may give another Andres restaurant a shot.
(2)
Crys B.

This review is based on one happy hour experience to be fair. Bright, tropical decor. I went with a coworker on a Thursday evening for happy hour at the bar. The bartender was nice but a little pushy. But the $4 calamari and $4 endive with orange and goat cheese was AMAZING!!! Fresh, flavorful, the calamari was cooked perfectly. Can I say I'm excited to go back again!? Also the sangria was really nice - perfect touch of brandy i believe for $4 or $5. I also think they have beer for less than $4 too, I'm not a beer drinker. I haven't gone for dinner and not sure that I will considering the happy hour is pretty good and has a nice sampling of seafood, chicken, meat and veg plates. One of the other reviewers mentioned that she liked this one better than the DC location and I think I agree with that.
(4)
Julie L.

The husband and I decided to go crazy and try Jaleo for a fancy date night. We made reservations via OpenTable just a few hours before heading over, and I'm glad we did. We were seated immediately, despite being about 15 minutes early. We got a half-carafe of Sangria, which was quite tasty. We also had the recommended tapas for appetizers (the bread with manchego cheese), as well as the bacon-wrapped dates and the goat cheese-filled peppers. All were very delicious! We ordered the paella as a main course. It really is a beautiful dish - I appreciated the presentation (they show you the huge paella in the pan before serving it on your dish) and highly enjoyed the taste. We got the chicken paella with mushrooms. It was decimated awfully quickly. I highly recommend trying any paellas at least once here. The little story about the paellas by Jose Andreas regarding the perfect cooking wasn't a lie. Service was great, food was tasty, we'd love to come back again.
(5)
Viri V.

I was actually very pleased with the service and food at this restaurant. Around noon-ish on a Sunday there wasn't any rush and this is a great place to try for a fancy brunch. I tried three different tapas (gambas, gazpacho and scrambled eggs). They recommend three tapas for a brunch sitting and all were very tasty - flavors were great and i definitely felt three was good enough to fill me up not including dessert. I opted for their watermelon mimosa which was also good. Service was what I anticipated for a restaurant this caliber. Staff checking water levels and seeing if they could answer questions and just great attention in general (not being overbearing but just the right amount of courtesy). For me, this place is definitely a great recommendation and is spacious for families, couples, etc. This is also a great location for some Sunday shopping - felt this was a nice Sunday outing overall.
(4)
Ani P.

(3.5 stars) My girlfriend and I dumped our babies on our respective hubbies and went out for a much needed girls only dinner. I was surprised that Jaleo was pretty hoppin' with people on a Wednesday night! Oh my, Bethesda-ites are actually out and about!! The vibe was surprisingly laid back and not pretentious. I would have felt totally comfortable in jeans, a cute tank and flip flops. My sangria was fabulous. The taste was smooth, not too sweet and went down like juice. I stuck to one cocktail as it was hella strong. I ordered one tapas -- mushroom with pea shoots. Light, refreshing, lemony, the perfect amount olive oil, and just plain ole good. We shared the veggie paella. The menu says it's enough food for 2-4 people. If 2 people finish the entire dish, it's pure gluttony and a carb coma will surely follow. It's a good dish to split 4 ways. The rice wasn't flavorful. I expected more of a delicate saffron taste or something to give the rice zing! Tons of veggies made the paella sparkle. Every bite of rice had a well-cooked veggie. I was satisfied. This dish could have been made better. Then the phone call came. Thankfully, it wasn't from my husband. My gf's hubby was in a panic b/c the baby was crying and of course he needed his wife to rescue him. My husband often does this me. *Sigh* Luckily we were just about done with our food. Our waiter was on high alert due to baby duty and quickly packed up leftovers and gave us our bill. Would I dine at Jaleo again? Absolutely.
(3)
Alison F.

Lots of reviews, so not much new to say, but I would add that Jaleo is great for kids. Especially younger kids with unpredictable palates. Go ahead and order 10 different little plates -- see if they like the potatoes, the sausage, the beans, whatever. This place saved me when I was living in Bethesda with a 19-month-old whose palate changed every day. Lovely patio seating also gave him plenty to look at.
(5)
Jenna K.

Jaleo is a great place for tapas although it can be very expensive. All of the food is excellent. My favorite are the figs wrapped in bacon as well as the patatas bravas. I also love the chocolate and hazelnut dessert. This time we got the shrimp which was supposed to be popular although I did not think it was that good. The lamb also was nothing to ride home about. Overall a great place with friends although it can get pricey so you have to watch out if you want a huge dinner.
(4)
Lianne Z.

Given that the metro area lacks impressive places I really loved this place. It was PERFECT for my five hour girls night catch up dinner. The food was pretty decent, albeit nothing too spectacular that stuck out. They have a nice range of cheeses and serve up a mean pitcher (or three) of sangria. The servers are patient and there is outdoor and indoor seating (perfect for a beautiful spring day!) I woke up the next morning remembering a lot of laughter, good times and a restaurant that kindly moved us inside when it got too cold out (you know since we were there for five hours.) I'd definitely go back!
(4)
Andy J.

My girlfriend and I ate here based on someone's recommendation...we were both very pleased with what we ordered. Jaleo is one of the best restaurants we have eaten at, and it's definitely the best tapas we have ever had. The atmosphere was nice, the service was friendly and swift, and everything we ate was above average. It was a bit expensive, but we will definitely be going back again.
(4)
Jennifer B.

My friend had been talking about this place for a while, so while during my trip to MD, I knew I had to try it...and I'm glad I did!! N ow I'm just mad I haven't found a place similar to this in Atlanta! I love tapas style places and this one was excellent. I will try to explain what we had, to the best of my ability: spinach w/ apple & pinenuts (WOW), the potatoes w/ some kind of yummy sauce, garlic chicken, calamari (pretty good--not the best I've had though), something w/ chorizo, and like 3 other things I can't think of. We went in the middle of the day on a Thursday, so there was no wait. I'm sure this place is packed to death on the weekends! Can't wait to go back or find a similar place in the A!
(4)
Jess L.

Went here for Restaurant Week in 2010--best idea ever. Had the endive with goat cheese and oranges, spinach with apples, raisins and pine nuts, bacon-wrapped dates, scallops, and flan. Everything was amazing, but I liked the dates so much I had to try and make my own. SO GOOD.
(4)
Laura W.

If the blog "Stuff White People Like" were a restaurant, Jaleo would be it. Jaleo perfectly caters to the Bethesda norm: Educated white folks who Studied Abroad and now will freely offer their expertise to you of "what the locals eat in Spain." But as any self-effacing joke requires, I must admit that I can confirm the stereotype, as I will gladly tell you my stories of eating churros and tapas during that weekend side trip I spent in Barcelona. Jaleo is most certainly not a cheesy tex-mex place (try Uncle Julio's, barf, or Austin Grill, double barf, both of which are practically on top of this place). So if your dining companion says, "No Jaleo for me, I had Taco Bell last night" (true story), you can safely convince them otherwise. Now you're seated inside the restaurant. If you are a Educated White Person who Studied Abroad, you can rest easy with the knowledge that simply knowing how to pronounce the menu items will be impressive to your dinner companion. Jaleo follows in the fine tradition of restaurants who do not deign to put the menu items in English, but instead write the names in Spanish as though to appear more authentic. If you are however, one of those people who Studied Abroad in France (like me), instead of those who Studied Abroad in Spain, you will have to resort to the old standby, point and stutter, "Patatuhs...um...THAT ONE." How will the quality of the food here compare to your experiences abroad? If anything is to be said from the quality of the Sangria, let it be known that my sangria here was fruity and robust, and not adulterated with club soda. That alone is worth some stars to me. I ordered Patatas Bravas and Scallops with Butternut puree. The patatas weren't exactly how I remembered, but alas, nothing really can compared to wistful memories of The Semester Spent Abroad - where everything is automatically better in retrospect. At least - that's what I'll tell my dinner companions.
(3)
Jerome A.

As a European expatriate, it was not exceptional as all the food we tried in Jaleo can be bought at any European grocery store. Food was good, not mind blowing, but good. The only part of this experience we were impressed was the waitress: she was knowledgeable and very helpful. She made us feel special and we truly appreciated.
(3)
Amoolia S.

Yummy. Gazpacho is delicious! I recommend the cauliflower and the patatas bravas.
(4)
Olivia D.

The tapas scheme gets me every time. Coupled with happy hour sangria specials, it's even worse. On Friday evening my train of thought went something like this. "$3.50 sangrias! Yay, happy hour time." "Are there any happy hour food specials? No? Oh well." "I'll just get a few little plates to nibble on as I'm drinking." "I'm still hungry and this tastes good. I think I'll order some more." "Did we really just spend $70 on a few nibbles and $3.50 sangria?" Yes we did. Score one for the tapas again. It's not that I've never been to Jaleo. It's not that I'm a newbie to tapas restaurants. It's just that the whole small plates thing completely distorts my sense of wallet and recession. The cheaply priced drinks also exacerbate that sense of distortion. The food can be tasty. The endives with goat cheese, orange and almonds ($6.50) is delicious, as is the scallops ($8) with pistachios and raspberries (though there are only two scallops included). Even the brussel sprouts (yes, brussel sprouts! $7) with apricots, apple pieces and serrano ham is awesome. These three dishes all do the job of hitting a wide spectrum of tastes and textures, leaving the palate satisfied. My lesser favorite dishes are the lamb with rosemary sauce (two pieces for $11.50), whose sauce tastes like it's from a jar of Lawry's and shows no hints of rosemary; and the mussels ($8) with bay leaf and salt, which lacks flavor at all besides butter -- which you think would be a good thing, but in this case is so blah. Many a times, I've eaten at Jaleo and inevitably someone orders the patatas bravas and fried calamari. These tend to be good for the first few bites, but then the home fries with spicy sauce turn to mush and the calamari could be straight fried batter for all you know because all you can taste is the garlicky aioli. In the end, it's fun for a time, but not enough bang for my buck. Not at times like these, when you can get $2 appetizers and drink specials for happy hour elsewhere.
(3)
Yuan Z.

eh. I went to the dc location years back when Jaleo first opened. Food, service, wine, decor, all amazing. Flash forward to Jose's current food empire and its a bit disappointing. with all his restaurants, the place has lost that feel. You can taste it in the mediocre (and overpriced) food Its such a shame.
(3)
Emily D.

Great place! We got here in a FREEZING night before the rest of our party of 6 arrived and cozied up to the bar on a busy Saturday night. My boyfriend and I went through a few glasses of delicious sangria way too fast and once our friends arrived we were already in love with Jaleo. We sampled lots of different things but some of my favorites were the roasted Brussels sprouts (my current favorite green veg) and the endive salad with goat cheese. But my friends, to be quite honest, what really stole my heart was the sangria. We had pitchers of white and red at the table but red was my favorite as I thought the white was a bit too sweet. This is a great place for a group of couples who are out for a great night. Probably not a good place for deep intimate conversation but perfect for a night out with friends. Go there, get the sangria and have fun!
(4)
Annalynn C.

During this trip, Jaleo is my second favorite restaurant that I visited. I liked it so much, I requested to go back a second time. I loved the vegetarian selection. I'm in love with mushrooms and they had so many dishes that included mushrooms; I was in heaven! The Spanish omelet with mushrooms were delicious. I also enjoyed the lamb chops, endive with goat cheese, mandarin orange, and almonds. Their dessert selection is amazing. The berry soup with goat cheese ice cream is a must try if you like goat cheese. The flavor isn't intense and it is a bit on the tart side, but it's awesome! I also fell in love with Counter Culture Coffee because of Jaleo. I can't say enough nice things. Good food. Good service. Decent price. Highly recommend it for folks visiting Bethesda and the DC area.
(3)
Lyndsey F.

Nice place and nice staff. Good food. The steak (lomo de bury) was amazing. The pan con queso manchego had less cheese than it used to - that was a disappointment.
(4)
Martin B.

I finally got my fill of the tapas craze at Jaleo this weekend. At around 7:45 on a Saturday night it wasn't too crowded and we were able to get a table for 5 without a reservation. Our waiter was attentive and friendly, and gave plenty of great suggestions on which dishes to get. The food came out pretty quickly, and boy was it good! The standard bread and olive oil was excellent, and it actually made for a nice way to neutralize the mouth between dishes. The first dish I got was basically serrano ham with cantaloupe and sherry dressing. It was artfully presented (unfortunately I didn't bring my camera, so no pictures!) and tasted great, the savory taste of the ham blending perfectly with the sweet taste of the cantaloupe. I was worried though; I had a feeling that if the rest of the dishes were like that, I wouldn't leave full. Boy was I wrong. My next dish was the fried salt cod fritters, which came with a honey aioli. The waiter claimed the saltiness would be balanced by the sweetness, and while I didn't find the fritters very salty at all, the aioli wasn't overpowering. I also tried my buddy's setas al ajillo which are basically sauteed mushrooms and they were great. By the end of this course I was starting to feel pretty damn full! Finally the last course came. "Chorizo casero tradicional," basically a spicy sausage on mashed potatoes. It was amazingly tasty and went well with the taters, and while I was sad to see it go I definitely didn't mind feeling like I'd stuffed my belly with enough food to last a winter. Jaleo's a pricey venue to go to (each dish runs around 9 dollars, some more expensive and some less) and while it may or may not knock you off your feet, it can be a fun experience trying these little dishes and sharing them with your dining partners. I'd definitely come here again if I was in the mood for more upscale dining but didn't know exactly what I wanted.
(4)
Howard W.

Wish I could rate service and food separately. Food awesome; server horrific. Just had dinner with group of 5 and ordered the restaurant week deal. Food - great selection of tapas; most were excellent (particularly gazpacho, fried dates, grilled chicken w/parsley purÃ©e, and patatas bravas). Our server, however, was perhaps the slowest and most inept waitron I've ever seen. We'll go back, but only because we've been to Jaleo many times and like it a lot and generally have had good service. But, if I hadn't been before, the quite-excellent food wouldn't be enough to bring us back.
(3)
Katherine I.

I had forgotten it was restaurant week when we arrived. We made a reservation, and once our 6 person party was complete, we were whisked to our table promptly. For a Sunday evening the service was great. Very aware of the levels of our drinks and more then happy to oblige a request for extra bread to sop up the drippings of some amazing dishes such as chickpeas and shrimp. plates. With the six of us we eneded up each doing the RW menu, which was 4 plates, one from each section and a dessert. The menu was more limited then the regular menu but contained a lot of my favorite dishes. Since there were six choices in each section, we decided to just order the whole menu. We were not disappointed. It was warmer here in the Mid-Atlantic than it had been in recent weeks so we justified the three pitchers of sangria, one sparkling, the other two red. For dessert I had the cheese homemade ice cream. Served with a butter biscotti-like cookie it was a heavenly finish to a sinful evening!
(4)
Christina W.

Six of us met here for a fun night out on Friday. We had a reservation, and they led us to a great table near the open door, where the unseasonably warm night air breezed in. I had never been to Jaleo, but have spent a few months in Spain, and I was looking forward to eating some of the dishes I had tried there. We started off with a carafe of sangria--as others have noted, I've had more flavorful, but it was perfectly palatable. The manchego and olives were great. The pan tomate with serrano ham was delicious. We really went to town and ordered multiples of a lot of different food--the spinach, the gambas al ajillo (yummy!), the croquetas de pollo (these were served piping hot & tasted exactly like what I had had in Spain), the mushrooms, the beet salad, and the tortilla espanola (kind of like a potato omelette--not a tortilla like you'd see wrapped around a burrito). Dessert was the flan and the chocolate hazelnut cake (really more like a mousse)--both gone within minutes of their arrival. The service was prompt and friendly. The waiter didn't mind one of my friends giving him a hard time all night about not serving Budweiser. One friend ordered an Absolut martini and apparently, they were out of Absolut and substituted Stoli without mentioning it to her (she saw it on the bill). I would have to say that overall, the only downside was the price. The price, including alcohol & tip, was $56/person. I wasn't surprised, since I read the prices as I was ordering the food, but it seemed like a lot considering. I would go back, but just not regularly--I think there is better value out there--though I loved everything we tried.
(3)
Eli L.

The fried eggplant with honey was a great way to start the meal. Then we advanced to a delicate cut of cod - salted and poached in a pesto-like sauce. It was the sushi of Spain - a unique taste! The shrimp in garlic sauce and scallops were next - what dishes. And then we finished with the Olive Oil ice cream and Pineapple special desert which is so good that it is worth just going for desert! All around a great meal and the service was also excellent.
(4)
Jed S.

Argh. I really, really want to give Jaleo five stars. The meal itself was wonderful. Unfortunately, the service, while pleasant, was awful. Off the bat, I'll note that my friend and I had lunch here during Bethesda Row's restaurant week, but that does not excuse the service. The restaurant was not crowded (despite it being noon on a weekday). I ordered Sopa de cebolla y tomillo con queso IdiazÃ¡bal (Caramelized onion and thyme soup with poached egg and IdiazÃ¡bal cheese), Patatas bravas (sliced, fried fingerling potatoes topped with a spicy tomato sauce and alioli), and Pollo al ajillo con salsa verde (Grilled marinated chicken served with a parsley purÃ©e and garlic sauce). My friend had one of the salads (I forget which one), and two things I forget. (But she really liked them!) My food was fantastic. The soup was the best I've ever had-the onion flavor was good without being overpowering, the poached egg was delicious, and the thyme flavor was an amazing example of what one can achieve with a sachet garni. I'm sold-I've always just tossed herbs into my soups and not bothered putting them in cheesecloth and pulling them out later, but this soup convinced me that it's worth the effort. The potatas bravas? Again, amazing. The chicken? Well, kinda just chicken. Good, and a protein, but nothing special, either. In the end, because the food was so good, four star total and I will certainly go back, but I would hesitate to bring a date or someone I wish to impress here, for fear of a repeat of the service issues. I know it's tapas and not quite the same as a restaurant with an appetizer followed by one entree, but still, it's incredibly awkward when one person has food and the other doesn't. As Anna K. said in her review, there seemed to be no rhyme or reason as to what was served when, and worse, my friend was served her salad a good 10-15 minutes after my soup arrived.
(4)
Hannah C.

3 1/2 stars... I'm almost a fan... and they really didn't do anything wrong. If life were fair, they'd get 5 stars, but life's not fair. This place truly is A-OK. We ate (engorged ourselves on) the happy hour specials and drank to our hearts' content. My wine wasn't great but there's a point in the evening where it doesn't bother you anymore and you just keep eating, drinking, and giggling. Jaleo's a good place for that. The staff was attentive and helpful. The decor is vibrant. The crowd is unrowdy. I think I held a star back because I need more vegan options. The mushrooms were great. You could do much worse than Jaleo. It's a decent choice and if you're coming here, I wouldn't say no to an invitation... hint, hint.
(3)
David W.

Now that Jaleo accepts reservations, I will be going more often. I have been a fan for years, but really disliked not being able to reserve a table - especially for large groups. My girlfriend and I went for our 2nd anniversary, and since Jaleo was our first date, we returned. We asked to be seated at the same table, and they accommodated us. The service was great, food was delicious - overall a very good experience that keeps us coming back again and again. The Paella Festival was going on at the time (June), and we got the Arroz con pluma ibÃ©rica y verduras de Alicante (Iberico pork paella with green garlic and seasonal vegetables), which was great. New menu items including the Arroz de pato 'Jean-Louis Palladin' (rice with duck confit, duck breast and foie gras cream) were delicious. A half carafe of the white sangria rounded out our meal nicely.
(4)
Olivia L.

Delicious food. The Gazpacho is the best I have ever had (and I'm Spanish). Sometimes when it's crowded though the service suffers.
(4)
Vanessa S.

Tonight was my second visit to Jaleo and possibly my last. We had an 8:30 reservation so by the time the third tapa came out the restaurant was clearing out. The service was terribly slow. The waiter suggested we order the lamb and it came out tough and fatty. It was inedible. We explained our dissatisfaction with the dish and it still showed up on our bill. After waiting nearly 15 minutes for a dessert menu, we decided to just ask for the check. When we told the waiter that we didn't want to wait any longer, his response was "oh do you want coffee instead." Sadly he was on another planet. I will have to think twice before I return.
(2)
Emacs V.

ChouriÃ§o is not Spanish, not authentic probably south American, all they have to do is go to a Spanish or Portuguese store and get the real thing, there is a Spanish grocery store a couple of blocks down the street in Bethesda how hard can it be to be authentic
(1)
alexandra f.

OH. MY. GOD. Part of me is seriously considering not moving back to NYC this week at risk of not being able to eat at Jaleo more often. This place is incroyable! Apparently, it was restaurant week? $30 bucks, 4 tapas plates, 1 dessert and a full belly. Can't complain. What did we order that has me singing a restaurant's praise you may ask? Gazpacho Endive salad Croquetas de pollo (Chicken fritters) Gambas al ajillo (Shrimp) Arroz cremoso de setas (Wild mushroom rice) Cebolla asada con queso PicÃ³n (Sauteed onions with Picon cheese) Vieiras con remolacha y pistachos (Scallops) Lubina con vinagreta de ajos y romero (Sea bass) I could go into detail about how savory and mouth watering each of these dishes were but we'd be here all day. The chicken fritters, endive salad, and sea bass were definite winners in all these picks.
(5)
Fenny L.

It was partly our fault. It was 7:30 on a Saturday night, and we didn't make reservations. We had called earlier in the day to make reservations, but were told that the only openings left was for 9:45. We decided to play with fate - and got burned. Such is the destiny of those who dare play footsie with fate, I suppose. We arrived at Jaleo at 8 and were told that there would be a "45 minute - 1 hour wait" for our party of three. Well, considering that we were told 9:45 for reservations, we felt that we were doing pretty good, and went up to the bar. 45 minutes and several drinks later, I went to check up on how much longer (mostly to decide if we should order another drink, now or later), and the hostess briskly assured me that they were "clearing the tables now". Great! I head back to the bar and shared the good news. As we waited for the tables "to be cleared", we noticed that several parties - that had arrived after us - were already seated and eating. But as my husband pointed out, those were couples, and tables of 2 are easier to seat then tables of 3. We wait 25 minutes more for the "tables to be cleared", before I went to check up at the hostess stand again. The hostess, while not rude, was very brusque and assured me that we would get the very next table. I would have probably been kinder in my thoughts (and this review), if I wasn't told nearly 30 minutes before, that they were "clearing the tables" for us. Fortunately, this hostess wasn't lying, and within 5 minutes, our buzzer goes off, and we were seated in the corner, which was private (which was good, considering some of our off colored humor). Perhaps it's just my tastebuds, but the tapas were pretty much hit or miss with me. A few exceptional dishes were the grilled lamb chops (cordero a la brasa), which were tender, juicy and perfectly medium rare, the sauteed shrimp (gambas al ajillo), which were so flavorful and succulent that I dipped my bread into the sauce, the sauteed spinach (espinacas a la catalana), and the seared scallops (vieriras con remolacha y pistachios), which was served with pistachios and raspberries. However, the rest of the dishes were very "meh" to me. The rossejat (fried seafood pasta - paella style) was limp and oily, and the seafood seemed over cooked. The potato salad with tuna (ensaladilla rusa) was basically potato salad with canned tuna mixed in, very weak in my estimation. The wild mushroom rice, while flavorful and had the consistency of a creamy risotto was underdone as the center of the rice was hard.. My other problem with the tapas, was the pricing. Let's take for example the lamb chops. For $11.50, we received two small lamb chops. Yes, they were perfectly seasoned and quite delicious, however I would expect more then 4 oz of lamb (including bone - so really, 2.5 oz) for that price. Or the scallops, which was $8 for two small-medium pieces of scallops. The pricing just didn't seem to align with the portions. Yes, I understand that Jaleo is a more "upscale" and yuppy restaurant, but that still doesn't excuse the price gouging. I admit that I'm a little spoiled by dim-sum, where little dishes of food - just like tapas - cost only $2.50. Yes, the atmosphere isn't quite as nice, but the food generally tastes better, and you will leave satisfied. In the beginning, our server was a bit curt with us, brushing us off and rushing through the menu and the options. However, between our raunchy jokes, and our overall jovial mood, I think we thawed her out. By the end of the meal, she was much nicer and took the time to chat with us about some of the ingredients on the menu and some of her own personal recommendations. No matter how busy the dining room, she was very prompt in checking on us, and making sure that we had our food and had our drinks replenished often. In addition, once she found out that this was a birthday dinner, she brought out a dish of sorbet (which was gross - I think it was sugar-free or something - but the sentiment was appreciated) with a candle for him. I am not faulting Jaleo for making us wait for a table (again, Saturday night with no reservations), however, I am disappointed that our "45 minutes to 1 hour wait" turned into an hour and 20 minutes. While some dishes are quite marvelous, between the mediocre dishes and the pricing, I really can't give Jaleo more then 3 stars. I may come back - but only with reservations.
(3)
Kim R.

I am pretty picky about Spanish food, but I think overall the food here is pretty good. I particularly like the patatas bravas. I had a special lobster paella (which was made with Maine lobster, not langostinos) and it was fabulous. Other dishes were good and solid. The red sangria is really tasty, the white is sweet and not my thing. It's somewhat Americanized, but it's in a great location, the service is always good (in my experience) and the food has always been very good. The restaurant can be noisy and some of the tables are quite close together (read: not all that romantic). If you'd like to expose your kids to Spanish food though, this is probably a good option. It's loud already and there are plenty of things for them to try safely (beware of head-on shrimp, which could be traumatic for the unitiated). The aforementioned patatas bravas are a good place to start. I always say this, but it's true here as well, the earlier you come, the better things will go with kids.
(3)
John W.

Spanish Tapas I found out about this place after looking up chef Jose Andres online. I'm a semi-fan of his cooking show on PBS, and found out he was based in DC after googling him. Of the many restaurants he has in the VA/DC/MD Metro area, this one of the places I had to check out during my twice yearly visits to the area. So how was the food? Very enjoyable and very good! We had approximately 8 dishes, including a simple chicken and mushroom paella for lunch. While not all the tapas dishes were something to rave about because they were simple. The ones that stood out were the lamb chops (cooked perfectly and very flavorful), the duck leg (nice large piece cooked very well), fried noodles with shrimp (nice texture and flavor) and the baby potatoes (very good, you can even cook them yourself as he has shown everyone on his show). All the dishes were very good, and I couldn't complain at all about them. We were there for lunch and the space is very large. Service was very good and I felt that everything I had was worth it. Some items were a bit iffy, like the sausage, but that is generic tapas. If you come here, try some of the more unique items.
(4)
michelle s.

I love tapas! Okay, you probably know that I used to live in Spain from my past reviews so I'm quite critical of the American interpretation. However, Jaleo's does them well. Gambas con ajillo, pan con tomate y manchego, y la paella de pescado y mariscos are fabulous. Delicious and authentic flavors. Portions could be a bit larger. The white sangria is popular but it tasted like bubble gum; I'm not a fan. If you're in Bethesda, Jaleo is a fun place to go with a large group to enjoy some yummy plates. Walking distance from the Metro.
(4)
Susan F.

I love Jaleo! Great Tapas. You must try the dates wrapped in bacon. The sangria is to die for so make sure you order atleast a half a pitcher if you are going to drink more than one glass. Save room for the Chocolate Hazelnut Torte (which they did take off their menu, but is back due to numerous complaints it was gone). ***Update...I am changing my rating from 5 stars to 4 stars. I am a little disappointed with my visit tonight. They have changed one of their potato dishes (patatas bravas) which the potatoes use to be diced. Now they are cut very thin. So basically they are potato chips with sauce on them. Then there was a chorizo/potato dish I ordered which were little chorizo sausages wrapped in one of these "potato chips". I feel like I spent a lot of money on tapas. Please take the overpriced potato chips off the menu!!! I could have just gone to the grocery store and paid a couple dollars for a bag of Lays potato chips!!!!
(4)
David S.

Food is excellent. All tapas I had were very tasty, well seasoned, good portions for the most part. Flow of service and restaurant design could have been better. Too loud. We got seated and our order was taken in a reasonable amount of time but took 20 minutes for first tapas and wine to arrive. Next 3 courses arrived about 15 minutes later. We had to remind the waiter about the last course. Should have had more staff in the kitchen for a Saturday night in the Washington,DC suburbs.
(4)
Georgina S.

Tonight we had the lobster paella and it was outrageously delicious. The evening specials are always exquisite! We had the white asparagus and fried baby artichokes with anchovy paste which were exceptional. We have to back again and try the other new menu items recently added. Food here never gets boring...for sure. This restaurant is the best in Bethesda!
(5)
Bethany H.

I had a boyfriend once that was a complete jerk. Well, who hasn't? But he was a food snob, so we ate well. He took me to Jaleo's one night for Spanish tapas. It was orgasmic! (made up for some other things) The atmosphere is wonderful, but Jaleo's is no secret; expect to wait.
(5)
Sarah H.

Love this place. We came here with about a dozen people and they were still very nice and accomodating. I'm sorry to report that we were the cause of the noise in the place when we were there, but other than us it wasn't loud at all. Food is wonderful (especially the bacon wrapped dates), sangria is to die for. The service was a little slow. We asked them to bring things out just as they were ready, but there were often big gaps in between waves of food, and they were small waves. Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Sarah W.

There are rotating items, but I think over the years, I've tried about 70% of the menu. This is my family's go-to restaurant for a nice-but-not-upscale-reliably-delicious restaurant. Gotta say, the one menu item I've never tried but always wanted to is the paella. Other than that, my perennial favorites: apple and fennel salad with cheese and walnuts patatas bravas with aioli - this just changed recently, i'm not crazy about the new tomato based sauce accompanying it, but the aioli is tasty! roasted sweet onions with pine nuts - this i just tried for the first time and was fantastic! lambchops fried dates wrapped in bacon - my all-time favorite. if my heart wouldn't explode because of it, i'd eat these babies every day sangria! I can honestly say that I've never had anything *bad* here. Not everything is 5 stars, but it's all tasty and I have never once left disappointed.
(5)
Donna C.

It's hard to believe that this place continues to get better... Been going there before/after movies since Landmark Cinema opened, and went again last night. Service was great and the food was the best it's been in recent visits. I recommend, as always, the manchego and apple salad, which has been recently updated to include a few walnuts and shaved fennel. YUMMY!! I also recommend a new dish of brussels sprouts with serrano ham (not much so it doesn't overpower)...small sweet sprouts made better by a nice tangy coating - must've had some vinegar in it...tasty good. My only suggesting is that they offer dipping sauce options for the friend calamari....the garlic aioli is getting boring and isn't too subtle. And of course there are great margaritas and good sangria!
(4)
Garry C.

I have decided Jaleo is a much better drink destination as opposed to a dining one. I like tapas, in fact, I love tapas at the right place. Some of the food at Jaleo is really good, but all-in-all it is overpriced for something not that spectacular. But for drinking, I think it is just that spectacular. I love their red sangria...apple and orange slices in a not too overpowering red wine mixture. The white sangria is my fave though. Be prepared to dish out the big bucks since you can only get it in a half or full pitcher. It is delicious cava, brandy, strawberries, mint, and maybe some apple juice. Also be prepared to stumble out of there. We went on Saturday when the weather was gorgeous and sat outside to watch bustling Bethesda. It is also nice to sit up at the nice bar. The bartenders are always very attentive and you can get tapas their as well if the mood strikes. Probably the best bet is for happy hour with discounted sangria and wine.
(3)
Pat R.

My boyfriend took me to Jaleo Friday night 12/10/10 and we had a wonderful time. We got there 30 minutes prior our reservations and the host sat us immediately by the window. I was amazed how packed the place was. Everything from beginning to end was great. Our server was very helpful and always made sure we were doing fine.I will definitely go there again in the future.We tried a lot of dishes. My favorite was the shrimp tapas and the patatas brava's it was delicious!! If you are willing to try something new and different this is the place to go!
(5)
Jennifer L.

On a recent visit with a friend who lives at the edge of DC, we had a late Sunday lunch at Jaleo in Bethesda. It was a lovely day, so we opted for al fresco dining. We started with a 1/2 pitcher of white sangria, which was light and refreshing, with strawberries and fresh mint leaves floating in the carafe. The tapas we ordered were all very good. We had the Pimientos del piquillo relleno de queso y setas (Sweet peppers stuffed with goat cheese and mushrooms) , Tortilla de patatas al momento (Classical Spanish potato & onion omelet), grilled baby corn in a smokey red pepper sauce, Gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), and Calamares a la plancha (Whole squid with mashed potato and pimenton). It was all delicious, and we quite enjoyed ourselves. Jaleo's service was attentive but not overbearing. All in all, a great experience, and now I have a craving for tapas...
(4)
Melody C.

Came here for birthday, small dinner with sister and bf. Long wait, even though we did have a reservation - they still made us take a buzzer. Parking is a hassle in bethesda. food was good - i always love the bacon wrapped dates, but a lot of the food was pretty salty. people love the sangrias. good for groups.
(3)
Frank F.

Mixed experiences. Really enjoyed this place the last time we were there--but the food on prior visits was just OK.
(3)
Sunmy B.

I am definitely a fan of Jaleo's. I love their tapas and I think their prices are just right. The drink specials are awesome, so if you can make it to happy hour, then give it a try. Don't forget to grab a pitcher of Sangria to accompany your meal. The staff is friendly and the servers are attentive. It's a great place to gather a group of friends together and enjoy one another's company over great food and drinks.
(4)
Miguel C.

I really wanted to like this place but........... I liked the location, atmosphere, the sangria, but I was not impressed with the food. It's my first time going to a Spanish restaurant so I have nothing to compare it to but I would say this is one of my least favorite foods. Maybe it was the way if was served, in those little appetizer plates. I expected a meal not something served in multiple small dishes. The food didn't have that "wow" effect and the sangria was just average. Price is a bit on the expensive side for what you get. Coming back again? Maybe for drinks...
(2)
Paolo L.

I don't really get why this is such a highly highly rated Spanish restaurant. The food is generally good, but not spectacular to merit all the awards it has received. The atmosphere is very trendy in both the Bethesda and DC locations, though I have frequented the branch in Bethesda a bit more. Overall, I don't think the food is worth the prices they are asking for... but hey, it's also the ambiance and trendy crowd you are paying for.
(3)
B Z.

I have to say that I am disappointed and kind of peeved this restaurant gets such accolades. The interior is outdated,old feeling and not at all "special" for a chef so well known. It is in need of a facelift and cleaning.just felt drab. I took a day to drive here for a special occasion due to write ups and chef notoriety ....for me, the highlight of meal was the ale for $5. Very good, and bread was nice. Some of my party liked enough to eat so that was good. My biggest complaint--- lukewarm salads that should have been served crisp and fresh , were warm and oily, very oily. If a salad that describes itself as crisp apples fresh citrus etc, I expect cold and fresh , not oily and warm. Please know that menu does not detail what is really in the dishes so if you have dislikes, ASK first. The protein dishes were not freshly made; sorry. Salmon was inedible so fishy it was terrible. Sent back. Duck dish, definitely made ahead of time. Nothing as described. Rice not made fresh to order as one would expect from this chef, and for the price.- the dish just looked pale and not appetizing . So very sad. I watched the person that ordered it eat it and it was a shame he did because it seemed clear it wasn't an exciting plate or pleasing, just edible only. This is how we found all the tapas we ordered... not as described. I will not go back . Waiter was very nice but I don't think he described things the way they were delivered. Made them sound fabulous but kitchen couldnt deliver. He still deserved over 20% which we left. Jose needs to visit his restaurants more......this one is not up to par OR we just ordered the worst items......or came the wrong day. So sorry - I hate writing bad reviews especially for a place we had such high hopes for. But in this area, there's too many great restaurants . This is simply not one of them. Again, I'm sorry. But I'm also disappointed. Gas to drive here is $$$$
(2)
Alex V.

I've been here a few times in the past and have always enjoyed the food. This latest visit, however, left something to be desired. The waiter was slow and sangria weak. The worst: the paella is nothing short of garbage. I've never seen paella like this before and all of my guests ate only one bite before setting down their folks. I can understand trying new twists with traditional dishes, but this was truly horrible. We wanted to google images of paella to show them how far they have strayed. Will probably never go back...too bad.
(1)
Amy T.

I went to Jaleo a couple of years ago during a business trip. Not only was this my first trip to D.C., but it was my first Tapas experience. And what a wonderful Tapas experience to have. We happened to go on an evening when they had live dancers performing in the restaurant (I'm completely ignorant when it comes to Latin dances and what dance they were performing, but it was AWESOME to watch them swirling and moving gracefully and with such powerful emotion throughout the restaurant and between tables). We had paella and the portion was HUGE and the flavors just exploded in my mouth - yum.... We also enjoyed a mushroom dish and calamari and I don't remember what else, but I just remember how much I enjoyed all of the dishes. I also remember that the service was quite good. I went with two colleagues and none of us were really sure of what to order and the waiter was extremely helpful and accommodating. I am one of those people who loves to eat a variety of foods instead of just one main dish, therefore tapas is perfect. The decor was nice, the wait was a bit long, because it was a last minute decision to eat here, but if I am ever in the area again, I'm pretty sure I'd make a point of going back to Jaleo.
(5)
Sam R.

Hit Jaleo this past Saturday, and I can say I came away impressed. The play by play: I had reservations for 6:30 (yes, dammit I know that's early -- but take note they don't take reservations past 6:30, and I didn't really feel like hanging at the CROWDED bar with my date for 2 hours). Of course, my date is running late ... I talk to the hostess and let her know, she knowingly laughs at me and hands me one of those Christmas light coaster things and says no problem. Good, cause the place is packed. Plus one for good customer service. Date arrives around 7:00, and we promptly get seated. Nice. Suckers waiting in line give us some nasty looks, I laugh at them. Sit down, chit chat and look at the menu. It's, uhh, extensive. Not Tolstoy big, but definitely one of the bigger menus I've ever laid eyes on. We end up ordering six dishes ... I can't remember the names much less spell them, but we had sausage, chorizo, potatoes, bread/ham thingy, pork and duck. All were excellent. We even got an extra order of a different potato cheese dish gratis (waitresses mistake), which actually ended up being one of the best dishes we ate. Plus two for the food and service. Heading into the final leg of dinner, we ask for the dessert menu and recommendations. The waitress at this point is being VERY friendly with my date, leaning in a lot closer then normal, hand on the shoulder, whispering sweet dessert nothings into her ear ... HMMMM. No gents, the night didn't end like a typical letter to Penthouse Forum - sorry to disappoint. But, the chocolate mousse and basque cake was good. Plus three 1/2 for dessert and the additional "waitress service" not offered on the menu. So all in all a very nice place -- never rushed, good service, good food and a nice atmosphere. Oh, and the sangria everyone raves about? Pretty good ... but it gave me flashbacks to college and Boone's Farm that all the ladies used to drink. Too sweet for my taste.
(5)
Kelsey V.

I was at Jaleo last night for "Jaleo Hour" where I discovered the red sangria COMES OUT OF A GUN BEHIND THE BAR! This is totally and utterly unacceptable. If I wanted sangria from a gun, I would just buy a carton of Don Simon. This made me so sad.
(3)
Nina S.

I recall really liking this restaurant the first time I visited about 6-7 years ago, but I thought it was just okay this time. We sampled seven little dishes and only 2 were really good (citrus & beet salad, morel mushrooms w/tomato compote). One was just awful (neither of us could stomach the duck breast risotto) and the rest were average dishes (grilled chicken was boring, garlic shrimp - tasty, but it's so easy to just add butter and do this dish well, grilled artichoke, and Iberian steak, which was really fatty, although the potatoes on the side were great). My favorite was the drink I ordered. I forget the name, but it was a mix of gin, honeydew, cucumber and lemon. I think that for the $ we spent, I'm more inclined to try a new restaurant vs. return here, but I'd be happy to test it again with a larger group who might better know what to order. Maybe we didn't order well, but 2 out of 7 is just okay in my book. Update to the above: the sparkling white-wine sangria almost makes up for the lesser than expected food experience - REALLY good drinks here. 5 stars on the drink options. :)
(3)
Katharine M.

Jaleo is our go-to restaurant in Bethesda. We usually eat at the bar, just cause it's quicker, and the bartenders are fun to hang out with. And the happy hour is a good deal! I love that, for as long as I've been coming here, I can always find something new on the menu I haven't tried. I definitely have my favorites I keep coming back to, like the bacon wrapped dates (my vegetarian friend makes an exception for those dates, oh man they're so good!), the endives with goat cheese and mandarin oranges, the patatas bravas, and the apple, fennel, and manchego salad. And, of course, the sangria. Great place to bring friends who come to visit, in-laws, etc. Sharing tapas is fun, it's social, and the food and service are reliably good.
(5)
Nicolas. L.

I had a bad experience here. The waiter was a total idiot. He knew absolutely nothing about the food and was slow, kept forgeting we existed and when we did ask for something he would have to be reminded three times. The food should have made up for that, but...it was just...ok. Nothing to get excited about. I was disappointed all around.
(1)
Becky F.

Jaleo had me at the pitcher of Sangria. Though not the best I ever had, the price was right. We were seated immediately, the waiter was fantastic and always there to refill the water- and that pitcher of Sangria. The Paella left something to be desired... The Tapas on the other hand, were great. I would go back just for the sangria and tapas and skip out on an actual entree or paellla.
(4)
Morgan W.

Our lunch here was ok. The tapas weren't the best I've ever had, with the chorizo dish being almost inedible. The bacon wrapped dates were a highlight, and the boyfriend really enjoyed his beet salad. Our server was very nice and gave us a lot of great recommendations for other restaurants in the area. This seems like a good place to go for happy hour or maybe to get a couple of tapas before or after a movie, but I am not certain that I would stop in for a lunch or dinner again.
(3)
James R.

had not been here in years and was surprisingly impressed. the average tapas place is like the average sushi joint: uninspired menu, mediocre execution, very high ratio $:ounce of food. so, as with sushi, when you find a place that either offers a great deal, or provides excellent food at the same price, you've got a rare winner. Jaleo falls into this latter category. Going in I was interested in about 20% of the menu. By the end of the meal, I wanted to try everything. Here's what rocked today: - salt cod, oranges, black olives (definitely my favorite dish of the meal) - sausage and white beans - bacon wrapped figs - shrimp in garlic (a classic that they really deliver on) - fennel/apple salad - anchovy/idiazabal salad whole crushed garlic cloves and rosemary in the olive oil was a nice touch, too, although the bread was unexceptional, as was the sangria
(4)
Angelita Lisandra F.

I've been craving Spanish food since returning from Spain. I'd eaten at the downtown Jaleo many times and loved the food, but it had been too long. Watching Jose Andres's videos on YouTube also whetted my appetite. He's a great character and creative fun chef. Before going out to Jaleo, I read Yelp reviews and ordered accordingly: - Gazpacho - Pimientos del piquillo rellenos de queso/Piquillo peppers filled with goat cheese - Setas al ajillo/Organic Tuscarora Farm mushrooms sautÃ©ed with garlic and herbs (I'm vegetarian) My boyfriend got the: - Gambas al ajillo*/The very, very famous tapa of shrimp sautÃ©ed with garlic and guindilla pepper - Lomo de buey*/Grilled skirt steak with piquillo peppers We also ordered the special fingerling potatoes with cilantro sauce (based on reviews that the patatas bravas were now chips and not as good as the old style -- a style our server told us would be changing by the end of Nov.08 again) The potatoes and mushrooms and gazpacho were stand-outs from my perspective. We were both EXTREMELY happy and pleased with our meal and FULL. we didn't have room for dessert, but the boyfriend got an espresso. I sampled and thought it tasted a little over-roasted/burned. But he like it and I think that of lots of really dark espresso roasts. Anyway very fun, Delightful, Yumminess that inspired me for weeks! We both want Jose Andres' cookbooks now! OH, and there was a line. Reservations would help ya. But so would patience and not arriving too hungry. They were precise with their estimate on when a table would be available to us. we waited not a minute longer than the estimate.
(5)
Michael W.

Jaleo looks like the perfect tapas restaurant. It is trendy, has a nice vibe to it, the service is good, it is popular (the owner/chef is a TV star) and the food is not too bad. Nevertheless, to be sincere, I never liked it so much since I always though the place was some sort of poshy and pricy pub with pseudo-fancy food which my wife used to fancy. So, why give it only one star? Well...last week we went to Jaleo in Bethesda to celebrate a friend's new job and my friends and wife made the mistake of ordering the Shrimp Paella. To make a long story short, a few hours after we arrived home, she started feeling sick and had one of the worst food poisonings I have ever seen (three days stuck at home and no eating). Since my wife is nursing our little baby, this was a huge nuisance and made us really worried. Unfortunately we are pretty sure it was Jaleo's food that caused the food poisoning since we don't go out often and, on that week, that was the first and only restaurant we ate in. Because of what happened, we contacted Jaleo by email but got no answer. Therefore I would highly recommend NOT going to Jaleo, specially for its sea food dishes. PS: At the time I wrote this review, Jaleo hadn't contacted us, but one week later they contacted us by email and were very polite in their response. They said that they investigated what happened but did not receive any other complaints on that particular day or did not find out any abnormalities. Nevertheless, they offered us a complimentary dinner which we still didn't use. Because of that I increased their rating to two stars instead of one.
(2)
Jenny L.

Went here for Happy Hour last week for the first time. Decent happy hour specials. Great sangria though. Okay place - not too memorable. Don't know if I'll be back for an actual meal.
(3)
Suzanne S.

Jaleo is the best place to go for...sangria...dinner with friends...a first date...just about any occasion. The sangria is the best I've ever tasted (except when I make their recipe a little stronger). They really capitalized on the tapas craze, but the DC location has been around for a long time. The owner, Jose Andres, is a fixture in DC, with 3 Jaleos, Zaytinya, Cafe Atlantico, and Oyamel under his name. Each restaurant is special in its own way, but I think Jaleo is his best as it is true to his culture. Having studied in Spain, this is where I go to get foods you can't find anywhere else like "Pan con tomate y jamon serrano" (procuitto on tomato bread) and Gazpacho, but they also have tapas I never had in Spain like Manzanas y manchego, a wonderfully flavorful apples and cheese salad. I bring my version to about every party I go to and it is always a hit. My favorite dishes besides the ones I've already mentioned: --Ensaladilla Rusa - Potato and Tuna salad (sounds horrible but it's amazing, especially to soak up the sangria) --Camarones al alijo --Arroz con setas --Lamb chops - they come with a rosemary sauce that is to die for --Calamares - this is the standard for calamari --Espinacas --Patatas Bravas Don't forget to start with the bread and olive oil and make room for dessert. The Hazelnut Torte is amazing.
(5)
amy c.

We came to Jaleo with friends. This was our FIRST time at a tapas bar. Amazing! The sangria was great, white and read. The tapas, they were wonderful. We had a huge selection from the menu since we were sharing with friends. One of my favorites and a recommendation if you eat brussel sprouts was the Warm Brussel Sprout Salad. The calmari was also to die for! Would hightly recommend!
(5)
Daniel C.

I've been to Jaleo a few times and while it's always fine, it's just never as good as I think it ought to be based on reputation, prices and sister restaurants. So it's the standard small plate fare that you get at all the Jose Andres restaurants, and it's all tasty enough but there's really nothing outstanding about it. I originally went with high hopes as I'm a big fan of Zaytinya and Oyamel, but this just didn;t do it for me. Recently went to Sol de Espana further out along Rockville Pike where you can get similar fare which is much more delicious. So while there's nothing wrong with the place and the food is tasty enough, there are better places you can go.
(3)
Coimhin B.

Jaleo is a bit of a mixed bag, but I like it. Some of the dishes are fantastic (like the chicken with pureed parsley), but others leave you feeling a little cheated. For this reason, you can certainly feel ripped off the first time you visit if you make poor choices. The best option is to go with friends who can show you around the menu a bit. Honestly, I tend to frequent Jaleo mostly for their happy hours, when you can get a selection of tapas (as well as Sangria and wine) for half price. This makes it an affordable social snacking venue as otherwise it could certainly burn a sizeable hole in your wallet.
(4)
Anvy N.

Jaleo serves the worst tapas I've ever had in all of my life. Granted, it may be unfair to compare this place to the restaurants I've frequented in SF, NYC, and Houston, but I figured Jaleo would be decent given it's high ratings. It didn't meet my (already low) expectations. The food: Quail with apple, pork, and foie gras stuffing: inadequately described on the menu .. I didn't taste any pork and definitely NO FOIE GRAS in the stuffing .. false advertising much? instead the quail was stuffed with walnuts (?!) and apple .. they didn't mention that there would be nuts in the stuffing .. the stuffing was basically ALL nuts and some apple (and the sweetness was overpowering and did not complement the quail) .. i could not discern nor taste any meat at all in the stuffing .. the breast meat was pink and raw and tasted horrible compared to the parts that were cooked .. when I made this complaint to my waitress, she said "oh it's just really, really tender because of the apples" ... does that make any sense? tender meat shouldn't be mushy and foul-tasting. potatos: the cafeteria at my hospital makes better potato wedges (I'm dead serious) .. they got so wet from the tobasco sauce, and I spit out the aioli in my napkin because it tasted like a big hunkin' heap of fat .. which is a shame because i love aioli chorizo on top of garlic mashed potatos: this was good .. but sadly something we could've made at home pork and foie gras cannelloni: again, lies ... where was the foie gras? this didn't taste bad (like the quail), but wasn't worth it at all. The service: A complete joke. The service was terrible! I don't want to be a snob but I've had better service at hole-in-the-wall joints where the waiters have at least tried everything on the menu and can describe the food well. It was obvious that our waitress had not tried much of the plates that I asked about and could not give even a single recommendation as to what is good or popular. I should've taken that as an early warning sign. I try to keep my reviews objective and try not to insult or disparage anyone, but the hostess was a miserable idiot. In a restaurant with NO OTHER diners, she seated us by the kitchen where we could see everyone working, and we had to get up and remove ourselves and sit by the window .. we had requested a booth (there were at least 3 in the restaurant), and the hostess said that it was reserved .. well guess what?! during our entire meal at Jaleo, no one took that booth! what did we do to deserve such treatment?
(1)
Allix B.

I went to Jaleo in Bethesda for the first time on Saturday evening. We started off with a carafe of their sangria - which was delicious. The food items that we had for dinner, however, were not as fantastic as I had hoped. The fried baby artichokes and chorizo wrapped in potato were both very good, but the eggplant and chicken pesto left something to be desired. If you're looking for tapas in the area, I prefer La Tasca in Rockville Town Square.
(3)
linda d.

I had heard about this amazing tapas place in Bethesda, so when a friend was in town for business we decided to try out this place. The nice thing about tapas is that you end up feeling satisfied by the end of the meal without feeling like you've gorged yourself with food. Or at least that's how I feel about tapas. The small plates were tasty and they have little olives for you to snack on as well. It is definitely on the pricier end, so be ready to have a slightly lighter wallet on your way out.
(4)
Jeff G.

Jaleo in Bethesda is definitely unlike any tapas bar in Spain, but that's ok because the atmosphere is excellent and the food is top notch. Upon entering the restaurant, you are overwhelmed by the warm tones that permeate the place and the massive murals on the wall. The huge bar at the center of the restaurant gives homage to the roots of the tapa. Be prepared to wait, because there's usually a crowd. I suggest a drink at the bar, though the sangria is ho-hum. Service here is generally attentive, but fairly brusque. The waiters are pretty no-nonsense and are more interested in getting the food out than being friendly (fine by me). The food is wonderful and really keeps with the tapas from Spain (side note, I spent a lot of time in Spain a few years ago and ate at many a tapas bar, so I'm a bit of a tapas snob, but probably for no real reason). You must order the tortilla espanola, pan con tomate, pulpo de gallego, and the patatas bravas. Everything else is up to you, but you should try anything with anchovies and basically any seafood dish that they have. This is a great place to go with a group, but beware your wallet because you will spend a lot here, even if you do not think that the bill will be that high. ******UPDATE******* So, my wife and I went to Jaleo last night, and we were somewhat disappointed. It's possible that they were having an off night, but the overall experience was not very good. We had a reservation at 8:00, but the people at the host stand seemed frantic in trying to find us a table, and the one that we were given was not that great. Our waitress was completely out of her mind and it took her nearly 10 minutes to even take our drink order. We were ready to walk out. The most disappointing part was the food. Gambas al ajillo, a staple tapa were TERRIBLE. There was no garlic flavor and the shrimp was barely warm. Pulp de Gallego, one of my favorite spanish dishes, had way too much paprika and was not hot. Overall, I'm going to have to reduce my rating down a star for last night's experience. Hopefully Jaleo will work to get its act back together, until then I will visit other tapas spots in the city.
(3)
Jay K.

I don't have much experience with Spanish tapas, but this place was pretty good. I had the red sangria and it was ok, although the fruit in it was delicious. Some plates I have tried here are Manzanas, which is slice apple salad with cheese. This was very unique and pretty good. The calamari here is very delicious and probably my favorite plate I had here. I also tried a chicken dish, which was very tasty, but very small in portion. I also had other seafood dishes, which were decent enough, but not memorable. Overall, this place is okay and I am sure those who are a fan of these types of food will enjoy it very much.
(3)
Becky T.

This was my first time having tapas and they were all really delicious. It's a great place to go with friends and for everyone to share a little bit of everything. My favorite were the potato pancakes and the duck with poached pears were amazing. The paella was ok, a little too saffron intensive for my taste. The downside to this place is that because it was tapas the portions were really small, yet still cost $5-8 for each. It would be cheaper to dim sum.
(4)
Ashley M.

i can't add much apart from what's already been said, so I will say this: Jaleo is probably my favorite restaurant in Bethesda and the food is far superior to La Tasca.
(5)
Nan W.

Perpetually bored by the task of making one's way through an oversized entree, bite after same-old-same-old bite, we adore small plates. And Jaleo does small plates quite nicely - even extremely well. Our party of five snagged the nice table in the back corner, hard by the kitchen - surprisingly the quietest corner, where conversation was not only possible, but pleasant. We each ordered 2 tapas. Okay, I ordered 3 - I was feeling peckish. The plates arrived in no particular order, which encouraged leisurely grazing accompanied by conversation. It's really fun to wait and see what they'll bring next, like opening your presents at your 9th birthday party. By far the best one was the watermelon with goat cheese. What can I say. YUM. This plate was succeeded by a bowl heaped with little potatoes, perfectly cooked till just tender but without a hint of mush, with a terrific green sauce alongside that I suspect may have contained a smidgen or seven of garlic, along with copious cilantro. These adorable little tubers got popped by the entire party. The one dish that disappointed was a little omelet with mushrooms. If it had a flavor, that flavor pretty much eluded my taste buds. My friend was mad for the dates wrapped in a reddish-brown substance that (my husband claims) comes from the bark of the bacon tree. All this and more went down wonderfully with a bottle of Cava, a light sparkler selling that night for $20. All in all, we had a lovely festive time and spent around $20 per head, tax and tip included - pretty reasonable! Was it a massive oversized meal, complete with the usual congealed leftovers dumped unappetizingly into a styrofoam container for tomorrow's lunch? If that's your idea of a good restaurant, pass Jaleo by. But if you enjoy grazing on a wide variety of imaginatively prepared dishes that won't break the bank, sampling and savoring bites of this and that, Jaleo is a must-visit. PS. I was too full, after 3 plates, for the desserts. But a bite never hurt anyone. They all tasted great.
(4)
Raymond W.

You can't really rightfully judge a tapas place when you only order 2 items so I will give them a 4 based on the food I did have. I ordered a shirt steak and roasted red pepper, eggplant, and sweet onion tapas dishes. Ordering 3 plates is a much better bet for a full meal, but it will easily be more than $20. If you are a bigger eater, prepare to shell out some dough. Food wise, Jaleo was excellent as I was eating bread with the leftover steak sauce, and the Calamari my friend ordered had a perfect fried crust. Next time I dine at Jaleo I'll be sure to bring more hungry stomachs.
(4)
Gers A.

Decent tapas. What makes it fun are the sangrias with friends. Oh, and the figs wrapped in bacon with a pinenut aren't bad either ! I much prefer the Chinatown location, however. In Bethesda, you have too many teenyboppers walking around. And though Bethesda is very diverse and progressive, too many U of M alums with uber- fraternity and sororities social mentality , which is why I much prefer the downtown location.
(3)
Steve F.

Quite friendly, with very tasty food. Favorites included the bacon-wrapped dates and the goat cheese filled red peppers. Both the red and white sangria were quite tasty, though our table preferred the white (light and sweet). The only thing that was a bit of a miss was the baby potatod with green sauce.
(4)
Olivia L.

Went on a Saturday night (it was prom night -- apparently the hip prom kids were here too) and sat at the bar. No wait, and we got our favorite bartender. The patatas bravas are no longer chips, they're hunks of fingerling potatoes. Yay! But I write this review not about the food or drink, but the clientele. I am sooo glad that I'm not single, cruising the mean streets of the DC metro area. So we're sitting at the bar, and there's this guy next to me who is clearly by himself, nursing gin and tonics. White dress shirt fresh from the cleaners, and looks clean cut. Seems like a nice guy. Ok, so he orders his 2nd drink and asks for the check -- in passable Spanish. Finally (she must have been an hour late), this flashy girl comes in and it's sooo clearly a blind date. He offers her his seat (bonus point) and she doesn't take it, but just stands at the bar assertively. She gets carded and pulls out a Gucci wallet, and then quizzes him on what kind of car he drives...it's a smart car (ding ding ding!). She pushes, and he admits that he got the smart car for financial reasons (more alarm bells for her). Now his buzzer goes off and they move toward a table, but she hasn't paid for her drink yet -- he says, "Have you paid for that?" and the glare he gets, o my! But he recovers quickly, with a "Let me get this for you." The bartender (a class act), insists that it her drink is on the house. And off they go.
(4)
Jonathan E.

This is the TGI Friday's of Tapas. The service though is terrible. You never know when the food is coming and in what order and sometimes they bring all your food within 30 minutes and they there will be another 30 minute wait for just one moe dish. You always wonder if they screwed it up or forgot. I've often had to go to the bar while sitting down to get a drink b/c the waiter ignored us. Not fine dining, more like TGI Friday's in service and food quality.
(3)
Eric M.

very clean, fresh, and light. the scallops were cooked perfectly and had the perfect sauce to go with it. it didn't overwhelm the delicate flavor of the scallop. definitely try the octopus. it was boiled perfectly and melts in your mouth. hangar steak was awesome. the cod was one of the most unique dishes i've had in a while. the method of cooking is different. it cooks the cod fully, but it comes out almost like a sashimi. the shrimp in garlic sauce came out a bit salty, but other than that, the meal, service and sangria were excellent! great location too. interested in trying Chef Andres' other restaurants too.
(4)
Mona G.

I came here for lunch with some co-workers during restaraunt week. Although the food was delicious, the service was horrible!!! The place wasnt packed at all so we expected it to take normal lunch hour time. My friend received her last course of the three courses exactly one hour and 20 minutes after we had first sat down. She couldnt even finish her food and we ended up being late back to work.
(2)
Juju J.

This is probably one of the most overrated places to eat in DC (area). Maybe it's way past its hay day, but he tapas we ordered were just so-so. Most of the stuff was swimming in oil or mayo to disguise the aging recipes and possibly the cheaper ingredients in the food. The service was fine and decor was ok. However, I think next time if I want Spanish tapas I might check out La Tosca, which is cheaper and probably as good if not better.
(2)
Vivian K.

so my first experience in a DC tapas place was at Jaleo's and let's just say that when you come here pre drunk, after brunch, on a sunday, around 4... this is not the place to be.. and quite frankly.. they definitely didn't hit HIGH expectations.. TRAVEL LOG 3:45pm: walked into jaleo with chang w. , his coworker and wife, and someone else i believe but i was too drunk to remember. went straight to the bar and asked if we could get a table.. the bartender laughed because he saw we were wasted and directed a waitress to seat us. 4:00pm: sat down atta table near the window so that we could people watch. other patrons in the restaurant were giving us the stare down because it's in bethesda and they can't believe that people could be drunk on a sunday afternoon.. waitress gave us the menu and asked for the drink specials. 4:10pm: chang's coworker orders a screwdriver for his russian wife, and we order a pitcher of sangria for the table. waitress tries to be friendly with us "roughin's" and chang's coworkers says a raunchy joke.. to which we all laugh.. but not because it was funny.. but because we were drunk 4:25pm: the sangria is placed on the table, and it's strong so we're downin' it like water.. the 2 bloody marys and 1 guiness i had before is still making my head swirl.. i decide to forgo the bathroom because i'm afraid to trip. 4:35pm: we laugh and joke about all topics.. conversation flows very well... other patrons, mostly 65 and older, shake their heads and try to cover their ears. waitress politely tells us that she won't be serving us anymore... to which we were disappointed, however, the new waitor a big 6'1 guy comes over to ask if we need anything else. 5:00pm: conversation continues and then we get some free tapas.. we think we hit the jackpot however, the manager comes by to politely tell us that after we finish these potato fried thingies that we will haveta pay the bill and leave. confusion sets in, and we ask why.. and he states that we've offended our previous waitress.. and we were being too loud... realization sets in as we remember that the coworker said something about being naked to the waitress.. we give him a dirty look since he's the one that got us kicked out now.. 5:10pm: we're officially kicked out.. and those potato thingies weren't that good either.. HA! .. we jump on the metro to finish the nite in dupont. MORAL OF STORY: don't go to jaleo if you wanna have fun, go there for a dinner date or something, because it's not really set up for the 'lounge scene' and 'lounge convo' ... tapas weren't that great and kinda expensive.. and since it's in bethesda you can get some pretentious people in there.. also, don't make jokes with the waitress about being naked when your wife's sitting next to you.. you can get you and your party kicked out..
(3)
Maren P.

The food at Jaleo is pretty good; the fact that I'm a big fan of the whole 'small plate/tapas' setup is a big part of it. The restaurant was super crowded on a Saturday night, and it definitely felt a bit hectic - food came out in a reasonable amount; however, any special requests (milk, butter, etc) took a bit longer. Everything was very perfunctory and satisfactory - I guess I was hoping for a bit of ambiance and some warm and fuzzies.
(3)
Jackie B.

The competition is always between whether Jaleo is better or if La Tascua is. I'd have to say La Tascua is way better all around. The prices at Jaleo range from $5 to $8 for tapas. Pretty reasonable prices. Too bad the tapas aren't very good. I thought they were super salty. and then I had to drown the salty taste with bitter sangria. yuck. Whatever you do, don't bother with most of the potato dishes. We got two of them and they were not what I expected. The patatas bravas ended up being potato chips with a red sauce and globs of aioli sauce on top. The other dish was suppose to be chrizo with potatoes. It ended up tasting like those little sausages [smokies?] with a potato chip wrapped around it. The calamari we got was salty and it came with the same aioli sauce that the potato chips had on them. The boy really liked the shrimp which I thought were alright. Not much flavor to them. Weird since it was suppose to be the "favorite". I gave it two stars because the place was nice and the serves was pretty good. But that was about it. I'd rather go some place else for Tapas.
(2)
Jason J.

I've eaten at other branches of Jaleo and always had good experiences, but the Bethesda branch has some rough edges. Brought the family her on a Saturday. The food was wildly inconsistent. Patatas Bravas and the beet salad were excellent, but the scrambled eggs with mushrooms (a brunch special) was horribly over-salted. We couldn't eat a bite. The real shocker, though, is that after we sent it back they didn't take it off our bill! That's really appalling. It was only $6.50, but just on principle we're never going back. Downtown Bethesda has plenty of choices where the customer is treated better.
(1)
Holly C.

Nice place to meet friends for drinks and appetizers, small plates right! They have the best sangria, hmmmm. Get creative with what you order and you shouldn't be disappointed. The interior is way cool, and the staff was decent. Hard to miss on the corner and parking is right there, so why not try it out.
(4)
Bob V.

Got Jose Andres? No? Well, get thee to Jaleo in Bethesda for great tapas. My friends savored the whole calamari de pelayo lovely in light olive oil and lemon; just right and not fussed over. The arroz cremona is really a delicious imposter masquerading as risotto with mushrooms and iztal cheese. The "Daniel Patrick Moynihan" is a cheeky poke at a blonde, large sausage on white beans: (wink)! The staff, including host Mardin, were fun, gracious and very welcoming. Check it out!
(3)
Bala L.

I've been there twice. This is the first and only place I've tried Spanish/Portuguese cuisine. The first time I went there with colleagues for lunch. It seemed as though the food portions were small. But with a couple of appetizers and six entrees for the six of us, we were full! Not full in an overstuffed kind-of-way, but we all felt we had just enough food to stay awake after lunch! The food itself was fresh and tasty, and I found the combinations interesting (apples, apricots, dates in spiced entrees?). The cheese appetizer was good as well, and their chocolate cake was wonderful (not too sweet, good for dark chocolate lovers). Pretty big place for a restaurant in downtown Bethesda. We didn't try the tapas.
(4)
Bruno C.

best tapas in town (at least from what I have experienced). descent prices. usually good service. overall a good food experience.
(4)
Hello H.

Tapas and sangria weren't bad, but as with most tapas places, Jaleo is, in my opinion, way overpriced for the amount you actually eat. If you are at all $ conscious, you probably shouldn't go here on an empty stomach. For me, the quality of the food and the price are the two main criteria for a high rating. Atmosphere was nice, though, and the servers were all friendly.
(3)
SAM d.

I went there the other night and it was disappointing. The food was very average. The cod fritter is nasty. I didn't enjoy it at all. I had better experience there and I didn't recall the food being this bad. This is not a cheap place either.
(2)
Renato S.

drink specials for happy hour are nice, especially if you enjoy wine, but I don't. Don't come for the food, calamari was wayyy to salty, the chicken fritters were just bad.
(3)
Audrey W.

Tapas! Love the DC location for all the District has to offer but the Bethesa spot is closer!
(4)
Chris C.

I love this Jaleo! The food, while expensive, is very, very well prepared, and I have never not enjoyed a stay. I like to come here with groups to celebrate birthdays and holidays, and the tapas environment is the best way to easily share our time.
(5)
Jen L.

I normally do not eat Spanish food, so I can't really rate the food accurately. Bad: The prices for the portions were high. The food was okay. I was still hungry. Good: The decor was trendy and enticing.
(2)
Brynn D.

this used to be my favorite restaurant 4 years ago when i lived in the DC area. i revisited this past weekend on a trip back home to visit friends/family/dentist/fireworks and was slightly (ever so) let down. i used to drool over those apples+manchego and the current version (while wildly different + endlessly more complex) is just as pleasing. however the patatas bravas are now glorified potato chips in catsup. the garlic shrimp are about the same and still delicious. i didn't see my old fave portobello mushroom dish and i regret that i didn't get the current mushroomy offering. the monkfish was buttery and rich but lacked any other dimension. the bread has lost its super-crusty rustic edge. red sangria was strong and delicious. my fruit soup dessert was good but not as decadent as i remember they used to be. in general my visit was very mixed but the way i remember the dishes i remember are better than what i recently experienced.
(3)
Natalie F.

The white sangria is amazing! It takes like the most delicious champagne with fresh mint and strawberries and something else I can't put my finger on. I tried the mushroom dish and the beet salad. It was so incredible. The olives and bread were awesome too! It's very pricey though, get ready to spend some money. A pitcher of the white sangria is 27.00. It's so worth it though:)
(5)
Anne D.

Arriving right at last call (10PM on a Monday night) we were encouraged to order (quickly), but were not made to feel that we were inconveniencing anyone -- which I appreciated. Got a glass of their Tempranillo (Los Cantos), and it was delicious, so we ordered another. It was the last glass and last bottle, so the bartender gave it to us on the house, another nice touch. I was afraid that given the expansion over the last years (and Jose's attention elsewhere) that it would start to feel chain-y, but with friendly service and solid food I think it's still a good option. One tapas we got stood out: sauteed cauliflower - firm to the bite and super savory.
(3)
Tom T.

You can't go wrong with the food here. Price is a little steep, but it's Bethesda so whatcha gonna do?
(4)
Gretchen D.

Let me preface this review by saying I'd normally give Jaleo 3.5 stars, but since you can't do halves, I'll give them the benefit of the doubt with four stars since I plan on a return trip. That being said... I've been trying to get to Jaleo for a while now. Heard good things about it, it just didn't happen. But it's birthday weekend AND they extended their Restaurant Week specials, so heeeeeeellyeah! Its karma, baby!! Friday night reservations at the Bethesda location are must because the place definitely gets crowded. We were good to go, and quickly ordered a pricey (in my opinion) full carafe of sangria. However, I will say that it was the 'carafe that kept on giving' - my glass never seemed empty and the beverage was quite yummy! On to the food!! The traditional seafood stew was tasty, but a bit salty. But the gazpacho - holy crapinoli! SOOO GOOD! It was fresh and light - the perfect blend of tomato, cucumber, cilantro and I think I even tasted a bit of crÃ¨me fraiche in there! YUM! Next we tried the roasted sweet onions sprinkled with pine nuts, blue cheese and a bit of balsamic vinegar. Eh - you live and learn. Next!! The organic egg topped with caviar and served with toasted brioche - very good, although the toasted brioche was a little overpowering, thus the caviar couldn't truly be appreciated. The seared bay scallops with sofrito, Serrano ham and wine was a little too oily, and the texture was a bit mushy, IMO. The grilled quail with rosemary sauce and honey alioli was tasty, but the presentation left much to be desired. It was like looking at a grilled bloated frog spread-eagle on a plate garnished with rosemary (see pic). Just doesn't make you want to eat it. But eat it, we did - after laughing at it. It was 'okay' thanks to the accompanying sauces - or maybe it was the sangria making us all giddy...? We also ordered some organic marinated mushrooms and a garlic shrimp dish. Both were wonderful - no sangria needed. Overall, I was glad to finally visit Jaleo, and I'll definitely go back for seconds and thirds - if only for the gazpacho, it's worth it! The ambiance was great, the location is terrific, and the staff was wonderful (thanks Laura L.)! We had a great time.
(4)
Sam H.

I came here again after a 1.5 year break just because a friend and I couldn't decide what to eat in bethesda. Especially since we were on a mission to hit up every single Happy Hour join that the 301 has to offer. So... since we pretty much tried all the restaurants of the street and had one left. Jaleos.. (the owner was on NPR the other day talking about food) Dissapointingly this place didn't really have a decent happy hour menu or one dedicated for such. Just a few food here and there that was a buck off or so. To talk about this place, what makes a great Tapas place is always their ingredients. And i have to say Jaleos does seem to use pretty decently fresh ingredients. Kinda feels like your taking a bite of nature in the middle of the city. As for over all quality of food... (pretty heavy on the wallet for those who have a decent appetite) Taste wise... well average. I'll come again but... only after I walk around the streets of bethesda a few more times and run out of palces to eat. Not a must have but... a good enough. :)
(3)
Kyla C.

We wanted to check this place out since we've never been to a Jose Andres restaurant before. We got some delicious classic sangria to drink and about 6 tapas to share. My least favorite was the special of cherry tomatoes stuffed with lump crab meat. The taste was just off and not my favorite. All of the others I liked though: bread with machego cheese, fried eggplant, chorizo with pureed potatoes (super creamy), fried bacon wrapped figs and (my husbands favorite) duck breast with rice and duck confit (really rich but good). Overall I was pleased with the food and had a good experience. Wish he had a restaurant closer to home.
(4)
andres l.

Great place to eat but only if you are not looking for the authentic thing. Jaleo could be describe as part Spanish fusion food part authentic Spanish food. Chef Jose tries to please Americans palate with "tapas modernas" but if you really want to taste the real Spanish flavor order some of the "tapas clasicas", like the "croquetas de pollo", "tortilla de patatas" or "gambas al ajillo" and of course you can not forget the "Sangria", very nice and sweet. Best time to go is with a group, everyone order two tapas and pass them along.
(4)
Bryony B.

I went here during restaurant week for lunch and it was yummy. I got the endive, goat cheese and almond plate...wow it was delicious. The bacon wrapped figs are always a favorite. There was a thyme onion soup that was not that great, no flavor. I also liked these little sausages wrapped in what seemed like chips. I would say there is a variety of yummy dishes to try although every dish isn't always spectacular. I didn't get to try the dessert since I had to leave early but I was pleased with the Sangria!!
(4)
Sam D.

Went there many time, but the last time that I was there was a big disappointment. Most likely, won't be going back for the food. I feel that the food was not as flavorful. I have been going there since 2002. The ambiance is nice and definitely a great place to impress a first date.
(2)
Thuy L.

This place is fun if you want to try something new, but the food really is not that great. I've probably only had 1 or 2 small dishes that I liked. And please, do yourself a favor and do not get their paella. At least not the paella with the lobster. It's not lobster. It's lagostinos. Read: small 2 inch long "lobsters" aka crawfish. Save your money and go to another tapas place.
(2)
Michael H.

Another, of many, excellent dinner and sangria thanks to the superb veteran server, Laura. She is so attentive and beautiful. Some of my friends have shied away from the delicious " omelet " as often it can be cold in Spain. Here it is fresh , warm and completely memorable. Never even once had the slightest problem with any dish here. Ole Jose!!!
(5)
D H.

Eating at Jaleo right now. Food is mediocre. Do not order the paella! It's very greasy. Service is meh. Took a very long time to get the food to us. I had to ask 3 times before my stuff arrived. Staff doesn't seem to remember our orders or what we've asked for. It doesn't seem like they're short on staff either. I wouldn't mind much if the food want good but the service was better then that would have accommodated the lack of taste in the food. The only thing good was the apple salad. Oh well.
(2)
Kevin F.

Having been here before, I was excited to return. Jaleo has so much cachet that it's oozing from the Yelp reviews. Well, I suppose cachet is enough to carry 4 or more stars in Maryland, but not where I'm from. I had the stuffed dates, cauliflower, pepper w goat cheese and a lovely Garracha wine I can't find! Jaleo (Behesda) has become too chain-y, too blasÃ© and informal. It's more like a Mexican restaurant than an elegant go-to place. I had a nice time, but it really lacked the soul that would set it apart
(3)
Ali B.

Oh Jose. Teach your managers to save a few tables for foot traffic. Totally empty table seating only to be offered bar seating. I'm sure your menu holds up but this is disappointing + several parties left as we did.
(3)
Lisa S.

Over the past year, Jaleo has become my favorite happy hour spot. They do happy hour Sunday through Friday, from 4:30-7pm, and 10pm-midnight on Saturday. The happy hour specials include $4 tapas (from a limited list), and drinks for $4-8. Every time I've come, it has been easy to get a table in the bar area. A few times, it's been crowded when we left, but no issues if you get there on the early side. Service is pretty hit-or-miss in the bar area, and the chairs in the bar are quite uncomfortable. However, the food, drink, and atmosphere mostly make up for the service hiccups and uncomfortable chairs! My favorite $4 tapas include a mini burger, fried bacon-wrapped dates, and fried calamari with garlic aioli. One of my friends swears by their chicken fritters, but I haven't tried them yet. I haven't been here for dinner yet, but I did attend a large event here where food was served and about half of the restaurant was reserved for us. They did a great job at the event- the service and paella were the two things I remember most well about the night! So if you're throwing a larger event, you might want to look into Jaleo. Definitely one of the better spots for happy hour in Bethesda!
(4)
Janet L.

I'm a fan of the Jaleo in DC and I'm a fan of this location too. I came here with a friend one evening and only tried two of the dishes here - their paella and their octopus/fingerling potatoes dish. Both are wonderful. The octopus dish is one of my favorite dishes at Jaleo and it must be the paprika (is that what it is?) combine with that almost light, buttery sauce that really makes it great! The service was great the evening that we went. We were seated at the time of our reservation. No long waits or anything. Desert was delicious! Wines were great! I'll definitely be back when I can afford to splurge again.
(4)
Kat F.

Came here for an event that my apartment building was putting on. I have been so excited to try this place out for almost two years now. It definitely didn't live up to my expectations, especially considering the fact that it's a celebrity chef's restaurant. None of the dishes we tried were really anything great. Fennel salad was the worst. Potato omelet was my favorite, mainly because it reminded me of something my mom used to make for me as a kid. Bacon wrapped dates were way too sweet. The pizza-looking manchego, tomato paste and bread thing was pretty disappointing. There was something deep fried with cheese that wasn't bad. I don't think I've ever actually had paella, but it was not as good as I had hoped (though the previous Yelp reviews had warned me that it wasn't going to be very good). It tasted like something I could make myself in a cast-iron skillet. Luckily we caught the tail-end of happy hour, so we were able to try the red sangria and Moscow mule at decent prices ($5 and $8, respectively). I'm just glad we didn't have to pay for any of the food, since it really wasn't any good. I checked the menu and the tapas are incredibly overpriced. If I'm in the mood for Spanish tapas, I'll stick to Barcelona in DC.
(3)
Charlotte Anne B.

Good for happy hour. I went yesterday with people from work. The food was fine. I am not a tapas person. Frequently, I think for what restaurants charge neither the quality nor quantity is there. However, this place has great specials between 4:30 and 7 pm. My coworkers ordered the sangria and said it didn't have much kick to it, but it was tasty. This is actually a plus since many of us would be driving later. The service was quite competent and polite. It was a nice time. We were early so it was very quiet, but I could see it being particularly fun when it picked up later in the evening. The long list of happy hour food specials was nice. I will have to go some time when it is not happy hour to try a few things on the rest of the menu, but the happy hour deals were too good to pass up. $4 a plate is a great deal.
(4)
Jim P.

We went there for dinner on a crowded Saturday night, and we couldn't believe how good everything was. We were lucky to get a window-side table that was probably the quietest one in the restaurant, and the servers were all unusually nice. Everything from the sangria to the gazpacho to the tapas (salad with garlic-anchovy dressing, codfish balls, roasted onions with feta cheese, chicken with something) to the amazing dessert (chocolate cake with hazelnuts) was just outstanding. We will definitely be going back.
(5)
Sara L.

I know a lot of people are down on this place, so I went in to this meal skeptical. But it turned out really well! We stopped in for lunch on our way to a movie and it was a nice, not-too-trendy dining experience. The problem is there are too many menu choices so it's probably easy to go wrong. To help you decide, we had: Apple and fennel salad - Very good! Spinach with raisins and apples - Tasty, but not for everyone. You have to really like cooked spinach. Chick pea stew - Just so so Shrimp with garlic - Tasty, but nothing special Fried cod balls - Very good! Melon and ham - Very good! The service was good, other than the fact the bussers seemed a bit too eager to clear our table...they took away the bread half way into the meal!
(4)
Michael R.

Great lamb sandwich for lunch but the service was incredibly slow despite few people. Took me 20 min to get my meal and soup. They didn't even try and bring my soup first. maybe it was a bad day for that server. I'll still try again. *update* since trying it again, at least 3 times, they've atoned for their slow service. Great tapas, the food is reasonably priced (you should expect more than average at this place), and the atmosphere is reasonable.
(4)
Emily H.

This is your typical Bethesda restaurant - decent food, trying-to-be-trendy atmosphere, and semi-elevated prices. Very popular, but I've never understood why. I love Tapas, but I'd much rather make the trek to Bodega in Georgetown because their food is so much better.
(2)
IH K.

I just don't think it's that good. I am really sorry to have to say that. There are so many people who desperately love this place and I want to be part of that crowd (every time I go). I simply find myself disappointed when MAYBE 1 out 6 tapas ordered make me go "mmm." Perhaps I'm biased against chain restaurants (particularly ethnic ones). So, my take on this place is that you can definitely find better without looking too hard. But if you happen to be in Bethesda, it's not bad. I wouldn't necessarily DIScourage anyone from eating here, I'd simply ENcourage you to try somewhere else :)
(2)
Christopher G.

An utter waste of time and money. I was new to tapas at the time we tried it. The waiter advised ordering 2-3 tapas each. Service was adequate, nothing more. I have since eaten tapas at other restaurants and it was nothing like this experience - thankfully. The tapas servings here are smaller than those at other tapas restaurants and twice as expensive. We ordered a cheese plate that contained 3 small triangles of cheese, which all tasted similar. The shrimp dish we ordered contained 3 shrimp about the size of those included in the average fried rice at a Chinese restaurant. The calamari serving was equally miniscule. None of the dishes were especially memorable and much of it was on the mushy side. The restaurant is dominated by a huge bar that runs through it. The modus operandi seems to be to encourage diners to get smashed at the bar and then stagger down to their tables - ostensibly so they overlook the tiny portions and the astounding prices and confuse themselves into believing they got a bargain. The bill for two of us, with no alcoholic beverages ordered, came to a whopping $78. Even worse, both of us were starved when we left and ended up having to go somewhere else to eat. Not sure if Jaleo in DC is as much a rip-off as this one or not, and I do not intend to find out. This restaurant seems to be running off of the reputation of celebrity chef Jose Andres - but it is just not worth it. If you are interested in one of Andres' restaurants and want tapas, you would do much better to seek out Zaytinya in DC, which offers much better proportioned tapas and you feel like you get what you pay for.
(1)
Bobbi B.

"regredible": adj. describing the aftermath feeling of paying a large sum of money for small amounts of crappy food. Okay, I haven't been to a Jaleo for years, and when I did go it was the D.C. location. So my decision to treat a friend to a birthday dinner at the Bethesda location last night was based purely on memory and the reasonably positive reviews from Yelpers. Maybe I went on an off night? Maybe the one in D.C. is better?? (Maybe not - see this review ow.ly/3itaa ) Here's what I got for a bill that came to more than $100 for 2 people: - a dodgy rocking table that the waiter tried to 'fix' by shoving a napkin under one leg (my guest and I decided to get up and relocate to another table on our own, since the place was most definitely not crowded) - a few glasses of wine (not much to say here, wine by the glass 'aint cheap anywhere & Jaleo offers the same $8 - $11 range) - a perhaps 1 oz.. serving of reasonably tasty butternut squash soup and gazpacho - a small plate (yes, I realize this is tapas) of 'grilled' asparagus swimming -- SWIMMING -- in meaty tasting grease or oil or whatever that was - a small plate of limp sauteed spinach drowning in the same meaty tasting grease - a small plate of unremarkable cauliflower, also tainted with that awful, old-tasting meaty flavored grease - an itty bitty flan for the birthday girl - she was blown away by how miniscule it was, most likely because she was starving at that point and hoped to at least find sustenance in dessert What the..?! Do I feel ripped off? You bet I do. Am I pissed? You bet I am. Hey, Chef Andres, if you're reading this: It's time to do a little quality control on the restaurants that bear your name. Won't be back.
(1)
Celia W.

My experience at this restaurant was only so-so. I brought out a couple friends and my boyfriend to have a dinner with and meet my mother. To start with, the waiter took for EVER to get to our table to get drinks let alone take our order. We started off with a pitcher of sangria, and I gotta say, that wasn't sangria that was wine with pieces of apple floating in it. The food was pretty good. If I were basing this review on the flavors of the food alone this place would be a solid 4 star. I loved the olives and bread that came out before hand. I think we were supposed to also have some sort of oil with the bread but the incompetent waiter failed to bring it, even after we asked several times. I also asked our rude, inattentive server about the chance for cross contamination with my meal (I have a shellfish allergy, and food prepared on the same surface as shellfish can cause me to have a reaction). He explained that there was a chance but that he would speak with the chef. Apparently he failed to do this because I had a reaction that night. And what's worse is he got a complete attitude with me when I tried to explain my allergy to him. It's also worth noting that your tapas will come out as they're done in the kitchen carried by food runners who really don't speak English. Truth be told, the waiter really didn't do anything and we almost felt bad to tip the jerk. After a meal of roughly $220 for five people we were full but slightly unsatisfied.
(2)
Brian P.

A nice tapas place in the city center of Bethesda. I enjoyed a selection of their vegetarian offerings with some herbivoric colleagues. The endives loaded with goat cheese were crunchy and light. The vegetable paella was thick and hearty. We also had a very nice mushroom/rice/cheese selection. Sangria was a B+ -- sparkly, but not aromatic. Service was delightful and full of good suggestions. I'd definitely return if offered, but would sooner explore other options left up to me.
(3)
Shayne C.

i had a great time wont lie i like the one in dc better...but our waitress was awesome and completely sweet. great place.
(4)
Jessica N.

I went to Jaleo with my husband on a very unbusy Tuesday night. The service was great. The food was just okay. I found the eggplant to be undercooked and weirdly sweet. It was a little strange. The curry chickpeas had very little flavor and the server didn't ask me how I preferred my egg:( But what made me sure that I would NEVER go back was the restroom. The restroom decor is dated and looks like it has never been renovated. But that wasn't the issue. I found a roach in the bathroom. I couldn't believe it, so I stepped on it and looked closer....and yep...a roach. That made me really wary of going back there. If the roaches are to the extent that they are being killed by the guests...there could be a problem. I'm really kind of grossed out by roaches in general so it was hard to deal with.
(1)
Ernest P.

Been here a bunch of times, most recenlty last Saturday night so time for a review . . . Enjoyed eating tapas style as usual, getting to try lots of different dishes, not getting bored with any one dish. New find, dates wrapped in bacon and deep fried was awesome. Always love the salt cod fritters, especially for the honey aioli. Special of duck confit with pear sauce perfectly executed. Good as usual were the fried calamari, octopus with potatos, lamb chops, beet salad, spinach and pine nuts, and piquillos stuffed with goat cheese. A little disappointing were the Marinated mushrooms. So garlicky and flavorful in the past, just insipid and flavor-LESS this time. Tried Patatas Bravas and not impressed. Like a plate of unseasoned home fries, wan tomato sauce and a little aioli to add barely enough flavor to register. Hello, salt? Service was quick and efficient. Probably had 11 dishes on the table within 13 minutes of placing our order. Too bad he forgot to ring in the Grilled Quail as I really wanted to try it! We didn't realize it until we were driving home Sangria tasty, but seemed weak on the alcohol from what i remembered (and compared to my home-made version). Not fun screaming at your tablemates either because it is pretty loud on a busy night. Getting across the restaurant to the bathroom is an adventure as well with the lobby and bar jam packed. Still sticking with 4 stars because the food is always really good, and sometimes great.
(4)
A C.

Great service, food, drinks, and ambiance! The mushroom dish was great (Not the one with rice. I can't remember what it was called). Beets salad was amazing.
(4)
Paul M.

In my dreams I live in a garret, I struggle to make the rent, and I am desperately unlucky in love. But I have my art and my taste and my sensibilities and in my little village of Cadaques all the cafe owners extend me limitless credit knowing that one day I will become a great surrealist artist and I will make them and my little corner of Spain famous. The reality is of course I am suburban guy working 9 to 5 and paying a mortgage. ( and CapitalOne are extending me endless credit ) But sit me in Jaleo, give me some fine white sangria, some skirt steak, croquettes and sausage and white beans ( the beet salad was just OK) and my dreams somehow seem more real. I have spent my life avoiding sangria - it always seemed like a non-drinker's drink to me. I had white sangria for the first time today - and only because I was five minutes late and my friend had ordered a pitcher. My God, it grabbed me by the throat and screamed S-U-M-M-E-R at me.
(4)
T C.

Good for some tapas and a few drinks. Sangria was good but expensive. Food was good but not worth a whole meal's price. Stop in, order a few tapas and have a few drinks.
(3)
Amani A.

Service here is excellent and the staff is knowledgable about the menu items. The biggest problem I had with this place is it was so so so salty that I could only have a bite of each item than wash it back with water, and I know it's tapas so the portions are extremely small and that coming from someone who get full off of a happy meal lol.. I ordered three items and my boyfriend ordered six we both left hungry and disappointed after spending over $100
(2)
Tom D.

Disclaimer: I went for lunch during restaurant week. In a way, I don't think it is fair to review a restaurant based on RW experience as restaurants seldom put their best foot forward during restaurant week. Obviously, I am not a big fan of RW -- and don't think it does much to promote the state of dining in greater DC. End of rant. Well, almost. So for RW lunch at Jaleo they were offering 2 tapas for $12 dollars. First, 2 tapas would run you $13-15 so it isn't much of a savings. Second, unless you are smart about ordering -- many of the tapas servings would leave you hungry if you only had 2 for lunch. So I opted for a sandwich -- I had the grilled sausage with peppers -- it was quite good. I also liked the gazpacho. They should serve it with potato chips.......or what they call patatas bravas. Start new rant (sorry). Patatas bravas are not potato chips! I don't know what they were thinking when the stopped serving patatas bravas and started serving patatas chipas. These are not close to any patatas bravas you would find in Spain any real Spanish restaurant. I would love to see the reaction if they ever tried this in Spain. Jose Andres, I admire you. You are a great chef, a great personality -- and have done much for the local food scene, but this is beyond comprehension. I have been a fan of Jaleo for quite some time, it's not the best Spanish food I have had, but it is good and it's a fun place to go with friends -- but trying to pass off potato chips as patatas bravas? (End of rant....sorry!). So, at least for lunch the sandwiches are the best bet -- and they are quite good and come with a side. Next time I am asking for potato chips to see what they serve....
(2)
Aja A.

We had my pre-graduation from college dinner here, and it was un-freaking-believable. We ate a ton of incredible food, but the great thing about tapas is they are so managable and small that you have to really work to be full the way you would definitely be at Cheesecake or Maggianos. We probably tried 75% of the menu and every single thing was delicious. I particularly remember this salad with endive, goat cheese, and a tangerine dressing that even my father, who hates green things, loved. The wines were perfect, the service was perfect, the food was perfect. I haven't been back since May but it is definitely on my list of things to do.
(4)
Nan G.

Sangria please! Of course; make it a pitcher. I have never had a bad experience at Jaleos. Whether it's this location or the one downtown, the service is always friendly and fast and the food is so delicious. I actually enjoy the chewy bread with the olive oil and spices. Our usual order consists of these tasty treats: Gazpacho Patatas bravas Pimientos del piquillo rellenos de queso Buuelos de bacalao Salmn a la plancha Dtiles con tocino (sinfully delicious- dates wrapped in bacon oh my) Bocata de jamn y queso Manchego Classic On my last visit I took my daughter before her first trip to Spain. She loved it too. I enjoy coming here with a small group. Sharing is the best!
(4)
Sara F.

I'll admit, I'm not a tapas specialist as I've only been to two tapas restaurants in my life, but I love Jaleo. I've only been to the Bethesda location, but I've been coming here for years. Tapas restaurants consist of small dishes that are shared. The tapas are fantastic if you're looking for a light dinner after you've overdosed on popcorn at the movie theater or if you're going out with a group of friends. Obviously during peak dinner hours, it may be difficult to get a table. I've never had a problem with the service no matter how crowded. Even though I guzzle water, my glass is always refilled promptly, empty plates cleared in a timely manner, and I've never had to wait very long for food. If there's a wait for a table, you can always eat at the bar, which I did once on New Year's Eve a long time ago. Some dishes to recommend include but are not limited to Patatas Bravas, Espinacas a la Catalana (rather simple, but delicious), Tortilla de patatas, Gambas al ajillo, and BuÃ±uelos de bacalao (be careful! This dish is hot temperature wise). I've never had anything that tasted bad here, but keep an eye on what you order. If you start adding on more dishes, your meal can get to be a little bit pricey. When I was poorer, I used to make a list to keep track of how much I was spending. Also, the bathrooms are very clean. When going to the bathroom (left past the bar) look at the doors carefully. If there is a male bull fighter, it is the men's bathroom. If there is a female flamenco dancer, it is the women's bathroom. It seems pretty straight forward, but I've seen people staring at the doors in confusion. I highly recommend Jaleo as a delicious restaurant especially if you're looking for a light dinner. It's definitely great for a group, and if you need to wait for a table on a busy night, it's worth the wait.
(4)
Esther D.

I've been here three times so far and I always think it'll get better... but it never does. The reason I was attracted to this place in the beginning was because it's tapas?? There's nothing really special about any of the food there and I feel like I can make everything that comes out of the kitchen. Regardless whether or not I really can or not, if i feel like it's something I can make myself... it's not worth paying $10 for a small dish. It's also very overpriced for something I can stuff in my face with two bites. I've been there recently with my family for a birthday celebration and had a taste of literally every dish that did NOT have pork or seafood and the only thing that I really enjoyed was the paella. But I've had better paella at different spanish restaurants. The decor is nice. It's kinda flashy and although there is a bar, it's more of a restaurant feel.
(2)
Karen P.

A friend of mine and I went for lunch. Being MLK day, it was virtually empty and that probably contributed to the lackadaisical service. We skipped the tapas and both selected sandwiches from the lunch menu. Mine was a very nice combination of ham and manchego cheese. ...but they forgot to remove the wax outer layer from the cheese ("inedible rind" according to wikipedia). My friend had the vegetarian sandwich which was supposed to come with eggs - and it did once she requested them after received an un-egged sandwich.
(3)
Christi D.

Tapas are fun, but you don't have to go to Jaleo to try tapas for the first time. The paella tasted like the old rice in the firdge you use to make fried rice...but without transforming it into tasty fried rice. The long island ice teas and other drinks don't have a lot of alcohol in them. If your friends are dying to try a Jaleo, then go to the one in Chinatown. Or, if you must go to a place that serves drinks and don't want to go to a bar, don't feel bummed about wasted money. Go to a place with drinks with only so-so food because you'll be happier at the end of the day with a new outfit...purchased with excess money saved from not going to Jaleo. Besides, Bethesda has tons of other options.
(2)
Ling T.

Jaleo has long been a favorite of mine. The food is always consistently good quality although a bit on the pricey side if you want to indulge in A LOT of tapas. My favorite dishes are (hands down) the Gazpacho, Dates wrapped in Bacon, and the Patatas bravas. The Beet Salad and Calamari are also excellent. Usually I don't have room for dessert but there is a Blood Orange herbal tea that is amazing and their homemade sherbets are usually quite good. I highly recommend going to the Jaleo hour where a selection of tapas are only $4 a plate and the Sangria is on special. Downside is you have to sit at the bar. However, it tends to be a LOT more affordable and you can still order other things off the regular menu if there is something you absolutely must have.
(5)
Anna K.

Well, the food was OK over all. We had a few great dishes but too many "meh" dishes! AND the service was slow. VERY SLOW. AND there was no rhyme or reason to the order of the dishes even when it was perfectly clear what should have come first, second, third, etc... The meat plate was delicious. The lamb was an "A" and the chicken was an "A-" -- charred well but the char overwhelmed the seasoning. The eggplant was slimy and flavorless. The potatoes were OK. The rice and mushrooms was OK. The sangria was watered down. The coffee was bitter and the cake was OK (B/B+). I won't be returning.
(2)
sophie S.

One of my favorite places for tapas. Delicious cheeses and meats. The vegetables are fresh and flavored to perfection. The salads are amazing! They also have a delicious almond soup that is very light and served beautifully. The goat cheese with apricot was one of my favorites as well as the spinach salad. The pallea is very different but delicious!! tortilla is close to the real thing (tortilla patatas.) the traditional salad of egg, tuna, greens, olives and olive oil is one of my favorite salads around. The atmosphere is beautiful. Great bar as well as yummy sangria's and many different kinds. The strawberry mint is fabulous! The service is wonderful and fast. Expect a wait on weekends, sometimes during the week as well. Close walk from Bethesda metro, otherwise street parking or find a lot and walk. It is in a great location of Bethesda! Not too expensive, between two people expect to pay about 45-55 for both. Not inexpensive.
(4)
Natalie L.

One of my favorite places to go to in the area. Huge fan of the tapas and sangria. Service is pretty good as well!
(4)
Jessica P.

Jaleo feels like one of the great culinary tragedies of my life. When this place opened in Bethesda, my best friend and I could not get enough. I was in high school and really didn't have the money to be spending on tons of dinners out, but we came here anyway because it was worth it. Unfortunately, the service and menu have really declined since then, in my opinion. They seem to have systematically been taking all of my favorite things off the menu one by one and replacing them with things that are not nearly as delicious. I used to always get the potatoes in cabrales cheese sauce, for example, (A. Mazing.) and that is now gone and has been replaced by baby potatoes in some sort of mediocre green parsley sauce. They still show pictures of the patatas al cabrales on their website, which breaks my heart/makes me hungry. They also used to do a phenomenal bison special, and that hasn't been on the menu in ages, nor has the rabbit stew. All things I used to devour enthusiastically. Things still worth trying: the calamari is a good standard, and I really like the endibias (endives with goat cheese/oranges/almonds), the quail, and the espinacas a la catalana (sauteed spinach, raisins, pinenuts, and apples, though to be honest this particular dish was kind of briny the last time I ordered it). The basque cake is also a great dessert, though I am usually too full to order it. But honestly, I've gotten to a point where even these dishes aren't worth it for the terrible service you have to endure at this restaurant. It never used to be like this when it opened, but they have been horribly slow and inattentive virtually every time I've been for the past three years or so. They will forget to bring your bread until you ask them twice, they will bring your tapa before they remember to bring you a glass of water, they will put a tiny dash of olive oil on a plate for you and your dining partner to share between you, then take the bottle of olive oil away, and you will finish it with half a piece of bread and have to wait another ten minutes to ask for more when you see your waiter passing by. It's just ridiculous. I can't imagine why this has become such a standard there, perhaps their management went to hell or something. I used to bring huge groups of friends and family here for birthdays and the like, but now I go only very occasionally.
(3)
Kimberly S.

If anyone has a bad time there or doesn't like it, it's because they don't get it. Yes the portions are small but come on, it's tapas! They're supposed to be small for sampling and sharing. The quality of the food is FANTASTIC, our server told us that they try to buy local and organic as much as possible and while the menu descriptions seem a little weird the food somehow always works (like a dish of watermelon and tomato, which was awesome btw). Yes it can get a little expensive but you can also get out of there without spending too much money so it really depends on you. Also, I LOVED the white sangria, I love sweeter drinks and this was perfect for me (strong too) although my friends prefer red b/c the white was too sweet for them. Overall if you keep an open mind and love great food you are aok in there.
(5)
Marc W.

Went for a Saturday date night. The Bad: Sangria pitcher was tasty but smaller than I thought. Paid regular price but happy hour pitcher is a great deal. The good: Margaritas and the scallops were great. Expect to buy 3-4 tapas to have a good meal. They have a late nigh happy hour on Saturday that starts around 10pm. Apple dessert (forgot the name) was the best I ever tasted. Great place for a happy hour drink or with people you don't mind sharing food with
(5)
Liz C.

Taking a look at the other reviews, I think other people will agree that the most negative comment I can make about Jaleo Bethesda is their Sangria. I've been to the DC location and the sangria there is much better. Perhaps it depends on the bartender? Either way, I once again enjoyed the food. *clap clap* Jose Andres. My friends and I went to the Bethesda location for a Restaurant Week special of $15 for 3 tapas each. THIS IS AN AMAZING DEAL, just so you know, AMAZING. The menu offered are the more popular and delicious dishes. I loved the shrimp in garlic and oil sauce, the chicken croquettes, and my favorite, the endives with goat cheese and oranges. Service was friendly, lunch time on an early saturday afternoon was relatively quiet (our reservation wasn't required), and 9 tapas among 3 ladies, we were stuffed. Nyom, nyom, I will be back. Er, maybe to the DC location if I want red sangria though...
(4)
Hugh B.

I don't understand the naysayers. The boyfriend and I went here on a whim this Saturday evening. The place was pleasantly buzzing, with a nice (albeit suburban) crowd. A pitcher of red sangria was just what the doctor ordered. Our server, Laura, was excellent. She sounded Spanish of accent, so I would pronounce her name La-oo-ra. But never mind that. All the tapas we had were great. We had patatas bravas (loved the chip-like potatoes and the savory sauces), gambas, green peas with romesco sauce, wild mushroom rice, Daniel Moynihan sausage, and fried pasta (rossejat). We cleaned our plates. Now granted, we almost ALWAYS clear our plates but sometimes we complain about the quality of the food when doing so. At Jaleo, we had no complaints.
(4)
Yesy D.

Not your typical boring Spanish Tapas!! Frog legs, sea urchin, quail are some of the interesting things their menu have to offer. And if you want to stick to the classics they have the BEST Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp) I've ever had!!!
(4)
Barbara M.

LOVE this place- went again last night. The tapas are unusual and delicious - try the onion with blue cheese and pine nuts! The chorizo wrapped potato.. I haven't had anything there I didn't love. I'm a real foodie and a cook- and I do not exaggerate when I say the grapefruit sorbet with olive oil ice cream is off the charts wonderful! I'll probably go back just for that. I never order desert- haven't in years - but decided to try that because it sounded unusual and it was remarkable to say the least.
(5)
Shaun O.

I went here for my NIH interview with a couple grad students. I am not a big fan of tapas since it never seems to fill me up. As we had finished our first round of tapas, my mind started to wander to the stores across the street where I could finish off my appetite....however, I placed an order for paella (slightly pricey though) and found that it quickly filled me up. Great paella, great seafood tapas and good red wine sangria.....
(4)
Lisa J.

Jaleo is by far our favorite restaurant to eat at in DC! Whenever family or friends come to visit, this is where we take them for either dinner or brunch! Gambas al ajillo are my husband's favorite and a sure crowd winner no matter who is with us! Some of our other favorites include but are certainly not limited to: arroz con pato, the spinach (with apples and pinenuts), lomo de buey, asparagus with romesco, the potatoes with green sauce (not the patatas bravas- the other ones), the JLT (for lunch), the potato omelette (for brunch), and the flan. The sangria is some of the best I've had in the city! (why wouldn't the Spaniards do it best?) Most importantly, the service we receive on a consistent basis when we visit Jaleo is spectacular! Everyone from the host staff, to the bartenders, servers, and even management make us feel as if we're the only table in the restaurant. This is truly the one reason we continue to dine here! In fact, one time we were eating at jaleo and amongst our regular list of items to order, we decided to do the chicken and mushroom paella. The servers are kind enough to warn you that it takes 45 mins to make (it says it on the menu too). However, by mistake ours was overcooked slightly- the chef noticed and had it remade before it even came to us. To apologize, he sent us some interesting tapas that we otherwise would not have thought to order. One that I distinctly remember and now continue to order is the peppers. They're grilled and served with an aioli sauce. The thing about these peppers is that it's like playing roulette- 1 in every 12 (or something like that) is spicy. The rest are very mild. So for us, this waiting another 45 mins for our paella was now turned into a game or who's going to get the spicy one and who can or cannot handle it. Once we did get the paella, it was delicious! (and cooked perfectly!) I can't wait for the next time we go to jaleo!
(5)
Daniel K.

Love the paella! I usually order it to go. I call in ahead and they have it ready to go in the pan that it was cooked in. You leave a 30 dollar deposit and return it later or trade it in the next time you order. It is a nice mid week treat after a long day at work!
(4)
Maria L.

Always love this place- food is consistently good, service is excellent, and the sangrias are awesome!
(5)
Nathaniel M.

Pretty good but you have to know what your ordering if not you will do like I did and order a huge paiaya. Pleasant wait staff and very patient. I would definitely eat here again.
(4)
JorgeF H.

Went to Jaleo Bethesda over the weekend with my friends and it was as good as it gets! To say it in a few words, our server was really detailed and there for us whenever we needed anything... Food, well.... Jose Andres, Delicioso! Consistent every time we go and very positive ambiance. "Regredible" - NOT "Incredible" YES!!! Sorry, let's stop the bias reviewing and instead be subjective and informative...
(4)
John K.

It's okay. White win sangria is very tasty though pricey. Tapas are good though nothing exceptional. -John
(3)
Sunshine M.

Food is excellent but way way way over priced! I know its bethesda but this is ridiculous!
(2)
Roll T.

Tried out the Bethesda location a couple of nights ago. Everything we sampled was from the seasonal menu. We tried the following (in order from best to worst): Pimientos del piquillo rellenos de queso de caa de cabra a la plancha (4.25/5.00): These red peppers generously doused in olive oil, lightly garnished with cilantro, and stuffed with goat cheese were amazing. The only problem is that they barely make a dent in one's stomach and the plate runs $7. I could eat 50 of these plates and not be full. Regardless, they were tasty and I would recommend them. Canelones tradicionales (4.25/5.00): Tiny pasta rolls stuffed with pork and lavishly basted in bechamel sauce. Yum. A little more filling than expected given the inordinate amount of bechamel sauce used in this dish. Codorniz rellena de frutos secos con granada (3.75/5.00): Quail stuffed with sausage and pinenuts. This dish came in a sweet sauce decorated with pomengranate seeds. Our waiter (very nice) stated that his two favorite seasonals on the menu were this quail dish and the aforementioned pork rolls. Having said that, he also warned us that the quail is only a 1/2 quail and runs $9. Although the portion is minute, it certainly is an interesting combination and worth sampling. Rape con pur de berenjenas (3.75/5.00): Finely cooked monkfish lying atop eggplant puree. The puree expertly matched the supple monkfish. A good amount of the puree remained after we devoured the monkfish, and I used it to finish off the bread that came with our meal. Trinxat de la Cerdanya (2.50/5.00): An absolutely forgettable mishmash of cabbage, bacon, and potato. Jaleo deserves points for creating this odd dish, but it just didn't deliver in taste. Regardless, I was still happy we ordered it because at least it was filling. ... The bread that comes with one's meal at Jaleo is an overly chewy disaster served only with olive oil. I was absolutely stunned that a restaurant that administered overall excellent tapas started the experience so carelessly. The olives they served were pedestrian, at best. They could take some tips from Mendocino Grill by serving their olives slightly warmed after being doused in olive oil. The service at the Bethesda location, unlike the reviews for the DC location, is commendable. Our server was friendly, polite, and made pleasant observations regarding menu choices. I think Jaleo is a nice place to go if you are on an expense account. Also, since tapas are inherently romantic, it can be a good spot to take your girlfriend on a moderately special location (or, if you are like me, in the middle of the week because you happen to be in Bethesda and Mon Ami Gabi won't seat you without reservations). This is NOT a good place to take a first date simply because it is cavernous, the tables are a bit too close, and the place is loud (then again, I think one should NEVER go to an expensive restaurant on a first date, but that's beside the point). Overall, Jaleo is worth a visit, but be prepared to drop some coin.
(3)
Anna G.

Came here on a Sunday during Happy Hour and sat in the bar section. It was great! Our server was fantastic, a really big salesperson, but not too annoying. She was knowledgeable and we really really really enjoyed the shrimp tapa (with the most amazing garlic sauce quite possibly EVER) and the endive salad tapa. The sangria was also decent and reasonably priced on the happy hour menu. I don't know that I would go here too often for dinner or lunch, as the price of the small plates on the regular menu look like they could add up really quick, but I will definitely go back to take advantage of the great food and great happy hour prices.
(4)
Rhina G.

happy hour is the only way i'd justify going here. the discounted happy hour prices were decent for the decent food we got. it was tasty, we had the dates, chistorra sausage, gambas al ajillo, and it was worth the $4 per tapa. however, the service was not the greatest. our waitress seemed to be getting us out of the way, took forever to see if all was well with us...other staff was great though. our water kept getting filled regularly and a variety of people dropped by with our tapas though it took a long time to get our last dishes. wouldn't pay full price.
(2)
Mel M.

ok, it was back in 2004 that i was recommended to try jaleo, i just had the chance to go on 1/20/2012......so maybe jaleo was great back in 2004...but not now. first, service was good and cordial. i will talk about each of my tapas dishes 1- beet and citrus salad with pistachio: Very Good 2- potato frita, WAKALA, it was over salted and there was a nasty white cream on it 3- lomo cerdo-- was dry and tough...perhaps over cooked 4- shrimp in garlic sauce.....reminded me of red lobster and shrip was either old or over cooked... 5- chocolate mousse: it was not moussey in texture, it seemed worse than J-ELLO in the grocery store. this place is reallllllly overrated....dont waste your time.
(1)
Hrishikesh H.

Ordered chicken paella which tasted pretty good. It was friday evening and the place was not crowded when we got in, but still the service was not good.
(3)
Caitlin C.

Recently, some friends and I went to Jaleo in Bethesda for happy hour (or Jaleo Hour--yes, it really is called that). Featuring red wine sangria for $4 a glass and small plates for also $4, Jaleo is a great place to relax and enjoy the early evening. While I found the sangria to be bland, the small plates were delicious. My favorites were the Croquetas de pollo (chicken fritters) and the Gambas al ajillo (shrimp in garlic sauce)
(3)
Kenna T.

i am not sure if it's my SF-and-now-NYC living that has given me an unfair edge on expecting good things from restaurants, but this place was not as good as hoped. it was recently ranked in the top 100 of the wpost restaurants. so i figured it couldn't have been that bad. the service was very nice and friendly, if not too crisp. the waiter suggested a very nice bottle of wine, which also happened to be the most expensive. that's fine. 1st order of business was the cheese 'round' - manchego and some softer peppery cow's milk (i think) which was great. the tortilla espanola with mushrooms was just not cooked (egg was running when it was cut), so they took it back and nuked it more. we didn't even get a new order, it was the same one we sliced into. i didn't mind this too much since i am not a fan of wasting food, so ok. next up was the asparagus (this was the best dish i had all night), the mushrooms (totally bland and no flavor), and fried calamari (which i don't eat but the 'aoili' was simply mayonnaise apparently - we had to ask for lemon). the atmosphere was nice and they did not rush us at all, which was nice for a crowded sunday night after christmas. and it wasn't too high priced. but we did go to the tastee diner not an hour later to have 2nd dinner.
(2)
Andrew A.

Overall I would say that this is a great restaurant if you want a good tasting experience. Don't get me wrong the food is great, there's just not enough of it. Two of my climbing buddies and I went to dinner here after a climbing trip and had to continuously order more and more food because we were never satisfied at the portions. We eventually got to a point where we just thought that we were going broke just trying to eat a decent meal,so we paid the huge bill and went to Chipotle,which was very satisfying. The service was nothing to write home about.. The food didn't take too long to come out, it was just that the waitress was pretty unpleasant. I can't quite put my finger on it, but she just made us feel as though we didn't belong there somehow. It was a little bit on the pretentious side and we didn't much care for it.
(2)
Emir A.

seriously good place! Great food, decent prices, and my God, friendly waitstaff... granted, she appeared to have been from Europe, so I guess DC assholness didnt get to her yet. Must try for sure.
(4)
Prateeksha N.

I'd call Jaleo the perfect place to cozy up with good friends and a pitcher of sangria on a cold wintry night. Been there twice so far and had a great experience both times. Have come to love spanish tapas after eating here. They offer a wide variety of both vegetarian and seafood choices. Something for everyone to try. I remember trying the butterfish, the baby potatoes, and the braised peashoots---and they were all so good!
(5)
Annie A.

Indeed a fan of all the spanish tapas from the menu. I ve had the chance to try most and its all so good. My personal favourite are the muchrooms in garlic butter sauce. They also have a breakfast menu if you manage to go a little early and the spanich omlette is so good. Oh and not to forget I love the cava the white sangria with floating strawberries.
(4)
Assistant F.

I was really looking forward to enjoying the food here but the disappointment was so great I doubt that I'll give them a second try. Maybe it was a bad day for them but nothing that we had was great. The codfish fritters were ok but nothing to rave about. We had the chorizzo wrapped in a potato chip and we couldn't finish it. The worst however was the paella. We ordered the chicken paella with chef choice of mushrooms. That dish was probably worse than the dish we had at Oya. There was no flavor whatsoever in this dish not even salt. The chicken in the dish had an awful smell and taste, it was as though the chicken was not cleaned properly. We had two bites asked for it to go and left. I was hoping that maybe I could add some seasonings to it at home and it would work, but it couldn't be helped I just couldn't get rid of that awful smell and taste of the chicken. Idk maybe the chicken wasn't washed but that is an experience I wouldn't want repeated. First impressions do count and I will not be visiting any Jaleo in the future.
(1)
ILAN B.

I visited Jaleo again. I ordered th patatas bravas, which are always good. I also ordered the paella again. This time it was, ok. It might be because it wasn't my favorite, the Mediterranean, or the lack of soffrito layer on the bottom. This time the paella just wasn't very flavorful. Don't get me wrong, I am still a fan of Jaleo, but I think Bethesda needs a privately owned, non-chain spanish restaurant to keep Jaleo in check.
(3)
Maria A.

I have been to Jaleo in downtown DC, a couple of times. The sangria has always been reasonably good, but the food has not been up to par. Last week I went to the Bethesda location with 4 of my girlfriends. We were greated very pleasantly by a spanish speaking waiter. We decided to sit outside. First order was booze, being that I was with my wine pals. We ordered a pitcher of Sangria, wich is a Spanish version of punch with a kick, that our waiter brought right away along with a serving of bread. We ordered about 6 different tapas. I had to had las croquetas, since my mother used to make them. These were very well done, my mom would be proud of Jaleo. We ordered squid in a olive sauce, and it was fresh and very nicely condimented. In fact my friend and I were so in love with its flavors that we wanted to order more, but we refrained. The Tortilla span~ola was also another special treat. Tortilla span~ola is just a omelette, but at Jaleos is just not any omelette. It was absolutely delicious, just a tad sweet and soft. The spanish cheeses were deliciously fresh and we even had an eggplant with sun dried tomatoes that was divine, and I am not a eggplant person. We were stuffed by the time we left, but I surely got dessert to go. White chocolate mousse with a tad of rasberry syrup. Fab. The service was friendly and very responsive. The Bethesda, Md location is definitively the location to visit. Jaleo is a great place to go with friends to have a nice night out.
(3)
Ben and Danielle W.

Ben and Danielle visited here about a year ago. we are a bit fuzzy about what we ordered (however, what is crystal clear was how delicious the food was). We are pretty sure some of the items included Patatas bravas, Gambas al ajillo, an orange and cheese dish and Pollo al ajillo con salsa verde. The funny thing was we had just seen an episode of "Made in Spain" with Jose Andreas where he discussed the process of making the orange and cheese so clearly we had to order them and they definitely lived up to the expectations. We enjoyed everything we ate! Ben got some Sangria which was enjoyable but nothing special. Tapas here are leaps and bounds better than other Tapas places (like one that may be located in Rockville). I think it is safe to say that if we had a bigger budget we would be frequent Jaleo on a more regular basis but for now we will save it for special occasions. Also of note is the lively environment and the wonderful contemporary decor.
(5)
Nicole L.

They offer a wide variety of tapas dishes - for the adventurous you can try the rabbit stew, blood sausage or duck confit. On the safe side, lots of cheeses, vegetables or beef dishes. For someone who loves to try different types of ingredient - this is one of those places. Portion is small enough so it won't overwhelm you but when it's good, it's perfect leaving you wanting more. I've tried the paella it's excellent with fresh seafood. One of the rare find is the white gazpacho soup served cold with muscat grape, lump crab and toasted almond. They also have good sangria and cava with strawberry. Excellent flan to finish off the dinner. I always enjoy a great meal at Jaleo.
(5)
Lisa P.

Love the grilled hanger steak and potatas bravas here. The gazpacho and green apple and manchego cheese salad are also so good. I've never had a bad bite at Jaleo and I've been too many times to count!
(4)
Angela M.

Another pitcher of Sangria just for me? Oh, that's awfully generous of you, but I don't need one to myse.....Ok, I'll take it!! Is this the place with the great Sangria? I'm not sure if I remember eating here....I kid, I kid. That was some great Sangria. I really do think I polished off at least one pitcher by myself - boy was I friendly that evening! I have to admit that some of the tapas here are a little weird, but it's Spanish cuisine, and there are so many normal ones, you picky eaters have no excuse! My non-epicurious (I made that up) husband even ate enough to be satisfied. We had some really delicious tapas and since it was my friend's birthdays, so there was like 15 of us and we all shared our different dishes. I suppose that was a big-time perk. Gambas al aijillo, pimientos del piquillo rellenos de queso, and espinacas a la Catalana were some of the really good ones that I remember (as in remember eating, but I had to cheat off the menu). The octopus ink & rice one wasn't really up my alley and I found that the paella was a tad too salty for me. We thought we were all a bit too stuffed for dessert, but then we left and we all got icecream around the corner....I'll tell you about that one in another review :) Overall, this place is FANCY and the food is good. No, not like Fancy Ketchup, not like "here's your one chance Fancy, don't let me down...", but NICE. It is pricey so bring your big wallet and a medium appetite.
(4)
Aleia C.

The food at this place was fantastic. It was quite busy on a Friday night so make a reservation if you can. We had a dessert with salted caramel...salted caramel has become my newest obsession. Delicious!
(4)
Mark L.

Used to live in Bethesda and went here all the time. Quite good tapas, paella and excellent red sangrias. Yes it's a chain but good nonetheless.
(4)
Mary L.

Growing up in the area taught me many important lessons. One of them being that sometimes you get no respect as a young person. I've had mixed reviews about this place. When I have come here with my parents, I have had a pretty good experience with decent service. However, if I come with a friend/ friends, I almost never get good service. The sangria is pretty good. The food is decent. There are some dishes that I have on my must list like patatas bravas, spinach with raisins and apples, and shrimp with garlic. There is a lot to choose from and it's fun to share with a couple of friends. This way, everyone is guaranteed to find something that they like (whether it be what they originally ordered for themselves or not).
(3)
Denis G.

I did not like it the first time, but my wife convinced me to give it a second try after she pointed out how popular and highly rated it was. My impression was worse than the first time. The tapas are minuscule, expensive, and you will have to hunt for your speckle of meat under the greens. The wine glasses are more like a finger than a glass. This restaurant will probably suit you if you weigh 75 lbs, eat like a bird and only care about how things look rather than how they taste, but otherwise, be prepared to either have to buy a large number of entrees (with the resulting large tab) or to leave hungry. Service was as slow and unattentive as the first time.
(1)
Jill B.

Gotta love eating lots of small plates and sharing them with your loved one! Our server Devin sure knows how to make you feel pampered. He is knowledgable and caring about what he does. Love the Moorish Stew, beet and orange salad, stuffed peppers with goat cheese and lamb chops! I am starting to crave it again!
(5)
Geoff O.

I had an excellent experience of Jaleo, although I did go at the off-peak time of 4pm on a Friday. As such, the place seemed a bit empty. I prefer intimate spaces to such large halls as Jaleo anyway. Nonetheless, the tapas was mostly exceptional. I went with my dad, and we ordered incredibly balanced endives with oranges and chevre. That somewhat spoiled us because it was the best of all the dishes we ordered. Also exceptional was the mussels cooked in their own juice, a mushroom dish that balanced the fungi taste with raisins, and nicely seared salmon with roasted vegetables. Less spectacularly, we ordered a dish of roasted vegetables that was kind of bland. Jaleo has a huge menu of tapas, and you can nicely budget your way around the menu if that is your wish. The wine list also seems pretty chill.
(4)
Mikkela T.

Still tipsy from a Sunday happy hour of $4 glasses of wine and half price tapas... figs in bacon, wrinkly potatoes, cheese and a bar character talking at us... she left once she was refused more wine... we stayed to giggle and drink quietly... okay, not quietly! But I didn't cuss.
(3)
Rachel O.

My date and I show up at 8 on a Saturday night. There is a 30 minute wait, but first come first serve at the bar. We're seated in T minus 2 minutes! I had always been nervous to come here since I'm a picky eater and there is a lot of sharing required. Luckily I had a good date. So we had a pitcher of the white sangria... YUM... and after my date took all the strawberries the bartender cut me up another plate full. Two points for Jaleo. We had the Tomatillos con relleno de cangrejo -Cherry tomatoes stuffed with crabmeat for $9.00, Mejillones en vinagreta -Marinated mussels with cucumber, tomato and green peppers for $6.00, Calamares a la plancha con olivas- Whole fresh squid with green olives $7.50, Something vegetarian with goat cheese that was amazing, but I couldn't find it again on the menu, a salty lox cream cheesy one, and the oyesters. We also had the flan for dessert. The oyesters were just eh. Almost everything else was just fabulous. I was only sad to have such a small serving of it! Thats tapas though. It was a great date place, but be prepared to lay out the wallet because if you eat enough to be full, it's gonna be pricey.
(4)
Pete D.

OK, the ambiance is great - busy, upscale, bustling restaurant full of beautiful people..fair enough. But what do you really get? I've been to Tapas restaurants before...I expect small dishes...but 35 dollars for a small carafe of sangria which wasn't even that good? The paella was supposed to be created by a guest chef from Spain...it was a half inch of rice a roni with 4 shrimp thrown on top for 50 dollars! I've been to Spain many times and the food here is not even close the quality I had there. I really wanted to like this restaurant but I can't...Sorry Jaleo - Adios!
(2)

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Address : 7271 Woodmont Ave
Bethesda, MD, 20814
Phone (301) 913-0003
Website https://www.jaleo.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:30 am - 10
Mon : 11:30 am - 10

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Garage, Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

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Jaleo

7271 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD, 20814

Jaleo Menu

CÓCTELES ESPECIALES

SANGRÍA

Beer

Beer - Draft

Wines By The Glass

Wines By The Glass - Fortified

Wines By The Glass - White

WINES BY THE GLASS

Healthy Meal suggestions for Jaleo

CÓCTELES ESPECIALES

SANGRÍA

Beer

Beer - Draft

Wines By The Glass

Wines By The Glass - Fortified

Wines By The Glass - White

WINES BY THE GLASS

Katy E.

Bao N.

Jon G.

Amber V.

Barbara F.

Izzat A.

Jeff R.

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Tracia D.

Janet D.

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Don I.

Sophia K.

George C.

Eric C.

Aelisa D.

Alexander K.

Daniela K.

Diana M.

Fred K.

Siu M.

John R.

Justine K.

Sonj H.

Phil W.

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Mei W.

Holli P.

Morgan M.

Ron M.

Kerry C.

David B.

David R.

Jen H.

Anne D.

Aimee N.

Carolyn M.

Alejandro B.

Adam B.

Tara B.

Massiel G.

Jennifer E.

Ali L.

James M.

Andrea T.

Krista Z.

Allison W.

David H.

Michael K.

Michelle V.

Marivic L.

Judi G.

Michael H.

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