I came here with my boyfriend this past weekend to celebrate our anniversary, and everything was absolutely phenomenal. The view was amazing, especially on a warm summer day, and we were comfortable due to the fans available. Our server Nya was delightful. She checked on us frequently, made great recommendations, and answered any questions we had. The food came out quickly, was hot, and left us wanting more. We loved the expansiveness of the menu, as it offers something for everyone. I will definitely be back. read more

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- Great happy hour! -- $6 sangrias but not that strong - Waiter is attentive - Hummus is good and lots of fresh pita - Patatas bravas are SO good with the aioli - Calamari is so fresh and chewy - Skewers are meaty with tzatziki - Nice shaded area outside not in the water with a pretty view of the water read more

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Went to Barca Saturday 6pm without a reservation and was seated rather quickly for 2. Knowing it was outside, I was hopeful it wouldn't be too hot thanks to the fans throughout, but where we were seated left the sun blazing on 70% of the table, even with the umbrella. That made it hard to stay and enjoy more tapas. Tried the goat cheese dip, beef kabobs, chicken albondigas, and lamb chops. Drank the Valencia sunset, which I would have liked more without the red powder that was sprinkled in it- I want to say it was tajin or similar. If it were in the description of the drink I would've skipped it. Then focused on the descriptions, I ordered the orange wave before the realizing it was a mocktail, and a pricey one at $16!!! As it was my mistake I didn't mention it to the server but don't think that's a reasonable price for a mocktail. The goat cheese dip is as great as others rave, but the chicken albondigas lacked real flavor and I did not like what accompanied the lamb chops. The service was excellent but the overall experience didn't quite make 5 stars, unsure if I'd return. read more

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My coworker was in town and picked Barca in Old Town Alexandria for brunch and I'm so glad she did. We had a reservation and were seated outside right on the water, which already set the tone for a great experience. We skipped alcohol that day (shoutout to the night before ), but the mocktail menu was surprisingly creative and well-executed. They are definitely not an afterthought. We went full tapas mode and started with the tzatziki and whipped goat cheese dips. If you go, don't skip the goat cheese! It was the standout. We also had empanadas, stuffed dates, beef kebabs, burrata and mushroom toast, and Brussels sprouts. Everything was flavorful, but the stuffed dates and burrata toast were especially memorable, and the Brussels sprouts had the perfect crunch. Portions were ideal for two people and we left satisfied but not overly full, which is exactly what you want from tapas. Service was also excellent. Our server was attentive without hovering and timed everything perfectly. Overall, Barca delivered: beautiful waterfront setting, great food, solid mocktails, and great service. 4.5/5 -- I'd absolutely come back. read more

BARCA Pier & Wine Bar - Mediterranean Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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The ambiance alone gives this place more than 3 stars -- the service was great as well. After dinner at Ada's on the River, we walked over to Barca, Ada's sister restaurant, for a change of scenery, and you really can't beat the setting. Sitting outdoors along the waterfront, watching the planes pass overhead while enjoying the evening breeze, is an experience all on its own. We ordered sangria, an Old Fashioned, and the lamb chops. The lamb chops absolutely stole the show, they were tender, flavorful, and easily the highlight of our visit. The drinks, however, didn't quite live up to the food. Both the sangria and the Old Fashioned were underwhelming and lacked the balance and flavor we were hoping for. Even so, Barca is worth visiting for its unbeatable outdoor ambiance. If you're looking for a place to relax by the water with great views and excellent lamb chops, it's a wonderful choice. Next time, I'd probably skip the sangria cocktail and focus on more of the food and the atmosphere. read more

We had an incredible experience at BARCA Pier & Wine Bar, and a huge part of that was thanks to Julio! From the moment we sat down, he provided top-tier, attentive service with genuine warmth. He offered fantastic recommendations from the wine list and timed our tapas perfectly--the whipped goat cheese, croquetas, and patatas bravas were phenomenal. Between the vibrant waterfront views on the pier and Julio's exceptional hospitality, it made for a memorable evening. Ask for Julio if you want a flawless dining experience--we'll definitely be back! read more

BARCA Pier & Wine Bar - Mediterranean Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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Came here for my pre-birthday dinner and had a great experience. We sat outside on the deck: Though the evening turned cool on us, the clear roll-down walls and heat lamps kept the outdoor seating comfortable, even so that I had to take off my jacket at one point during dinner. Despite how busy it was on a Saturday night, drinks and food came out quickly, and our server was attentive throughout the evening. We ordered several tapas, but the standouts were definitely the tzatziki dip, the whipped goat cheese dip, and the patatas bravas, which were crispy, flavorful, and reminiscent of some I've had while vacationing in Spain. The tuna tartare was also surprisingly good, especially with the added crunch from the breadcrumbs. Oh, and make sure you order extra pita because the warm, fluffy bread disappears fast, especially if you use it as a dipping tool for the tuna tartare! The waterfront view of the Potomac, with National Harbor in the distance, really makes this place special. Great atmosphere, great food, and definitely worth a visit! read more

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Love the atmosphere of the pier. The food was pretty good I especially loved the hummus. The chicken skewers were just okay. The calamari unfortunately missed the mark for me, the grease it was fried in tasted old and led to a sort of bitter taste. I love that tapas style, but I think the prices were high for what was received. $10 for two tiny chicken skewers. $9 for hummus. $14 for the calamari (most of it was fried peppers and lemon slices to bulk up the calamari). The flank steak on menu was $22 and I saw someone else order it with about 4 slices of steak. I'd love to come back for brunch to try it out as I hear great things. Would definitely get a reservation as it gets busy. Overall, I liked the flavor of most of the food, but the portions are super small for the price. read more

BARCA Pier & Wine Bar - Mediterranean Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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Went to Barca for brunch and sat outside. Even though the weather was gloomy that day, we still had a great time outside, and the staff was very attentive and helpful throughout the meal. For drinks, we got the Espresso Old Fashioned and the Pineapple Express. The Espresso Old Fashioned was probably a 6.5/10 for me. The flavor itself wasn't bad, but the presentation definitely needed work. I'd suggest using a better glass and the appropriate large cube ice instead of regular pebble ice, especially when you're paying $14+ for such a small cocktail. The Pineapple Express, though, was great -- not overly spicy and the pineapple paired perfectly with the tajín rim. From the brunch specials, we ordered the empanadas and the breakfast croquetas. The empanadas had really nice flavor and were well seasoned. They came with a green cream underneath plus pickled onions and a tomato-based hot sauce on the side, which complemented them well. My only issue was that the filling wasn't proportional to the amount of dough -- it needed more filling. The breakfast croquetas were exceptional and honestly something I'd go back for alone. Perfectly cooked, flavorful, and served over hot honey that made you want to keep dipping every bite into it. We also ordered the Catalan-style mussels, and those were definitely one of the highlights alongside the croquetas. The mussels were very well seasoned, and the sausage and vegetables paired perfectly with them. The bread served with it was also delicious, especially dipped into the sauce. The fried calamari had good seasoning, but the batter was too thick, making it hard to really taste the calamari itself. The sauce it came with was delicious though, and there was one battered lemon slice mixed in that was AMAZING. They honestly should add more of those because that flavor combination was so good. For dessert, we tried the burnt Basque cheesecake and the chocolate torta. The Basque cheesecake was fine, but honestly tasted like a pretty ordinary cheesecake. The chocolate torta itself was good, but I personally didn't think the Pedro Ximénez mousse and bananas paired that well with it. I think black cherries would complement the chocolate much better, but that's just my opinion. Overall, a decent brunch spot with some standout dishes, especially the croquetas and mussels. read more

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Were we on the Spanish coast or Old Town? On the riverfront, on this warm spring day, we could have been anywhere in the Mediterranean. We were instead on the pier in retrofitted shipping containers enjoying Spanish shareable plates with a great view. This place was crowded that's for sure. Primarily because there's no closer place to the water than this. (We were lucky-- the day after was rainy!) The food was great--we went for shareable small tapas and we still overordered. Service was great. We had a small wait upon check in but they made up for it by putting us in a nice location. Overall this was a great choice for a weekend lunch with friends. read more

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Ardi, our server/ bartender was excellent. We ate in the wine bar area outside. Ardi was very friendly and knowledgeable. The food here is great. We had patatas bravas, crispy Brussels sprouts ( to die for) even if you're not a fan. Calamari and Gambas Al ajillo. All wonderful. But the service is what makes a difference. Friendly and hospitable. We are lucky to have this place in Alexandria. read more

We came without a reservation and got a great seat by the water. Service was quick and tentative and our server was very sweet and highly knowledgeable of the menu items. The food was amazing I just wish the calamari was a bit more crispy . I appreciate the fans keeping the temperature cool outside and the vibe was nice just wasn't the biggest fan of the music. Overall great experience would come back again read more

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We went to Barca today for lunch and it was such a beautiful experience. The waterfront view alone makes it worth visiting the atmosphere is calm, bright, and perfect for a relaxed lunch. We ordered a variety of tapas and desserts and everything was beautifully presented and full of flavor. The lamb, chicken skewers, and the crispy calamari were some of our favorites. And the desserts were absolutely delicious especially the chocolate cake and the orange whipped cream shortbread. Our server Will was amazing. He was very attentive, friendly, and made sure we had everything we needed throughout the meal. His service really made the experience even better. If you go, definitely ask for Will! Overall it was such a great vibe great food, beautiful view, and excellent service. Perfect spot for a lunch date or spending time with friends. read more

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This a lovely tapas & wine bar right on the water. They have lovely outdoor seating on the pier and a nice intimate dining room. It's a great place to enjoy a drink & a snack while enjoying the river views. We had excellent service. We only enjoyed a pitcher of sangria but no food. A pleasant way to visit with friends. Next time, we need to order some food. read more

BARCA Pier & Wine Bar - Mediterranean Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Such a perfect spot to bring out of town visitors or just to have some tapas! Here's our favorite: The pita that comes with the 2 dips was honestly the best thing I've ever had!! Their whipped goat cheese (I think) was good! Their skirt steak was also perfect!! Perfect cook and taste! read more

BARCA Pier & Wine Bar - SKIRT STEAK* G - Mediterranean Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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Came here for a private Valentine's Day event and had a great time. The bar was beautiful decorated with holiday decor. It was a lovely intimate setting. The staff was great, with great energy and paid attention to details. The star of the show was Arty, with his passion and knowledge of Italian wines. The event featured a pairing of wines with tapas style dishes, which was delicious and perfectly paired. Great job Barca! read more

BARCA Pier & Wine Bar - Bar area - Mediterranean Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

Amazing food and ambiance! Sat at the bar with my girlfriends and the bartender was so lovely! We truly enjoyed the experience and the food. read more

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For the warmer nights this is beautiful, it feels cozy to be by the water and have the string lights - I'd say good for a date. We didn't have a reservation but the high tops were first come first serve i think. The hostess were nice, the food service was a bit slow, But it was busy. The food was delicious, we had the calamari which were amazing, the pick your two dips (the pita it comes with is a garlic pita and that alone i could order 10). Drinks were ok, i got the stone fruit sangria and it didn't taste like it was described - it almost tasted like a watermelon jolly rancher but if you're into that you should totally try. read more

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Came for their Christmas pop-up outside and it was a cute vibe! They had exterior heating and a lot of Christmas themed decor which I liked. I started with the white chocolate peppermint martini which was tasty and pretty! It came with whipped cream, a candy cane, and white chocolate truffle in the drink itself. As for the tapas, I don't believe they were worth the price. I had the croquettas, which I didn't like and were rather salty. The skirt steak was average to me. I did like their lamb chips, but definitely had better. I also tried their flavoured cucumber and chicken meatballs which were alright. Wouldn't say the food wasn't anything special. Service was kind and attentive though! Appreciate their attention even in the cold weather. read more

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Booked a reservation for 4 on a Saturday night, and had to wait 15 minutes after our 7:30 reservation to be seated.. I would note water bugs are a huge issue at this restaurant, but that's just because you are on the pier and sitting on/near the water but the water bugs are constantly hovering you and getting in your food and drinks. Other than that, service was OK, just because the service was also delayed due to being so busy that Saturday night. Unfortunately, our group of 4 was sat and then we did not get to order food for another 15 minutes after getting our water. Once we ordered, Our group got a few appetizers to share for the table and along with a cocktail each, but it was disappointing because we did not get our cocktails until after the table finished the appetizers. I would say this place would be best for a midday quick bite or during non-busy/peak hours. read more

Came here for a cocktail and some lite bites. We sat at the indoor bar, not on the water. Great ambiance. Service was great. Loved the humans with warm small fluffy pita triangles. The croquettes were equally delicious. The jamon Iberico bites were very small. Forgot to take piks! Will return!! read more

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We came here for my birthday and had a fantastic table by the water.The service was friendly and incredibly fast.I don't think I've ever received food from the kitchen so quickly.The food however was just meh in some cases. The goat cheese dip and the croquettas were excellent as well as the shortbread dessert but the rest, like the patatas bravas and chicken meatballs, was forgettable. read more

Barca Pier turned into a Christmas pop up bar during the holiday season. We were able to make a reservation and get a table for two. The place was hopping with many dressed in holiday garb. The pier is decked out in Christmas lights and sets the mood! The highlight for us was the whipped goat cheese with warm pita. Hands down the best appetizer dish I have had this year! We also really enjoyed the potatoes dish. This is a tapas style restaurant so we order 4 plates for the table. Seasonal cocktails were available as well. Apple Cider old fashioned was very good as well as the spiked hot chocolate. Our waiter, Glen, was very helpful and friendly, for being so busy. The pier is a good time and great place to celebrate the Christmas season. The food, drinks and service is worth it all. read more

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We had an amazing time on a gorgeous night. Located in Old Town Alexandria, Barca is located on the waterfront with great people watching as well as dog watching. The food was top notch and we had one of the most hard working servers. Tiffany was an absolute delight. They have a small dessert menu that packs a big punch. The chocolate torta is to die for. I will be back very soon........ read more

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Ambiance: super cute and festive bar on Old Town Alexandria water front. Dress accordingly because this is outdoors. They do have space heaters and blankets. Service: kinda slow but the food came out at a good speed - before our drinks. Good: delicious!!! Everything tasted amazing. Love how cute this place is. Perfect holiday spot to be festive. read more

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Too cold right now? They offer space heaters as you sit by the river. Fun vibe, music and tasty sharable options. Evenings for sunsets or great views, whether sitting at the bar or table the servers are attentive. Outdoor seating is a bit tight, and still great for groups. read more

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Perfect place for drinks and food with family. I loved everything the minute I walked up to the host stand, she was very friendly and sat us down right away. Our waiter and the waiter in training were both super knowledgeable about the food and recommended us what drinks & plates to order. Everything was very tasty & delicious. I can't wait to go back! We did get there by boat & by the time of our reservation 12:45pm- there was only one more space on the dock directly to the restaurant but there's plenty more space on the other side! read more

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Absolutely loved Barca pier! You could not ask for a better location right on the water. I went with a friend on a Saturday for lunch. We didn't make a reservation ahead of time and there was about a 45 min wait for the table. We took a walk along the water while we waited. It was so beautiful out. Once we were seated, we ordered a bottle of champagne and several dishes to share. Our favorites were the whipped goat cheese and butternut squash dips. Highly recommend both of them! Our service was great. This place is definitely 5 stars for me but I want to note their restrooms are across the street in the main restaurant. When in town, I will definitely be back and will probably make a reservation ahead of time. read more

Old Town Alexandria has been my home for 14 years. One of the most impressive developments during that time has been the upgrading of the waterfront abutting the Torpedo Factory, along Union Street and radiating to the north and south points of King Street. Walking from Jones Point Park to the waterfront near where the Potomac Water Taxi docks, you can take in the stunning view of where the Woodrow Wilson Bridge anchors in the Potomac River. BARCA Pier and Wine Bar captures the river, the bridge, and the waterfront with grace and style. While its pier closes during the coldest winter weeks, four-foot ceiling-mounted heaters do a splendid job of keeping the counter and seats warm at this open-air bar. I've found the service to be personable, polite, and helpful. I've also found their mixed drink specials to be intriguing (see, e.g., Makers Mark on tap in a Red Light, with bourbon, Aperol, strawberry infused Spanish vermouth, $15) and tasty (see, e.g., the Sol y Sombra, made with Beefeater gin, St. Elder, cherry bitters, lemon, $13). Crazy busy during the summer, I make a point to visit over the weekends in the late fall, when the temperatures drop below 40o F and the heaters are at full power. A double Beefeater's with tonic, ($20) offers just the right amount of warmth to complement a brisk walk along the riverside. read more

BARCA Pier & Wine Bar - Mediterranean Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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Barca is a great place for a solo date. I went on my own to have some apps and drinks on the water as I visited Alexandria. The staff was warm and friendly which is nice when you're dining alone. The food and drinks were tasty. The portions are small, which was perfect for me, on my own! read more

BARCA Pier & Wine Bar - Mediterranean Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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I was so pleasantly surprised by this one! It is such a fun and fabulous location that I assumed the food would be sub par. I was so wrong! Everything we ordered was delicious- some stand outs were the gambas and the tomato salad. The atmosphere is lively and a bit loud but perfect for a celebration. read more

BARCA Pier & Wine Bar - Lovely wine list - Mediterranean Near Me - Alexandria, Virginia

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I was surprised to see that I had never reviewed a go-to in waterfront Old Town Alexandria. Why this is a go-to is obvious: Location and views. You take a nice stroll, and can still get away from the weekend hustle and bustle of the waterfront park/Torpedo factory area. Spanish tapas and cocktails is the way to go here. The only slight misfunction, on repeated occassions, warm or cold weather, is getting seated. You should definitely make reservations, but that doesn't mean timely seating. This year, they seem to be doing holiday themed pop-ups. Despite being two weeks after, we still enjoyed their Valentine pop-up with fun decor and themed cocktails. read more

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Finally made it to Barca, it had been on my list for a while! We checked it out on the first really nice day of the year so far so it was packed, but it was worth it. We grabbed a couple of seats near the bar and got a whiskey + coke and margarita from the bar for $11 each. Both drinks were well made. The bartender took longer than expected to make both the drinks and ring up the transaction - it was so crowded (due to the nice weather) that he was pulled in several different directions by other customers before he could complete my order. The location of the wine bar is nice - we sat on the pier right on the water overlooking Old Alexandria. The pier area is very large; the bar seats 20 folks easily and there were several tables all around the bar for larger groups. There is also a brick and mortar bar if the pier is ever too full (which we didn't check out). We didn't order any food but man did it look good coming out of the kitchen. My eyes were definitely drawn to the calamari and the beef kebabs. This is a small plate tapas style spot, so there are several small plate offerings meant to be shared. I want to come back to this spot (hopefully when it's less crowded) to try their tapas and wine happy hour offerings. read more

The scenery is gorgeous and the vibes are immaculate! It reminds me a little bit of Miami lol. The tapas were delicious and our server was very attentive. Such a cute spot to dine at when the weather is nice. I will definitely return in the future! read more

My friends and I came to Barca after seeing reels of how it was decorated for Christmas. They did a great job with the decor, it was like Christmas threw up on the pier. It was a chilly night but they had heaters going and they even gave us blankets. For a drink, I got the mulled wine. They put it in a gingerbread cup and the wine was delicious. Their menu is tapas style, so we got to try a few different dishes. I really enjoyed the stuffed piquillo peppers, skirt steak and jamon croquetas. The peppers were very cheesy. The skirt steak was cooked perfectly and the meat was juicy. The croquetas had a great flavor. I was surprised by how good the food was, I had low expectations, but the food was delicious. I definitely want to come back to Barca when it is warm outside. read more

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Went to Barca for the first time for their holiday drinks and menu. And they did not disappoint. My favorite dish was the steak. The drinks were also very good and so cute. The decorations were incredible! Highly recommend Barca! read more

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Barca is a great small played and cocktail bar located on the water in Old Town Alexandria. They often offer a lot of themed drinks and events but just going on a random happy hour has also been fun. Their food plates are diverse and work really well with drinks and other food plates so you can order different foods for different tastes and it's a lot of fun. They're not cheap but what in Old Town is? read more

This review is for Brenda and Brenda only! : ) My girlfriends and I came here randomly, no reservation - and literally risked it all for a seat at the bar. All worked out for us to be seated and then we were greeted by Brenda. She kept us smiling and our glasses full all night - even with the cold temperatures coming in over the winter (& with the bar being a waterfront). The bar provided the best time - Christmas cheer, Christmas themed-drinks (pictured) and delicious calamari. So delicious that we ordered a second! Thank you Brenda for such a great experience. The Christmas pop-up bar was such a great idea at this location! read more

GO FOR THE POP-UP BAR GUYS!!!! Amazingly on theme and so fun and vibey. We went on a Monday because it was really our only opportunity and we're so glad we did! Service was amazing and the drinks were delish! I maintain my previous review with the food being just okay, but come for the drinks and atmosphere! You won't regret it! read more

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A huge part of why this place gets 4 stars is the outdoor location - this is a place you go for the experience of eating there, not necessarily for the food. I wish I could give it 3.5. When my husband and I went we sat literally right on the edge near the water, so close we packed away our phones just to make sure we didn't drop them in the river. It was warm out with a really nice breeze and it was magic hour - it is hard not to have at least a 4-star experience under those conditions. And kudos go to our hostess who made a point of finding us the best available table she could without having to be nudged (nothing makes me more nuts in a restaurant than making a reservation and then being sat at a crap table when better ones are free). Food also came out fast and service was decent. Thing is, this was definitely 3-star food. Perfectly adequate. Portions were a little small relative to other tapas places but prices were to the reasonable side for many dishes so that is a wash. My wine was also quite pleasant and I liked the selections they offered. But as someone who does a lot of tapas and has THOUGHTS, I felt like the food was trying too hard to justify itself - too many seasonings, garnished and things on the plate. Spanish cuisine, including tapas, is about using fresh high quality ingredients and letting them shine without overdressed them. I feel like Barca gunked up our plates. The pan con tomato came with this breadcrumb-like cheese crumble that wasn't bad per se but wasn't necessary and also came on a lot of other things. The bread was heavily toasted so it tasted like char. The gambas al ajillo came in a brown sauce that tasted heavily of what I think was sherry that overpowered the dish. The stuffed dates came with this incredibly strong cheese inside that was pretty funky and gorgonzola-tasting and it overpowered everything else. The green beans were drowning in sauce. Nothing was actively bad. Each element was fine and everything was cooked correctly. It was just that each dish was full of competing or overpowering flavors. So, as a riverside dining establishment great for getting maybe apps and drinks and just having a really nice time in the spring/summer with good company? He'll yes. For a really good tapas dinner indoors? Meh, maybe wine and a few small plates at the bar and then go to Vola's for your mains. There's better tapas around for sure. Pro tip: If you are coming from DC arrive by water taxi and walk over from the dock! read more

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