We picked Barcelona because of its location on 14th street as well as for the variety of food to be ordered (we were 8, some who don't eat meat, some who don't eat seafood, etc). I have to give Barcelona much kudos! My girlfriends and I wanted a fun place where the food would also be good. Bottom line: the food was very good, the experience once you got your table, fun, and at $100 for two, solid value compared to its neighbors on 14th Street. That is a reason, perhaps, Barcelona does not take reservations except very early or very late, and not by its website or Open Table. It's not the establishment's fault some tables who arrived before we did and were still there when we left had only drinks and a good time, judging by the loud conversation and laughter. There seemed to be a lot of help for the somewhat chaotic scene, and despite managerial oversight. Our server was very polite, came by at the right times and was eager to be helpful. That said, once we got our wine (30 minutes after we sat down) and cheese (35 minutes), our order came quickly and we got good attention from servers, the host and the woman refilling water. This is a wine bar, but the exciting buzz is not helped by large parties lurking around glaring at long-finished tables, checking their phones, and lingering instead of settling their bills and making room for others. Despite the delicious food, this is not the place for an intimate dinner or a business meal. Everyone was checking their phones constantly, and the stylish decor with hard surfaces meant we-and everyone else-shouted all evening. When we turned up at 7, we were advised of a 45 minute wait, which was let us go home and return, 45 minutes later, to be seated next to a party of six at a table for four. We were warned off even trying to reserve on Friday night by a helpful host who advised by phone "I could give you a reservation but you'd probably be unhappy with how long you'd have to wait." On a Wednesday night, our mid-afternoon call for a reservation was not returned despite the restaurant's promise it would be. A Spanish red under $30 from the extensive list (which bore only passing resemblance to what's on the website) went well with the food. This was more than enough food, as advised by our server. We shared a sumptuous gazpacho, a spinach-chickpea cazuela, an amazing tapanade of eggplant with the sweetness of basil and caramelized onions, a smallish plate of perfectly fried calamari with a spicy smoked pepper aioli, and two delicious and perfectly rare small lamb chops. The tapas and wine were absolutely delicious. I don't think I have had a dish that I didn't like so far but I have only been 4 times. Once it came to the table, I almost wished I had come alone so I wouldn't have to share it with the table-mates. Also, if the whole suckling pig leg is on the menu, get it as it is fantastic. I love their Jamon! Nothing brings back memories of Spain than someone taking a sharp knife to a whole ham leg right in front of you. Nod given to Jaleo, the great Jose Andres restaurant and Estadio a neighbor to Barcelona. I have been there several times and it is fast becoming one of my favorite Spanish places in town. This is far better than sticking some tables onto the sidewalk and fencing it off as many area restaurants have done to accommodate the al fresco diners. It has one of the better street level outdoor dining because they too some of the space that could have been interior space and turned it into a mini courtyard, almost a mini-Plaza. This had been a great addition to the 14th Street NW restaurant scene.
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