The Bazaar by José Andrés is a theatrical, Spanish-rooted fine-dining restaurant at 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004, in Penn Quarter. Opened in 2023 inside the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, it occupies the historic Old Post Office building, completed in 1899. Travelers come for Andrés’s inventive shared plates, references to American food history, and a dining room overlooking one of Washington’s grandest hotel interiors.
What to Expect at The Bazaar by José Andrés
The cooking connects Spain’s tapas tradition with the experimental techniques associated with Andrés’s career, including his formative work at elBulli. Familiar ingredients arrive in unexpected forms: liquid olives release their briny center in one bite, while the Philly cheesesteak reworks the sandwich around delicate, hollow air bread. Jamón Ibérico and croquetas provide a more traditional Spanish counterpoint. Rather than ordering one main course each, build a sequence of snacks, vegetables, seafood, and richer plates for the table; ask your server to pace them.
The setting is integral to the experience. The Old Post Office’s Richardsonian Romanesque exterior gives way to a soaring, glass-roofed atrium, with the restaurant’s elevated dining areas looking into the hotel’s monumental interior. Designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán introduced richly colored furnishings and theatrical decorative details rather than a restrained tasting-room aesthetic. Cocktails, Spanish wines, and celebratory bottles complement the food. Vegetarian choices are available, but vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-sensitive diners should discuss individual preparations: bread, dairy, shellfish, and elaborate sauces appear throughout the cooking.
- Liquid olives: A signature example of spherification, turning an olive into a delicate, liquid-filled bite.
- Philly cheesesteak: Air bread gives this playful beef-and-cheese preparation its unusually light structure.
- Jamón Ibérico: Spain’s celebrated cured ham anchors the menu’s more traditional side.
- Spanish croquetas: Crisp exteriors and creamy centers offer a familiar starting point before more experimental dishes.
- Atrium-facing dining: The historic postal building’s scale makes the surroundings as memorable as the plate presentation.
The Bazaar by José Andrés at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Penn Quarter; inside Waldorf Astoria Washington DC |
| Operating Hours | Monday–Thursday and Sunday: 11 AM–10 PM; Friday–Saturday: 11 AM–11 PM. Confirm individual meal-service times. |
| Admission / Price Range | Paid dining; $$$$ luxury pricing. Consult the official menu for current dish and dining-experience prices. |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 2 to 3 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Federal Triangle: Blue, Orange, Silver lines; hotel valet or paid Ronald Reagan Building garage nearby |
| Official Website & Phone | The Bazaar official website; +1 202-868-5088 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Reserve through the official website, especially for Friday and Saturday dinner or celebrations requiring a larger table. An early dinner gives you more flexibility before an evening performance; tell the team your departure deadline when seated. Smart-casual clothing fits the room, while dressier outfits suit special occasions. Budget for several shared plates per person, drinks, tax, and gratuity rather than treating a single small plate as a meal. Credit cards are standard; review the bill for any stated service charge before adding a tip.
Federal Triangle station is roughly a five-minute walk away; the Ronald Reagan Building garage offers paid parking with security screening. Hotel elevators provide access to elevated dining areas, avoiding reliance on the decorative stairs; request a step-free route and suitable table when booking. Families with strollers should also mention space requirements. Before dinner, visit the National Museum of American History, about 10–15 minutes away, or the National Archives, roughly 10 minutes east. Ford’s Theatre is approximately a 10-minute walk north, making a practical pairing with an early reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the hours, and when should I visit?
Listed hours are 11 AM–10 PM Sunday through Thursday and 11 AM–11 PM Friday and Saturday. Confirm lunch and dinner seating times before traveling; an early weekday dinner is a useful choice for a less hurried meal.
How expensive is it, and are reservations necessary?
This is a $$$$ restaurant, with the final bill shaped by shared-plate selections and drinks. Advance reservations are strongly recommended; check the official website for current menus, prices, and booking conditions.
How much time should I allow?
Allow two to three hours for a leisurely meal with several rounds of plates. If you have theater tickets, explain your timing before ordering so the kitchen can pace the experience appropriately.
Is the restaurant accessible and suitable for families?
The hotel has elevators for reaching elevated dining areas; arrange the appropriate step-free approach with staff. Families are welcome, although the leisurely service and experimental shared plates generally suit children comfortable with a longer restaurant meal.
When planning your Washington D.C. travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and new american restaurant in Washington D.C., pair this stop with standout local spots including The National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of African American History and Culture, Zaytinya by José Andrés, and Waldorf Astoria Washington DC (nearby).
