I judge a restaurant by how I am treated as a single female diner. Estadio did everything to ensure that I was not welcome at their establishment. The only positive I can give is that the food itself was delicious. But I was unable to enjoy it due to the negativity I experienced. As soon as I entered, I was asked "is a high top okay?" When I responded "no," I was told by the young man that's too bad as that's your only choice as a single diner. He said high tops were reserved for singles although in my opinion a couple could sit at one. As soon as I was forced to sit at a high top, I pointed out that due to my being short, the top of the table was literally at the top of my breasts. When I pointed out the inconvenience, the young man said "sorry" and walked away. I was astounded throughout my meal as I observed how graciously other customers were greeted at the door. The wait person offered no suggestions. When the first plate came, a bus boy tried to snatch it away before I was finished. So when the second plate came, I knew better than to use the bathroom as I was certain my dish would disappear. I had to "track down" the waiter to get a second glass of wine. While I was still eating, the waiter brought the bill, laid it on the table, and walked away. So obviously dessert was not an option for me. I know this place is popular but clearly one must be known to the staff and owners to get attention. In my travels around the world and through the decades, my experience at Estadio ranks the lowest. I deserve no less treatment as a single diner than a party of four. I am often in DC and this is the only restaurant to which I have give a one star rating.
jamesbV4437WF
We had a bad lunch experience here. The food was adequate, but the service was abysmal. You practically have to tackle the waitress to get some service only to have the order botched. She brought the wrong dish and then never replaced it with the dish we actually ordered. We repeatedly tried to get her attention, but she never looked up from whatever else she was doing. We eventually got tired of waiting and had to ask a bus boy to track down our waitress so we could get the check and leave. The manager came over to find out what was wrong, which we explained. She ended up comping us for the meal, but there seems to be a serious problem here with the training of the wait staff. Hopefully you will have a better experience.
Bebe44
Upon entering Estadio you are immediately taken into anther world. The decor, the music, the busy, exciting atmosphere. But my concern immediately is will the food be good? Yes is the answer! Small plates, tapas plus salads & entrees. Good wine & drink menu as well. The four of us order a few dishes so as to share. So many dishes I would love to try, but we had to stop & be somewhat sensible. The roasted beet salad superb. A plate of blistered Shishito peppers perfect. We ordered a plate for the table of their Patatas Bravas….. fingerling potatoes w/ bravas sauce & alioli…yummy. The Shrimp Ajillo was incredible served in garlic, parsley, lemon, red chili & country bread. The bread a must to dip in this delicious sauce. My friend ordered the Maine Halibut while we ordered the Seared Foie Gras. Absolutely fabulous! The local Spanish Corn dish also excellent. We had a bottle of the Santiago Ruiz Albarino that just tasted perfectly with all of the above. A wonderful dinner and experience. Wear loose clothing & don’t think diet!
Ashley Grochan
Food was delicious! Service was excellent. I had the patatas bravas and the pistachio bread pudding for dessert (which was incredible). I had dinner at the bar and the bar tender gave excellent recommendations and was very personable and professional. This place has a nice vibe. I really enjoyed myself.
Katie Moore
My boyfriend and I decided to try this place last minute for dinner, and everything was fantastic. Everyone who works there were super attentive and friendly. The food was insanley delicious! We were sat at the chef's bar and saw how all their food was cooked. Every single dish looked and smelled amazing. Highly recommend coming to this place when you are in DC.
Will R.
Incredible entrees unlike anything I've ever had. The service could have been better but DAMN was the food good.
Alyssa Valentine
Everything we ordered was incredibly flavorful and delicious! Unlike other Spanish tapas restaurants, there are many vegetarian options. The staff was also very welcoming. We’ll definitely come again when we’re in the area
Stephanie N.
Delicious tapas restaurant with a truly extensive wine menu and small plates that are not-so-small! I had been here on a previous trip and had to bring my best friend and travel buddy. We did not make reservations but that ended up being okay because we had a chef counter experience and were able to watch the kitchen work their magic. I will say, it got a bit hot sitting there but well worth the show.
Annabell A.
Went here for my birthday and it was DELICIOUS. You absolutely have to get the anchovies with the lemon zest they are to die for and I still think about them everyday. The staff is amazing and they know how to show you a good time!
Lindsey M.
I know there are a lot of great Spanish tapas restaurants in D.C., but it is hard not to consider Estadio among the greats in any food category. The vibe is old school Spanish Villa, and manages to feel both bustling and intimate. This was one of the first places I ate when I moved to the area years ago, and it was just as good this week, as it was then. The drinks are also stand out, the unique gin and tonics cannot be beat. I've never missed a chance to eat their crispy eggplant, but nothing I order has ever disappointed. The sauces continue to delight and surprise (the asparagus dish on the menu right now still has me dreaming of a quick return). Their reservation policy includes a cancelation fee, but you won't be disappointed you kept your reservation.
Estadio has an outstanding menu that is small enough to navigate, but large enough to find something for all tastes. The unique tapas range from vegetarian flavors to unusual meats - but all with roots to Spain (and Basque Country). The vibe is hip and fun, but not overpowering or too loud. A definite DC gem!
dipika
Gin lovers, run-don't-walk to Estadio! Their house made tonics with unique, varied gins left me super satisfied with their cocktail menu. The bar seating was comfortably and gave a great view of the entire restaurant too which made for a nice drinking atmosphere. I'll have to come back for the food and see how it is, but from looking at the menu it seemed decent.
M A.
Delicious and divine mouthwatering food! Busy, vibrant vibe! I can't wait to come back!!!
Silver996c
Our meal started with an excellent twist on an old standard: a Spanish Old Fashion. In fact, every item we had that evening was the chef's interesting interpretation of the dishes you often see at Tapas restaurants -- only much better. I love trying dishes I've never experienced. Service was very good and the decor is casual but interesting.
Sherry J.
- Absolutely FANTASTIC food - Tapas style - Highly recommend the bomba rice - I think the chef has a stronger palate...everything was super salty (which I personally didn't mind too much) - Great for dates, small groups, celebrations
I judge a restaurant by how I am treated as a single female diner. Estadio did everything to ensure that I was not welcome at their establishment. The only positive I can give is that the food itself was delicious. But I was unable to enjoy it due to the negativity I experienced. As soon as I entered, I was asked "is a high top okay?" When I responded "no," I was told by the young man that's too bad as that's your only choice as a single diner. He said high tops were reserved for singles although in my opinion a couple could sit at one. As soon as I was forced to sit at a high top, I pointed out that due to my being short, the top of the table was literally at the top of my breasts. When I pointed out the inconvenience, the young man said "sorry" and walked away. I was astounded throughout my meal as I observed how graciously other customers were greeted at the door. The wait person offered no suggestions. When the first plate came, a bus boy tried to snatch it away before I was finished. So when the second plate came, I knew better than to use the bathroom as I was certain my dish would disappear. I had to "track down" the waiter to get a second glass of wine. While I was still eating, the waiter brought the bill, laid it on the table, and walked away. So obviously dessert was not an option for me. I know this place is popular but clearly one must be known to the staff and owners to get attention. In my travels around the world and through the decades, my experience at Estadio ranks the lowest. I deserve no less treatment as a single diner than a party of four. I am often in DC and this is the only restaurant to which I have give a one star rating.
We had a bad lunch experience here. The food was adequate, but the service was abysmal. You practically have to tackle the waitress to get some service only to have the order botched. She brought the wrong dish and then never replaced it with the dish we actually ordered. We repeatedly tried to get her attention, but she never looked up from whatever else she was doing. We eventually got tired of waiting and had to ask a bus boy to track down our waitress so we could get the check and leave. The manager came over to find out what was wrong, which we explained. She ended up comping us for the meal, but there seems to be a serious problem here with the training of the wait staff. Hopefully you will have a better experience.
Upon entering Estadio you are immediately taken into anther world. The decor, the music, the busy, exciting atmosphere. But my concern immediately is will the food be good? Yes is the answer! Small plates, tapas plus salads & entrees. Good wine & drink menu as well. The four of us order a few dishes so as to share. So many dishes I would love to try, but we had to stop & be somewhat sensible. The roasted beet salad superb. A plate of blistered Shishito peppers perfect. We ordered a plate for the table of their Patatas Bravas….. fingerling potatoes w/ bravas sauce & alioli…yummy. The Shrimp Ajillo was incredible served in garlic, parsley, lemon, red chili & country bread. The bread a must to dip in this delicious sauce. My friend ordered the Maine Halibut while we ordered the Seared Foie Gras. Absolutely fabulous! The local Spanish Corn dish also excellent. We had a bottle of the Santiago Ruiz Albarino that just tasted perfectly with all of the above. A wonderful dinner and experience. Wear loose clothing & don’t think diet!
Food was delicious! Service was excellent. I had the patatas bravas and the pistachio bread pudding for dessert (which was incredible). I had dinner at the bar and the bar tender gave excellent recommendations and was very personable and professional. This place has a nice vibe. I really enjoyed myself.
My boyfriend and I decided to try this place last minute for dinner, and everything was fantastic. Everyone who works there were super attentive and friendly. The food was insanley delicious! We were sat at the chef's bar and saw how all their food was cooked. Every single dish looked and smelled amazing. Highly recommend coming to this place when you are in DC.
Incredible entrees unlike anything I've ever had. The service could have been better but DAMN was the food good.
Everything we ordered was incredibly flavorful and delicious! Unlike other Spanish tapas restaurants, there are many vegetarian options. The staff was also very welcoming. We’ll definitely come again when we’re in the area
Delicious tapas restaurant with a truly extensive wine menu and small plates that are not-so-small! I had been here on a previous trip and had to bring my best friend and travel buddy. We did not make reservations but that ended up being okay because we had a chef counter experience and were able to watch the kitchen work their magic. I will say, it got a bit hot sitting there but well worth the show.
Went here for my birthday and it was DELICIOUS. You absolutely have to get the anchovies with the lemon zest they are to die for and I still think about them everyday. The staff is amazing and they know how to show you a good time!
I know there are a lot of great Spanish tapas restaurants in D.C., but it is hard not to consider Estadio among the greats in any food category. The vibe is old school Spanish Villa, and manages to feel both bustling and intimate. This was one of the first places I ate when I moved to the area years ago, and it was just as good this week, as it was then. The drinks are also stand out, the unique gin and tonics cannot be beat. I've never missed a chance to eat their crispy eggplant, but nothing I order has ever disappointed. The sauces continue to delight and surprise (the asparagus dish on the menu right now still has me dreaming of a quick return). Their reservation policy includes a cancelation fee, but you won't be disappointed you kept your reservation.
Restaurantji Recommends
Estadio has an outstanding menu that is small enough to navigate, but large enough to find something for all tastes. The unique tapas range from vegetarian flavors to unusual meats - but all with roots to Spain (and Basque Country). The vibe is hip and fun, but not overpowering or too loud. A definite DC gem!
Gin lovers, run-don't-walk to Estadio! Their house made tonics with unique, varied gins left me super satisfied with their cocktail menu. The bar seating was comfortably and gave a great view of the entire restaurant too which made for a nice drinking atmosphere. I'll have to come back for the food and see how it is, but from looking at the menu it seemed decent.
Delicious and divine mouthwatering food! Busy, vibrant vibe! I can't wait to come back!!!
Our meal started with an excellent twist on an old standard: a Spanish Old Fashion. In fact, every item we had that evening was the chef's interesting interpretation of the dishes you often see at Tapas restaurants -- only much better. I love trying dishes I've never experienced. Service was very good and the decor is casual but interesting.
- Absolutely FANTASTIC food - Tapas style - Highly recommend the bomba rice - I think the chef has a stronger palate...everything was super salty (which I personally didn't mind too much) - Great for dates, small groups, celebrations