Atxondo

There aren't paintings on the walls nor clothes on the tables. There's nothing special about the decorations at Atxondo, but don't underestimate them. They make up for it with their food. A Spanish Basque Country restaurant, their menu is more affordable compared to many restaurants in D.C. and pack their dishes full of flavor. Everything we ordered, we enjoyed.Our favorites: Manchego cheeseburger, roasted Brussel sprouts, scallops on a bed of squid ink rice, and the Basque cheesecake.The drinks are solid too. The $10 red sangria was how I want all sangria to taste. The guava margarita was excellent too!The staff are so kind, attentive, and personable. I can't recommend this place enough!

We ordered a ton and finished it all. I'm going to be ranking the dishes from my favorite to least reached for.1. chuleta de cerdo - this was so well seasoned and the butternut squash puree & crisp elevated the dish even more2. seared scallops - this was my first time trying squid ink and it had such a depth in flavor with a slight creamy, light bitter taste that balanced well with the scallops3. roasted brussel sprouts - I am not a brussel sprouts fan, and I am still shocked I am rating this over potatoes, but it was better! I enjoyed the slight char of it4. crispy fingerling potatoes - I liked how the potatoes stayed crispy even though it was drenched in sauce. However, it did not stand out so much to me as other dishes. 5. tortilla española - for me, it was a lot of eggs and potatoes and that was really all you can taste from this one

Oh my goodness, if in DC go here! This truly is a gem. Small sized restaurant that cooks each dish to perfection. Our chicken and octopus was as tender as it comes and my husband's Manchego cheeseburger was packed full of flavor with a light heat. I am a foodie, my husband not as much. But he was begging to come back while visiting on vacation. This never happens! Staff was attentive and friendly! Plus pricing was affordable for the area.

What a hidden gem....like ... seriously hidden...waaaaaay up 14th Street. In a easy to miss strip of shops in an easy to miss part of DC is a little Tapas Bar serving massive flavors at shockingly good prices. I went with 4 friends, all over 6 foot 2, so we were able to taste half of the menu. Everything we had was stand out good, came out fast and full of flavor. This is now my favorite Spanish restaurant in DC (thank God, cause I was really missing Estadio the other day). The dishes I'll ask for on my death bed are: the scallops over black rice (scrumptious and perfectly cooked scallops resting on the most delicious and most rice....like....the rice might out shine the scallops it's that good); the steak (PERFECTLY cooked and impossibly tender....what the hell did they do in that kitchen!!!!!! We almost ordered another); and the seafood paella (just...get...it.... period)!!Fast and friendly service, solid cocktails and of course sangria. I don't want to gate keep. This place is a hot! Go keep it in business!!!!!

Hidden gem that serves many classic Spanish dishes like tortilla, paella and more! Loved the Brussel sprouts dish and happy hour food + drink specials. Seating available outside or inside.

Amazing food and lovely service. This place is a sleeper and it won't be long before Tom Sietsema 'discovers' it and you have to wait to get in.

Stopped in recently for a meal on the patio and it was good, not great. Some nice dishes, some ok. Service was good. Didn't do any drinks. For food, the highlights were: crispy potatoes (bravas), pan con tomate (flavor was amazing, bread was soggy), mushrooms garlic wine sauce with an egg (great flavor but very liquidy/hard to share). We also did the gambas (delicious sauce but the shrimp were overcooked), the octopus (nicely cooked but just not a favorite), manchego cheesebuger (just ok), and the tortilla (not runny inside, no onions, i'd call it a potato omelet). the coconut flan dessert was nice, a touch sweet but not overly so. Overall enjoyed, it's not difficult to get into so that's nice but it's a bit of a trek for me so not sure how frequently I'd go as there weren't many truly standout dishes

Dc's new hidden gem. Estadio's old chef opened this spot. He knows what he's doing. Top dishes:- Gambas al ajillo. Wow. Better than other Spanish restaurants.- Pork belly. Incredible. Crispy yet soft and perfect accompaniment. - Crispy potatoes. These kill the Jaleo patatas bravas. Decent dishes:- Croquettas: definitely decent but not wow. - Shishito peppers: v tasty but they could add more seasoning. - Churros: these were just ok. Greasy and needed more sugar coating and cinnamon. - Mussels. Great sauce but they didn't taste very fresh. Great corkage ($15). They need new wine stemware (it's very average) and a decanter. The atmosphere is meh. But the staff is super nice and relaxed - we loved them. Otherwise this is my new favorite restaurant in DC.

I had the BEST whole rockfish and grilled octopus I've ever had in my life today!!!! You will NOT be disappointed. Also recommend the hibiscus margarita. Run, I mean run, to Atxondo!!!

Food and service were great! Definite hidden gem for Spanish tapas. Paella was excellent! We will be back.