The Early Word on Barcelona Wine Bar

Barcelona Wine Bar, the latest small plates restaurant to grace the 14th Street corridor, opened about two weeks ago. Since then, the bar has been slammed, and the restaurant even received an earlier than usual, and mixed, preview from Tom Sietsema. But what do other bloggers, Yelpers and others think of the import? Here's what they're talking about.

The Best New Restaurant News: High praise for Barcelona on foursquare including this note from Virginia R.: "James the waiter rocks he is so friendly and helpful. Order the rockfish, it was amazing. Also the red sangria pitcher is a must. Best new restaurant on 14th st!" [FS]

The Great Outdoor Space News: Here's another foursquare tip from Wendy G. "Love the patio. Try the wine flights. Beef with truffles an spinach and chickpeas delish." [FS]

The Standout Service News: Barcelona right now is earning 4.5 stars on Yelp, with 14 reviews posted. One is from Valerie S., who notes, "What was really standout was the service. Every single person we talked to, from the waitress to the owner to the busboy, was so accommodating and friendly. The waitress didn't hover or enter into our conversations, but she had a personality and was always around when we needed her. I left satisfied and dying to go again." [Yelp]

The Not Too Expensive News: Also on Yelp, Michelle I. recommends, "Don't miss the roasted oysters and hanger steak, and definitely treat yourself to a conversation with their awesome sommelier (that's what they are there for, and there are always off menu treats they are happy to help you discover). Our bill was shockingly reasonable for all the deliciousness." [Yelp]

The Not Mediocre News: On Yelp, Yuri I. says, "Normally, when one thinks of a "Tapas" restaurant, they envision bar food and overpriced, bottom-shelf, aged-to-imperfection grape juice. This was not at all the case in what was presented at Barcelona." [Yelp]

The Reviewing Without Eating News: Barcelona has two 1 star reviews on Yelp, both from people who never made it in the door and weren't happy about treatment from the host. "If you don't look a certain way, then save your aggravation and your money and go elsewhere," says OL Mom S. [Yelp]

The Date Night News: DailyCandy calls Barcelona "a convivial spot for after-work tapas or a leisurely weekend dinner date, Barcelona Wine Bar offers small plates and giant shareable platters, as well as a broad selection of Spanish wines." [DC]

The Chain Doesn't Equal Bad News: Brightest Young Things remarks, "Local businesses will be quick to point out that Barcelona is not a homegrown operation (they own several restaurants in Connecticut, Atlanta and Boston already) but much like Le Diplomate, Boqueria or Hill Country, a well-executed concept from a national joiner to the DC restaurant party goes a long way to find its way into the hearts of Washington's diners and imbibers. And Barcelona is nothing if not well executed." [BYT]

The Sexy News: On Twitter, @ShariSheffield says, "Checking out new wine bar on 14th St in Washington, DC Barcelona. #sexy#goodenergy. Might be my new spot." [Twitter]
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