Credit: Rey Lopez
Spanish chef, and DMV local, José Andrés has dreamed of opening a restaurant in the historic Old Post Office building since arriving in D.C. in 1993. Earlier this month, Andrés’ 30-year dream came to life.
The Bazaar at Waldorf Astoria Washington D.C. opened on Feb. 8 with a vibrant mix of eclectic cuisine and artful service.
“I am thrilled to introduce The Bazaar in the Old Post Office - this debut has been a long time in the making and marks a tremendous celebratory moment for the great city of Washington, my team, and me personally,” said Andrés in the press release.
“It has been thirty years since I first came to DC, and to have The Bazaar open in this beautiful, historic building that has always held a special place for me, is an American dream come true.”
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The Bazaar takes guests on a sensory adventure born of Andrés’ Spanish roots, both traditional and avant-garde, in a bold, playful atmosphere where anything feels possible. Each of Andrés’ six Bazaar locations is unique, adding a fresh, ever-evolving intrigue to the world of The Bazaar.
The Bazaar’s menu takes a playful twist on classic American dishes with a nod to U.S. history.
Credit: Louiie Victa. Pictured: Foie gras cotton candy.
Find a variety of unique dishes inspired by Americana. The beef cheeks “Eisenhower stew” is a tribute to President Eisenhower’s favorite dish while he was in office. The “Philly cheesesteak” airbread, crab Louie cone, and the Norwegian lobster “Newberg” represent classic American dishes. Local ingredients like Maryland blue crab and Rappahannock oysters offer guests a direct connection to the region through Andrés’ cuisine.
Credit: Louiie Victa
From the reimagined American cuisine to the redesigned Pennsylvania Avenue landmark, The Bazaar celebrates the rich history of the nation’s capital.
The Romanesque Revival-style building first opened in 1899 and served as D.C.’s General Post Office until 1914. For decades, the building functioned as a federal office building, serving a variety of government-related functions. Then, from 2016 to 2021 the space was home to the short-lived Trump International hotel, according to Washingtonian.
Despite controversy from its previous owner, the historic landmark was relaunched in 2022 by CGI Merchant Group, in partnership with Hilton under the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand.
Credit: Rey Lopez
To create Andrés’ luxe Bazaar dining room, world-renowned Spanish design firm Laìzaro Rosa-Violaìn drew inspiration from the building’s grand architecture to create a multi-level destination reinvented with avant-garde and Americana-inspired decor with a Spanish signature.
On the first floor, guests are welcomed for breakfast and lunch with an elaborate bar outfitted with a green-aqua quartzite counter and unique finishes such as textured glass, handcrafted tiles, and fabrics embellished with fringe
Credit: Louiie Victa
Upstairs, dinner awaits with an oasis of lush, emerald velvet banquettes, custom floral fabrics inspired by Spanish Surrealist artist Salvador Dalí, black marble-topped tables and gold custom lighting fixtures elegantly finished with hammered brass. An array of plants and a gleaming orb above the entrance invite guests to feel like they are dining under the moon.
The Bazaar combines the culinary artistry of Michelin-starred chef José Andrés and his José Andrés Group team, headquartered in D.C.
Credit: Louiie Victa
Named as one of Time Magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” and “Outstanding Chef” and “Humanitarian of the Year” by the James Beard Foundation, Andrés is an internationally recognized culinary innovator and New York Times bestselling author, educator, and television personality.
First conceived in Los Angeles in 2008, The Bazaar has grown to have locations in Miami and New York and inspired the creation of Bazaar Meat, a celebration of the carnivorous, with locations in Chicago, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.
With over 30 locations internationally, the José Andrés Group’s restaurants range in a variety of culinary experiences from food trucks to world-class tasting menus like the Michelin-starred mini bar in D.C.
Credit: Rey Lopez
“As The Bazaar continues to grow and flourish in new cities, the Washington, D.C. opening at the Old Post Office is symbolic for many reasons,” said Sam Bakhshandehpour, the president of José Andrés Group, in a press release.
“This is a full circle moment for the company long rooted here and invested in the continued economic prosperity of the city, the culinary community, and our loyal guests.”
The Bazaar is located at 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20004
Photography by: Louiie Victa & Rey Lopez. Photos labeled with credit.
