In June 2012 I came to DC for work for a few weeks. I stayed at Hotel Topaz near Dupont Circle. I loved walking through the side streets and exploring new restaurants. During my DC stay, I toyed with the idea of returning to the United States after seven years abroad. At the end of the trip, I was convinced to return. One of the places I visited during that time was Boqueria, a Spanish Tapas place conviniently located on the corner of 19th and M street. It was a warm evening and my friend and I sipped cava and sampled the tapas, our favorite being the bacon wrapped dates. I loved the ambiance of the restaurant, how lively the terrace was, and the amazing food.
When I lived in Brussels, I used to travel to Spain to visit friends three to four times a year. Boqueria reminds me of the tapas restaurants of Madrid and manages to somewhat cure my nostalgia of my Spanish weekend trips. Since my return, I have been several times for dinner and most recently for happy hour in honor of the restaurant’s two year anniversary. We sat at the bar with a great view of the chef preparing the tapas, a nice tortilla sitting at the bar, and a very tempting whole jamón freshly cut on order. We indulged in a delicious pitcher of White Sangria, pan tomate, patatas bravas, and bocadillos. Although Boqueria is not a Mercado San Miguel, it does fill the void for freshly made, good quality, tapas and cocktails.
Few Boqueria tips: for a more affordable meal, go for happy hour. Order the churros for dessert, they are delicious! 
