"The days are numbered for Capitol Hill’s family-run favorite Joselito Casa de Comidas. The sophisticated slice of Madrid debuted on Pennsylvania Avenue back in 2017 and went on to generate lots of attention over the years for its Spanish spirits, terrific tapas, and hospitable ambiance. But now, the 70-seat dining room from native Spaniard Javier Candon is suddenly up for lease (660 Pennsylvania Avenue SE). “Unfortunately, despite the great reputation, Joselito never recovered from COVID in terms of amount of business. This is especially sad for what Joselito represents for my family,” he tells Eater. Candon’s stylish spot lined with sleek white tiles, marble tables, and bistro chairs from Spain pays homage to his late father, José, whose favorite bullfighter was named Joselito el Gallo. “We will determine the closing date once someone signs a new lease,” says Candon. He says that process could take two to three months and expects to ultimately close Joselito some time in early 2025. “We have a good relationship with the landlord. Once we find a [tenant] replacement they agreed to let us go without any penalties,” says Candon. Meanwhile, Ser — Joselito’s Spanish comfort food sibling across the Potomac in Ballston — is still “doing great,” he reports. The Eater 38 destination is long known for its raw bar selection, ambitious cocktails, colorful salads, and theatrical orders of dramatically chopped suckling pig and sizable paellas. He says the plan is go all in on Ser once Joselito is done. Leading Joselito’s kitchen since day one is executive chef David Sierra, who sends out a la carte and tasting menus full of meat and fish dishes synonymous with Spain’s capital where he happens to be from. Customers regularly opt for plates of grilled Iberian pork shoulder, sizzling gambas al ajillo, cod fritters, fried squid, chorizo-studded penne pasta made with manchego, and seafood paella for two. Spanish sangrias, sherries, vermouths, and wines are big at a bright bar that does $9 food and drink deals during weekday happy hour (5 p.m. to 7 p.m.). A patio framing the facade came online later, and Joselito is also popular for brunch. With three more years left on his lease, Candon decided not to sell the business or sublease out the space. “I think it’s the right thing to do. We tried for so many years. We received restaurant funds and changed menus,” he says. During the dark days of the pandemic, Joselito received two rounds of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans totaling over $300,000 to help stay afloat. “Days are better [since COVID], but we’re still not selling what we need to sell,” he says. The polished space would be fit for another fine dining venture, though the landlord is also open to signing off on a fast-casual operator. But for now, Joselito remains open for business as usual and is still taking regular reservations and walk-ins. “We’re not cancelling anything,” he says, which includes some ticketed wine dinners on the books." - Tierney Plumb
