This breezy Mediterranean spot by the river serves up delicious tapas and wine, boasting stunning waterfront views that make for a perfect outing.
"You can pretend it’s always summer at Barca Pier & Wine Bar, thanks to the restaurant’s waterfront location that hovers directly over the Potomac and its seafood-centered menu. Barca could lean into its locale and go full-on mid-Atlantic with its menu, but the dishes are rooted in Catalonian and Mediterranean cuisine, and we love them for that. This is our go-to for a mid-afternoon meal of tapas and Spanish sparkling wine—get the patatas bravas, seared scallops, and Catalan-style mussels." - madeline weinfield
"This waterfront Old Town bar is a fun, convivial spot for tapas and Spanish wine." - Missy Frederick, Tim Ebner
"Situated on the Potomac, BARCA Pier is inviting guests to enjoy two festive specials in addition to its a la carte menu on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Featured specials include lamb chops, and pan con persimmons y jamón — salted persimmons and jamón iberico. BARCA will open on Christmas Eve from 12:30 to 11 p.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Christmas Day." - Vinciane Ngomsi
"This wine bar is Spanish-influenced and right on the water. Outdoor seating is dog-friendly (and also allows those with boats to dock and dine)." - Missy Frederick, Eater Staff
"Inspired by beach bars (chiringuitos) along Spain’s Mediterranean coastline, Old Town’s scenic drinking perch makes use of retrofitted industrial freight containers floating atop the Potomac River. A marble bar splashed with oceanic and aquamarine tones is the spot to sip wines by the bottle and glass, with $7 pours during its weekday wine happy hour (4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.). The ambitious, pandemic-born project comes from Alexandria Restaurant Partners (Mia’s Italian Kitchen, the Majestic, and Vola’s Dockside Grill)." - Vinciane Ngomsi, Tierney Plumb
