Happy Hours in Bethesda

7271 Woodmont Ave Bethesda, MD  20814 301-913-0003 Themes/Styles:  European / Restaurant w/Bar Parking Accessibility:  Tolerable 2.3 miles from I-495 Exit 34 and the I-270 spur. Some metered street parking, but the best bet is the public garage accessed by both Elm St and Bethesda Ave (just west of Woodmont Ave). The rate is $0.50/hour; the lower levels are 2-hour parking, upper levels are 15-hour.
Metro Accessibility:  Easy Two blocks from the Bethesda Metro station (Red Line). Head south on Wisconsin Ave, west on Elm St.

What is Jaleo?

Jaleo is Spanish tapas joint located in the heart of Bethesda at the corner of Woodmont Ave and Elm St. The interior is open and modern, with a raised bar area wrapping around the kitchen in the back, surrounded by restaurant portion in the front and sides. Sidewalk seating is available during warm months, but no happy hour specials are available outside of the bar area. Outside Area:  No. Entertainment:  No.

Our Review

Considering its location in downtown Bethesda, Jaleo manages to serve up a pretty good deal. $3.50 for a draft beer is not a steal, but at least you can take comfort that your options are craft brews like Sierra Nevada or Maryland’s own Hook & Ladder. The mixed drink was a bit weak, but alas most people were sipping on the sangria, which was quite tasty and worth the price. There is no deal for tapas, which range from $4-$10…and to get a meal’s worth, you’ll need a couple. But they are very tasty and arrive very quickly. Which reminds me, service overall was excellent. The bartenders seemed to have a team approach, and they never let my glass be empty for more than a second. The long, curved bar is very accommodating and open, giving every spot a good view of your fellow drinkers. Not having backs to the stools was a little annoying, but it’s the price you pay for a very open and modern look. The light level was perfect and the décor was inviting, but I would have the preferred the barely-audible music (Top 40 mix or something) to match the rest of the theme. There wasn’t a lot of action since it was a rainy Monday, but it is apparent that the Jaleo happy hour is an attractive place for those in casual or business attire alike.

The Run Down

This is a good place for you’re looking for an open atmosphere to sample sangria and a variety of tasty tapas. If you prefer dive pubs and standard fare, or want to get started early, Jaleo is a no-no.

Reviewed by Lee on Monday, April 28, 2008.