José Andrés Opens Steakhouse at Waldorf
José Andrés is replacing The Bazaar at Waldorf Astoria DC with Bazaar Meat, a steakhouse concept promising large-format cuts and theatrical presentations. This marks a major evolution for one of DC's highest-profile dining spaces.
The transformation of the high-profile restaurant space at the Waldorf Astoria DC comes just weeks after a leadership shuffle at the José Andrés Group. In mid-February 2026, David Strasser, a former board member of Cava, took over as CEO, replacing Sam Bakhshandehpour. The move signals a new phase for the hospitality empire which operates over 50 restaurants globally. Bazaar Meat is a concept Andrés has honed in other major cities, with successful locations in Las Vegas, Chicago, and New York, and others planned for Miami and Los Angeles. The DC opening marks a strategic introduction of a proven, high-energy brand to a landmark location, described by Andrés as a "high-octane, fire-forward feast for the senses." The menu will be a departure from a typical steakhouse, focusing on avant-garde presentations and Spanish influences. Diners can expect unique offerings like "Vaca Vieja," a steak from older cattle, alongside whimsical creations such as cotton candy foie gras and caviar cones. The theatricality extends to the bar, with cocktails like a nitro caipirinha frozen tableside and drinks named to honor the building's past, such as the "Stamp Collector Sazerac." This marks the return of a steakhouse to the historic Old Post Office, which housed BLT Prime by David Burke when it was the Trump International Hotel. BLT Prime was a contemporary American steakhouse known for signature popovers and dishes like "clothesline" candied bacon. The Old Post Office itself has a varied culinary history. Completed in 1899, it served as the city's main post office until 1914. For years, it housed a multi-level food court and retail space known as the Old Post Office Pavilion before its conversion to a hotel. The Pennsylvania Avenue address has personal significance for Andrés. The chef first expressed a dream of opening a restaurant in the iconic building 30 years ago, a goal he achieved with the opening of The Bazaar in February 2023. The switch to Bazaar Meat represents the next chapter in that long-held ambition.
