José Andrés Transforms Bazaar Into Steakhouse
José Andrés will replace The Bazaar at the Waldorf Astoria DC with Bazaar Meat, a theatrical steakhouse concept. Expect large-format cuts, dramatic presentations, and playful takes on classics in the historic Old Post Office building. The transformation marks a major evolution for the DC dining scene and Andrés' restaurant empire.
The original Bazaar by José Andrés had a relatively short tenure, opening in February 2023. Its launch was the realization of a 30-year dream for Andrés, who had wanted to open a restaurant in the historic Old Post Office since he first arrived in Washington D.C. in 1993. Andrés was originally slated to open a restaurant in the building in 2016 when it was the Trump International Hotel. He famously backed out of the deal following controversial comments made by the former president, which led to a lawsuit that was later settled. He returned to the project after the hotel was sold and rebranded as a Waldorf Astoria. Bazaar Meat is not a new concept for the José Andrés Group, but rather a celebrated brand with successful outposts in cities like Las Vegas and Chicago. Described as a "wild and wonderful celebration of the carnivorous," the restaurant is known for combining traditional steakhouse elements with the playful, avant-garde style Andrés is famous for. Diners can expect a menu that goes beyond typical steakhouse fare, featuring unique small plates like cotton candy foie gras and "Philly Cheesesteak" airbread. The heart of the menu, however, is its extensive selection of high-quality meats, including rare cuts of Spanish pork and Japanese beef, often cooked over a live fire. The restaurant is housed in one of D.C.'s most iconic buildings. Completed in 1899, the Romanesque Revival-style Old Post Office was the city's first building to have a steel frame structure and served as the main post office until 1914. Its 315-foot-tall clock tower is the third-tallest structure in the city. This change comes as the José Andrés Group itself undergoes a transition. In June 2024, Andrés stepped down as CEO of the group, taking on the role of founder and executive chairman. The move handed daily operations to a new CEO to guide the company's future growth.
