El Mercat Bar de Tapas has permanently closed after just one year in Pentagon City.
The restaurant, which opened at 1301 S. Joyce Street in September 2025, announced this morning (Thursday) that it has shut its doors for good.
“This decision was not an easy one,” El Mercat wrote in an Instagram post. “Economic challenges, unexpected construction costs, delays in opening, and slower-than-anticipated sales ultimately forced us to close our doors.”
“While this is not the outcome we had hoped for, we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have served our community,” the restaurant continued.
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El Mercat’s original location in Rockville, Md. remains open.
The tapas bar sold a variety of small plates such as bacon-wrapped dates, cod fritters, ham croquettes and crab dip with Spanish goat cheese, in addition to wines, paellas and traditional Spanish entrees. The Pentagon City location also offered brunch and lunch options.
“To every customer who walked through our doors, supported us, celebrated with us, and believed in us: Thank you,” El Mercat wrote. “Your support, kindness, and loyalty meant the world to us.”
Before El Mercat, the retail bay was home to Asia Bistro, which closed in November 2024 after 22 years.
