Considering visiting El Presidente in DC? Here’s my complete review + why you should make that reservation ASAP!
Every year on our birthdays, Dane and I enjoy trying out a new-to-us restaurant here in Washington, DC. It’s become a fun tradition since we moved here in 2021! This year for my birthday, We headed to El Presidente, which is a Stephen Starr restaurant. If you’re familiar, Stephen Starr is a restaurant group that also owns favorites like Le Diplomate (also in DC) and El Vez in Philly. If you’re considering visiting this DC establishment, which opened in September 2023, here’s everything to know before you go!
Why Eating At El Presidente In DC Is A Must
El Presidente (located near Union Market) is inspired by Mexico City, so I was excited to check it out, and if you know anything about STARR group restaurants they go ALL IN. The inspiration for the restaurants is seen in every single detail, not just the menu. Walking into El Presidente was like walking into a funhouse – think fringed barstools, bright colors, velvet boots and eye-catching wall murals. I can only really describe it as old-world charm meets a good-time, whimsical restaurant. We didn’t sit at the bar, but it’s lined with dioramas of animals, which is hysterical and beautiful all in one. We were seated at a booth in the dining room and it was super cozy.
Cocktails At El Presidente
We started with the cocktail menu, and true to form for STARR restaurants, it was on brand, and featured a wide range of offerings..with even a few DC-centric options including Democratic and Republican icons. Naturally, I had my eyes on the margaritas, and there are plenty to choose from (Dane got the Big Ass Margarita), but our server recommended the PINA PINA (described as ‘lots of rums, coconut, pineapple, lime and an umbrella’). It sounded very Hawaii so I took the plunge and oh my gosh – it was like a mai tai on steroids. And it was served in a shark cup with the most perfect crushed ice. 15/10!
Food At El Presidente
I have to take a minute to share that our server was so personable and friendly and knew the menu inside and out. She had the best recommendations, even taking the time to ask what we liked to help guide her choices. I shouldn’t be surprised, because we’ve had that same level of service across town at Le Diplomate, but it is just so welcomed.
As an appetizer, we got the guacamole. Worth noting there are three options to choose from when it comes to the guac – classic, with crab meat, and spicy. We chose classic, but next time I’m totally getting the spicy varietal. It was delicious and you could tell it was made fresh. The chips were served hot and they weren’t too salty.
Dane and I both wound up getting the Birria tacos (braised short rib, monterrey cheese, red chile consomé). We are people who know what we like and when we both told the other that’s what we were thinking, we just laughed. It was a hugely smart choice, because it was SO good. We also had a side of the charred broccoli that came on a bed of the most delicious choice.
We were stuffed, so opted not to partake in dessert off the menu, but since it was my birthday, our server had other intentions. She brought the most delicious scoop of ice cream and explained it was a speciality ice cream they made using sweet potatoes. I can’t even explain how smooth, creamy and delicious it was – the perfect celebratory treat!
Overall, I absolutely recommend checking out El Presidente (definitely make a reservation) the next time you’re in DC. It’s upscale without being pretentious and the food is absolutely wonderful!
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