"Your dad might say he doesn’t want to make a big deal out of his birthday, but deep down, he does. At Madroño, before he even realizes what’s happening, they’ll blast “Las Mañanitas” and rain paper streamers down upon him. Even if your dad is a stone-faced tax auditor, it’s a joyous display that’ll have him smiling like Mona Lisa. The food has a similar effect. The Nicaraguan restaurant is an incredibly reliable place to take your dad on the days it’s not his birthday, too. Their big plates of carne asada are under $20, and the speedy service is relentlessly accommodating." - ryan pfeffer, mariana trabanino, virginia otazo