El Presidente
Restaurant · Capital City Market
1255 Union St NE, Washington, DC 20002
Highlights
Festive neo-retro Mexican eatery with creative dishes & agave cocktails
Festive neo-retro Mexican eatery with creative dishes & agave cocktails
"A Washington, D.C. venue whose vibrant crab enchiladas—featuring coconut, poblano peppers, and corn finished with a guajillo chili glaze, lime crema and queso fresco—inspired a bold, Latin-inflected entrée included in the new premium onboard dining." - Michael Cappetta Michael Cappetta Michael Cappetta is a travel writer with over 10 years of experience in journalism and television news. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Drink under animated sea creatures at Stephen Starr’s show-stopping ode to Mexico City, where a massive surrealist installation of 3D sharks and fish hovers above the bar. Anchor down onto a red-fringed bar stool to enjoy agave-fueled cocktails like a “Put Me In, Coach” (tequila, herbal liqueur, Luxardo, and Blue Glacier Gatorade), and get ready for a good time. There’s a whopping 100 tequilas and 50 mezcals to choose from. Scents of sizzling fajitas fill the massive space, and big groups go for its giant “macho” nacho dish doused with home-made chorizo, melted queso mixto, black beans, salsa, sour cream, pickled red onions, and jalapeños." - Claudia Rosenbaum
"The latest D.C. venture from East Coast hospitality magnate Stephen Starr (Le Diplomate, St. Anselm) made a flashy debut in the Union Market district in 2023. El Presidente draws its show-stopping aesthetic and culinary influences from the bustling intensity of Mexico City, aiming to bring a dash of the vibrant, high-energy metropolis to D.C. Menu highlights include Baja-style coastal oysters, giant tostadas, red chile-marinated al pastor tacos, and pescado a la talla (whole striped bass), plus guacamole variations that rely on rich Michoacán avocados. The bar program leans heavily into agave spirits, with over 200 types on hand." - Tierney Plumb
"A truly original Stephen Starr restaurant, El Presidente draws its show-stopping aesthetic and culinary influences from the bustling intensity of Mexico City. Menu highlights include giant Oaxacan tostadas, red chile-marinated al pastor tacos, whole roasted cauliflower with ancho-pecan pipián, and pescado a la talla (whole striped bass). Additionally, try guacamole variations using rich Michoacán avocados. Playful drinks like the dangerous tequila, gin, and Campari-spiked Elephant in the Room and meme-worthy Wolf Spritzer make the bar a neighborhood watering hole. Philadelphia-based STARR Restaurants group is also behind Union Market district’s stylish steakhouse St. Anselm and pint-sized bakery Bread Alley." - Emily Venezky
"El Presidente will bring one final bite of bold flavors on the 31st. Chow on the uni and blue crab baked oysters or adobado short rib with mestiza sauce while a live mariachi band plays from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. When the clock strikes 12, enjoy a complimentary tequila taste to welcome 2025." - Vinciane Ngomsi
