Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate
From whimsical décor to an inclusive menu, this vibrant spot is perfect for any special occasion
BY SAAHITI KIRAN CHAMALA, CO-EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Before I set foot in El Presidente, I knew I was in for something special. The experience began with their website—yes, the website. From the moment I reserved a table online, I was hooked. Sleek, playful, and thoughtfully designed, it immediately gave off the atmosphere of a place where memories are made, not just meals.
Located conveniently near the NoMa-Gallaudet U New York Ave metro on the red line, El Presidente blends accessibility with elegance, making it a go-to for special occasions without breaking the bank. Whether celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just dressing up to feel a little bougie, this place delivers.
Walking into the restaurant is like stepping into a dreamscape of vibrant colors and unexpected charm. The bar greeted me with deep teal-blue interiors, bold red accents, and quirky sea creature decorations that are somehow both whimsical and chic. The dining room too is nothing short of breathtaking—bathed in warm red tones and anchored by a mural so beautiful it practically begs to be photographed for Instagram.
Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate
The menu arrived and it was full of diverse, inclusive and delightful surprises. Starting with a classic guacamole, an easy 11/10, served with unlimited chips; my friends and I found ourselves scraping the bowl clean. However, the small portion sizes that continued into our main courses were disappointing. I ordered the Enchiladas Suizas, including shredded chicken, green chile-tomatillo cream sauce, and Chihuahua cheese. It wasn’t the best, but it wasn’t bad either—solid 7/10. Sophomore Kayla Smalls, who also ordered enchiladas, commented, “My enchiladas were too small.”
Saahiti Kiran Chamala/Fourth Estate
Despite the modest portions, the menu offers something for everyone, with endless vegan and gluten-free options, not the usual token salad and sad entrée. Cocktails can be customized to be alcohol-free, making the space inclusive for all.
When it comes to price, El Presidente does lean on the expensive side. “Their crab enchiladas and the dessert were really good, but it’s not college student friendly,” said sophomore Alia Daniels. For most of us, it’s a restaurant we would visit for a special occasion.
For dessert, we went all in, ordering everything on the dessert menu except the churros. The standout was hands down the Mexican chocolate pudding. It was rich, decadent and indulgent enough to forget the price tag.
The real magic happens when there’s a celebration. The staff goes above and beyond—singing happy birthday and delivering a complimentary scoop of their delicious sorbet topped with a lit candle and a handwritten wish note that makes the visit even more special.
El Presidente is not just a restaurant—it’s an experience; one that I now associate with joy, flavor, and a little bit of sparkle. If looking for a place that turns a dinner into a memory, this is it.
