Stephen Starr’s New ‘El Presidente’ Debuts in Union Market

Stephen Starr’s newest endeavor, El Presidente, is launching at Signal House in the Union Market District (1255 Union St. NE).

This culinary passport to the vibrant heart of Mexico promises not to be your typical Mexican restaurant.

Yes, it has a sprawling menu, but this one draws flavors, ingredients, and techniques from across the country of Mexico… and includes dishes diners will find only at El Presidente.

Get ready for Baja-style coastal oysters garnished with savory salsa negra and citrus miñoneta; red chile-marinated Al pastor tacos and whole roasted cauliflower with ancho-pecan pipián; pescado a la talla (whole striped bass); several styles of guacamole — and a shareable “Gran Torre de Frutas de Mar” — aka an absolutely showstopping seafood tower.

Three unique rooms and an extensive 60-seat patio offer plenty of chances to take in El Presidente’s nostalgic retro glamor and playful Deco design. We especially love the “bar room,” which harkens back to the heyday of Mexican social clubs. But the scarlet-hued “theater room” is sure to be a favorite for its intimate date-night vibes, with plush velvet seating, warm wood accents, a custom mountainscape mural by Annelisa Leinbach, and intimate, curved banquettes.

“We’re thrilled to debut El Presidente and for diners to experience and explore our vast array of ingredients and cooking techniques, agave spirits, and more,” says Stephen Starr. “We are equally excited to open this new concept in the bustling Union Market District, where STARR Restaurants continues to grow its footprint. It’s truly unlike any concept we’ve created before, and we’re glad it’s in DC.”

To start, El Presidente will open for dinner service only. Lunch and Brunch service will follow in the coming weeks.