Flatiron Lunch News: Cafe el Presidente Opens and Mad. Sq. Eats Returns

Every Friday we go south of the ML boundaries in search of a delicious lunch. Sometimes it’s Murray Hill south or the Flatiron District, sometimes Gramercy and everything in between- but we just like to call it Flatiron Lunch.

Earlier this week, Cafe el Presidente opened to the public. In theory, they are open from 7am to midnight, but when I walked by the other morning, it was completely empty other than a few kitchen staff and their website currently seems to indicate they are only open for dinner now. You might have noticed, they have been getting a ton of press (here, here and here.) I am happy to have a place to buy fresh tortillas and some Mexican groceries and grab a drink and taco after work in the neighborhood, but I am having trouble wrapping my head around the menu and prices. The meat dishes that come in a platter of four make-your-own-tacos range in price from $11.95 to $14.95 (to market price), which is reasonable. But the pastor with queso single taco is $7.95. Either way, I think we are going to have to all agree to not judge these prices against a Queens taco cart. But I like their attempts at authenticity compared to all of the “$5 Nacho” Mexican take-out spots in the neighborhood.

Also, opening today is Mad. Sq. Eats. After feeling frustrated by the value during their last two seasons, I am having trouble getting excited to revisit. Although, when the sun is shining later this month, it will be very difficult to resist the pull of the outdoor food and booze…and Roberta’s pizza. Always Roberta’s pizza. And 100 Sardines seems promising. If any FL’ers go and find exciting new food, please let us know in the comments.

5 Comments

Leave a Reply

You must log in or register to post a comment.