1218 Wisconsin Ave. NW

There’s nothing like a $5 margarita to make you feel like it’s Friday night at a fancy club in Cancún.

El Centro D.F. is just far enough off campus to let you take a break from your busy life at school without needing an Uber or an airplane to get you there.

The happy hour offers all the cocktails you’d expect to find on spring break at your favorite resort, complete with fresh fruit and agave nectar. The mojito may seem like it’s nothing special, but there’s just enough rum to give you more than your money’s worth. The “Melocoton Blanco,” is a sweet white wine sangria with cinnamon and peaches that will remind you of spring break, no matter the time of year.

El Centro’s 4-to-7-p.m. happy hour is only at the bar, but you still get the modern, energetic vibe of the whole restaurant. The bartenders will keep you talking and won’t leave you with an empty cup. You might even find a few customers enthusiastically taste­-testing infused tequilas at a nearby table.

While you shouldn’t show up wearing a bikini under your clothes like you would in Mexico, keep your expectations high for upbeat music and strong margaritas.