Looking for a vibrant destination for your next night out? El Loco Social Bistro & Lounge delivers with a lively atmosphere, exciting events, and a welcoming space where everyone can enjoy great food, drinks, and memorable experiences. This month's Small Business Spotlight features owners Don Dawson and Irasema (Ira) Silva, whose passion for community and hospitality have helped make El Loco a favorite gathering place in Downtown Washington.
Don, a Wisconsin native, relocated to North Carolina in 2019 and currently serves as a Community Employment Specialist at a nonprofit serving individuals with disabilities. Ira, a Texas native, moved to North Carolina in 2021 and is now the Marketing Director for The Arc of Beaufort County. Both are active in their local church and are supportive T-ball parents. They met during the pandemic, married in 2022, and now call Washington home.
El Loco Social opened in the summer of 2025, bringing a vibrant spot with a welcoming atmosphere, fun drinks, engaging events, and Latin-inspired bites. And when the lights come on, the good times start! El Loco Social serves up bold flavors and even bolder vibes all week long -- perfect for happy hour hangs, late-night bites, or a weekend fiesta.
Hours:
• Monday: 4:00-10:00 PM
• Wednesday-Thursday: 4:00-11:00 PM
• Friday: 4:00 PM-2:00 AM
• Saturday: 11:00 AM-2:00 AM
• Sunday: 11:00 AM-6:00 PM
What do you both envision for El Loco Social?
When Ira and I envisioned El Loco, our goal was to offer fresh, fun food and drinks in a welcoming atmosphere while supporting local businesses. Drawing inspiration from Ira's Hispanic heritage, our menu highlights fresh ingredients and vibrant flavors from across Latin America. Featured dishes include ropa vieja bowls inspired by Cuba and guasaca from Colombia. Our drink menu follows the same approach, showcasing Latin American classics such as the caipirinha from Brazil and the macua from Nicaragua.
We also embrace a "Stay Local & Shop Local" philosophy by sourcing ingredients and partnering with nearby small businesses, including our salsas through a collaboration with Flying Pigs Provisions. Beyond food and drink, El Loco is committed to cultivating a lively, community-focused atmosphere, featuring local musicians every Saturday through our "El Loco Loves Locals" series.
What do you love most about Washington?
There are truly so many things to love. At the top of the list is the city's charming quaintness and stunning natural beauty, especially the serene and picturesque waterfront. The warm hospitality shown by both residents and business owners creates a friendly, familiar atmosphere where people remember your name and greet you with a genuine smile, making you feel like a longtime visitor.
Washington's engaging events bring the community together, while the support of local agencies helps foster the city's continued growth. And finally, its ideal central location offers easy access to ECU, the beach, larger cities, and the mountains--making quick getaways simple and convenient.
If you have ever faced a challenge as a business owner, could you share that experience and explain how you overcame it?
We are grateful that, as business owners, we have not faced any significant challenges so far. El Loco Social Bistro & Lounge has been operating for nearly five months, and during that time we have been incredibly fortunate to receive guidance and support from a number of organizations, including the many City of Washington departments who helped us successfully open our doors, the Beaufort County Health Department, the Historical Society, and the Washington Harbor District Alliance.
We have also been encouraged by fellow business owners, local residents, and the broader community. Most importantly, our incredible team has played a key role in keeping operations running smoothly. Should we face challenges in the future, we are confident that the same departments and partners will continue to offer the support and collaboration that have been instrumental throughout our journey.
What advice would you give to others looking to start their own small business, and why should they choose Washington?
I strongly recommend utilizing community resources and connecting with fellow business owners for support and guidance. For example, we benefited greatly from the Small Business Center by taking classes that helped guide our journey, strengthen our business plan, enhance our marketing and social media efforts, and better prepare us for success.
I also encourage becoming well-acquainted with the paperwork, regulations, ordinances, and laws required to establish a business at both the city and state levels. Engage with key local organizations to better understand the process--and remember, it's perfectly okay to ask plenty of questions along the way.
