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Poca Madre

4.8
4.8
474 Reviews
$31 to $50
Mexican
Poca Madre is an upscale Mexican restaurant by Chef Victor Albisu, offering a refined contemporary dining experience in the heart of the nation's capital. Open for dinner, seven days a week, Poca Madre’s menu takes a refined look at Mexican dining with sumptuous dishes like sweetbreads Veracruz, pato al pastor and sablefish with plantain maduro miso.

The restaurant is located in DC’s Chinatown at 777 I (EYE) Street NW, with the main entrance in the breezeway between I and K Streets. Designed by Swatchroom, the 70-seat interior is accented with colors of deep green and black, complimented with gold and bronze accents. An outdoor lounge available for enjoyment in the warmer months.

Albisu also owns Taco Bamba, a Mexican street food-inspired takeout counter with a location in DC next to Poca Madre as well as locations in Falls Church, Vienna and Springfield, VA.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


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Claim this listing

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Elegant Dining

  • Cuisines

    Mexican

  • Hours of operation

    Sunday - Thursday: 5:00-10:00pm Friday - Saturday: 5:00 - 11:00pm

  • Phone number

    (202) 838-5300

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Executive chef

    Victor Albisu

  • Catering

    For catering inquiries please contact Events@pocamadredc.com

  • Neighborhood

    Penn Quarter

  • Cross street

    Entrance on TechWorld Plaza between I and K Street NW

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Public transit

    Gallery Place/ Chinatown metro 1 block away

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 474 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.8
4.8 based on all time ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

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  1. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2020

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Dinner here exceeded expectations! Each dish was creative, tasty, and well-presented. Service was great too and the beverage director even came by to say hello. The food is super good!
  2. RyanR

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 9, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    One of the best meals I've had that I can remember. Every meal that was part of the tasting menu was expertly crafted and delicious. I would definitely recommend that anyone who lives in or is visiting DC to check it out, you won't be disappointed.
  3. NICKIN

    Denver

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Greta food! Everything was authentically unique but also pays homage to Mexican flavors but in an elevated way! Definitely and must and we’re already ready to come back for the taco flight!
  4. AllTheTacos

    Denver

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on March 8, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We went for the chefs tasting menu and were totally blown away. Every dish was better than the last so we loved trying what felt like everything on the menu. We will definitely be back!
  5. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 7, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food is outstanding
  6. OpenTable Diner

    New Mexico

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 7, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place to have a good meal. They have great service and have very a good mix of flavor in the food. The portion sizes are small so you can try several things. The prices are a little higher which is to be expected, but the quality you get is worth it.
  7. SarahY

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 2, 2020

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    One of the best meal's we've had in DC - delicious/interesting food. Came out quickly but not too quickly. Would highly recommend.
  8. Searchingfoodandfun

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on March 1, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Unique and awesome!
  9. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 1, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Drinks were creative and satisfying. Food was delicious.
  10. emily

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 28, 2020

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    This experience was a solid 4/5 stars. We went here for my fiance's 30th birthday. We decided to do the 12 course tacos omakase meal. For the most part everything was really delicious. Having gone to many Michelin star restaurants that serve coursed meals in the fashion, we found it kind of strange that some tables could order from the regular menu, while others were being served the coursed meal. This makes it very busy for the servers and gives a hectic feel in the restaurant where the server can't spend alot of time with each table.
  11. MelanieB

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2020

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Amazing flavors and gorgeous presentation! I highly recommend the 4-course special! Dessert was sublime.
  12. JessDC

    Washington DC

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was fantastic - the food and service were phenomenal. Highly recommend.
  13. OpenTable Diner

    Orlando

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 25, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food was ingenious! Love the way they used their culinary skills to surprise and delight
  14. HaleyM

    New England

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Exceptional food with vibrant flavors, and attentive, non-intrusive service. Can’t wait to return!
  15. MichaelR

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 23, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    The food was beyond our expectations. It blew us away. Congratulations! Following up on the past 4 weeks at Gravitas, Seven Reasons, Annabelle and Poca Madre. While all were good, Poca Madre was a quantum leap ahead. Poca Madre's cooking, flavors and execution were all spot on. In a league of their own.
  16. CarolineB

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 22, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything from beginning to end was impeccable. I’ll be dreaming about that tomatillo sauce and cabbage for days!
  17. Manny

    Kansas City

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Had the Taco Omakase. It was AMAZING! They only have it on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, but if you can make it then it's worth it!
  18. VB123

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 19, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best service we've ever had, on top of fantastic cocktails and food
  19. RosalinB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 17, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The flavors and ingredient were incredible! Loved the service as well.
  20. DavidD

    Washington DC

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 16, 2020

    overall3food3service4ambience4
    3 Scallops The ambience was quite nice and my wife’s smoked mushroom risotto was rather tasty. But when my $24 entree arrived, I was astonished to find just 3 sad little scallops gazing up at me. Instead of enjoying the meal, I found my thoughts immediately jumping to where in the neighborhood I’d be able to go pick up a sandwich after I paid my tab. Definitely not a good value... factor that into your decision-making before you venture here.
  21. JoseA

    Richmond

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Made a reservation for Valentine’s Day about a month ahead and was not disappointed. From the complimentary aperitif to the exceptional cocktails, Poca Madre is by far one of the best restaurants I’ve been to in D.C.
  22. CarlosD

    Mexico City

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Incredible food and top-notch service. Genuine Mexican food with a modern twist. Every dish we had was amazing, but highly recommend the octopus, whatever the taco of the day is, and the charred cabbage.
  23. OpenTable Diner

    Charleston

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent varied menu, great flavors and well-crafted cocktails. Will definitely be back.
  24. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 15, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic experience. Food was wonderful and staff was very warm and welcoming. We could not have asked for a better place to have our valentines date.
  25. Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2020

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The food was amazing and the supporting staff was excellent. One concern was the recommendation by our waitress to have us order 3-4 dishes each, in addition to the shareable plate we ordered. We ordered a total of two starters and one bigger dish and we left full.
  26. Genesis

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the Taste of Poca Madre and it was a great value. The portions are very generous and everything was easy to enjoy yet adventurous.
  27. ZZZZ

    Washington DC

    36 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on February 13, 2020

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Their family size meat dish is outstanding. Not the best Ceviches I had. But overall experience was excellent, we had fun exploring the many dishes we ordered and we had excellent service.
  28. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 13, 2020

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    The door is a bit hidden and hard to find. However, food is outstanding. Drink selection is amazing and different. The ceviche was incredible. And the donuts. WOW.
  29. Mark

    Washington DC

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2020

    overall5food5service3ambience5
    Food was excellent; service is fine (not bad, but also on memorable). The taco omakase was superb.
  30. JeffManIam

    Sacramento

    20 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on February 11, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Innovative food and cocktails with a distinct and welcomed mezcal accent. Knowledgeable and accommodating servers made us feel welcomed and at ease throughout our tasty dinner.
  31. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 10, 2020

    overall4food4service3ambience5
    Delicious! A little heavy with all of the sauces. Service was good, just a bit slow.
  32. Hooper

    Washington DC

    29 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on February 9, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful surprise. Relaxed pace. Delicious food. Short rib tacos amazing. Delicious duck to share. Can’t wait to return.
  33. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 8, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Phenomenal dinner...staff was great, food was delicious.
  34. jjcc

    Washington DC

    60 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    60 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Best meal we have had in DC in a long time. The octopus was amazing, as was the sablefish. The drinks were different and delicious. We will definitely go back. I am often disappointed when a restaurant gets good hype (like Komi - overpriced and underwhelming and I tasted goat for days after my meal), but Poca Madre is the real deal!
  35. NatashaA

    Washington DC

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on February 4, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had the margaritas, which were excellent. Also delicious was the squash salad. The broccoli was very good but less memorable. The mole sauce on the chicken was as good as any I had in Oaxaca, though I think deep-frying the chicken was unnecessary. Other members of my family went the next night on my recommendation. They reported thinking the cocktails (a Nigroni-type cocktail) was outstanding, along with the scallops, the yellow-tail, and the squash salad. The one disappointment was the ice cream wrapped in a pastry dough--way too much pastry for a tiny scoop of ice cream. The ice cream itself was fantastic.
  36. toutoften

    Washington DC

    178 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    178 reviews

    Dined on February 3, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of our favorite restaurants! The food is imaginative, plentiful and delicious. Service was perfect! We’ll go back again and again.
  37. SusanT

    Washington DC

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 2, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Food and cocktails were excellent!!! Very interesting concepts and all delicious
  38. Laut

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on February 1, 2020

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Poca Madre was a delightful experience! I'm gluten free and the staff was super accommodating, though they don't have their menu labeled with allergens. Everything we ordered was awesome - would definitely recommend the squash salad and the duck! Our waiter, Kevin, was attentive and friendly and his recommendations for the menu in terms of how much to order and some staples the restaurant has were spot on. Would definitely recommend going for a dinner where you can really take your time and order a bunch of the dishes vs something quick before an event or game.
  39. DCNYLON

    Washington DC

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on February 1, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wow. Fabulous meal. Had chef’s tasing menu. Every dish bursting with flavor. Innovative and delicious.
  40. ChefWhoDinesOut

    Washington DC

    92 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    92 reviews

    Dined on January 31, 2020

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Simply amazing from start to finish. We opted for the tasting menu, which is an incredible value for the amount of food. If we had to pick highlights, we would say the pulpo, mushroom risotto, and the hamachi crudo among the starters. The pork entree was divine. The desserts were an unexpected delight. All of the cocktails (we tried 4) were perfect. Service was great as well, many thanks to the entire staff. We can’t wait to come back. Truly a fantastic experience.

FAQs

Poca Madre offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (202) 838-5300.

Poca Madre is rated 4.8 stars by 474 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Entrance on TechWorld Plaza between I and K Street NW

  • Neighborhood

    Penn Quarter

  • Hours of operation

    Sunday - Thursday: 5:00-10:00pm Friday - Saturday: 5:00 - 11:00pm

  • Cuisines

    Mexican

  • Dining style

    Elegant Dining

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    Street Parking

  • Public transit

    Gallery Place/ Chinatown metro 1 block away

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Executive chef

    Victor Albisu

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, BYO Wine, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • Phone number

    (202) 838-5300

  • Catering

    For catering inquiries please contact Events@pocamadredc.com

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