Poca Madre

Name: Poca Madre
Address: 777 I Street Northwest, Washington, DC, United States, 20001
Telephone: (202) 838-5300
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8

474 Reviews

$31 to $50

Mexican

Top Tags:

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

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Takeout

(202) 838-5300

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
Website
http://pocamadredc.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
Victor Albisu
Catering
For catering inquiries please contact Events@pocamadredc.com

Location
777 I Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20001
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

Tortillas con Mantequilla$8.00
goat cheese-avocado butter, boquerones, chapulines
Hamachi Ceviche$14.00
hibiscus salt, agua Jamaica, garlic, chile serrano, corn
Snapper Aguachile$12.00
yuzu, avocado, green tomato, grapefruit, basil
Shrimp & Cuttlefish Ceviche$14.00
coconut citrus, chorizo
Beet and Burrata Tostada$12.00
hoja santa emulsion, pickled beet mole
Roasted Squash$12.00
squash mole, smoked almond aioli, morita brown butter
Crispy Brussels Sprouts$11.00
plantain–goat cheese crema, pickled raisins
Pulpo Laminado$18.00
crispy octopus, mole blanco, ink pepper jam, sunchoke
Shrimp and Chorizo Masa Dumplings$15.00
Oaxacan XO, candied fresno, chicharron
Sablefish$24.00
maduro miso, hoja santa, ginger black beans
Cauliflower$16.00
mole verde, chiltates 'granola', agave honey
Burrito 'The King'$32.00
wagyu, lobster, caviar, robiola, black truffle, black beans
Arroz Cremoso$22.00
roasted maitakes, Castel Rosso cheese, truffles, huitlacoche
Pollo con Mole$24.00
fried chicken, mole nuestro, salsa negra, chile agave
Crispy Whole Fish "A la Talla"$38.00
coconut-arbol broth, celery salad, cilantro oil

Para Compartir

to share

Autumn Olive Pork Chuleta 'Arabe'$46.00
cucumber, za'atar, mint, pickled turnips, flour tortillas
Pato al Pastor$58.00
slow roasted long island duck, pineapple, onions, cilantro, corn tortillas
Tomahawk Ribeye$110.00
bistec adobado, salsa poca madre, bone marrow-pasilla de Oaxaca

Cocktails Poca Madre

Highballs & Tropical

1821 Gin Tonic$15.00
Gracias a Dios Mezcal Gin, Fever Tree Tonic, Dried Apple, Juniper, Hibiscus
Desert Resurrection$15.00
Deuling Sotol's, Gracias a Dios Mezcal Gin, Ginger, Lime, Oaxacan Sea Salt, Epazote
Kid Dynomite$14.00
Mezcal, La Cigarrera Manzanilla, Strawberry Kiwi, Lemongrass, Habanero

Daisies & Sours

Margarita Madre$13.00
Mezcal, Lime, Orange Scented Agave, Carved Rock, Guajillo Sal de Gusano
Charlie & The Chapuline Factory$15.00
Mezcal, Oaxacan Chapulines, Pineapple, Lemongrass, Japanese Peanuts, Sambal, Farm Egg Shake
Acapulco Trading Co.$13.00
Mezcal, Mango, Thai Basil, Yuzu, Banane de Brazil, Poleo Tea Sea Salt

Stirred

Fat Duck Old Fashioned$16.00
Mezcal, Ron Zacapa 23yr, Foie Gras Honey, Chocolate Mole Bitters, Black Truffle, Honey Comb
Café Ahumado$14.00
Nuestra Soledad Mezcal, Housemade Café de Olla Amaro, Banana, Piloncillo, Canela & Star Anise Smoke
Catarina Corleone$15.00
Del Maguey Minero, Gran Classico, Deuling Vermouth's, Sous Vide

Modern

Ziggy Stardust Margarita$14.00
Mezcal, Lime, Agave, Berries Edible & Frozen to Order
Fluffy Paloma$14.00
Siembra Azul Tequila, Fluffy Grapefruit Juice, Vanilla Soda
Campeon$14.00
Mezcal, Passionfruit, Mandarin, Ginger, Fresno Chile, Laurel, Passionfruit Mezcal Espuma

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

Noise • Moderate

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Filters

OT
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!
RR
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.
NI
NICKIN
Denver
11 reviews
5.0
11 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!
AT
AllTheTacos
Washington DC
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 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!
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 7, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food is outstanding
OT
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.
SY
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.
g
gooutandeat
Washington DC
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Unique and awesome!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Drinks were creative and satisfying. Food was delicious.
e
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.
MB
MelanieB
Washington DC
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on February 26, 2020
overall5food5service4ambience5
Amazing flavors and gorgeous presentation! I highly recommend the 4-course special! Dessert was sublime.
JD
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.
OT
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
HM
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!
MR
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.
CB
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!
M
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!
VB
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
RB
RosalinB
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 17, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The flavors and ingredient were incredible! Loved the service as well.
DD
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.
JA
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.
CD
CarlosD
Mexico City
2 reviews
5.0
2 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.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on February 15, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent varied menu, great flavors and well-crafted cocktails. Will definitely be back.
OT
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.
D
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.
G
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.
ZZ
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.
OT
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.
M
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.
JM
JeffManIam
Sacramento
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 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.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on February 10, 2020
overall4food4service3ambience5
Delicious! A little heavy with all of the sauces. Service was good, just a bit slow.
H
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.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Washington DC
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on February 8, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Phenomenal dinner...staff was great, food was delicious.
j
jjcc
Washington DC
59 reviews
vip
5.0
59 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!
NA
NatashaA
Washington DC
13 reviews
5.0
13 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.
t
toutoften
Washington DC
173 reviews
vip
5.0
173 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.
ST
SusanT
Washington DC
5 reviews
vip
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on February 2, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience4
Food and cocktails were excellent!!! Very interesting concepts and all delicious
L
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.
DC
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.
CW
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

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

(202) 838-5300

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

Website
http://pocamadredc.com/
Phone number
(202) 838-5300
Catering
For catering inquiries please contact Events@pocamadredc.com

Poca Madre

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information

Poca Madre

Tortillas con Mantequilla$8.00

Hamachi Ceviche$14.00

Snapper Aguachile$12.00

Shrimp & Cuttlefish Ceviche$14.00

Beet and Burrata Tostada$12.00

Roasted Squash$12.00

Crispy Brussels Sprouts$11.00

Pulpo Laminado$18.00

Shrimp and Chorizo Masa Dumplings$15.00

Sablefish$24.00

Cauliflower$16.00

Burrito 'The King'$32.00

Arroz Cremoso$22.00

Pollo con Mole$24.00

Crispy Whole Fish "A la Talla"$38.00

Para Compartir

Autumn Olive Pork Chuleta 'Arabe'$46.00

Pato al Pastor$58.00

Tomahawk Ribeye$110.00

Cocktails Poca Madre

Highballs & Tropical

1821 Gin Tonic$15.00

Desert Resurrection$15.00

Kid Dynomite$14.00

Daisies & Sours

Margarita Madre$13.00

Charlie & The Chapuline Factory$15.00

Acapulco Trading Co.$13.00

Stirred

Fat Duck Old Fashioned$16.00

Café Ahumado$14.00

Catarina Corleone$15.00

Modern

Ziggy Stardust Margarita$14.00

Fluffy Paloma$14.00

Campeon$14.00

Overall ratings and reviews

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Filters

FAQs

Does Poca Madre offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Poca Madre restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Order delivery or takeout

Takeout

Additional information