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Poco's
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
3063 Southwest BlvdKansas City, MO 64121
(816) 931-2526
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Brunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
30 reviews for Poco's
Review Highlights
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"Their homemade salsa is to die for, and I have never been..." In 13 reviews -
"Service was great because of it." In 3 reviews -
"I love huevos and anything with chorizo." In 3 reviews
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30 reviews in English
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Review from Brent K.
4/11/2012
I hate that this places does awful business. when I go it is empty. I think it might be probably top 3-4 latin american places to eat in KC. But is it the location? Is it the name? I don't know, but if you want a full on delicious mexican feast, especially on a sunday morning, this place will do you good. the staff is friendly, though not also attentive, and the food selections are diverse and adventurous. I have had probably everything on their breakfast menu and haven't had a bad meal yet. I've been there for dinner a few times as well and it's really just delicious food. the diner-esq decor is no worse than any of the other dives on the boulevard, and really shouldn't have that much to do with going here. just go and try it. if you don't like it, bah, whatever.
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Review from Kris A.
Kansas City, MO
Updated - 5/18/2012
I have not eaten at the food truck or the restaurant again. I just wanted to mourn the passing yesterday of Poco herself. She was a very nice lady and I remember her from her days at The Grill on Broadway.
Listed in: KC Restaurants, Food Trucks, Mexican
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/26/2011
Meh. Kinda like the restaurant. If I want food truck tacos, I'm hitting Port Fonda or going to… Read more »
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Review from Rachelle G.
Olathe, KS
5/5/2012
The Pocos Mexican Cafe is as Authentic as any Mexican Grill in KC. It has a real tacos & quesadillas, not a fried taco as many Americans think is the real thing. The rice they make is to die for and the tacos as well. As said in other reviews it is quiet and has GREAT service. So if you have a craving for a real Mexican dinner go on down to the power and light and get some!
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Review from Casey A.
Kansas City, KS
3/25/2012 1 Check-in Here
Our server was great, the food was delicious and the atmosphere is perfect!! We stumbled upon this hidden gem and we will definitely be back!! The breakfast tacos are awesome!!
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Review from Jocelyn L.
Roeland Park, KS
Loved b-fast. Chilaquiles are hot enough, but not too spicy. Service was super slow, but drinks were kept brimming. I think they were working on a large to-go order, which means I'll cut some slack.
Was super disappointed when we went the other weekend and they were closed for a family/staff party. It has become a regular craving. -
Review from Sandy D.
Kansas City, MO
1/1/2012
The place had a foul smell as we walked in, the smell was even in the tea. The fish tacos were made of cheap fish, for the price I expected a nice white fish. The shrimp dinner was also expensive, and made of tiny, rubbery cheap shrimp. We will not be returning! Way over priced, and very tasteless meals.
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Review from Dana C.
I was pleasantly surprised to find this sweet little gem of a place off Southwest Blvd. I have been driving by it for years and had up until now, never stopped in.
One Sunday morning, my boyfriend and I wanted to try some place new for breakfast. After searching on Yelp we came across Poco's and decided to try it.
Everything on the menu seemed like it would be good, I had a hard time narrowing it down to only one choice. I finally decided on the San Antonio tacos while my boyfriend chose the Moyetes on the waiter's suggestion. Our food came fairly quickly after ordering and there was plenty of it! The side of potatoes my meal came with are probably the most delicious breakfast potatoes I have ever encountered. The tacos were incredible too! My boyfriend devoured his Moyetes, safe to say that was a good choice!
We were very pleased with our first visit. We will definitely go back and I have been recommending to friends ever since!Listed in: Top 5 Restaurants - Plus 1
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Review from Toph M.
Blue Springs, MO
12/20/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I love Poco's!
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Review from Kyle P.
Highland Park, NJ
9/21/2011
This is the best Mexican in Kansas City. Granted, I've only been to like 3 places so far but this is the only place I'd consider a true Mexican restaurant. Almost all the others I've been to/ drove by are either cheap shitty Mexican specializing in lunches for rednecks or Margarita bars. Poco's, however, gives you a wide selection of sit-down entrees to choose from (mostly Mexican but a decent number of South American dishes as well).
The chips are fine. The appetizers aren't the conventional selections. I got some shrimp empanadas that were encased in flaky croissant-like dough instead of the usual fried dough (interesting but I prefer the standard empanadas).
I've been there twice and I've had 2 entrees. The second was a pull pork dish that was OK. The first was what I judge all Mexican restaurants by: chicken mole. Mole's very easy to screw up. The other restaurants here made the sauce too chocolaty and sweet. You could also make it too tomatoey (less of an offence). The best places find just the right balance and treat you to a sauce that is both earthy and complex. Poco's finds that balance and that makes me very happy. -
Review from Nancy K.
1/30/2011
I'm glad that I usually drive fast enough past this place so I was never quite sure what it was. Seriously though, I'll eat at any place that looks like authentic Mexican so, we choose here to take our surprise out of town guest.
I am also grateful that I had no idea what to expect going in. Our visiting vegetarian was able to find something he liked on the menu, which was my main concern. He and my husband raved about the enchilada sauce, so next time, I'll know.
I had the fish's fish taco. We renamed it that due to the strange mix of fish on two tacos. We had salmon, tilapia, possibly some cod? All grilled, good but weird.
Now, I could be wrong about this and for vege's sake I hope I am, but I swear that there was bacon fat in those beans. As much as I like bacon, you know, it just kind of not for me. Please ask though, I don't want to throw anyone under the bacon bus.
I'm wiling to try this place again but my goal is breakfast. I love huevos and anything with chorizo. They open by 7 a.m. so that is totally happening.Listed in: Fish Tacos, Tour of the BLVD, Lent
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Review from Amy E.
7/9/2011
I was especially disappointed with Poco's. This is why. The place messed up most of the details, but with just a little effort, a slightly stricter standard, the food would have been quite good. Instead, it wasn't. Laziness appeared to be the culprit.
To begin, the chips were stale. No excuse for this. Try a chip in back before serving, and if it is stale, serve a new batch. The salsa was odd, almost off-putting. It apparently hadn't been sampled either. The plates of food were not hot in the least. The cheese enchiladas were room temperature, the cheese itself tough and rubbery. The red chili sauce that topped the enchiladas would have/should have been good, but it hadn't simmered nearly long enough, so it tasted raw and acrid. The meat in the pork burrito hadn't simmered long enough either, and was tough as a result. And the chicken mole burrito, it accounted for the worst lapse in attention. The chicken mole itself was okay, but the cook had taken a dry, room temperature tortilla, wrapped it around the filling, and plopped the burrito on the plate, just like that, without any sauce or warming. Very unappealing. We ate the mole and ignored the tortilla. The accompanying rice was blah, the beans standard.
The person who assembled our meals clearly couldn't have cared less about presenting a good, hot, appetizing lunch to a customer. The plates of food we received telegraphed that without question. And if the cook has zero enthusiasm for his/her work, then a patron isn't going to have the least bit of enthusiasm for the end result. -
Review from Ken B.
8/14/2010
Poco's is a fantastic, family run business. It's not fancy, it's more like sitting in someone's house after a long day of work and feeling glad to be there. The tv is usually on, sometimes with the volume up or sometimes with it turned down. You can usually hear the sisters (waitresses) speaking or yelling at each other. The waitress will talk about "mom" back in the kitchen. It's so comfortable and the service is great, maybe not always quick, but in this atmosphere, who cares.
The chips are salsa's are so good. There is a creamy, avocado/lime salsa *SMOOCH*, so good and recently a fresh tomato cilantro salsa too.
The menu is not the typical boulevard gooey cheese type of mexican menu. It's much more fresh. I have to be honest and say that I typically order the fajitas. Not very daring, but they are always great and that's what I'm usually craving. (The one item that I don't feel is so good is the guacamole, but that's the only item I've had so far that was just so so.)
I love that I can go on a Friday night and not have to wait for a table, have a pretty quiet atmosphere and relax. But I do want them to stay around, so if that means more people discover this place, I will be happy about that also.
It's not fancy, it's not formal and I love it. It is fresh, it is personable, it is comfortable and I love it.Listed in: South of the Border
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Review from John P.
1/24/2011
We went here on a Friday Night and we were the only people in this place. I don't know why, the food is excellent, probably some of the best salsa in the city. The restaurant is not typical Mexican food, i would say it's more of a latin american feel. I had the orange-chipotle pork tacos and they were excellent.
The prices are a little on the high side but I am willing to pay them and I will be back for more because the food wasn't your typical greasy mexican food.
I would like to try the breakfast sometime.
The place is family run which is always a big plus for me. -
Review from Ryan A.
9/29/2010 1 Check-in Here
First, I have to agree with John N about the weird way this place is marketed. I'm not usually one to really give much thought to this kind of thing, but I feel like the whimsical green logo is a pretty decent representation of what the place is about: home-cooked food served in a warm, casual environment. So what's up with the fancy pants, fine dining-esque pictures and typefaces on their web site? It's a strange contrast which sends mixed messages and makes me wonder whether the family running this place really knows what they want it to be. The result ends up being something of a confused hybrid between a low-rent Rick Bayless concept and something slightly similar yet generally better than the gringo-Mex competition down the street.
I love that this is a locally owned place, and I love that it is operated by a family. They've always been really friendly and offered excellent service when I've visited for lunch, but the food I've had hasn't been all that great. Tacos al pastor had too much sweetness, not enough savory. Rice and beans boring. Tamales not that great. Probably the best thing I've had is the enchilada sauce they, I assume, make in-house. It is excellent, slightly tangy with a strong almost smoky dried chile flavor. No discernible hint of filler tomatoes. The enchilada itself is nothing to write home about, but man, that sauce is exactly what I'm looking for.
Need to get down for dinner, as some of the entrees look pretty good. -
Review from John N.
Kansas City, MO
7/17/2010
My confusion about what Poco's really is starts with their website. The logo in the upper left - used on all the restaurant's signage - though presumably tasteful, is fairly whimsical and lighthearted in its design. The food photography and fonts used on the rest of the pages, however, would make one think the place had a black tie dress code. Let's review the restaurant based on the main pods on the website's home page:
Reservations: The scripted, styled font and photo of a hard-backed, lined, formal guest book with gold-tipped fountain pen screams "fine dining - better call ahead". When we walked in at 8:00 on Saturday, there was only one other couple in attendance, mostly done with their food. So calling ahead would seem less critical than we were led to believe.
Menu: Here the site showcases a lamb chop, with the rib bone perfectly "Frenched" (if that's a word), cleared of meat for use as the handle of a beautiful meat popsicle. Red wine and delicate greens are romantically blurred in the background. And to Poco's credit, grilled rack of lamb (Cordero Borracho) is the first thing listed on the dinner menu. Indeed, the small-ish menu is all over the place, with the aforementioned elegant $24.99 entree juxtaposed with Mexi-classics like Fajitas ($13-$16) and Fish Tacos ($12.95), also mingling with real head-scratchers like Risotto and the Pasta of the Day.
The free chips that came served with the salsa were quite crunchy and had more chracter than most Mexican restaurant chips. Very good. The salsa was a nice consistency, but somehow lacking in flavor. A little too watery. Not the best in town, but definitely not the worst, either.
We started with the Goat Cheese Vegetable Tamales appetizer, which turned out to be a tamale revelation for us. Two nicely sized open corn husks were the bed for tightly packed massa, inside of which were thin strips of roasted onion and red pepper. A green sauce and crumbles of goat cheese sat atop each of the tamales and looked to have been quickly heated under a broiler. As tamales can be slightly flavorless, these were exceptional for the charred taste that came on the pepper and onion, and the tang from the goat cheese on top.
The entree choice: mole with chicken. The left third of my plate held the typical Mexican rice and refried beans (hearty, flavorful beans, though, not the runny bland ones I'm more used to getting). The right side was a big pool of deep brown mole sauce and tender chunks of chicken. Admittedly, it was a lot of sauce and only a little chicken, but definitely enough to fill the three warm, pliable corn tortillas that came wrapped up in a paper towel on the side. The mole was a chocolatey one but, unlike others I've had in town, had the nice slow burn as an undertone. Clearly the appropriate regimen of chilies had been employed in the cooking process, which made this mole's depth far better than its local competitors that I've sampled.
Cutting the richness of our slightly heavy meals were a couple of sugary, citrusy margaritas. I couldn't quite see how they were made, but given the server's recommendation and the flavors I was picking up, I'd bet they were NOT from a bottle of Jose Cuervo pre-mix. It really hit the spot.
And then a funny thing happened. When we reflexively declined a look at the dessert menu, being completely full and with sport-eating regret seeping into our psyches, a beautiful plate of honey and cocoa scented flan showed up. Now, Elizabeth and I are not custard people. Creme brulee has to be really good to not gross us out, and flan has even less of a chance of hitting the mark, what with being cold and served outside a container, molded like a Mayan temple of fat (okay, I have issues). It was firm, yet so incredibly smooth, and the cocoa gave the caramelly liquid in which the flan rested a wonderful bitterness and depth of flavor. It was truly a sweet treat to end the meal.
Catering: On the right hand side of the web page is the Catering pod, decorated with a photo of shining stainless steel heated trays with linens primly knotted around each handle. Contrastingly, but not disappointingly, the Poco's catering trucks were parked out back, somewhat less ceremonious in appearance. If they serve the same food as can be found in the restaurant, though, who cares? Bring it to me in a dump truck as far as I'm concerned.
To end the evening, our server told us that Poco's also still specializes in breakfast/brunch, too, which contains both diner classics like those found at the Waid's back in the day, as well as great Mexican favorites like huevos con chorizo. A promising idea for our next fuzzy morning after over-indulging, perhaps.
Poco's may not be exactly what it's trying to market itself as, but I'd urge you not to get hung up on that confusion. It's a Latin American restaurant on the Boulevard with good service, a comfortable dining room, and some solid food. That's really all you need to know. -
Review from Lilian O.
Houston, TX
7/23/2010 2 photos
I had a Groupon so my fiancee and I decided to try this place on a Thursday night. We called ahead to have them reserve a table for us but they told us the place was empty and we wouldn't need to worry about seating. They weren't kidding! We were the only customers in the place at 7:30 P.M. on a Thursday night. I'm not sure if that's normal but it certainly was interesting.
Service was great because of it! The waitress brought out fresh house-made chips and two types of salsa promptly along with our waters. The chips were ridiculously addictive. I love freshly made chips - not the store brought kind. The salsa also had a bit of heat to it.
I got the roasted red pepper while my fiancee ordered the vegetarian chile relleno. The presentation of the pepper was so beautiful that it was such a shame to eat! Both dishes were very good.
Poco's website makes it appear to be more of a fine dining restaurant but I found the interior to be more casual. That threw us off a little bit when we first arrived.
All in all an enjoyable experience especially since we only paid about $10 post-Groupon.Listed in: Ethnic Restaurants in Kansas…
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Review from Zeenat H.
Kansas City, MO
7/26/2010
Great brunch spot for the morning after an exhaustive night of debauchery. Tex mex flavors and dishes make for a filling brunch meal, although occasionally hit or miss. The coffee is standard, but try the horchata for something a little more ethnic.
Favorites:
chilaquiles
burritos
A unique place, probably not for everyone. It's casual and laid-back, and contrary to the other reviews I've always seen the place hopping. Servers are friendly and the atmosphere is relaxed. -
Review from Tresha G.
I tried this place because my Guatemalan roommate wanted something out of the ordinary Mexican breakfast. So I came across a review of this place online.
We were the only ones there at 10:30am on a Tuesday. We were told that they recently re-opened after about 6 months of only doing catering. Our server was very pleasant and helpful.
Roomie loved the fresh salsa but the tortilla chips were something to get use too. She also got a horchata and it was unusually thick. I thought it had too much mix in it. She also got the moyetes. Which we both thought was great.
I ordered a combo of ground beef enchilada (more cheese than beef) and soft taco al pastor (not pleased with). Usually, I ignore the rice and beans that come with an entree. This time, I actually liked and ate them all.
I think the place is promising, that I can find some really good dishes to eat there. I shall return. -
Review from Christie M.
Kansas City, MO
6/23/2011
Easily the best mexican food in KC.
Went there for lunch with a colleague as I had an expiring groupon. Place was moderately busy, and we were quickly greeted. Both the hostess and server were very friendly and offered suggestions when asked.
We started with the guacamole, which was excellent. The plaintain chips were a bit sparse, but they are handmade, so I'm okay with it. I wish they had just included some regular chips as well, which we ended up ordering (along with salsa). The salsa was mild but very flavorful. Definitely not a thick salsa, which isn't my taste anyway, so it was great.
For my entree, I ordered a combo plate... brisket taco, chicken mole burrito and the goat cheese/roasted veggie tamale for $8.95.
The accompanying rice and beans were both the best I've had at a restaurant. The beans were thick and clearly made from scratch. I wouldn't be surprised if there's some sort of meat in them, but come on. Refried beans are generally done with lard or other animal fat. They were thick, creamy, and delicious, topped with a bit of white cheese.
The rice was one of the best things on the plate (no easy feat!)... Moist, fluffy, and not at all tomato-y or greasy, which is what you see too often elsewhere. With peas, corn and chunks of tomatoes, it reminded me of rice served by my aunt whenever she'd have us over for traditional mexican fare.
As for the taco, the brisket was slightly dry, but more than made up for it in flavor, which was great. A little dab of guac and salsa and I was good to go. I went with the soft taco, which is served in a corn tortilla. Definitely a great choice.
The tamale was perfectly cooked and was just really interesting and delicious. Not every day that you see goat cheese at a Mexican place! The salsa verde gave it a nice kick that cut the heaviness of the goat cheese. The masa was moist and flavorful, and the veggies gave it a wonderful flavor. Perfectly constructed so that you aren't missing meat at all.
The mole was just incredible. The sauce was far more complex than any mole I've had before... smoky but not too chocolaty (real chile action here, not cheater style americanized mole!), and had an amazing fragrant note that had me guessing the whole time. Just really delightful.
Bummed to learn just as I'm moving that food this good was just down the street this whole time! I'll definitely be making a point of getting back here, though. While the dinner menu is on the pricier side and will be more special occasion dining for me, the lunch menu cannot be beat! Definitely going will be driving across town for this!! -
Review from Joey H.
Lee's Summit, MO
1/4/2011
I have only been there one time but fell in love with the food. Most Mexican restraunts are all the same. You can order a taco, burrito, etc and it is all the same!!! Personally I always like to try something on the menu I have never had which is normally impossible at a mexican restraunt. I love the family feel that it has. Hot food, hot women, cold beer, and killer chips and salsa. What more could you want.
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Review from Jason B.
Kansas City, MO
11/10/2011
I pass this place all the time and finally stopped in. I would consider this a hidden gem in Kansas City. The food was exceptional, and truly authentic. The breakfast was a nice break from the greasy places I usually go downtown. I can't wait to try the dinner.
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Review from Margaret D.
Kansas City, MO
10/1/2008
I'm always up for a new restaurant. The service was awful. I could see the food waiting to be picked up for over 5 minutes. The waitress worked at a snail's pace. The cook should have called for the food to be picked up.
I tried to imagine the food warm when I ate it; it was cold. The guacomole was well-seasoned. The fish tacos so/so-try Teocali's for the best fish tacos in town. The mole was interesting with good flavor.
I don't believe that the owner is new to the restaurant business so there is no excuse. If you're an awful server at least smile. The place was nearly empty so there is no excuse for the poor service. -
Review from Dave L.
Kansas City, MO
3/19/2008 1 Check-in Here
Great breakfast and passable Mexican inspired fare. A very pleasant interior with lots of windows. A nice, locally owned joint with friendly staff.
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Review from Dave N.
New York, NY
9/7/2008 1 Check-in Here
Five stars, this place is really as good as it gets! Poco's delivers exactly what is expected: great authentic food served by happy people who feel like family. I had been there once before a while ago, but ate there again this morning and hugged the waitress on my way out because I was so happy from my meal. It is delicious enough to eat there regularly, and inexpensive enough to come back often.
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Review from Kristin M.
Columbia, MO
7/12/2010
I went to Poco's after seeing all the fantastic reviews on google. The service was great. They even brought samples when I didn't know what something was (menudo)! Everyone was extremely nice. The salsa, as everyone says, is really good.
The rest of the food, however, was just okay. The guacamole tasted like it had been made w/ mayo and too much of it. I like my guac to have some texture to it. I tried the tacos al pastor (which had good flavor, but were a bit dry), a chicken enchilada (pretty bland), and a burrito (brisket?), which had way to many potatoes in it.
Overall, the experience was okay but I have no desire to go back anytime soon. -
Review from Emily S.
Kansas City, MO
7/31/2008
This is my FAVORITE place to eat, hands-down! Their homemade salsa is to die for, and I have never been disappointed with anything I've ordered. And to top that off, the service is excellent! I eat there at least twice a week and they always take really good care of me. (Especially Mary on Sundays!) I love the cafe atmosphere and also the facet that they serve beer. Nothing better that a Corona with hueveos rancheros!
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Review from Bob R.
Kansas City, MO
12/17/2008
Bringing the salsa out steamy was fanBUENOtastic. A good idea that more places should use. The chips were fresh. However, the chicken enchiladas were kinda dry... not so great there... and I wasn't given the choice to get any kind of beans other than refried.
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Review from Thomas A.
Kansas City, KS
4/5/2011
We adore this little joint! We've eaten Mexican breakfast here several times and it has never been anything but superb! I've taken other friends with me here too. It just DAMNED good! That's what it is. I've had the tamales with the fried eggs over medium, beans and rice! Yousa! Delicious combination. The menudo is divoon! A must have for Sunday morning brunch. This last time, I had two enchiladas, rice and beans. I love the enchilada sauce here. I ordered one cheese and one meat and got two meat (pay attention servers...) but I'm not gonna quibble about that. The service really is above reproach. They are there quickly making sure you have your drinks, chips and salsa and then the food comes pretty quickly, nice and warm and getting you excited about digging in! The price is right too. We will continue to make Poco's one of our Mexican favorites in a town that has tons of Mexican restaurants.
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Review from Vicki B.
Kansas City, MO
7/10/2010
Seated immediately in prime time on a Friday night, only two other parties. Chips were different, thicker, but very good, and the salsa was a very cilantro-intense medium-hot --YUMMY-loved the salsa!
Food is different than standard fare, but good. My chile relleno was good with generous helping of rice and whole (upon request) beans
The fish tacos looked ok, with a generous helping of guacomole on top of a "ton" of fish.
Dessert of blueberry? Creme brule was very tasty, but seemed to be overdone with the sauce. Must try the vanilla flan next time.
Price, is actually probably $15/person at least - at little pricier than standard Mexican fare --- but ooooh, that SALSA!
Atmosphere was nice inside, and plenty to look at outside with the Q/T traffic going in and out across 31st street.
Staff was very friendly.
Will go back to try the lunch buffet to sample some of the other offerings and get some more of that SALSA! -
Review from Christine B.
Shawnee Mission, KS
8/11/2008
They serve the BEST huevos rancheros in town. Really spicy and delicious. Their homemade salsas are always good too. I recommend it for breakfast and brunch. At night (weekends only) the prices get much higher, and the food is more latin american than mexican. It is usually pretty good at night, but is more hit or miss.
