Poquitos is a People-Pleaser
The insanely popular Capitol Hill restaurant serves stylish Mexican fare in a warm, noisy room.
By Seattle Mag November 22, 2011
This article originally appeared in the December 2011 issue of Seattle magazine.
It’s hard to believe the prime location of the insanely popular Poquitos—10th and Pike—was home to anything other than Poquitos so very recently; the place, with its soaring ceilings, blue and white patterned tiles, wrought-iron fixtures and soft terra-cotta-hued lighting, recalls privileged hotel lobbies in touristy Mexican cities.
Seattleites crave a hint of warmer climes in months of dragging rain; I’ve walked by dozens of times and have yet to spot an empty chair, even in midafternoon. It’s not just the ambience, either, although with a year-round heated patio, that’s a big draw.
The Mexican food is pretty good, and sometimes very good: Prawns in a smoky hot (really hot!) chipotle sauce ($14.95) fit into the latter category; the grilled chicken, with its crisp, deeply smoky marinade ($15.95), into the former.
I also enjoyed the ceviche, made with tender local albacore mixed with slivers of radish and hunks of ripe avocado ($11.95).
The house margarita is simple and just right: reposado tequila with fresh citrus juice, triple sec and little simple syrup to sweeten it up ($7/50).
Like its sister restaurant, Ballard Ave.’s similarly stylish French bistro, Bastille, it’s a fun, people-pleaser of a place: noisy, loud, popular and ideal for groups
Lunch and dinner daily. Capitol Hill, 1000 E Pike St.; 206.453.4216; vivapoquitos.com $$ outdoor dining, late-night dining, full bar