Situated in DC’s Chinatown, Poca Madre is a new, upscale Mexican restaurant by Chef Victor Albisu. The eatery’s menu takes a refined look at Mexican dining with dishes like crispy Sweetbreads Veracruz and Sablefish with plantain maduro miso. Be sure to order the popular Pato Al Pastor, consisting of a half duck slow-roasted with chilies and pineapple until it’s pull-apart tender, rolled in its skin, and served with roasted pineapple sauce, onions, cilantro, and homemade corn tortillas. In addition to unique Mexican fare, the restaurant also specializes in mixed drinks with more than 90 rare mezcals, including spirits infused with mole.

The 70-seat interior is accented with colors of deep green, gold and bronze. The dining room features geometric prints on the walls, photos of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, sliding barn doors that seal off a semi-private room, and potted succulents planted at every table. Poca Madre also includes an outdoor tropical cocktail garden with a variety of seating.

mexican food

CC-BY-2.0/Flickr Bex.Walton