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Pochos
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Pochos
8.1
A busy Mexican-American brunch café where sweet-and-savory plates (especially chilaquiles and French toast builds) are designed for weekend demand. The move is to commit to one centerpiece dish per person and skip excessive sides—this place rewards tight ordering when the room is slammed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles, Cafe de olla, French toast
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A high-demand Pilsen brunch room built around chilaquiles and sweet plates.
Who should go: Weekend brunch crews who can handle a wait
When to visit: Weekdays for the calmest experience
What to order: Chilaquiles, cafe de olla, French toast
Insider tip: Go right at opening or off-peak—midday weekend brunch can mean a long wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability on weekends, especially late morning. Plan extra time or consider rideshare during peak brunch hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual. Jeans, sneakers, and brunch fits are standard; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Lively to loud during peak brunch hours; conversation is possible but not intimate when the room is full.
Weekend wait: Not applicable for dinner; for weekend brunch expect 45–75 minutes during peak late morning.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or 10–15 minutes outside of peak lunch overlap.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple vegetarian-friendly options including meatless chilaquiles and sweet plates.
Vegan options: Limited – some items can be modified, but expect restrictions around sauces, eggs, and dairy.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some naturally gluten-free plates exist, but cross-contact is likely during busy service.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual daytime dates than intimate first impressions. The energy is fun and buzzy, but waits and noise can break momentum.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but timing matters. Go right at opening or on weekdays; peak weekend brunch almost always involves a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle waits and noise. High chairs may be limited during peak rushes.
Best For
Better for: High-energy Mexican-American brunch with visually appealing plates and bold flavors that hold up under volume.
Skip if: You want a quiet brunch, fast seating on weekends, or a menu that supports extensive dietary customization.
Pochos
8.3
A Mexican-American brunch room that leans hard into chilaquiles and sweet-salty plates built for weekend demand. The kitchen’s best work shows up when you commit to one centerpiece per person and keep the table from sprawling into too many sides.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilaquiles, Caramel French toast, Chorizo eggs benedict
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Mexican brunch classics remixed into high-demand chilaquiles-and-sweets ordering.
Who should go: Weekend brunch crews who can handle waits
When to visit: Right at opening for fastest seating
What to order: Chilaquiles, French toast, cafe de olla
Insider tip: Order your savory centerpiece first, then add one sweet to share.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable on side streets earlier in the morning, but tight by late morning on weekends.
Dress code: Casual-to-trendy brunch wear; jeans and sneakers are common, but people lean styled for photos.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak brunch; conversation is fine, but expect background buzz.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak brunch hours without a reservation (especially late morning).
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most weekdays, except around late-morning brunch crossover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple vegetarian-friendly chilaquiles and sweet dishes.
Vegan options: Limited – possible with modifications, but not clearly marked.
Gluten-free options: Limited – some naturally gluten-free items, but no dedicated gluten-free menu or prep guarantees.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re comfortable with energy and crowds. It’s lively and fun, but not intimate or quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but timing matters. Go right at opening or be prepared to wait during peak weekend brunch hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes—kids are welcome, especially earlier in the day—but it’s better suited for older kids who can handle a busy room.
Best For
Better for: High-energy Mexican-American brunch with bold chilaquiles and shareable sweet plates.
Skip if: You want a quiet, relaxed brunch or a flexible menu for extensive dietary restrictions.