This lively Latin spot dishes up unique Mayan fare like poc-chuc and vibrant empanadas, all served with friendly vibes and fresh tortillas.
"If you’ve never eaten panuchos in a place with flashing lights and reggaeton playing at full blast, go to Poc-Chuc. The Yucatecan spot in the Mission transforms into a karaoke bar with a DJ and a fog machine four nights a week. At times it can feel more like a nightclub or a wedding dance floor than a spot to dive into saucy cochinita pibil and chicken drenched in nutty mole. But it’s both, and the food alone keeps us coming back. Housemade tortillas are thick and chewy. Huge portions of citrus-y grilled pork and zingy aguachile will have you reaching for another helping, and another. And bucketfuls of Modelos should be on the table, too. " - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez
"Dish: Poc chuc The poc chuc at this Yucatecan spot in the Mission fills a plate as big as a laptop, and it’s a staple of any order at this half-restaurant, half-karaoke destination. The pork is charred and citrusy, chunks of grilled onion lend a nice crunch, and the beans that come on the side pack an intensely savory punch that matches the rest of the dish. Wrapping everything up in one of their thick, beautifully blistered tortillas is also mandatory. " - julia chen 1, ricky rodriguez
"This is a family-run Mission District mainstay. Specializing in Yucatecan and Mayan cuisine, the restaurant continues to churn out its smoky, citrus-marinated pork; deeply flavorful turkey mole (served, in the Yucatecan style, as an ink-black soup); and wonderful handmade tortillas." - Paolo Bicchieri, Eater Staff
"The family-run Mission District mainstay, which specializes in Yucatecan and Mayan-inspired cuisine, is open for takeout from 12:30 to 9 p.m. daily. The restaurant continues to churn out its smoky, citrus-marinated pork, deeply flavorful turkey mole (served, in the Yucatecan style, as an ink-black soup), and wonderful handmade tortillas. Call ahead or walk in to order. Delivery is available through DoorDash." - Luke Tsai
"If you like your dinner with a side of flashing lights, artificial fog, and reggaeton playing at full blast, Poc-Chuc is the place to be. The casual restaurant in the Mission has karaoke four nights a week, a DJ, and a dance floor. Their Yucatecan food is worth this sensory overload. Order a big spread, which should include their titular poc chuc (citrusy grilled pork), zingy aguachile, and chicken covered in sweet mole, plus a bucket of Modelos for the table. Dinner at Poc Chuc is a party, complete with music videos streaming on the projectors, and one to get to immediately. " - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez