Poc Chuc

(Mission)
2886 16th St.  
415-558-1583 Map it

$-$$
Mexican
cheap eats, family style, good for groups, kid-friendly, lunch, open kitchen

SCENE: Located on a restaurant-lessblock of 16th Street a short walk from the action at BART, Poc Chuc looks undistinguished from the outside. But inside, the narrow space is painted a rich red color, the lighting is low and it is—relative to other nearby Mexican restaurants—almost fancy.

EATS: You’re here for the Yucatecan food—fresh, homemade versions of classics such as the salbute (a lightly fried tortilla topped with shredded turkey, avocado and pickled red onions), the namesake poc chuc (grilled citrus-marinated pork, served with black-bean puree and rice) and the occasional special, slow-roasted pork shoulder accompanied by house-made tortillas and a fiery habanero salsa. Poc Chuc is BYOB with no corkage, but fans of horchata shouldn’t miss the gently spiced version here.