For the past couple of years, I’ve heard a tapas bar/restaurant was going to move into the old Franklin’s Bar location on 3rd Street in Dogpatch. A tablehopper reader tipped me off that it was finally open, so I cruised over to check it out this weekend. The name is POQUITO, a Latin American tapas bar, and is a first-time joint effort from Richard Vila and Jason Yoo.
Vila mentioned his mother is Spanish, and his father is from Ecuador, so the menu reflects dishes he grew up with from both of those cultures (and many are from family recipes). You’ll find arepas, llapingachos (Ecuadorian potato pancakes with cheese and green onions), empanadas, along with a few sandwiches (including a Cubano and a media noche), and a variety of tacos, which come on jicama wrappers instead of corn tortillas. There’s also a selection of five plates like shrimp ceviche and chicken under a brick, all $10 and under. There’s a full bar (with flat-screen TVs, natch), with a focus on tequilas, and a list of $9 specialty cocktails.
I have to admit—the menu looks appetizing and has some unique-sounding dishes, but the place is really lacking in décor. Seems like it’s still a work in progress, so don’t come with high style hopes—just come hungry and/or thirsty. Hours are Mon-Sat 11am-9pm, and Sun 11am-3pm (TBD). 2368 3rd St. at 20th St., 415-643-3900.
The bar at Poquito.
