Cafe Poca Cosa

My husband and I, who spend a few months in Tucson each winter, decided as a New Year Resolution to try out some of the local Top Ten restaurants. Poca Cosa was one of our first choices, and our goal was not easily accomplished. First of all, it's location successfully eluded us for a good 45 minutes; not only is it quite well hidden (underneath a parking garage!) but all the teeny creepy one way streets in downtown Tucson create a maze to drive one insane. As far as parking goes, just give it up and use that upstairs parking garage, you will NOT find parking on the street. Given that we did arrive at Poca Cosa during an off time (330 PM) with the restaurant mostly empty, we were completely ignored standing at the door until we finally got rude with the hostess and demanded to be seated. Then we sat there without menus for about 5 minutes. Little did we realise that was because there ARE NO menus at Poca Cosa! The waiter comes by and shows you a little blackboard with the dozen items on the menu that day. My husband and I have spent plenty of time in Mexico, but we had no idea what any of the menu selections were! Certainly no tacos or enchiladas here! Luckily, the cheerful waiter patiently explained what each of the selections consisted of. Our food showed up very quickly, and we were absolutely amazed by the size of the portions and by the lovely presentation. The entree comes with a salad made of wonderful fresh greens and gorgeous, brightly colored vegetables and fruits, with bowls of home made beans and rice on the side, and a basket of chubby home made corn tortillas. And the taste! DIOS MIO! So rich and intricate, spicy but playfully so! I was just so delighted but could only finish my salad and a few bites of the entree as it was just so darned much food! I think I will get three meals out of that $13 lunch. The cuisine style at Poca Cosa is certainly not what I think of when I think Mexican, excepting what I once experienced at an upscale Sunday brunch buffet at a place just off the zocalo in Mexico City. It may be more accurate to call it Mexican INSPIRED cuisine. In summation, Poca Cosa is difficult to find, and to find parking, but it's a wonderful find; my experience with the waitperson and the food was without fault, and I will definately be back, guests in tow! more

I've eaten many times at Cafe Poca Cosa and have never been disappointed with my meal. I like that the menu selection changes daily and that it is limited to just a few items. The restaurant chooses to focus on high quality for a few dishes rather than on breadth of selection. The sauces are delicious and complex but not overly heavy. And every meal comes with a large salad. It is therefore possible to have a very healthy meal here. The only problem is that the salsa is delicious and it is hard to stop eating the chips. When I'm being good, I tell them not to bring chips so I'm not tempted. If you're on a budget, I recommend coming for lunch where the prices are much more reasonable but with the same great food. more

the ambiance of a restaurant often makes the meal for us. cafe poca cosa had a tremendous feel attached to the old santa rita hotel. sadly the restaurant has moved recently and some of the luster is gone. the food remains tasty and original. walking in the restaurant now it seems to be a cross between chipotle and pf changs. wood and metal accents with a large bar area make a first impression. gone are the lush vegetation and vibrant colors one is used to seeing here. what a let down. more

Cafe Poca Cosa is nowhere near your typical Mexican restaurant. If you're looking for burritos, tacos, and chimichangas then try somewhere else. If you're looking for creative dishes on a menu that changes daily and aren't afraid to try something new then this should be right up your alley. The ambiance is excellent and the menu choices can seem overwhelming but great choice is the Cafe Poca Cosa Platter. The chef will choose 3 of the days entrées for your meal typically one chicken, one beef, and the third either fish or non-meat. Brilliant colors and soft lighting highlight the decor. more