Elite Event: Poco

Delightful evening at Poco – warm welcomes, intimate setting, open bar, delicious bites and friendly Elites!

I had forgotten that I had been to Poco ages ago for brunch, probably because I was drunk and I have the memory of a goldfish. Even after I walked in and down the rabbit hole, it didn’t trigger any memories — probably due to the fact that I was brunching outdoor in the summer and I was rushing inside with tunnel vision after a freezing trek from Chelsea.
But after I went down the stairs, I was greeted by friendly faces and champagne. That’s all I want in life. I didn’t know the downstairs area existed and it was quaint and cozy, perfect for a smaller Elite event too. I saw some old faces and made some new friends as well. And the entire staff at Poco was extremely welcoming, fun, and kind.
The food options were great. My favorite of the night was the mushroom croquette — beautifully crisp and warm with lots of truffle flavor. They also served some sliders, lobster mac, which was good but I didn’t really taste or get any lobster in what I scooped out. Everyone was courteous and patient, and there was enough food and drink for everyone.
I loved both the special cocktails they offered this night — jalapeño margarita and this chamomile infused gin drink, I preferred the gin but it took significantly longer to prepare than the margarita and I didn’t want to have other Unilocalers wait for a drink longer so I only ordered it that first time. All drinks were prepared by the very cute and charming bartender, James. I’ll admit, he’s my new bartender crush. I mean, when the cute bartender wants to do whiskey shots with you out of mason jars, who am I to refuse?
Major thanks to Rug for another fun and great event as always.

Wow, what a great night at Poco. I arrived early to this East Village restaurant and was greeted by a free champagne glass at the upstairs bar. After a few minutes we all descended into the basement which immediatley brought to mind, «This would be the perfect set up for a birthday party.». And the elite event began.
The wait staff at Poco did not leave us hungry for to long. While they whipped up their selections, we were offered even more champagne and I was one of the first few (by accident of course;)) at the bar to try the Jalapeneno Margarita. Normally, i’m not a fan of spicy cocktails but this mixologist was spot on.
As for the food options, their were a few real winners. My absolute favorite was the Truffled Mushroom Croquettes. They say save the best for last, but Poco led off with this choice and I knew after a few bites that this was going to be a tasty evening. I’m not that big of a bacon guy, but the bacon wrapped dates were right on the money. The skirt steak on a stick I only tried once but I kind of wished I grabbed one or two more. Actually, on a random note I thought all the fellow Unilocalers here were super courteous and not hording the food like at other events. For the finale, they served a huge tray of Lobster Mac and Cheese. I never thought about this odd pairing but it worked. like that couple you didn’t want a give a chance to, that were actually perfect for each other.
Great job by Ruggy and Jando for choosing this spot. It’s intimate events like this one where I really get to meet other Unilocalers, probably need to add like five of you to my friends list.

An event that starts with champagne with orange slices before I even head to the main area is a winning start for me, as this Unilocal event had all the right ingredients to be one of the best I’ve been to in some time. Located in alphabet city, I just enjoyed the walk here from the west village going through a few avenues and blocks I haven’t explored as much (the nightlife in this area looks great). Anyway, the event itself took place in the basement level of Poco, and entering I was impressed with the décor and lights set up. It had an elegant yet cozy dive bar feel going for it all at the same time, something that would be hard to duplicate. Champagne was available from the get go and the waiter was generously handing them out. As an elite only event it must have been less than 50 people, which is always great as intimate events give you a real chance to get to know some of the other eliters (and catch up with plenty of familiar faces).
The only drink I sampled at the bar was the jalapeño margarita, and I must say I am starting to grow an affinity for some of the spicier drinks out there, and this one was no different hitting just the right taste buds. The bartender clearly knew what he was doing making precise measurements and handling a descent enough crowd for one person with relative ease.
Onto the food, it was nice that they seemed to have more than enough for everyone, planning it all out nicely. The second hour saw most of the good stuff coming out. The Bacon wrapped dates were a suprisingly item for me to see, never thinking you could mix the two but hey, it worked! The skirt steak/​cheese lollipop hit the spot on a stick. My favorites probably were the truffled mushroom croquettes and the big serving of Lobster Mac and Cheese. Dont think I’ve had mac and cheese since third or fourth grade, so getting a taste here brought back some found memories of the kraft boxes.
As usual, a well put-​together Unilocal event. Shoutouts to Ruggy and Jando for putting this one together.
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Got here early and the bartender offered some champagne while they were setting up. That was already a nice start. Downstairs had some string lighting and felt very cozy. There were plenty of drinks and the jalapeño margarita was really where it was at. You can taste a very slight spice and it was refreshing.
Also, nice part was that there was enough food since they made the rounds with some of the same dishes for us to taste. Staff was wonderful and friendly! The truffled mushroom croquettes did have a good amount of truffle in it and wasn’t overpowering at all. Nicely fried and gooey in the middle! My other favorite would be the lobster mac and cheese. Had nice chunks of lobster with a bread crumb topping.
A kind of random story, but thought I lost my bag there and realized I left it on the hook upstairs by the bar. One of the customers (a lady with a nice accent) realized that and said I was so lucky and hugged me. See, good vibes all around haha!
It was great seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones! There was a comfortable amount of people there. Thought I would only know one person, but everyone was pretty friendly and I really ended up enjoying it. Event or not, I would definitely come back here for brunch and happy hour menu/​dinner! Thanks for the opportunity :).

I’ve been to Poco before for a delicious Happy Hour with some girlfriends, and I had no idea they had such a lovely underground space!
Pros:
* The downstairs space is charming, well-​lit/​decorated, and great for private parties and fits at least 30 people comfortably. There is a small bar immediately when you arrive at the bottom of the stairs so patrons can get their drinks much faster!
* Everything we sampled was awesome– all were winners! Kudos to Jane S. for listing all the specific ingredients used in each dish. The Truffle Mushroom Croquette was so crispy while soft and super flavorful inside. I liked that they didn’t skimp on the truffle essence because it came out strong in every single bite! The sweet and savory tones of the Bacon Wrapped Dates were well balanced and I couldn’t get enough of them. The meat on the Skirt Steak Lollipoops and in the Sliders was so tender and juicy. The buns in sliders were also not soaked from the meat juices so it came together nicely. The Lobster Mac n’ Cheese was rich, creamy and satisfying. It went so quickly that I had no idea lobster was in it in the first place.
* Excellent service– the waiter who brought food around made sure that everyone was accounted for!
Thanks Ruggy and Poco! Looking forward to coming back to Poco to try their famous brunch and Happy Hours!

Absolutely fantastic event and personally what I thought was the best of the year so far. James the bartender was slinging it up with some fancy freaking cocktails. The ‘sleepwalker’ cocktail made with chamomile infused gin and some kind of aromatic flowery something was my favorite. Bowled me over and left me speechless. Also tried the delightful champagne that was being passed around and the jalapeño margarita. Quickly the night turned into order whatever the hell you want that’s behind the bar and that was where I discovered a new love for apple brandy.
Food was passed around and spread out pretty evenly. Favorites were the bacon wrapped dates with a strawberry glaze and stuffed with pungent blue cheese and roasted diced cashews. Skirt steak lollipops with cilantro pesto, melted manchego cheese and sweet onion jam all over my face. Angus beef sliders were cooked perfectly medium to medium-​rare with cheese and slathered with a really interesting avocado crème sauce and chipotle aioli. It was saucy. Truffle mushroom croquetas were sinful and speaking of loving truffle oil and carbs there was LOBSTAH MAC and CHEESE. I heard murmurs that this isn’t the best mac and cheese ever but it was close. There could have been larger chunks of lobster in the dish but the cheese blend and the panko crust were on point and soaked up well with the large shells. A night of gluttony and decadence washed down with Jando’s fun story time is always a good time. Enjoyed being able to linger around much later after the event. Definitely probably coming back to experience their Poco bottomless drink brunch at some point. Thanks so much to Ruggy and Jando!

The fact I somehow missed out the Lobster Mac and Cheese (that everyone is raving about) but still think this event warrants five stars, shows how great this event was.
Non plus one events always bring about a more intimate feel. Especially when you lock everyone in a small basement. Well we technically weren’t locked in, but with the drinks and food that were going around, there was no way I was leaving anytime soon. It was a great way to connect with some people I’ve never met, people I only see on Unilocal,or catchup with someone I haven’t seen in awhile. As well as the people I saw the night before. Stop following me!
The basement space was nice, with our own private bar and seems like the perfect spot for a small party. Take note for the future people. Ruggy mentioned he worked an event there once as a DJ.
Before venturing down there, and while they were still setting up, I got a glass of champagne at the bar upstairs. And just my luck, they were out of regular champagne glasses upstairs. I had to take a larger wine glass. I hate it when that happens to me. The champagne was a nice touch. At one point that intimate environment came back to bite me. Some champagne splashed on me in the tight confines. Thank god for hand dryers. Did I take my pants off in the bathroom to dry them? What I do there when those doors are closed is none of your business.
Much to my chagrin I missed out at the aforementioned lobster mac and cheese. Apparently you had to go up and get it yourself. How I didn’t see this in a room so small, is beyond me. Maybe I should start wearing those glasses. The other food however was unreal.
I first had the Steak Skewers. Delicious. Thin slices pieces, covered manchego cheese. I wouldn’t call them lollipops. That owl wouldn’t even need three licks. One bite, that’s it. My favorite was something I sadly only had one of. The Truffle Mushroom Croquette. Phenomenal. It was crispy, cheesy, goodness. The bacon wrapped dates and beef sliders were good. I felt the dates had a bit too much going on. Bacon is always good, but I’m not a huge fan of sweet and savory overkill. The slider was solid, a little dry. Both were good and much appreciated.
Eventually I went to switch to the cocktails. I tried my friend Dione’s gin based drink. I didn’t care for it, but I’m not a huge gin fan. I asked her what else they had. She informed my there was a jalapeño margarita. Our conversation quickly ended once she said that. I went straight to the bar and ordered up one (maybe two) of those. Fantastic. The only type of margarita I really like. And no salt! I forgot to tell him, and that’s how they make it anyhow. The bartender was on point.
I had an amazing time. Thank you so much to the wonderful staff at Poco. They were wonderful. Big thanks to Ruggy and Jando. They got me into one of the best events of the year. (Yes it’s only been a month and a half, but I imagine it’ll be one of the best for the whole year) Thanks dudes, much obliged.

As a new member of the Elite Squad, this was a great first event! I was a little nervous to go to my first event alone, but everyone in the Unilocal community is so friendly, I felt welcome right when I walked into Poco! It was great to meet Dione, Allison, Tiffany and George and chat with them about our jobs and Unilocal life.
The food and drinks were worthy of 5*s. I have come to poco for brunch, but have yet to try their dinner food and it is just as good. They served steak skewers, lobster mac n cheese, sliders, cheesy rice balls, and bacon wrapped dates. For the drinks I had 2 gin-​vodka-​honey-​orange juice-​chamomile cocktails. They were so strong I did not need any more than that! But sweet enough that I was able to finish them. I also snagged a pair of Unilocal fingerless gloves that I will be wearing often. I loved everything about this event, thanks Ruggy! The hostess and waiters at Poco were also extremely friendly :)

Thx first to Ruggy & Jando for makin it happen. Rock n roll!
Also I was happen that even though I showed up a few minutes early, the bartenders upstairs were happy to pour the early birds some champagne while we wait. Complete with an orange peel. Nice.
Shout outs… are those still cool? I feel like I talked to so many people. Jando & Ruggy, Helen, Esther, Mitch, Jane, Tam, Chelsea, Jen, Ruwan & Vivian. If I forgot anybody, kick me next time!
Haha
Poco is great. The downstairs space is so cute & quant. Could be a perfect spot for little romantic dinner, or drinks. Barrel vaulted brick ceilings make you feel like you’ve been sent back in time to the five points era new york.
Did I mention there’s a tiny bar down there too?
I’ll definitely be back to checkout Poco for another evening in the east village.

Going downstairs and puling back a curtain to find Jando in a sharp looking dress jacket? And then being instructed to go get myself some bubbly and have some fun? Great start to the night.
I loved meeting even more great Elites at this event and reconnecting with old friends. Compelling conversation, and amazing drinks! The jalapeño margarita was on point, especially as I celebrate my first year anniversary of moving to NYC from Texas. Not to mention that James looked extremely sharp in his vest while making those cocktails.
While much of the delicious-​looking fare had dairy in it and therefore I couldn’t partake, the bacon-​wrapped dates really made up for all of it. Bacon-​wrapped anything as penance? I say yes. The Poco waitstaff was also just phenomenal and so attentive.
Thanks for another fantastic event, Ruggy and Jando.

Let me tell you, after a long day of data entry, personal protective equipment training, and QPS Divisional meetings, this overworked hospital employee was ready and willing to shove tons of champagne and lobster mac & cheese down her throat. How I made it to 7 p.m. without cracking was nothing short of a miracle, but as soon as Jando scanned by Party Pass, I greedily grabbed a single champagne flute off of our server Aaron’s tray and downed it a little too quick. I regret NOTHING.
This was an extremely wonderful and intimate YEE; I’ve heard about Poco for their legendary brunches, and was glad for the opportunity to finally experience this establishment. The staff was great, with the aforementioned Aaron being kind, chatty, and informative about the food and the brunches and dinners. (Read: Brunch = CRAAAZY! Dinner = mad chill. Good to know!) I tried most items provided to us, such as the steak skewers, bacon-​wrapped dates, the sliders, and even the lobster mac & cheese. I am not a lobster fan, but I easily could have downed a few small plates of it. Absolutely divine! I sipped on the Sleepwalker (…which I originally referred to incorrectly as the Streetwalker, because… I obviously can’t hear people correctly…), and that gin soothed my tired soul. That also may have been the chamomile’s proven anxiety-​reducing characteristics. (Likely…both in tandem.)
I met and re-​met many awesome Unilocalers. (Dione! It’s been too long, girl!) So awesome to meet Courtney K., George T., and Tiffany Y., who were excellent table buddies. As always, it was great to see our stalwart leaders Ruggy and Jando. (Props to Ruggy for letting me vent for three or so minutes about my awful work day. You’re a true gentleman to listen to that! Ha!)
I’ve always wanted to try a brunch at Poco, and this event really lit the fire under my ass to do so, and soon. The staff was most fantastic. Thanks to them and Unilocal for a lovely YEE. I left incredibly content. Y’all turned a bad day right around. :-)

a b/​risk/​y night is often a cool refreshing awakening – even in winter’s chill clutches. fortune favors the bold new experiences. Poco was and is exactly that B O L D.
Tip Toe Wing In My Jawwdinz (fire red on white retro 5s, one of my signature kix. cuz imma a sneaker junkie, yo) into the trendy-​esque bar/​restaurant vibe of Poco. politely directed to the stairs where my nightly adventure would begin! smoothly Bueller/​ed down the stairs to the welcoming handshake of Jando.
pass – scanned, checked, & verified. FEAST mode on and new level, err sub-​level unlocked!
holy Milk n Crackers, BATMAN (yeah imma nerd) – there’s an even cooler intimate space below Poco, itself! the BATCAVE of restaurants! YASSSSS
pass through a short gently lit corridor that opens into a fair-​sized room. top of the space is a small, classically laid out modern bar (glass/​barware/​liquor) – where our composer of cocktails James stood tall and orchestrated some baller beverages. more on that later.
moving further in. the room nudges you through to ample standing room. can’t help but notice the exposed brick lowered ceiling gives the room immediate texture, distressed warm/​cool feel. the ceiling’s eclectic vines of small lights braided with faux greenery and mirror décor on the walls create a subtle lit space (that ain’t too bright, but ain’t too dim either) whispering smart not over-​thought design (#seewhatididthere)! ha. lots of closely-​knit seating and small tables on the perimeter for chatting up that certain someone or strangers.
after sizing out the area like a maniac architect (but i’m not!). i moved covertly to say hello to Ruggy before he got Unilocalswarmed and stung. loved these last few YEE events because i actually got a chance to have conversations with Unilocal’s Jedis like Ruggy, Peter D. (not in attendance at Poco), and Jando and have a real conversation where i wasn’t fumbling for small talk but listening to the insightful and hilarious musings of these hardworking dudes. ‘Sides talking to Ruggy allows me to spy on his beard cuz his BEARDgame be FIERCE!
as i snapped pics around the room, a Poco staffer (mebbe Joseph be his name) handed me a flute of bubbly – and away floated any concern or worry from day’s toil as i sipped in and became chilled effervescence.
food? WOW just WOW (not talking about world of warcraft nerdz).
the mushroom croquette. delightful roundness of smooth savory yum. crunch on the outside. melt in yo’ mouth on the inside. temperature perfect. more please!
steak skewers. nothing can be wrong about steak that is seasoned and spiced with bite. this grilled mini-​cow on a spear had me like MOOOOOre please.
the bacon-​wrapped dates. BECUZ bacon. tasty, salty, sweet… savor it all. more please.
sliders. soft carb protein soft carb sandwich. hello? masterfully executed simple eat. i also love sliders because they makes me feel like a GIANT! not all of us can be JANDO in stature! more sliders please since cloning JANDO is illegal cuz he’s too awesome to be duplicated!
lobster mac n cheese. this was a serve yourself dealio. awesome/refreshing/&YAY to see Unilocalers not mob the DIY serve station. folks lined up orderly took small portions and left plenty so there would be seconds and third for the piggies (not judging at all. lol). i do not need to sell you on this dish. LOBSTER. mac n cheese. decadent. a perfect warm melding of pasta, cheese, cream, and the sea.
cocktails: ALWAYS ORDER the JALAPENO MARGARITAS. James, the meticulous marvelous bartender talked about the badass Tequila (LUNAZUL) he uses, showed me the awesome double-​pour Hawthorne strainer he utilizes, and showed us some expert technique on cocktail prep. superchill gentleman James be. the cocktail: spicy, cold, blue agave heaven. i hit repeat on this drink many times and had no issue waiting patiently for it in line. yes it’s that great of a cocktail by a rockstar of a craftsman!
the staff at Poco from the manager to the servers were incredibly kind gracious hosts. super generous with their time and eats & dranks. felt very welcomed here. these folks have my gratitude. R E S P E C T
my Spider-​Sense is tingling err MINGLING! wut! the ELITES at this event were awesome – and made my night that much more starry. my compatriots in crime: Spencer & Mitch were chill as usual. Shout outs to Amanda S; Julie M; Vivian H.; Chelsea T; Lauren; Zachary; Sean S.; Ingrid S.; Sheldon; and Stephanie P. for LAUGHING – with or at me – instead of uncomfortably! HURRAH for people conversing and enjoying the simple pleasures of conversation – and not being bothered by my off-​color commentary and outrageous antics.
HUGE KUDOS & THANKS to Ruggy, Jando, team Unilocal, and POCO for putting together underground event that was over-​the-​top AWESOME. the Unilocal swag of fingerless gloves. THANK YOU been waiting for these FOREVA, life complete.
dropz mic like lit dynamite KABOOM cuz Poco explosively excellent!
i out.

Poco’s downstairs room, with its exposed brick, small tables and chairs, and floral covered couch has a cosy, intimate vibe that made it perfect for an Elite only event. The evening started with a lovely Wycliff champagne, sweet and fruity that had me so enraptured I didn’t even try any of the drinks at the bar. My fellow Unilocalers told me the mixologist there was meticulous, and poured interesting concoctions complete with chamomile flowers in one pinkish drink. The tapas came, steak lollipops, sliders and bacon wrapped dates for the carnivores and truffled mushroom croquettes and their famous lobster mac and cheese for all. The croquettes had an outstanding flavor, tasting like melted decadence in my mouth. The lobster mac and cheese lived up to its reputation, creamy, flavorful and just perfect for a chilly night. I loved the layer of toasted panko on top. crispy coating for crunch and then all heavy silk underneath. I don’t usually eat lobster but couldn’t resist and was glad I fell to temptation. This is definitely a dish for mac and cheese lovers and if you are not, it will convert you. Not a meat eater, I didn’t sample the others but noted that everyone chomping away seemed quite happy. Poco’s new dish was a beet tartare, minced beets, beautifully plated and served on a bed of toasted panko (?). The beets were sweet, and the panko provided a nice textural contrast and mouth feel. I thought it nice the cook wanted my opinion of it.
Poco’s servers did an outstanding job clearing glasses, bringing drinks for people and with a genuine warmth, especially the gentleman with the shaven head. Thank you Poco for your hospitality and the efficiency and welcome from your servers.
Thanks Ruggy (I think you looked like you were ready to race off at the end in your Lamborghini with your jacket) and Jando (who says I am a Luddite???) for planning this. I didn’t know one Elite there since none of my Unilocal buddies made the cut but I made new friends (like Chelsea who made sure I got fed:))
And I totally LOVE the Unilocal swag. Other Elites might be jaded and spurn the fingerless gloves but I Unilocaled with joy inwardly when I saw them. How handy for wearing under my mittens when I dog walk! And Ruggy and Jando made sure no Elite shall Unilocal with chapped lips. Yay!
Bookmarked Poco to visit it again on a not so chilly day.

I sadly had to leave early (sorry Ruggy) but I loved this event! The jalapeño margarita put just the right amount of extra kick in my drink.
Joseph did a great job making sure everyone got to try some bites. I tried the skirt steak, bacon wrapped dates, and poco sliders.
Really enjoyed the more intimate feel of the event – once you went a little further in past the bar, there was plenty of room to sit, chat, drink, and eat!
Going to come back again – even on my way out, the hostess made sure I had everything I needed. Will come back.

Heyyy Poco. What you got hiding behind that curtain? Oh, fantastic food, drink, service, and company? Qué bien!
So at first I was a wee out of sorts since I didn’t know any of the elites there. But being the social food and drink butterflies we Unilocalers are, that eventually sorted itself out.
I have to rave about the drinks first and foremost. James was an awesome bartender because it’s clear he loves what he does. I’d come back just to have drinks with him.
However, the food was delish too. I had a big dinner right beforehand cause I was about to faint, so I couldn’t enjoy the food to its maximum potential. But, I still thought it was awesome, particularly the skirt steak and slider. I might be an outlier, but the lobster mac and cheese was underwhelming to me. It’s probably because I’m so darn picky about this favorite dish of mine.
The last thing to rave about is the company. Met some great new folks to chat it up with tonight, which I believe was wholly facilitated by the intimate basement venue. It’s the stuff I live for, especially since Unilocal events are pretty much where I get my socializing kicks nowadays after being exhausted from work (exception being karaōke… just call my name, and I’ll be there).
Great events to kick off my 2015 Unilocal year! Muchísimas gracias Unilocal Nueva Yol!

I’ve walked past Poco many times, but never tried the place because I am not a fan of boozy brunch. Little did I know that Poco acts as a tapas restaurant at night with delicious food and drinks!
At this intimate, Unilocal-​only event, I not only nibbled on savory + delectable tapas, but also met some cool Elites. Typically I bring my boyfriend to Elite Events and rarely interact with other people, so it was really fun to make new friends!
The bites they passed around included…
–Truffle Mushroom Croquette: crispy, hot, and straight out from the fryer. The croquette reminded me of mini bite-​sized arancini. The smell of truffle was overpowering in the best way possible! The outside was crispy, while the inside was packed with cheesy, risotto-​like goodness. The croquette was topped with truffle aioli and truffle oil.
–Bacon Wrapped Dates: I personally HATE bacon, but I LOVE medjool dates… so I tried these, but of course unwrapped the bacon off the date. The medjool dates were stuffed with savory blue cheese and roasted cashews. So sweet and decadent! The exterior was also drizzled with spicy strawberry sauce. What an interesting flavor mix!
–Skirt Steak Lollipoops: The skewers of grilled skirt steak were drizzled with cilantro pesto, melted manchego cheese, and sweet onion jam. The skirt steak was a bit too chewy, but Poco did a great job of combining different flavors to create complex yet well balanced food.
–Angus Beef: nothing too special. I liked that the beef patty was cooked medium rare. The potato bun was lightly toasted. There were avocado crème, pickles, and chipotle aioli in the burger, but not enough to really taste them!
–Poco’s Famous Lobster Mac n’ Cheese: so RICH! A bite of it and I was done. The shell pasta (slightly overcooked) was drenched in rich, cheesy, creamy sauce and topped with crunchy panko bread crumbs. I was one of the last people to try it, so there was no lobster left. Oh well!
The event took place in the basement… didn’t even realize Poco was a multi-​level venue! The staff at Poco were also VERY friendly, efficient, and helpful. Thanks Ruggy, Jando, Unilocal,and Poco for an awesome event!