Charles Koh
Capitol Hill favorite, Poquitos, to bring high-quality Mexican fare and vibrant nightlife scene to the Junction
After many successful years in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood, Poquitos will venture north opening a new restaurant at 18505 Bothell Way NE in the Junction at Bothell on Monday, March 26. Like the original location, guests will experience the food, drinks and atmosphere honoring the traditions of Mexico.
“As we were seeing Seattleites moving south and north to cities like Bothell the last several years, we felt those residents were underserved and could provide them with an experience they were used to having in the city,” said James Weimann, co-owner of Weimann Maclise Family of Restaurants which operates Bastille, Stoneburner, Rhein Haus, Macleod’s and Beer Star. “With Poquitos Bothell, we’re bringing the same high-quality Mexican food and seasonally-inspired cocktails our fans have known and loved for the last seven years to Bothell.”
The new Poquitos location will feature guest favorites like: handmade guacamole from fresh avocados, cilantro, lime, garlic confit, onion, tomato and serrano chile served with tortilla chips cooked in rice oil; prawns in salsa negra made with sweet and sour chipotle sauce, grilled lime and green onion and served with rice, beans and fresh tortillas; world-famous chapulines, the fried grasshoppers also available at Edgar’s Cantina by Poquitos in Safeco Field and the Poquitos Capitol Hill location; and the grande tostada, a 14-inch round “clayuda” topped with black beans, romaine, onion, tomato, avocado-tomatillo salsa, cotija, crema and house costeño chile hot sauce.
To round out the experience, Poquitos Bothell will serve drinks like: the Purist Margarita made with El Jimador Reposado, agave and fresh squeezed lime served on the rocks in a short glass with a salted rim; the La Fiona made with habanero-infused tequila, passion fruit and agave, served up with a chipotle-sugar rim; and a variety of imported and domestic beers and wines, and non-alcoholic beverages. The full menu, including happy hour is available at www.poquitosbothell.com.
“At Poquitos we create all our dishes with outstanding local meats and produce, and for items like unique chiles and spices – not to mention the chapulines – we get those directly from the source to create inspired Mexican dishes and snacks,” said Manny Arce, Poquitos executive chef. “Our vision is to continue these practices at our Bothell location and hope that locals and visitors alike enjoy what we have to offer.”
The 5,000 square-foot location will seat 180, including 18 at the bar, 20 in the private dining room and 54 on the two outdoor patios. For events larger than 20 guests, additional private party options will be available soon. The interior once again features the Spanish colonial influence on Mexican design with Talavera tile and a mixture of metal and wood work. The Bothell location includes unique design elements: a decorative wood arch from Mexico lines the entryway, ironwork railings from a Portland bridge run throughout the restaurant and the floors are reclaimed oak from a 130-year-old Pennsylvania barn. The restaurant also features a hand painted mural of the original Poquitos sign, a large ornate piece of woodwork from a New York cathedral anchoring the back of the bar, chandeliers from the San Antonio Riverwalk and Holophane lights from a Portland diner.
Poquitos Bothell will serve dinner daily from 3 p.m. – 10 p.m. daily, a late-night menu from 10 p.m. – 12 a.m. Sunday – Thursday and until 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and happy hour from 3 – 6 p.m. on weekdays (coming soon).
About Poquitos
At both Poquitos locations – Capitol Hill and Bothell – we strive to present delicious Mexican cuisine prepared with ingredients that are the best of both worlds – outstanding local sourcing for the meats and produce; unique and direct sourcing for items essential to honoring the culinary traditions of Mexico. The menu features fresh tortillas, guacamole made to order only from fresh avocados, lager-braised pork carnitas, coastal ceviche, and margaritas featuring seasonal ingredients. For more information, visit www.poquitosbothell.com, Facebook or Instagram.
