Envision a scene of porpoises performing tricks in pristine Pacific-blue waters, with waves crashing onto a rocky shoreline before a luscious flower-glittered jungle. The vivid murals inside Pozoleria San Juan help Hermosa residents revisit these exotic escapes back home in Guerrero, Mexico, along with steaming bowls of pozole (hominy soup) – an authentic Mexican meal and this restaurant's staple dish.
Pozoleria shares its name with the owner's family-run operation back home in the Guerrero borough of San Juan, morning manager Jackie Aguilar explains. Keeping up with tradition, the pozoles here come fresh, in three flavors served with pork, radishes, onions, cabbage, tostadas, avocado and pork skin, averaging $7. Unsure if such a combo could tie the knot with your stomach? Then take the Hungry Hound’s word for it; Steve Dolinksy personally recommends the soup in an autographed photo overhead.
Outside of the hominy soup selections, you'll find typical Mexican treats and fast fares like tortas, tacos and burritos. Quick service and simple meals attract heavy traffic on Friday and Saturday nights. Open 24 hours these days, the stand seats up to 60 people (if not more) coming down from their highs after the nightlife dims down. If you're a loner, you'll feel somewhat gluttonous hogging an entire six-top table (of which most are); takeout might work in this instance.
The staff on hand prefers using a Spanish tongue; their choppy English provides a perfect on-sight opportunity at digging up whatever you recall from Spanish 101. One waitress made my afternoon, personalizing my first visit by chiming, "Dabid," as in David. She's a transplant from the equally yummy El Gordo Restaurant I often frequented. Pozoleria gets extra cool points for servers remembering their regulars by name.
Aside from genuine Guerrero favorites, smiling servers and a comfortable environment, Pozoleria provides the occasional live music event, free wi-fi and welcomes BYO minus the corkage charge. Free parking is available behind the restaurant.
Average cost: <$10
Centerstage Reviewer: David-Anthony Gonzalez
