Poco Fiasco, the pizza and martini concept from Harwood Hospitality Group is set to open to the public on Thursday, December 1 at 2828 N. Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75201. This marks Harwood Hospitality Group’s eleventh concept, joining existing brands such as Happiest Hour, Harwood Arms, Te Deseo, and Dolce Riviera which span the 19-city block Harwood District.
Originally inspired by the pizzerias of Brooklyn, Harwood Hospitality Group’s Corporate Chef, Taylor Kearney, and Poco Fiasco Executive Chef, JP Mancha, created pies that will appeal to those who appreciate a large foldable slice with a little chew while also capturing the crispy outer crust that bubbles oh so slightly.
Chef JP Mancha brings his 10+ years of culinary experience in Dallas to Poco Fiasco having spent time at Bijoux, The Cedars Social, 18th & Vine BBQ and CT Provisions. Since joining Harwood Hospitality in December 2021, Chef Mancha has served as Executive Chef at Saint Ann Restaurant & Bar, assisted with the reopening of Dolce Riviera in May 2022 and continues to be integral to the private events team at Marie Gabrielle Restaurant and Gardens.
“As we were creating the menu for Poco Fiasco we knew we wanted to provide guests with something new. While there are elements we took from the Northeast, this is a style of pizza unmistakably born in Dallas. We had a lot of fun with the toppings, from classics with a twist to unsuspecting combinations that we believe will become fan favorites such as the spinach and artichoke pizza and the Texan”, says Mancha in a statement.
Poco Fiasco’s pizzas feature over 10 combinations including a build-your-own option that comes in 12”, 16” or 18”. Pizzas on the menu include the Prosciutto – white sauce, mozzarella, sliced garlic, ricotta, arugula, pecorino, and hot honey; Quattro Formaggio – mozzarella, ricotta, parmesan, roasted garlic, and oregano; The Donkey – diablo sauce, pepperoni, spicy Italian sausage, red onion, fennel pollen; The Fig & Favor – shaved roasted lamb, cucumber sauce, parmesan, dill, feta, and fig jam; and The Texan – cheddar, HWD brisket, house BBQ sauce, pickled red onion.
Classic Italian starters include Charred Eggplant Dip – confit garlic, blistered tomatoes, flatbread, giardiniera; Garlic Knots – whipped ricotta and parmesan cheese; and Fried Mozzarella Sticks – house made with marinara and ranch.
In addition to Poco Fiasco’s pizzas, guests can also enjoy rustic Italian entrees such as Baked Manicotti – sausage ragu, ricotta, mozzarella; and Chicken Parm – marinara, fresh mozzarella, parmesan and bucatini. The hot sandwich selection includes a Meatball Sub – house red sauce, mozzarella, giardiniera; and Gyro – house made flatbread, roasted lamb, cucumber sauce, tomato, red onion, feta, and dill. For those wanting something lighter, fresh salads offered include The Greek, Baby Kale Caesar and Caprese.
The dessert menu includes Sweet Knots tossed in cinnamon sugar and served with cream cheese frosting; and Dessert Pizza – cookie spread, marshmallow, chocolate sauce and caramel.
Poco Fiasco will also feature a walkup window for to-go orders, with a pizza by-the-slice menu for those wanting something quick at lunch time, or on the way to or from a game or concert.
Poco Fiasco’s cocktail menu features a core set of classic martinis. You will find a take on a classic Vesper Martini – The James; a version of a Manhattan – The Sterling; and an Espresso Martini French Pressed tableside – The Joe. Undecided guests will also be able to build their own Poco Fiasco Martini mixing and matching different vodkas, gins, vermouths, and garnishes. The menu is rounded out by The Wilbur – a spicy pineapple margarita garnished with serrano chilies and pepperoni chips or; The Fico – a fig and ginger highball. Wine lovers will be happy to find an Italian-leaning list of pizza-friendly wines along with a selection of local beers on draft.
Warren Richards, VP of Harwood Hospitality Group says, “The bar at Poco Fiasco will be one of the hidden gems in The District. We hope that guests will end up coming to the restaurant because they crave our martinis just as much as the delicious pizzas.”
The 3,332 square foot space with seating for 68 inside and 86 on the covered patio is nestled in the quaint La Rue Purdue near sister concepts, Harwood Arms and Elephant East. The design of the restaurant is from Harwood’s in-house design group HDF. The ceiling mural bringing the Poco Fiasco feeling to life was done in collaboration between HDF and Dallas-based Artist Uprising, an organization connecting up-and-coming artists with corporations.
Melinda Clark, HDF’s Design Director says, “The mural depicts a feverish party turned fiasco combining favorite Harwood moments throughout the district. A few Harwood motifs are illustrated including Harwood Arms and Magnolias: Sous Le Pont as well as signature Harwood District design aspects such as the blue tree from Te Deseo, life-size chess board from Marie Gabrielle, and a few samurai to represent the Barbier-Mueller Samurai Collection. The quirkiness of the restaurant is carried through to the unique wallpapers, art selections on the walls, and playful figurines appointed throughout the space.”
Poco Fiasco will open Thursday, December 1 for lunch and dinner 7 days a week.
