Pó
Smith Street's Pó is an offshoot of the West Village Italian restaurant of the same name. Eater explains that Mario Batali was an original owner/chef at the Manhattan location, which opened in 1993, but "the Batali era at Pó is long over." Still, Pó Brooklyn shares a menu of time-tested dishes with its elder sibling.
Citysearch's Justin Hartung raves about their starters: "A mound of supple barley supports fresh, glistening anchovies and a drizzle of chili oil tilts the dish toward orgasmic; cucumber escapeche with capers and ricotta makes a refreshing counterpoint." And the New York Sun recommends several pasta dishes — such as the "inch-wide, tender ribbons of pappardelle... slippery with butter, puréed fresh corn, and slices of mild chorizo," and the "delicious tangle of soft black fettuccine... with tomatoes, some jalapeño heat, and just a few shell-less, nicely salted mussels." The Clinton Hill Gastronome adds, "I loved, loved, loved my linguine vongole, a dish I grew up eating at the local pizzeria."
Some Chowhounds complain about "mediocre" meals at Pó, but we think 'Hound MichaelZ might be onto something: "Our most successful meals have included pasta as a main, with really interesting first courses and desserts along the way." Fans of mint chocolate chip ice cream should definitely save room for the Pó Sundae — fresh mint gelato, topped with cinnamon-spiced pine nuts and chocolate sauce. What are your thoughts on this place?
Reviews (11)
fsrg wrote a review on August 28, 2008 12:25 PM
Po is great...who cares...A&S Pork Store SURVIVES - moving to 312 5th (saw a sign this AM) - details unknown!!!
greenwood wrote a review on August 28, 2008 1:06 PM
The first few times we went to Po the appetizers and pasta were excellent, the waitstaff very friendly. Nice wine list and the waiter actually knew something about the wine.
My wife and I went there about five-six months ago and the food was decent, but a step down from the previous times.
We went there about a month ago and the appetizers were pretty good, but the pasta entrees were awful. I don't remember exactly what my wife had, but it was laced with so much thyme, you couldn't taste anything else. And my dish, pasta with sausage, had so much salt on it it was barely edible--seriously. Like a lot of restaurants in the area, I think they started out strong and just got lazy. We've crossed this place off our list.
11217 wrote a review on August 28, 2008 1:10 PM
I really enjoy Po.
But I agree the A&S Pork Store news is GREAT! Thanks for that fsrg!
Also, Beacon's Closet is closing it's President Street store in November and opening up in a larger space on 5th Avenue!!
Good deal, since it's always so crowded! Love that store.
BH76 wrote a review on August 28, 2008 1:26 PM
When they are good, they are very, very good... and when they are not they are still ok! A nice addition to the neighborhood.
PPSer wrote a review on August 28, 2008 1:42 PM
Agree with greenwood, except my pasta with sausage was so salty it wasn't even barely edible. In addition, the noise level is unbearable. My wife and I had one of the worst meals we've ever had in Brooklyn. And it's not cheap. A must to avoid.
WTerraceGirl wrote a review on August 28, 2008 2:10 PM
I have to agree with PPSer. I took my in-laws there for a meal when they were in town. The food was ok but we were completely unable to have a conversation above the cacophony of music and voices. I haven't been back since.
BoerumHill wrote a review on August 28, 2008 2:35 PM
CitySearch? Party like it's 1999, Jonathan.
One of the better options on the Avenue of Sameness (aka Smith Street). Great staff, inventive menu, good overall value for the dining experience you receive.
'stoner - have you even heard of Yelp?
bmfesq wrote a review on August 28, 2008 2:39 PM
Noise? Anyone who complains about noise in an Italian restaurant does not hang around many Italians.
jwald wrote a review on August 28, 2008 2:50 PM
I had dinner there just once and I thought it was great. The lamb paillard and roasted cod were sublime and our pasta appetizer was also very good. It is loud, but so are most busy Italian restaurants.
sebb wrote a review on August 28, 2008 3:43 PM
I think the Food is very good I have eaten there 2 times and both times , the food was on the Mark.
Pragonetti wrote a review on August 28, 2008 4:37 PM
Whooray for A&S!
Essential Info
Pó
- Address:
- 276 Smith Street
- Phone:
- (718) 875-1980
- Nabe:
- Carroll Gardens
- Cuisine:
- Italian
- Median Entree:
- $18
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