• This stunningly beautiful restaurant, headed by Executive Chef JP Mancha, is the latest concept from Harwood Hospitality Group.
• Mancha said the menu was inspired by the pizzerias of Brooklyn but features a pizza style “unmistakably born in Dallas.”

Poco Fiasco, the lively pizza and martini concept from Harwood Hospitality Group, is set to open on Thursday, December 1, in Dallas. It’s 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 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.

Mancha brings his 10-plus 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 Group 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,” Mancha said. “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.”

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The Food Menu
Poco Fiasco’s pizzas feature more than 10 combinations, including a build-your-own option that comes in 12”, 16” or 18” sizes. Standout pizzas on the menu include the Prosciutto (white sauce, mozzarella, sliced garlic, ricotta, arugula, pecorino and hot honey); the Quattro Formaggio (mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan, roasted garlic and oregano); The Donkey (diablo sauce, pepperoni, spicy Italian sausage, red onion and 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 and pickled red onion).

Classic Italian starters provide comfort and familiarity with highlights such as Charred Eggplant Dip (confit garlic, blistered tomatoes, flatbread and giardiniera); Garlic Knots (whipped ricotta and Parmesan cheese); and Fried Mozzarella Sticks (housemade with marinara and ranch).

In addition to Poco Fiasco’s signature pizzas, guests can enjoy rustic Italian entrees such as Baked Manicotti (sausage ragu, ricotta and mozzarella) and Chicken Parm (marinara, fresh mozzarella, Parmesan and bucatini). The hot sandwich selection includes a Meatball Sub (house red sauce, mozzarella and giardiniera) and the Gyro (housemade flatbread, roasted lamb, cucumber sauce, tomato, red onion, feta and dill). For those wanting something lighter, fresh salads include The Greek, Baby Kale Caesar and Caprese.

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.

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The Beverage Menu
Poco Fiasco’s cocktail menu features a core set of classic martinis that are true to their original flavor profiles. You will find a take on a classic Vesper Martini called The James; a version of a Manhattan dubbed The Sterling; and an Espresso Martini French Pressed tableside called 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 some playful concepts such as The Wilbur, a spicy pineapple margarita garnished with serrano chilies and pepperoni chips, or The Fico, a fig and ginger highball. Wine lovers will find a concise but Italian-leaning list of pizza-friendly wines along with a selection of local beers on draft.

“The bar at Poco Fiasco will be one of the hidden gems in The District,” said Warren Richards, vice president of Harwood Hospitality Group. “We hope that guests will end up coming to the restaurant because they crave our martinis just as much as the delicious pizzas.”

The Space
This stunningly beautiful 3,332-square-foot space seats 68 inside and 86 on the covered patio and is nestled in the quaint La Rue Purdue near sister concepts Harwood Arms and Elephant East. The design from Harwood’s in-house design group, HDF, has a refined playfulness yet is alluring and mischievous. The cheeky ceiling mural brings the Poco Fiasco feeling to life; it was done in collaboration between HDF and Dallas-based Artist Uprising, an organization connecting up-and-coming artists with corporations.

“The mural depicts a feverish party turned fiasco, combining favorite Harwood moments throughout the district,” said HDF Design Director Melinda Clark. “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, a 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 seven days a week.