Lacto
Ovo
Fast food
Take-out
Mexican
Catering
Breakfast
Non-veg
Serves meat, vegan options available. Grungy cafe popular with youngsters. Features an extensive range of Mexican dishes with some vegetarian options including tacos, burritos, tostadas, and breakfast all day. Vegans to specify no dairy, etc. Large portions. Open Mon-Sun 9:00am-10:00pm.
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947 E St (at Tenth Ave, downtown), San Diego, California, USA, 92101
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Last update on 15 Nov 2020 by pesne100
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72 Reviews
First Review by Nicola1980
whosmeggyn
Points +155
Don't judge by it's appearance - Edit
As a vegan, it's hard to find real mexican food that accomodates my diet. Pokez does this. Their flour tortillas taste fresh, the tofu is perfectly seasoned, and they pile their plates high. The sangria was also great, but I don't know if there was alcohol in it. I just wish they would get new menus so that I didn't have to imagine what is behind the old crusted salsa.
Read morePros: Jukebox, Large portions, Attentive service
Cons: Kind of a shithole
Guest
elviselway
Points +95
Gotten very bland and small - Edit
Well, in the past few years I've gone to Pokez only a few times (I used to go all the time when it was really good). I don't know what's going on in the kitchen but everything is so so bland. I can't imagine it's an accident every time I go there lately. This has to be a decision by the owners or something. Also while prices have gone up a good amount (what's new though) portions have shrunk as well. I had a better burrito down the street at a random coffee shop. Most of my vegan friends don't go anymore because of the bland ess. It's a bummer.
Read moreCons: Bland, Shrinkflation, Inflation
Guest
LittleBam
Points +63
So many amazing options! - Edit
This place is awesome! We had 2 burritos which were very filling and tasted great, for a very good price.
Read moreAll vegan (or vegan-adaptable) options are very clearly labelled on the menu.
Pros: So many options, Great taste, Cheap
Guest
WilliamRichter
Points +26
Not Very Vegan - Edit
Not sure if it has changed but I didn’t find many options.
Read moreGuest
CaitlinJulia
Points +279
Many options, but bland - Edit
So many vegan options and huge portions but it’s not flavorful. Nothing is spicy either and there’s no hot sauce out. It’s a total dive which can be fun.
Read moreGuest
minthin
Points +815
Authentic vegan burritos! - Edit
Curious to spot a unicorn? Go to pokez where you can enjoy an authentic burrito shop at knows how to do it vegan. Nothing personal against chipotle, but there is nothing sterile about the food here. As a burrito lover (snob?) I’ve ordered multiple of their vegan selections. They have several to choose from including vegan breakfast, burritos, potato and chorizo, and more. Last time I had the California burrito which didn’t suit me. They use the beyond burger in the burrito which to me tasted like having a hamburger in a burrito. So this time I ordered the veggie. It was really good; it came with rice, beans, guac, lettuce, and even vegan cheese! The burrito is giant and delicious, very umami. The one thing it was lacking was consistency. The entire burrito was quite soft and I wish they had a plant-based meat (besides Beyond Meat) to add some substance.
Read morePokez serves the burrito with a cabbage salad, which was nothing too exciting. However, I really enjoyed the puréed tomato style salsa with some heat, which I poured over every bite.
For dining in, they do rely on single use cutlery and plates. I wish everything wasn’t so disposable.
There are not many places that I would give an authentic burrito rating of 10/10 as a vegan, but Pokez knows how to serve up that giant tortilla-wrapped deliciousness.
Pros: Multiple vegan burritos, Plant based cheese and sour cream, Good prices
Cons: No plant based meat besides beyond and chorizo , Single use plates
Guest
Paigecs
Points +596
Not worth a trip for a vegan - Edit
Nice that they have the word vegan on the menu, but this isn’t worth a trip. The tofu/mushroom/potato tacos are cheap and filling, but also bland and soggy.
Read moreMy interaction with the lady at the counter stalled when I tried to ask what was in a taco simply called “vegetarian” which was labeled vegan on the menu. She answered that it was just cheese. I said, but it’s labeled vegan. She said you can order it either way (already, this is not what the menu clarifies). I said ok, what’s in the vegan one. She said it’s tofu, mushroom, and potatoes. I said how is that different from the vegan taco labeled “tofu, mushroom, and potatoes.” She proceeded to explain that vegan meant no-dairy. My friend, that’s the ONLY thing that I’m clear on here.
My buddy went on to to order both tacos, and sure enough they were the same.
Updated from previous review on 2023-10-02
Pros: Cheap, Filling
Cons: Bland food , Unclear menu
Guest
Heathmey
Points +177
Good option for delivery - Edit
Ordered the tofu, mushroom and potato burrito and it was huge! Asked to be prepared vegan and it was perfect. Their salsa also seems to be made fresh and has a good bite. I got the rolled potato tacos as week to share and the guac was good but the rolled tacos weren’t my favorite. They didn’t have much flavor and seemed to have a lot of oil saturated in them.
Read morePros: Huge portions for the price, Excellent flavoring and texture on the tofu, Good variety
Cons: Fried food tasted like the oil
Guest
savy_bananie
Points +45
Eclectic and Tasty! - Edit
Pokez has a very rad style! I loved the art for sure. They also have a good selection of vegan options! I appreciate that they have non vegan and vegan because my boyfriend is omnivore. He enjoyed his food also! They have a nice spicy homemade salsa. The chips were good too, but could use a little salt. I got potato flautas and asked for them vegan. The filling is delicious in the flautas. I also liked the beans alot. Very well seasoned and cooked. Awesome portion size! They have a bakery attached to them as well and I got a vegan carrot cake slice. I haven't tried it yet, but it's super cute.
Read morePros: Friendly staff, Cool Asthetic, Delicious food
Cons: Area (can't be helped), Parking (expensive)
Guest
MysticMerman
Points +83
Dissapointing - Edit
What happened? This place used to be 100% vegan! It was worth it even though the service is bad and the workers are rude. Now, they serve meat and have "veggie options." They are just as rude, so I'll never go back there. Very disappointing!
Read morePros: Several veg options
Cons: Service, Prices
Guest
hellohappyvegan
Points +933
Fast and filling - Edit
I was thrilled to explore the world of vegan Mexican cuisine in sunny San Diego. Did it meet my expectations? Well, it certainly didn't blow me away, but it had its moments. Among the dishes I tried was the tofu taco, accompanied by a delightful medley of rice, beans, and salad. The standout salad was bursting with refreshing flavors.
Read moreThe rice and beans were satisfying, delivering good taste and texture. However, the true star of the meal was the colossal taco itself. Generously portioned and brimming with enticing flavors, it left a lasting impression.
The service at the restaurant was fast, friendly and attentive, providing a welcoming atmosphere. Unfortunately, the state of the restroom left much to be desired. The overall hygiene of the place seemed lacking.
Given the abundance of vegan options available, I'd definitely consider revisiting this eatery if I were a local resident. The wide array of choices made it difficult to settle on just one dish, leaving me eager to explore their menu further.
I wish you can give half stars because I would give Pokez a solid 3.5 stars.
Pros: Lots of vegan options, Service, Generous portion
Cons: Hygiene, Not the best in taste
Guest
pickyeatr1
Points +28
Worth a visit - Edit
I've been before, but it's been a minute. Great atmosphere, great customer service, I just wish the food had more flavor. I had the tofu burrito and bean and cheese burrito (I'm simple). The vegan cheese was a bit much, the refried beans weren't super spiced, and the tofu was bland. Regardless, I'll probably be back.
Read morePros: Lots of vegan options
Cons: No parking, Vegan cheese is $3
Guest
SomeLightChop
Points +129
Cool local spot, generous portions sizes. Had the vegetable - Edit
Cool local spot, generous portions. Had the vegan breakfast burrito which was excellent.
Read moreGuest
GarrrliCat
Points +1650
Good food - Edit
Many vegan options, great staff, amazing atmo sand interior but mainly, *huge* portions! I had the fully loaded nachos, couldn’t finish how big the portion was, had it next day for breakfast and lunch lol
Read morePros: Huge portions , Many vegan options , Lovely staff
Cons: Serves meat
Guest
AnnaVrublevskaya
Points +192
Many vegan Options - Edit
We went there 10 min before closing, but the nice crew still prepared us a good meal. I had the tofu potato mushroom enchiladas and my husband the tofu burrito. The salsa was super good and the variety of vegan food is amazing. But in our opinion the tofu could be a bit more spiced and for me personal I didn’t liked the enchilada sauce (personal taste).
Read morePros: Super nice staff, Variety of vegan options , Fair price
Cons: Tofu could be more spiced
Guest
bcon
Points +38
Delicious and fresh - Edit
Down to earth, friendly and fresh choices
Read morePros: Lots of choice - veg and vegan, Generous portions, Good value
Guest
LuckyAng
Points +76
Something for everyone - Edit
Very casual counter-order Mexican restaurant. Many vegan options. I can vouch for the chilaquiles and refried beans. Definitely going back.
Read morePros: Satisfying vegan options, Inexpensive
Guest
milesaway
Points +600
Huge portions pretty tasty - Edit
Mexican restaurant with all the classics.
Read morePros: Most things can be made vegan , Clearly labelled
Guest
leestone8
Points +436
Amazing value / portions - Edit
Pictures don't do it justice but they give you huge portions. Food was really tasty and really good value for money. Vegan options were very clearly labelled. My wife had a burrito which was a little bit bland but I had the chimmichanga which was really good. Friendly staff and would definitely recommend.
Read moreCons: Could do with proper cutlery for dining in
Guest
HaikuReview
Points +800
Haiku Review - Edit
Humongous tacos
Read moreBetter than I thought it’d be
Nice staff.. and salsa
Pros: Many vegan options (including “dairy” products)
Cons: No accessible hot sauce
Guest
MrBanquet
Points +461
Delicious food great atmosphere - Edit
Almost like a dive bar for Mexican food (that’s a compliment!), the vibe is quick, easy, friendly, and obviously super popular with queues out the door half an hour before closing on a Tuesday night.
Read moreHighly recommend the tofu potato mushroom taco- wow! So nicely spiced and balanced, no excess oil. I loved the vegan Machaca burrito which was super juicy and well spiced. The vegan nachos with beyond meat were a naughty and tasty side.
Big thumbs up! Already planning our next visit. Brilliant value for money.
Guest
happycowboy
Points +13
I ❤️ Pokez! - Edit
It's a really cool spot, with great food!
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-07-12
Pros: Lots of vegan options, Delicious Mexican food at a great price, Convenient downtown location
Guest
peachenthusiast
Points +140
beautiful. phenomenal. delicious. get the vegan chorizo chimichangas. - Edit
price is unbeatable & serving size is amazing. wish I could give 5 stars even though they aren’t fully vegan
Read morePros: price!!!!, more than ample options
Guest
Jerrboyy
Points +104
Big portions big flavor - Edit
I like that this place has plenty of vegan options because I am often with people who arent vegan and they dont want vegan food. I got the vegan chorizo burrito and it was ginormous! 🌯🌯 i asked for any hotter salsa and they gave me something that was really good my nose was running all day haha. The burrito had a ton of flavor and filled me up and i had enough for leftovers the next day
Read moreGuest
keokani
Points +2384
Good vegan options - Edit
Tofu, Potato and Mushroom Burrito was good and plenty, and I can't wait to try the Vegan Chorizo Burrito next. #Veganuary
Read moreUpdated from previous review on 2022-01-29
Pros: one of a kind
Guest
lost_21
Points +192
Great food! - Edit
Great food and environment. Check out their bakery and coffee shop next door as well. They have vegan cake and baked goods that are amazing
Read moreGuest
WillPost
Points +335
Incredible Mexican Option - Edit
I was a visitor to Pokez from out of town and this was recommend to me by a friend. I'm so thankful they recommended this place to me because the food was amazing!
Read moreOver the course of two nights, I tried the vegan chorizo burrito, the mushroom/tofu tacos, and the potato flautas.
I thought all of them were flavorful and delicious and the portions were H-U-G-E. Also, being just outside the Gaslamp section was super helpful during Comic Con Special Edition because it wasn't super crowded and the service was fast.
I think anyone missing out on this place is totally sleeping on it and would recommend it to anyone coming in from our of town or locals!
I've never had amazing vegan Mexican food before and this blew my mind!
Guest
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