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-Wed 9:00am-9:00pm, Thu-Sat 9:00am-10:00pm, Sun 9:00am-4:00pm.
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947 E St (at Tenth Ave, downtown), San Diego, California, USA, 92101
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Last update on 17 Jul 2025 by Guest
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84 Reviews
First Review by Nicola1980
hydr0jen
Points +631
Hit the spot - Edit
I was in town for a 4 hour layover, and took a rideshare here for lunch. I am SO glad I did. The atmosphere was dive-y but clean. There are so many clearly marked vegan options, and they were even running a vegan birria and quesabirria special!! I tried one of each, and they were delicious. My partner got a big burrito and he ate it all it was so good! This is a no fuss stop for great food.
Read moreGuest
TaraMayner
Points +29
Delicious - Edit
I had the beyond nachos. They had a vegan cheese sauce. They were amazing and I plan to go back before I leave town. I didn’t get a picture because I was too busy devouring them.
Read moreGuest
k_robsss
Points +2180
Big portions - Edit
I really liked my chorizo burrito, and it was a good size for the price.
Read moreHowever, the burrito literally only had tofu and chorizo in it (maybe it was a misunderstanding?). I thought there would be other fillings in it too. The sauce was good though.
I would come back and try it again for sure.
Guest
cjbruce
Points +53
Plenty of vegan options and great service - Edit
I come to Pokez every time I'm able to make it to the Esri conference, which happens every year in July. It's a bit of a walk from the convention center but doesn't have the convention center crowds. By San Diego standards it's also a lot of food for a reasonable price. I went there twice on my last visit, and the food and service were great both times. I got the tofu fajitas and the tofu and potato burrito. The burritos are massive! I like that they have plenty of vegan options that are clearly labeled on the menu. I don't recall standout service in the past, but this time everyone working there both times I went was super nice.
Read moreGuest
NicoleParks
Points +3716
good burrito! - Edit
i got the vegan beyond california burrito and it was good! definitely better vegan mexican out there but i appreciated all the vegan options here
Read moreGuest
Dartert3t
Points +190
Amazing vegan and non vegan options - Edit
I’ve been here many times and love everything. My friend got a vegetarian burrito and taco and I got the tofu and mushroom enchiladas. Both were good value and taste!
Read morePros: Many options , Good sizes
Guest
ibbieeats
Points +154
Best selection in EV - Edit
Largest selection of vegan options in east village. Super affordable and nice they have vegan cheese. Takeout is easy and well packed
Read moreGuest
mrmaas
Points +31
Tasty burrito - Edit
Had a Beyond Californian burrito. Good taste. It has some Beyond Meat sausage in it. Affordable prices, recommend!
Read moreGuest
CuriousDeer
Points +118
Solid option for the city - Edit
Sorry didn’t get a photo but the TPM burrito, tofu potato and mushroom, was very tasty, large, and affordable. The semi critical or very critical reviews would be valid IF this city had more vegan options. Given how few and far between decent vegan anything* is all over San Diego, including downtown, a place like this is as good as it gets, for miles.
Read morePros: Vegan options , Quality and size for the price
Cons: Crackheads pestering diners (not Pokez’ fault), Crummy restroom practically in the kitchen
Guest
zoierose
Points +668
More burritos - Edit
I love a good burrito/ Mexican food option that doesn’t “feel” vegan. I hadn’t been to Pokez in years and finally went back. I liked my burrito, but from my own fault I think I ordered in a slightly difficult way so my order didn’t come out just right- but again, probably my fault. The staff are super nice and accommodating. My bf’s burrito was super good! Definitely will go back and try to be less complicated with my order
Read morePros: Good hours , variety
Guest
rawharton
Points +785
Great vegan options! - Edit
Great place to get all kinds of vegetarian and vegan food. We got two potato tacos and Tom’s Deep Plate with corn tortillas along with the tofu mushroom potatoes. Both were fresh and delicious! And HUGE! We love that we can order just about anything, including the rice and beans. This place has a low key fun vibe. (But I wasn’t impressed with the cleanliness or physical condition.)
Read morePros: Lots of plant-based vegan options , Freshly made, Huge portions
Cons: Cleanliness
Guest
fratboyvegan
Points +255
Flavor - Edit
The other reviews are bullshit, this place hasn’t declined at all in flavor. Maybe I’m a tourist and don’t know better, but this place still slaps. I get the chilaquiles with tofu and guacamole. Incredible flavor, big portion, low cost. Couldn’t be better.
Read morePros: Portion size, Delicious food, Vegan options galore
rawharton
Completely agree.
Read moreGuest
elviselway
Points +141
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 +64
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 +333
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 +1047
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 +860
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 +192
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 +2119
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 +42
Delicious and fresh - Edit
Down to earth, friendly and fresh choices
Read morePros: Lots of choice - veg and vegan, Generous portions, Good value
Guest
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