Is Pokez actually good if you eat meat, or is it just a vegan thing?

It's genuinely a go-to for everyone. While the vegan and vegetarian options are what put them on the map—and legitimately delicious—they also do traditional meat dishes. The real win here is the fresh ingredients across the board, whether you're ordering a California burrito or a veggie chimichanga. You won't feel like you're settling.

How big are the portions really?

Think "two meals in one." Multiple reviewers mention that a single burrito or quesadilla can easily be split between two people or saved for later. If you're hungry, great—you're getting value. If you're not, come prepared to take leftovers home or share.

What should I order on my first visit?

Start with the California burrito if you want to see why people hunt for the best version in town—the fresh ingredients really shine. If you're vegan or vegetarian, the veggie burrito is the move, and don't sleep on the chimichangas. The portions are big enough that you can try something new next time.

Is it good for breakfast or brunch?

Yes—they do all-day breakfast, which is a solid reason to hit them in the morning. Keep in mind that Sunday brunch can get busy, so go early if you want to avoid a wait. One food poisoning incident was reported among hundreds of positive reviews, so trust the 4.5 rating, but like anywhere, timing and luck play a role.

Is Pokez kid-friendly?

Absolutely. It's tagged as a family-friendly spot, casual enough for weeknight dinners with children, and the massive portions mean kids can often share with adults or have plenty of leftovers.

Can you walk in or do you need a reservation?

No reservation info is listed, so they likely accept walk-ins. East Village spots like this tend to be casual, but if you're going during peak times (lunch, dinner, weekend brunch), expect to wait. Call ahead if you want to confirm current wait times.

Is there parking nearby?

Pokez is located in East Village on E St, which is an urban area where street parking is typically available but can be tight during busy hours. Arrive early or use a nearby lot if you're going during peak meal times.

Pokez Mexican Restaurant — Restaurants in East Village, San…

“Pokez is the rare taco shop that built its entire operation around veggie and vegan versions of Mexican classics, then made them good enough that omnivores order them anyway.”

Where The Taco Stand obsesses over fresh-pressed tortillas and Roxy's banks on carnitas mass, Pokez went all-in on plant-based execution—soyrizo that actually browns and crisps, jackfruit carnitas that pull apart convincingly, vegan cheese that melts instead of congealing into rubber. This isn't virtue-signaling menu filler. It's the foundation. The veggie California burrito swaps carne asada for seasoned soy crumbles, keeps the fries crispy, and doesn't skimp on guac. People who came here skeptical about fake meat leave ordering seconds.

The portions verge on absurd. The quesadilla arrives as thick as a paperback novel, stuffed to structural failure. One regular clocked it accurately: more than one person can handle in a sitting. That's the play here—order one entrée, split it, pocket the leftovers. The all-day breakfast menu means you can show up at 2 p.m. for chilaquiles or a breakfast burrito loaded with beans, potatoes, and scrambled eggs that don't taste like they've been sitting in a steam tray since dawn.

Service moves fast, sometimes suspiciously fast—your burrito might hit the table before you've settled into your seat, which either means they're efficient or they're holding prepared components. The kitchen leans on fresh ingredients; you can taste it in the pico de gallo and the guacamole that hasn't oxidized into brown paste. It's a neighborhood spot that fills a specific gap: where else in East Village can a mixed group—vegan, vegetarian, and committed carnivore—order off the same menu without anyone feeling like they got the consolation prize?

Street parking is a gamble. Go early or reconcile yourself to circling.