NoGoodz

When in San Diego—either visiting or living—one stop that needs to be added to the list for dinner or lunch is Pokéz Mexican Restaurant on 10th and E street, on edge of the East Village. And on the edge it is appropriately placed, as this place brings a new definition to “diamond in the rough” with it’s local punk art-decorated decor to it’s heavily tattooed staff that will so much as tell you what you want instead of ask you.

If it’s the finest of dining with the most patronizing of waiters and three forks per setting that you are looking for, then don’t stop at Pokéz. Because you don’t come to this north of the border jewel for the hospitality, you come here for the best darn Mexican dishes, both Vegan and Carno, that you can handle. From the multiple styles of burrito, to the delicious hard-core San Deigan way they prepare their fish tacos, to the option of vegan chorizo in almost everything on the menu, Pokéz is an experience that always delivers.

Now, don’t think we steered you wrong when you get the notoriously stale tortilla chip appetizer the minute you sit down. Just dip them in the super hot and spicy salsa and order yourself a sangria and let your stupid reservations go and order to your heart’s content. With just the right amount of removal and alcohol—and saving the bathroom trip till the end of your meal—Pokéz will quickly become not only your favorite punk Mexican moment every drunken weekend but it’ll be a place you bring all your friends, whether they are tatted to the nines or not.

The Goodz: The soy chorizo, the lingerie statue with “Joe Public’s” head, and the Rick Griffin-ish art on the north wall.