Good vibes only
Enjoy Poke ETC.
Poke ETC., located in National City, CA, delivers an authentic Hawaiian poke experience with fresh, high-quality fish and vibrant flavors. Known for their “make your own bowl” concept, customers can customize protein choices like Cali Hawaiian and spicy mayo salmon, both celebrated for their rich taste and tender texture. Beyond poke, their savory pork belly and crispy lumpia highlight a menu that honors island comfort food. While some wish for more topping variety, the consistently excellent service and genuine flavors make Poke ETC. a standout spot for poke lovers seeking true Hawaiian taste off the islands.
Story & Atmosphere
Poke ETC.
Located in the heart of National City, Poke ETC. stands out as a gem for lovers of authentic Hawaiian poke. This spot offers fresh, flavorful dishes that capture the true essence of island cuisine, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike. From their perfectly prepared fish to their thoughtfully crafted “make your own bowl” options, every bite reflects care and quality.
What strikes you first is the freshness and balance of flavors. The Cali Hawaiian and spicy mayo salmon bowls are bold yet harmonious, delivering that satisfying taste of the ocean with a creamy, spicy kick. The shoyu chicken is another highlight, tender and juicy, showcasing a mastery of flavor beyond just seafood. For those who appreciate a bit of heat, the spicy poke options provide a memorable, mouth-tingling experience without overpowering the dish.
Customer service here elevates the entire dining experience. Daryl, frequently praised for his warm, attentive approach, makes you feel welcome like an old friend. This kind of personal touch complements the high-quality food, turning meals into moments worth returning for.
Beyond poke, the menu surprises with dishes like the perfectly crisp pork belly and the deliciously crunchy pork lumpia, each bite rich in texture and flavor. While some note the price point as slightly higher, the authentic taste and fresh ingredients justify the value, especially for those seeking a genuine Hawaiian food experience on the mainland.
Though some wish for a wider array of traditional poke toppings such as ginger and edamame, Poke ETC. remains a strong contender for authentic Hawaiian cuisine, blending fresh fish, bold flavors, and genuine hospitality. If you're craving a true taste of the islands in Southern California, Poke ETC. is a must-visit.
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“ A great place to try authentic Poke, you can really tell the fish is prepared well and taste great. For a “make your own bowl” it was about $15 to pick two proteins and I chose the Cali Hawaiian and spicy mayo salmon. Both tasted delicious. My only one wish is that I could get some more toppings with it like you would get with other poke place. Like ginger or edamame! But I did leave feeling very satisfied ”
“ Love love love them!!!! The food is amazing!!! The flavors just blow my mind and taste buds everytime. Daryl is my favorite, He's awesome!!!! He is always to courteous, polite and helpful. Best customer service and it feel like I've known him forever in such a short time. Everytime I come here either alone or with family its on all around fantastic and delicious experience!!!!! Love POKE, ETC and Daryl!!!!Thank You for Being here for us all!!! ”
“ Love this spot! Amazing fresh food. I usually load up on poke but this was my first time trying their Shoyu chicken and it was SO tender. The bone came right out with my fork. Their spicy poke options are VERY spicy and delicious. ”
“ Oahu grown tourist here. This place is legit. Authentic flavors and good value. Quality of fish was A+ on the day we went. My girlfriend almost ate the whole plate before I could get a picture. ”
“ This place is truly as good as everyone says! I ordered the pork belly with a side of oyster sauce, poke with white rice, and an extra order of pork lumpia. The pork belly was cooked absolutely perfectly—incredibly crunchy on the outside, yet soft, juicy, and full of flavor inside. The lumpia was also crispy and juicy, and the sweet and sour sauce was deliciously thick and sweet. The poke was fantastic; my only regret is not ordering a bigger portion! I'm definitely coming back to taste the rest of the menu. ”