Mexican Spin on Poke Heading Into Hillcrest

A new fast-casual eatery offering a Mexican take on poke will open in Hillcrest by the end of the year. Poke It, whose tagline is “premium raw with a Mexican twist” is melding Asian and Mexican ingredients in a menu that will feature traditional soy sauce-based tuna as well as grilled rib eye, chicken, shrimp and vegetables mixed with spicy sauces. The customizable lineup includes tacos, burritos and bowls, plus tostadas and burgers made with a base of crispy rice.

Signature offerings include the Kraken burrito with octopus, chipotle mayo, avocado and cabbage and an al pastor taco with salmon, pineapple habanero jam, guacamole, and pickled red onion. The crispy rice stars in the aguachile “ricetada” with shrimp, cilantro and serrano sauce, cucumber, red onion and avocado and as a bun for teriyaki burgers features rib eye or chicken.

Poke It’s flagship 1,500-square-foot space on University Avenue is just the first for owner Sarah Abadi, who tells Eater that she and her family plan to open more locations. The modern eatery will also have a bar serving beer, sake and fresh aguas frescas.

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