San Diego Poke Co. Expands Into Normal Heights

A year after opening its first storefront, farmers market vendor turned brick-and-mortar San Diego Poke Co. will open its second eatery in Normal Heights this weekend. Last May, the poke shop launched its fast-casual flagship in the Mission Valley/Grantvilla area; the new Adams Avenue store is larger, coming in 1,450-square-feet, with a modern design and an octopus mural by artist Chip Fasciana. Founded in 2015 by Yohei Umezu, San Diego Poke Co. still has a presence at the Hillcrest Farmers Market on Sundays.

Operating daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., the restaurant will offer one free poke bowl to the first 50 guests on opening day — this Saturday, June 17. On top of its signature build-your-own poke bowls, salads and tacos, the extended menu features four of its top selling poke bowls, including Off the Hook with spicy tuna, serrano peppers and chili flakes, available as wraps. The trendy poke burger is also served here; the Spicy Tuna Poke Burger and The Oh-No Burger both come on a Hot Cheetos rice bun.