Poki Poki - Escondido

Came here for the first time because emu favorite poki closed. I was greeted with a friendly hello and the options all looked fresh. I got the 4 protein and paid $22. But I have to say it was worth it. The salmon and tuna were frozen but it’s on because it had the freshest taste. I mean I couldn’t want it any better. If you are in the area stop by and have some fresh and yummy Poki. Will definitely be coming back

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I love Poki, but this Poki Poki is not up to snuff. The food had a bug in it, when I went to get my food, turned out the staff had accidentally switched it with a container with no fish in it at all, and he was about to give it to me if I hadn’t said anything. Additionally, their veggies are sour or old or something (cucumbers especially).

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 1

Service: 2

I absolutely love this location! I have been to a number of poke poke trying different bowls and no other bowl is as pretty and delicious as this location. The workers know how to serve a plate and make it look as good as it tastes. They balance EVERYTHING and pack it real good. I always leave a tip because I am always so satisfied! I have been to a few poke poke where they put too little rice or too little toppings but this place is just amazing. I recently moved out of Escondido but due to another poke poke location being so unsatisfying, I will be driving 30+ minutes to get my bowls from here for now on. I will leave two pictures to explain why I call this place the best. The first picture is of a horribly experience from the poke poke I got in my area. The second picture says exactly why escondido location is the best in my opinion 😊

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Tuna was frozen when it was served to me.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 1

Service: 3

You have terrible reviews! I’ll go someplace else

Good food. Giant portions. Great value. Friendly staff. Restaurant itself isn't fancy, but I consider it a little hidden gem.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

I have had Poki from the Carlsbad location before and it was very good, this location skimped on every item to the point where i cancelled my order and had to go somewhere else instead.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Update: The owner called me to make it right and apologized for the experience and asked me to come back so he could make it right! That's customer service I mean he called after a hour of me posting this. That's great thank you for taking the time to make me feel like I'm important! Please come here because your business is wanted !

I’ve been to this location a few times, but after today, I won’t be returning. I called with a simple question to double-check an ingredient due to a potential allergy — something any responsible business should handle with care. Instead, I was repeatedly hung up on. No callbacks. No apologies. Just flat-out disregard.

When someone finally answered, I was met with a dismissive, irritated attitude as if I was a burden for simply asking questions about the food. The employee, who identified himself as Edgar, was extremely rude, unprofessional, and gave off a tone that made it clear he didn’t care whether I came in or not.

When I asked to speak with a manager, he said, “We don’t have one. It’s just me and the cook. The manager never comes in.” If that’s true, it’s deeply concerning. Who is holding this team accountable? Who’s managing the cash drawer? Who’s ensuring customer safety or food quality?

Edgar’s behavior was completely out of line. I’ve managed teams in food service and other industries, and if any of my employees acted the way he did, they would be written up or sent home immediately. He spoke with zero professionalism and seemed to feel immune to any consequences — and if there truly is no manager on site or checking in, that would explain the lack of standards.

If ownership reads this, take note: this isn’t just a one-off bad moment — it’s a clear sign of mismanagement. Your Escondido location is driving away loyal customers and ruining your brand’s reputation.

I’ll be driving to the San Marcos location from now on, where I’ve consistently been treated with respect and where I can speak with an actual manager if needed.

Time of incident: Monday, April 21 at approximately 7:30 PM
Employee name given: Edgar (if false, then whoever was working this shift should be identified)

This experience was not just frustrating — it was unacceptable. I wouldn’t trust this location with my health or my money.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Steer clear. Either bad employees or bad managers have ruined this place which used to be amazing. Portions are tiny, prices have doubled, quality is honestly on par with a can of cat food. Total Trash
Never ordering again.

Food: 1

Service: 1

Owner is very unprofessional with his employees and disrespectful has no morals or sympathy. It is illegal to not give breaks to your employees. let alone having them do overtime. i think it’s rude and unfair for them. Owner goes around being ‘friendly’ talking about others instead of being a direct “grown” man..very childish. I do not recommend this place of negativity and unprofessionalism. These workers need a raise !

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 1

Place seems like it's dying. Floor was filthy

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 2

This food could be hardly named poke. Their fish (previously frozen) was not that bad, but had a bit lack of taste. The real issue was they didn’t have many sides, literally nothing to choose from. Another issue were marinades. The stuff doesn’t even understand how to mix fish and marinade well. So the food in my box was a very strange mix, partially over spicy, partially just plain fish. Don’t recommend this place, unfortunately.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 2

I thought I had life issues, then I met the staff at Poki Poki- Escondido. The food was adequate, the service was the worst. Good luck!

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1

I ate three 3 hours before writing this review. I been pucking and been going to the bathroom non stop. The phone listed is useless because they don't answer. This is not right

Food: 1

Service: 3

I ordered take out and my SEARED ahi was frozen. I called the shop and the girl on the phone said, "oh yeah. That happens sometimes. The chef doesn't take it out long enough to defrost." Ummm... IT'S SEARED. I asked, "how are you going to fix this? My food is frozen." Her answer... again... "well that happens." I am usually not that customer but REALLY. I paid alot of money for food I really enjoy and I got frozen food with crap customer service. Thanks but no thanks. 👎👎👎👎👎

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1