The most memorable local eateries along the highways and back roads of America
Sign In | Register for Free!
Restaurants Recipes Digest Forums Merchandise FAQ Maps Insider

Da Kine's Plate Lunches - San Diego, CA

Come to this Hawaiian eatery for Kalua pig, which is a super-soft kind of steamed/barbecued pulled pork mixed with faintly pickly cabbage; or chicken Katsu and soy/sesame marinated ribs; or Spam(!) Hawaiians love Spam in all forms, and you will find it on Da Kine’s menu cooked with eggs, sliced into twigs in the Saimin soup, and as a big rectangular flap of pinkness atop a tube of sticky rice that is wrapped in seaweed like a jumbo hunk of sushi.
100% Approval Rating (6 votes)
4 - Overall: Worth planning a day around
Overall: Worth planning a day around

Must Eats

chicken katsu ($6.00)
Kalua pig ($7.00)
Loco Moco ($9.00)
mahi mahi ($7.00)
Spam ($5.00)

Written Reviews

rating
Michael Stern
Roadfood.com Editor
"Belen Ishii, who owns Da Kine’s with her husband Nelson explained to us that the name of the restaurant means “the stuff” in Hawaii’s pidgin English. Beyond that, she couldn’t really explain the logic of the name, except to say that Da Kine is a phrase that is true ..."   [Read More].

Submit Photo
Submit Review

Logbooks

Map & Directions

Yahoo Link
2400 Historic Decatur Road, San Diego, CA
619-581-5613

http://www.dakines.com/

Hours & Policies

Seasons:Open Year Round
Meals Served:Lunch
Operational Hours:Always Call Ahead!
Credit Cards Accepted:No
Alcohol Served:Yes
Outdoor Seating:Yes
Reservations Accepted:No
Delivery Available:No
Takeout Counters:Yes
To us, this looked like an Hawaiian trompe l'oeil: spam and rice wrapped in seaweed to resemble sushi. In fact, an eagle-eyed Roadfood user named Malia wrote to tell us that it is the popular Hawaiian dish known as Spam musubi.
"To us, this looked like an Hawaiian trompe l'oeil: spam and rice wrapped in seaweed to resemble sushi. In fact, an eagle-eyed Roadfood user named Malia wrote to tell us that it is the popular Hawaiian dish known as Spam musubi."
Michael Stern





Teriyaki chicken and beef plus kalua pig were all included on this sampler meal we toted back from the service line.
"Teriyaki chicken and beef plus kalua pig were all included on this sampler meal we toted back from the service line."
Michael Stern


A picnic table, a paper plate, and the San Diego sun all add to the goodness of this excellent crisp-cooked mahi-mahi.
"A picnic table, a paper plate, and the San Diego sun all add to the goodness of this excellent crisp-cooked mahi-mahi."
Michael Stern


Earthy kalua pig is here teamed up with a rich and hearty loco moco (burger and brown gravy with a fried egg on top).  Scoops of rice and macaroni salad are the traditional accompaniments.
"Earthy kalua pig is here teamed up with a rich and hearty loco moco (burger and brown gravy with a fried egg on top). Scoops of rice and macaroni salad are the traditional accompaniments."
wanderingjew


Service at Da Kine's is do-it-yourself. Study this menu on the wall, place your order and pay, then carry your food to a table on the patio or indoors.
"Service at Da Kine's is do-it-yourself. Study this menu on the wall, place your order and pay, then carry your food to a table on the patio or indoors. "
Michael Stern


Low prices, honest food, and a breezy attitude make Da Kine's an estimable Roadfood destination.
"Low prices, honest food, and a breezy attitude make Da Kine's an estimable Roadfood destination."
Michael Stern


What is Roadfood?  |   Submit Content  |   Privacy Policy  |   Contact Roadfood.com   Copyright 2010 - Roadfood.com