Da Kine’s Plate Lunches Returns To San Diego With First New Location In 11 Years
Founded in 1997 in Pacific Beach and today one of San Diego’s most respected, authentic Hawaiian eateries, Da Kine’s Plate Lunches announces the long-awaited opening of its new–and only–location at 5401 Linda Vista Road where Bay Park meets Mission Valley.
October 19, Grand Opening
Open as of this month, Da Kine’s embraces unpretentious Hawaiian culture with a fast casual concept and come-as-you-are approach akin to island culture. To celebrate this return after eleven years, Da Kine’s and well-known founder “Uncle” Nelson Ishii invites all to its Grand Opening on Saturday, October 19 featuring half-off nearly the entire menu for one day only.
About “Uncle” Nelson Ishii
Responsible for introducing much of San Diego to Hawaiian cuisine, Da Kine’s operated in Pacific Beach between 1997 and 2008 under the leadership of Nelson Ishii, better known by locals as “Uncle Nelson.” Hailing from Kanaeohe where he was “born before Hawaii was a state” Uncle Nelson turned a love for his homeland into an important part of San Diego’s Hawaiian history.
He attended college in San Diego in 1976, then returned to Hawaii for eight years before moving permanently to San Diego in 1989. A series of jobs, including at Motu Hawaii, eventually led to the opening Da Kine’s, through which he has adamantly supported local youth sports, law enforcement, child welfare services, Father Joe’s and St. Vincent De Paul.
In 2008 Da Kine’s closed its brick and mortar concept to focus on catering for events including Super Bowl XXXVII in San Diego and the Junior World Golf Championships.
The Menu
Uncle Nelson’s newly opened Da Kine’s location has been in the works since January 2019. Its virtually unchanged menu still follows his original recipes for plates like Teriyaki Chicken (Da Kine’s signature sauce can also be ordered by the pint), Kalua Pig with shredded cabbage, local style Macaroni Salad, Polynesian style mashed taro, Chicken Katsu, and ribs served Korean Style or Sweet and Sour.
“So many Da Kine’s loyal customers, people who remember eating at our original beach location, kept asking me to open another place that they could come to eat,” said Ishii. “I couldn’t keep saying no after everyone kept asking!”
On Saturday, October 19 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. Da Kine’s Plate Lunches will celebrate its new and only location with a Grand Opening offer featuring half-off all plates. Walk-ins are welcome. Following its grand opening, Da Kine’s will extend open hours from 11 a.m. through 8 p.m. every Tuesday through Sunday.
See you there!
