Izza Poke and Coffee: A local gem worth your time

Inside of Izza Poke and Coffee. Image courtesy of Cole Simms.

As a former barista at a local coffee shop and Panera, coffee has been something that's been in my life a lot. I love it. Like many other college students, I can't function without caffeine, mainly coffee.

Coffee has become a popular drink with many companies gearing towards our generation with seasonal flavors like pumpkin spice, as well as hiring influencers like Sabrina Carpenter or Charli D'Amelio to help garner sales. However, for me, I am not too fond of these flavors or supporting big chains when it comes to coffee. Luckily, around Salisbury we have a few coffee shops that are not chains in the vicinity.

The coffee shop I decided to go to was Izza Poke and Coffee located by Sea Gull Square. The unique and quiet coffee shop makes for a great place for college students to go to study, complete work, or chill with friends. The relaxing design creates an inviting atmosphere where one can focus on their work without feeling rushed to leave.

The story behind the shop

Izza was opened by Irwan Arilaha and Chitra Sari. Before coming to Salisbury, they owned a coffee shop in Indonesia for eight years. The coffee they serve now is made in Indonesia, which gives their drinks a distinct flavor you can taste with every sip.

Before they first opened in Salisbury, the shop was too small to just focus on coffee. They realized most of their customers were college students looking for something healthy and fresh. This led them to expand and add poke bowls to the menu.

Iced caramel latte from Izza. Image courtesy of Aaron Simon.

The coffee experience

The coffee I ordered was a normal iced caramel latte. The caramel latte is very strong, in a good way. It has a bold coffee flavor that wakes you up right away. It wasn't too overly sweet, which is good because you can taste the coffee and not just the sugar. It's a great boost of caffeine to start the morning.

A poke bowl from Izza. Image courtesy of Aaron Simon.

The food

I also had to try the poke. I decided to get a bowl containing white rice, marinated tuna and salmon, edamame, crispy tempura flakes, scallions and jalapeños. The poke was exactly what you’d expect. The fish is fresh, and the ingredients taste incredibly good and light. It's the perfect complement to the rich coffee, giving you a balanced and hearty meal that doesn't ruin your study session.

Final review

Overall, Izza Poke and Coffee is a comfortable spot for students who want fresh coffee and a healthy meal. Whether you're studying for an exam, meeting up with friends, or need a morning caffeine kick, Izza gives you something real, fresh and local.

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By AARON SIMON

Staff Writer