Best Poke In NYC And Where To Find It
Poke has officially arrived in NYC and we've found the five best spots in the city. Whether you want a traditional bowl or a fun burrito version, we've got you covered. By Carly Petrone.
Pokee
121 W. 3rd St.
New York, NY 10012
212-387-1888
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Pokee has opened up its doors in the West Village and we couldn't be more excited! This simple shop offers a small, 4 oz. snack-sized bowl of poke, all the way up to a large 12 oz. version. Choose from their classic tuna and rainbow salmon, or try the Fifty 50 (Salmon, Tuna, cucumber, edamame, scallion, pineapple, seaweed salad, Yuzu wasabi dressing.) You can also opt for "Comfort Chicken" in a Sriracha aioli dressing or a tofu bowl with crunchy chili dressing if you're not in the mood for seafood. Make sure to stop in after 5 p.m. to find out what kind of special beer they're serving (which always goes perfectly with poke.) This place is decked out in white and blue décor, making it feel like you've just stepped onto a tropical island.
Gotham Poke
W. 14th St. between 8th and 9th
New York, NY
646-660-0453
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Gotham Poke is popping up all throughout the city, and now you can find them at The Gansevoort Market on W. 14th Street. They're serving up deliciously fresh poke bowls with your choice of base. Opt for white sushi rice, Gotham grain blend (brown/red/black rice, barley, rye), kale & grated cauliflower (w/ blood orange vinaigrette) or pickled shredded vegetables (zucchini, carrots, daikon.) Protein choices include classic big eye tuna, spicy tuna, seared coriander crusted Ahi tuna, salmon, spicy salmon, shrimp, chicken, or Kalua pork are all available to add onto your base. Finally, add premium toppings like pumpkin seeds, avocado, yuzu guacamole, quail egg, seaweed salad to really add a pop of flavor to an already impressive bowl. You can even make your own poke nachos with crispy wonton chips and your choice of poke, topped with yuzu, guacamole, and gochujang sauce.
Maui Onion
35 W. 26th St.
New York, NY 10010
212-377-5120
Maui Onion is now open! This premium poke bar gives customers the choice of how to eat their poke – as a freshly prepared bowl, temaki, or burrito. The key theme at the heart of the brand is to make a dish that is simple, easy, and fresh and to pair it with an equally-healthy drink. Try one of their signature combinations like the spicy tuna with scallion, hijiki, onion, cucumber, and pickled ginger, or the seared Toro with Bluefin suji, garlic chip, seaweed, scallion, cucumber, onion, and pickled ginger in a teriyaki glaze. Not a seafood lover? Try one of their other protein combinations, like organic tofu or lemon/garlic chicken. Wash it all down with a freshly-squeezed juice or hot tea to round out this healthy meal.
Pokeworks
63 W. 37th St.
New York, NY 10018
212-575-8881
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Pokeworks is already seeing customers line beyond the door, and this winter, they're stepping it up with a fun seasonal bowl. Try the blood orange habanero bowl that includes your choice of protein and mix-ins with the limited-time habanero sauce and roasted pumpkin seeds. They also offer a ton of signature works like wasabi shrimp and scallops, spicy ponzu albacore, miso salmon, and the "Hawaiian Classic" with ahi tuna. Their stand out toppings and crunch options take this menu to another level. With options like crab salad, sesame seeds, roasted macadamia nuts, garlic crisps, lotus crisps, and toasted rice puffs, how can this bowl be boring? With the success of their Bryant Park location, this ocean-to-counter restaurant is expanding to Union Square and Grand Central in January so you can enjoy even more poke.
5 Napkin Burger
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Did you know that 5 Napkin Burger is serving up some seriously tasty poke nachos? Head to one of their four NYC locations and try their Tuna Poke Nachos, which is piled high with fresh tuna marinated in soy sauce, sesame oil, seasoned rice vinegar, and ginger. Of course, it wouldn't be nachos without hand-cut potato chips and a variety of toppings including avocado, plum tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, fresh jalapeno, scallions, cilantro, and lime juice. Wasabi Mayo and Nori Furikake are also spread evenly on top to finish off this delicious dish. This may technically be on the appetizer menu, but it's definitely big enough to share – just make sure you get everything loaded into one bite!
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Carly Petrone is the founder of Petrone on the Rocks, a lifestyle site about food, drinks, beauty, travel, and more. She lives in New York City.
