Ever heard of Poké? This traditional Hawaiian dish means “slice” or “cut crosswise into pieces” in Hawaiian and has become a hit dish in the American mainland. It’s kind of like deconstructed sushi or the Chipotle of sushi, where diced fish or other protein is served over rice with your choice of toppings and sauces, and eaten with chopsticks (if your skills are up to par). So, if you’ve never tried this delicious dish or simply want to find a new tested spot for a good bowl, check out one of these essential Poké spots in Chicago!
Lono Poke (Time Out Market)
916 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
A new addition to the beloved Time Out Market, Lono is our new favorite for a zesty, refreshing bowl. Inspired by childhood experiences visiting family in Oahu, Owner Ty Fujimura’s Lono Poke pays tribute to the authentic Hawaiian poke you find at markets in the beachside town of Haleiwa.
Guests can forget basic build-your-own bowls popularized during the fast-casual poke craze a few years back: Lono Poke’s dishes combine glistening cubes of fresh fish and premium white rice with flavorful toppings like crisped shallots, snappy seaweed and signature “Ono” sauce for a genuinely delicious taste of Hawaiian culture and the true Aloha spirit. Are you ready to try — hands down — the best poké in Chicago?
Poke Poké
1100 W Madison St. Chicago, IL 60607
The folks at Poke Poké only use chunks of the highest-quality tuna, salmon, shrimp, and tofu for your meal. Customize it with a variety of sauces and toppings. Create something new or try one of their signature items like the Tsukiji Bowl or Osaka Bowl.
Aloha Poke
303 W. Madison St. Chicago IL 60625
Feeling Little, Big, or Kahuna? No matter what size you choose, you’ll understand why many consider this the best poké in Chicago the moment you take a bite. Start with a base of rice, cauliflower rice, or mixed greens. Then add your protein of ahi tuna, salmon, chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Choose your fruits and veggies like edamame, ginger, jalapeno, pineapple, and more. Finally, select a sauce and you’re ready to poke!
I'm so excited to try healthy, tasty, NEW food at the @HighTidePoke that's now open near my work! 😄❤️😄🍣🍍🍚#food #lunch #sashimi #Chicago pic.twitter.com/WLy4marGsN
— Molly C Loar (@MobileMollusk) June 8, 2017
High Tide Poke
203 N Lasalle Street, Unit 150. Chicago, Illinois 60601
Stop into this aesthetically-pleasing location for some authentic poke. Try one of their signature bowls like the Salmon and Ahi Supreme featuring white rice, salmon, marinated ahi, onion cucumber, pineapple, green onion, spicy mayo, unagi, fried onion, and sesame seeds starting at $15.99. Or create your own bowl to make it epic in 5 easy steps.
Pokiology
1220 W Taylor St. Chicago IL 60607
You know the drill. Build a bombass poke bowl in a snap. Choose a base. Mix and match your proteins. Add some fresh veggies or fruit. And sauce it up. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the Octopus for your protein and the “three-way affair” for your sauce (which is a little sweet, fruity, and spicy!).
En Hakkore 2.0
1467 N Milwaukee Ave. Chicago, IL 60622
One word: fresh. Build your bowl with black or white rice or a spring mix. Then add ingredients like carrot, cucumber, edamame, guacamole, sweet potato, pickled radish and beets, onion flakes, lime, or sesame seed. Top it off with a delicious protein, and a sauce, and you’re in poke heaven.
Featured Image: Lono Poke
