pokewerks

Pokeworks started in midtown Manhattan, introducing the business class to poké (pronounced po-kay), the Hawaiian dish of cubed, raw fish. The concept took off and soon franchised across the United States with 65 locations and more on the way. This fast-casual place has six signature bowls: Spicy Ahi, Hawaiian Ahi, Yuzu Ponzu Salmon, Umami Ahi, Sweet Sesame Chicken, and Sweet Shoyu Tofu, the latter two featuring cooked proteins if raw fish ain’t your (or your friend’s) thing. You can also Poké Your Way by choosing your proteins and toppings. Poké is traditionally served in a bowl, but the ‘works has fusioned with Mexican to create the poké burrito, essentially a giant sushi roll wrapped with a flour tortilla instead of seaweed, and nachos (poké on top of tortilla chips).

Since we prefer to avoid making (too many) decisions, we’ve only explored the signature bowls, but we’ve been impressed. You still have to make a few decisions (bowl, burrito, or chips; white rice, brown rice, salad, kale noodles, ramen noodles, cauliflower rice; torching; extra items), but not too many. The Spicy Ahi (Ahi tuna, cucumber, sweet onion, edamame, Sriracha Aioli flavor, masago, green onion, sesame seeds, onion crisps, and shredded nori; $13.50) didn’t hurt enough to earn its name but was flavorful with lots of veggies (“These dishes seem healthy,” decreed The Bride ).

The Bride enjoyed the sauce in the Hawaiian Ahi (Ahi tuna, cucumber, sweet onion, hijiki seaweed, edamame, Pokeworks Classic sauce, chili flakes, seaweed salad, green onion, sesame seeds, and seasonal crunch; $13.50) and preferred it to the Umami (Ahi tuna, cucumber, sweet onion, hijiki seaweed, edamame, Umami Shoyu flavor, surimi salad, pickled ginger, green onion, sesame seeds, garlic crisps; $13.50), but to each her own.

All the dishes we’ve tried are attractive arrays of colors and textures with fun flavors. You can enjoy your food in their bright and sassy location, order takeout, or, for two bucks, get your order delivered.

Pokeworks Creekside, 3022 West Anderson Lane, pokeworks.com