The Poke Guy

First time here in years! I remember coming for their grand opening and back when they introduced their Hawaiian plates! Had a decent poke bowl (I built my own mini guy). I will say their portions were less than what I remembered from my first impressions. My bowl came to $14.18 including tax, which had a base, a sauce, 1 protein option (you pay by the scoop and my salmon was $3), 3 sides, and 1 crunch. It's drastically different compared to say, Steve's Poke Bar, where you can choose unlimited sides for a similar price. I always find it odd when a poke shop limits customers' number of "crunches" as the cost must be so minor to produce - items like furikake, fried onions, fried garlic, sesame seeds, etc. It would go a long way to allow people to have more than one as a topper. The sesame mayo sauce was great and I was told it didn't have dairy (milk/eggs) in it. I had the shoyu Atlantic salmon, with corn, edamame, and imitation crab. On the plus side, the staff were kind and patient as I ordered. I was asking about items with gluten/dairy due to a sensitivity, and they seemed to know their menu. They get quite a few online orders through delivery apps, as most people during a weekday lunch hour took their food to-go.

The Poke Guy has quickly become my go-to destination for poke bowls since Poke N' Roll changed ownership. I can't help but wonder why I didn't discover this gem sooner. The Huli Chicken is my absolute favorite, although the Maui Ribs are not far behind. While I always opt for takeout, the restaurant's inviting ambiance makes it an appealing spot to dine in as well. Their extensive drink selection, featuring homemade lemonade and Hawaiian Sun's Passion Orange, is just the icing on the cake. To top it all off, the wait time at The Poke Guy is consistently short, making it an even more attractive dining option. Located on Richards Street in Vancouver, The Poke Guy boasts a diverse menu that caters to various dietary preferences, such as gluten-free and vegan poke bowls, poke rice bowls, tofu poke bowls, and other scrumptious Hawaiian dishes. The owner's pride in their establishment is evident, and it's easy to see why they claim to be the best poke restaurant in town. During my visits, I found the ingredients to be extremely fresh, which made all the difference in taste. In particular, I enjoyed the delicious edamame beans in my bowl. While I preferred the Huli Chicken, I was eager to try other options, such as the classic bowl, during my next visit. What truly stands out at The Poke Guy is the friendly staff, consistently fresh ingredients, and satisfying portions. The Poke Guy's value and quality are unmatched compared to other downtown poke spots. Additionally, the hours of operation are great - open 7 days a week, 11-8! In summary, The Poke Guy is a standout destination for poke enthusiasts in Vancouver. With their delectable menu offerings, exceptional service, and reasonable prices, it's no wonder this establishment has captured my heart. Whether I'm building my own bowl or indulging in one of their Hawaiian plates, The Poke Guy never fails to impress.