Assemble a custom bowl of Hawaiian-inspired deliciousness at Pokéworks, a fast-casual restaurant that focuses on freshness.
If you've never had it, poké is a combination of sushi-grade ingredients, veggies, sauces, and interesting toppings. Popular in Hawaii since the 1970s, it clearly has Japanese roots that make it similar to deconstructed sushi rolls. Everything from the fish to the rice and the nori are combined to your taste—the sky's the limit with poké!
Photo by Sarina Petrocelly
- Annandale Location: 4221 John Marr Drive (in The Block) | Annandale, VA
- Tysons Location: 7933 Tysons Corner Center #F12L | McLean, VA
- Website: Pokéworks
- Delivery: Order through DoorDash.
- Social Media: Pokéworks on Facebook and Twitter
To give you an idea of just how affordable a good meal here can be, a standard bowl goes for just $12.85. Consider it the Chipotle of poké. You get in line and customize your order for a bowl or a burrito. Most of the toppings are free, while some of the pricier ingredients like seaweed salad or avocado are $1 each.
The best poke bowls are the ones with avocado! 🥑 Do you agree? 🤔 #pokeworks pic.twitter.com/emxTsyy0Vl
— Pokeworks (@pokeworksco) September 9, 2019
If you prefer a cooked protein, they have shrimp, scallops, chicken, and tofu. Delicious sushi fillings like raw tuna and salmon are also available, plain or with spicy sauce. Here's where the fun begins. Customize your creation with a sauce (my favorite is the siracha aioli), seaweed, surimi (seafood salad), fresh veggies, and crunchy components sprinkled on top. As delicate as it looks, a bowl is plenty for one person to enjoy for lunch or dinner.
There may be miso soup, Spam musubi, or desserts for sale, but for now, they're not permanent menu items. If you're within range, delivery by DoorDash may be an option for you when you can't get away to pick it up. Trust me on this: once you try it, poké may well become one of your favorite quick meals on the go. Go get a bowl and see for yourself!
Have you tried the food at Pokéworks? What are your favorite sauces and add-ins? Let us know in the comments!
