Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Poke Cafe – Seattle
Poke Cafe - Seattle
Photo from Poke Cafe
Poke Cafe at a glance
Seattle Northgate
- 🍍 Hawaiian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 80 of the guests
#689 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#8 Hawaiian Restaurant out of 13 in Seattle
Good
6.5 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
409
Reviews
61.1%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Friendly Staff
- Pleasant Atmosphere
- Delicious Drinks
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent Value
- Sanitation Concerns
- Poke Quality
The restaurant, a vibrant Hawaiian Restaurant in Seattle’s Northgate neighborhood, offers you a delightful escape with its focus on healthy options. At Poke Cafe, you’ll discover a casual yet trendy spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
Whether you’re craving fresh, flavorful bowls for lunch or dinner, this welcoming eatery provides an authentic taste of the islands right here in the city. You can easily dine-in, grab takeout, or opt for convenient delivery.
Overview: Introducting Poke Cafe
Poke Cafe offers a mixed experience, often praised for its delicious food, especially the poke bowls and bubble tea. Many customers highlight the exceptionally friendly staff and great customer service, making visits pleasant.
However, some have noted inconsistencies in food quality and service. While many find the pricing to be a great price, others feel the value for money can be inconsistent, particularly with portion sizes and drink costs.
The atmosphere is generally seen as friendly and inviting, though some wish for a cozier feel and have raised concerns about sanitation.
Good
6.5
out of 10
409
Reviews
61.1%
Satisfaction
122
negative
37
neutral
250
positive
Overall, Poke Cafe holds a respectable 6.5 score, indicating an average experience, supported by a 61.1% customer satisfaction rate, which falls into the mixed category. This assessment is drawn from a substantial 409 customer opinions, with 250 positive remarks and 122 negative ones, providing a comprehensive view of what patrons encounter.
Looking closer, Service stands out as a strong point with a good score (7.3), often praised for its friendly staff. Food (6.5) is generally well-regarded, though some find inconsistencies.
The Ambience (6.3) is seen as pleasant but has room for improvement, while Value (4.7) appears to be the most contentious area, with many feeling the pricing doesn’t always align with portions or quality.
What people like
- Friendly, Helpful Staff
- Pleasant Cafe Atmosphere
- Delicious Drinks Offered
What people don't like
- Inconsistent Value/Pricing
- Sanitation Concerns
- Poke Quality Issues
With a recommendation score of 6.8, Poke Cafe presents a decent option, particularly if you prioritize friendly service and a pleasant environment. It’s a place where you can expect a good selection of drinks and a generally welcoming vibe, making it suitable for a casual visit.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in food quality and value for money. If you’re seeking a quick, friendly spot for a drink or a simple meal and are prepared for some variability, it could be worth a try.
Those with strict expectations for poke or pricing might find it less satisfying.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Poke Cafe
Food (6.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot lands an average score of 6.5, with customer satisfaction sitting at a rather mixed 60.1%. Many of the 163 positive comments out of 271 highlight delicious items like their bahn mi and poke , often praising the fresh ingredients and a good selection of bubble tea and other drinks. However, around 80 comments suggest there's room for improvement.
Some customers felt the serving sizes and portions were too small, while others expressed disappointment with the fish quality or found the boba tea to be inconsistent, sometimes lacking flavor or freshness.
Food
271
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
80
negative
28
neutral
163
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh ingredients
- Delicious banh mi
- Tasty poke
What people don't like
- Small portions
- Poor fish quality
- Inconsistent boba tea
Often praised
- foodInstead of just tossing fried tofu over the bowl, they marinate it and top it with a spicy sesame sauce. We find ourselves going here almost every Sunday because of the great experiences and delicious food.
- pokethe food as always delicious however I only have tried their poke.
- banh miboth the bubble tea and the banh mi were delicious
- bahn miMy experience at the restaurant was centered around their good bahn mi. I observed that the person who ordered after me received spicy sauce, which I perceived as a 'veteran move'.
- bubble teaGot bubble tea with some friends, it was pretty good
- poke bowlWe were initially sad thinking they were closing, but the new location is even better than before! I would definitely recommend Poke Cafe to anyone looking for a delicious poke bowl and some strong, tasty Vietnamese coffee.
- drinksDespite a pre-arrival argument with my sister due to getting lost (thanks, Google Maps!), our experience at this café turned around the moment we sat down with our drinks. We couldn't help but laugh about the earlier situation.
- ingredientsingredients taste great together!
- milk teacrazy delicious milk tea and boba
- pho brothbroth but likes the 'popping' boba better for her drink.
Frequently criticized
- foodmagically don’t have the food I’ve ordered for the past year every time I go in and he’s working.
- toppingsThe serving sizes were too small and the topping options were minimal. The toppings themselves weren’t tasty. The rice was decent and the customer service was average.
- bubble teaI'm not typically one to complain, and I do love the food here. However, I definitely feel like I was scammed with the bubble tea. The blended bubble tea costs $7 while the regular milk tea costs about $5.
- fishI'm not usually one to write a bad review for a family-owned restaurant, but this was genuinely an awful experience. The fish was warm and slimy, and the toppings were still completely frozen. I took one bite and instantly threw it away for fear of getting sick.
- poke bowlpoke bowl was smaller than what I normally get
- portion sizethe portion size to quality to price ratio just doesn't add up
- qualitythe portion size to quality to price ratio just doesn't add up
- ingredientsdidn't have so many ingredients
- pokeThe poke itself needs significant work
- portionsMy experience was disappointing due to several factors. They seem to skimp on the portions, proteins, and sauce, which is unacceptable for a $15 bowl. While they advertise "bubble tea, " there's an upcharge for Boba, which feels misleading.
If you're looking for a quick and tasty bahn mi or poke with fresh ingredients, this place is worth a try. Just be aware that portions might be smaller than expected, and the boba tea can be a hit or miss.
Service (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 55% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a good score of 7.3 and a customer satisfaction rate of 74.3%, many of the 52 positive comments out of 70 total rave about the friendly staff, quick service, and the warm, family owned vibe. It seems the owners truly make a difference here.
However, not every experience is perfect, with 15 negative comments pointing to some inconsistencies. A few customers noted issues with older woman service and general staff attitude, feeling ignored or receiving a rudest reception. It seems there might be some room for improvement in attentiveness across the board.
Service
70
Reviews
74%
Satisfaction
15
negative
3
neutral
52
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Family owned
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Poor staff attitude
- Lack of attentiveness
Often praised
- staffmost friendly and helpful staff I’ve ever met
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was great! The food was fresh and delicious, and the service was fast. The lady working was very friendly.
- ownersMy experience at this restaurant was lovely 🥰 all the way around! The owners are so sweet and everything is so fresh! They also serve halal chicken.
- customer serviceThe fish was incredibly fresh and well prepared, and the rice was cooked to perfection. I also appreciated the nice variety of toppings and the great customer service we received.
- friendly staffFriendly staff. Great local place
- ownerThe owner is nice
- workersI cannot express how much I love the workers, they are an amazing family
- FriendlyFriendly and easy to find.
- Nice folksNice folks work here
- convenienceOnly reason to go is convenience
Frequently criticized
- serviceservice is atrocious enough
- Availabilityturn people away with over 30 minutes left in opening time.
- acknowledgedNever acknowledged my existence
- dine-in customersestablishment was not fully prepared or equipped for dine-in customers
- gratuitynope, not a smile or thank you!
- ignoredcompletely ignored for several minutes
- older woman serviceService was also inconsistent. The young man provided pleasant service, but the older woman was not. Despite always giving gratuity, I received no smile or thank you.
- online hoursthe online hours say it’s open until 7
- receptionrudest reception pre and post paying
- restaurant hoursit’s closed even though the paper on the door said it should be open
Overall, you're likely to encounter friendly and quick service, especially from the owners and many staff members. While there might be occasional inconsistencies, the positive experiences heavily outweigh the negatives, making it a place worth trying for its generally good service.
Ambience (6.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 34% of the guests
When it comes to the atmosphere, this spot generally offers a mixed bag, reflected in its average score of 6.3 and a customer satisfaction of 60%. Many guests, 27 out of 45, found the atmosphere and vibe quite pleasant, often highlighting the clean restaurant and the appealing new location. The music and availability of indoor and outdoor seating were also appreciated.
On the flip side, 15 observations raised concerns. Some described the restaurant as dirty or uninviting, with equipment and supplies visible in the customer space. A few felt the space was disorganized, and issues like excessive plastic use and an empty shop feeling, along with limited seating inside, detracted from the overall experience.
Ambience
45
Reviews
60%
Satisfaction
15
negative
3
neutral
27
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great music
- New location
- Flexible seating
What people don't like
- Visible supplies
- Plastic waste
- Limited seating
Often praised
- atmosphereFriendly atmosphere. There are spots to sit that look calm and peaceful.
- environmentFRIENDLY environment I cannot express how much I love the workers
- new locationtheir new location is crisp and amenable
- placea very respectful and mindful place
- spaceThe space looks great
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:4
- cafe styleI also really like the style of the cafe
- easy to findFriendly and easy to find.
- great musicgreat music!
- hidden gemThis is a hidden gem.
Frequently criticized
- SanitationSanitation - I’ve seen him work on a leak in the sink halfway through making my sandwich.
- bathroomthe bathroom was out of order
- cozy/less emptyI do wish it felt a little more cozy/less empty?
- dining experienceI ordered the vermicelli bowl with pork, but it was nothing special. The overall dining experience was not great, as I felt the establishment was not fully prepared or equipped for dine-in customers. The space felt a bit disorganized, and the service was lacking.
- empty shoponly to find an empty shop
- equipment and suppliesequipment and supplies stored out in the customer space
- glovesTake the gloves off and then continue to make my sandwich without gloves.
- plasticEverything is served in plastic
- recyclingthey don't recycle any of it. So wasteful.
- refrigeratorthe refrigerator was broken
If you prioritize a clean, new spot with good music and flexible seating, youll likely find the vibe here enjoyable. However, be aware that some guests have noted issues with disorganization, visible supplies, and a less cozy feel, which might disappoint if youre seeking a polished or intimate setting.
Value (4.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 19% of the guests
When it comes to value, its a bit of a mixed bag here, with a score of 4.7, placing it in the average range. Many customers felt they truly got their moneys worth, praising the great price and finding some meals to be quite cheap. With 8 positive comments out of 23 total, some found the pricing to be excellent for what they received.
However, customer satisfaction sits at a poor 34.8%, indicating significant room for improvement. A notable 12 negative comments highlight concerns about things being expensive and overpriced, with some feeling it wasn't worth it. There were also mentions of extra charges and the portion size not matching the price.
Value
23
Reviews
34%
Satisfaction
12
negative
3
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Good money's worth
- Great pricing
- Cheaper meal options
What people don't like
- Very expensive
- Overpriced food
- Not worth it
Often praised
- priceI visited this restaurant with some friends and had a pretty good experience. I didn't get to try any of the food, but it looked really yummy and wasn't overpriced. The bubble tea was good, and the overall atmosphere was pleasant.
- cheaper mealsOne of the cheaper meals around
- great priceat a great price
- money's worthyou really get your money's worth
- pricingthe pricing is great
- well worth the moneyWell worth the money
Frequently criticized
- pricethe portion size to quality to price ratio just doesn't add up
- $15 bowlsupposed to be a $15 bowl
- blended bubble teablended bubbled Tea costs $7
- expensivethe taro smoothie was expensive
- extra for "no ice"they charged me extra for "no ice"
- in-store menuthe in-store menu is 25% higher
- lunchMore than I wanted to spend for lunch.
- paid for nothingThe Matcha Milk tea was so incredibly grainy and hard to drink. I felt like I paid $9 for nothing and wasted my money. I've been here before and it was great, but this time was so incredibly disappointing.
- pricesVery expensive too!!
- value for moneyNot worth it!
If youre looking for a budget-friendly meal, you might find some good deals here, but be aware that many customers felt the prices were too high for what they received. Its worth checking the menu carefully before ordering to avoid disappointment with the cost.
How are the prices at Poke Cafe?
You’re looking at roughly 17 per person – reported by 80 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Hawaiian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most guests (45 out of 80) spend in this $11–$20 range, showing prices cluster nicely around the average, with fewer venturing into much cheaper or pricier options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 80 reviews.
How this Hawaiian spot in Seattle stacks up against similar restaurants on value for money.
Overall, we think the pricing feels quite fair for a Hawaiian Restaurant in Seattle. It hits that sweet spot where you’re getting good value without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a casual meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Poke Cafe
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
2
Closed Despite Stated Hours
I tried to visit this restaurant tonight at 6: 45 PM, but it was closed. This was despite the paper on the door indicating it should be open, and the online hours also stating it's open until 7 PM. This was a frustrating experience as I was unable to dine here.
- restaurant hours2
- online hours2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
7
Good Bahn Mi, Veteran Sauce Move
My experience at the restaurant was centered around their good bahn mi. I observed that the person who ordered after me received spicy sauce, which I perceived as a 'veteran move'.
- bahn mi7
- spicy sauce6
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
2
Disappointing Banh Mi and Smoothie
I was disappointed with my experience at this restaurant. The banh mi was just okay, and the taro smoothie was expensive with a strong artificial flavor that made it hard to drink. Overall, it was not a good experience.
I wouldn’t recommend it and won’t be coming back.
- banh mi5
- taro smoothie2
- expensive2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
8
Solid Food, Worth the Price
I’ve been going here since they were located next to Target, and I don’t understand the bad reviews at all! This place is so solid. The poke is a little pricey, but if you get all of the toppings, it’s worth it.
The banh mi is fantastic, and I almost order that more than the poke! Especially if you pair it with a cup of hot pho broth. Heavenly.
I’ve also dined in house a couple of times, and it’s been fine!
- poke7
- banh mi9
- pho broth10
Price per Person
- $41–$50
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Family
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
1
Terrible Food Poisoning Experience
My son and I visited this restaurant for dinner and ordered poke bowls. Unfortunately, we both experienced severe food poisoning afterward. I strongly advise others to avoid this restaurant.
- poke bowl1
- food poisoning1
What Poke Cafe offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Coffee
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Dessert
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
- Delivery
Pets
- Dogs allowed
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
Is Poke Cafe in Northgate accessible, and what are the parking options available for visitors?
Yes, Poke Cafe is fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom. You’ll also find a free parking lot with usually plenty of parking available, making your visit convenient and stress-free.
What kind of dining experience and food options can you expect at Poke Cafe, especially if you have dietary preferences or are dining with kids?
At Poke Cafe, you can enjoy a casual and trendy atmosphere with healthy and vegetarian options, perfect for a quick bite or a full meal. They serve lunch, dinner, and dessert, and are good for kids, offering high chairs. Plus, your dogs are welcome too!
What is the overall customer sentiment for Poke Cafe?
Poke Cafe has an overall score of 6.5, indicating an average experience. Customers particularly praise the Service (7.3), while Food (6.5) and Ambience (6.3) are average. Value (4.7) is the lowest-scoring aspect.
Is Poke Cafe known for good service?
Yes, many customers highlight the exceptionally friendly and helpful staff at Poke Cafe, often describing the owners as sweet and the customer service as great.
Are there any concerns regarding value or food quality at Poke Cafe?
Some customers have noted inconsistencies in value, citing high prices for certain items or small portion sizes. There are also occasional reports of food quality issues, such as warm fish or frozen toppings.