Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Poke Square – Seattle
Poke Square - Seattle
Photo from Poke Square
Poke Square at a glance
Seattle Ballard
- 🍍 Hawaiian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 36 of the guests
#303 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#3 Hawaiian Restaurant out of 13 in Seattle
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
262
Reviews
81.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Fresh ingredients
- Quick service
- Clean atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Food safety
- Cramped space
- Tipping pressure
The restaurant Poke Square is a vibrant Hawaiian Restaurant located in Seattle’s lively Ballard neighborhood. You’ll find it’s a fantastic spot for healthy options and a quick bite, perfect for when you’re craving fresh flavors without the wait.
This casual and trendy eatery offers a welcoming atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for a relaxed meal. Whether you’re dining in or grabbing food to go, you’re in for a treat.
Overview: Introducting Poke Square
Poke Square generally offers a positive experience, often highlighted for its fresh ingredients and efficient service. Many appreciate the overall pleasant atmosphere and the commitment to cleanliness, making it a comfortable spot for a quick meal.
However, some diners have noted that the dining area can feel a bit cramped, and customer parking might be limited. There are also occasional mentions of inconsistent food quality, with specific concerns raised about ingredients like avocado.
Good
7.8
out of 10
262
Reviews
81.3%
Satisfaction
39
negative
10
neutral
213
positive
Overall, Poke Square maintains a solid reputation, reflected in its Restaurant Score of 7.8 and a strong Customer Satisfaction of 81.3%. This indicates a generally positive dining experience for most patrons.
With 213 positive remarks against 39 negative ones out of 262 total customer comments, the feedback leans heavily towards approval. Diving deeper, Service stands out with a score of (8.1), often described as friendly and efficient.
The Food also performs well at (7.8), with many praising the fresh ingredients and generous portions. While Value (7.6) is considered fair, and the Ambience (7.3) is generally pleasant, some minor points could be improved.
What people like
- Fresh ingredients, good portions
- Friendly, quick service
- Clean, bright atmosphere
What people don't like
- Food safety concerns
- Cramped dining, limited parking
- Tipping practice issues
Poke Square offers a generally reliable option for poke, especially if you prioritize fresh ingredients and quick service. The Recommendation Score of 8.1 suggests many find it a worthwhile stop for a casual meal.
While the overall experience is positive, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in food quality and the sometimes tight dining space. If you’re looking for a convenient, fresh poke option and are aware of these minor caveats, it’s certainly worth considering.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Poke Square
Food (7.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, youre generally in for a treat! With a solid score of 7.8 and a customer satisfaction of 82%, its clear most diners are happy. Many of the 137 positive remarks rave about the fresh fish, generous portions, and the variety of toppings that make for a delicious poke bowl.
However, its not all perfect, as 26 negative comments point out some serious concerns. A few experiences mention food poisoning and rotten salmon, highlighting issues with poor quality ingredients. There were also notes about the rice being too sweet, ' which affected the overall meal.
Food
167
Reviews
82%
Satisfaction
26
negative
4
neutral
137
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh ingredients
- Generous portions
- Wide topping variety
What people don't like
- Food poisoning risk
- Poor fish quality
- Overly sweet rice
Often praised
- foodI was too hungry to make decisions, but they offered some great recommendations. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was enjoyable.
- pokeMy experience at this poke takeout place was positive overall. The poke was decently priced, and while there was limited seating, the fish tasted fresh and was well portioned. The service was polite, and I appreciated the availability of Hawaiian Sun juices.
- ingredientsThe service was super fast, especially when there wasn’t a line. I was impressed with the very fresh ingredients used in my meal. I found the price to be great, and I recommend checking online for menu amounts if you're concerned about cost.
- poke bowlMy experience tonight was great, with really friendly service. I thoroughly enjoyed my large poke bowl, and the yuzu sauce was perfect. My only feedback is that the rice for the bowl was too sweet, which made the entire meal too sweet.
- spicy tunaThe only spicy tuna I've had thats actually spicy
- fishOverall, the experience was "pretty good. " The "fish was fresh" and there was a "good selection of toppings and sauces. " I'll definitely "swing by" if I'm craving poke after my nail appointments.
- poke bowlsTheir poke bowls are the best
- portionsGood portions for tasty poke
- salmonTuna and salmon had good texture without tasting fishy
- toppingsThe fresh ingredients and the great selection of sauces all come together to create one incredibly delicious poke bowl. They also offer a variety of toppings and sides. I highly recommend trying it!
Frequently criticized
- food poisoninggotten food poisoning from this restaurant twice
- avocadothe avocado is always bad
- bloody stoolI was having bloody stool the entire night
- dressingdressing that I had got for the bowl was a little bit too spicy
- food qualityfood quality to be extremely poor
- food spoilageBeware of food spoilage..when left out..who no how long
- food standardsfood standards aren't being upheld
- house sauceHouse sauce - 👎.
- mealI thoroughly enjoyed my large poke bowl, and the yuzu sauce was perfect. My only feedback is that the rice for the bowl was too sweet, which made the entire meal too sweet. However, I really loved everything else.
- mediocrityfrankly, mediocrity
If you're craving a customizable, fresh poke bowl with ample toppings, this spot is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful of the occasional quality control issues, particularly with fish freshness, to ensure a great experience.
Service (8.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 73% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark! With a solid score of 8.1 and a customer satisfaction rate of 83.1%, its clear that most folks are having a good experience. Many rave about the friendly, polite, and helpful staff, often noting how efficient and fast the service is, getting you in and out quickly.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows. Out of 65 total comments, 8 pointed to some areas for improvement. A few customers mentioned a high employee turnover, and some found the phone service unprofessional or disinterested.
There were also a couple of concerns about tipping practices, which some found off-putting.
Service
65
Reviews
83%
Satisfaction
8
negative
3
neutral
54
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, polite staff
- Fast, efficient service
- Helpful recommendations
What people don't like
- Tipping pressure
- High staff turnover
- Unprofessional phone tone
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at Poke Square was fantastic. The staff were very nice, providing great service and high-quality food. I particularly enjoyed their poke bowls, which are the best I've ever had.
- staffThe staff were super friendly and helpful
- peoplethe people are always so pleasant
- convenienceit's convenient to grab
- deliveryThe food was so filling. I ordered door dash delivery for my man and I, and wow, this was absolutely incredible. Everything was so fresh.
- drop in optionstakeout and drop in options available
- employeesIt's really nice to see a place like this doing so well. The employees are always super nice, and I always look forward to popping in and grabbing some lunch.
- experiencealways have a fantastic experience
- folks making the foodBig ups to the folks making the food.
- friendly servicereally great friendly service tonight
Frequently criticized
- high turnovernoticed quite a high turnover for employees
- operating hoursevery time I try to go on a Sunday it's closed
- person who picked up the phoneperson who picked up the phone was mildly unprofessional
- serviceService - rushed!
- staffstaff is dressed inappropriately
- tipdon't appreciate the tip
- tipping practiceI really like the poke here. However, I've noticed this place has been putting more pressure on tipping practices. I received negative reactions to my $2 tip on a to-go poke bowl.
- tone of the guytone of the guy who picked up, he sounded disinterested
Overall, you can expect a largely positive service experience here, especially if you value speed and friendly interactions. While there are minor hiccups like occasional staff turnover or tipping pressure, the quick and helpful team makes it a worthwhile stop for most.
Ambience (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 29% of the guests
Overall, the ambience here scores a good 7.3, with customer satisfaction also sitting at a good 70%. Many folks, 14 out of 20, really appreciate the vibe, often praising the restaurants cleanliness and the abundance of natural light from its big windows. It creates a very relaxed and inviting atmosphere, and finding parking is usually a breeze.
However, its not all sunshine, as 4 opinions point out some areas for improvement. A few guests have noted a weird smell upon entering, and the dining area can feel a bit cramped. There were also concerns about limited customer parking and one rather unsettling mention of an unsanitary prep area.
Ambience
20
Reviews
70%
Satisfaction
4
negative
2
neutral
14
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Restaurant is clean
- Lots natural light
- Relaxed atmosphere
What people don't like
- Weird smell inside
- Dining area cramped
- Limited parking
Often praised
- atmosphereI was too hungry to make decisions, but they offered some great recommendations. The food was excellent, and the atmosphere was enjoyable.
- cleanlinessthey take cleanliness seriously
- big windowsit has some big windows so there’s lots of natural light
- bowls and utensilsThe service was fast, and the staff were really nice and helpful. I also appreciated that their bowls and utensils are compostable, which shows a commitment to sustainability.
- great conceptThis is a great concept.
- locationMy experience at the restaurant was very positive. The staff were clean, friendly & attentive, and the central location was convenient. The service was super fast, especially when there wasn’t a line.
- natural lightlots of natural light
- parkingPlenty of parking in front and on side of store
- restaurant was cleanRestaurant was clean
- spot in Ballardmy top spot in Ballard
Frequently criticized
- customer parkingLimited customer parking behind the building
- dining areaDining area is a bit cramped
- prep areastomach was rubbing against the prep area, so unsanitary
- weird smellIt smells weird when you walk in
If a clean, naturally lit, and relaxed spot is what youre after, this place generally delivers. Just be aware of potential issues like a strange smell or a slightly cramped dining area, and parking might be tighter than expected. Its worth a try if those minor points don't deter you.
Value (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 16% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot generally hits the mark! Many folks rave about how its not expensive and offers a great portion size for the cost, giving you serious bang for buck. With 8 positive comments out of 10, its clear most customers feel theyre getting a good deal, reflected in a solid 7.6 score and a good 80% customer satisfaction.
However, not everyone is completely sold. Out of 10 opinions, there was one person who felt the price was a bit much, even calling themselves a hater of the cost. While this is a very small minority, its worth noting that value can be subjective, and a single differing view exists.
Value
10
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
1
negative
1
neutral
8
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Not expensive
- Good portion value
- Bang for buck
What people don't like
- High price
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this poke takeout place was positive overall. The poke was decently priced, and while there was limited seating, the fish tasted fresh and was well portioned. The service was polite, and I appreciated the availability of Hawaiian Sun juices.
- bang for buckThe portions were packed full, the food was super flavorful and of good quality. Overall, it offered total bang for buck.
- fairly pricedfairly priced
- not expensivenot expensive
- portion sizePortion size to price is very reasonable
- pricesthe best prices around
- valuethe value for what you pay was very fair
Frequently criticized
- priceCertified Hater of just poké due to its price
If youre looking for a place that offers good value for your money, this spot is a strong contender. Most people find the prices fair and portions generous, so youre likely to leave feeling satisfied with what you paid.
How are the prices at Poke Square?
You’re looking at roughly 18 per person – reported by 36 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 clearly find their sweet spot in the $11–$20 range, with just a few opting for something a little pricier, so prices definitely cluster around the average.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 36 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, especially with most diners finding good value in the mid-range options. It seems like a solid choice for a tasty meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Poke Square
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Great Poke Bowls with Lots of Options
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The portions were generous and the poke was incredibly tasty. I loved the variety available in one bowl, with numerous options for toppings and sauces.
I would definitely come back!
- portions9
- poke9
- variety9
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Amazing Poke Bowl Experience!
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I ordered the large Poke Bowl, which was generously sized and could easily serve two people. The service was impressively quick and friendly.
I particularly enjoyed the fresh fish, especially the spicy tuna and crab salad. I would 12/10 recommend this place.
- Poke Bowl10
- service9
- fish10
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
10
Consistently Amazing Food and Service
My experience at this restaurant has been consistently amazing. The quality of the food is always high, and it's always fresh. The service staff are kind and usually upbeat, which suggests they are well-treated.
I particularly enjoyed the musubi. I order here almost once a week and I'm never disappointed.
- quality10
- fresh10
- service staff9
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Excellent Food, Service, and Cleanliness!
My experience at this restaurant was outstanding. The staff was very welcoming, and the service was excellent. I was impressed with the food, which was fresh and served in good portions.
The establishment was very clean, and I would highly recommend this place.
- staff10
- service10
- food9
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Wonderful Service and Fresh Poke
My experience at this restaurant was wonderful. I was greeted with welcoming smiles and served a delicious bowl. The ingredients tasted very fresh, and they were quite generous with the portions.
I would highly recommend giving this place a try if you are in the area and craving poke.
- welcoming smiles10
- delicious bowl9
- fresh ingredients9
What Poke Square offers
Crowd
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Counter service
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of dining experience can you expect at Poke Square Ballard?
At Poke Square Ballard, you can look forward to a casual and trendy Hawaiian dining experience. They specialize in healthy options and quick bites, perfect for lunch or dinner. You’ll find comfortable seating and counter service available, with high chairs for children, making it a great spot for everyone.
What service and accessibility options are available at Poke Square Ballard?
Poke Square Ballard offers a range of convenient service options, including no-contact delivery, takeout, delivery, and dine-in. For accessibility, you’ll find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests. Paid street parking is also available nearby.
How does Poke Square rate overall?
Poke Square holds a solid Restaurant Score of 7.8, with Customer Satisfaction at 81.3%. Service leads with (8.1), followed by Food (7.8), Value (7.6), and Ambience (7.3), indicating a generally positive experience across the board.
What do customers appreciate most about Poke Square's food?
Customers frequently praise the fresh ingredients and generous portions of the poke bowls. Many highlight the quality of the fish, noting it has good texture and isn’t fishy, with a good selection of toppings and sauces.
Are there any common concerns about dining at Poke Square?
Some patrons have noted a **cramped dining area** and limited **customer parking**. There have also been occasional mentions of inconsistent food quality, including concerns about specific ingredients like **avocado** and isolated reports of food safety issues.