Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Pokeworks – San Francisco
Pokeworks - San Francisco
Photo from Pokeworks
Pokeworks at a glance
San Francisco Transbay
- 🍍 Hawaiian Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21–$30
mentioned by 69 of the guests
#300 out of 2403 places to eat in San Francisco
#1 Hawaiian Restaurant out of 19 in San Francisco
Excellent
8.4 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
191
Reviews
85.3%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Staff service
- Fresh food
- Clean atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Small portions
- High prices
The Hawaiian restaurant Pokeworks in San Francisco’s vibrant Transbay neighborhood offers you a fresh and casual dining experience. You’ll discover a trendy spot perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal.
With a focus on healthy options and organic dishes, you can easily find something delicious that fits your lifestyle. It’s an ideal choice for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Overview: Introducting Pokeworks
Pokeworks generally offers a pleasant experience, with many customers appreciating the fresh and delicious poke bowls. The staff frequently receives praise for being friendly and providing outstanding service, making visits enjoyable.
It’s a spot where quality ingredients and a welcoming atmosphere often stand out. However, some diners have expressed concerns regarding the portions, particularly for larger bowls, which can feel half empty.
This often leads to perceptions of the offerings being overpriced for the amount of food received, impacting overall value for some.
Excellent
8.4
out of 10
191
Reviews
85.3%
Satisfaction
22
negative
6
neutral
163
positive
Pokeworks holds a solid overall score of 8.4, reflecting a generally positive customer experience. This is further supported by a strong customer satisfaction rate of 85.3%.
Based on 191 customer comments, with 163 positive remarks, the Service (9.1) truly shines, often described as outstanding and friendly. The Ambience (8.8) also contributes significantly, offering a clean and pleasant setting for diners.
While the Food (8.2) is consistently rated well for its freshness and taste, there’s a notable dip when it comes to Value (4.8). Many customers feel the portion sizes don’t quite justify the price, leading to this average score.
Despite this, the high marks in service and atmosphere suggest that for many, the overall experience remains quite appealing.
What people like
- Outstanding staff service
- Fresh, delicious food
- Clean, inviting atmosphere
What people don't like
- Small portion sizes
- Overpriced offerings
Pokeworks presents a compelling option for those seeking fresh, flavorful poke bowls served by genuinely friendly staff in a pleasant setting. With a recommendation score of 8.3, it’s certainly worth considering if you prioritize quality ingredients and excellent service for a quick, satisfying meal.
However, be mindful of the portion sizes, as some customers find them modest for the price. If you’re looking for substantial value or a budget-friendly option, you might find it slightly disappointing.
Otherwise, for a reliable and enjoyable poke experience, Pokeworks generally delivers.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Pokeworks
Food (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 91% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot is largely hitting the mark! With a strong score of 8.2 and customer satisfaction at a solid 84.7%, its clear many are enjoying their meals. Out of 98 total comments, 83 rave about the fresh fish, delicious and healthy options, and the fantastic variety of toppings and sauces, making every bowl a customizable delight.
However, not everyone leaves completely satisfied. There are 13 comments expressing frustration, primarily concerning portion sizes. Many felt their bowls were half empty, and some found the amount of food to be too small for the price, which can definitely be a dealbreaker if youre looking for a hearty meal.
Food
98
Reviews
84%
Satisfaction
13
negative
2
neutral
83
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fresh, delicious food
- Great topping variety
- Healthy options available
What people don't like
- Portion sizes small
- Bowls half empty
- Can be expensive
Often praised
- foodThank you, Fernando, and Michael for always going above and beyond. Highly recommend Pokeworks — amazing food + even better service!
- fishthe fish is high quality and fresh
- deliciousYou are the best! Pokeworks is hands down one of my favorite poke spots — it always hits the spot, especially on a busy work week when I need something fresh, delicious, and satisfying. I have to give a special shoutout to Fernando, who always makes the experience even better!
- freshEverything is always fresh and delicious
- pokethe poke is delicious
- poke bowlMy experience at this restaurant has been consistently great, making it my go-to spot for lunch downtown. I love how easy it is to order and build my own poke bowl. The staff is super friendly and greets me every time I walk in.
- FoodFood:5
- Hawaiian Hot Platesnew Hawaiian Hot Plates are so good
- Hula Hula chickenHula Hula chicken—both were delicious, fresh, and full of flavor
- Lilikoi lemonadeThe Matcha Milk Tea, Ube Latte, and Lilikoi lemonade are a few great options
Frequently criticized
- portionsI paid $21 for a Large bowl, which was surprisingly half empty. It seems the staff are directed by the owner to serve smaller portions. This was my first and last time here.
- Large bowlpaid $21 for a Large bowl and it’s half empty
- MealPal portionsMealPal portions are a scam
- amount of foodThe space is cute, but I've had a much better experience at the Poke spot on Filmore Street in Japantown for less money. It's clear why the place was dead empty when I arrived; it's simply too expensive for the small amount of food served.
- bowlThe bowl is barely filled
- large bowlThe lady who helped me refused to modify my order when I asked to add a base to my large bowl, saying it couldn’t be changed. Fine—but the large bowl I received was half empty, which made it even more frustrating. I also wish there were an option not to leave a tip, especially when the service didn’t accommodate a simple request.
- portion sizeForkful of seaweed is all I got as a portion
- portions overallvery disappointed in the portions overall
- rest of the foodthe rest of it is very mediocre
- smallest portionshas the smallest portions
If you're after fresh, delicious, and customizable poke with plenty of healthy options, this place is definitely worth a try. Just be mindful that some customers have found the portion sizes to be on the smaller side, especially for the cost.
Service (9.1 out of 10)
mentioned by 81% of the guests
When it comes to service, this place truly shines! With an impressive score of 9.1 and a stellar customer satisfaction of 92.6%, it's clear guests are consistently delighted. Out of 68 opinions, a whopping 63 praise the staff for being welcoming and showing attention to detail, often highlighting specific individuals like the owner for their personal touch.
While overwhelmingly positive, a few experiences (3 out of 68) noted minor hiccups. Some found a server hard to understand, and one guest was very disappointed with the takeout service, mentioning a half-empty bowl and difficulty with a simple request. These seem to be isolated incidents rather than a pattern.
Service
68
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
3
negative
2
neutral
63
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly, welcoming staff
- Attentive, quick service
- Personalized recommendations
What people don't like
- Takeout service issues
- Communication difficulties
Often praised
- staffI love how easy it is to order and build my own poke bowl. The staff is super friendly and greets me every time I walk in. Additionally, their bobas teas are the best!
- serviceBoth dishes were incredibly delicious, fresh, and packed with flavor. Beyond the great food, the staff provided outstanding service. They went above and beyond to help us retrieve a lost item, demonstrating exceptional helpfulness and kindness.
- FernandoPokeworks is hands down one of my favorite poke spots — it always hits the spot, especially on a busy work week when I need something fresh, delicious, and satisfying. I have to give a special shoutout to Fernando, who always makes the experience even better! He’s the absolute BEST — so kind, welcoming, and genuinely sweet.
- MildredMy experience at the restaurant was wonderful. The line went by quickly, and Mildred was especially helpful in getting my poke bowl ready. The food was fresh and delicious.
- recommendationsMadison ... provided some great recommendations
- ErikaErika is so nice and always a great help
- Michael and crewMichael and crew at Pokeworks are great
- NeydiNeydi was awesome and helped me out with everything
- SelenaEspecially Selena, who made my friend and I’s bowls
- ServiceService:5
Frequently criticized
- serverit was very hard to understand him
- serviceFine—but the large bowl I received was half empty, which made it even more frustrating. I also wish there were an option not to leave a tip, especially when the service didn’t accommodate a simple request. It shouldn’t be so difficult to make a quick change before payment.
- takeout servicevery disappointed with the takeout service
If youre looking for a place where youll feel genuinely welcomed and well-cared for, this spot is definitely worth a visit. The service is a major highlight, ensuring a pleasant experience despite a couple of minor, isolated issues.
Ambience (8.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to ambience, this spot really shines! Customers are clearly impressed, with a fantastic 92.9% satisfaction rate. People are consistently praising the musical taste, the atmosphere, and the clean and cute space, with many enjoying the outdoor seating.
This all contributes to an excellent overall score of 8.8, based on 13 positive remarks out of 14 total. Interestingly, there were no negative comments or concerns raised about the ambience. It seems like everyone found something to appreciate, with zero negative opinions among the 14 pieces of feedback.
Ambience
14
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
0
negative
1
neutral
13
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great musical taste
- Inviting atmosphere
- Clean, cute space
What people don't like
Often praised
- atmospherethe atmosphere was great
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- cleanThis location was clean
- great experienceto top off a great experience for a break
- musicbest music in town
- musical tasteeven better musical taste
- outdoor seatinggood outdoor seating for a nice day
- restaurantthe restaurant was clean
- spaceCute space
- work lunchesGood for work lunches
Frequently criticized
No complaints so far.
If you're looking for a place with a fantastic vibe, great music, and a clean, inviting atmosphere, this is definitely worth checking out. The excellent ambience alone makes it a strong contender for your next outing, especially if you appreciate good outdoor seating.
Value (4.8 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot has a bit of a mixed bag, scoring an average 4.8 out of 10. Some diners felt it was worth every penny and offered a reasonable price, with one even praising free avocado Fridays as a sweet deal! These positive sentiments come from 4 opinions out of 11 total, highlighting that some customers definitely find the pricing agreeable. However, the value proposition isnt universally loved, as reflected by a rather poor 36.4% customer satisfaction.
Many found the experience "slightly overpriced" or even "wildly overpriced" for what they received. With 6 negative opinions, it seems a significant portion of guests felt the cost didnt quite match the offering, leaving them feeling that there are plenty more options worth the price.
Value
11
Reviews
36%
Satisfaction
6
negative
1
neutral
4
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Worth the price
- Reasonable pricing
- Free avocado Fridays
What people don't like
- Slightly overpriced
- Wildly overpriced
- Portions too small
Often praised
- PricesThe restaurant was clean, and the staff were really nice! Prices are good too. Highly recommend!
- every pennyWorth every penny
- free avocado Fridaysfree avocado Fridays :)
- reasonable priceat a reasonable price
Frequently criticized
- priceFirst and last time coming here. Plenty more options worth the price when compared to this joint.
- creditsmost expensive places on MealPal as well at 10 credits
- pricesprices were wildly over priced
- slightly overpricedSlightly overpriced for what you get
If youre looking for a great deal, this place might be hit or miss, so manage your expectations. While some find it reasonably priced, others feel its not quite worth the cost. It might be worth trying if you catch a special like free avocado Fridays, but otherwise, you might find better value elsewhere.
How are the prices at Pokeworks?
You’re looking at roughly 21 per person – reported by 69 diners. That puts it in the $21–$30 category. For a Hawaiian Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Interestingly, while the average is 21, most guests actually spend in the $11–$20 range, with a good number also in the $21–$30 bracket. This means prices cluster nicely around the lower-to-mid range, offering a good mix.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 69 reviews.
Comparing the value for money of this restaurant against similar spots in San Francisco.
For a Hawaiian Restaurant, we think the pricing feels quite fair. It offers a good balance, making it accessible for a nice meal without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Pokeworks
Visit Type
- Quick Meal
Service Type
- Dine-in
2
Dishonest Business, Half-Empty Bowl
My experience at this restaurant was disappointing. I paid $21 for a Large bowl, which was surprisingly half empty. It seems the staff are directed by the owner to serve smaller portions.
This was my first and last time here.
- Large bowl2
- portions2
- price2
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
2
Disappointing Takeout Experience
I’m very disappointed with the takeout service. The lady who helped me refused to modify my order when I asked to add a base to my large bowl, saying it couldn’t be changed. Fine—but the large bowl I received was half empty, which made it even more frustrating.
I also wish there were an option not to leave a tip, especially when the service didn’t accommodate a simple request. It shouldn’t be so difficult to make a quick change before payment. Overall, disappointing experience.
- takeout service2
- large bowl3
- service2
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Fernando is the best!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic, largely due to the exceptional service provided by Fernando. The food was good, but the service was even better when Fernando was attending to us.
- food7
- service10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Amazing Food and Service!
My experience at the restaurant was fantastic! The service was 5 stars, with Fernando being particularly helpful in guiding my decision. The food was also amazing.
- service10
- Fernando9
- food10
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Regular Visit
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Immediate (0–5 min.)
10
Consistent and Great Pokeworks Experience
My experience at Pokeworks was great, thanks to Michael and the crew. The food is consistently good at this location and across the brand. I 10/10 recommend.
- food9
- Michael and crew10
What Pokeworks offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Salad bar
- Small plates
- Organic dishes
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Dessert
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Delivery
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Curbside pickup
- Dine-in
- Outdoor seating
Parking
- Paid parking lot
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Paid parking garage
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
FAQs
What kind of healthy and dietary-friendly options can you find at Pokeworks?
At Pokeworks, you can enjoy a variety of healthy options, including a fresh salad bar and organic dishes. They also cater to specific dietary needs with plenty of vegetarian options, making it easy for you to find a quick and nutritious meal.
What service options and accessibility features does Pokeworks offer for your convenience?
Pokeworks provides flexible service options like delivery, no-contact delivery, takeout, curbside pickup, and dine-in. You’ll also find it to be fully accessible, with a wheelchair accessible entrance, parking lot, seating, and restroom for your comfort.
How is Pokeworks generally rated by customers?
Pokeworks receives a strong overall score of 8.4. Customers particularly praise the Service (9.1) and Ambience (8.8), with Food also scoring well at 8.2. However, Value (4.8) is an area where some customers express concerns.
What do customers like about the food at Pokeworks?
Many customers describe the food, especially the poke bowls, as fresh and delicious. Specific items like the fish, Hawaiian Hot Plates, and Hula Hula chicken are often highlighted for their quality and flavor.
Are there any common complaints about Pokeworks?
The most frequent complaints revolve around portion sizes, with some customers feeling that bowls are half empty or too small for the price, leading to perceptions of the offerings being overpriced.