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Oki Poke & Ramen
Master Critic Review
Oki Poke & Ramen
7.5
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Oki Poke & Ramen is a fast-casual counter by Grand Central where kiosk ordering and quick ticket times make it a practical stop for customizable poke bowls and hearty ramen like the Volcano and Oki Classic. Portions are generous for the area, and many nearby office workers treat it as a dependable weeknight standby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Volcano Ramen, Oki Classic Ramen, Build-Your-Own Poke Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Kiosk-driven poke and ramen shop delivering fast, filling bowls near Grand Central.
Who should go: Office workers needing quick, customizable poke or ramen.
When to visit: Weekday lunches before peak noon rush or early dinner.
What to order: Volcano Ramen, Oki Classic Ramen, a build-your-own poke bowl.
Insider tip: Use the self-order kiosks to customize toppings and still get food out in minutes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited along Lexington and nearby cross streets; expect metered spots only and heavy competition during business hours. Paid garages around Grand Central are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual and office-friendly; most diners come in work attire or everyday clothing.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush with steady kiosk traffic, otherwise manageable for solo dining or quick conversations.
Weekend wait: Generally no wait; foot traffic is lower on weekends than weekdays.
Weekday lunch: Short waits of 5–10 minutes at peak, mostly for order fulfillment rather than seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several poke configurations and ramen add-ons can be made vegetarian, plus tofu protein options.
Vegan options: Limited — build-your-own poke bowls can be made vegan, but ramen options are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Partial — poke bowls can be made gluten-free if you select tamari and avoid fried toppings; ramen offerings are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless you’re looking for a casual, low-pressure meetup; it’s fast-casual with kiosk ordering and counter seating rather than a lingering, atmospheric setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations aren’t used here, and seating turnover is fast. Arrive just before the noon rush for the best chance at an open seat.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who are comfortable with counter service and customizable bowls; no dedicated kid’s menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Speed, portion size, and customization compared with nearby ramen counters that focus on more traditional, slower-paced service.
Skip if: You want specialty broths, long-simmered tonkotsu, or a sit-down ramen bar experience; traditional ramen shops in the neighborhood provide more depth and ambiance.