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Poke Pub
Master Critic Review
Poke Pub
7.6
Hawaiian poke specialist owned by June Choe brings 20+ year family marinade recipes to build-your-own bowls featuring sushi-grade fish and Korean BBQ options. Small space near the beach offers quick-casual format with emphasis on fresh customization.
Must-Try Dishes:
Build-Your-Own Poke Bowl, K-BBQ Burrito, Spam Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Family marinade recipes passed down 20+ years distinguish from chain poke competitors
Who should go: Health-conscious diners wanting customizable fresh poke options
When to visit: Lunch for quick grab-and-go efficiency
What to order: Custom poke bowl with blue crab or albacore, K-BBQ burrito
Insider tip: Owner June Choe brings authentic Hawaiian poke traditions to Long Beach
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available on Pine Avenue and nearby blocks, typically easy to find. Paid parking garage at 115 Pine Avenue within 2-block walk. Metered spots free after 6pm and Sundays.
Dress code: Ultra casual - beach attire, athletic wear, flip-flops all perfectly acceptable. This is a grab-and-go poke spot.
Noise level: Moderate - small space gets lively during lunch rush but conversation is easy. Background music at reasonable volume.
Weekend wait: 5-10 min to order during peak hours (6-7pm), minimal wait other times
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min wait to order during business lunch rush (12-1pm), under 5 min before/after
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - tofu poke options, vegetarian Korean BBQ, and all-veggie bowls with edamame, seaweed, and vegetable toppings
Vegan options: Yes - tofu poke with vegan marinade, request no mayo-based sauces. Brown rice and abundant veggie toppings available.
Gluten-free options: Partial - fresh fish is gluten-free, but marinades contain soy sauce. Ask for plain fish with gluten-free tamari available upon request. Rice base is safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - it's counter-service only with limited seating and quick-casual vibe. Better for casual early-relationship beach dates or active couples who want healthy food before/after activities. Consider upgrading to a sit-down restaurant nearby for traditional first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's entirely counter-service walk-in. Order at counter, grab a seat if available (limited indoor seating), or take to-go. Come during off-peak hours (2-5pm) for guaranteed seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids (8+) who enjoy poke and customization. Not ideal for picky eaters or very young children - no dedicated kids menu. Casual atmosphere means families fit right in. Build-your-own format lets kids choose familiar ingredients.
How fresh is the fish? Sushi-grade fish delivered multiple times per week. Owner June Choe's 20+ years in the business means strong supplier relationships. Fish should smell clean and look vibrant - if not, speak up or visit another day.
Can I feed two people for under $30? Yes - two regular poke bowls run $24-28 total. Portions are generous enough that light eaters might split one bowl ($12-14) and add a side. Skip drinks/extras to stay under budget.
Best For
Better for: Authentic family marinade recipes beat chain poke spots like Pokeworks or Sweetfin for flavor depth. Korean BBQ fusion options add variety. Better value and quality than most Downtown Long Beach quick-casual spots. Ideal when you want healthy customization without sacrificing taste.
Skip if: You want full-service dining experience, need extensive seating for groups 6+, or prefer cooked options over raw fish. For special occasions or impressive date nights, upgrade to sit-down sushi. If you're rushed during peak lunch (12-1pm), nearby chains will be faster.