Pokéworks is a fast-casual poke bowl chain with locations across the United States

Pokéworks is a restaurant where you order a bowl of raw or cooked fish over rice, then choose toppings and sauces. You build your own bowl at the counter, similar to how you'd order at Chipotle or Subway. The restaurant focuses on poke — a Hawaiian dish of cubed fish — and lets you pick the protein, base, vegetables, and sauce for each order.

The chain started in Hawaii and has expanded to multiple states. Each location operates the same way: you move through a line, make your selections at each station, and pay at the register. Most locations are in California, but Pokéworks has opened in other regions as well.

Key Takeaways

  • You order at the counter by choosing your protein (usually ahi tuna, salmon, or tofu), a base (rice or greens), and toppings and sauce from the available options.
  • Pokéworks bowls typically cost between $12 and $16 depending on the protein and location, with no hidden fees added at checkout.
  • The restaurant is designed for quick service — most orders are ready within 5 to 10 minutes of ordering.
  • You can customize nearly every element of your bowl, including swapping proteins, removing ingredients, or adding extra toppings for an upcharge.

How to order and customize your bowl

When you enter Pokéworks, you'll see a line of stations. At the first station, you choose your protein: ahi tuna, salmon, shrimp, tofu, or sometimes chicken or other options depending on the location. The staff will portion it into your bowl.

At the next station, you pick your base — usually white rice, brown rice, or a bed of mixed greens. Then you move through stations where you add vegetables (cucumber, seaweed salad, edamame, carrots, and others), toppings (sesame seeds, crispy onions, avocado), and finally a sauce. You can ask for extra of any topping, though some items like avocado may cost more.

If you don't like something standard on a bowl, tell the staff to skip it. If you want to add something not listed, ask — many locations will accommodate requests or charge a small upcharge for premium items like extra avocado or spicy mayo.

Pricing and what's included in a bowl

A standard Pokéworks bowl with one protein typically costs $12 to $16, depending on your location and which protein you choose. Ahi tuna and salmon are usually the same price. Tofu and chicken are often less expensive. Shrimp and specialty proteins may cost more.

The base price includes your protein, base, and standard toppings like vegetables and one sauce. Premium add-ons — extra avocado, spicy mayo, or a second protein — usually cost $1 to $3 extra. Drinks and sides are ordered separately and cost additional.

Most locations accept cash and card. Some offer online ordering through their website or third-party apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats, though delivery fees and markups explore when ordering through those services.

What proteins and bases are typically available

Ahi tuna and salmon are the core proteins at every Pokéworks location. Both are served raw unless you request them cooked. Tofu is a vegetarian option. Shrimp is usually available cooked. Some locations offer chicken, octopus, or seasonal proteins, but these vary by location.

For bases, you'll find white rice and brown rice at every location. Most also offer mixed greens or a salad base if you want to reduce carbohydrates. A few locations may have sushi rice or other options, but rice and greens are standard everywhere.

Sauces and flavor combinations

Pokéworks typically offers 5 to 8 sauces, though the exact selection varies by location. Common options include spicy mayo, sriracha, ponzu, wasabi mayo, and a house poke sauce. You can ask for a sauce on the side, request it light, or skip it entirely.

Many customers order a "signature bowl" — a pre-designed combination with a name — rather than building from scratch. These come with a set protein, base, toppings, and sauce. You can still modify a signature bowl if you want to swap or remove ingredients.

Dietary restrictions and menu notes

Pokéworks can accommodate several dietary needs. Vegetarians can order tofu or a vegetable-only bowl. Vegans should confirm that sauces don't contain fish sauce or other animal products — ask the staff before ordering. Gluten-free customers can request a bowl without soy sauce and ask about sauce ingredients, since some contain soy.

If you have a severe allergy, tell the staff before they prepare your bowl. Raw fish carries a small risk of foodborne illness, so pregnant people, young children, elderly people, and those with compromised immune systems should consult their doctor before eating raw fish.

Where Pokéworks locations are and how to find one

Pokéworks has locations primarily in California, with some expansion into other states. The easiest way to find a location near you is to visit the Pokéworks website and use their location finder, or search "Pokéworks near me" on Google Maps.

Hours vary by location but are typically 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. or 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Some locations may have different hours on weekends. Call ahead or check the location's page online if you're planning to visit during off-peak hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order Pokéworks for delivery?

Yes. You can order through the Pokéworks website for pickup at most locations, or through DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub for delivery. Delivery apps charge fees and may mark up prices, so ordering directly from Pokéworks is usually cheaper if you can pick it up yourself.

Is the fish at Pokéworks safe to eat raw?

Pokéworks sources fish intended for raw consumption, which is handled differently than regular grocery store fish. That said, raw fish carries a small risk of parasites or bacteria. Pregnant people, young children, and those with weakened immune systems should check with their doctor first.

What if I don't like raw fish?

You can request your protein cooked. Shrimp comes cooked by default. Ahi tuna and salmon can be cooked upon request, though this changes the texture and flavor. Alternatively, order a bowl with tofu or chicken instead.

How much does it cost to add extra toppings?

Standard vegetable toppings are usually included in the base price. Premium items like avocado, spicy mayo, or a second protein typically cost $1 to $3 extra. Ask the staff before ordering if you want to know the exact upcharge for a specific item.

Can I order a bowl with two proteins?

Yes. Most locations allow you to add a second protein for an upcharge, usually $4 to $6 depending on which proteins you choose. Tell the staff at the protein station that you want two proteins, and they'll portion both into your bowl.