Poke Station is the newest addition to poke restaurants in Vancouver. It is located on Broadway and Cambie (across from Whole Foods). It is where Big Smoke Burger used to be. The space is bright and open with lots of white table and seating – perfect for the taking that coveted Instagram photo.
Last week, I was super excited for a new poke shop located right next to my hair salon. I could finally get a decent meal before getting haircuts after work. Instead I found myself disappointed today for various reasons.
- The poke (marinated raw fish) were not marinated. Simply chopped and presented like sashimi. I might as well order a legit Chirashi Don (sashimi rice bowl) at a Japanese restaurant.
- Tiny portions: The portions were a quarter of other poke shops in town. They used scoops the size of cherry pitters. Do your market research guys…
- Lack of Flavors: It was quite bland. I ordered wasabi mayo and there was no kick. Plus the obvious reason, they barely put any on my bowl.
- High Glass Wall: The glass wall above the counter was too high. It was a nuisance to order since they couldn't hear me and I couldn’t hear them. I can’t imagine when it gets busy!
Given it is still really new, I do hope the iron out their kinks and do better. If you don’t give it your best in Vancouver, you really can’t expect to survive. There are simply too many outstanding restaurants and options than to settle for mediocre.
Poke Station
URL: na
Cuisine: Japanese, Poke, Sushi Bar
Hours:
Wednesday 6:30AM – 9:00PM
Thursday 6:30AM – 9:00PM
Friday 6:30AM – 9:00PM
Saturday 6:30AM – 9:00PM
Sunday 7:00AM – 8:00PM
Monday 6:30AM – 9:00PM
Tuesday 6:30AM – 9:00PM
500 W Broadway, Vancouver, BC V6J 4Z6
chloe says
Even the glass wall is high but the food is still fresh, delicious and valuable. The first-day opening, I went there with my friends, I am falling love into the poke station and my friends they all love the food and the serve. every time i came on lunch time was full of customer. I can say the poke station is definitely the best poke that I eat in Vancouver. They have many options that proved to the customer. It's so valuable. I think they are just opening still has to improve, and the worker will-will love the customers feedback, it will help the business growing up and stable. Overall, everything is good. And I will recommend people to come to try.
Janet says
I don't think so, they're pretty nice here. This location's quite good in terms of value & taste out of all the poke places I've been to.
Natalie says
Good to know! I'm disappointed! This was across from my work too!! Darn. Oh well, glad there's other options!
Nosh and Nibble says
High glass walls bother me too! I suspect it was cheaper than buying a rounded sheet of glass or 2 sheets to form a shorter right angle