Tour Aloha Poke Co., Now Serving Up Poke Bowls In Lakeview

Simplicity reigns supreme in Lakeview as Aloha Poke Co. has opened its first stand-alone restaurant, a follow-up to their debut over at Chicago's French Market. This tiny Hawaiian escape gives North Siders a venue to try poke bowls, the popular raw fish entrees served over a bed of rice or veggies with Asian-inspired flavors. A diagram inside the restaurant describes the concept, comparing it to sushi while bluntly suggesting that customers to use Google if their explanation remains insufficient.

There's not much space to eat inside. Those near the CTA's Belmont Red/Brown/Purple Line L Station will either grab a bowl on their ways home from work or perhaps walk east to the beach to enjoy an outdoor meal. It's a different atmosphere with a neighborhood feel compared to the French Market, said owner Zach Friedlander. Friedlander will open his third Aloha Poke next month inside Revial Food Hall in The Loop.

Aloha Poke as an Eater Chicago Heatmap member, as long lines are the norm over at the French Market, but it's inconvenient for many to make it over there during the week unless patrons work closeby. Lakeview will give those poke-curious a chance to experiment with a bevy of customizable options. Check out the full menu below.

Aloha Poke Co., 843 W. Belmont Ave., open daily 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Aloha Poke Co. Lakeview by Ashok Selvam on Scribd

Nick Fochtman