Poke Japanese Restaurant

For New Yorkers constantly on the lookout for that perfect sushi experience – one that combines exceptional taste with a laid-back, value-driven approach – Poke Japanese Restaurant on the Upper East Side is a name that frequently comes up in conversation. Tucked away on East 85th Street, this cozy spot has carved out a loyal following thanks to its fresh, delicious sushi and, notably, its unique BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) policy. In a city where dining out can often be a costly affair, Poke Japanese Restaurant offers a refreshing and unpretentious alternative that prioritizes quality food and a relaxed atmosphere.

New Yorkers appreciate places that deliver on their promises, and Poke Japanese Restaurant consistently exceeds expectations. It's not about elaborate décor or white-glove service; it's about the essence of good sushi: fresh fish, expertly prepared, and served in a setting where you feel comfortable lingering. The BYOB aspect adds a significant layer of appeal, allowing diners to enjoy their favorite wine or sake without the usual restaurant markups, making for a more personalized and budget-friendly experience. Whether you're a seasoned sushi aficionado or just looking for a great meal in the neighborhood, Poke Japanese Restaurant invites you to discover its charm.

Their reputation for delicious food and a relaxed, accommodating environment makes it a standout choice in the busy Upper East Side dining scene.

Poke Japanese Restaurant is conveniently located at 343 E 85th St, New York, NY 10028, USA. This puts it right in the heart of the Upper East Side, a highly desirable and easily accessible neighborhood in Manhattan. Situated on East 85th Street, between 1st and 2nd Avenues, the restaurant is tucked away enough to feel like a local discovery, yet prominent enough for easy navigation.

Accessibility for New Yorkers is a significant advantage. The Q subway line has stops along 2nd Avenue, just a short walk from the restaurant, providing direct access from Midtown and other key areas. Additionally, the 4, 5, and 6 subway lines run along Lexington Avenue, offering further connectivity to various parts of Manhattan. Numerous bus lines also operate on the avenues, making it simple to reach Poke Japanese Restaurant by public transport. For those walking from nearby apartments or workplaces, its location is ideal for a casual weeknight dinner. While it's a cash-only establishment with no reservations, the reviews indicate that getting a table, especially earlier in the evening, is often manageable. And for larger groups or peak times, the proximity to other neighborhood establishments provides a convenient waiting spot.

Poke Japanese Restaurant offers a focused set of services designed to deliver a straightforward and enjoyable dining experience:

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your sushi and other Japanese dishes in their casual, welcoming dining room. Customers appreciate being able to sit for a "nice long time," indicating a relaxed atmosphere.
• BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle): This is a major highlight. Poke allows patrons to bring their own wine or sake, with no corkage fee (limited to one 750ml bottle for up to 3 customers, and two 750ml bottles for 4+ customers; extra bottles incur a $20 charge). This offers significant savings and allows for a personalized beverage experience. Note: No hard liquor.
• Cash Only: An important detail for diners to note is that Poke Japanese Restaurant operates on a cash-only basis for both dine-in and takeout.
• No Reservations: The restaurant does not take reservations, operating on a first-come, first-served basis. However, reviews suggest that getting a table, especially before 7:00 PM on weekdays, is generally not an issue.
• Takeout Service: Poke offers takeout. Customers can call ahead to place their orders. They also provide an 8% discount for any to-go orders.
• Delivery Service: While the primary focus seems to be dine-in and takeout, their website mentions "Order Delivery" via phone, suggesting direct delivery options within their service area. They state they do not charge a delivery fee.
• Dinner Service: Poke is open for dinner, typically from 5:00 PM onwards, offering a great option for evening meals on the Upper East Side.

Poke Japanese Restaurant stands out for several unique features and highlights that make it a local favorite on the Upper East Side:

• Excellent BYOB Policy: This is arguably their most celebrated feature. The ability to bring your own wine or sake without a corkage fee (within specified limits) makes dining at Poke incredibly cost-effective and allows diners to enjoy their preferred beverages.
• Delicious and Fresh Sushi: Despite its casual nature and affordable pricing (due to BYOB), the quality of the sushi is highly praised. Reviewers consistently describe the sushi as "delicious" and "very good."
• Unique Truffle Sushi: A specific standout item mentioned by customers is the "truffle sushi," which is described as "very delicious and light" and "worth a try" for truffle lovers. This indicates innovative and memorable menu offerings.
• Cash Only Operation: While some might see this as a slight inconvenience, it's a defining feature that contributes to its no-frills, community-focused vibe and likely helps keep costs down, benefiting customers.
• No Reservations, But Manageable Waits: Despite not taking reservations, customers report easy seating, particularly around 6:30 PM on weeknights. This makes it a great spontaneous dining choice.
• Accommodating and Relaxed Atmosphere: Customers appreciate that the restaurant allows them to "sit there for a nice long time," fostering a comfortable and unhurried dining experience. The friendly staff contributes to this welcoming environment.
• Good for Groups (with a strategy): While larger groups might experience a wait, the recommendation to wait at a nearby pub across the street shows that it's manageable and worth it for the dining experience.
• 8% Discount for Takeout: For those preferring to enjoy their sushi at home, the discount on to-go orders adds extra value.

Given Poke Japanese Restaurant's distinct business model – BYOB and cash-only with no reservations – their "promotions" are inherently built into their operations rather than traditional advertised deals. For New Yorkers, the primary "special offers" are:

• BYOB with No Corkage Fee: This is the standout "promotion." The ability to bring your own alcohol without an additional charge provides substantial savings compared to restaurants with marked-up beverage lists. This effectively lowers the overall cost of the meal significantly.
• Cash Discount (Implicit): While not explicitly stated as a discount, being a cash-only establishment often implies that the prices reflect lower operational costs (e.g., no credit card processing fees), which can translate to more affordable menu prices for diners.
• 8% Discount for Takeout: This is a direct and advertised promotion for customers choosing to pick up their orders. It encourages direct orders and offers a tangible saving.
• No Delivery Fee: Their website indicates that they do not charge a delivery fee for their own direct delivery service, which is a significant saving compared to third-party delivery apps.

Since they operate with a clear and consistent pricing structure based on these features, New Yorkers should manage their expectations for rotating daily specials. The value is consistently provided through their BYOB policy and cash-only model. For the most up-to-date information on any slight variations or new offerings, calling them directly is the best approach.

To experience the delicious sushi and unique BYOB policy at Poke Japanese Restaurant, here's how you can get in touch:

Address: 343 E 85th St, New York, NY 10028, USA

Phone: (212) 249-0569

You can call them directly to inquire about current wait times, menu items, or to place a takeout order (remember it's cash only!). Since they do not take reservations, showing up and being prepared with cash is key to enjoying your meal here.

For New Yorkers, Poke Japanese Restaurant on the Upper East Side offers a truly compelling and suitable dining option for several key reasons. Its distinct BYOB policy stands out immediately, providing an invaluable opportunity to enjoy high-quality sushi with your preferred beverage without the usual inflated restaurant prices. This makes a night out for sushi much more affordable and personalized, a major win in a city known for its expensive dining scene.

Beyond the excellent value, locals consistently praise the fresh and delicious sushi, with the unique truffle sushi being a particular highlight. The focus here is clearly on the quality of the food, delivered in a friendly, unpretentious setting that encourages diners to relax and enjoy their meal for as long as they wish. The cash-only, no-reservations model might seem old-fashioned to some, but for many New Yorkers, it adds to the charm of a true neighborhood gem – a place that prioritizes simplicity and genuine hospitality over fuss.

Whether it's a spontaneous weeknight craving or a planned, budget-friendly gathering with friends, Poke Japanese Restaurant delivers. Its reliable service, delicious offerings, and accommodating atmosphere make it a perfect fit for the casual yet discerning New Yorker looking for a satisfying and authentic sushi experience right in their own backyard. It's a testament to how focusing on the core elements of great food and a welcoming environment can create a truly beloved local establishment.

Poke Japanese Restaurant

343 E 85th St, New York, NY 10028, USA