Poke2U Introduce
For those in Arizona, particularly around the vibrant Tempe area, seeking a fresh, flavorful, and customizable Japanese meal, Poke2U is a standout destination. This unassuming spot, though a bit "hidden" as some locals describe it, has quickly become a cherished favorite for its delicious poke bowls, an impressive selection of sushi rolls, and even delightful ramen. It's the perfect blend of modern fast-casual convenience and authentic Japanese quality, making it a go-to for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Poke2U offers a unique dining experience where you can craft your meal exactly to your liking, ensuring freshness and catering to various dietary preferences. Beyond the customizable poke, their commitment to quality extends to their traditional sushi and comforting ramen, all served in a quiet, well-maintained environment with genuinely friendly service. It's a place where you can unwind and enjoy truly tasty Japanese cuisine right in the heart of Tempe.
Conveniently located for students, professionals, and residents throughout the Arizona region, particularly in Tempe, Poke2U is nestled in a prime spot that’s easily accessible. You can find this Japanese culinary gem at:
414 S Mill Ave #114, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
Situated on South Mill Avenue, Poke2U is right in the heart of Downtown Tempe, a bustling area known for its vibrant atmosphere, shops, and proximity to Arizona State University. While described by some as "hidden," its location is very central, making it a convenient stop whether you're taking a break from studies, working nearby, or exploring the lively Mill Avenue scene. Despite being in a busy area, the restaurant itself offers a quiet atmosphere, providing a pleasant escape. Its accessibility, combined with the energy of downtown Tempe, makes Poke2U an ideal spot for a quick and fresh meal.
Poke2U offers a diverse range of Japanese and Asian-inspired dishes with a strong emphasis on customization and freshness. Their services are designed to cater to various tastes and dining styles:
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Customizable Poke Bowls: This is a signature offering, allowing diners to "design your very own poke bowl." You choose from a base (white sushi rice, brown sushi rice, salad mix, or a combination), select from 3 (Regular) or 4 (Large) scoops of protein (including raw salmon, tuna, lightly seared albacore, spicy tuna, tomago, tofu, octopus, ginger-brined shrimp, scallops), and then add a variety of sides, sauces, and toppings. This customization ensures a meal tailored to individual preferences and dietary needs.
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Korean BBQ Bowls: For those preferring cooked proteins, Poke2U offers Korean BBQ bowls where you can choose from Teriyaki Chicken, Bulgogi-style Beef, or Korean Spicy Pork, built with your choice of base, sides, sauce, and toppings.
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Traditional & Specialty Sushi Rolls: A good selection of sushi rolls is available, including classic options like California Roll, Spicy California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Spicy Salmon Roll, Philadelphia Roll, and Veggie Roll. They also offer unique creations like the Mexican Roll and Sun Devil Roll, and a variety of Tempura & Baked Rolls such as Crazy Boy Roll, Crazy Las Vegas Roll, and Dragon Roll.
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Ramen Bowls: Customers can enjoy delicious Ramen Bowls featuring traditional thick noodles in a rich pork broth, served with kamaboko fish cake and choice of toppings. Both regular and spicy ramen options are available.
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Poke Wraps (Sushi Burritos): For a convenient, on-the-go option, Poke2U offers "sushi burritos" with the same customizable ingredients as their poke bowls, wrapped in seaweed or soy paper.
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Appetizers and Sides: The menu includes various appetizers such as Pork Potstickers, Vegetable Potstickers, Shrimp Tempura, Seaweed Salad Bowl, Kimchi Bowl, and Miso Soup (often served complimentary with poke bowls, as noted by a customer).
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Beverage Selection: A range of drinks is offered, including Japanese-inspired options like Calpico (Japanese Yogurt Soft Drink), UCC Iced Milk Coffee, UCC Green Tea, and UCC Oolong Tea, alongside popular fountain sodas and Arizona Iced Teas.
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Dine-in and Takeout/Delivery: The restaurant provides a quiet and well-maintained atmosphere for dine-in. For convenience, customers can also order for pickup or delivery through various third-party services like DoorDash and Uber Eats.
Poke2U stands out in the Tempe dining scene due to several distinct features and highlights that contribute to its popularity among Arizona locals:
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Fresh and High-Quality Ingredients: A consistent highlight from customer reviews is the freshness of the ingredients. The raw salmon, for instance, is described as "delicious," and the seafood in general is noted for its quality. This commitment to fresh components elevates the poke bowls and sushi.
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Exceptional Customization: The build-your-own poke bowl concept is a major draw, offering unparalleled flexibility. Diners can select their base, multiple protein scoops, various toppings, and an array of sauces, ensuring each bowl is perfectly tailored to individual tastes and dietary needs.
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Surprising Quality for Price: Customers are often pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food, especially considering its accessible pricing. Reviewers note that the ramen is "delicious" and the overall food quality is high for the value.
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Diverse Menu Beyond Poke: While "Poke2U" highlights their poke bowls, the inclusion of a solid sushi roll selection (both traditional and unique), flavorful ramen, and Korean BBQ bowls means there’s something for everyone, making it suitable for groups with varied cravings.
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Complimentary Miso Soup: A delightful bonus for poke bowl orders, the complimentary miso soup is consistently praised as "yummy," adding extra value and warmth to the meal.
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Quiet and Well-Maintained Atmosphere: Despite being located on a bustling street like Mill Avenue, the restaurant offers a "very quiet atmosphere" and is described as "well maintained." This provides a calm and pleasant dining experience, ideal for a relaxed meal.
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Friendly and Happy Staff: The service at Poke2U consistently receives high marks, with staff described as "friendly" and making customers happy with their service. This positive interaction enhances the overall dining experience.
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"Hidden Gem" Status: Despite its central location, some customers describe it as "hidden but definitely worth the visit!" This gives it a local, insider appeal, reinforcing the idea of discovering a quality spot off the beaten path (even if it's on a main street).
While specific, regularly advertised discount promotions are not explicitly detailed in the provided customer reviews or easily found public data, Poke2U offers inherent value and sometimes provides subtle benefits to its patrons in Arizona:
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Complimentary Miso Soup: As noted by a customer review, a complimentary miso soup is often included with a regular poke bowl purchase. This adds perceived value and is a nice touch that enhances the meal without an extra cost.
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Value Pricing for Bowl Sizes: The pricing structure for their regular (3 scoops of protein) and large (4 scoops of protein) poke bowls offers scalable value, allowing customers to choose a portion that fits their appetite and budget effectively.
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DashPass Benefits on DoorDash: For those utilizing delivery services, Poke2U is listed as a DashPass eligible store on DoorDash. This means DashPass subscribers can benefit from $0 delivery fees, reduced service fees, and potentially $5 credits back on pickup orders, providing ongoing savings for frequent users of the platform.
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Competitive Pricing: Reviews suggest that Poke2U offers a "best bang for your buck compared to other poke places," indicating their regular prices are already competitive and offer good value without needing constant promotions.
For the most current information on any seasonal specials, new menu items, or potential limited-time offers, it's always advisable to check Poke2U's official website or their listings on popular food delivery apps, or simply inquire directly with their friendly staff during your visit.
To experience the fresh and customizable Japanese cuisine at Poke2U, or for any inquiries, you can reach them through the following contact details:
Address: 414 S Mill Ave #114, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
Phone: (480) 773-7454
Their team is ready to assist you with your order, answer questions, and ensure you have a delightful dining experience.
For Arizona locals, particularly those residing in or frequenting the vibrant Tempe area, Poke2U stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended Japanese dining destination. Its core appeal lies in its modern approach to traditional flavors, offering a customizable and health-conscious meal that perfectly fits the dynamic lifestyle of the community. In a city bustling with students and professionals, the ability to build your own fresh poke bowl with high-quality ingredients, or quickly grab a delicious sushi roll or warming ramen, is a significant advantage.
The emphasis on fresh ingredients, as consistently praised by customers (with raw salmon being a delicious highlight), ensures a satisfying and nutritious meal. The menu's diversity, extending beyond just poke to include sushi, ramen, and Korean BBQ bowls, caters to a wide range of tastes within a single establishment, making it ideal for groups with varied preferences. Despite its central location on Mill Avenue, the quiet and well-maintained atmosphere provides a pleasant respite, allowing for a relaxed dining experience.
Moreover, the consistently friendly service and the value offered, including often-complimentary miso soup, reinforce its status as a local favorite. Poke2U is not just a place to eat; it's a convenient, reliable, and delicious option that has earned its "hidden gem" reputation. For anyone in Arizona seeking a fresh, flavorful, and customizable Japanese meal experience in a welcoming setting, Poke2U in Tempe is an absolute must-visit that promises to become a regular fixture in your dining rotation.
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Poke2U Reviews
First time here, got a regular poke bowl. Had the raw salmon for the first time, it was delicious. Also came with a complimentary miso soup, also yummy. Highly recommend, very quiet atmosphere, friendly service. Update, 6.3.22, went back again, even better than the first time. It's hidden but definitely worth the visit!
Sep 25, 2024 · Jason BurlingameGood selection of Sushi rolls. Ramen was also delicious. Place is well maintained and their staff is friendly. We were happy with their service and quality of food.
Jan 02, 2024 · Awais AFirst time at this place. The gentleman helping me was so friendly and patient but also the food itself tastes more fresh than typical poke bowls I have had. Much appreciated
Apr 11, 2025 · Alena StatlerTonight was the first time I've been to this place and it was a lovely experience. This place was delicious and the guy who put my bowl together was informative and made great suggestions. I got the non spicy sauce and tried the albacore protein which both were very tasty. They also offered a complementary soup that was good. I'll definitely be coming back since they had great service and a nice atmosphere.
Dec 21, 2018 · Letty VigilThe best bowl I ate in my life, seriously!
May 06, 2025 · Stefan M.
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