Poke2U: Tempe's Hidden Gem for Fresh Poke, Sushi & Ramen

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.

Location and Accessibility

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.

Services Offered

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.

Features / Highlights

Poke2U stands out in the Tempe dining scene due to several distinct features and highlights that contribute to its popularity among Arizona locals:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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).

Promotions or Special Offers

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:

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.
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.
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.
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.

Contact Information

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.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

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.

Poke2U Food & drink

Sushi Rolls
Shrimp Crunch Roll US$12.99
It's an appetizer and roll, all in one! If you love fried food, but don't want us to stick your whole roll in the fryer, try this. Shrimp tempura, avocado, crabmeat, and cucumber, rolled up in seaweed and freshly made sushi rice, and topped with tempura crunch, and both eel and sweet sauce This item contains shellfish, and possibly trace amounts of egg.
Veggie Roll US$8.99
A crisp and creamy roll perfect for vegetarians or vegans! Avocado, green mix, tofu, edamame, and seaweed salad rolled up in freshly made sushi rice and dried seaweed. This item contains the tracest possible amounts of soy (in the seaweed salad)
Dragon Roll US$12.99
The "eel" deal. A classic roll that emphasizes the quality of our eel. Crab meat, avocado, and cucumber rolled up in seaweed and freshly made sushi rice, then topped with baked eel, avocado, and plenty of eel sauce. This item contains shellfish and possibly trace amounts of egg.
Spicy Tuna Roll US$8.99
A spicy roll that emphasizes the quality of our house-made spicy tuna blend! Spicy tuna, avocado, and cucumber rolled up in seaweed and freshly made sushi rice. This item contains raw fish and possibly trace amounts of egg.
Crazy Girl US$12.99
If you love fried food and spicy fish, you're in for a treat! We deepfry a Spicy Tuna roll in tempura batter and top it with teriyaki sauce, sriracha, and a little sweet sauce. This item contains raw fish and possibly trace amounts of egg.
Spicy Salmon Roll US$9.99
A spicy roll to meet your salmon craving. Our spicy salmon blend, avocado, and cucumber rolled up in seaweed and freshly made sushi rice. This item contains raw fish and possibly trace amounts of egg.
Dynamite Spicy Tuna Roll US$12.99
We top a Spicy Tuna Roll in our house-special baked crab meat sauce, then cover it with sweet sauce, eel sauce, and spicy mayo.
Spicy Scallop Roll US$9.99
A spicy roll with a subtle but flavorful seafood taste. Our creamy spicy scallop blend, masago, avocado, and cucumber rolled up in seaweed and freshly made sushi rice. This item contains shellfish, raw fish and possibly trace amounts of egg.
Spicy California Roll US$6.99
Your basic spicy sushi roll. Spicy crab meat, avocado, and cucumber rolled up in seaweed and freshly made sushi rice. This item contains shellfish and possibly trace amounts of egg.
Dynamite Roll US$12.99
Our most popular Tempura/Baked Roll by far. We top a California Roll in our house-special baked Scallop and crab meat sauce, then cover it with sweet sauce, eel sauce, and spicy mayo. Each piece of sushi is coated in an undeniably flavorful sauce that will having you licking your plate clean. This item contains dairy, shellfish, and trace amounts of eggs.
Sun Devil Roll US$11.99
Our homage to a college we love. Spicy tuna, avocado, and cucumber rolled up in seaweed and freshly made sushi rice, then topped with more spicy tuna and spicy sauces. This item contains raw fish and possibly trace amounts of egg.
Crazy 4U US$11.99
The roll that love built. Based on customer demand, we decided to deepfry a roll composed of Spicy tuna, avocado, and cream cheese, then topped it with teriyaki sauce, sriracha, and a little sweet sauce. Rich and creamy with just the right amount of heat. This item contains dairy and may contain raw fish.
Crazy Boy US$11.99
Everything you love about fried food and sushi rolled into one! We deepfry a California roll in tempura batter to a golden brown, then top it with teriyaki and our house-made sweet sauce. Crispy, creamy, and crunchy bliss. This item contains shellfish and possibly trace amounts of egg.
Dynamite Crazy Philly US$13.99
Deep fried Philadelphia Roll topped with our baked scallop and crab meat sauce, then drizzled in sweet, eel, and spicy mayo sauces
Dynamite Crazy Girl US$13.99
Words fail us. Multiple customer favorites fused into a single dish. We deepfry a Spicy Tuna Roll and top with our house-made baked crab sauce, then drizzle with sweet, spicy and eel sauces. This items contains raw fish.
California Roll US$6.99
Your basic sushi roll. Crab meat, avocado, and cucumber rolled up in seaweed and freshly made sushi rice. This item contains shellfish and possibly trace amounts of egg.
Philadelphia Roll US$9.99
A modern classic. Rich and creamy flavors mixed together for an explosion of flavor. Perfect with just a hint of soy sauce. Salmon, cream cheese, and avocado rolled up in seaweed and freshly made sushi rice. This item contains dairy, raw fish and possibly trace amounts of egg.
Crazy Philadelphia Roll US$12.99
A modern classic just got classicer. That's not a typo; we'll probably trademark that phrase just for this. We deepfry a Philadelphia roll in tempura batter, and top it with sweet and eel sauce. Creamy and crunchy, with the delicious taste of baked salmon. This items contains dairy and may contain raw fish.
Shrimp Crunch Tiger US$12.99
It's an appetizer and a roll and a burst of flavor, all in one! Shrimp tempura, avocado, spicy tuna and cucumber rolled up in seaweed and freshly made sushi rice, and topped with tempura crunch, and a combination of eel and sweet sauce This item contains shellfish, raw fish, and possibly trace amounts of egg.
Crazy 2U US$11.99
Crazy with a twist. We deepfry a Spicy California roll in tempura batter to a golden brown, then top it with teriyaki, sriracha, and a sweet sauce. Crispy, creamy, and crunchy, with just a little heat. This item contains shellfish and trace amounts of egg.
Mexican Roll US$10.99
A spicy and creamy blend. Rich flavor with a kick! Spicy tuna, avocado, and cucumber rolled up in seaweed and freshly made sushi rice, then topped with thick layers of avocado and sweet and spicy sauces. This item contains raw fish and possibly trace amounts of egg.
Crazy Las Vegas Roll US$12.99
Deep Fried Spicy Crab Meat, Cream Cheese, and Avocado roll topped with sweet, eel, and spicy mayo sauces.
Spicy Albacore Roll US$9.99
Spicy albacore, avocado, and cucumber rolled up in seaweed and fresh sushi rice.
Dynamite Crazy Boy US$13.99
Our two most popular Baked Rolls; now fused into one! We deepfry a California Roll and top with our house-made baked crab sauce, then drizzle with sweet and eel sauces. This items contains raw fish.

Drinks
Bottled Fanta Strawberry US$2.50
Change up your routine with the bright, bubbly, fruity orange flavor.
UCC Iced Coffee US$2.50
Iced milk coffee.
Smart Water US$2.75
Every drop tastes pure and will leave you feeling refreshed.
UCC Oolong Tea US$2.50
Traditional Japanese black tea.
Jarritos Fruit Punch US$2.50
12.5oz bottle
Arizona Kiwi-Strawberry Fruit Juice US$2.00
Jarritos Strwberry Soda US$2.50
12.5oz bottle
Starbucks Vanilla Frappucchino (9.5 Oz.) US$3.00
Made with the signature espresso coffee.
Arizona Watermelon Fruit Juice US$2.00
Distinctly watermelon taste, perfect for recapturing the feel of summer days. 23oz can.
Izze Sparkling Blackberry Soda (12 Oz.) US$2.50
Monster Lo-Carb Energy Drink (16 Oz.) US$3.00
Arizona Mucho Mango US$2.00
Intense mango fruit juice. 23oz can.
Starbucks Mocha Frappucchino (9.5 Oz.) US$3.00
Made with the signature espresso coffee.
Bottled Fanta Orange US$2.50
Change up your routine with the bright, bubbly, fruity orange flavor.
Powerade Mountain Berry Blast (20 Oz.) US$2.00
A combination of electrolytes and carbohydrates that provide effective hydration and energy.
Monster Original Energy Drink (16 Oz.) US$3.00
Red Bull Original (8.4 Oz.) US$3.00
UCC Green Tea US$2.50
Traditional Japanese Green Tea
UCC Black Coffee US$2.75
Unsweetened, black iced coffee.
Green Tea US$2.50
Traditional Japanese tea.
UCC Creamy Melon Soda US$3.00
16.5oz bottle of creamy and sweet honeydew soda. Imported from Japan
UCC Iced Milk Coffee US$2.75
Sweet Milk coffee
Izze Sparkling Grapefruit Soda (12 Oz.) US$2.50
Arizona Sweet Iced Tea (23 Oz.) US$2.00
Sweetened green tea. 23oz can.
Jarritos Pineapple Soda US$2.50
12.5oz bottle
Bottled Sprite US$2.50
The cold, refreshing flavors of lemon and lime, perfectly blended.
UCC Creamy Mango Soda US$3.00
16.5oz bottle of creamy and sweet mango soda. Imported from Japan
Starbucks Coffee Frappuccino (9.5 Oz.) US$3.00
Made with the signature espresso coffee.
Arizona Lemon Iced Tea (23 Oz.) US$2.00
Sweet tea with just a hint of lemon. 23oz can.
Calpico US$2.50
Japanese yogurt soft drink.
Izze Sparkling Clementine Soda (12 Oz.) US$2.50
Fiji Artesian Mineral Water US$2.75
Bottled Coca-Cola US$2.50
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that America loves.
Bottled Diet Coca-Cola US$2.50
A crisp, refreshing taste you know and love with zero calories.
Arizona Green Tea With Ginseng & Honey (23 Oz.) US$2.00
Sweetened green tea. 23oz can.
Fountain Soda / Iced Tea US$4.00
Sparkling Water US$2.50
Green Peak Green Tea US$2.50
18.5oz of delicious green tea
San Pellegrino Sparkling Water (16.9 Oz.) US$2.75
Oi Ocha Green Tea US$2.50
Imported, unsweetened, canned, green tea. 245g
Jarritos Mandarin Soda US$2.50
12.5oz bottle
Life Water US$2.75
1 liter bottle of fortified water
Red Bull Sugar-Free (8.4 Oz.) US$3.00
Monster Zero Ultra Energy Drink (16 Oz.) US$3.00
Some people are impossible to please. As soon as they get what they thought they wanted they always want more. Our team riders and Monster Girls are no different… they’ve been dropping some hints lately. They’ve been asking us for a new Monster drink. A little less sweet, lighter-tasting, but with a full load of our Monster energy blend. Sure, white is the new black. We went all out: Monster Energy Zero Ultra. Unleash the Ultra Beast!

Ramen Bowls
Ramen Bowl US$13.99
Build your own ramen bowl from a variety of our delicious toppings! Comes with kamaboko fish cake. Depending on selections, this item may contain sesame, wheat, soy, sugar and/or eggs. Fish cake and broth contain shellfish, wheat, and soy.

Appetizer
Beef Pot Sticker US$6.99
6 PCS of Beef Potsticker
Vegetable Potsticker US$6.99
6 PCS of Vegetable pot sticker
Shumai US$5.99
5 PCS of Fried Shrimp Pot Sticker
Shrimp Tempura US$5.99
3 PCS of Shrimp tempura
Fried Calamari US$8.99
Fries Calamari ring with Baked butter sauce

Side / Extras
Sushi Rice Bowl US$2.99
Bowl of our white or brown sushi rice. Made fresh daily and lightly sweetened with rice vinegar. Plain white and brown rice are also available for no extra charge.
Kimchi Bowl US$5.99
Bowl of our favorite cabbage kimchi blend. Rich fermented pieces of spicy cabbage topped with green onion and plenty of Korean red pepper.
Seaweed Salad US$5.99
Bowl of our favorite seaweed salad. Sweet and savory. Item contains trace amounts of soy.
Sushi Rice US$2.50
Bowl of our white or brown sushi rice. Made fresh daily and lightly sweetened with rice vinegar. Plain white and brown rice are also available for no extra charge.
Crab Meat Bowl US$5.99
Bowl of our house-made crab salad or spicy crab salad. This item is made with imitation crab. This item contains shellfish and may contain trace amounts of gluten, egg, and soy.
Miso Soup US$2.50
Classic Japanese-style miso soup with tofu and green onion. Miso broth is made from scratch daily from a house-made vegetable stock, miso paste, and hondashi. Item contains soy (miso paste).
Fried Calamari US$8.99
Freshly fried calamari rings with a house dipping sauce

Korean BBQ Bowl
Regular BBQ Bowl US$14.50
Choose from our Teriyaki Chicken, Bulgogi-style Beef, or Korean Spicy Pork, and construct your very own barbeque bowl. This is the same steps as the poke bowl, giving you unparalleled customization! Approximately 6oz of high-quality protein. Depending on selections, this item may contain wheat, sesame, soy, sugar and/or eggs.
Large BBQ Bowl US$16.50
Choose from our Teriyaki Chicken, Bulgogi-style Beef, or Korean Spicy Pork, and construct your very own barbeque bowl. This is the same steps as the poke bowl, giving you unparalleled customization! Approximately 9oz of high-quality protein. Depending on selections, this item may contain wheat, sesame, soy, sugar and/or eggs.

Poke Bowl and Poke Warp
Poke Bowl (3 Scoops) US$14.99
Pick up to 3 proteins as you design your very own poke bowl! Comes with your choice of base (rice or salad mix), sides, sauces, and toppings. Our most popular menu item! Depending on selections, this item may contain raw fish, sesame, wheat, soy, sugar and/or eggs.
Large Poke Bowl (4 Scoops) US$16.99
Pick up to 4 proteins as you design your very own poke bowl. Comes with your choice of base (rice or salad mix, sides, sauces, and toppings). Larger bowl also means more room for your choice of up to 16 toppings! Depending on selections, this item may contain raw fish, sesame, wheat, soy, sugar and/or eggs.
Large Poke Wrap (4 Scoops) US$16.99
Same ingredients and choices as a poke bowl, but everything is rolled into a sushi burrito. Comes with 4 scoops of protein.
Regular Poke Wrap (3 Scoops) US$14.99
Same ingredients and choices as a poke bowl, but everything is rolled up into a sushi burrito. 3 scoops of protein

Poke2U Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
Kerbside pickup
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeaway
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Comfort food
Healthy options
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Toilet
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Trendy

Crowd
Groups
Locals
Tourists
University students

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Poke2U Photos

Poke2U Location

Poke2U

Arizona Maricopa County Tempe South Mill Avenue

414 S Mill Ave #114, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA

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!
September 25 · Jason Burlingame
Good 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.
January 02 · Awais A
First 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
April 11 · Alena Statler
Tonight 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.
December 21 · Letty Vigil
The best bowl I ate in my life, seriously!
May 06 · Stefan M.