Poké The Bear

- 450 Livingston St, Norwood, NJ 07648

Poké The Bear, located in the heart of Norwood, New Jersey, has quickly become a beloved spot for Bergen County residents seeking a fresh, flavorful, and diverse dining experience. This establishment skillfully blends the vibrant, healthy trend of Hawaiian-style Poké bowls with the rich, comforting flavors of classic Korean cuisine. More than just a restaurant, Poké The Bear is a family-friendly, welcoming space that proudly identifies as both Asian-owned and women-owned, bringing a personal and community-focused touch to the local food scene. Its commitment to quality ingredients, generous portions, and a menu that caters to diverse tastes—from raw fish enthusiasts to those craving a hearty rice bowl or a vegan meal—makes it a standout destination in the Northern Valley.

The core of Poké The Bear's offering is its dynamic fusion menu. While the name highlights its signature Poké, the kitchen’s expertise extends far beyond, incorporating popular Korean dishes that provide warmth and satisfaction. This unique combination ensures that whether you’re looking for a light, refreshing lunch or a substantial, comforting dinner, you’ll find an option that perfectly hits the spot. This focus on variety is a testament to the restaurant’s understanding of the diverse New Jersey palate, moving beyond a single cuisine concept to create an inclusive culinary haven. From the customizable “Build Your Own Poké” experience to the ready-to-enjoy Korean specialties, every item is crafted with attention to detail and a dedication to fresh flavors.

A key element of the establishment's appeal is its dedication to creating a comfortable and inclusive atmosphere. As a business that explicitly welcomes all, including being identified as a transgender safespace and LGBTQ+ friendly, Poké The Bear is more than just a place to eat; it's a pillar of community inclusion. The counter service setup is perfect for a fast-casual dining experience during a busy day, while the available seating allows for a relaxing dine-in meal with friends or family. For local patrons in Norwood and the surrounding Bergen County towns, Poké The Bear offers a perfect blend of convenience, quality, and community spirit.

Location and Accessibility

Poké The Bear is conveniently situated at 450 Livingston St, Norwood, NJ 07648, USA. Its location is easily accessible for residents across the Northern Valley region and those traveling along major local routes. Positioned in a small hub that also houses other local conveniences, the restaurant benefits from excellent visibility and ease of access. For those driving to the location, the availability of a free parking lot removes the hassle of street parking, making a quick pick-up or a relaxed dine-in experience simple and stress-free. The address places it in a central part of Norwood, making it a natural stop for both lunch and dinner crowds.

The restaurant's accessibility is further enhanced by its comprehensive service model, which includes a strong focus on off-premise dining. This is a significant advantage for the busy New Jersey commuter or local family. Services like curbside pickup and no-contact delivery ensure that you can enjoy a fresh, quality meal without having to leave the comfort of your car or home. This strategic positioning and emphasis on convenient service options solidify Poké The Bear as a go-to choice for fast-casual, healthy, and satisfying dining in the Bergen County area.

Services Offered

Poké The Bear offers a wide array of services designed to provide maximum convenience and a high-quality dining experience for all local customers.

• Dine-in Service: Enjoy your meal inside the welcoming and comfortable restaurant space with available seating and counter service, perfect for a casual lunch or dinner.
• Takeout: Conveniently place your order and pick it up to enjoy at home or on the go.
• Delivery: Offering both standard and no-contact delivery options to bring your fresh Poké bowls and hot Korean dishes directly to your door.
• Curbside Pickup: For ultimate convenience, customers can use the curbside pickup option, allowing for a fast and efficient meal retrieval.
• Lunch and Dinner: The full menu is available for both midday and evening dining, covering all your hunger needs.
• Dessert Options: Offering sweet finishes to your meal, such as Mochi Ice Cream and traditional Korean Rice Cakes.
• Comprehensive Beverage Selection: A diverse drink menu including various coffee and tea options (hot and iced), and a range of freshly-made fruit and tea smoothies.
• Catering to Dietary Needs: The menu features a selection of vegan and vegetarian options to accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Flexible Payment: Accepts all major credit cards for easy transactions.
• Free Parking: A dedicated parking lot provides easy and free parking for customers.

Features / Highlights

What truly sets Poké The Bear apart in the competitive North Jersey restaurant market are its unique features, commitment to quality, and community-minded spirit.

• Signature Poké and Customization: The restaurant features a selection of signature bowls with creative, bear-themed names, such as the Yogé The Bear Poké, Smové The Bear Poké, and Winné The Bear Poké. Additionally, the “Build Your Own Poké” option provides complete customization, allowing local patrons to select their base, protein, toppings, and sauces for a truly personalized meal.
• Fusion of Hawaiian and Korean Cuisine: Beyond the core Poké offering, the menu includes authentic and popular Korean comfort foods like various Ra Myun options (mild, spicy, spicy seafood) and Korean-style Rice Bowls featuring Beef Bulgogi, Spicy Pork, and Teriyaki proteins, providing a satisfying and diverse culinary experience.
• Freshly Made Smoothies: A standout feature is the dedicated menu of freshly prepared smoothies in flavors like Coffee, Matcha Tea, Berry, Mango, and Pineapple, noted by customers for using fresh ingredients and not concentrates.
• Diverse Menu Offerings: The full menu extends beyond bowls to include delicious Korean side dishes and appetizers, such as various Beef, Shrimp & Broccoli, and Kale & Spinach Dumplings, as well as unique items like Poké Tots and a side of fresh Kimchee.
• Asian and Women-Owned Business: The restaurant proudly identifies as an Asian-owned and women-owned establishment, reflecting a strong commitment to diversity and local entrepreneurship within the New Jersey business community.
• Inclusive Environment: Explicitly family-friendly, LGBTQ+ friendly, and a transgender safespace, Poké The Bear fosters an environment where all members of the community feel welcome and respected.
• Focus on Comfort and Health: The menu successfully balances comfort food with healthy options, offering hearty rice bowls and rich dumplings alongside light, fresh, and ingredient-focused Poké bowls and vegan/vegetarian alternatives, meeting a wide range of customer needs.

Contact Information

For Norwood and Bergen County residents looking to contact Poké The Bear for orders, questions, or directions, here is the essential information:

Address: 450 Livingston St, Norwood, NJ 07648, USA

Phone: (551) 361-2038

What is Worth Choosing

For any New Jersey local visiting Poké The Bear, the choice of what to order can be delightful yet challenging due to the breadth of the menu. However, a few items stand out for their flavor, quality, and representation of the restaurant’s unique concept.

The number one recommendation for a first-time visitor is the Build Your Own Poké Bowl. This option is the perfect embodiment of the restaurant’s fresh and customizable concept. Start with a base of rice or perhaps the soba noodles, then choose a fresh protein like spicy tuna, and load it up with your favorite mix-ins and toppings. Patrons have consistently praised the high quality of the ingredients and the deliciousness of the miso soup side that accompanies the bowls. For those with dietary restrictions, the staff's knowledge and guidance on options, such as gluten-free sauces, make the DIY process even easier and more reliable.

Beyond the signature bowls, one should not overlook the Korean Rice Bowls. The Beef Bulgogi Bowl and the Chicken Teriyaki Bowl offer a wonderfully satisfying and flavorful meal, served with a side of vegetables, miso soup, and rice. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, the Spicy Pork Bowl is a must-try, featuring thinly sliced pork in a Korean sweet and spicy red sauce. These rice bowls provide a hearty, savory contrast to the cold, fresh Poké and are an excellent choice for a dinner entrée.

Another menu highlight is the Smoothie selection. Customer reviews specifically call out the quality of these beverages, noting that the kitchen uses fresh berries, not concentrate or a carton. The Berry Smoothie, or any of the flavorful options like Mango or Vanilla Chai Milk Tea, serves as a perfect, refreshing complement to a flavorful bowl or a healthy, stand-alone snack. The dedication to using fresh, quality ingredients in even the side items, like the smoothies, speaks volumes about the overall care put into the menu.

Finally, for a warm appetizer or side, the Spicy Ra Myun or the crispy Dumplings (Beef, Shrimp & Broccoli, or Kale & Spinach) offer great value and authentic flavor. Poké The Bear successfully delivers a multi-faceted menu that excels in both fresh, light fare and deep, comforting flavors, making it a great destination no matter what you're craving. Its unique fusion menu, commitment to community, and convenient Norwood location make it a local dining gem that is definitely worth a visit for any resident of Bergen County, New Jersey.

Poké The Bear

450 Livingston St, Norwood, NJ 07648, USA