Poketo

- 2251 Merrick Rd, Merrick, NY 11566

For New Yorkers seeking a fresh, fast, and flavorful meal that perfectly blends Japanese precision with Hawaiian vitality, Poketo in Merrick, NY, stands out as a premier destination. This popular spot has established itself as a must-visit location on Long Island for both customizable and signature poke bowls, alongside other appealing Japanese-inspired sides. Poketo successfully captures the casual, trendy atmosphere of modern quick-service dining while emphasizing high-quality ingredients, making it a favorite for lunch, dinner, and solo dining.

The concept at Poketo revolves around the vibrant and healthy poke bowl, a Hawaiian dish featuring diced raw fish—often tuna or salmon—marinated and served over rice or salad with a variety of toppings and sauces. As a fusion of Japanese and Hawaiian culinary styles, the restaurant offers an extensive menu that allows for incredible personalization, appealing to a diverse crowd, including local college students looking for a nutritious and quick bite.

Location and Accessibility

Poketo is strategically situated at 2251 Merrick Rd, Merrick, NY 11566, USA, placing it along a main thoroughfare in the bustling Nassau County area. Its prime location makes it a convenient stop for locals and those passing through the South Shore of Long Island.

Accessibility is a key focus for Poketo, ensuring a comfortable experience for all patrons:

• Parking: The restaurant offers the convenience of both a free parking lot and free street parking, a valuable feature in a high-traffic area.
• Wheelchair Accessibility: The premises are fully equipped for accessibility, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating, accommodating every visitor.
• Pet Policy: For those stopping by with their furry friends, dogs are allowed outside, catering to customers utilizing the outdoor space.

Services Offered

Poketo provides flexible and efficient service options to fit the busy schedules of Long Island residents and visitors, focusing on speed and convenience without compromising quality:

• Dine-in: The casual and trendy atmosphere is perfect for a quick yet pleasant meal, especially popular for solo diners. The dining area is equipped with a restroom for customer comfort.
• Takeout: Meals are readily available for pickup, an ideal solution for those who prefer to enjoy their fresh poke bowls at home or on the go.
• Delivery: Partnering with delivery services ensures that the fresh and healthy options from Poketo can be brought directly to customers' homes or workplaces across the local New York region.
• Meal Focus: The restaurant is specifically popular for Lunch and Dinner, offering a balanced and appealing menu for either mealtime.
• Payment Methods: Transactions are made simple and modern, accepting Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.

Features / Highlights

The core appeal of Poketo lies in its focus on customization, fresh ingredients, and a diverse, appealing menu beyond the standard poke offerings. This Japanese-Hawaiian fusion brings a unique flair to the local dining scene:

• Customizable Poke Experience: The menu's cornerstone is the ability to build your own Small Poke (2 scoops protein) or Large Poke (3 scoops protein) bowl, starting with a base like White Rice, Brown Rice, Salad, or Zucchini Noodles. Diners can then select from proteins like Ahi Tuna, Salmon, Spicy Tuna, Chicken, or Organic Tofu, and personalize with numerous sauces and fresh toppings.
• Signature House Pokes: For those who prefer curated flavors, Poketo offers exceptional pre-designed bowls, including the vibrant Rainbow Bowl (Spicy tuna, spicy salmon, ahi tuna, and more) and the hearty Seafood Harvest Poke (scallop, shrimp, crab, spicy tuna). The Unagi Bowl, featuring eel, offers a distinct Japanese flavor profile.
• Strong Healthy Options: Poketo is an excellent source for Healthy options, with the poke bowls themselves being nutrient-rich due to the combination of fresh fish (an excellent source of Omega-3s), fresh vegetables, and fiber-rich bases like brown rice or zucchini noodles. The Organic Tofu bowl also provides a dedicated vegetarian choice.
• Appetizing Sides and Extras: Complementing the main bowls is a selection of delicious sides such as Crab Salad, Avocado Salad, Miso Soup, Steam Chicken Or Pork Dumpling, Shrimp Shumai, and Shrimp Tempura Lover, allowing for a complete meal experience.
• Trendy and Casual Vibe: The establishment maintains a Casual and Trendy atmosphere, making it a comfortable and engaging spot for all diners, particularly the younger crowd, such as college students.

Contact Information

To place an order, make inquiries, or find out more about Poketo, please use the following contact details:

Address: 2251 Merrick Rd, Merrick, NY 11566, USA

Phone: (516) 600-9410

Mobile Phone: +1 516-600-9410

What is Worth Choosing

Poketo is an invaluable dining option for New Yorkers in the Merrick area, particularly due to its specialized focus and commitment to fresh, healthy food:

• Freshness and Quality (with Caveat): The overall sentiment from repeat customers highlights that the food quality is "always excellent," with the salmon being consistently "amazing." While a single review noted a serious quality control issue with old tuna—a mistake the customer themselves noted was unprecedented and forgivable given past positive experiences—the general reputation hinges on the freshness of the product, which is critical for raw fish. The establishment is strongly encouraged to heed the feedback and maintain rigorous checks on all seafood.
• The Customization Advantage: The ability to fully customize a bowl—choosing the base, proteins, sauces, and countless toppings—ensures that every customer can create a meal that perfectly fits their dietary needs, flavor preferences, and desired portion size. This flexibility is a major draw for health-conscious diners.
• Value and Efficiency: Poketo offers a Quick bite option that is both reasonably priced and healthy. It is a perfect alternative to traditional fast food, providing nutrient-dense, filling meals for lunch or dinner without a long wait, especially beneficial for those on a tight schedule.
• Consistency in Experience: Customer feedback suggests that the quality of service, particularly the portioning, can sometimes vary depending on the server, with one staff member reportedly being more generous with protein servings than another. However, the food itself is described as consistently great, meaning patrons know they are getting a delicious meal, which reinforces the restaurant’s strong local following.

Poketo

2251 Merrick Rd, Merrick, NY 11566, USA