“A lot of students come here after school or band practice or tennis practice just to hang out,” she said.
The restaurant’s name refers to the centerpiece of the eatery’s menu—the poke (pronounced poh-keh) bowl. The style of cuisine originates from Hawaii.
Customers can build their bowls in steps, starting with a base layer with options of rice, kale, quinoa or spring greens. They then move on to a choice of sauce, an array of vegetables and fruit, and a protein of either tuna or salmon. Tofu is offered as a vegetarian option.
Each bowl can be topped with other ingredients, including seaweed, coconut, masago and cilantro.
Poke is increasingly seen as an alternative and more affordable option to more traditional sushi, General Manager Abdiel Rodriguez said.
“A sushi roll is going to cost $12, but it’s not going to fill you up,” he said. “You can buy a poke bowl for $12, and that’s lunch.”
Me So Poke has two locations; the first opened in 2019 on Parmer Lane, and the second opened in 2020 near Four Points at the intersection of RM 620 and RM 2222. And it is here that Me So Poke is right next door to its sister restaurant, Tea Haus. A connecting doorway allows customers to combine eatery experiences, Ko said.
“Fresh, healthy poke bowls from Me So Poke and Asian snacks like basil fried chicken, kimchi tots and bubble tea from Tea Haus,” she said. “There’s something for everyone to come with friends and family in a comfortable space.”
Me So Poke
A 1700 W. Parmer Lane, Austin
512-614-4087
Mon.-Sun. 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.; 4 p.m.-8 p.m.
B 10815 RM 2222, Ste. 207, Austin
512-599-4250
Hours: Mon.-Sun. 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m.
www.mesopoke.com
