Poke Time
Looking for a casual yet delightful spot to enjoy fresh and flavorful poke bowls? Let me introduce you to Poke Time, a local gem in Monterey, CA. Whether you're a poke lover or just craving something light and healthy, this restaurant is a fantastic option to satisfy your taste buds.
Located at 484 Lighthouse Ste 100, Poke Time offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for those seeking a quiet dining experience. The vibe here is casual and relaxed, making it a great choice whether you're dining solo, with friends, or with family. It’s especially ideal for groups, and you’ll find it to be very kid-friendly—making it an excellent option for a meal out with the little ones.
What makes Poke Time stand out is its menu filled with fresh, customizable poke bowls made from high-quality ingredients. From the moment you step in, you’ll notice the inviting and simple décor that complements the easygoing nature of the place. The friendly staff is always ready to help you pick the perfect bowl if you're new to poke, or offer suggestions for a special combo if you’re a regular.
Their poke bowls are a hit, featuring fresh fish, tasty toppings, and signature sauces. You can enjoy your poke bowl with a variety of bases, from white rice to mixed greens, and add a wide array of fresh vegetables and crunchy toppings. The best part? You can customize it just the way you like it, ensuring that every bite is as delicious as the last.
Whether you're looking to grab a quick, healthy bite or sit down with friends and family, Poke Time in Monterey offers a welcoming spot for any occasion. The atmosphere is laid-back, making it easy to unwind and enjoy a meal without any rush. Plus, with its great location, you’re just a stone’s throw away from other attractions in the area, making it the perfect stop during a day out.
If you're in the area, Poke Time is definitely worth a visit. The combination of fresh ingredients, friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere will have you coming back for more.
Reviews
Poke is something I seem to crave all year round. And that includes when I'm strolling around Monterey and suddenly realize that it's lunch time. Thankfully, Monterey has a pretty solid poke joint. Poke Time, first off, skillfully packages the bowls. Like I mean somehow the initially tiny looking to-go box gets jam-packed with all the rice, proteins, and toppings. The fish was fresh, and the brown rice was cooked just right. I think the sauces/seasonings were alright, nothing amazing. The toppings were typical, but they had everything I wanted (crispy toppings, edamame). And what's even better is that they give a free scoop of crab salad and seaweed salad (additional cost for additional scoops). The service was good.
FLAVOR (4/5): They really pack your box full here! The one thing I found disappointing in my bowl was the rice. It wasn't sushi rice (didn't have a vinegar taste) just plain white rice. But the fish is very fresh and they give a lot of options for sides! I love that seaweed salad was free, mango, fried onions, etc. I personally got their spicy Mayo sauce and I thought it complimented it well with the crab salad! INSTAGRAM WORTHY (4/5): The inside of the place has cute islander vibes, but of course there's no seating due to COVID. The box of food itself isn't picture worthy but it reminded me of when I was in Hawaii, food came in just styrofoam boxes. SERVICE (5/5): Had to wait in line a bit as there's only 2 people working but was super efficient! TAKEAWAYS: Not bad for poke in CA. Not too expensive for the amount they gave us. Good lunch spot near the pier.
Was in Pacific Grove visiting my family and had a craving for poke. Considering Monterey is by the bay, I figured they would have a lot of Poke spots but there are only a few. Poke Time is located on a busy street, but the block it is on is pretty empty so it is easy to miss. We ordered 4 items in total: 2 regular bowls and 2 kids bowls. Their fixings are what you would find in a typical poke spot. I did notice that there were certain fixings they mixed with the sauce and seafood such as mango and seaweed salad. Most of the places I go to, it is served separately. Their crab salad did not have as much mayo as most places which is not bad but I prefer more. The fish seemed pretty fresh. My son ordered the scallops which they said were cooked, but if they were, it was barely because I tried it and it had a softer texture, as it would be if it were raw. The scallops did not have a fishy taste at all, which I find rare with raw scallops. The portion sizes are good for the price. With 4 drinks it came out to be around $50. The only downside I would mention is that the rice was overcooked. I am not sure if it is because we ended up with the bottom portion of the pot or if this was typical.
Still 5 stars during the COVID pandemic. The staff rocks, they enforce masks and social distancing so you can feel safe, and the food is still the best poke around. I went in shortly after 2pm today (they close at 2:30pm, so don't cut that too short because they do take the time to put your delicious poke together to your specifications) and got my usual (which has evolved since 2018) and requested it to be very saucy. The guy who made it delivered on that request and I'm in saucy poke heaven. So good that I felt compelled to update my review from 2 years ago. And yes, I requested this, they won't make it this saucy unless you ask. My husband doesn't like his poke saucy and that's how they make it. Great poke at a fantastic price. Please support this local spot, because it's the best!
This place is great and an excellent everyday option for a filling, delicious lunch or dinner. The prices are right and the portions are more than fair. The fish always tastes fresh and they have a good variety of toppings and sauces. It gets a steady stream of customers, so be prepared to wait a little bit, but the employees have always been professional and efficient.