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Poke Spot<br />
20831 N. Scottsdale Rd., Suite 115, Scottsdale<br />
(480) 907-POKE (7053)<br />
Located in what used to be the furthest-most reaches<br />
of North Scottsdale, this gem is tucked next to a Cold<br />
Beer & Cheeseburgers. Sizes are Primo (one scoop<br />
of fish, $8) and Big Kahuna (two scoops of fish, $10).<br />
Great fresh fish options include spicy tuna, tuna,<br />
salmon and more. Their shrimp were among some of<br />
the tastiest we tried. Try the miso onion sauce. Loved<br />
their fresh-looking (and tasting) greens. On all of our<br />
visits, both the brown and white rice seemed fresh<br />
and didn’t taste like they had been sitting on a steam<br />
table all day. Popular toppings include all the usual<br />
suspects (edamame, carrots, ginger, onions, etc.) with<br />
a buck upcharge for avocado.<br />
The good: Fresh fish, some of the best looking (and<br />
tasting) we found.<br />
The great: Locally owned and operated by the<br />
friendliest guy in North Scottsdale.<br />
The environment: Modern beachy, impeccably clean.<br />
Hula’s Modern Tiki<br />
4700 N. Central Ave. #122, Phoenix<br />
7213 E. First Ave., Scottsdale<br />
(602) 265-8454<br />
It seems like only yesterday when Hula’s was about<br />
the only place around you’d find poke—silky, unctuous<br />
and a little bit fancy, thanks to the heavenly Hawaiian<br />
addition of macadamia nuts. Fancier still if you<br />
order your poke in their new-ish Scottsdale location.<br />
Hula’s poke is ahi only, with no substitutions. You’ll<br />
hardly mind, though—it’s a tasty portion, and if you<br />
ask nicely, they’ll bring you some sliced chili. Do it!<br />
A meal will set you back 10ish bucks, give or take,<br />
depending on the market rate for ahi.<br />
The good: Why didn’t someone think of macadamia<br />
nuts earlier? They kick it up a notch, as Emeril<br />
would say.<br />
The great: Killer cocktails and coconut milk ceviche?<br />
Yes, please, if ahi poke isn’t your thing.<br />
The environment: Well-dressed peeps (both<br />
locations) who love to drink in a fine, festive<br />
modern take on a tiki bar.<br />
Yama Sushi House<br />
4750 N. Central, Suite 150, Phoenix<br />
(602) 264-4260<br />
Most of the poke explosion has occurred in counterservice<br />
restaurants. Yama is a sure bet when you’d<br />
rather sit and relax. Poke options include tuna,<br />
salmon and yellowtail ($9 and $11) and, of course,<br />
the option of rice or salad as the base. You’ll give up<br />
the point-and-top approach here, but when a chef<br />
is cooking, does anyone really mind? Poke is usually<br />
a lunch specialty here, but they’ve been known to<br />
whip up a batch for regulars or anyone else who asks<br />
really, really nicely.<br />
The good: Your best bet for all-around quality fish.<br />
Fair warning—they love the spice on their poke. You<br />
were warned.<br />
The great: Almost every delivery service will bring<br />
them to you (Uber Eats, Seamless, Amazon, etc.).<br />
The environment: Fun, modern restaurant with a<br />
full bar.<br />
JAVA<br />
MAGAZINE<br />
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