SFReview
photo credit: Julia Chen
Hashtag Poki
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Ever had poke so perfect you contemplated breaking your lease to go live on a boat in the Pacific and pursue a hunter-gatherer lifestyle? If the answer is no, one trip to Hashtag Poki in Berkeley will change that to an emphatic yes.
Ordering at this counter-service, takeout-only spot in Elmwood is pretty simple. It’s a build-your-own situation where you pick from proteins like salmon, ahi tuna, hamachi, and tofu, and complement them with mix-ins like avocado, cucumbers, and jalapeño slices. The fish is, like we said, perfect—soft, never chewy or stringy, and leveled up even more when tossed in Hashtag Poki’s housemade yuzu, ponzu, or spicy mayo. Stopping by for a bowl is how we get a midday power-up—one will definitely fill you up but won’t leave you feeling heavy.
While the poke bowls are the main attraction, don’t skip the made-to-order sushi rolls, donburi, or nigiri. The rice is always the ideal amounts of vinegar-y and sweet, and complements the fish in a way that’s hard to beat. Finish it all off, and continue to daydream about your life at sea. Or just return the next day for another lunch.