Shaka Kitchen — Restaurant in Hoboken

I had such high hopes for this bowl of poke. I live in the Heights by the Congress St. elevator, and I have tried Tidal, Pokay and Piki, and each has its plusses and minuses, and all can be very good - but Shaka Bowl was in walking distance to me, so no driving and no expensive delivery fees either. I felt like I had just discovered something great! The first time I went there, they had no salmon at all, so I decided to wait for another time. That time was today. Easily the worst bowl of Poke I've had in the area, by a looooong mile.

I got a large bowl and asked to pay for an extra scoop of fish - and make the whole bowl half tuna and half salmon. I picked my toppings and ponzu sauce. I didn't see spicy mayo on the menu so I didn't ask. I got my order then decided to ask for some spicy mayo on the side, figuring they must have it. The guy said it was not allowed. Turns out that sauce is called spicy shaka sauce, so you can order it, but apparently you can only get one sauce with your bowl. Every other place is not this stingy - you can get a shoyu for your bowl and top it with spicy mayo everywhere else. Whatever, I figured I'd go home and mix up some Kewpie mayo with some sriracha and mix it in to my bowl.

I got home and did so, but the portions were insulting. I asked for extra fish for the money, and there was less fish on this bowl than any of the other three places I mentioned, even if get a regular order, let alone pay for extra. They were even stingy with the pineapple and edamame, which there was little of compared to what I am used to, and I couldn't taste a single sweet onion or cilantro. I tried to find them visually and I couldn't see them either. They forgot two of my toppings.

Everything seemed fresh. But...

Every time I come here the experience is just great. I’ve been coming to Shaka bowl ever since it opened, I used to come here every single weekend with my wife even if it was freezing outside. Didn’t matter to us because we loved the food, but also the great service your employees continue to have. Even though this past year we haven’t gone much because we moved to Bergen county and it is a bit of a drive, the times that we have drove back just for a bowl the service is still great and the bowl is still phenomenal. I hope you guys can open a location in Bergen County soon, me and my wife will most def be a huge supporter.

Just wanted to also say I’ve read some of these reviews and to me someone who has been coming since the day they opened. Please don’t talk about experiences when it comes to their workers, their workers are so hard working and kind people. Even if you don’t like the prices understand inflation is a huge thing and this small business works day in and day out during the hard times in the pandemic to provide great service and great food for their customers. They deserve all the credit and glory their way.

Once again to the owners and employees thank you guys so much for always providing me my wife a great experience....

The cup broke down and fell right outside of the store and they wanted to charge me for another smoothie. Instead of being sympathetic to a mother with a toddler they chose to profit and take advantage instead.

Still, I said whatever, I’ll pay, it was my kid. After that the awfully bad mannered OWNER said she would charge half and then decided she would only give 30% discount on something which was already paid for. Then claimed on instagram I tried to change the order and that’s why they would charge again which is a LIE.

I am sure her staff has better manners than she does. Posting on instagram is insane.

Everyone outside was supportive and helped, and the staff was also stingy in helping me clean up or just sharing some paper towel. Making judgmental faces and threw away my juice without even asking me if that was ok. But no replacement, I had to pay for it if I wanted another one.

Zero zero zero humility and sympathy for a customer. Not at all representing what Hoboken is about.

Ridiculous situation and service. Just lost a customer. Owner definitely needs bedside...