Poke Bros. — Restaurant in Oakbrook Terrace

Poke Bros; as of today, you have gained a new loyal customer. As is characteristic of my comprehensive posts (obviously keeping things concise is not my forté), this one may seem lengthy; I implore you to read in its entirety. There were so many incredible facets to this eatery, I will have to simply begin by highlighting the top 5.

1. incredibly fresh ingredients that appeal to a variety of consumers, including those that adhere to alternative dietary lifestyles.
2. ease of customization; the options are (almost) infinite; whether you'd like something slightly sweet yet savory, or filled with spice (clearly indicated in the detailed, well-designed menu alongside clear-cut pricing; +5 points for aesthetic appeal) , there is truly something for everyone at Poke Bros (including the more health-conscious eater).
3. Incredibly welcoming, tranquil atmosphere; music was calming and at a reasonable volume for those wishing to carry out a conversation over a delicious meal, ample lighting, serene decor; there was an element of Feng Shui to the floor plan that I deeply valued as well. 💕
4. Perhaps this should have been at the top of my list; pricing. Unfortunately, Poke Bros is slightly overshadowed by Chipotle in terms of customer-base in my opinion (comparatively, pricing is analogous to that of Chipotle, with heartier portions, healthier options, fresher ingredients, and an overall better dining experience); this could be due to the fact Chipotle is just across the way with a much larger setup, more signage, etc (I included a photo in the attached media demonstrating how easy it is to overlook this true gem simply due to location constraints; State Farm is to the right, Jimmy Johns' to the left, several other sub-par eateries strewn about).
5. The expedient, friendly service. The attendant I spoke with was extremely professional, yet cognizant of incoming customers. How she managed to make me feel comfortable while piecing together my ridiculously meticulous bowl (perfect portions, presentation of meal (10/10) is beyond my understanding.

Additionally, the single-user restroom was impeccable (just as the rest of the eatery; incredibly clean and well-maintained, tactful utilization of space) and included an eco-friendly air dryer as opposed to paper towels; such a mindful choice (+7 points for enviro-friendliness). The highchairs were stacked a safe distance away from the dining space, yet clearly displayed for necessary use (+5 points for kid-friendliness).

Thank you, Poke Bros. Discovering such a lovely establishment truly felt like a win for this...

Tasty food, but subpar service, facility & menu design. My experience was soured even before taking a bite of my food. At checkout, I was notified that the soda dispenser was out of order. The menu board did not notice this, and based on the multiple individual out-of-order post-it notes on the soda machine, they clearly hadn’t maintained it in a while, making me think they we pushing people to buy their higher-priced bottled drinks. Also at checkout, I saw that my half-and-half chicken/spicy chicken bowl cost $13 even though the chicken and spicy chicken proteins both cost only $10. I then noticed the menu board listed half-and-half at the bottom of the protein list, appearing just as every other protein. Either the menu board should accentuate the upcharge for half-and-half protein – know that half-and-half rice is free – or the cost of half-and-half should be the same price as the higher priced protein (as other restaurants often do). Additionally, when selecting any upcharge items, the server should notify the customer about the upcharge. Other concerns… there was a large area behind a side counter that was stuffed with boxes and looked bad, there were no sauces or soy sauce packets by the utensils, and the use of single-use plastic bowls rather than reusable ceramic is not sustainable. Multiple opportunities for...

My girlfriend and I were there yesterday evening. Upon walking in, the place looks okay. When you get to the service counter and look behind it, the first thing you notice is that it looks like the inside of a storeroom, which really made me wonder about the cleanliness and standard by which they prepare their food. I'm telling you that behind the service counter looks like a garbage dump. Then you notice how unprofessional things are there. The worst was that there was a child sleeping on top of a counter top right behind the cash register. Grandma was having a personal phone call on speakerphone with her dirty bare feet propped up on a chair...yes...right in the food service area. I really thought that when you buy into a franchise, the parent company requires a certain level of ambience and professionalism. Any other Poke Bros establishment that I've been to has some level of decor and professional furnishings behind the counter. Not here. What we saw looked more indicative of one of those old, dirty Chinese restaurants that is family owned. YUCK! I will not be dining at this...