POKE HOUSE & TEA BAR — Restaurant in Saint Paul

I live 2 blocks from the Poke House & Tea Bar but just never made it into the restaurant until today. After a recent trip to Maui, where I had Poke bowls a few times, I though I should give Poke House a try. I didn't want to set my expectations too high since Minnesota isn't really near the pacific ocean, but frankly I was blown away! I ordered the House Poke Bowl and it was perfection. The presentation was beautiful, the salmon and tuna were incredibly fresh! The avocado perfectly ripe! The sushi rice the right amount of sticky and delicious. Even the cucumber was perfect, trimmed of all seeds and crispy fresh. All of this with a delicious poke sauce, sesame seeds and fish eggs on top! I really can't say enough good things about it....

I really wanted to like this place, Food is subpar. It’s close to me so I have eaten here in the past. I understand price increases and I am willing to pay for that and the last time I came here my bowl was dry like they forgot sauce or just didn’t give me a decent portion. My favorite poke places are in Eagan and Woodbury. Menu states IN RED MIND YOU any Substitution will be EXTRA COST. I EVEN READ IT BACK TO HER AND The associate told me NO. I couldn’t substitute anything and I had to build a bowl if I wanted to do that. 🤣🤡 I wanted to switch out one thing for a vegetable. Nah I ll pass.

Pro: prices are comparable to other Poke spots.

Con: It’s extremely BAD BUSINESS practice to not follow your OWN...

I know times are tough for everyone but I have to lower my review rating from four years ago. I do love the flavors of sushi and the sauces… My favorite dish is the Poké bowl. Unfortunately, the prices are higher and the portions appear much smaller. I am just an average sized woman And I always order two bowls just for myself. Otherwise I am starving. That’s a bit ridiculous. No one can afford that. Anyhow, I hope they read this because they could do a lot better and get much more business if they at least made the portions appropriate for an average adult. And I have never eaten at any restaurant and then hungry afterwards except...