Poke Club

Poke has settled into the everyday lunch rotation across Metro Vancouver, and Port Coquitlam has its own take on it. Poke Club is an independent restaurant at 185-815 Village Drive in PoCo, serving the bowls of seasoned rice, fresh fish, and vegetables that started in Hawaii and have become a favorite for people who want something quick without the sameness of a chain. The format suits the city's casual dining habits well.

The counter format suits the dish. Customers typically build a bowl by choosing a base, a protein, and the sauces and toppings that follow, which makes it easy to eat around preferences and allergies. Portions are usually generous, and a bowl can stand in for a full meal without the commitment of a dining room. For anyone new to poke, asking what the kitchen recommends or what sells best is a reliable way to order, and staff at this kind of counter are used to walking newcomers through the choices, one step at a time.

The city supports its independent food businesses through repeat visits more than through passing traffic, which is how a focused spot like this one earns its place. Port Coquitlam counts around 62,500 residents between the Coquitlam River and the Pitt River, and a short drive or bike ride along the local streets is usually all it takes to reach the door. A bowl shop also gives the streets around Village Drive another reason to linger.