"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. Food Rundown Poke Box This is what you’re coming here for. Each box is fully customizable and fantastic across the board, so we won’t tell you exactly what to put in it—just make sure the housemade yuzu and ponzu are in the mix, along with some sushi rice. Rock And Roll A simple yet flawless roll. The eel is nicely tender and has an ample amount of unagi sauce, and the avocado is always buttery." - Julia Chen
