Aloha Poke Co

"You can’t run. You can’t hide. It’s taking over, and there’s nothing you can do about it. No, we’re not talking about crying MJ memes. We’re talking about poke bowls - the Hawaiian concept involving bowls of rice or salad piled with fresh fish and other tasty ingredients. Poke is already a full-fledged food group in LA, and it was only a matter of time before it made its way here. Aloha Poke has arrived to start the Chicago poke party. Aloha Poke is a stand inside the French market, which makes it ideal for a quick meal during the week. Take it to go, or grab a seat at one of the seating areas inside. They're keeping things simple by only offering two fish options, salmon and tuna, which come either soy marinated or plain. Put it on top of a base of rice or mixed greens, add any of the 12 toppings like jalapeño, pineapple, or seaweed, and then pick your sauce. Sure, it'll cost $15-$17 for the biggest size (which we recommend you get), but at the end of the day you have a pretty healthy and fulfilling meal that tastes great. We'd imagine that the logistical issues of getting quality, sushi-grade fish to Chicago are probably pretty complicated, but Aloha Poke has figured it out - both the salmon and tuna are really good. The bar has been set high for the influx of poke spots to come." - Sam Faye

"It began gaining popularity in Chicago in the form of sushi bowls served over rice when another poke chain, Aloha Poke Co, opened its first fast-casual restaurant in 2015. It drew long lunch lines at Chicago’s French Market, and later ownership opened in Revival Food Hall in the Loop." - Ashok Selvam

"Aloha Poke locations in Chicago are facing protests following the chain’s legal actions against businesses using 'aloha poke' in their names." - Daniel Gerzina