Hai Poké’s brick-and-mortar location held a soft opening on Thursday, welcoming the public into their own digs for the first time. The offerings and setting will be recognizable to the loyal following they garnered in their days as a pop-up, but a few changes take the small four-option menu and turn it into a full-blown restaurant.
Sitting at 647 N. High St., across from Happy Greek Restaurant, Hai Poké is a compact space where people can “grab and go,” said co-owner Mico Cordero. Forming a line, customers can view the menu on those familiar cards found at their old pop-up spots or on the wall behind the food prep line.
All the basics are there, including their staple proteins, tuna, salmon, and tofu, and their veggie option. Guests can choose from three bases: white rice, brown rice, and leafy greens. And on the side they can get wakame, wonton chips and kimchi salsa, spam musubi and poké handrolls.
Their new physical location is open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. They’ve also maintained their partnership with PurePressed Juicery Downtown, where they’ll continue serving lunch. Their time at Oddfellows Liquor Bar is over, however, as they consolidate their Short North presence into their new store.
For more information, visit haipoke.com.