Seemor
Uptown PokéB-Worth Trying
506 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10024
· Hawaiian restaurant, Bubble tea store, Poke bar
· 4.6/5 Google (595 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Fast-casual poke with fresh options, generous customization, and vegan choices; solid for quick, healthy meals, but portions of fish and sauce balance vary.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
Uptown Poké delivers reliable quick-service dining with friendly, attentive staff and exceptional speed, but inconsistent execution on fish portions and sauce balance prevents higher performance. The convenient Upper West Side location and fresh ingredients appeal to neighborhood regulars and families seeking customizable bowls, though the cramped space and variable quality keep it solidly in neighborhood-favorite territory rather than destination status.
Restaurant Summary
A compact Upper West Side counter spot where bowls are built fast and the room stays clean and pleasant. Expect friendly staff and a steady lunch crowd from the park and museum. One diner shared, "Service was quick and the bowl felt fresh," though others note sauce balance can swing. Overall it is a quick, healthy option with straightforward pricing. The cooking leans build-your-own and classic mixes rather than purist Hawaiian, with solid seafood, bright produce, and a few fusion flourishes like kimchi and wasabi aioli. When the ratio of fish, toppings, and sauce clicks, the bowls are satisfying; when it does not, portions or salt can feel off. Best suited to folks who enjoy customizing flavors over chef-driven theatrics. Families will find it approachable: kids can stick to rice, chicken or tofu, mild sauces, corn, cucumber, and mango, and finish with bubble tea. There is no kids menu, but the ingredients are simple and familiar. Seating is tight, so plan on quick dine-in or takeout during rushes.
At a Glance
- Fresh ingredients and very fast prep for a reliable quick lunch
- Highly customizable bowls with vegan and alternative proteins
- Fish portion size and sauce balance vary by visit
- Very small dining area; can feel warm or crowded
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- high_customizability
- vegan_and_alt_proteins
- fast_turnaround
What People Love
- Feeling of freshness in seafood and produce
- Speed and friendliness at the counter
- Build-your-own freedom to tailor flavors
- Clean, pleasant space despite small size
Points of Concern
- Portion variability: multiple reports of skimpy fish vs. others praising fullness
- Sauce balance: some bowls overly salty or drenched, others bland
- Bubble tea quality inconsistent; taro flavor and boba texture criticized
- Pricing creep via add-ons and premium proteins may surprise first-timers
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$24-34 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Choose large bowl ($16.99) if you want more fish-to-rice balance
- Quinoa add-on (+$2) for higher-fiber base
- Kimchi (+$1.50) adds heat and acidity if skipping heavier sauces
Perfect For
- Post-museum lunch near AMNH
- Solo weekday lunch with quick turnaround
- Healthy takeout after a park walk
- Customizable bowls for mixed dietary needs
Location Insights
Area: Residential Upper West Side strip with steady foot traffic, families, and students; casual daily-dining vibe.
Safety: Well-lit, busy corridor; generally safe with active street life into evenings.
Nearby: Near Museum of Natural History, Central Park, schools, and neighborhood shops; strong lunchtime flow.
Upper West SideThe Upper West Side boasts a diverse dining scene ranging from casual cafes to fine dining, attracting locals who appreciate quality food in a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. The area is known for its safe, walkable streets and a community-oriented vibe, with many restaurants catering to both families and young professionals.
Lincoln SquareLincoln Square, located at the southern end of the Upper West Side, is home to the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts and features a concentration of upscale restaurants and cultural venues. The dining scene here is more polished and caters to visitors attending performances as well as well-heeled locals.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–20:00
Tuesday11:00–20:00
Wednesday11:00–20:00
Thursday11:00–20:00
Friday11:00–20:00
Saturday11:00–20:00
Sunday11:00–20:00
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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