The lowkey poke joint in California

"Bottom Line Up Front: Low-Key Poke Joint is the poke bowl version of chipotle, serving up customizable bowls in a casual setting -- for slightly higher prices than you'd expect from a fast-food place. The Background: As the name denotes, this restaurant serves poke (pronounced poh-kay), a Hawaiian dish of raw fish that's been cut into cubes and marinated (usually with soy sauce, sesame, and seaweed). While poke is absolutely delicious in Hawaii, here on the mainland (continental USA) it's often drenched in overpowering sauces to the point where you can barely call it poke. Fortunately, that's not the case at Low-Key Poke Joint — the seafood is fresh and subtly seasoned and marinated. The Menu: Here you choose from one of two sizes: regular and large. The former gets you 3 scoops of protein while the latter gets your 5 scoops. Low-Key has all the classic proteins, from salmon and tuna to shrimp and octopus. For vegetarians, there is tofu and avocado. The proteins are served on one of six bases: spring mix, kale mix, Jasmine rice, Hula rice (rice blended with purple cabbage and coconut), Bootea rice (bamboo with green tea rice), or half and half. Then you add in your desired sauce, sides, and toppings (of which there are many to choose from for each). The Food: I ordered a regular bowl with 1 scoop of tuna and 2 scoops of scallops on top of Hula rice. I got it with the Truffle Shuffle sauce; green onions, crab meat, seaweed salad, and ginger for the sides; and furikake for the topping. Everything tasted fresh with no overpowering sauces. While scallops and tuna weren't the best I've ever had, they were tasty enough for me to be pleased with the quality. And I was shocked at how much I loved the Hula rice. The regular size (3 scoops of protein) was enough to keep me satisfied, though I wouldn't say it's a generous portion — more like "just right." The Setting: I can't comment on the sit-down experience, as I ordered to-go, but the inside was clean and organized. I wouldn't necessarily come here with a big party (it's a medium-sized fast-food joint after all), but you should be able to find room for a part of 6 or smaller, though 2-4 would be ideal. The Service: The staff was fast, friendly, and polite. Top notch! The Price: Here's where I have to knock off a star from my rating. For a regular bowl and a drink, plus tax, you'll be paying about $20 for a meal. For one person. At a fast food place. Wow. Sure, it's raw seafood, not manufactured burgers, but paying that much for fast food and not being completely stuffed is a downer. And don't get me started with the large bowl, which is basically $17 by itself. Ouch. The Conclusion: Overall, Low-Key Poke Joint knows how to make poke the right way. Just don't expect to get a boatload of fast food for the higher prices you'll be paying."

"I thought it was gonna be a small, light, dinner by the portions they gave but once you actually start eating it you realize it’s a huge serving, plus it is amazing. It’s worth $20 for a large serving"

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Low-Key Poke Joint (Riverside) is exactly what I want in a poke spot: super fresh fish, fast service, and zero fuss. I built a bowl with half salmon/half tuna, garlic ponzu, and a legit mountain of mix-ins—sweet onion, masago, seaweed salad, cucumber, and a sprinkle of furikake. Every bite tasted clean and bright, and the rice was perfectly warm and fluffy (not soggy—huge win). The spicy mayo and yuzu shoyu are both worth a drizzle, and the crispy onions add that perfect crunch. Staff was friendly and dialed—my bowl was ready in minutes even with a line. Portions are generous for the price, the space is spotless, and the vibe matches the name: chill, low-key, and welcoming. Great for a quick lunch, post-gym refuel, or a late study break if you’re near. Pro tip: add pickled ginger and wonton strips—game changer. Riverside has a lot of food options, but this is my go-to when I want something fresh, fast, and seriously satisfying."

"Low-Key Pokey Joint is hands-down the best pokey spot around! Every time I come in, the staff is so friendly and welcoming, it’s like they actually love what they do, and it shows. The ingredients are always super fresh, the flavors hit just right, and the portions are generous. I’ve tried other pokey places, but nothing compares to this one. Every visit feels consistent and made with care. If you’re looking for a go-to pokey place that never disappoints, this is it."

"The workers are cheerful and super patient and helpful! Love their charm! The food is great as well, the fish tastes fresh and not like its been frozen 8 dozen times. The place itself is super clean and the front counter has alot of memes drawn all over it, its great! Plus the restroom has a cuck chair so my wife can sit and watch to make sure I don't fall in! 10/10"

"Hi people. If you are looking for delicious poke, that’s right place. Food was yummy. Ingredients looks and tastes on fresh. I took big bowls so 5 proteins inside, can’t finish at one round. Portions are honest and huge. Plenty choices of sauces and toppings. Inside tables and chairs looks little bit aged but I took to go so that didn’t bother me. Plenty of parking spaces. Definitely recommend that place."

"Always fresh and delicious. I am a huge fan of the poke bowl as it's a great substitute for sushi rolls. Excellent price and the best sauces in town. Salmon is always perfect. I go almost twice a week"

"Absolutely Adorable and Delicious! Plenty of parking and wchr accessible parking also. Lots of seating inside. You pick out everything you want in your Bowl, salad, or Wrap. Ahi, scallops, spicy tuna, crab- just to name a few. They also serve wine and beer. Very clean and wonderful service!"