Fresh plates, popular cocktails: This sushi spot helps define the cozy South Wedge

William Ramsey, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Sweet potato rolls at the mainstay South Wedge sushi bar are worth the trip just by themselves. The eel sauce finishes them off nicely.
Sweet potato rolls at the mainstay South Wedge sushi bar are worth the trip just by themselves. The eel sauce finishes them off nicely.

Every Rochester neighborhood has a spot that people gravitate toward. One stretch of avenue with Lux Lounge's vibe and Hedonist's delicious treats undoubtably plays a central role in South Wedge activity. The third neighbor of note there, though — Poké Sushi at 682 South Ave., is alone worth a visit.

Step right in off the street and Poké Sushi reveals an invitingly small space. The restaurant made its name with novel flavor combinations and careful technique, and it is the flavors that keep pulling regulars back.

The Hella Yella raw rolls ($11) are a popular choice for diners: marrying yellowtail with crispy fried onions and avocado. The sauce on top is winner for your palate.

The sushi, sashimi and poke bowls at Poke Sushi on South Avenue show a skilled blend of flavor experimentation and balance.
The sushi, sashimi and poke bowls at Poke Sushi on South Avenue show a skilled blend of flavor experimentation and balance.

Before you even get to food, though, the cocktails are a tempting draw. My friend and I already know the two we plan to try next time:

Tequila Mockingbird — Pulling together the liquor and a sparkling splash with lychee, blackberry, orange and grapefruit. (Her choice).

Hott for Sensei — White rum, saffron liqueur, gochujang, coconut, pineapple, lime. (I'll try).

My preference veers toward Japanese whisky and, in addition to the way the fish is handled — the cocktails featuring the imported whiskies help make Poké Sushi feel authentic.

South Wedgians come for the food and remember the drinks. When I have a Don't Be Shy (with Japanese whiskies, vermouth, Kikkoman, orange and scorched rosemary), I could easily be sitting in a crowded, cool cocktail lounge in Shinjuku — watching my drink be made with extreme precision and thoughtfulness.

A Japanese-inspired cocktail at Poke Sushi in Rochester, the "Don't Be Shy" features a mix of Japanese whisky, candied orange, vermouth and scorched rosemary — plus a dash of soy sauce.
A Japanese-inspired cocktail at Poke Sushi in Rochester, the "Don't Be Shy" features a mix of Japanese whisky, candied orange, vermouth and scorched rosemary — plus a dash of soy sauce.

Tim Odell, an AirBnB host, lives nearby. He recommends the spot to friends and visitors.

"They have arguably the best sushi I've had since I've lived in Japan," Odell said, "so it's a fantastic quality of food."

The maki are sublimely fresh and easy to savor. Their chirashi bowl, with a side of soy sauce, is a special treat — with a generous heap of sashimi, crumbled nori and more over sushi rice.

On a recent visit, my companion was startled by the flavors in the sweet potato rolls drizzled with eel sauce. "So good," he said between mouthfuls.

Poke Sushi on South Avenue is known for Japanese-inspired cocktails. The KY-KY Read the Room cocktail leans on the balance between Japanese whisky and bitters, with flavors of orange and Aperol to enhance the combination.
Poke Sushi on South Avenue is known for Japanese-inspired cocktails. The KY-KY Read the Room cocktail leans on the balance between Japanese whisky and bitters, with flavors of orange and Aperol to enhance the combination.

Poké Sushi: What to know

  • Open Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays 5-9

  • On Fridays and Saturdays — 11:30-3 and 5-10

  • 682 South Ave., Rochester

  • (585) 270-8890

The house salad at Poke Sushi in Rochester ($5) is both basic and well-executed.
The house salad at Poke Sushi in Rochester ($5) is both basic and well-executed.

— William Ramsey is an editor with the Democrat and Chronicle.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Poké Sushi puts mark on South Wedge with fresh plates, cocktails

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