By Natalie Anderson
Staff Reporter

Pokemen, a locally owned restaurant located at 2701 Frederick Road in Opelika, provides customers with a unique dining experience. Having opened this past February, Pokemen offers “build your own” poke bowls or ramen with various options for protein, toppings and seasonings. Both the poke bowl and ramen dining options are completely customizable depending on the preferences of each customer.

Customers are asked to choose an entree size ranging from small to large. For example the medium sized bowl holds three different types of protein. Next, diners are able to choose from white rice, brown rice or a spring mix for the base of the meal. The traditional Hawaiian dish consists of fresh, raw fish such as tuna or salmon. Other protein options include chicken and tofu. Customers are able to choose their favorite fresh toppings and seasonings as they go down the line, similar to the likes of Chipotle.

Pokemen also offers fresh ramen with their homemade noodles made right in store. Diners follow similar ordering procedures by choosing size, protein, toppings and seasonings for their ramen meal. There are vegetables options such as lettuce, kale, edamame or fruit options such as fresh pineapples.

When arriving at Pokemen, diners can expect a friendly, welcoming and clean environment. With modern indoor seating, customers have the option to stay and dine in or take their meal to go.

After visiting Pokemen shortly after their opening, I’ve become a loyal customer often finding my sushi craving being satisfied by a customizable poke bowl. While there are plenty of options to choose from, I tend to order the same exact thing with the same toppings because it’s just that good!

My poke bowl order:

• Medium bowl, brown rice, spicy tuna, salmon, regular tuna, pineapples, edamame, seaweed, masago, crab meat, corn, spicy mayo, tempura flakes and avocado ($1 upgrade.) 


With prices ranging from $9.25 to $13.25 (upgrades available), Pokemen is a fast and fresh dining experience for people of all ages. Pokemen has also joined with DoorDash and FetchMe for delivery options among the local community.

For more information, visit Pokemen’s Facebook page or call their store at 334-737-6353 or visit https://pokemenopelika.com.