Overview
You don't have to do much poking around to find evidence of Brisbane's latest food trend, with poke making itself known all over town. Indeed, Newstead residents now have two dedicated joints to choose from. After Suki set up its third outlet in the suburb just months ago, Cheeky Poke Bar has followed suit.
Opening its doors to the new Haven development at 63 Skyring Terrace, Cheeky Poke Bar is the latest venture from the folks behind Portside's Fresh N Wild Fish, aka the place to get seafood and chips in Hamilton. They've extended their love of ocean bounty to a new format — not only in terms of serving up the Hawaiian fish dish, but in setting up a restaurant-bar hybrid that pairs its bites to eat with cocktails.
That means a food range that features seven signature bowls, as well as a seven-step make-your-own option. Also on the menu: tacos, miso bone broth, sashimi tasting plates, pork gyoza and taro crisps with wasabi mayonnaise, plus six flavours of kakigori (aka shaved milk ice) for dessert. Drinks-wise, think bright boozy concoctions such as the Cheeky Collins (with gin, rosemary, cucumber and kombucha), Breakfast In Tokyo (with Togouchi whiskey, yuzu, apricot brandy, marmalade, orange bitters and foam), and the Cheeky Friends Bowl (tequila, Chambord, triple sec, citrus, agave, seasonal fruit). As well as beverages featuring its name, Cheeky also boasts kombucha on tap, two types of sake, and a sizeable local beer and wine range.
Decor-wise, patrons will find a sea of black, grey, blue and brass inside the 45-seat digs, as well as timber booths, bar tops made from recycled stone, and neon lighting. "I wanted to create a space which elevates your senses, so you can really appreciate the fresh produce and each flavour in every dish," explains owner Sam Demetriou.
Find Cheeky Poke Bar at Haven, 63 Skyring Terrace, Newstead. Visit their website and Facebook page for more information.