Hai Poké
About Hai Poké:
What started as a pop-up kitchen in Oddfellows liquor bar, is now recognized as the place to get tremendous island inspired dishes and a great experience to remember. Nile Woodson saw an opportunity to introduce Poké to Columbus and become part of Bridge park and the history of the North Market. With a food truck and location at the North Market, you are never too far away to enjoy Hai Poké’s amazing bowls. With signature bowls that include: The Ahi, The Slammin Salmon, The Porké, The Veg, The Traditional and more, you are sure to find a taste explosion for your palate. You can also create and build your own bowl with ingredients to make it your own. There are several side options to compliment the rest of your meal like: miso soup, musubi, steam buns, dumplings, Poké handrolls and Poké nachos to name a few. Make sure to stop by and taste what Nile & Hai Poké have brought to Columbus.
How Did The Idea Come About?
It was 2015 when Nile started the pop-up kitchen. He came to Columbus in 2010 and graduated from OSU in 2014. With his business knowledge and tremendous passion for service, he just needed to figure out the food. Nile started experimenting and testing recipes with family and friends and eventually found out what he liked and Hai Poké was created. In 2017, Nile closed the pop-up and started a brick and mortar on High St in the Short North. During this time, Nile collaborated with two others and wrote a cookbook which highlights food in Columbus and also has a section about the North Market. This caught the attention of Rick who then approached Nile about opening Hai Poké in the North Market at Bridge Park.
What’s Your Favorite Thing About Being a Part of The North Market?
Nile loves that he was able to successfully bring Poké to Columbus and the surrounding communities through his location and food truck destinations. Being part of the North Market history to Nile has reinvigorated the Hai Poké brand. It allows him to simplify operations and focus on the food and visitors. Hai Poké looks to bring amazing food with a fun energy to the community and loves the relationships that have been created and that will still blossom throughout this journey. The diversity of merchants and willingness to support and help each other is one of the best things about the North Market.
What are Must Orders on the Menu?
- Traditional Poke bowl
- Build your own is easy for people to order
- Ahi bowl (Niles favorite)
- Spam Musubi
Story of Hai Poké and Nile Woodson:
When moving here from Manhattan, Nile was skeptical about this “flyover city” we call home. He quickly fell in love with Columbus and realized how much the city had to offer. From that first pop-up to now, Hai Poké has become a recognized Poké destination that strives to create a food experience that becomes a lasting memory. Nile has achieved this by offering a company culture of fun energy while creating a space that helps his employees develop skills they can take forward in life while instilling his characteristics and beliefs for the business. This makes it easy for them to offer a memorable Poké experience and ensure visitors are walking away and full and happy!
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Website:
Merchant's operating hours:
Sunday: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Monday: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thursday: 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday: 11:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Holiday Hours