Best Poke in Hawaii - Fort Ruger Market
Poke and beer are perfect
after a long day of surfing at Diamond Head or Waikiki. Fort Ruger Market is just minutes away from these great surf spots and serves some of the best poke on Oahu and possibly all of Hawaii (see
Poke - Local Hawaii Delicacy). And to make life even better, it also sells cold beer, Hawaiian plates, delicious pupus and lots of other local goodies.
Hawaiian Food and More
Fort Ruger Market is a small mom and pop convenience store in a residential neighborhood near the slopes of Diamond Head. Long time Hawaii residents that walk in to this little non-descript building can't help but reminisce about all the little grocerettes and corner stores that used to dot the island. Fort Ruger Market is a survivor in great part due to the awesome poke and plate lunch counter.
The take out counter has all the typical ono Hawaiian foods like lau lau, kalua pig, lomi salmon, and beef stew. You can also find plate lunches, sandwiches, local kine sides like pickled onion, smoked fish and tako, and very popular boiled peanuts. The last time I visited, I picked up a flier touting smoked meats that are offered at the store once a week or so and must be pre-ordered. I haven't tried the meats yet because I found the flier confusing, but I intend to figure it out and report back later.
(Read more Best Poke in Hawaii below...)
details
What:
Fort Ruger Market
Where:
3585 Alohea Ave, Kapahulu 96816
[map]Landmark:
12th and Alohea, Close to Kapiolani Community College
Parking:
Small lot in front, some street parking
Bus:
3 22 58
When:
M-Sat 6:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Sun 6:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Seating/ Reservations:
take out only
Cuisine:
Poke, Hawaiian food, sandwiches, local snacks, Icee, other convenience store items
Atmosphere:
Mom and pop convenience store
Approx. Cost:
$ - $$
Booze:
Beer
Delivery, Takeout:
Takeout only
Contact:
(808) 737-4531
Poke
The star of the show is poke. Just like the
other Dan's Hawaii pick for best poke (see
Best Poke - Ono Sea Food Products), Fort Ruger Market makes your poke to order with the best fish and just the way you like it. Choose your fish or other seafood and pick from the selection of seasonings. The staff is always super helpful and will suggest some popular 'styles' or recipes if you find the selection overwhelming. I find the 'standard' limu style ahi with onions to be tops. They mix your seasonings and then toss them with the freshest seafood right before your eyes.
My favorite limu ahi has big chunks of high quality, fresh ahi for a somewhat expensive $15 per pound. However, one bite of the delicious fish with the perfect seasoning and you swear you would pay twice as much. The other pokes are also made with the best ingredients and taste great.
While they are mixing your poke, pick up some cold beer, then carry all your bounty to the cash register, pick up a couple of musubi and an Icee, and you are good to go. Visit early, visit ofen, this local Hawaii mom and pop shop is great.
Dan's Hawaii Tip
If you are traveling any distance before eating your poke, make sure you bring a cooler and some ice to keep the fish cool in your car.
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