Sushi-san — Restaurant in Chicago

This place has never disappointed me. I usually go to the River North location and decided to make a longer trip out to this one for my birthday and I don't regret it at all. I may make this location our staple sushi go-to.

The interior design, ambiance, and friendliness of the staff alone was amazing. Our server gave me a great drink recommendation and the bartender made the drink taste better than I thought it would. Our server made sure to keep in mind my partner's food allergy and labeled the food for us that was specifically to adhere to that restriction. The one thing I will say is that for a hip-hop bar, I would've loved to see more African Americans employed. I think I remember one location where I saw quite a few as part of the staff. Nonetheless, the food was EXCELLENT as it normally is for us. As a tradition, we ALWAYS get the roasted edamame. This is a must! The flavor from the seasonings, the perfect char of the pods, and it pairs so well with lemon. I enjoyed my spicy salmon and spicy tuna rolls. I wish I had an IV drip of the wasabi soy and sweet soy sauces! Both so flavorful with the perfect taste of acidity and umami. I pray for a bowl of the pickled ginger! I wasn't too much of a fan of the BBQ lettuce wraps, but my partner loved it! It was the only thing we've tried so far that we didn't agree on. We also the tried the gyoza and loved how crispy on the outside yet juicy and tender on the inside it was.

My boyfriend wished there were more eel roll options. He wasn't disappointed in the one he devoured though. Great once again! These pictures do not do the rolls justice. If they had an option to take rolls home over ice for our 90 minute trip back home, we'd definitely order some to go.

Thanks again for the great...

For some background info - I am a Gold status LEYE’r. I earned my status almost exclusively through eating at Sushi San. (used to go at least once a week) I was and will always be a huge fan of Lettuce.

Something has recently changed at Sushi San and I can’t say it’s for the better sadly. I went to this Sushi San during the opening week because I was so excited and that first experience was probably the best of the best and every other time I’ve been; it just continues downhill. Lately, the food has been more hit or miss and sometimes just not great.

I’m not sure if the fish supplier changed or something, but it just isn’t what it used to be. The other day I was eating my spicy tuna roll and there was something strange in it. I pulled out what looked like a string of fat which has never happened to me before at Sushi San, so I was a little taken back. (And no, it definitely wasn’t a parasite, it was just like a chewy peice of fat) I also had the beef n bop sizzling rice bowl and the meat was chewy and fatty as well. The spicy scallop roll has been consistently good and I’m happy about that at least. (pretty much the only thing I get anymore) Even the crispy rice changed and I can’t put my finger on what changed about it.

The service is always a 5/5 and that’s just a gold standard that Lettuce will (seemingly) always do right. I have no complaints on that end. Attentive and quick, good drink options. This location itself is beautiful and in such a great location.

I really want Sushi San to thrive but I miss the old Sushi San.

P.S. - bring back the Thank you Enjoy #4! It was seriously my favorite cocktail in the...

Best sushi vibe in the city. Some of the best sushi in Chicago. Menu staples like crispy, rice tuna, hamachi crudo, and eggplant tempura continue to satisfy, visit after visit - but it’s the constantly evolving selection of Nigiri, sashimi and simple rolls that showcase their innovative approach to classic sushi. You won’t find the giant sauce dripping, or mayonnaise topped creations here. Instead, the focus is on the fish and subtle flavors that can bring out the best in their high-quality proteins. Caviar topped otoro or king crab sound extravagant, but here they use killer proteins to accompany the fish, instead of overshadow it.

The music is terrific, as everyone knows. It’s a lovely place to grab dinner with friends, go on a date, or to splurge for a family celebration. It’s also unusually well stocked with custom dessert creations. That’s rare for an Asian restaurant. Essentially, There are multiple menu highlights and opportunities to extend your dining experience. It’s a lot of fun to come here with a group of people and be able to drink and eat and connect across the different courses they offer.

Finally, and this is not insignificant at all, they have the best management team in place. Service is extremely attentive and nimble, and they have mastered the art of hospitality. They really are serving you here. The entire staff feels choreographed, from the runners to the servers, bartenders and managers. There seems to be a constant effort to improve, visit after visit.

This is my favorite sushi spot in Chicago, and while it is extremely casual, make no mistake about it, Sushi San is...