JR Sushi — Restaurant in New York

“On Friday, July 21st, 2023, I had a frightening experience with blatant racism at JR Sushi in Manhattan. After leaving one of my accounts following a presentation, I arrived at the restaurant around 9:30 pm feeling hungry. JR Sushi appeared uncrowded and open, so I decided to dine there.

Upon entering, no one approached me to seat me, so I assumed it was a casual seat-yourself place. I approached the man at the bar/counter area to ask for a table, but he rudely handed me a menu and seemed uninterested. I insisted on a table, but he dismissively shooed me away. Despite this, I decided to seat myself and proceeded to order a glass of wine and vegetable soup.

As the same man came to take my order, he condescendingly questioned if that was all I wanted. I remained polite, stating I might order more later. This uncomfortable situation made me feel like I needed to prove myself, assuming they might be stereotyping me as a Black person. Later, a White couple entered the restaurant, and the employees rushed to greet and seat them, but I didn’t receive the same treatment.

When my small soup arrived, I realized I needed more food and politely asked for the menu. The man snatched my wine and soup, telling me to ‘GET OUT.’ I was confused, embarrassed, and hurt. I recorded the incident, giving him a chance to rectify the situation, but he continued telling me to leave. Other customers also witnessed his rudeness.

As a Black person in America, I know the importance of raising awareness about mistreatment. I’ll report this incident to the neighborhood committee board and inform the surrounding businesses. Such behavior shouldn’t be tolerated, and I won’t patronize JR Sushi again. This hurtful and offensive experience should never happen to anyone. -DO NOT PATRONIZE THIS...

Have been one time before. The first time, lobster sushi was not worth $25 for a daily special roll (it was a once in a blue moon mini-splurge.) Lobster was flavorless, and chewy. I'm guessing it was frozen and is defrosted in individual roll-size portions.

Shrimp tempura roll was decent, but a little high as well, since it is on the "lower tier" roll list ($7.95 instead of the usual $5.95 or $6.95 at other places.) Other items on menu were normally priced - $5.95 and $6.95 for common rolls, and $7.95 to $12.95 for more elaborate rolls on the regular menu. Special rolls seem to be collectively overpriced a bit.

Lobster roll, shrimp tempura roll, and a soda ended up being $42, after tax and tip. I could have had a nice sit-down meal with table service for that, instead of 2 regular size sushi rolls. .

Move forward 2 months, and I was down in the area again. This time, I didn't get to order. Manager refused access for a well-identified service animal (well-marked vest, registration card, tag on collar, etc) a few steps inside the restaurant, to the spot inside where you have to go to place the order. Disgraceful. Ordering was inside and eating outside, with no table service outside, but he insisted the dog be left outside for me to order inside for eating at an outside table with no table service. The manager could have at least agreed to come outside and take the order (inside is extremely small - 2 tables on the left and a couple of bar stools on the right, with the cash register/order spot directly inside on the left.) Manager was belligerent and dismissive.

Will not be back. Reported incident to 311. No one should be...

Just back in hotel and finished the meal. As a sushi lover, I have tried quite some sushi restaurants in NYC. I would say this restaurant is one of the best! Might even want to order from them again if I feel hungry later 😋

After this satisfying meal, I suddenly feel so random and read the reviews of this restaurant one by one. I am so surprised that quite many of the reviews have only 1 star and saying the staff here are racism. I feel sorry if they are true. This is also one of the reasons why I am writing my first review on Google. I just want to be fair. In my experience, I think they are doing good for the food. Service wise, since I did not dine here, I did not have so much feelings. I would say it’s just normal.

Wooo maybe this restaurant is lucky that I am writing this for them (I swear I don’t know them at all) and I am in a good mood today HAHAHA. Sadly I’m actually leaving NYC tomorrow but I will be back very soon! I think if I don’t order from them again later today I would definitely order next time when I come NY for...