Sushi On Me — Restaurant in New York

I never write reviews like this, but it needs to be done here.

Going to this place felt like going to the CIRCUS. A circus with drunk servers, comically bad customer service and food that was so bad we had to leave finishing only the 4th course out of 15.

Came in, restaurant was empty and we were greeted warmly with sake that wasn't the worst but was not the best either. The servers / chefs started apologizing saying that they were not ready to take us, we patiently waited for them to prepare the bar and food. While getting the bar ready they shared, that "they are drunk as hell", offered us to get drunk too, I refused nicely, stating that I am not drinking today. After that, the circus started.

They started playing all different genres of music loud, switching the vibe from classic music to trap / techno / edm. Honestly, I would stay, if the food would be at least good and worth $150~ pp. But all courses tasted same, caviar, both red and black were clearly artificial, curry sauce and no other creativity with straight up bland raw fish, I couldn't handle it anymore, the fish was not sushi grade, I am so sure. Since I was not drinking, I asked if they have any zero proof cocktails, they said no, I asked if they have coke or lemonade, they said no, but they have DIFFERENT TYPE OF COKE. or weed. Apparently the place doesn't have a liquor license, which I could understand, but not having anything, but the sake? And not even having ice? Waiters were hovering and I felt so pressured to respond and laugh, it was fun in the beginning though, but being drunk and making food?

After I said, we have to go, waiters took it a little too personal and said, I was being rude, "accusing" them in being drunk (even though they bragged about being drunk and made us toast with them many times). Tried to gaslight, that they are not drunk. Said we have to pay a full price.

For this circus? We were generous enough to leave $160 cash, since they don't even take CC's.

They threatened to call the owner, which was funny too, them trying to escalate the situation, where clearly no one was mean to them. I said fine. And they let us go leaving $160 telling us that they hope, they will never...

TLDR: Sushi On Me is not a purist edomae omakase. So if you're looking for that - this is not the place for you. Think Sammy's Romanian Steak and Sushi Dojo had a love child. The nigiri while fusion-ish is tasty and the sake will pour all hour long. Come with an open mind, an empty stomach and prepare yourself for a HBO style profanity-laced hour and you'll have a great time.

I was not sure what to expect when I got to Sushi on Me. It's in the basement along this stretch of Jackson Heights, it has a speakeasy dive bar feel to it. While the service is short, it was an hour packed with lots of f-bombs, interesting Thai-ish sushi courses and incredibly energetic hosts. Chef Palm and Yammy (of course we cannot forget Sake Boy) were very good at keeping the energy flowing. We went at one of the later seatings so I applaud Chef Palm for still being vertical and able to serve considering how much alcohol he probably consumes at night.

Bottom-line, it was a fun time. It was the polar opposite of what a place like Sushi Ginza Onodera (RIP) is like to dine at. I enjoyed the eel Penang curry along with all the other interesting courses. What I love most about Sushi on Me though is the authenticity of the experience.

I'm not talking about the style of the nigiri, this is nowhere near an Edomae omakase. I'm talking about Chef Palm and the way he entertains and serves. This is not a show, this is literally Palm and his boy, Yammy - just being themselves and having a blast at the counter. I applaud the unfiltered sincerity of it all and they seem to book out pretty consistently. So you have to give them credit for carving out a niche concept for themselves in the omakase world. There's probably as many omakases as Starbucks now so that's...

Tldr - for this price, you can't get better omakase in the city! Staff is super hype!! Profanities!!! Bottomless sake!!!! But...cash only!

It was intensely hot when we went for dinner (3 days ago), so we really needed the AC (can you blame us, the humidity was off the charts!!!!), so we went in a few minutes earlier and was welcomed by a darker ambiance of an underground speakeasy with throwback music back to the 90s.

One thing you gotta realize at this place, the sake is bottomless, so don't hesitate to down those shots if you're in a party mood. The staff will also encourage you to shout profanities but only at your food, positive comments only.

On the food, I'll skip the obvious - the highlights are the appetizers. There are 6 apps and 9 mains, and the apps are what makes this place unique - do you want white rosemary smoke with your salmon, in a martini class? Do you want chefs who cheer you on as you continue to down cups of sake while you chew on spicy toro on toast? How about a Thai curry infused sushi?

That's right, that stuff is unique AF just like the that experience you're supposed to have on that new ride at Universal Studios, but didn't cuz of long sweaty lines. Therefore, I also suggest booking early, like 1 month in advance to lock in your preferred date and time.

Portions are not bad but I'm fat (they don't call me Phat Mike for nuthin'), so I left a bit hungry.

Also, it's cash only - that's the only downside because I enjoy the feel of cold plastic and metal on my skin.

Have a nice f**king dinner. (That's their tagline, don't...