Union Sushi and Barbeque Bar

Decent, but no wow factor

I recently went to Union sushi for a quick bite and have to say, as the sushi snob that I am, it was ok, but no wow factor.  

I for their california roll, spicy shrimp Roll, Shiitake Mushroom Roll and the Pickle roll.  They were all decent, but I loved the pickle roll.  The others were pretty average, but good.  All, as expected for that area, a bit on the expensive side.  

I also got the sauteed maitake mushrooms, which were really good.  I did enjoy those very much and the mushroom soup, which was bland and not that good.  

The tables are small, to pack in the crowd, the music was loud as was the general atmosphere.  It was hard to hold a conversation.  I would not recommend this place for a date, but to just hang with friends, it is okay, which is why it was fine for my trip there.  

Overall, I don't think I would go back.  I can get better sushi for a better price in the less trendy areas of the city.  I'll leave this place to the beautiful twentysomethings which seemed to love it.  

Decent sushi, no wow and a significant foob bill - 3 stars.  

Tokyo Lunch Boxes & Catering

DO NOT EAT HERE

I ordered spicy shrimp roll at the 300 S Riverside location in Chicago and I paid $6.50 for it.  I ate a couple pieces and noticed it was hard on the inside.  When I looked into the rolls i saw that there was NO SHRIMP!!!  It was all panko breading with a bit of hot sauce.

I lived in Japan and eat sushi regularly, usually spicy shrimp is Shrimp and hot sauce.  Shrimp tempura roll has some breading but at least it has shrimp!  

I will never eat there again and hope to spread the word on this place. What a total scam!  Now I am out $7.

Tokyo Lunch Boxes & Catering:

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Hot woks Cool sushi

Afternoon Sushi Fix

When you get a craving for sushi, you can not deny that urge and must satisfy it!  

In the Loop, near the Sear Tower, there are a few choices, my preferred is Hot Woks Cool Sushi on Adams. 

For $13.95 I get the 3 roll lunch special.  Decent size, good fish and a nice variety to order from.  

Lunch gets crazy in this place, so dont expect to get in and out fast.  If you have time to spare, it satisfies that sushi urge very well!  Evening time, I found it to be a bit more quiet, but overall, a great spot to meet friends or an after work date.    Itadakimasu yo! 

RA Sushi Bar

Orion Beer!

Most importantly Ra has my favorite Japanese, or should I say, Okinawan beer, Orion.  This by itself is enough to keep me going there on a regular basis!  

Other than that, the small plates and sushi I had there were good, the kitchen was open late and the drink menu was fun.  Prices were fair, considering the location in viagra triangle.  I had a great time there!  The sauteed peppers, chili ponzu wings and the spicy shrimp rolls were really tasty and made the orion beer go down quickly.  

Cheers to Ra Sushi!  I lived in Japan and I know my Japanese fare, Ra impressed!

Katsu - Rogers Park

Absolutely the best sushi in Chicago

I have been going to Katsu since 1995 or 96, before he remodeled the location to look like it does.  He and his wife are the nicest people and really make the experience at Katsu what it is!  

Now, to start, this is a top sushi place and you will pay for the best sushi.  So I will start off by saying that Katsu isn't cheap. I usually drop about $125 or so there on a good night.  Sushi, apps and drinks.  So if you are looking for cheap, go to the trendy, cute places.  Also, katsu is traditional Japanese,  spo you wont find all the crazy rolls that cater to the trendy tastes.  

Now, what it is .... exquisite sushi and kitchen creations.  His fish is the freshest and all hand picked and or shipped by Katsu from his select vendors.  This isnt stuff from a mass distributor.  He makes a lot of the sushi all on his own.  He has spoiled me with his food and I like it.  

His kitchen creations are great!  The Grilled Duck and Grilled Mino are my favorites and HAVE to get that every time.  When in season, this Matsutake Mushroom soup is killer!  

The ambiance is friendly, the staff are all very knowledgeable and he stocks very fine sakes.  The bonus is that you are not rushed to finish and leave.  You can enjoy a leisurely dinner, friendly staff and only the best sushi Chicago has to offer.  

How do I know?  I lived in Japan for several years and worked for a Japanese airline for another several years.  ALL the Japanese business men would frequent this place back in the day.