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Sushi Samba Rio

504 N Wells St
Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: (312) 595-2300
Sushi Samba Rio
Price:
$$$$
Cross Street:
Illinois Street
Directions:
El: Brown/Purple Line to Merchandise Mart
Best of Citysearch:
Outdoor Bar 2007, See and Be Seen Bar 2007, People Watching 2004
Hours:
Sun-Tues 11:45am-12am, Weds-Thu 11:45am-1am, Fri-Sat 11:45am-2am

Message from Sushi Samba Rio

Sushi Samba Rio

Celebrate the Cuisine & Culture of Japan, Brazil & Peru

  • Samba Brunch
  • Private Party Spaces
  • Rooftop Lounge

Only at Sushi Samba will you find a unique blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine, music and design.

Sushi Samba is born of the energy and spirit of these three distinct cultures; a tri-cultural coalition that took root in the early 20th Century. Thousands of Japanese emigrants traveled to South America's fertile soil to cultivate coffee plantations and find their fortune. In bustling cities like Callao and Lima in Peru, and São Paulo in Brazil, the integration of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cultures flourished.

This cultural phenomenon launched a culinary coup. Hearty moquecas and colorful seviches found a place at the table along side simple miso soup and tender sashimi. Sushi Samba serves these traditional dishes, plus more inventive fare, including sashimi seviche, sushi salada, and South American beef maki roll.

Paid advertisement by Sushi Samba Rio.

Editorial Review for Sushi Samba Rio – by J.P. Anderson

The Scene
Chic young Chicagoans flock to this energetic, clubby restaurant, whose blend of pulsing salsa rhythms and Asian influence is already a hit in New York and Miami. The cavernous room is divided into several areas, each with its own over-the-top personality: from a sleek, circular front sushi bar to the "mod pit"--a sunken red-leather alcove with plum shag carpeting and glittery hanging beads. Service is generally smart, fast and friendly.

The Food
Japanese-Brazilian fusion food could easily be a mess of mismatched flavors and textures, but the extensive menu of Asian-tinged seviches, spicy sushi rolls and artfully presented small plates makes you wonder why no one thought of it before. Tuna sashimi seviche with orange and jalapeno is succulent and spicy-sweet; Samba Rio roll stuffed with shredded guava-glazed short ribs and sweet pepper is simply inspired. Finish with fresh fruit and yogurt, or moist, rich tres leite cake, each a scrumptious ending.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.

Insider Tips

Where to Sit

Sit at a perimeter table for prime people-watching. Communal tables are cramped, with back-less stools that make for a sore back. At night, head to the rooftop lounge for a cocktail.

Save Money

Daily 11:45am-3:30pm, get bento box specials with sushi, sashimi, teriyaki, miso soup and seasonal field greens for $15-$20.

Look Good

Sneak up to the mezzanine lounge for a bird's-eye view of the action.

What to Drink

Specialty cocktails include mojitos, caipirinhas and creative martinis; sake and wine lists are extensive and not terribly overpriced, with several bottles in the $30-$40 range.

Parking

Valet parking is offered in front of the building. There are also two parking lots a block away at Hubbard and Wells.

User Reviews for Sushi Samba Rio

Citysearch (60), Judy's Book (4 ), Trip Advisor (6 ), All (70)

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

07/15/2008 Posted by tnoves

My family has gone here two years in a row for the new year celebration. It is simply amazing. They have so much entertainment (brazilian samba dancers, and capoeira performers). Great music. A beautiful bar. Great food, the salted edamame appetizer is delicious. Stunning decoration and atmosphere. It's a huge room, but you still feel intimate with your party. The waiters are very attentive and friendly also. I only have great things to say about this restaurant. It's a must for everyone, and definitely the best party for new years. Everybody is very interactive and dances, and they pass out tons of party favors.

Pros: Decor, new years party, service

Cons: Better to go in a group

1 Star Rating: Not Recommended

06/25/2008 Posted by southsider25

This is a very cool place very trendy with lots to look at. That is the best compliment I can give sushi samba rio. I made a reservation for 5 people and when we arrived they had lost our reservation. Instead apologizing or anything close to it we were seated very quickly –felt rushed – at what seemed to be the worst possible table in the restaurant. As I said the ambiance was very cool would be a fun place to come on a weekend for some drinks and maybe a few appetizers, but that’s it. Our waiter was very nice tried to help as best he could in recommendations, but overall the food was just bad. I had the tuna ceviche and all I could taste was onions and jalapeño and I am pretty sure onions weren’t even supposed to be in it. I also tried the samba rio roll which was horrible. All I could taste was cucumber and bad cucumber at that. All of my guests had similar experiences with their food as well little or no taste. The worst part of the dinner came when the bill arrived. WAY TO EXPENSIVE!! So not worth the money. If you are looking for a cool place to go for ambiance and a few drinks by all means go have fun, if you are looking for a decent meal I would go to burger king before I would ever go here again.

Pros: fun ambience

Cons: bad food sevice drinks and pretty much everything else

Schedule

07/24/2008 Passport Thursdays
  8:00 pm-2:00 am    
07/31/2008 Passport Thursdays
  8:00 pm-2:00 am    
08/07/2008 Passport Thursdays
  8:00 pm-2:00 am    
08/14/2008 Passport Thursdays
  8:00 pm-2:00 am    
08/21/2008 Passport Thursdays
  8:00 pm-2:00 am    
08/28/2008 Passport Thursdays
  8:00 pm-2:00 am    
09/04/2008 Passport Thursdays
  8:00 pm-2:00 am    
09/11/2008 Passport Thursdays
  8:00 pm-2:00 am    
09/18/2008 Passport Thursdays
  8:00 pm-2:00 am    
09/25/2008 Passport Thursdays
  8:00 pm-2:00 am    

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Editor's Review

A trendy crowd coos over daring Japanese-Brazilian fusion cuisine at this flashy dining destination.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

Where to Sit

Sit at a perimeter table for prime people-watching. Communal tables are cramped, with back-less stools that make for a sore back. At night, head to the rooftop lounge for a cocktail.

More Insider Tips

Restaurant Information

Smoking

  • Lounge

Parking

  • Valet

Hours

  • Sun-Tues 11:45am-12am
  • Weds-Thu 11:45am-1am
  • Fri-Sat 11:45am-2am

Cuisines

  • Sushi
  • Other
  • Latin American
  • Brazilian
  • Japanese

Payment Types

  • American Express
  • Visa
  • MasterCard

Meal Price

  • $$$$

Amenities

  • Open 7 Days
  • Bar Scene
  • Outdoor Dining
  • People Watching
  • Lunch Spot
  • Date Spot
  • Group Dining
  • Local Favorites

Recognition for Sushi Samba Rio

2007 Audience Winner - Outdoor Bar
2007 Audience Winner - See and Be Seen Bar
2004 Audience Winner - People Watching

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