Sushi Wabi
Chicago's original hipster sushi spot, this industrial Randolph Street fave serves up a mean plate of maki.
(312) 239-6276
842 W Randolph St
(at Halsted Street)
Chicago,
IL
60607
41.8845
-87.6489
Neighborhoods: Near West Side, West Side
Hours:
Mon-Tue 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-11pm
Wed-Fri 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-12am
Sat 5pm-12am
Sun 5pm-11pm
Price:
$$$
Last updated 4.30.09
What People Are Saying About Sushi Wabi
The Owner
Sushi Wabi
Owner
You will feel the Wabi aesthetic in everything when visiting Sushi Wabi. It's in the music, the room design, the lighting, the service and in the artfully prepared sushi. Sushi Wabi is proud of its non-materialistic and simple approach to the dining experience. Also Sushi Wabi is an excellent choice for sushi at your event. They have catering for all sorts of events, as small as a house party of 10 to as large as a 1000 person event. They will cater any kind or size of event such as, weddings, rehearsal dinners, grand opening parties, graduations, birthday parties and anniversaries, or just a get together of good friends and family. Also it was Voted "Best Sushi in Chicago" by Chicago Tribune readers.
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
You won't get a Zen Japanese experience here: Wabi is hip, industrial and loud, filled with stylish, black-clad people who dig the clubby vibe and low-backed stools. Thumping DJ-spun music bounces off the hard surfaces of the minimalist room.
The Food
The focus here is on 25 elaborate maki creations and colorful combination rolls, like the familiar dragon and spider, plus behemoths like the Tarantula (soft-shell crab, fresh crab, avocado, cucumber and more). Edamame are steamy hot and perfectly salted, and gyu-negima (thin-sliced marinated beef wrapped around scallions) is succulent in sweet garlic-soy sauce. Nicely seared sea scallops are paired with tart apple-plum puree; tempura udon boasts wonderfully plump, squishy noodles that are a delight to bite, the tempura wisely served separately to prevent sogginess.
User Reviews
sushitaster
November 11, 2008
I went for sushi. I am not usually very picky about things but I had a waitress (nicole) who's not so pleasant non- smile, half angered look was most unpleasant. She was not nice to us. Beyond that, the food is ok. It's presentation is nice. I think the salmon was not so fresh. The atmosphere is cramped. You are literally sitting next to people almost shoulder to shoulder and there is hardly any room to get out if you are against the wall. I used to go here all the time but after the rude waitress I will opt not to. There are plenty of better sushi bars around town. I don't even ever write critiques but this experience was SO unpleasant that I felt compelled to write this.
read full reviewAnonymous
November 11, 2008
terrible service. the waitress who acted like she owned the place was so nasty. food was decent but expensive. not a lot of room here. the bathroom is nice.
read full reviewAnonymous
October 19, 2008
One of the best places i've ever been for sushi! Really cute atmosphere. Fresh food. Fast service! Large portions. A little pricey, but definitely worth it! If you love sushi you definitely need to go here!
read full reviewThe Details on Sushi Wabi
What to Drink:
Interesting beverages include ginger soda or tea, flavored iced teas, a Japanese Virgin Mary with wasabi, martinis with ginger-stuffed olives, and several chilled sakes.
Know Before You Go:
Reservations are strongly recommended for dinner (lunch reservations are only for parties of six or more).
When to Go:
DJs spin progressive jazz nightly from 7pm to 11pm.
The Extras:
The restaurant delivers dinner only ($2 fee; $20 minimum order). Delivery area is bordered by the lake (east), Wood (west), 18th Street (south), and Chicago Avenue (north).
Category:
Japanese, Restaurants, Catering
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, People Watching, Date Spot, Group Dining
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
Message from Sushi Wabi
- Gourmet sushi
- Catering
- Take-out and delivery
You will feel the Wabi aesthetic in everything when visiting Sushi Wabi. It's in the music, the room design, the lighting, the service and in the artfully prepared sushi. Sushi Wabi is proud of its non-materialistic and simple approach to the dining experience. Also Sushi Wabi is an excellent choice for sushi at your event. They have catering for all sorts of events, as small as a house party of 10 to as large as a 1000 person event. They will cater any kind or size of event such as, weddings, rehearsal dinners, grand opening parties, graduations, birthday parties and anniversaries, or just a get together of good friends and family. Also it was Voted "Best Sushi in Chicago" by Chicago Tribune readers.
