Niu Japenese Fusion Lounge

Recommends

MHarry87

Joined 2 years ago

Great food and service. I don't understand the negative reviews. When I went to Niu the food was excellent, and I couldn't have had a better, more attentive waitress. I especially liked the pepper salmon roll. Maybe it's because I expect Chicago to drain the money and the life force out of you, but $10 for parking didn't shock me at all. Also, Chicago is a big, bustling city. Even when you think nothing is happening near you, something is. Reservations are always important, I make them even if I think I don't need them. We had a wonderful time and I'll be going back whenever I'm in the city. Also, try the black sesame creme brulee.

Doesn't Recommend

cndesaus

Joined 3 years ago

Not worth the price or food. I live in the lakeview area and have found some great Sushi place for cheaper the price and better service.

This past 4th of July (2010) my roommate and I went to Navy Pier to watch the fireworks. Well we thought if we get there at around 7pm we would be able to get a table there and have a few drinks. Once we got to Navy Pier we found out that you had to have a ticket to get in because Navy Pier was at capacity.

So we walked back down Illinois Street. And decided to go have a Roll and a Appetizer. So clearly it was obvious we weren't trying to spend a whole lot of money because we just ate and two we were waiting for the fireworks to start.

Walked in and go a table right away so this leads us to believe it wasn't busy. Our waiter took longer than expected to get our drink order and kept apologizing for how busy the restaurant was that night. But if it was so busy why were we able to walk right in and get a table? And no one was waiting outside to get into the establishment.

We got our appetizer and the waiter never gave us plates to eat off from. Then the waiter said the sushi bar was backed up. Once we got our rolls we realized that our roll was not cold and was pretty warm; I never knew sushi was served warm or at room temperature, considering sushi is raw food.

We ate our meals and then we waited another 20 minutes for our check. Even though our waiter had printed off the check for the table next to us and had to walk past our table to give them their checks. And once he brought us our check he said "I'm sorry the service wasn't up to standards".

I don't know if it was because of the way we were dressed or because we didn't order enough food but I'm sure two drinks, two rolls, and a appetizer isn't all that cheap. And the rolls were on the more expensive side. I would think this waiter would treat guest like royalty if they want a good tip. For all he knows I could have been anyone important.

I have had better sushi in Lakeview for the same price or lower with better service.

Doesn't Recommend

rmstale

Joined 5 years ago

Worst sushi EVER!. My girlfriend and I have sushi delivered every Sunday. Today we decided to try something different...big mistake! Not only did they forget part of the order, but the rolls fell apart as soon as you picked up a piece and all of the sushi had a stale, "fishy" taste. We could not eat the food and had to throw it away. When we called back to complain about it, "Chi", the guy that took our order couldn't care less and was insulting on the phone. Avoid this place like the plague!

Recommends

monsmi

Joined 7 years ago

MICHAEL = GREAT SERVICE. I have been to NIU 4 times now. They have fantastic food. The cocktails are tasty and there are plenty to try. 3 of the 4 times I have been to NIU Michael has been my server. He may just be the reason I went back. My first visit was for my anniversary, we had a lot of questions and a lot of cocktails! Michael was so accomadating. My only experience w/o Michael wasnt bad, it just wasnt as good. I was so happy to have him as our server on Christmas. We will be back and we will request to be in Michaels section! Thanks!

Doesn't Recommend

CarrieElizabeth

Joined 5 years ago

To validate or not to validate? That is the question. WARNING: Don't get sucked in like I did!. Prior to dining I called to inquire about reservations. The hostess explained that reservations were not required on Monday and Tuesday nights, and by the way they validated parking for the AMC garage. Great!

The food was good, service average. Ready to leave, I asked them to validate my parking ticket. "That will be $10, please", the hostess informed me. Huh? When I explained "validation" equals "free parking", the hostess became hostile and beligerant, giving no indication of understanding the distinction between "validated parking" and offering "discounted parking". After further discussion I was told I could either pay the restaurant the $10 fee or pay the garage $32. Thoroughly disgusted at this point I reluctantly handed over my $10 as the hostess (who claimed to be part owner and refused to give me her name) lectured me on the parking norms of downtown Chicago. (I live in the Gold Coast.) So much for customer service! Needless to say, I will not be going back there again. Buyer BEWARE!

Recommends

elaamor

Joined 6 years ago

good food, good drinks, friendly staff. The sushi is great, I especially recomment the Pepper Salmon roll and the Spicy Mexican roll. The bar has some great drinks and a good ambiance.

The location is great if you are going to see a movie at the AMC River East theater next door.

Recommends

lu72

Joined 6 years ago

Great sush!. Ever since I've had sushi here, nowhere else compares. The fish is so soft, it's like eating butter. It soooo good. The waiters are very friendly, too. A little pricey but it's well worth it!

Recommends

Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Editorial Review. Dinner and a movie comes easy at this contemporary sushi lounge next to the AMC River East theater.