Sushi Samba Rio

04/10/09

Nice place but...

by fredsamford at Citysearch

In a competitive asian-fusion market, Sushi-samba seems like a good idea that isnt really hitting its full stride. The service was excellent and attentive, and the host /doorperson was very informative. But when paying premium prices, service is expected. What isnt expected is the average food. We had 3 different special rolls which were very good, but the brazilian apps were overly salty and average. The place closes early on Sundays and we made the mistake of doing a late dinner here and were rushed through our meal which, to me, is inexcusable. They should not seat you if they arent going to allow you to order certain foods at certain times. Again, premium prices and you have to be held to a very high standard.

• Pros: Beautiful
• Cons: nothing special, high prices

10/23/08

Great Ambience but lacks a few important things...

by Taser65 at Citysearch

I went to Sushi Samba last night to the upstairs bar/lounge. It was definitely crowded and I was constantly stepping over people. We were there for a Ultimate Fighting Party which was a great turnout. The food was good and our server was good. We received bottle service and had no issues. The only issue I had that stood out was the "service" from a so-called bartender. Before we got our bottle I went to the bar for a round. Some woman who tried to look 20 but was probably 30 at best was terrible. I ordered a Black Cherry vodka and Sprite, Kettle and Soda and Malibu and Coke all with lemons. She took my order and walked away. A few minutes later she told me they don't have Malibu so I ordered Parrot Bay. She then told me they don't have Parrot Bay so I ordered a simple Bacardi and Coke. I got the three drinks and there were initially comped but she said she didn't know what I was talking about so we grabbed our drinks and paid the tab. As I sat down and handed the Bacardi and Coke to the woman I was with I noticed it was not a Bacardi and Coke. I tasted it and it was some coconut rum and sprite. Now I understand being busy but she was a complete idiot. The drink was wrong, I asked her about 2 other drinks she claimed they didn't have, then ordered a simple drink and got a drink that was half of what I had initially ordered and Sprite. Needless to say I don't think we tipped much on 3 drinks reaching $29 and one of them being wrong. I understand good looks behind a bar but you also have to have some sort of common sense.

Best bet is get a table or go to a server if you want your drink to taste like what you ordered. Or simply don't order from the taller yellow-haired bartender who obviously is stuck in, "The Real O.C."

• Pros: Ambience, Our Server, Food
• Cons: Blonde "bartender,"and 2 Skanky looking Pigs

08/08/07

AC Broken?

by dionne505 at Citysearch

Food was ...ok. I would not recommend ANYONE to to eat sushi with mozzarella cheese on it. YUCK! The atmosphere is AMAZING, great place to have a drink either at the bar upstairs or down. Very Beautiful place, fun for groups and also date spot. Funky spot, great people watching. The only thing was that the AC was BROKEN!! And eating in a place where its packed and hot is not so hot... My only suggestion is to make sure the air is working before you go.

• Pros: Hot spot, great people watching
• Cons: AC was broken in the middle of July.. I've had better sushi from Whole Foods

08/02/07

Great Ambience, Great Decor, So-So- Sushi

by pinkfacedbunny at Citysearch

Obviously, and in accordance with so many other reviews, the decor was enthralling.. great place to bring somebody you want to impress. The food was decent, but having been spoiled with all the good sushi places on the West coast, I found that the sushi was just so-so. Nothing very special about the rolls or the sashimi. I ordered oysters to start, and one of my oysters gave off an extremely foul odor. Thankfully, the bespectacled Asian waiter was very kind as to replace my oyster. Impeccable service. I guess it's a great place to bring someone on a date, because it's all glitzy and stuff.. but personally, I think the food could improve by miles to match the standards of its decor.

• Pros: Great place to be seen eating sushi for the sake of 'exotic' dining.
• Cons: Below average sushi if you're an experienced Japanese-food eater.

01/08/05

Turn down the bass!

by mildredludlow at Citysearch

Am I getting old (31) or is it just way too loud in this place to have any semblance of a conversation? Great, inventive food and prompt service (improved over my last visit); however, sitting in front of one of the many subwoofers almost ruined an otherwise good meal. I'll second-guess going back to this place if I intend to do anything beyond sit at the bar for a quick drink. Is there any place with more visible cleavage? Come on girls, have some pride. Your dad might be at the bar picking up your friends.

• Pros: Food, Service

09/22/03

Awkward table/seating

by fs at Citysearch

Sitting at the sushi bar is the better choice. Tables for two are set up in tight rows which sits you right next to other diners. While you struggle to hear your date, you can hear the conversations of the people perfectly next to you. When the diner next to is getting up to leave, you either have to let them out, or you get their butt in your face.

There is no private area to wash your hands. In fact, you are on display for the entire back of the restaurant when you wash your hands at an old trough, dressed up with Japanese river rocks.

Sushi Samba Rio might be the place for groups of 4 or more. My dinner for two was $150.00 with tip and we only had 4 drinks. Not the best value. If this place stays open to christmas will be a miracle.

• Pros: modern decor, eclectic, good location
• Cons: expensive, not intimate, slow service

08/18/03

Subpar sushi

by kwakey at Citysearch

I can't believe this place can actually ask people to pay the ridiculous prices for sushi! Hello?? We're not in New York- this is Chicago where food is reasonably priced. Our service was decent- but the way they pushed eating every course just so you can rack up a $200 tab....NOT. I am very disappointed in this long awaited opening. I vote for Starfish, Sushi Wabi or Mirai....they are much better than this place.

08/05/03

sushi samba

by anonim at Citysearch

the place itself is rather cute, nothing too exciting and nothing different than the ones in NYC. the crowd was ok, had its hits and misses, but again, the average turned out to be acceptable. one big issue is the service. it was absolutely impossible to get a waitress' attention in the lounge area, wrong order was brought after 40 minutes of waiting (on top of the ordering itself taking 30 minutes); but the climax of the experience came when our group got charged for 4 other tabs. so, go have fun, while this place is still happening (we give it about a month or so), try to catch a waitress and watch out when you settle YOUR bill.