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Chacho Sushi
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Chacho Sushi
7.8
Neighborhood Japanese spot in the Excelsior with a broad menu that includes a dedicated ramen section. Bowls skew classic—think tonkotsu, shoyu, and spicy miso—served fast for casual dinners or takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen, Shoyu Ramen, Spicy Miso Ramen
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Broad Japanese menu with straightforward ramen staples at fair prices.
Who should go: Casual ramen seekers and solo diners
When to visit: After 8pm for shorter waits and quick service
What to order: Tonkotsu ramen, shoyu ramen, spicy miso ramen
Insider tip: Request firm noodles and add chili oil if you like heat.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available along Mission Street and nearby side streets; can be tight during dinner rush but manageable after 8pm.
Dress code: Casual attire is perfectly fine—locals often stop by in jeans or hoodies.
Noise level: Moderate—ambient chatter from small groups but quiet enough for solo diners to relax.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak hours, faster for single diners at the counter.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; food comes out within 10 minutes of ordering.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable ramen and avocado rolls available.
Vegan options: Limited—ask for the veggie ramen with no egg and confirm broth base.
Gluten-free options: Limited—no dedicated gluten-free noodles, but some rice-based dishes available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for a casual bite than a romantic outing; works if your date appreciates neighborhood Japanese spots and fast service.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm here. Tables turn quickly, especially after 8pm.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like noodles or sushi; space is tight for strollers, so best for small groups.
Best For
Better for: Quick ramen fix or late dinner without the drive downtown; great for solo meals.
Skip if: You’re looking for premium ramen with custom broths or a long ingredient list—this is a simpler neighborhood spot.
Chacho Sushi
7.9
Newer Mission Street entrant serving approachable maki with efficient counter-style pacing in a compact dining room. Useful for quick roll fixes before or after errands on the corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Shrimp Tempura Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Streamlined roll menu with fast ticket times and fair pricing.
Who should go: Casual diners on a schedule
When to visit: Lunch 11:30–1:30 or after 8pm
What to order: Super California; Spicy Tuna; Shrimp Tempura
Insider tip: Split dine-in and takeout orders—counter moves quicker than tables during peak.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission Street; spaces open up after 6pm but can be competitive during lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; most diners wear everyday attire suitable for errands or quick lunches.
Noise level: Moderate; steady conversation hum from takeout traffic, still fine for casual chats.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes typical during peak; takeout orders ready faster.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before noon; short line during rush 12–1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – avocado, cucumber, and veggie rolls available.
Vegan options: Limited – a couple of maki options without fish or mayo.
Gluten-free options: Yes – tamari available on request; cross-contact possible, so alert staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a long sit-down date—it’s a quick-service setup—but fine for a casual meal before a movie or walk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only; tables turn quickly, and takeout is faster if seating’s full.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-friendly and compact; no high chairs but easy for quick meals with older kids.
Best For
Better for: Quick, no-fuss rolls when you want sushi without the long restaurant experience.
Skip if: You’re looking for omakase, premium fish cuts, or a longer dining experience—head to a full-service sushi house instead.
Chacho Sushi
7.9
Neighborhood Japanese spot offering a broad sushi lineup with efficient lunch hours. Generous portions and straightforward combos make it practical for quick meetups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dragon roll, Hamachi nigiri, Chicken katsu lunch set
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Broad menu with fast lunch pacing and easy portions.
Who should go: Quick sushi lunch planners
When to visit: 12:00–1:00pm; order combos to save time
What to order: Dragon roll, hamachi nigiri, miso soup
Insider tip: Check the board for off-menu rolls and lunch specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission Street and side streets; usually available before noon but fills quickly after 12pm.
Dress code: Casual to business casual — work attire or neat jeans fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation-friendly at lunch, slightly louder during dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes at peak times; no reservations accepted.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie rolls, tempura options, and tofu dishes available.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 roll options without mayo or fish flakes; ask server for modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes — tamari available on request; rice-based items safe for most diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Decent choice for a casual first lunch — friendly staff and steady pacing keep it relaxed, though the setting is more functional than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins are the norm for lunch; tables turn quickly thanks to combo specials and fast service.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are welcome. Booth seating and familiar rolls make it easy for kids, though space for strollers is limited during peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Fast, filling Japanese lunches and casual weekday meetups where timing matters.
Skip if: You’re after refined sushi plating, sake pairings, or a romantic dinner setting — head downtown instead.
Chacho Sushi
7.9
Newer Excelsior arrival offering crisp, bright rolls and contemporary plating in a compact space. It leans into vibrant sauces and layered textures that look as good as they eat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chacho Special Roll, Baked Salmon Roll, Hamachi Kama
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Vivid sauce work and layered rolls built for the close-up.
Who should go: Roll fans chasing colorful presentations
When to visit: After 8pm for easier tables and street parking
What to order: Chacho Special; baked salmon; yellowtail collar
Insider tip: Ask for light torching and sauce on the side for cleaner photos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be competitive around dinner hours but easier after 8pm along Mission Street and nearby residential blocks.
Dress code: Smart casual; most guests wear jeans or casual chic tops—ideal for date-night photos or group outings.
Noise level: Moderate; lively background buzz with music but conversation remains comfortable at small tables.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak 7–8pm window.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; walk-ins welcome.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple rolls and appetizers available, including veggie tempura and avocado-based options.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 modified rolls possible if sauces and mayo are omitted; staff is accommodating.
Gluten-free options: Partial—tamari available on request, but shared prep areas mean cross-contact risk.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—compact, stylish space with photogenic plating and mellow lighting. It feels casual but intentional, ideal for an easy first dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes if you arrive after 8pm or midweek; small groups may wait briefly during weekend peaks.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat; no kids’ menu, but families with older children fit fine. Limited space makes strollers challenging.
Best For
Better for: Instagram-worthy presentation and creative roll design that stand out from older sushi counters nearby.
Skip if: You’re seeking omakase precision or a quiet, extended dining experience—this spot leans energetic and casual.
Chacho Sushi
7.9
Neighborhood sushi spot on Mission Street serving generous rolls and reliable nigiri at fair prices. Locals use it for quick dinners and casual meetups without a long wait.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi bowl, Hamachi nigiri, Dragon roll
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Well-priced neighborhood sushi with fast ticket times and solid freshness.
Who should go: Casual sushi nights and weeknight takeout
When to visit: Early evening to avoid peak waits
What to order: Chirashi, salmon belly nigiri, spicy tuna hand roll
Insider tip: Ask for a light sear on toro/aburi-style when available.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Mission Street is metered and competitive during dinner hours; side streets like Persia Ave or Geneva Ave usually have open spots within a 2–3 minute walk.
Dress code: Casual; neighborhood attire is fine—jeans and a T-shirt are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation-friendly at small tables, but busier during dinner rush with takeout traffic.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes typical for walk-ins after 6:30pm; faster for takeout orders.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; immediate seating before 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie rolls, avocado and cucumber maki, and tempura options.
Vegan options: Limited—basic veggie rolls available, but sauces and tempura batter may contain egg.
Gluten-free options: Yes—can substitute tamari on request; most sashimi and nigiri are safe if soy avoided.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than formal ones—comfortable, quiet enough to talk, but atmosphere leans practical over romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are common; only small groups might wait during weekend dinner rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—welcomes families with children; staff provides booster seats and the menu has mild, non-raw options.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, quick sushi at fair prices—great for takeout or last-minute dinner plans without pretension.
Skip if: You’re looking for omakase or high-end presentation—this is more about value and neighborhood comfort than artistry.
Chacho Sushi
7.9
Neighborhood sushi shop on Mission Street with generous rolls, solid nigiri, and efficient service. A reliable weeknight option for casual dinners and takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi bowl, Salmon belly nigiri, Spicy tuna hand roll
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Well-priced neighborhood sushi with quick ticket times and fresh cuts.
Who should go: Casual sushi nights and takeout
When to visit: Early evening for shortest waits
What to order: Chirashi; salmon belly nigiri; spicy tuna hand roll
Insider tip: Ask for a light sear on fatty cuts when available.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Mission Street is limited but generally manageable before 6pm; nearby residential blocks offer additional spaces after business hours.
Dress code: Casual; neighborhood attire like jeans and a tee or light jacket fits the scene.
Noise level: Moderate – conversational buzz from the small dining room but still easy to chat across the table.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes around 7pm; no reservations accepted.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; quick turnover from takeout orders.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several rolls and vegetable tempura options available.
Vegan options: Limited – a few veggie rolls and cucumber-avocado choices but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation – gluten-free soy sauce available on request; cross-contact possible at the sushi bar.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for low-key dates – the casual setting and quick service make it relaxed, but it’s more cozy neighborhood spot than romantic destination.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes; Chacho Sushi doesn’t take reservations. Arrive before 6:30pm for easiest seating or opt for takeout during peak dinner rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – families are common; high chairs are limited but staff accommodates children and offers simple rolls or teriyaki options.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable sushi nights with reliable quality and friendly service.
Skip if: You’re after omakase-style precision or a special-occasion atmosphere—head to higher-end sushi bars instead.