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Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar
8.3
Since 2011, Union has blended robata-grilled meats with creative maki and sashimi in a compact, graffiti-accented Erie Street space. Its long-running happy hour, $1 oyster promotions, and reliable sushi make it a high-volume standby for after-work meetups and casual dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffled Tuna, Kyoto Glazed Lamb Chops, Spicy Tuna roll
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Japanese-leaning sushi and robata spot with serious happy hour traction.
Who should go: Friends or coworkers splitting sushi and grilled plates.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour for deals and easier seating.
What to order: Truffled Tuna, Kyoto Lamb Chops, a signature roll.
Insider tip: Use the upstairs bar area for larger happy hour groups.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in River North; most guests use nearby paid garages or rideshare, especially during peak evening hours.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for evenings.
Noise level: Lively and on the louder side during peak hours — conversation is possible but can require raised voices at the bar and communal areas.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during prime happy hour and evening windows.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; easier to walk in and be seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — multiple maki, vegetable sides, and some hot plates can be ordered meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable rolls and sides work, but many sauces include mayo or fish elements; confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Some options available and staff can guide substitutions, but cross-contact is likely in a mixed sushi/robata kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual or fun first dates — the energy is lively and the menu is shareable, but it may feel loud if you prefer a quieter, more intimate conversation setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes during weekdays and earlier seatings; on weekends and during happy hour, expect a wait or consider the bar or upstairs area for faster seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably kid-friendly during earlier hours, but the vibe skews adult and social at night; best for older kids or families comfortable with a louder dining room.
Best For
Better for: Happy hour deals, group meetups, and a mix of creative rolls plus grilled skewers in a high-energy setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional omakase or minimalist sushi experience, or require very strict dietary controls with low cross-contact risk.
Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar
8.4
Union blends sushi, robata, and cocktails in a graffiti-lined space that splits the difference between neighborhood hangout and destination date spot. Pairs mix rolls, skewers, and sake flights at the bar or curved booths while the open kitchen keeps the room humming.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Rice Nigiri, Spicy Crunch Maki, Charred Octopus
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Street-art Japanese spot where sushi and robata share equal billing.
Who should go: Couples wanting creative rolls and skewers under neon.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or early weekends before it gets packed.
What to order: Black rice nigiri, spicy crunch maki, charred octopus skewer.
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu specials; the kitchen runs limited-time rolls.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking nearby; garage parking available on Hubbard/Clark with typical evening rates; rideshare is most convenient on busy weekends
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for date night
Noise level: Moderate to loud — conversation is possible at booths, but bar and peak weekend hours run lively
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait (lunch service may be limited depending on day)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — veggie rolls, salads, and several robata vegetable dishes
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few maki and vegetable skewers; confirm sauces with server
Gluten-free options: Several options — many rolls and skewers can be modified; soy sauce alternatives available on request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the neon-and-graffiti space feels fun and energetic without being formal, and the mix-and-share menu makes it easy to pace the meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often — the bar and communal areas sometimes seat walk-ins, but expect a wait on weekends; arriving early evening improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — older kids and teens do fine, but the room is louder and more adult-oriented at night; there are no dedicated kids’ menu items.
Best For
Better for: Creative rolls, robata skewers, and a lively, date-night vibe that feels more playful than traditional sushi bars
Skip if: You want a quiet, minimalist sushi experience or an omakase-style meal focused strictly on classic nigiri
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday4:30pm - 10pm
Wednesday4:30pm - 10pm
Thursday4:30pm - 10pm
Friday4:30pm - 11pm
Saturday4:30pm - 11pm
Sunday4:30pm - 9:30pm