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Sakesan Sushi & Bistro
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Sakesan Sushi & Bistro
7.9
Buzzy Clement Street spot with broad sushi offerings and late hours. Good value for couples splitting a mix of nigiri, maki, and a roll or two with a carafe of sake.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hamachi carpaccio, Sakesan specialty roll, Chef’s choice nigiri (5–7 pcs)
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Late-night-friendly sushi lineup with approachable pricing and energy.
Who should go: Budget-minded date nights
When to visit: Happy hour window or late evening
What to order: Hamachi carpaccio; house roll; chef’s nigiri
Insider tip: Ask about off-menu nigiri—rotates with fish deliveries.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but can be difficult after 6pm, especially on weekends. Consider using nearby parking garages if you’re arriving during peak times.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but avoid overly casual attire. It’s a trendy spot, so leaning dressy is a good option.
Noise level: Moderate - The atmosphere can get lively, especially during happy hour, but conversation is still easy with your date.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation
Weekday lunch: No wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - There are vegetarian options, including rolls with avocado, cucumber, and other vegetable-based fillings.
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 vegan-friendly options, such as vegetable rolls and tofu dishes.
Gluten-free options: Yes - They offer gluten-free soy sauce, and many dishes can be modified to be gluten-free. There is a separate prep area for gluten-free items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, it’s a great spot for a first date. The lively atmosphere and accessible pricing create a relaxed yet fun setting, and the sushi is approachable for newcomers to Japanese cuisine.
Can I get a table without a reservation? While it’s possible to get a table without a reservation, it’s highly recommended to book ahead, especially on weekends or during happy hour when the restaurant is busiest.
Is it kid-friendly? This restaurant is more suited to adults and couples, especially given the date-night vibe. There’s no specific kid’s menu, and the atmosphere may be a bit too mature for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Sakesan offers a lively, casual environment with great late-night hours, ideal for budget-minded date nights. The energy and happy hour offerings make it a better choice for a fun, low-pressure dinner.
Skip if: If you're looking for a more intimate, quiet dining experience or prefer upscale, fine dining sushi, you may want to try other options like Wako or the more refined sushi spots in the area.
Sakesan Sushi & Bistro
7.9
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Happy Hour Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
Family Friendly Favorites
Bustling Clement Street spot with a deep roll list, party trays, and late-night energy. Expect crowd-pleasers and big flavors over strict minimalism—ideal for groups and celebrations.
Must-Try Dishes:
49ers Roll, Spider Roll, Dragon Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Large roll selection and trays that make sharing simple.
Who should go: Groups craving crowd-pleasing rolls
When to visit: Prime time 6–8pm; reserve or arrive early
What to order: 49ers; Spider; Dragon
Insider tip: Ask about tray combos for better per-roll value.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking on Clement and surrounding side streets; meters turn over slowly on weekends, so plan extra time. No dedicated lot or valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans and casual tops are fine, but many groups dress up a bit for weekend dinners.
Noise level: Lively and energetic—conversation is possible at smaller tables but challenging during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; walk-ins may need to split across tables for larger parties.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – veggie rolls and tofu appetizers are clearly marked.
Vegan options: Limited – 2–3 options, mainly veggie rolls or cucumber/avocado combinations.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation – gluten-free soy sauce available on request; avoid tempura or imitation crab.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or second dates—fun energy and colorful rolls, but the noise level can make deeper conversation tricky.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible for small parties before 6pm or after 8:30pm; peak times fill up quickly, especially weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff are accommodating with booster seats and simpler roll options; early dinner hours are best for families.
Best For
Better for: Large groups and celebrations—bigger roll selection and shared platters than most neighborhood sushi bars.
Skip if: You prefer quiet, minimalist sushi experiences—opt for Kabuto or KAIYO instead.