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Ace Wasabi Rock-N-Roll Sushi
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Ace Wasabi Rock-N-Roll Sushi
8.0
Long-running rock-and-roll sushi spot with neon glow, upbeat playlists, and a broad menu of crowd-pleasing rolls and nigiri. Happy hour and group-friendly pacing make it easy to graze and post.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brisket or spicy tuna roll set, Hamachi nigiri, Shrimp tempura roll
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Neon-tinted, music-driven sushi hangout with a deep roll list.
Who should go: Groups chasing scene plus sushi
When to visit: Weekday happy hour for best value
What to order: Spicy tuna, shrimp tempura roll, hamachi nigiri
Insider tip: Snag a booth for best lighting on food photos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Chestnut and nearby side streets; can be challenging after 6pm, especially weekends. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and a nice top fit the scene; many guests lean trendy for evening hours.
Noise level: Loud during peak dinner hours due to music and crowd energy; moderate before 6:30pm.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats move faster for walk-ins.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; casual pace with quick turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie rolls, tofu appetizers, and salads available.
Vegan options: Limited — can customize avocado or cucumber rolls, but sauces may contain fish or mayo.
Gluten-free options: Yes — gluten-free soy sauce available on request; several sashimi and roll options qualify.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, high-energy date — the lighting and soundtrack create a fun vibe, though not ideal for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually possible on weeknights or during early happy hour; weekends fill up fast, so bar or communal tables are your best bet.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids who enjoy sushi will do fine, but the music and evening crowd skew adult; better suited for families before 6pm.
Best For
Better for: Larger groups seeking lively energy, strong happy hour deals, and social sushi nights.
Skip if: You want quiet omakase or minimalist presentation — head to Zushi Puzzle or Wako for that experience.
Ace Wasabi Rock-N-Roll Sushi
8.2
Lively Marina standby pairing classic nigiri with creative rolls, cocktails, and upbeat energy. It’s a fun, share-friendly date with easy reservations and a buzzy late-evening scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tuna crispy rice, Hamachi-jalapeño sashimi, Chef’s choice nigiri
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: High-energy sushi house with cocktails and shareable rolls.
Who should go: Couples who like buzz and cocktails
When to visit: After 8:30pm for smoother pacing
What to order: Crispy rice; hamachi-jalapeño; nigiri set
Insider tip: Request a corner table; it dampens noise for conversation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking—challenging after 6pm on Chestnut, but metered spots open up near Fillmore; no valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans fine, but most guests lean stylish for a night out.
Noise level: High-energy; conversation possible at smaller tables, but the music and chatter build later in the evening.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation after 7:30pm; bar seats may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait—mainly dinner-focused crowd.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—plenty of veggie rolls and appetizers like edamame and tempura.
Vegan options: Limited—few maki options without fish or mayo; request modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes—tamari available on request, but shared prep area means possible cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something lively and playful rather than quiet—fun energy and shareable plates keep things light.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually—bar seating or high-tops often available, but weekends fill fast, so book ahead if you prefer a quieter spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids—volume and bar scene suit adults, though older teens who like sushi will fit right in early evening.
Best For
Better for: Group dates or fun, upbeat nights with cocktails and creative rolls—it nails atmosphere and energy.
Skip if: You’re seeking a serene omakase or hushed fine-dining experience; go to Sushi Hakko or Wako instead.
Ace Wasabi Rock-N-Roll Sushi
8.4
Long-running Marina standby known for upbeat energy, a deep roll list, and a popular happy hour. Locals come for reliable classics like Rock n Roll and spicy tuna backed by quick service and a lively bar scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rock n Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Tempura Shrimp Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: High-energy roll house with decades of Marina pedigree and daily happy hour.
Who should go: Groups and roll lovers seeking a scene
When to visit: 5–6pm happy hour or later evenings
What to order: Rock n Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Tempura Shrimp Roll
Insider tip: Sit at the sushi bar to catch roll specials as they drop.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Union and Fillmore; spots fill quickly after 6pm, so rideshare or garage at Lombard & Fillmore is best.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and casual tops are fine, but most patrons lean stylish for evening visits.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours; music and bar chatter make it lively but not ideal for quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; bar seating can open faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though limited lunch hours apply.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie rolls and appetizers like edamame and tempura.
Vegan options: Limited — avocado and cucumber rolls are available but sauce options may contain mayo.
Gluten-free options: Yes — tamari available on request; some rolls can be adjusted.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re aiming for casual fun — the energy and music make it playful, though it’s not an intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, but expect a short wait on weekends; try arriving before 6pm or sit at the sushi bar for quicker service.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens fit fine; the vibe skews adult at night due to bar traffic and noise.
Best For
Better for: Energetic nights out with friends, upbeat sushi sessions, and happy hour rolls with cocktails.
Skip if: You want a quiet omakase or refined sushi experience — try nearby Wako or Chome instead.
Ace Wasabi Rock-N-Roll Sushi
8.0
Long-running Marina sushi spot pairing fun, high-energy service with fresh nigiri and crowd-pleasing specialty rolls. It’s the neighborhood’s go-to for upbeat sushi nights and bar-seat solo dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna Tartare on Crispy Rice, Spice Girls Roll, Assorted Nigiri Flight
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Veteran sushi room with lively energy and reliable fish quality.
Who should go: Sushi fans seeking a buzzy night
When to visit: Late evenings after 8:30pm for quicker seating
What to order: Nigiri flight; crispy rice tuna; signature roll
Insider tip: Bar seats turn fastest—add your name and hover.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Union can be tough after 6pm; try nearby side streets or the Lombard garage two blocks away.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and a nice top are fine, but many guests lean stylish for evening outings.
Noise level: Lively and upbeat, especially near the bar—conversation is possible but expect background music and chatter.
Weekend wait: Typically 45–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats often open faster.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; early weekday dinners before 6:30pm have minimal wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls, avocado maki, and tofu starters available.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize a few rolls and salads upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—tamari available and many rolls can be made gluten-free if requested early.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if your date enjoys upbeat energy and sushi sharing. The bar and booths create a lively, social vibe that works best for casual first dates rather than quiet romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Walk-ins are common, especially midweek. For weekends, expect a wait unless you arrive before 6:30pm or grab bar seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids due to loud music and bar focus, but older teens who enjoy sushi will be comfortable at earlier seatings.
Best For
Better for: Energetic sushi nights with friends or solo bar dining—fun vibe and consistent quality fish.
Skip if: You’re seeking quiet omakase or minimalist fine dining; other sushi bars like Wako or Kabuto suit that style better.
Ace Wasabi Rock-N-Roll Sushi
8.2
Long-running Marina standby pairing lively energy with a broad sushi and roll lineup. Go for crowd-pleasing combos, a solid sake program, and a scene that works for groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spice Girls roll, Crispy rice tuna, Hamachi jalapeño
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Since 1995, a lively neighborhood fixture for sushi and sake.
Who should go: Friends chasing rolls, sake, and a scene
When to visit: Weekdays 5–7pm for easier seating
What to order: Spice Girls roll, crispy rice tuna, hamachi jalapeño
Insider tip: Bar seats turn fastest on busy nights.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Union and Lombard; metered until 10pm. No valet, and spaces fill fast on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and sneakers fine, but most guests lean trendy or slightly dressy for the Marina scene.
Noise level: Lively to loud during peak hours — expect background music and chatter, but conversation is manageable at smaller tables.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation after 7pm; bar seats move faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; dinner starts filling by 6:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple veggie rolls, tofu appetizers, and salads.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 items like cucumber and avocado rolls; verify sauces.
Gluten-free options: Yes — tamari available on request, but rolls may share prep surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want a fun and casual atmosphere — energetic but not overwhelming, with sake flights and easy shared plates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually possible on weeknights or before 6:30pm; weekends are walk-in only for bar seating and often fill quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for older kids or early dinners, but noise and bar crowd make it less ideal for young children after 7pm.
Best For
Better for: Group sushi nights and casual celebrations — louder vibe and broad menu outperform quieter omakase-focused spots.
Skip if: You want a serene omakase or minimalist sushi experience; try Sushi Hakko or Zushi Puzzle instead.
Ace Wasabi Rock-N-Roll Sushi
8.2
Long-running Marina standby pairing lively energy with a broad sushi and roll lineup. Go for crowd-pleasing combos, a solid sake list, and a scene that works for groups before or after Chestnut.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spice Girls roll, Tuna tartare on crispy rice, Hamachi jalapeño sashimi
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: High-energy sushi house with decades of Marina bona fides.
Who should go: Friends chasing rolls, sake, and a scene
When to visit: Weekdays 5–7pm for easier seating
What to order: Spice Girls roll, crispy rice tuna, hamachi jalapeño
Insider tip: Bar seats turn fastest on busy nights.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Chestnut and surrounding blocks; meters fill quickly after 6pm, so rideshare or nearby lots on Lombard are recommended.
Dress code: Smart casual—think jeans with a nice top or jacket; many guests come dressed for bar hopping afterward.
Noise level: Lively and loud, especially during peak dinner hours and weekends; better for group energy than quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; bar seats may open faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait since lunch service is lighter and faster-paced.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—avocado rolls, veggie tempura, and tofu starters available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 maki options and vegetable appetizers can be customized.
Gluten-free options: Partial—ask for tamari instead of soy sauce and avoid fried rolls or sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s more fun and upbeat than intimate—ideal for casual or second dates where conversation competes with music and energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect to wait on weekends; the sushi bar and communal tables often seat walk-ins first.
Is it kid-friendly? Older kids and teens are fine, but it’s not geared toward families—volume and bar traffic make it more adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Group dinners and upbeat nights out with sake flights and signature rolls.
Skip if: You’re seeking omakase precision or a quiet, traditional sushi experience.