0 Followers
Sōgo Roll Bar
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Sōgo Roll Bar
8.2
This neighborhood hand roll bar from the Sushi Note team specializes in creative temaki with high-quality sashimi. Watch rolls crafted before you at the intimate counter featuring unique fillings like brandy-soaked albacore and scallops in masago mayo. The casual-refined vibe and shared patio with Go Get Em Tiger create a relaxed date atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brandy Albacore Hand Roll, Masago Mayo Scallop Roll, Six Roll Set
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Hand roll specialists from acclaimed Sushi Note team
Who should go: Date-goers wanting quality sushi without formality
When to visit: Lunch for six-roll set or early dinner weekdays
What to order: Six-roll set showcases best creative temaki offerings
Insider tip: Share the beautiful patio with adjacent coffee shop
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Vermont Ave and side streets - easier before 6pm. Lot behind building shares with Go Get Em Tiger. Arrive 10 mins early for spots.
Dress code: Casual-cool Los Feliz style - nice jeans and a button-down works, but this is a counter-service spot so no need to overdress
Noise level: Intimate and conversational - counter seating keeps it quiet, patio has coffee shop buzz but still date-friendly
Weekend wait: 20-30 min for counter seats prime hours (6-8pm), patio usually available
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins welcome
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - cucumber and avocado rolls available, but this is fish-forward temaki
Vegan options: Very limited - ask for vegetable rolls without mayo-based sauces
Gluten-free options: Temaki rice contains vinegar (usually safe), but soy sauce has gluten - request tamari substitute
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Ideal for early dates - counter seating creates natural conversation, it's impressive without being stuffy, and the $30-40pp price point feels thoughtful not cheap. The shared patio with Go Get Em Tiger gives you a built-in 'should we grab coffee after?' move.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Counter-only inside (no reservations, first-come seating for 8-10 spots), but the shared patio tables are open seating. Weekday lunch and early dinners (before 6pm) you'll likely walk right in. Friday/Saturday 7-9pm expect to wait or grab patio.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (12+) who appreciate good sushi - it's counter-service casual but not a 'kids menu' spot. The patio works for younger families during daytime, but evening skews date-night adult.
Best For
Better for: Temaki-specific expertise you won't find at standard sushi spots - the Sushi Note pedigree shows in creative fillings and pristine fish quality at approachable prices. Best when you want elevated hand rolls without the $200 omakase commitment.
Skip if: You want classic nigiri or sashimi platters (go to KazuNori or Sushi Note instead), need a full bar program (minimal sake/beer here), or want a quiet anniversary dinner (this has coffee shop energy from the shared space).
Sōgo Roll Bar
8.4
Hand roll specialists from the Sushi Note team serve creative temaki with premium fish in a casual-refined setting. Their brandy-soaked albacore and masago mayo scallops showcase inventive flavor combinations while maintaining traditional craftsmanship.
Must-Try Dishes:
Six-Roll Set, Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice, Fresh Crab Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Premium handroll bar offering KazuNori convenience with Sushi Note quality
Who should go: Sushi enthusiasts seeking creative, quality handrolls without fuss
When to visit: Lunch for the six-roll set on sunny patio days
What to order: Six-roll set, crispy rice with spicy tuna, crab handroll
Insider tip: Outdoor patio is dog-friendly and perfect for casual lunches
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Hillhurst or side streets - moderately easy to find. Small lot behind building with 8-10 spaces.
Dress code: Casual-refined - elevated athleisure to smart casual works. Skip the flip-flops.
Noise level: Low to moderate - counter seating allows easy conversation, patio is quieter
Weekend wait: 15-25 min for counter seats, minimal wait for patio tables
Weekday lunch: Walk-in friendly - usually seated within 5-10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 vegetarian handrolls including avocado, cucumber, and vegetable tempura options
Vegan options: Limited - 2 options (cucumber roll, avocado roll). Can modify some veggie rolls without mayo-based sauces.
Gluten-free options: Challenging - soy sauce contains gluten, but tamari available upon request. Rice is safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - counter seating creates natural conversation flow, premium quality shows thoughtfulness without stuffiness, and moderate pricing ($40-60/person) hits the sweet spot. Patio offers more intimate setting if preferred.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Counter seating is first-come, first-served and turns over quickly. Patio tables rarely need reservations except weekend evenings. Arrive before 6:30pm on weekends for best odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for ages 8+ who appreciate sushi - casual vibe and counter seating make it engaging for curious eaters. Patio works better for younger kids (less disruption). Limited non-sushi options though.
How does it compare to KazuNori? More creative flavor profiles and higher-grade fish than KazuNori, but similar handroll format and speed. Slightly higher price point ($2-3 more per roll) reflects the Sushi Note pedigree.
Can I bring my dog? Yes - outdoor patio is dog-friendly. Water bowls provided. Best during lunch or early dinner when patio is less crowded.
Best For
Better for: Creative handrolls with premium fish when you want KazuNori-style speed but Sushi Note-level quality. Best handroll patio experience in East Hollywood.
Skip if: You want traditional omakase presentation, need extensive non-sushi options, or prefer nigiri over rolls. For pure classic technique, go to Sushi Note instead.
Sōgo Roll Bar
8.3
Hand roll specialist from the Sushi Note team offering creative fillings like brandy-soaked albacore and masago mayo scallops. Counter-style preparation lets you watch each roll crafted fresh, combining fast-casual convenience with premium fish quality.
Must-Try Dishes:
6 Roll Set, Brandy Albacore Hand Roll, Crispy Tuna Rice
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-quality sashimi in hand roll format with creative flavor combinations
Who should go: Lunchtime workers and hand roll enthusiasts seeking quality
When to visit: Lunch for the 6 Roll Set special
What to order: 6 Roll Set showcases chef's best cuts at optimal value
Insider tip: Bar seating provides front-row view of meticulous preparation
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Vermont Ave and side streets - easier before 6pm, metered during business hours
Dress code: Casual - counter service format means athleisure and jeans are perfectly fine
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - small space with minimal music, easy conversation
Weekend wait: 10-20 min wait for counter seats during peak hours (6-8pm)
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - counter seats typically available immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited - cucumber and avocado rolls available, but not the focus
Vegan options: Very limited - basic veggie rolls only, nori and rice
Gluten-free options: Yes - tamari available upon request, but cross-contamination possible in small kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid casual first date option - the counter format keeps things relaxed and gives you something to watch together (the chef's preparation), but it's more suited for someone you've already texted with than a high-stakes situation. Skip if you want romantic ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It's counter-only seating, no tables. Walk-ins work well for lunch and off-peak hours. Dinner (6-8pm) on weekends may require a 15-20 minute wait, but turnover is quick since it's hand rolls.
Is it kid-friendly? Works for older kids (10+) who can sit still at a counter and appreciate sushi. Not ideal for young children - no high chairs, limited space, and the focus on raw fish limits menu flexibility.
How long does a meal take? 30-40 minutes typically - hand rolls are made to order but served quickly. Perfect for a lunch break or when you want quality without the 2-hour omakase commitment.
Is this actually Instagram-worthy? Yes - the colorful hand rolls photograph beautifully against the minimalist counter, and watching the chef's preparation makes for good story content. Just be discreet with photos in the small space.
Best For
Better for: Choose Sōgo over traditional sushi restaurants when you want premium fish quality in a quick, casual format - same Sushi Note pedigree without the formality or time commitment. Better than Sugarfish or KazuNori if you want more creative flavor combinations and counter interaction.
Skip if: Skip if you want a full sushi bar experience with nigiri and sashimi platters, need extensive vegetarian options, or want a quiet romantic dinner setting. For traditional omakase, go to the flagship Sushi Note. For larger groups (4+), the counter format won't work well.