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Pac Rim Sushi & Asian Cuisine
Master Critic Review
Pac Rim Sushi & Asian Cuisine
7.9
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Hidden Gems Heaven
Pac Rim is a neighborhood Pan-Asian spot where a large sushi roll section sits alongside Japanese, Chinese, Thai and Malaysian dishes. Office workers and locals lean on its specialty rolls, lunch omakase and dependable combo plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lunch omakase sushi set, Specialty sushi roll selection, Salt and pepper pork chop with rolls
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 6
What makes it special: Mid-block Asian restaurant with a surprisingly strong roll game and wide-ranging lunch specials.
Who should go: Neighborhood diners wanting creative rolls at moderate prices.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early evening for smoother service.
What to order: Lunch omakase, one or two specialty rolls, takoyaki starter.
Insider tip: Use the lunch omakase as a value play, then add a specialty roll if you want a heavier, roll-focused meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on East 49th; metered spots open up after 6pm but turnover is slow. Closest garages sit along 2nd Ave and typically run $25–$35.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; office attire fits right in, and jeans are fully acceptable.
Noise level: Moderate — easy enough for conversation during lunch, slightly louder during early dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes for small groups; larger parties may wait longer due to compact dining room.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though 12–12:45pm can bring a brief 5–10 minute queue.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple veggie rolls, tofu dishes, and stir-fries across the Pan-Asian menu.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — avocado/cucumber rolls, vegetable stir-fries, and some noodle dishes can be prepared without animal products.
Gluten-free options: Partial — several sushi rolls and sashimi sets work gluten-free if you avoid soy sauce; no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Decent for a casual first date thanks to moderate noise levels and a menu with broad appeal. Not ideal if you're aiming for something more intimate or upscale.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common and usually seated quickly, especially at lunch. Evenings are manageable for pairs; groups of four or more may face short waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the wide-ranging menu and quick service make it accessible for families. Best for kids 5+ who can handle varied Pan-Asian dishes.
Best For
Better for: Broad menu coverage and approachable specialty rolls at wallet-friendly prices, plus reliable lunch omakase value.
Skip if: You want purist, high-end sushi or a quiet, design-forward dining experience — nearby dedicated sushi counters will be a better fit.