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East 21
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
East 21
7.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A hybrid Chinese-Japanese takeout shop where sushi is part of a broader neighborhood menu, geared for convenience and price. Order it like a local: basic rolls, a bento, and keep expectations focused on value and speed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Philadelphia roll, Chicken teriyaki bento box, Gyoza
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: A practical sushi-and-bento option inside a classic takeout playbook.
Who should go: Takeout regulars who want sushi on a budget
When to visit: Early dinner for fastest pickup
What to order: Philadelphia roll, chicken teriyaki bento, gyoza
Insider tip: Use it for simple rolls—skip elaborate ‘specialty’ builds.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability and can be tight after 6pm. Metered spots nearby, no valet.
Dress code: Casual and utilitarian—jeans, hoodies, and work clothes all fit.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly takeout traffic, minimal dine-in chatter.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for pickup orders; dine-in usually no wait.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; orders move quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls, tofu-based dishes, and veggie bentos.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetable rolls and some stir-fried vegetable dishes; confirm sauces when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Limited—sushi rice and fish are generally gluten-free, but soy sauce and cross-contact are likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No—this is a value-driven takeout spot, better for solo meals or quick food runs than a date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t a thing here, and seating is usually available if you’re eating in.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple rolls, teriyaki, and bento boxes work well for kids, though there are no special amenities.
Best For
Better for: Cheap, fast sushi and bento combos when convenience and price matter more than polish.
Skip if: You’re looking for fresh-driven sushi, creative rolls, or a sit-down dining experience—opt for a dedicated sushi bar instead.
East 21
7.6
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A hybrid Chinese-Japanese takeout shop where sushi shares the stage with neighborhood staples, built for speed and budget value. Best ordered like a local: simple rolls, a bento, and skip elaborate specialty builds where consistency drops.
Must-Try Dishes:
Philadelphia roll, Chicken teriyaki bento, Gyoza
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: A practical sushi-and-bento option inside a classic takeout playbook.
Who should go: Takeout regulars who want sushi on a budget
When to visit: Early dinner for fastest pickup
What to order: Philadelphia roll, chicken teriyaki bento, gyoza
Insider tip: Use it for simple rolls—skip elaborate ‘specialty’ builds.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only along Roosevelt Avenue; limited turnover and can be tight after early evening. Metered spots nearby when available.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, hoodies, work clothes all common. This is a neighborhood takeout-first spot.
Noise level: Low to moderate—mostly counter traffic and quick in-and-out orders rather than sustained dining noise.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for pickup orders during peak; seating fills quickly if eating in.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls, tofu-based dishes, and vegetable tempura are typically available.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with simple vegetable rolls or tofu items; sauces may need confirmation.
Gluten-free options: Limited—some sashimi-style items may work, but rolls and sauces often contain gluten. Ask before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional date—it’s more functional than atmospheric. Better for a low-key, grab-and-go meal than a linger-and-talk setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there’s no reservation system. Seating is first-come, first-served, but availability is limited and turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—simple rolls, teriyaki, and bento boxes work well. No dedicated kids menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Quick, budget-conscious sushi-and-bento orders where speed and price matter more than presentation.
Skip if: You want high-end sushi, specialty rolls, or a sit-down dining experience—choose a dedicated sushi restaurant instead.