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Matsunori Handroll Bar

27-09 Thomson Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101
$$$
Sushi, Seafood, Japanese

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Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)

Matsunori Handroll Bar 8.2
Dutch Kills
A handroll-first spot designed for fast, high-impact bites, where the best move is to build a tight set of their signature temaki instead of over-ordering. It hits the sweet spot for quality fish at approachable pricing, especially when you target their standout specialty handrolls.
Must-Try Dishes: Miso Butter Cod handroll, Toro Mushroom handroll, Spicy Scallop handroll
Scores:
Value: 8.1 Service: 7.9 Consistency: 8.2 Food Quality: 8.6 Atmosphere: 6.6 Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Temaki-focused menu anchored by signature handroll combinations.
Who should go: Handroll fans and solo diners
When to visit: Off-peak afternoons or early dinner
What to order: Miso Butter Cod, Toro Mushroom, Spicy Scallop
Insider tip: Order a tight 4–5 roll set instead of chasing the whole menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; manageable earlier in the evening but tight after 6pm. Metered spots nearby, rideshare recommended.
Dress code: Casual-cool. Jeans and sneakers are fine; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate. Energetic but controlled—easy to have a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but doable—vegetable-forward handrolls and a few cooked options.
Vegan options: Very limited—best for flexible eaters rather than strict vegans.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes—sashimi-style rolls and soy-free adjustments available if you ask.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want something casual but still impressive. The handroll format keeps things light, interactive, and low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, particularly off-peak. Peak weekend dinner may involve a short wait, but turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young kids. The menu is focused and the pace is quick, with limited non-seafood options.
Best For
Better for: Fast, high-quality handrolls at approachable prices with a modern, efficient setup—ideal for solo dining or quick sushi fixes.
Skip if: You’re looking for a long, traditional omakase or a quiet, lingering dinner experience.
Matsunori Handroll Bar 8.0
Dutch Kills
A handroll-first counter built for fast, high-impact bites, where the best move is a tight set instead of menu-hopping. It shines when you lean into the signature combinations and treat it as an efficient, flavor-forward stop rather than a lingering sushi bar night.
Must-Try Dishes: Spicy scallop handroll, Miso cod handroll, Toro handroll
Scores:
Value: 8 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 8.1 Food Quality: 8.5 Atmosphere: 7.8 Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Temaki-focused sets that deliver big flavor with minimal fuss.
Who should go: Handroll fans and solo diners
When to visit: Off-peak afternoons or early dinner
What to order: Spicy scallop, miso cod, toro handrolls
Insider tip: Order 4–5 rolls max—finish strong instead of over-ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available but competitive in the evenings; easier earlier in the day. Rideshare is often simpler.
Dress code: Casual and modern—jeans and sneakers fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—lively counter energy, but you can still hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—vegetable-forward handrolls may be available, but selection is small.
Vegan options: Very limited—best to check daily offerings before committing.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes—rice and fish are gluten-free, but soy sauce and some marinades contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something casual and low-pressure—it’s quick, fun, and interactive, though not ideal for long conversations.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes—walk-ins move quickly, especially if you’re flexible on timing.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than younger kids—the counter setup and fast pace suit older children who enjoy sushi.
Best For
Better for: Fast, flavor-packed handrolls and solo dining with minimal wait or commitment.
Skip if: You want a leisurely sushi dinner, a broad menu, or a traditional sit-down omakase experience.
Matsunori Handroll Bar 8.2
Court Square
A handroll-focused counter where the best experience comes from letting the fish stay the headline and pacing your rolls like a tasting. Order a tight set with one luxury roll, one clean white-fish roll, and one richer option to keep the progression sharp.
Must-Try Dishes: Uni hand roll, Snow crab hand roll, Scallop hand roll
Scores:
Value: 7.1 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 8.8 Atmosphere: 8 Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Handroll-only format with premium seafood and tight pacing.
Who should go: Sushi people who want a structured, sit-and-focus meal
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for the calmest rhythm
What to order: Uni roll, snow crab, scallop
Insider tip: Mix one luxury roll with two cleaner rolls—avoid all-rich stacking.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; paid garages are available near Court Square but expect a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine, but elevated tops or jackets fit the room better.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for conversation, especially at the counter.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during peak evening hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short wait if you arrive right at opening.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—occasionally cucumber or avocado-focused handrolls, but seafood is the clear focus.
Vegan options: Not ideal—no dedicated vegan offerings.
Gluten-free options: Possible with guidance—sashimi-style rolls and rice-based options can work, but confirm sauces with the staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you both like sushi—the counter format creates a focused, intimate experience without distractions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or early evenings, but reservations are strongly recommended for weekends or prime dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults—there’s no kids menu and the pacing, seating, and price point skew toward grown-up dining.
Best For
Better for: Structured handroll pacing, premium fish quality, and a calm, refined counter experience.
Skip if: You want rolls loaded with sauces, large shared platters, or a casual, high-energy sushi night.
Matsunori Handroll Bar 7.7
Queens Plaza
A handroll-first room with enough structure to feel like a mini tasting when you commit to a set progression. Go for a paced run of rolls and a couple of richer bites, and you’ll get the best version of what this place does—fast, polished, and shareable.
Must-Try Dishes: Handroll set progression, Miso butter cod, Toro-forward roll (when available)
Scores:
Value: 7.6 Service: 7.7 Consistency: 7.6 Food Quality: 8.1 Atmosphere: 7 Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: A handroll-driven set that eats like a compact tasting.
Who should go: Handroll fans who want a paced progression
When to visit: Early evening for the smoothest counter flow
What to order: Handroll set; miso butter cod; toro roll option
Insider tip: Commit to a set—ordering one-by-one slows the rhythm.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking; metered spots nearby and paid garages within a few blocks. Expect difficulty after 6pm.
Dress code: Smart casual to trendy—jeans are fine, but many diners lean polished for nights out.
Noise level: Moderate—lively counter energy, but you can still hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—one or two vegetable-forward rolls available, not a full substitute for the set.
Vegan options: Very limited—possible to customize, but not ideal for a full meal.
Gluten-free options: Yes with modifications—handrolls can be made gluten-free with tamari; confirm sauces with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's upbeat and stylish without being intimidating, and the paced handroll format keeps things moving naturally.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes for solo diners or pairs if you’re flexible, but expect a wait during prime dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids who enjoy sushi; the counter setup and pace aren’t ideal for very young children.
Best For
Better for: A fast, polished sushi experience that feels structured without the cost or commitment of full omakase.
Skip if: You want a long, leisurely tasting or need extensive vegetarian or vegan options.
Matsunori Handroll Bar 8.1
Queens Plaza
A handroll-first counter that feels like a mini tasting when you commit to a set and let the chef control the tempo. The best move is to anchor with classic fish, then add one richer roll so the experience builds instead of plateauing.
Must-Try Dishes: Handroll set progression, Miso cod handroll, Snow crab or scallop handroll
Scores:
Value: 7.7 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 8.3 Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Handroll pacing that eats like a compact chef-driven sequence.
Who should go: Handroll fans who want a guided rhythm
When to visit: Early evening for the smoothest flow
What to order: Handroll set; miso cod; one premium roll
Insider tip: Commit to a set—one-by-one ordering slows the momentum.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking around Queens Plaza; paid garages within a 5–7 minute walk are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy casual — jeans are fine, but the room skews polished.
Noise level: Moderate — counter seating keeps conversation easy without feeling hushed.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for counter seats
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few vegetable-based handrolls available, but the experience is fish-forward
Vegan options: Very limited — not ideal for a full meal
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes — handrolls can be adjusted, but confirm soy sauce and add-ons with staff
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you like structured experiences. The counter setup gives you something to focus on, and the pacing helps avoid awkward lulls.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weekdays or early evenings, but prime dinner hours fill quickly. Walk-ins should be flexible on timing or seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really — the counter format and seafood-focused menu make it best for teens or adults who enjoy sushi.
Best For
Better for: A guided, tasting-like handroll experience where pacing and sequencing matter more than variety.
Skip if: You want a long, leisurely sushi dinner or need extensive dietary accommodations.
Matsunori Handroll Bar 8.4
Court Square
A modern handroll counter that’s built for peak texture—warm rice, crisp nori, and fish served immediately. It’s date-night friendly in a sleek, intimate way, especially if you want something interactive and paced roll-by-roll.
Must-Try Dishes: Spicy tuna handroll, Salmon ikura handroll, Miso butter cod handroll
Scores:
Value: 7.6 Service: 8.6 Consistency: 8.1 Food Quality: 8.8 Atmosphere: 8.5 Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Handrolls served instantly so the nori stays crisp.
Who should go: Sushi couples who love handrolls
When to visit: Early evening for the smoothest service
What to order: Spicy tuna, salmon ikura, miso butter cod handroll
Insider tip: Order one extra roll you’ve never tried—this menu rewards curiosity.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking around Court Square; meters fill quickly after 6pm. Nearby paid garages are the most reliable option for dinner.
Dress code: Smart casual to polished casual. Jeans are fine, but the sleek room leans date-night stylish rather than laid-back.
Noise level: Moderate and intimate — close seating but controlled sound, easy to talk with your date.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during prime 7–8pm hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, especially early lunch.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but available — expect a few vegetable-forward handrolls rather than a full vegetarian menu.
Vegan options: Very limited — possible to assemble a simple veggie roll, but not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Partially — fish and rice are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce and some seasonings contain gluten. Ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the roll-by-roll pacing creates natural conversation beats, and the intimate counter seating feels engaging without being awkward or overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly, but counter seats fill fast. Walk-ins are easiest early evening or late night; reservations are recommended for peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. The experience is focused, counter-based, and better suited to adults or older teens who appreciate sushi pacing and presentation.
Best For
Better for: Handroll purity, texture, and immediacy — this excels at crisp nori, warm rice, and precision timing in a sleek, modern setting.
Skip if: You want traditional rolls, lots of cooked options, or a relaxed, linger-over-plates sushi dinner — full-service sushi restaurants will feel more flexible.