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Coast Sushi Bar
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Coast Sushi Bar
8.6
Coast Sushi Bar is a long-standing Bucktown BYOB spot known for generous maki, polished nigiri, and a menu that balances Chicago-style specialty rolls with cleaner, fish-forward plates. Crowds use it for birthday dinners and BYOB dates, and its sustained volume over many years makes it one of the most relied-on sushi options in the area.
Must-Try Dishes:
White Dragon Maki, Po Boy Maki, Hamachi Carpaccio
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A high-volume, BYOB sushi institution where big maki plates and steady execution keep locals returning.
Who should go: Groups and couples wanting lively, BYOB sushi dinners.
When to visit: Early weekend evenings before the waitlist and noise peak.
What to order: White Dragon and Po Boy maki, plus hamachi carpaccio to start.
Insider tip: Arrive with chilled wine or sake; there’s no corkage but glassware is limited.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Damen and nearby residential blocks; can be competitive after 6pm, no valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for date nights and celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud during peak hours — conversation is possible but not hushed.
Weekend wait: Expect 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak periods, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — primarily a dinner service restaurant on most weekdays.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable rolls and appetizers, plus customizable maki options.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable rolls and sides; many sauces contain mayo or fish elements, so confirm ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Possible with modifications — sashimi and some nigiri work well; request gluten-free soy sauce and note risk of cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the BYOB format and dim, lively room make it feel celebratory without being formal, though peak hours can be loud.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, but expect a wait on weekends; arriving early or closer to late dinner hours improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally — older kids and teens do fine, but the vibe skews adult and evening-focused with limited space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Generous specialty rolls, BYOB celebrations, and group sushi dinners where value and portion size matter.
Skip if: You want a quiet omakase experience, ultra-minimalist sushi, or strict dietary controls with low cross-contact risk.
Coast Sushi Bar
7.9
Open since 2003, Coast Sushi Bar is a long-running Bucktown BYOB where creative maki, sashimi platters, and signatures like the White Dragon roll still anchor a steady crowd. Portions and prices have crept up over the years, but the fish quality and late hours keep it relevant as a seafood-heavy option for date nights and groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
White Dragon Maki, Tuna on Top Maki, Sesame Crusted Scallop
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A high-volume, two-decade-old sushi house where BYOB and signature rolls keep it in regular rotation.
Who should go: Sushi fans who value variety, late hours, and BYOB flexibility.
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekends before the loudest late-night rush.
What to order: White Dragon Maki, Tuna on Top, sesame crusted scallop starter.
Insider tip: Bring a chilled bottle of white or bubbles—there is no corkage—and book later slots if you want the full, lively Bucktown scene.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — usually available on nearby residential blocks, but can be tight after 6pm and on weekends; allow extra time during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual; jeans and sneakers are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak evenings — conversation is possible at two-tops earlier in the night, tougher late night or for larger groups.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours; shorter waits earlier in the evening.
Weekday lunch: Generally not applicable (primarily a dinner-focused spot); off-peak early evenings typically have little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — multiple vegetable maki, tofu dishes, and appetizer options.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few veggie rolls and simple maki can be prepared without mayo or sauces on request.
Gluten-free options: Some sashimi and simple rolls can be adapted; soy sauce and some sauces contain gluten, so request modifications and confirm with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the BYOB format and intimate two-top seating work well for a casual-but-fun first date, especially earlier in the evening before the room gets loud.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — walk-ins are common, but expect a wait on weekend nights; arriving before the main rush or closer to late night improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Loosely — older kids and teens who enjoy sushi will be fine, but the space is tighter and louder during peak hours, with few amenities for young children.
Best For
Better for: BYOB sushi with creative signature rolls, late hours, and a lively Bucktown scene where groups and date nights can share larger platters.
Skip if: You want ultra-quiet, fine-dining sushi, omakase-style precision, or extensive gluten-free/vegan options that require dedicated prep.