Skip to main content
0 Followers

Free analytics & customer insights

Jaiyen Sushi & Noodle

3159 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
$$
Sushi

Vibe Check this spot

Rate this spot and tag the vibes that fit

Log In to Add Vibe Check

Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)

Jaiyen Sushi & Noodle 8.1
Irving Park
Jaiyen Sushi & Noodle is a casual Avondale/Irving Park restaurant where American-style specialty rolls share the menu with noodles and Thai-influenced dishes. It’s a go-to for locals who want familiar rolls, big portions, and an easy sit-down option on California.
Must-Try Dishes: Spicy Tuna Deluxe Maki, Unagi Lover Maki, Giant Maki
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 7.9 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 8.3 Atmosphere: 6.4 Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: A neighborhood sushi-and-noodle shop where big, throwback specialty rolls meet comforting noodle and rice plates.
Who should go: Families and groups craving familiar rolls and hearty plates.
When to visit: Early evening on weeknights for easier parking and shorter waits.
What to order: Spicy Tuna Deluxe, Unagi Lover, and one of the Giant Maki rolls.
Insider tip: Build a lineup of house maki to share and keep individual noodle bowls simple so the table doesn’t get overwhelmed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along California and nearby residential streets; generally manageable but can tighten during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, tees, and comfortable attire are completely appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate — conversational but can get livelier during peak family and group dining times.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak dinner hours depending on group size.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — veggie rolls, tofu dishes, and noodle options are available.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — simple veggie rolls and some customizable dishes.
Gluten-free options: Some options are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is likely; ask staff for guidance.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something relaxed and low-pressure — it’s casual, comfortable, and not overly noisy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes — walk-ins are common, especially on weeknights. Larger groups should plan for a short wait during peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families dine here often. The menu has approachable rolls and noodle dishes that work well for kids.
Best For
Better for: Familiar specialty rolls, generous portions, and casual group-friendly meals rather than ultra-purist sushi experiences.
Skip if: You’re looking for high-end omakase, rare fish offerings, or a formal dining environment.
Jaiyen Sushi & Noodle 8.0
Avondale
Jaiyen Sushi & Noodle is a calm Avondale dining room where long sushi-roll lists share space with pan-Asian noodles and rice dishes. It’s a go-to for families and small groups who want approachable maki sets, cooked Japanese plates, and the option to add Thai-style dishes without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes: Rainbow maki roll, Dragon maki roll, Mexican maki roll
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 8 Consistency: 8.1 Food Quality: 8.3 Atmosphere: 7.1 Cultural Relevance: 6.3
What makes it special: Neighborhood sit-down spot balancing big maki menus with noodles and curries.
Who should go: Mixed groups wanting sushi plus broader Asian comfort dishes.
When to visit: Early dinners and weeknights for relaxed, steady pacing.
What to order: Rainbow roll, Dragon roll, one noodle or fried rice dish.
Insider tip: Build a shared spread of maki then add one hot entree to anchor the table.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Belmont and side streets; can fill up during peak dinner hours
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and casual outfits are common
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is comfortable at most tables
Weekend wait: 20–45 minutes without a reservation during prime hours
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — veggie rolls, tofu dishes, and meat-free noodles available
Vegan options: Limited but possible — veggie rolls and some stir-fries can be customized
Gluten-free options: Select dishes can be made gluten-free; ask about sauces and substitutions
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the calm dining room and approachable menu make it easy conversation dining without pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially on weeknights; weekends may require a short wait during peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common and there are plenty of mild cooked options for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Casual sushi nights where not everyone wants raw fish — the noodle and curry options make group ordering easy.
Skip if: You’re looking for an omakase or ultra-traditional sushi bar; this leans more approachable and pan-Asian.
Jaiyen Sushi & Noodle 8.2
Avondale
Jaiyen Sushi & Noodle blends a long sushi and maki list with Thai comfort dishes in a casual Avondale dining room. Regulars lean on its deep specialty-roll roster and BYOB policy for easy weeknight dates that still feel like a proper sit-down meal.
Must-Try Dishes: Dragon Maki, Jai Yen Maki, Hokkaido specialty roll
Scores:
Value: 8.7 Service: 7.9 Consistency: 8.5 Food Quality: 8.3 Atmosphere: 6.3 Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Busy neighborhood staple where big specialty maki, noodles, and BYOB make casual sushi dates easy to plan.
Who should go: Couples wanting relaxed, affordable sushi with plenty roll choices.
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekends before the dining room fills.
What to order: Dragon Maki, Jai Yen Maki, Hokkaido specialty roll.
Insider tip: Bring your own bottle and share a few chef’s specials instead of over-ordering basics.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the surrounding neighborhood; can be tighter during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and a nice top are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is comfortable at most tables, but it can get livelier during prime time.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — veggie rolls, tofu dishes, and several Thai entrees.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — a few rolls and noodle dishes can be customized.
Gluten-free options: Some options available — sashimi and certain dishes can be prepared without soy sauce upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the relaxed room, BYOB policy, and approachable pricing make it an easy, low-pressure sushi date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes — walk-ins are common, but expect a short wait at peak dinner times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are welcome and the menu includes noodles and fried starters that work well for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Casual sushi nights where variety, affordability, and BYOB flexibility matter more than scene or formality.
Skip if: You’re looking for high-end omakase, luxury fish selections, or a special-occasion fine-dining environment.