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Sushi by Bou - Gold Coast Chicago @ Claridge House
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Sushi by Bou - Gold Coast Chicago @ Claridge House
8.4
Inside the Claridge House hotel, Sushi by Bou Gold Coast runs a timed omakase bar where 12- and 17-course nigiri progressions are delivered to a soundtrack of hip-hop and neon lighting. It’s more nightlife-adjacent than temple-of-sushi, but the fish quality and tight pacing make it a strong choice for an occasion-minded omakase in 60610.
Must-Try Dishes:
12-course Signature Omakase, 17-course Bougie Omakase, Uni or toro nigiri upgrade
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-energy, timed omakase that feels like a sushi speakeasy in a hotel basement.
Who should go: Couples or small groups wanting fun, structured omakase.
When to visit: Later evening slots for peak music and room energy.
What to order: Signature omakase, Bougie upgrade, uni or toro add-ons.
Insider tip: Arrive on time—courses start promptly and the experience is tightly paced.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet available; limited metered street parking nearby, ride-share is easiest.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning trendy — sneakers and jeans are fine, but most guests dress up a bit.
Noise level: Loud — music-driven room with nightlife energy, conversation is possible but not hushed.
Weekend wait: Reservations are standard; walk-ins rarely available.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — primarily an evening experience.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — omakase format is seafood-forward.
Vegan options: Not suitable — the menu centers almost entirely on fish.
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice — soy sauce adjustments can be made, but cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something structured and lively — the timed omakase gives you built-in conversation points and a fun setting, but it’s louder and quicker than a traditional sit-down sushi dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely — seats are limited and scheduled by time slot. Book ahead online to avoid disappointment.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really — the format, pacing, and nightlife vibe are geared toward adults. Teens comfortable with sushi might enjoy it, but small children likely won’t.
Best For
Better for: A high-energy, omakase-meets-cocktail-bar experience where structure, speed, and vibe matter as much as the sushi.
Skip if: You want a slow, traditional sushi counter with long conversations with the chef, or you need lots of menu flexibility.
Sushi by Bou - Gold Coast Chicago @ Claridge House
8.5
A reservation-driven omakase counter that’s less about big roll variety and more about high-impact bites and pacing. If you’re here for “roll energy,” anchor it with hand-roll moments and treat everything else as a curated progression.
Must-Try Dishes:
Omakase progression, Hand roll course, Toro-style bite (when offered)
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: An intimate omakase counter inside Claridge House with guided pacing.
Who should go: Date nights and celebrations that want a curated experience
When to visit: Weeknights for the calmest seating flow
What to order: Omakase, hand roll course, add-ons if available
Insider tip: Eat each course immediately—this format rewards staying on pace.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet available at Claridge House; limited street parking nearby and fills quickly in the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—jeans are fine, but elevated tops and shoes fit the room.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough to converse comfortably across the counter.
Weekend wait: Reservation strongly recommended; walk-ins are unlikely to be seated.
Weekday lunch: Typically no lunch service; evenings still require reservations.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—this is a fish-forward omakase with minimal substitutions.
Vegan options: Not recommended—no dedicated vegan progression.
Gluten-free options: Generally workable with advance notice; soy alternatives may be available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—if you want an intimate, guided experience. The counter seating and pacing create built-in conversation, but it’s less flexible if you prefer lingering or sharing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Unlikely. This is a reservation-driven omakase; plan ahead or monitor last-minute openings.
Is it kid-friendly? No—best suited for adults. The omakase format, pacing, and price point aren’t designed for kids.
Best For
Better for: Curated omakase pacing, hand-roll moments, and a polished, celebratory counter experience.
Skip if: You’re craving big roll variety, casual ordering freedom, or accommodating vegetarian/vegan options.