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Grain and Sea
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Grain and Sea
7.7
Grain and Sea is a woman-owned, pay-by-weight sushi bar where guests build boxes from a long refrigerated line of maki, nigiri, gunkan, and inari. It’s designed for quick, customizable Loop lunches with an emphasis on freshness, labeling, and cleaner ingredient options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Assorted salmon and tuna nigiri pieces, Spicy tuna maki selections, Inari and gunkan pockets from the self-serve line
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Self-serve, pay-by-weight sushi with over 30 labeled options and a focus on freshness.
Who should go: Office diners wanting fast, customizable sushi with lighter options.
When to visit: Midday lunch window before the heaviest office crowds hit.
What to order: Mix salmon nigiri, spicy tuna rolls, and a couple inari pieces.
Insider tip: Scan the whole case first, then build a lighter box to control both price and variety.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Downtown Loop setting — street parking is scarce; nearby paid garages and metered spots are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual / office-casual — work attire and everyday wear are both common.
Noise level: Low to moderate — mostly grab-and-go with light lunchtime chatter; easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Not a dinner-focused spot; hours may be limited on evenings and weekends — check ahead if visiting outside weekday lunch.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, though a short line can form during the 12–1pm peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetable rolls, inari, and clearly labeled options make it easy to build a vegetarian box.
Vegan options: Yes, but selective — items like avocado/cucumber rolls, inari, and some maki are workable; labeling helps but confirm ingredients if strict.
Gluten-free options: Partial — some nigiri and simple rolls may be gluten-friendly, but soy sauce, tempura, and cross-contact are possible; no dedicated GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for quick, casual lunches than a date — it’s counter-service and functional rather than atmospheric.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s self-serve with counter seating and a few tables; seating is first-come and turnover is fast during lunch.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably — fine for older kids who like sushi and quick meals; there are no kid-specific amenities or entertainment.
Best For
Better for: Fast, customizable sushi boxes with clear labeling and lighter, office-friendly options at lunchtime.
Skip if: You want a full-service sushi experience, evening dining, omakase, or a linger-worthy sit-down meal.
Grain and Sea
7.7
A pay-by-weight, grab-and-go sushi setup that’s built for speed and customization—ideal when you want rolls without committing to a full sit-down. The play is to mix two roll cuts with one nigiri and one non-raw piece, then eat immediately so the rice stays firm and the textures stay sharp.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tuna gunkan, Salmon nigiri, Assorted specialty roll box
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Pay-by-weight sushi boxes that let you build a roll mix fast.
Who should go: Solo lunchers who want speed
When to visit: Midday for the freshest selection
What to order: Specialty roll cuts, salmon nigiri, spicy tuna gunkan
Insider tip: Keep the box small and varied—freshness beats volume here.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking; limited metered street parking nearby and nearby garages used by Loop offices.
Dress code: Very casual — work clothes, athleisure, and takeout-friendly attire are all common.
Noise level: Low to moderate — mostly grab-and-go traffic with minimal lingering.
Weekend wait: Typically no wait; selection may be thinner later in the day.
Weekday lunch: Short line at peak lunch, usually under 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable rolls, avocado, cucumber, and non-fish items are usually available.
Vegan options: Limited — plant-based rolls are available, but cross-contact is likely.
Gluten-free options: Limited — sashimi and some nigiri work, but soy sauce and prep surfaces are shared.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s fast, transactional, and built for efficiency rather than conversation or ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Seating is minimal or incidental; most guests take food to go or eat briefly without reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who like sushi basics; no kid-specific menu or seating setup.
Best For
Better for: Fast, portion-controlled sushi when you want to customize a box and keep lunch light.
Skip if: You want made-to-order rolls, a sit-down experience, or peak freshness late in the day.
Grain and Sea
7.7
A pay-by-weight, grab-and-go sushi counter that’s ideal for a casual “lunch date” or quick pre-plan bite when time matters. The best move is to build a balanced box—two roll varieties plus a few nigiri/inari pieces—then treat it like a crisp, efficient stop, not a sit-down occasion.
Must-Try Dishes:
Build-your-own sushi box, Nigiri selection, Inari pockets
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 6.4
What makes it special: Grab-and-go sushi where you curate your own box.
Who should go: Couples who want a fast, casual sushi stop
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early afternoon
What to order: Assorted maki, a few nigiri, inari pockets
Insider tip: Mix rolls + nigiri for texture—avoid an all-roll box.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking; nearby garages in the Loop, street parking limited and time-restricted on weekdays.
Dress code: Casual — workwear, athleisure, or jeans are all appropriate.
Noise level: Low — counter-service environment with minimal lingering.
Weekend wait: Not applicable — primarily a daytime, grab-and-go operation.
Weekday lunch: Short line possible during peak lunch, typically under 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable rolls, avocado, cucumber, and inari are usually available.
Vegan options: Limited — vegetable rolls and inari; availability can vary by day.
Gluten-free options: Limited — plain sashimi and some nigiri may work, but soy sauce and cross-contact are concerns.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you both want something very casual and fast. It works for a low-pressure lunch date, not a traditional sit-down evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No — this is a grab-and-go counter with little to no seating, so plan to take food elsewhere.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like simple sushi rolls; there are no kids’ amenities or seating.
Best For
Better for: Speed, price control, and customizing exactly what you want without committing to a full meal.
Skip if: You want a relaxed, seated sushi date or a night-out atmosphere — choose a full-service sushi bar instead.