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Tanoshii Sushi (Andersonville)

5547 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60640
$$$
Sushi, Seafood, Japanese

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Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)

Tanoshii Sushi (Andersonville) 8.6
Andersonville
A BYOB Andersonville sushi counter where chef-driven rolls and omakase-style pacing are the main draw, not a big dining-room production. Come with a plan—sit at the bar, let the chef guide the sequence, and treat the signature starter bites as part of the experience, not filler.
Must-Try Dishes: Sushi Mike’s “Fish & Chips” (spicy tuna salsa chip), Chef’s choice omakase / tasting progression, Tuna truffle-style specials (ask what’s on)
Scores:
Value: 7.6 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 8.4 Food Quality: 9.1 Atmosphere: 6.9 Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: BYOB sushi-bar energy with chef-led pacing and signature starter bites.
Who should go: BYOB sushi fans who like chef-guided ordering
When to visit: Weeknights for smoother pacing at the sushi bar
What to order: Fish & chips starter, chef’s choice, one signature roll
Insider tip: Sit at the bar and let the chef set the order rhythm.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Clark Street and nearby side streets; can be competitive after 6pm, allow extra time.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; jeans are fine but polished looks fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate-low — bar conversations are easy, music and room noise stay controlled.
Weekend wait: 45–60 minutes without a reservation, especially for bar seating.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; weekday dinners typically 15–30 minutes without a reservation.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few vegetable rolls and cooked starters, but the experience is fish-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited — not ideal for a fully vegan meal.
Gluten-free options: Yes with guidance — sashimi and many nigiri work, but soy sauce and some starters need modification.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — especially if you sit at the bar. The chef-led pacing gives you built-in conversation and keeps the meal flowing naturally.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights, but weekends are tough. Walk-ins have better luck earlier in the evening or committing to bar seats.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really — the focus is on omakase-style pacing and a quiet counter experience, better suited for adults and older teens.
Best For
Better for: Intimate, chef-guided sushi with BYOB flexibility and a counter-first experience.
Skip if: You want a big menu, fast casual rolls, or a lively group dining atmosphere.
Tanoshii Sushi (Andersonville) 8.6
Andersonville
A BYOB sushi counter that rewards chef-guided pacing—this is a sit-at-the-bar spot where the best meal comes from letting the team steer you through nigiri, specials, and a couple of signature bites. Keep the order focused and fish-forward, and it consistently lands as a neighborhood destination rather than a roll-heavy takeout play.
Must-Try Dishes: Fish & chips starter, Chef’s choice nigiri progression, One signature roll
Scores:
Value: 7.6 Service: 8.4 Consistency: 8.8 Food Quality: 9 Atmosphere: 7.2 Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: BYOB sushi-bar experience built around chef-led pacing and fish-first ordering.
Who should go: BYOB sushi fans who like guidance
When to visit: Weeknights for smoother pacing at the bar
What to order: Fish & chips bite, chef’s choice nigiri, one signature roll
Insider tip: Sit at the bar and let the chef set the order rhythm.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking along Clark Street and nearby side streets; availability varies and can be tight after 6pm. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but the room skews a bit polished for a sushi counter date night.
Noise level: Moderate-low. Conversation is easy, especially at the bar where the focus is on the food and chef interaction.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, shorter if you arrive early or snag a bar seat.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — dinner-focused spot.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited. A few vegetable rolls and cooked items, but the experience is fish-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited. Possible to piece together avocado or cucumber rolls, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Partial. Nigiri can work, but soy sauce and some preparations contain gluten — communicate needs clearly.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you like interaction. Sitting at the bar gives you built-in conversation and a guided pace, which helps avoid awkward ordering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights, but the bar is the real target. If you’re flexible on seating, walk-ins have a better shot.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. This is a quiet, counter-focused experience best for adults who enjoy sushi pacing rather than families.
Best For
Better for: Chef-guided nigiri, intimate BYOB bar seating, and a focused fish-first experience without menu overload.
Skip if: You want lots of specialty rolls, strong vegetarian options, or a casual takeout-style sushi meal.
Tanoshii Sushi (Andersonville) 8.5
Andersonville
A neighborhood sushi destination that rewards trusting the chef and keeping the order fish-forward—nigiri, sashimi, and a few signature rolls with smart textures. It’s best as a paced meal: start with clean cuts, then add one composed roll for contrast rather than over-ordering.
Must-Try Dishes: Omakase (chef’s choice), Sashimi assortment, Signature chef’s choice roll
Scores:
Value: 7.6 Service: 8.1 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 9 Atmosphere: 7 Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Chef-driven sushi that stays focused on fish quality and pacing.
Who should go: Sushi regulars who like chef-led ordering
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for an easier flow
What to order: Omakase, sashimi, one signature roll
Insider tip: Go nigiri-first; add a roll only after you taste the fish.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Clark St; can be tight after 6pm. Allow extra time or plan to walk a block or two.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but a polished top or jacket fits the room’s date-night feel.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively but controlled—easy to hold a conversation across the table.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer for counter seating.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner-focused operation.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited. A few vegetable rolls and sides, but the menu is strongly fish-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited. Possible vegetable rolls by request, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes for nigiri and sashimi; soy sauce alternatives available on request. Rolls may vary—ask your server.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially if both of you like sushi. The intimate room, chef-driven vibe, and paced ordering make it feel thoughtful without being stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights if you’re flexible, but reservations are strongly recommended—especially for weekends or counter seats.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for adults. Older kids who enjoy sushi will be fine, but there’s no kids menu and the vibe skews quiet and date-focused.
Best For
Better for: Nigiri, sashimi, and chef-guided ordering where fish quality and restraint matter more than novelty rolls.
Skip if: You want lots of cooked dishes, heavy sauces, or a broad vegetarian-friendly sushi menu.
Tanoshii Sushi (Andersonville) 8.4
Andersonville
An Andersonville sushi counter known for chef-driven maki that leans inventive without losing clean technique. The move is a chef’s choice roll (often with a light sauce finish) plus one classic roll, keeping the order focused so the fish and texture work stays sharp.
Must-Try Dishes: Chef’s choice roll, Salmon truffle roll, Fish and chips roll
Scores:
Value: 7.4 Service: 8.1 Consistency: 8.3 Food Quality: 8.8 Atmosphere: 7.2 Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Chef-driven rolls with thoughtful sauces and texture layering.
Who should go: Roll lovers who want something beyond basic maki
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for easier seating and calmer pacing
What to order: Chef’s choice roll, salmon truffle roll, fish and chips roll
Insider tip: Order one chef roll first—then decide if you need a second.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Clark Street and nearby side streets; can be tight after 6pm, allow extra time.
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy-casual; jeans are fine, but many diners lean polished.
Noise level: Moderate — lively but controlled, conversation is easy at a table.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation; reservations strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable — this location is primarily a dinner service restaurant.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several vegetable rolls and avocado- or cucumber-forward options.
Vegan options: Limited — a few rolls can be made vegan with guidance from the server.
Gluten-free options: Partial — sashimi and select rolls are gluten-free; soy sauce substitutions available, but shared prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the setting feels intimate and stylish without being stiff, and the focused roll menu makes ordering feel confident rather than overwhelming.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights if you arrive early, but weekends are competitive; a reservation is the safest move.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids or teens who enjoy sushi; there’s no kids menu and the vibe skews adult and date-focused.
Best For
Better for: Inventive, chef-driven rolls with refined sauces and texture — more polished and creative than standard neighborhood sushi.
Skip if: You’re looking for budget sushi, large party flexibility, or a loud, high-energy dining room — simpler or more casual spots will fit better.
Tanoshii Sushi (Andersonville) 8.3
Andersonville
An Andersonville sushi bar where the move is to lean into an omakase-style progression at the counter, then fill gaps with a few signature rolls. It’s strongest when you treat it like a paced tasting—fewer items, better sequencing, and more attention from the sushi station.
Must-Try Dishes: Salmon Truffle Roll, Special Roll, Fish and Chips
Scores:
Value: 8 Service: 8.1 Consistency: 7.9 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 6.7 Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A counter-first sushi spot that rewards an omakase-style order.
Who should go: Sushi regulars who trust the chef’s pacing.
When to visit: Early dinner for easier seating and quieter counter time.
What to order: Omakase, Salmon Truffle Roll, Special Roll.
Insider tip: Sit at the sushi bar and keep the order tight for better pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Clark St and nearby side streets; availability drops after 6pm, but usually manageable with a short walk.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but the counter crowd skews a bit dressier for dinner.
Noise level: Low to moderate — generally quiet enough for conversation, especially at the sushi bar.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, shorter if you arrive early
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or very short wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — some vegetable rolls and cooked items, but the experience is seafood-focused
Vegan options: Very limited — best for vegan diners only if expectations are modest
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes — sashimi and many nigiri work, but sauces and rolls require guidance from the staff
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — especially if you sit at the counter. The pacing and chef interaction create natural conversation without feeling forced or loud.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights or early evenings, but weekends are risky. Counter seats are your best bet without planning ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids. The menu, pacing, and counter focus work best for adults or older teens who enjoy sushi.
Best For
Better for: A relaxed, counter-driven omakase-style experience where pacing and attention matter more than flash or volume.
Skip if: You want an all-you-can-eat sushi experience, a loud group vibe, or a menu built around cooked entrées.
Tanoshii Sushi (Andersonville) 8.6
Andersonville
A Clark Street sushi bar where the menu leans roll-forward but still rewards a nigiri-first approach. For a date, the move is to share one signature roll, add a fish-focused plate, and keep the pacing clean instead of stacking too many heavy specials.
Must-Try Dishes: Fish and Chips, Special Roll, Salmon Truffle Roll
Scores:
Value: 6.9 Service: 8.4 Consistency: 8.6 Food Quality: 9.1 Atmosphere: 8.1 Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Roll-driven menu with enough craft to justify a nigiri add-on.
Who should go: Couples who want sushi with a lively neighborhood feel.
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for easier pacing and quieter tables.
What to order: Fish and Chips, Special Roll, Salmon Truffle Roll
Insider tip: Order one roll first, then add a second if still hungry.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Clark St; limited availability after 6pm, allow extra time or plan to walk a few blocks.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—nice jeans are fine, but it fits a polished date-night look.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy, but the room has energy.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially Friday and Saturday evenings.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner service only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls, avocado-focused options, and a few non-fish plates.
Vegan options: Limited—mostly vegetable rolls; confirm sauces when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes—sashimi and many nigiri are gluten-free; request gluten-free soy sauce and flag sensitivities.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's intimate, stylish, and lively without being chaotic, which keeps conversation comfortable and the mood polished.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes on weeknights if you arrive early, but weekends are tough—reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—while kids aren’t banned, the atmosphere and menu are geared toward adults and date nights.
Best For
Better for: Stylish date-night sushi with creative rolls and a buzzy neighborhood vibe.
Skip if: You want a quiet omakase experience or a very traditional, nigiri-only sushi bar.