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Blue Sushi Sake Grill
Master Critic Review
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
7.8
Blue Sushi Sake Grill is a colorful, high-energy sushi spot known for a huge menu that balances classic rolls, specialty nigiri, and one of the city’s deeper vegan sushi lineups. Date nights skew fun and social here, with cocktails, sake flights, and big maki spreads rather than hushed omakase.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cherry Bomb Nigiri, Lion King Roll, Avo Kaluna Vegan Maki
Scores:
Value: 6
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Lively sushi bar with big menus and serious vegan options.
Who should go: Duos wanting playful rolls, cocktails, and vegan choices.
When to visit: Happy hour or early weekend nights before peak noise.
What to order: Cherry Bomb, Lion King roll, Avo Kaluna vegan maki.
Insider tip: Use weekday happy hour for value before a longer date night.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in River North; most guests use nearby paid garages or rideshare, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most diners lean slightly dressy for nights out.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours — conversation is doable at booths but tougher near the bar.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian maki, nigiri alternatives, and appetizers are clearly labeled.
Vegan options: Yes — one of the stronger vegan sushi lineups in the neighborhood with dedicated roll options.
Gluten-free options: Partially — several rolls and nigiri can be made gluten-free with tamari on request, but cross-contamination is possible in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s fun, social, and works well for casual first dates where conversation is light and shared plates keep things moving. It’s not ideal if you want a quiet, intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — bar and lounge seats are your best bet, but expect a wait on weekends and during happy hour. Join the waitlist early when possible.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids and teens who enjoy sushi; high chairs and kid-specific accommodations are limited and the vibe is louder during evenings.
Best For
Better for: Playful rolls, large menus, vegan sushi variety, and lively happy-hour date nights.
Skip if: You want quiet omakase, chef-driven sushi, or a hushed, special-occasion atmosphere.
Hours
Monday11am - 10pm
Tuesday11am - 10pm
Wednesday11am - 10pm
Thursday11am - 10pm
Friday11am - 11pm
Saturday11am - 11pm
Sunday12pm - 9pm