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Kamehachi - Old Town
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Kamehachi - Old Town
8.3
Chicago’s original sushi bar, Kamehachi has anchored Old Town since 1967 with a sprawling menu of maki, nigiri, hot appetizers, and combo platters. It’s less about avant-garde omakase and more about reliable rolls, bento-style meals, and a neighborhood crowd that spans families, regulars, and pre-Second City dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crouching Tuna Hidden Crab roll, Spicy Tuna Deluxe roll, Kamehachi Combo
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Long-running Old Town institution where generations of Chicagoans had their first sushi.
Who should go: Groups and families wanting classic rolls and cooked Japanese plates.
When to visit: Early evening or weeknights before pre-show and weekend rush.
What to order: Crouching Tuna Hidden Crab, Spicy Tuna Deluxe, Kamehachi Combo.
Insider tip: Use the combo platters to cover both nigiri and signature rolls without over-ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Old Town can be limited during peak hours; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans are fine and you’ll see everything from families to date-night outfits.
Noise level: Moderate – lively at peak hours but usually conversational, especially earlier in the evening.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, depending on time and season.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple veggie rolls, tofu dishes, and cooked plates are available.
Vegan options: Limited but possible – simple vegetable rolls and salads can be made vegan if you ask.
Gluten-free options: Some options are naturally gluten-free; ask about soy sauce and tempura breading to be safe.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. It has a relaxed, classic sushi-bar feel that works well for conversation without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes during non-peak hours. On weekends or pre-show times, reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. The menu is broad enough for kids (including cooked items), and the atmosphere is welcoming to families.
Best For
Better for: Consistent, classic sushi in a comfortable setting where groups, families, and longtime regulars all feel at home.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge omakase or ultra-trendy sushi with experimental presentations.
Kamehachi - Old Town
8.2
A long-running Old Town sushi anchor where the strength is breadth and reliability—classic rolls, nigiri, and cooked Japanese staples that locals treat as an easy default. It’s not trying to be trendy; the win is a steady kitchen and a menu built for repeat visits and mixed groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chirashi bowl, Nigiri sampler (chef’s choice), Sushi & sashimi combo
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: A legacy Old Town sushi destination built for dependable, repeatable orders.
Who should go: Sushi regulars, mixed groups, and classic-roll loyalists
When to visit: Weeknights for the easiest pacing
What to order: Chirashi, nigiri sampler, sushi/sashimi combo
Insider tip: Order one combo and one chirashi—covers the table efficiently.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Old Town is limited and competitive in the evenings; nearby paid garages are usually the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual—jeans and sweaters are common, no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate—lively during peak dinner hours but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a short wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable rolls, tofu dishes, and cooked Japanese staples are available.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetable rolls and a few simple dishes, best to ask the server for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Some options available—sashimi and select nigiri work best; soy sauce substitutions may be available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want something low-pressure. It’s comfortable, familiar, and conversation-friendly rather than flashy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or off-peak hours; weekends are busier, so expect a wait or arrive early.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes—there are cooked dishes and simple rolls that work well for kids, though the vibe skews more adult and relaxed than family-focused.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, classic sushi and Japanese comfort dishes that please mixed groups and repeat visitors.
Skip if: You’re looking for cutting-edge omakase, ultra-premium fish, or a trendy, scene-driven dining experience.
Kamehachi - Old Town
8.4
A long-running Old Town sushi bar where classic maki and nigiri are built for repeat-order reliability. The strongest play is to lean into the standards—one or two rolls plus a simple set—so the meal stays tight and consistent.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tuna roll, California roll, Cucumber roll
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A classic Old Town sushi bar with dependable maki and a deep bench of staples.
Who should go: Classic-roll loyalists and Old Town regulars
When to visit: Weeknights for steadier pacing
What to order: Spicy tuna roll, California roll, cucumber roll
Insider tip: Keep it to 1–2 rolls plus one simple set for best consistency.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Wells and nearby side streets; metered and can be competitive after 6pm. Nearby paid garages are a safer bet for dinner.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but polished casual works best for Old Town dinners or business lunches.
Noise level: Moderate. Lively but controlled—easy to hold a conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait; quick seating is common
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple vegetable rolls, cucumber, avocado, and simple maki options.
Vegan options: Limited but workable – veggie rolls and plain rice-based options; sauces may need to be confirmed.
Gluten-free options: Limited – sashimi and some nigiri are options, but cross-contamination and soy sauce substitutions should be discussed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The room feels polished but comfortable, service moves smoothly, and classic rolls keep ordering low-pressure and familiar.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weeknights or at lunch. Weekend dinners are busier, so arriving early improves your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who like sushi or simple rolls. It’s not designed for toddlers, but families do dine here earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Reliable classic sushi, predictable pacing, and repeatable quality—especially for business lunches or no-drama dinners.
Skip if: You’re looking for adventurous rolls, flashy presentation, or a modern omakase-style experience.
Kamehachi - Old Town
8.1
A long-running sushi bar where the closest “chef’s table” move is posting up at the sushi counter and letting the chefs steer a tight run of nigiri and a couple of signature rolls. The menu is broad, so the best meals come from choosing a lane—sushi-forward plus a few classic hot starters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crouching Tuna Hidden Crab roll, Gyoza, Tempura
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: A classic sushi bar where counter seating is the experience.
Who should go: Sushi regulars and easy group dinners
When to visit: Weeknights for the easiest seating
What to order: Signature roll, a nigiri set, gyoza or tempura
Insider tip: Sit at the sushi bar and ask for a chef-guided sequence.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on nearby side streets; availability is variable and tighter after 6pm. No dedicated valet.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Jeans and sweaters are common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak dinner hours but still easy to hold a conversation, especially at the counter.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; counter seats may open sooner
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable rolls, avocado/cucumber options, tofu-based dishes, and some vegetable appetizers.
Vegan options: Limited — stick to vegetable rolls and confirm sauces; options are available but not labeled.
Gluten-free options: Yes — sashimi and many nigiri are naturally gluten-free; request gluten-free soy sauce.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you sit at the sushi bar. It’s relaxed, conversational, and interactive without feeling formal or high-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights, but weekends can fill up. Counter seating is the easiest walk-in option.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes. Families are common, and the menu has approachable rolls and cooked items that work well for kids.
Best For
Better for: A comfortable, counter-driven sushi experience with classic execution and broad appeal at a reasonable price point.
Skip if: You’re looking for a formal omakase, ultra-modern sushi, or a highly curated tasting-only experience.