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Kraken Sushi & Beyond
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Kraken Sushi & Beyond
8.4
Kraken Sushi & Beyond is a busy North Center spot blending classic maki, ramen, and a large vegetarian/vegan sushi section. It works as a dependable local for mixed groups where one person wants rolls, another wants noodles, and everyone wants big portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mr. Postman Signature Maki, Spicy Toro Roll, King Salmon Poke Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 6.7
What makes it special: A broad sushi and ramen menu with one of the stronger vegetarian and vegan lineups in the area.
Who should go: Mixed groups juggling sushi, ramen, and plant-based cravings.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners or early weekend evenings before the rush.
What to order: Mr. Postman maki, Spicy Toro roll, a salmon poke bowl.
Insider tip: Use the mix-and-match maki and ramen combination options to cover the table without over-ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily neighborhood street parking; it can be easier a few blocks off the main commercial stretch, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear are totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate — you can generally hold a conversation, though it gets lively during peak dinner times.
Weekend wait: Expect a 25–45 minute wait without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with plenty of tables available.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent — there’s a full lineup of vegetarian rolls and mains.
Vegan options: Strong selection — multiple dedicated vegan rolls and bowls.
Gluten-free options: Some gluten-free options are available, but confirm sauces and tempura items with staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s relaxed and casual with good variety, so it works well for a low-pressure, conversational dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually, yes. Walk-ins are common, but expect waits during peak weekend dinners or larger group visits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common here, especially earlier in the evening. The menu has approachable options for teens and adventurous younger eaters.
Best For
Better for: Groups with mixed tastes, plant-based diners, and anyone wanting both sushi and ramen in one place.
Skip if: You’re seeking ultra-traditional omakase or a quiet, intimate sushi bar experience.
Kraken Sushi & Beyond
8.5
Kraken Sushi & Beyond in North Center leans into playful specialty rolls and Japanese comfort dishes, from Black Widow and Mr. Postman maki to hearty rice bowls. It draws regulars for reliable takeout and casual dine-in, with generous portions and a menu that balances classic rolls and richer, sauce-driven creations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Widow roll, Mr. Postman roll, Negi toro roll
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Large, creative maki list that still keeps sashimi standards solid.
Who should go: Groups mixing classic rolls with loaded specialty options.
When to visit: Evenings for dine-in; early weeknights for fastest tickets.
What to order: Black Widow roll, Mr. Postman roll, negi toro.
Insider tip: Pair a couple rich signature rolls with simpler maki to avoid overload.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the neighborhood; typically easier on side streets but can tighten during dinner hours
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and nice tops are common
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak times but conversation is still manageable
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation depending on party size
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quicker pacing for takeout orders
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple veggie rolls and appetizers are available
Vegan options: Limited — a few rolls and sides can be made vegan if you ask
Gluten-free options: Some options — sushi without soy sauce or tempura is safest; confirm with staff
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s relaxed but stylish, with creative sushi that makes ordering fun without feeling too formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weekdays, but expect a wait at prime dinner hours on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably — older kids and teens who like sushi will do fine, but it’s more of an adult-leaning environment during dinner.
Best For
Better for: Playful specialty rolls and generous portions at a casual neighborhood price point
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional omakase or minimalist, sauce-free sushi
Kraken Sushi & Beyond
8.3
Kraken Sushi & Beyond is a neighborhood spot where creative rolls, spicy tuna crispy rice, and a full vegan section meet cocktails in a cozy North Center room. It balances strong delivery traffic with a compact dining area that works well for relaxed sushi dates and double-date dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Richman Rainbow roll, Spicy Toro crispy rice, Black Pearl scallop roll
Scores:
Value: 6.5
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Inventive maki, standout spicy tuna crispy rice, and vegan-friendly rolls in a compact neighborhood setting.
Who should go: Sushi fans wanting creative rolls and cocktails in cozy quarters.
When to visit: Early evening happy hour, before takeout rush fills the room.
What to order: Richman Rainbow roll, Spicy Toro crispy rice, Nutty Power roll.
Insider tip: Pair a few signature rolls with a shared vegan platter to sample the menu breadth.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking in the neighborhood; can be easier on side streets but expect competition during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate — you can hold a conversation, but it gets lively during dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though lunch service may be limited depending on the day.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — several rolls and small plates are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Yes — there is a dedicated vegan section with multiple maki options.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free soy sauce is usually available; many rolls can be modified, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cozy space, cocktails, and shareable rolls make it relaxed but still special without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially earlier in the evening or on weekdays, but weekends fill up quickly and takeout traffic shrinks seating — reservations help.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome, but the space and vibe lean more adult; tweens/teens comfortable with sushi will fit better than very young children.
Best For
Better for: Creative maki, strong vegan sushi options, and cozy date-night energy without downtown prices.
Skip if: You want ultra-traditional sushi, large-group seating, or a very quiet dining room.