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Omakase Box
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Omakase Box
8.4
Omakase Box is a neighborhood omakase and handroll bar in Logan Square offering a focused 15-course counter experience alongside a more casual à la carte menu. Pricing is far below Chicago’s luxury counters, and recent coverage calls out its balance of serious fish sourcing with a relaxed, BYOB-friendly room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whitefish tartare with shallot and caviar, Hiramasa with housemade lemon kosho, Soy-marinated king salmon nigiri
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: A comparatively affordable, 15-course omakase that still obsesses over fish quality and pacing.
Who should go: Sushi fans wanting a true omakase without Kyōten-level pricing.
When to visit: Midweek or early weekend seatings for the most relaxed counter experience.
What to order: Reserve the omakase, then add a couple of favorite nigiri or hand rolls.
Insider tip: BYOB keeps the overall spend in check; plan a thoughtful sake or Champagne pairing yourself.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks; generally manageable on weeknights but tighter during peak weekend dinner hours. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for the counter experience.
Noise level: Low to moderate — conversation at the counter is easy, with some ambient music and chef interaction.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-in availability is limited and often not guaranteed.
Weekday lunch: No regular lunch service — wait times typically do not apply.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited — the omakase is fish-focused; accommodations may be possible with advance notice.
Vegan options: Not recommended — the format and menu center almost entirely on seafood.
Gluten-free options: Often workable with advance notice; many nigiri courses are naturally gluten-light, but soy sauce elements may require substitutions.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the intimate counter, slower pacing, and focused service make it great for a thoughtful, conversation-friendly first or second date, especially if both guests enjoy sushi.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes, but not reliably — counter seats are limited and omakase timing is fixed. If you arrive without a reservation, you may be offered à la carte seating only or asked to wait for cancellations.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally not ideal for young children — the experience is structured, quiet, and course-paced. Mature teens who enjoy sushi and longer meals may be fine.
Best For
Better for: A lower-price, high-quality omakase with relaxed hospitality, approachable pacing, and BYOB flexibility compared with Chicago’s more formal luxury counters.
Skip if: You want a highly theatrical, ultra-premium or chef-interaction-heavy omakase, or you need extensive substitutions or vegan accommodations.
Omakase Box
8.1
Omakase Box is a Logan Square omakase and handroll bar from a Sushi Dokku alum team, built around a 15-course chef’s counter experience priced well below the city’s luxury peers. The small room splits between the counter and tables, so diners can choose between a focused chef’s table progression or a more casual mix of nigiri, handrolls, and small plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
15-course chef’s counter omakase, Whitefish tartare with caviar, Signature open-faced handrolls with crisp nori
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Approachable omakase bar offering a true chef’s counter experience under $100.
Who should go: Sushi fans wanting serious omakase without Kyoten-level pricing.
When to visit: Evenings at the chef’s counter; later seatings for livelier energy.
What to order: Chef’s counter omakase, plus one or two extra handrolls.
Insider tip: Join the notify list for chef’s counter seats; tables can try shorter sets.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot or valet — mostly street parking on nearby residential blocks; can be competitive on weekends, so plan extra time or rideshare.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy; jeans are fine if paired with a nicer top or jacket.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation at the counter is comfortable, but later seatings can feel livelier.
Weekend wait: Reservations are strongly recommended; walk-ins for tables may face 30–60 minutes depending on the seating wave.
Weekday lunch: N/A — service is dinner only.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — some pieces can be adapted with advance notice, but it is not a fully vegetarian omakase.
Vegan options: Very limited — omakase format is fish-focused and not recommended for vegan diners.
Gluten-free options: Possible with advance notice; some sauces and marinades contain soy/gluten, so substitutions may be needed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the counter format encourages conversation and shared focus on the progression, especially for food-centric first dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the counter typically books out, but limited table seating may be available for shorter sets if you’re flexible on timing.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal — the experience is structured, quiet, and portioned as a tasting progression; better suited for teens and older diners who enjoy sushi.
Best For
Better for: Great for diners who want a serious omakase experience at a more approachable price point than Chicago’s ultra-luxury sushi counters.
Skip if: Choose alternatives if you want a fully à la carte sushi meal, extensive cooked entrées, or broad vegetarian/vegan accommodations.