0 Followers
Sama Handroll
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Sama Handroll
8.3
A polished Arts District handroll bar from chef Lester Lai that leans into tight technique and a cocktail-forward izakaya mood. The rolls are clean, properly warm-rice-to-cold-fish balanced, and paced for lingering rather than rushing. Best experienced as a curated handroll set with drinks rather than à la carte grazing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro hand roll, Lobster hand roll, Uni hand roll
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Chef-driven handrolls with a full cocktail-bar experience.
Who should go: Handroll fans who want a night out.
When to visit: Weeknights for the smoothest pacing.
What to order: Toro, lobster, uni hand rolls.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar and order the chef’s set.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Traction and adjacent blocks is limited; expect metered spots and moderate competition after 6pm. Nearby paid lots on 3rd/Traction typically run $8–$15.
Dress code: Smart casual with a slight Arts District polish—jeans are fine, but most guests lean stylish for the bar-forward atmosphere.
Noise level: Moderate—music-forward but still easy to carry a conversation at the counter.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes for bar seating without a reservation; faster if you arrive before 6:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Often no wait; early evenings can see a brief 10–15 minute queue.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—handrolls are fish-focused, but there are usually 1–2 vegetable-forward rolls or sides.
Vegan options: Very limited—most items involve seafood or Japanese mayo; consider alternatives unless you're comfortable with minimal options.
Gluten-free options: Moderately friendly—many rolls can be made without soy sauce or tempura elements; notify staff so they can guide selections.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—the counter seating, cocktails, and steady pacing create an intimate but not stuffy rhythm. It’s social and stylish without being overwhelming.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes—counter seats are the norm. Arrive early on weekends for the best chance, as peak hours fill quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—most seating is bar-style, and the vibe skews adult and cocktail-focused. Older teens comfortable with sushi may fit, but younger kids may not.
Best For
Better for: A more elevated, linger-friendly handroll experience with cocktails—ideal when you want technique plus ambiance rather than fast-turn efficiency.
Skip if: You want a quick, budget handroll run or need extensive vegan/vegetarian accommodations; nearby fast-casual options will serve better.
Sama Handroll
8.4
A polished handroll bar with chef-driven technique and a cocktail-forward izakaya mood. Rolls hit warm-rice/cold-fish balance and are paced for lingering rather than rushing. Best experienced as a curated set with drinks over à la carte grazing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro hand roll, Lobster hand roll, Uni hand roll
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Handroll craft paired with a full cocktail-bar experience.
Who should go: Handroll lovers wanting a night out.
When to visit: Weeknights for smoothest pacing.
What to order: Toro, lobster, uni hand rolls.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar and order the chef’s set.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the Arts District, especially after 6pm; nearby paid lots along Alameda and Traction typically run $8–$15.
Dress code: Smart casual with a polished edge; jeans are fine if paired with something dressy.
Noise level: Moderate—energetic but still workable for date-level conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak bar hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; early dinner also moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited options—mostly cucumber or avocado-based rolls; handroll format leans heavily toward seafood.
Vegan options: Very limited; expect only basic vegetable rolls.
Gluten-free options: Mostly manageable—many handrolls can be made gluten-free if you avoid soy sauce and certain marinades; inform the staff early.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—bar seating, cocktails, and a paced handroll progression create a relaxed but elevated vibe ideal for conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights, especially early; weekends fill quickly, so walk-ins should expect a wait or bar seating first.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal—format is adult-leaning with cocktails, counter seating, and a later-night energy; teens may be fine, younger kids less so.
Best For
Better for: A more polished, night-out version of the handroll experience with stronger cocktails and pacing than the quicker, high-volume spots nearby.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional sushi dinner or need extensive vegetarian or gluten-free options.
Sama Handroll
8.3
On Traction Avenue, Sama Hand Roll combines a compact bar, charcoal-grilled bites, and a hand roll lineup that leans rich and savory. It feels more like a neighborhood hangout than a polished chain, with chefs handing over rolls as soon as they’re wrapped.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro Hand Roll, Spicy Tuna Hand Roll, Salmon Belly Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Cozy Arts District counter where hand rolls and grilled skewers share the stage.
Who should go: Roll fans who like a casual bar-style setting.
When to visit: Evenings before or after nearby galleries and bars.
What to order: Toro, spicy tuna, and salmon belly hand rolls.
Insider tip: Ask about grilled specials to break up a hand roll-only run.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Traction and 3rd is the main option; it’s manageable on weeknights but tight after 7pm and on weekends. Paid lots around the Arts District typically run $6–$12.
Dress code: Casual-to-smart casual. Most guests lean stylish but relaxed—jeans, tees, and light layers all fit fine.
Noise level: Moderate. The counter can be a bit lively during peak hours, but you can still carry a normal conversation without shouting.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours since seating is limited and counter service moves in waves.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or very short, as the crowds build later in the day.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—there are a couple of veggie rolls and grilled vegetable skewers, but the menu leans seafood-heavy.
Vegan options: Very limited—mostly sides or custom veggie hand rolls; confirm ingredients with the chef.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—many rolls can be made GF if you ask for tamari instead of soy sauce; grilled items are simpler but check about sauces and marinades.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its cozy counter, quick hand-to-counter roll service, and warm lighting make it intimate without feeling stuffy. It’s ideal for a relaxed, low-pressure date night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Sama operates primarily on walk-ins. Arrive early evening or later at night for the shortest waits; small parties are seated fastest.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat, but best for older kids or teens who enjoy sushi; the counter setup and compact space aren’t ideal for strollers or very young children.
Best For
Better for: Fans of a true chef-to-guest hand roll experience, grilled skewers alongside sushi, and a more low-key neighborhood feel than the polished big-name hand-roll spots.
Skip if: You want a wide sushi menu with nigiri and sashimi, need extensive vegetarian/vegan options, or prefer quieter, sit-down tables over counter-focused dining.
Sama Handroll
8.4
Tucked off Traction Avenue, Sama Handroll leans into sleek lighting, a focused hand roll menu, and a compact sake list to create an intimate Arts District sushi bar that feels tailor-made for low-key date nights. The room balances polished design with a relaxed soundtrack and pacing, making it a strong choice when you want quality fish without a fully scripted omakase.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s choice hand roll set, Toro and scallion hand roll, Salmon and avocado hand roll
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 6.7
What makes it special: A modern, softly lit hand roll bar that trades crowds for a more intimate Arts District date night.
Who should go: Couples wanting sleek design and focused hand rolls.
When to visit: Early evening before the later rush for quieter conversation.
What to order: Chef’s hand roll set, toro-scallion hand roll, salmon-avocado roll.
Insider tip: Grab seats toward the middle of the counter for the best view of the chefs and quicker refills on sake.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Traction and 3rd can be tight after 6pm; expect to circle. Several paid lots within a 2–4 minute walk typically run $8–$15 in the evening.
Dress code: Smart casual with a slightly polished edge; jeans are fine but most guests lean toward date-night attire.
Noise level: Moderate—music-forward but still comfortable for one-on-one conversation at the counter.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes for counter seats during peak unless you arrive right at opening.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—dinner-focused spot; early weekday evenings typically have minimal waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—cucumber, avocado, and a couple of vegetable-focused rolls are available.
Vegan options: Very limited—only basic vegetable rolls; no specialty vegan substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—hand rolls can be made with gluten-free tamari on request; avoid items with marinades containing soy sauces unless confirmed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—its softly lit counter and relaxed pacing create an intimate setting without the formality of omakase, making conversation easy and low-pressure.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes—counter seating turns over steadily. Arriving within the first hour of opening greatly improves your chances of immediate seats.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids due to the compact counter setup and focused menu; older teens who enjoy sushi will be fine.
Best For
Better for: A more relaxed, design-forward hand roll experience than the busier downtown chains—great when you want quality fish and intimacy without a full omakase commitment.
Skip if: You want a long, chef-driven tasting menu or need extensive vegetarian/vegan options—choose a broader or more traditional sushi bar instead.