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Sushi Counter

523 E 12th St, New York, NY 10009
$
Sushi
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Sushi Rolls in East Village Best Date Night Sushi in East Village

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Sushi Counter 7.6
Alphabet City
Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Solo Dining Sanctuaries Comfort Food Classics
A no-fuss counter built for fast roll utility—clean, straightforward maki that works when you want sushi without turning it into a night out. The best move is to order a classic core (spicy tuna + salmon avocado) and add one tempura-style roll for texture.
Must-Try Dishes: Spicy tuna roll, Salmon avocado roll, Shrimp tempura roll
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 7.7 Food Quality: 7.9 Atmosphere: 6 Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: Fast, budget-friendly rolls that keep the basics dependable.
Who should go: Takeout seekers and quick solo dinners
When to visit: Weekday dinner for fastest pickup
What to order: Spicy tuna roll, salmon avocado roll, shrimp tempura roll
Insider tip: Stick to classics—tempura roll as the one ‘fun’ add-on.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability and tough after 6pm. Rideshare or walking is the move.
Dress code: Very casual—jeans, sneakers, and coats on chairs are the norm.
Noise level: Low to moderate—quiet enough for solo dining, but tight quarters mean some ambient counter noise.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak times, often shorter for takeout
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—avocado, cucumber, sweet potato, and vegetable rolls are available.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetable rolls work, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Limited—sashimi may work, but rolls generally include soy sauce and shared prep surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional first date—it’s fast, casual, and counter-focused. Better for low-pressure hangs or solo meals.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there’s no reservation system. Seating turns over quickly, and takeout is always easy.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who like simple rolls, but the tight counter setup isn’t built for strollers or lingering family meals.
Best For
Better for: Quick, inexpensive sushi runs when you want familiar rolls without ceremony or waiting.
Skip if: You’re looking for a date-night atmosphere, premium fish, or a more expressive roll menu.