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Sushi Counter
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Sushi Counter
7.6
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.
Sushi Counter
7.6
A grab-and-go counter built for a low-cost sushi date that’s more about strolling and snacking than sitting for hours. It’s at its best when you treat it like a curated takeout stop—pick a few hand rolls and one bolder roll, then take the night elsewhere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hand rolls, Volcano roll, Three-roll special
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 6.9
What makes it special: A simple East Village counter for fast, affordable rolls and hand rolls.
Who should go: Couples who want a casual sushi stop
When to visit: Early evening for best selection
What to order: Hand rolls, volcano roll, three-roll special
Insider tip: Buy here and pair with a nearby bar for the date-night upgrade.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited in the East Village and especially tough after 6pm; plan to walk, bike, or use rideshare.
Dress code: Casual — sneakers, jeans, and everyday wear are completely fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate — ordering counter chatter, but not loud enough to block conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on rush; mostly a short line rather than a seated wait.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or just a few minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — avocado, cucumber, sweet potato, and vegetable rolls are usually available.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — stick to veggie rolls and confirm sauces are vegan.
Gluten-free options: Limited — sashimi and simple rolls can work, but cross-contact is likely and soy sauce is standard.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something low-pressure and informal — it’s better for a walking-and-talking date than a sit-down dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There’s no traditional seating — this is a counter-order spot meant for takeout or quick bites.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like simple rolls; there’s no dedicated kids menu or seating, so it works best for quick stops.
Best For
Better for: Cheap, fast sushi that still feels intentional — ideal for hand rolls and casual snacking without committing to a full meal.
Skip if: You want a seated omakase, a lingering dinner, or a more romantic, candlelit date-night atmosphere.