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Yellowtail Sushi Bar and Asian Kitchen

3136 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60657
$$
Sushi

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Master Critic Review

Yellowtail Sushi Bar and Asian Kitchen 8.0
Lakeview East
Yellowtail is a longtime Lakeview East BYOB sushi spot where generous maki, carpaccio plates, and crispy starters land in a casually stylish, music-forward dining room. It’s a go-to for mid-priced sushi dates that still feel like a night out without downtown pricing.
Must-Try Dishes: Yellowtail Carpaccio, Crispy Rice Spicy Tuna, Salmon Avocado Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.3 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 7.9 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 7.8 Cultural Relevance: 6.4
What makes it special: BYOB sushi with creative rolls and a low-key, date-friendly room.
Who should go: Pairs wanting lively sushi without splurging on drinks.
When to visit: Weekend evenings after 7pm when the room fills up.
What to order: Yellowtail carpaccio, crispy rice spicy tuna, Furemingu maki.
Insider tip: Stop at a nearby wine shop beforehand; the BYOB policy keeps checks reasonable.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking in Lakeview East; typically competitive after 6pm and on weekends — plan extra time to circle or use nearby paid neighborhood garages if needed.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most diners lean slightly dressy for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate — upbeat music and lively conversation, but you can generally hold a normal conversation at the table.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak 7–9pm hours; shorter waits earlier in the evening.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait (when open for daytime service); evenings are substantially busier.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — veggie maki, tofu, and appetizer options are commonly available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable rolls and simple sides; confirm sauces and tempura batter with staff.
Gluten-free options: Possible with modifications — sashimi and some rolls work if you request gluten-free soy sauce and avoid tempura items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the BYOB policy keeps the check reasonable, the room feels lively but not formal, and portions are generous enough to share, which works well for a relaxed first-date dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or early evenings, but expect a wait on weekends after 7pm; arriving early or calling ahead for timing usually improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s more of a date-night and groups setting; well-behaved older kids or teens are fine, but there are no dedicated children’s amenities and peak hours skew adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: BYOB date nights with creative rolls at mid-range prices, generous portions, and a casually stylish vibe without downtown formality.
Skip if: You want omakase-style precision sushi, a very quiet dining room, or a full bar program rather than BYOB.