One, two, three, SAKE,” is what patrons often hear Fridays and Saturdays at Sushi O Sushi, 346 W. Armitage Ave. The cramped, yet cozy, restaurant may not be ideal for sushi connoisseurs, but the relaxed atmosphere makes it one of the top spots for sake bombing.
Barely visible from the outside, Sushi O Sushi opens to a den-like area with only a few tables, a sushi bar and one slightly larger area with couches and decorative pillows – ideal for eating, drinking and eventually passing out from too much sake. The vibe is chill with dim lighting and a mixed crowd of the young and old.
The food is rather sub-par, with appetizers such as vegetable tempura ($5), a wide variety of maki rolls starting at $4, and entrees such as orange chicken ($9). Don’t even bother with the cuisine; the sake’s where it’s at.
Count on the easygoing staff for menu suggestions, as well as tips for bombing, and they might even join in on one round. Don’t be afraid to bang the table hard after the count to three – the other restaurant-goers don’t seem to mind and the staff seems to enjoy it.
The best deal is to buy a large bottle of Sapporo beer, a popular Japanese brand, and a cute teapot of sake – each will cost you $6. The staff not only shows customers how to drink sake but is always ready to clean up the spills that usually follow as well.
It’s a great place to start a night out in Lincoln Park. Just remember: Skip the sushi, stay for sake.
Located about six blocks from the CTA Armitage El stop, Sushi O Sushi is open Sunday to Thursday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
