Inside Sushi by Boū, the New Omakase Speakeasy in Fishtown - Eater Philly

"A super fly, yet affordable, omakase is coming to Fishtown during the peak of the spring. Next Friday, May 10th, Sushi by Boū will make its formal debut as the new omakase located inside the back of Izakaya Fishtown (1832 Frankford Avenue). The lively 4 to 12-seat sushi counter features some of the best sushi chefs in the country — an impressive feat for a dining experience that’s not as pricey as a typical omakase in the city. During the 60-minute experience, diners can choose to pay between $60 for 12 courses per person or $125 for a 17 course omakase (cleverly named the “Bou-gie” upgrade). This space was previously the posh, 17-course omakase Sushi Suite, that was also part of a business partnership between successful restaurant groups SimpleVenue (Sushi Suite, Sushi by Boū, Omakaseed, Fins and Scales) and Glu Hospitality (Chika, Almost Home, Añejo Philly, Figo Italian). Now, they have joined forces once again to transform the venue into something they argue is “more casual, affordable and faster-paced” — and a part of their “sushi for the people” vision. “Sushi by Boū is our more casual, affordable and faster-paced Omakase experience,” says SimpleVenue founder Michael Sinensky, who has previously launched Sushi by Boū locations in other cities such as New York, Chicago, and Fort Lauderdale. “While each one has the same 12-course menu for $60, the theme of each location in any city is different, so you can reserve a location based on your vibe.” “Every major city needs affordable omakase with premium fish,” Sinensky adds. “Our 12 piece timed experience only will cost our customers $60. The same omakase in another restaurant will run someone $100-$150. Our motto and tagline is ‘sushi for the people’ as we want everyone to eat sushi the way it’s intended.” With custom artwork by local graffiti artist Ivben Taqiy and interior design by Diana Romeo, Sushi by Boū in Fishtown is an aesthetic ode to the hip-hop era of the 90s, with graffiti covered walls, suspended vinyls overhead, and play lights that pay homage to the several Philly musical legends (such as Black Thought & Quest Love from the Roots, Boyz II Men, Will Smith, Jazzy Jeff, and Eve) and popular references invoking the Philadelphia Eagles, Meek Mill, and more. For their omakase experience, diners can expect to try their Hamachi (yellowtail), Botan Ebi (spotted prawn), Ikura (salmon roe), Hotate (scallop), O-Toro (fatty tuna), Unagi (barbecue eel), and signature Wagyuni (‘surf and turf’). There’s also a selection of hand rolls and other popular sushi options available upon request, as well as additional a la carte items and seasonal mochi ice cream for dessert. Sushi by Boū has a full-service bar with a variety of original cocktails and sake. Diners can try their yuzu honey bee (made with Maker’s Mark Bourbon, honey syrup yuzu, simple syrup and pink peppercorn), old fashion pearl (made with Legent Bourbon, angostura bitters and roasted barley syrup), sakura martini (made with vodka, dry sake, and maraschino liquor). In terms of sake specials, their flight to heaven is a sake trio that includes Heavensake Junmai (described as having a fright and fresh finish), Heavensake Junmai Ginjo (crisp, light and refreshing flavors) and Heavensake Junmai Daiginjo (vibrant, rich and aromatic vibes), among other options." - Ernest Owens