"Originally from California (with locations in Texas, Seattle, and Miami), Sushi By Scratch is known for its non-traditional omakase. The $165 Chicago experience is no different—this great sushi spot is hidden behind a password-protected door in the basement of The Drop In bar. An amuse-bouche in a tiny waiting room kicks things off, and the 17-course event happens at a 10-seat chef's counter. The omakase has personable chefs and a delicious mix of simple and less conventional nigiri (like unagi with melted bone marrow), making it worth spending two hours in a basement." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru