"Money Cat, a sushi and small plates spot in Upper Kirby, has a lot of money cats. If you didn't know this restaurant’s name when you walked in, you could probably guess it based on the hundreds of identical hand-waving figurines lined up behind the host stand. Everything from the decor to the menu here feels familiar to other sushi restaurants in town, the food is tasty, fun, and served in generous portions. The crispy maitake mushroom karaage, dressed in hot wing sauce, is a snack we couldn’t stop reaching for. The king crab chawanmushi is served with cute fish-shaped mitsubas for dredging. We also have a hard time choosing what dessert to get. Each one is like a little edible fairy garden. Dinner here can get expensive, so make a reservation for Money Cat’s social hour for discounted makimono rolls, snacks, and house cocktails. Dining here alone or on a date can be a little uncomfortable, mostly because Money Cat is a nearly windowless room crammed into the base of a high-rise. Sitting at the bar counter might afford you a street view, but the sushi counter faces a wall. And the sushi chefs don’t interact much, so you’re left awkwardly staring at said wall for the entire meal. There are, however, very spacious booths that comfortably fit at least six, so dining out with a group of folks is the best move. photo credit: Jenn Duncan photo credit: Jenn Duncan photo credit: Jenn Duncan photo credit: Jenn Duncan photo credit: Jenn Duncan" - Chelsea Thomas
