Oishii

"Though situated in a small retail strip near dry cleaners, don’t let the location deter you — Oishii is a top-notch Upper Kirby destination for a casual sushi meal. The menu is brimming with dishes to sample, including a crispy vegetable tempura, a pleasantly savory pork gyoza, and its sweet fried banana. Visit during Oishii’s famed happy hour when items are buy-one, get-one-free." - Brittany Britto Garley

"Don’t be fooled by its muted exterior. Oishii is a favorite among locals for its large and affordable menu of sushi, sashimi, and temaki. For twice the fun, visit during its famed BOGO happy hour when appetizers like agedashi tofu, gyoza, and traditional sushi rolls are buy-one, get-one-free. Procuring a glass (or two) from its beer and sake list rounds out the experience." - Brittany Britto Garley

"Sushi night can be pricey, but at Oishii, diners can indulge in all of the house staples paired with beer, wine, or sake, thanks to budget-friendly offerings. Diners are drawn in for its sushi and sashimi offerings, which start at $1 or $2 per piece, plus small plates like seaweed salad, chicken yakitori, fried pork gyoza, and agedashi tofu, which are all under $5. Cut down on costs even more by visiting during Oishii’s famed happy hour, when appetizers are buy-one, get-one-free." - Brianna Griff, Brittany Britto Garley

"When: Mon-Fri 3-7pm, Sat 3-6pm The Deal: $2.50 domestic beer, $3 imported beer, $3.50 hot sake, $4 house wine by the glass, and $5 appetizers that are buy one, get one free (dine-in only). Waiting in line for Happy Hour at Oishii is a Houston right of passage, one we should protect at all costs. The tiny spot in Greenway is an institution—order the same custom maki roll enough, and Oishii will enshrine your questionable taste on the menu permanently. The rock-bottom prices have remained unchanged for years, with BOGO $5 appetizers six days a week. And unlike your local used car lot with a questionable Cadillac Eldorado, Oishii isn’t advertising a false reality: the food is delicious, the portions are generous, and service is excellent. Get there as early as possible, order more than you can handle, and bask in the glory of a sushi dinner that’s worth way more than what you’re paying. " - chelsea thomas, gianni greene

"Waiting in line for sushi at Oishii is a Houston right of passage. The tiny spot in Greenway is an institution—order the same custom maki roll enough, and your questionable taste could make it to the menu permanently. Oishii exists in a permanent liminal space where time and inflation fears have collapsed, with the same rock-bottom prices for years. You can still get Happy Hour BOGO $5 appetizers six days a week, lunch combos for $10, and nigiri pieces for as low as $1 (what the f*ck?). This is truly the future all sushi lovers want." - chelsea thomas, gianni greene