Sushi-san

"Sushi-san in River North has wooden tables, loud rap music, and the menu is a mix of sushi and Japanese small plates. Sure, it’s a laid-back spot with a poop emoji instead of a bathroom sign, but the sushi here is quite serious—and really really good. Order one of the “San-sets” (an assortment of nigiri, sashimi, and rolls) which are perfect for sharing and range in price from $17-$105. Make sure you get the Japanese pancakes for dessert too." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru

"Sushi-san is huge and (if the poop emoji by the bathrooms is any indicator) doesn’t take itself too seriously. And while that irreverent attitude is perfect for a relaxed birthday celebration, it doesn’t extend to the excellent sushi, which they take very seriously. You can’t go wrong with anything you order here, whether it’s the nigiri (order a “San-set” to try a bunch of different things), the rolls, the small plates, or the very fluffy pancakes topped with matcha butter and black sugar—a.k.a. the only birthday cake you’ll need." - adrian kane, veda kilaru, nick allen

"Sushi-san in River North has wooden tables, loud rap music, and the menu is a mix of sushi and Japanese small plates. Sure, this place has a poop emoji instead of a bathroom sign, but the food here is no joke—it’s really really good. Sushi-san is also both reasonably affordable for the neighborhood, and a fun spot for a group dinner. Order a “San-set” (an assortment of sushi), and make sure you get the Japanese pancakes for dessert." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru

"Sushi-san’s motto is “hip hop and hand rolls,” which should give some indication of the casual vibe at Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’ ocean-oriented sibling of Ramen-san. While chef Kaze Chan is serving a full slate of izakaya-inspired bites, from crispy tempura to grilled miso salmon, the restaurant’s sweet spot is its “San-sets” that include maki rolls and traditional nigiri and sashimi. Online ordering is available here. For a more intimate and upscale meal, patrons can snag a spot at the Omakase Room, a 10-seat restaurant-within-a-restaurant offering an 18-course menu for $250 per person. There’s also a location inside Willis Tower." - Naomi Waxman, Eater Staff

"Sushi-san in River North serves seriously great Japanese food, even if the club-level-loud rap music and poop emoji bathroom sign make it seem somewhat gimmicky. The sushi here is expertly prepared, like their San-Set assortments of nigiri, sashimi, and rolls that have names like Megatron and Mr. Maguro. And like the spicy octopus tacos in a crunchy nori shell or fluffy Japanese pancakes for dessert, they’re perfect for a group to split as they ramp up their night. Sushi-san is an irreverent party with excellent sushi and an exciting bar roster (Asahi, on tap, in a frosted glass), but they also have a great selection of drinks that have nothing with alcohol—AKA their N.W.A. section, naturally. " - sam faye, adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen