Yokocho Handrolls and Omakase Bar

"Features a unique omakase and a memorable uni cheesecake." - Ashok Selvam

"In a neighborhood that’s becoming increasingly more chaotic, Yokocho in the West Loop is blessedly easy. You can walk right in and grab a little wooden booth or seat at the sushi bar. The short menu has mainly handrolls, a few small plates, and about 10 types of simple nigiri or sashimi, with an option to get a piece of each for $62. Nothing is going to make you rethink everything you’ve ever thought about raw fish—the biggest surprise will be the pops of chili crunch in the scallop handroll—but it's worth a visit just to have a quality sushi moment in the West Loop for under $100. " - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru

"In a neighborhood that’s becoming increasingly more chaotic, Yokocho in the West Loop is blessedly easy. It’s a chill sushi spot next to Oakville and a Foxtrot in the courtyard of a gigantic new office building. Unlike most spots in Chicago’s hypiest neighborhood, you can walk right into this small, dark restaurant and grab a little wooden booth or seat at the sushi bar. The short menu has mainly handrolls, a few small plates, and about 10 types of simple nigiri or sashimi, with an option to get a piece of each for $50. The biggest surprise will be the pops of chili crunch in the scallop handroll, and the fact that you can have a quality sushi moment in the West Loop for under $100. That said, they do have a 10-course $175 omakase, because of course they do." - Adrian Kane

"Yokocho, originally located in Wicker Park, has reopened in Fulton Market. The restaurant features a menu divided into three sections, offering a 10-course omakase-style meal, three small plate sets, and temaki sushi. The drink menu includes cocktails, sakes, draft Asahi beer, and wines. The space seats 30 along a U-shaped bar with illuminated box signs, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with a comfortable and approachable atmosphere. A lunch menu will soon include donburi and Japanese sandwiches. Despite challenges, the dedication to hospitality remains strong." - Naomi Waxman

"Mana, a vegetarian staple for a decade, closed in September in Wicker Park. Co-owner Susan Thompson hinted she had plans for the space, and now she’s ready to share: Mana has morphed into a “Japanese alley bar.” The restaurant’s website has announced Yokocho should open on Thursday at 1742 W. Division Street. Yokocho’s menu includes panko-crusted chicken meatballs (tsukune), tonkatsu nuggets, and a burger. But there are also veggie options. One of Yokocho’s cocktails, “Celery and Smoke,” features the Mexican spirit with celery root liqueur. There are eight house drinks and a full slate of sake." - Ashok Selvam