I’ve been coming here for a few months and the service, drinks and food never fail. The staff is extremely helpful and nice every time, the Mexican-Japanese fusion on the sushi is amazing, and the vibe is immaculate. Overall a great experience
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Thairuma Luzardo
Excellent service, wonderful food… I loved it ♥️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
joel castanon
Always one of my favorite places to come in and eat always having a chill time everyone is so nice and cool here and the food is always amazing to have ❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tempura, New Pilsen Roll, Sushi
Renata Silva pacheco
I love this place, without a doubt, the food is delicious and it is a very pleasant atmosphere, I love it! The attention of all the people who work there are so kind, Gabriela is the name of the girl who took care of us, super 10/10, I recommend it. 😉
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Melissa Weaver
First time here, last time here. There was a green health inspection notice on the door. But it was from November. We asked the server about it and she said that they couldn't get the sign off they were waiting for the owner to get it off but they passed their inspection. Get the bill and there is a 20.99 service fee added to the bill for parties if 4 or more. (There were 5 of us) I'm sorry wait what? I asked the server if that service went to her or the house... she told me she would have to text the owner. She came back and said it went to her. There are so many things wrong with that... and because I didn't believe "the text from the owner" I left her extra in cash. I feel bad for the servers. Fast forward to 35 minutes later when I am home and now throwing up and extremely sick. Texted a friend that was there too... said she also was getting sick. STAY AWAY!
EDIT: since the owner has turned off reply's
1. Yes I work in the service industry and a service charge on parties of 4 or more ABSOLUTELY not common practice. Just owners trying to get more money to cheat their staff. 2. I am very interested to know what our group did according to your server. To whom of which I personally tipped extra in cash because I don't believe the service charge goes to her. Considering when we walked in it was only the 5 of us in your establishment. 3. It is not that hard to get a sticker off the window especially since it was dated in November. Not to mention as a restaurant owner I would want that off my door immediately and would do what it takes to get it off instead of making excuses of "it's hard to get them off"
MOST IMPORTANTLY 3 out of 5 of us were sick from your food. Mine was within the hour, the 2nd person was sick 3 hours later and the 4th within 12 hours of that. It absolutely came from your food.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 5
Ashley Grace
Sign on the door for failed health inspection. We were hesitant and asked staff - we were reassured that they did pass the latest inspection and were unable to get the sticker off of the door.
There were 5 of us … we waited ATLEAST 20 min for 4 appetizers (one was miso soup, one was cucumber salad, one edamame, one gyoza) - none of which came together
We then waited another 20 min for 6 rolls of sushi (total). There were 3 total other customers in the restaurant this entire time, so they were not busy, just very slow.
Sushi was mediocre. I ordered the spicy scallop and right away, thought there was something “off” but chalked it up to paranoia from the health code sticker…boy was I wrong
That night, 3/5 of our group got sick (1 committed, 1 bubble guts, 1 stomach ache). I woke up at 2am with stomach pains but went back to sleep unscathed. Not the sane for last night - something evil attacked my insides and exited my body. It took 2 hours to feel relief. The 5th of our party had no issues.
Lastly, there was a “merchant fee” of $20+ on our bill (for parties of 4 or more). We were not advised of this upon seating nor is it anywhere on the menu or on a sign in the restaurant. The waitress initially stated it was not gratuity but a charge that goes to the establishment. Upon a “text from the owner” we were then told that it would go to our server - we are still unsure of the outcome.
I will not be going back, to say the least. Heed caution if you do!
EDIT UPDATE FOR OWNER REPLY: 1) 4 out of 5 of our party were ill within 30 hours of YOUR food consumption. All 4 illnesses were directly symptomatic of food born illness - 2) In 38 years of breathing life, I have written 3 negative reviews (including this one). I am very careful about what I say and support local small businesses, daily. But thank you for your concern of my care that goes into my personal reviews. 3) the server was extremely nice. She also informed us that she has not been working for your establishment very long (weeks to months at most). She also informed us that she was not familiar with all policies nor did she know what the merchant fee was for - she had to “text the manager to find out” 4) there is no “passing health inspection certification” posted anywhere in the restaurant. We were not shown this earlier, merely informed of this situation that only causes concern, initially, because of the bright green sticker still fully attached to the business” front door 5) please further explain the “complaints of our group” from your server. The 5 of us are women 36-45 years old. 2/5 consumed alcohol (1-2 drinks each). I did not, and can say that we were respectful, considerate and GOOD CUSTOMERS. nothing was ever said to us about any concern of any of our behaviors. This statement was extremely unprofessional as a business owner 6) we tipped the server ON TOP of the merchant fee - to ensure she was taken care of. 7) there was an additional tax, on top of the 10.75 sales tax and $20 merchant fee 8) the merchant fee did not specify gratuity or any percentage on bill. “Merchant fee…$20.xx” No written or verbal explanation until the bill is presented 9) 3 out of 5 of our group are in the industry. We are employees and are familiar with Chicago policies. 10) we will never be returning and will continue to inform others of this horrible experience.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
Alejandra Grieco
the servers and the food was amazing. fresh, attention to detail and overall a good time. would recommend this place to everyone in the neighborhood!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jackie Staatz
Ill preface this by saying that we did not eat here. We came in simply to have a drink and so this review is strictly based on the service. We walked in and immediately sat at the bar which had enough seats to accommodate our group of 5. The bar tender asked us if we were going to have drinks to which we confirmed we were. She then said "you can go sit at a table" to which we said we wanted to sit at the bar for our drinks. Mind you her tone seemed very annoyed and really irritated by us wanting to sit at the bar. We then ordered our drinks and they were just meh..like they were all off. Even an ol' fashion tasted lackluster. My mother in law ordered a martini and her glass was only half full. We asked the bar tender if her drink could be or regular martini size and then told us it was! I have been to bars tight with their pours but a half full martini? Thats ridiculous. We all had one drink and left. Sad too because the vibe seemed awesome and those who came to eat dinner seemed to be enjoying themselves. While this is not a bar, I won't be coming back because the service itself was very unwelcoming.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 1
Adam Erler
Low key vibe. Excellent sushi.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Andrew Kopacz
we had a party of three all do the $32 all-you-can-eat meals, and we had our fill and then some! it was a lovely time, the food was great! and the bathroom was very clean!
I love it here & love supporting this family owned sushi spot. I enjoy sitting at the bar on solo dates, girlfriend dates or with my husband. Don & his team of bartenders & chefs have always been warm, welcoming & have cultivated a great atmosphere to enjoy sushi & great cocktails. A favorite of mine is the spicy miso soup. The selection of roll varieties ? is bountiful , you can't get bored because there's something for every taste palette on the menu. ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tuna, Forest Roll, Miso Soup, Spicy Miso, Sushi, 18th St Roll, Hot Lips
Bryce B
I live down the street and I gave this place a try for the first time, since Bobijoa Korean Kitchen was closed.
Looking in the interior was very dark, black walls and black chairs. Their menu was beautiful, displaying a black with accenting colors of yellow and red. With nice photos of craft cocktails.
I ordered the chicken teriyaki which came with rice and a side salad. It was served to me on a sushi plate, which is a little difficult to eat in. The chicken was spongy. It seems like the chicken that you buy from a grocery store that’s frozen in a bag and then you thaw, the chicken and side salad and rice was all covered in a terriyaki sauce.
I chose this option as an alternative to sushi. I hope they give this dish a little bit more love or they just take it off the menu.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Joseph Wendt
Best sushi I’ve had in Chicago! Great service and sleek atmosphere as well. The base is bumpin and the wasabi is thumpin
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alex Martinez
I love coming here, the staff is always so helpful and warm, and are committed to their service.The warm and dark ambience gives me a warm and exclusive feeling, paired with great food and a knowledgeable bar staff, it’s always a delight to come back to golden gai.My server Maya was able to make special drinks and was so sweet, funny, and helpful and knowledgable on the menu/ alcohol, and I will definitely be back soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Aj Haj
Good sushi, 1 suggestion would be to offer more rolls that are not shrimp tempura centric
I’ve been coming here for a few months and the service, drinks and food never fail. The staff is extremely helpful and nice every time, the Mexican-Japanese fusion on the sushi is amazing, and the vibe is immaculate. Overall a great experience
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent service, wonderful food… I loved it ♥️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Always one of my favorite places to come in and eat always having a chill time everyone is so nice and cool here and the food is always amazing to have ❤️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tempura, New Pilsen Roll, Sushi
I love this place, without a doubt, the food is delicious and it is a very pleasant atmosphere, I love it! The attention of all the people who work there are so kind, Gabriela is the name of the girl who took care of us, super 10/10, I recommend it. 😉
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
First time here, last time here. There was a green health inspection notice on the door. But it was from November. We asked the server about it and she said that they couldn't get the sign off they were waiting for the owner to get it off but they passed their inspection. Get the bill and there is a 20.99 service fee added to the bill for parties if 4 or more. (There were 5 of us) I'm sorry wait what? I asked the server if that service went to her or the house... she told me she would have to text the owner. She came back and said it went to her. There are so many things wrong with that... and because I didn't believe "the text from the owner" I left her extra in cash. I feel bad for the servers.
Fast forward to 35 minutes later when I am home and now throwing up and extremely sick. Texted a friend that was there too... said she also was getting sick.
STAY AWAY!
EDIT: since the owner has turned off reply's
1. Yes I work in the service industry and a service charge on parties of 4 or more ABSOLUTELY not common practice. Just owners trying to get more money to cheat their staff.
2. I am very interested to know what our group did according to your server. To whom of which I personally tipped extra in cash because I don't believe the service charge goes to her. Considering when we walked in it was only the 5 of us in your establishment.
3. It is not that hard to get a sticker off the window especially since it was dated in November. Not to mention as a restaurant owner I would want that off my door immediately and would do what it takes to get it off instead of making excuses of "it's hard to get them off"
MOST IMPORTANTLY 3 out of 5 of us were sick from your food. Mine was within the hour, the 2nd person was sick 3 hours later and the 4th within 12 hours of that. It absolutely came from your food.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 5
Sign on the door for failed health inspection. We were hesitant and asked staff - we were reassured that they did pass the latest inspection and were unable to get the sticker off of the door.
There were 5 of us … we waited ATLEAST 20 min for 4 appetizers (one was miso soup, one was cucumber salad, one edamame, one gyoza) - none of which came together
We then waited another 20 min for 6 rolls of sushi (total). There were 3 total other customers in the restaurant this entire time, so they were not busy, just very slow.
Sushi was mediocre. I ordered the spicy scallop and right away, thought there was something “off” but chalked it up to paranoia from the health code sticker…boy was I wrong
That night, 3/5 of our group got sick (1 committed, 1 bubble guts, 1 stomach ache). I woke up at 2am with stomach pains but went back to sleep unscathed. Not the sane for last night - something evil attacked my insides and exited my body. It took 2 hours to feel relief. The 5th of our party had no issues.
Lastly, there was a “merchant fee” of $20+ on our bill (for parties of 4 or more). We were not advised of this upon seating nor is it anywhere on the menu or on a sign in the restaurant. The waitress initially stated it was not gratuity but a charge that goes to the establishment. Upon a “text from the owner” we were then told that it would go to our server - we are still unsure of the outcome.
I will not be going back, to say the least. Heed caution if you do!
EDIT UPDATE FOR OWNER REPLY:
1) 4 out of 5 of our party were ill within 30 hours of YOUR food consumption. All 4 illnesses were directly symptomatic of food born illness -
2) In 38 years of breathing life, I have written 3 negative reviews (including this one). I am very careful about what I say and support local small businesses, daily. But thank you for your concern of my care that goes into my personal reviews.
3) the server was extremely nice. She also informed us that she has not been working for your establishment very long (weeks to months at most). She also informed us that she was not familiar with all policies nor did she know what the merchant fee was for - she had to “text the manager to find out”
4) there is no “passing health inspection certification” posted anywhere in the restaurant. We were not shown this earlier, merely informed of this situation that only causes concern, initially, because of the bright green sticker still fully attached to the business” front door
5) please further explain the “complaints of our group” from your server. The 5 of us are women 36-45 years old. 2/5 consumed alcohol (1-2 drinks each). I did not, and can say that we were respectful, considerate and GOOD CUSTOMERS. nothing was ever said to us about any concern of any of our behaviors. This statement was extremely unprofessional as a business owner
6) we tipped the server ON TOP of the merchant fee - to ensure she was taken care of.
7) there was an additional tax, on top of the 10.75 sales tax and $20 merchant fee
8) the merchant fee did not specify gratuity or any percentage on bill.
“Merchant fee…$20.xx”
No written or verbal explanation until the bill is presented
9) 3 out of 5 of our group are in the industry. We are employees and are familiar with Chicago policies.
10) we will never be returning and will continue to inform others of this horrible experience.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
the servers and the food was amazing. fresh, attention to detail and overall a good time. would recommend this place to everyone in the neighborhood!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Ill preface this by saying that we did not eat here. We came in simply to have a drink and so this review is strictly based on the service. We walked in and immediately sat at the bar which had enough seats to accommodate our group of 5. The bar tender asked us if we were going to have drinks to which we confirmed we were. She then said "you can go sit at a table" to which we said we wanted to sit at the bar for our drinks. Mind you her tone seemed very annoyed and really irritated by us wanting to sit at the bar. We then ordered our drinks and they were just meh..like they were all off. Even an ol' fashion tasted lackluster. My mother in law ordered a martini and her glass was only half full. We asked the bar tender if her drink could be or regular martini size and then told us it was! I have been to bars tight with their pours but a half full martini? Thats ridiculous. We all had one drink and left. Sad too because the vibe seemed awesome and those who came to eat dinner seemed to be enjoying themselves. While this is not a bar, I won't be coming back because the service itself was very unwelcoming.
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 1
Low key vibe. Excellent sushi.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
we had a party of three all do the $32 all-you-can-eat meals, and we had our fill and then some! it was a lovely time, the food was great! and the bathroom was very clean!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
I love it here & love supporting this family owned sushi spot. I enjoy sitting at the bar on solo dates, girlfriend dates or with my husband. Don & his team of bartenders & chefs have always been warm, welcoming & have cultivated a great atmosphere to enjoy sushi & great cocktails. A favorite of mine is the spicy miso soup. The selection of roll varieties ? is bountiful , you can't get bored because there's something for every taste palette on the menu. ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tuna, Forest Roll, Miso Soup, Spicy Miso, Sushi, 18th St Roll, Hot Lips
I live down the street and I gave this place a try for the first time, since Bobijoa Korean Kitchen was closed.
Looking in the interior was very dark, black walls and black chairs. Their menu was beautiful, displaying a black with accenting colors of yellow and red. With nice photos of craft cocktails.
I ordered the chicken teriyaki which came with rice and a side salad. It was served to me on a sushi plate, which is a little difficult to eat in. The chicken was spongy. It seems like the chicken that you buy from a grocery store that’s frozen in a bag and then you thaw, the chicken and side salad and rice was all covered in a terriyaki sauce.
I chose this option as an alternative to sushi. I hope they give this dish a little bit more love or they just take it off the menu.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Best sushi I’ve had in Chicago! Great service and sleek atmosphere as well. The base is bumpin and the wasabi is thumpin
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I love coming here, the staff is always so helpful and warm, and are committed to their service.The warm and dark ambience gives me a warm and exclusive feeling, paired with great food and a knowledgeable bar staff, it’s always a delight to come back to golden gai.My server Maya was able to make special drinks and was so sweet, funny, and helpful and knowledgable on the menu/ alcohol, and I will definitely be back soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Good sushi, 1 suggestion would be to offer more rolls that are not shrimp tempura centric
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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