Sushi by Bou - Albany NY @ City Beer Hall

If you are picky about your sushi or want an authentic omakase this is Not Your Spot.

Your TLDR; Overpriced chain Influencer slop, don't bother. Go anywhere else local for sushi over this.

For how much this place costs it leaves far too much to want on all fronts.

The menu did not make much sense in taste or arrangement.
If you can't eat cold fish this is the place for you because half the menu is hot garbage.

For some credit, any of the 'cold' pieces were definitely nice cuts of fish but served on strangely warm tasteless rice.

To my opinion and topping it off, some of the plates they use are ugly as sin.

The mocktail we tried was pretty poor in taste, Id liken it to a filmy sweet seltzer. Their bar selection, small and unnotable.

The space could certainly use a more discerning and tasteful eye. Its strangely lit and a mishmash of aesthetics.
It doesn't work.

Nothing against the service staff but they repeatedly failed to clarify and correctly take our orders.

Waste of money. Learned a lesson. Don't bother with this and don't bother responding to me as I know nothing about this place will change.
Enjoy your trendy slop spot. Nothing close to a culinary experience.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 3

Went for a friend's birthday and we all thoroughly enjoyed the food, drinks and great service. We did the signature omakase since it was a first time for all of us. Will definitely be back to have it again or try out the bigger 17 course omakase.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best sushi in the area. The fish is very fresh and melts in your mouth. The menu changes, keeping it new and interesting. WE love this place and will keep going back.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Best sushi I’ve had. The setting is really cool, and was neat to see the chef preparing everything. Everything was fresh, and tasted great. I only did the 12 course, which was $90 after tax and tip. You do want a reservation for this place. Perfect for a date night or a special occasion.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Toro - Fatty Tuna, Bincho - Albacore

The best sushi I ever ate, even though I tried sushi in a high-star restaurant in Japan, I love the sushi here more.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I just thought this was way overpriced for what it was. The sushi was not anything spectacular from my point of view. Also, my boyfriend got an old fashioned that was 20 bucks and super watered down. He was annoyed about spending so much for a cocktail that was 70% ice. I wish we had spent the money elsewhere. Plenty of great places in town where $300 for 2 (what we ended up spending in the end with the upgraded Omakase, drinks, and tip) will get you an incredible meal. Would not call this incredible.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 2

Service: 2

If you like Omakase you will LOVE Sushi by Bou. Truly one of my favorite and unique omakase experiences I've had. On our end of the bar we had Carl and he was AMAZING.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I had the 17-course Bougie Omakase, and it was honestly one of the best restaurant experiences I’ve ever had.

The entire vibe of the place is fantastic. The interaction with the chef and staff makes the experience feel personal, fun, and welcoming from start to finish. You can tell they truly care about what they’re serving.

What really stood out was the quality of the fish. They source fish from Japan every couple of days, and the difference is noticeable immediately. The flavors are incredibly clean and fresh. some of the best fish I’ve ever tasted.

Each course is thoughtfully designed. The chef gradually builds intensity, serving sushi with progressively stronger and richer flavors so every bite feels better than the one before it. It’s a really clever and satisfying progression.

Some of my absolute favorites were the toro (fatty tuna), the wagyu, the scallop, which literally melts in your mouth, and the sake (salmon). But honestly, every single piece was exceptional. The subtle seasoning on each piece elevated the fish without overpowering it.

Overall, this was a top-tier omakase experience. Incredible quality, amazing service, and a perfectly curated progression of flavors. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone who loves sushi.

Hands down an outstanding experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Absolutely phenomenal, super kind people, amazing food, great cocktails, and unique experience. Definitely worth it to upgrade to bougie or reserve. We will be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Toro - Fatty Tuna, Wagyuni - Surf N' Turf

Always appreciate my Bou gang, they hold down the Albany location well and make every visit feel special and memorable.

Perfect for a special occasion. The food was outstanding and the service and atmosphere were great!

Chef Carl made sure to ask about each persons preferences in the beginning and accommodated spice level and even amount of rice. Immediately upon entry our party felt taken care of - being greeted, led to our seats and setup, fast drink service with excellent recommendations from the bartender and although the reservation slots are timed, we never felt rushed out of the restaurant. Lifetimers of Sushi by Bou - we love you in Albany!!

This place is AMAZING.....FOOD & Venue is great 👍

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Delicious! Everything tasted so so good and flavorful. Very accommodating staff and excellent service.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Toro - Fatty Tuna

Best food and social experience. Get's a 10 out of 10 for me. The food was more then great and got to watch sports.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5