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Macku Sushi
Categories: Restaurants Sushi Bars Restaurants Japanese Sushi Bars, Japanese
2239 N Clybourn Ave(between Webster Ave & Greenview Ave)
Chicago, IL 60614
Neighborhood: DePaul
(773) 880-8012
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 5 pm - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- Yes
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Trendy
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
187 reviews for Macku Sushi
Review Highlights
"...to yelp reviewers I knew to try the white asparagus soup."
(in 16 reviews)
"Hamachi & Madai signature sashimi."
(in 16 reviews)
"I had the Caterpillar and the Hamachi Ebi Tempura."
(in 7 reviews)
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187 reviews in English
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Review from Jonathan W.
Chicago, IL
1/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place rocks. I've been for dinner a few times and each time has been outstanding. By no means a traditional Thai-run Lakeview maki joint, every dish here is very creatively and artfully prepared. I may even call Macku my favorite restaurant. NOT CHEAP.
Defintely try the chef special nigiris, and whatever soup they are making is always good. They make an awesome spicy tuna temaki.
On Tuesdays they offer a four course prix fixe menu for $45 with wine. Generously sized. Again, not cheap, but a great way to sample all the styles they use without breaking the bank. -
Review from Suana W.
Colton, CA
1/11/2012 1 Check-in Here
definitely a solid 4 stars. i may just become a Tuesday night regular. although the sushi can get just a little too asian fusion for my taste, it's hard to beat the 4-course, 3-alcohol-pairing meal for a bargain basement $45 for the tasting menu every Tuesday.
the sushi was a-ok for me. each comes very elaborately decorated, with lots of sauces and garnishes. it's tasty, but sometimes i just want a piece where the fish is the highlight. overall, though, i'm glad i found this place in chicago! -
Review from Kathy P.
Been here a couple times now and loved it even more this time. We each started off with soups and both the sweet potato http://www.yelp.com/bi... and white asparagus http://www.yelp.com/bi... were great. I was especially fond of the sweet potato and will be getting that again. We also had the tuna http://www.yelp.com/bi... and hamachi sashimis http://www.yelp.com/bi... (tuna was better) and a few rolls. Rolls were okay but not anything special like many have said. The highlight of course was the signature nigiris http://www.yelp.com/bi.... Each one was great but I was particularly fond of the hamachi and ika. The fish is so fresh and delightful and with the innovative combinations with other ingredients, every bite is happiness. We ended the meal with the white asparagus pudding http://www.yelp.com/bi... (soo good) and the green tea mousse http://www.yelp.com/bi... (this was just okay).
Although it's not cheap, it's really a fantastic meal and I am so looking forward to going back. -
Review from Jim G.
Chicago, IL
2/8/2012
I loved this place but be aware that if you go omakase with wine pairings, expect to spend about $420 for two people (Before tip).
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Review from Erika G.
12/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
Well, look here, what rose from the ashes of the old Luna Caprese! Good riddance that overpriced, yet mediocre restaurant (see my review. Or, don't bother 'cos it's gone now).
Anyway, this place is a winner. Went here with a good friend this week and this place is a real improvement. Sleek, minimal decor - pretty typical for a sushi restaurant, but still appealing. Nice lighting, serene and clean bathrooms.
Started out with a chilly, immaculate Martini. Well done.
The "Chef's Special" alleviated "what to order". Surprise us! Started out with a delicious soup. Yose Nabe, a soup with sea bass fish cake and quail egg. I loved this, and could see myself coming by for lunch on a cold winter day and eating this whole bowl. It was PLENTY for two to share, it'd be a meal for one. This was probably my favorite thing.
Then time for my second and LAST Martini, just as appealing as the first. Two Martini Limit firmly in place.
The goodies. The Chef's Special is sort of a license for the chef to run wild. I'm okay with chefs running amok in the kitchen, in fact, I encourage it. The dinner we had started with a petit lamb chop. Mmmm, baby lambie - that was tender and juicy. Next was a plate with Super White Tuna with slightly hot spices. Mmmmmm . . . super white is my FAVORITE. This was fantastic too.
One plate had two sushi pieces topped by a baby octopus. Oh, my. I nibbled they tiny feet of the baby octopus, but was unable to consume the diminutive cephalopod. I am an omnivore, but would prefer my food remain unrecognizeable.
The next sushi bites we had were decadent. Regular sushi pieces, but with extras - a dab of foie gras - that was my favorite. Delicious spices and flavors.
The dessert . . . mon dieu, this thing was over the top. A hockey puck shaped pastry shell topped with sort of spicy . . . cotton candy and a Lotus flower. Break the shell and molten chocolate and some sort of white stuff (!!!!) oozes out. And . . . almonds. Could there be more flavors to this thing? Hardcore dessert fans would love this thing. Me, I considered the octopus sushi we'd had as dessert.
Great place! Oh, and have I mentioned the smooth skinned, adorable waitstaff? Friendly and effiencient, and just adds to the gorgeous decor. Wonderful! -
Review from Pha L.
Chicago, IL
1/15/2012
I can't believe this restaurant isn't a Michelin Star Rated Restaurant. I loved the ambiance and the quality of food and service here. It's located in Lincoln Square with street parking. A very small and cozy family oriented restaurant. My boyfriend and I went and ordered a little bit of everything to try. Very good. Everything was superb. I would go again. It's not too expensive either. The sushi was impeccable but the hot foods was awesome too.
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Review from Borbine K.
Chicago, IL
12/5/2011
Highly recommend checking this place out on TUESDAY nights, for their Tasting Menu. It's only $45/pp includes small wine/sake pairing with each course--in total about 4, but it is very filling! In addition, allows you to try things you typically would not order on your own.
I love a restaurant that makes you feel educated about their food, and not just serve you a plate to "have at it." Each of their signature nigiri has individual toppings; you will not find this anywhere, and cannot be imitated.
Here are my recommendations:
-Everything off of signature nigiri pieces
-Soups from Asparagus, and Sweet Potato (when it is in season)
-Bison Salad
-Lamb entree
-any of their desserts--truly asian dessert (meaning; not too sweet, but sweet enough.) -
Review from Courtney W.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
This one star review is painful to write but completely necessary. I have been a huge Macku fan since it opened and dine quite regularly because their sushi is out of this world. Well, it's hard to enjoy great sushi when the service is so horrible. My boyfriend (who really wanted to go) and I dined on a Monday night. There were only three occupied tables when we arrived around 6:45 pm. The hostess was all over the place but still pretty friendly. She led us to our table but when another group walked in 20 minutes later she offered to take their coats and everything. Why didn't you offer to take our coats? Still, not really a huge deal. Then comes our server Dre. I hate writing bad things about servers but we asked her what the specials were for the evening and she rattled off some "favorites". We specifically asked for the specials but didn't receive any info. The table next to us however, got a full recitation of the specials from another server. They were then out of amberjack (my boyfriend's favorite). Okay, I can I understand being out of something for but everything added up amounted to a huge disappointment and terrible visit. Our sushi then took 45 minutes to arrive (the first five pieces) and then we had to wait another 30 minutes for two rolls (10 pieces in total). We have never waited so long, even when it was extremely busy! There were four tables occupied and therefore the service we received was not acceptable. Not sure if we'll ever be back.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/11/2011
This place is too good to be true. About ten dining experiences later I cannot fathom how this place… Read more »
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Review from Holly G.
Chicago, IL
1/2/2012
Best sushi in Chicago, period.
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Review from Holly H.
Chicago, IL
9/19/2011
The sushi here is good, but on the grand scheme of Chicago sushi, it's pretty average.
The non-sushi items are what to come here for. I wish we would have adventured more into the entrees and appetizers rather than the sushi because the small taste we got was SO GOOD. The white asparagus soup was the best soup I've had in a long time. I would go back and experiment with the other parts of the menu since it seems like the chef is very creative with his dishes. Or I would just go back for the soup ;) -
Review from nancy b.
Chicago, IL
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
the good: the signature nigiri. listen to everyone else who says this too. nigiri all the way. the rolls were good but by no means anything spectacular. their appetizer special of a crabcake was great; full of crab meat and it had a nice watercress topping. the service was ok, a bit slow for a fairly slow sunday evening. it was a bit pricey, although from other reviews it looks like you can get a better deal on tuesday, which i wish we would have tried.
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Review from John L.
Chicago, IL
1/16/2012
Great place. Courteous staff and great food at a reasonable price. We got a chocolate cod dish with toasted almonds. It's not like Hershey's filled with cod, but more like a molé sauce- very amazing. We have been back several times and always have been impressed.
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Review from Ela G.
11/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
At first I expected Macku Sushi to be just like any other sushi restaurant - ...these places are a dime a dozen, right? Well, yeah, but Macku manages to set itself apart pretty well.
I was pleasantly surprised by the upscale vibe you get when you walk in, and it's not distinctively a vibe of "I'm in a sushi restaurant". It feels very neutral in this way...Macku is much more formal than your average sushi restaurant, and the prices reflect that. Appetizers, Soups (not your run of the mill miso soup anywhere to be found), Sashimis...all very fancy schmancy. None of the entrees sounded particularly appealing tho. After reading other reviews, we knew we had to try the sweet potato soup...there also was a special mushroom soup, so we ordered both. The mushroom soup was delicious, with shrimp, mussel, and truffle. The sweet potato, however, was icky...thick, gravy consistency and way to sweet. It got sent back right away, although our server seemed annoyed and didn't apologize or say he would take it off our bill. Later we came to find out that he didn't' take it off our bill, not to mention the special mushroom soup was $15.00, holy cow...I should've licked the bowl for that price, but it was delicious so it's not a big deal.
Our other appetizers, the hamachi sashimi with parsley oil and beets was delicious and so wonderfully out of the box. The desserts were also a nice diversion from your usual sorbet and green tea ice cream options at other sushi places. We had the Asian pear with fried bananas and sake reduction... yum!
I will be back, but I think will try for a less moody server. Our table neighbors told us they always got this one server who just brings over what he thinks is best that night...they say "surprise us!" and they seemed very happy with what everything they got. I recommend you try some of the specials and other items you wouldn't be able to get anywhere. Overall great quality seafood and ambiance and perfect proximity to Webster place for your dinner and a movie date night. -
Review from Scott H.
Canton, OH
7/7/2011
I asked a friend and local sushi hound where to get great sushi in Chicago, and she sent me to Macku. Driving into the neighborhood, I was thinking "Um, ok". Walking up to the door of Macku I was thinking "Um, uh, ok'" Stepping inside I thought "Hmmm...kinda cozy, but its full so that's a good sign!"
Before we go any further in this review, let me put a little focus on "What are you looking for in a meal?" And "What level of originality and expertise are you seeking?" If the answer to that is "California rolls, Spicy Tuna Rolls, Tempura, and all the standard rolls and stuff" Macku does have those, and they are surely good. But you are probably going to come away with a comment like "I can get that cheaper at (insert restaurant here)" And you are probably right.
If you dunk everything into soy sauce saturated with wasabi, you aren't going to enjoy the nuances of flavors created by Macku's chefs.
Now, if you are like myself and are after very creative and different presentations of primarily sashimi and higher end dishes with innovation, attention to detail, and expert level presentation, then Macku is for you. If you wait for the chef to suggest the use of soy, then this is for you.
If like myself, you always order Omakase, and let the chef roll, then dining here is an ABSOLUTE MUST. You will walk away on cloud nine.
So with that taken care of, I sat at the bar and ordered Omakase. The chef asked what my price expectation was - a very nice touch. I told him "I have no limit" and received the below. Wound up being about $125 before tip with a very nice house sake.
First course was Edamame soup with miso, clam, coconut foam and dill. Side of ginger croutons with edible orchid. This was the most creative presentations of edamame I have experienced to date. The color and texture of the soup as well as the flavor profile was amazing. If you are used to steamed and salted edamame as a starter, this takes that game from JV or Varsity to Pro at a whole new stadium.
The next course was red snapper sashimi in balsamic reduction with chives and pine nuts. The fish was super fresh and tasty. The balsamic reduction with chives was a perfect compliment. Kudos on the pairing and reduction.
The next course was four preparations each presented separately on the same plate.
Chilled spinach with crawfish tempura
Lobster salad - lobster crème, almond, mango, ikura, endive
Minced spicy tuna with chili puree with cilantro oil
Mini toasts with currant jelly
Absolutely wonderful creations, and the presentation and flavors were first class. Five stars again.
The next course was a horse mackerel with ginger soy vinaigrette. The mackerel was incredibly fresh and the house vinaigrette was a perfect compliment. Kudos on the vinaigrette Five stars again!
The next course was Skate breaded with gyoza dumpling with froi gras honey and fried skatewing and bone. Ok, I got to say this - the presentation on this dish rivaled or was the best I've seen for a fish presentation. The skate and dumpling were to die for. The fried skate bone texture and flavor were outstanding. The timing and temperature on the frying were spot on.
The final course was four more sashimi preparations: Ika with tobika, Salmon with enoli mushroom chive, and Flounder with froi gras and Bonito with chive. Again, these were all five star and the creativity and presentation were best in class.
So there you are. If you are looking for every day rolls at a bargain price, drive on by. If you love top notch Japanese, you cannot leave this off your list.
AMBIENCE - A
SERVICE - A+ (I was at the sushi bar and had a chef waiting on me)
FOOD - A+ (for innovation, presentation, and amazing flavor profiles )
PRICE - A -
Review from Bryan Y.
Chicago, IL
I was super excited about trying this place because of the reviews. The atmosphere was pleasant. However, my experience was average. Their maki and hand rolls were okay, but nothing too exciting. We were expecting more of that wow factor from some of their suggested sashimi and nigri. My wife did love the crispy river crabs appetizer. The staff was extremely helpful and patience. I would still give it a try. I guess this place wasn't inline with my taste.
- Sawa Gani: crispy river crabs with japanese curry:
- Udon Noodle
- Spicy Tuna hand roll
- Mebachi
- Shirmp Tempura
- Spicy Tuna Maki -
Review from Amanda A.
New Haven, CT
7/8/2011 2 photos
My first photo uploads! My second five-star review!
Yes, the theme of my visit home is returning to places I know and love. Where does one even start with Macku? It's perfection. Every. Single. Time. Of secondary importance to edible wonder: Beautiful service. Serene space. A litany of specials should you wish to venture from your standards.
It's _so_ hard to try something new, though. My favorites (ika nigiri, sweet potato soup) have earned their rightful place. Macku is the kind of restaurant where you dine with a friend, every intention of sharing your meal---and then try not to stab them when they take another spoonful of your soup----mine!
Speaking of which, I acknowledge the seeming ridiculousness of ordering sweet potato or asparagus soup when your mind is thinking "sushi", but release your hesitation. Truly. Both soups are phenomenal. The asparagus includes a dumpling atop fois grois. Hoity-toity? Mayhaps. Stick your pinky in the air and work with it---you won't care. My nigiri: ika, tako on tako (an octopus special with pickled octopus), and blue shrimp. Why did I order only one of each?! I couldn't stop thinking about any of the pieces for the remainder of the meal. The soft-shell crab special was quite good, but the kitchen forgot to fire it, so the dish closed my meal. I never bother with rolls here. Why waste all that divine fish by masking it in a shroud of rice? All the words I can employ feel trite, cliched...and apt: amazing, spectacular, etc.
Just go. Be delighted. -
Review from Stanley L.
Chicago, IL
9/19/2011 6 photos
Macku was good overall, the appetizers are great but the sushi was nothing to brag about. My favorite dish was the bison, the hamachi sashimi special, and by far the best was the sweet potato soup, it has such a good balance of creaminess, and thee sweet and spicy flavors are just right.
Their sushi on the other hand, was not bad but nothing to rave over about either, chefs special nigiri was pretty blend, and the hamachi tempura roll was just ok.
I would definitely return to Macku tho if not just for the soup......yummy! -
Review from Adrienne B.
Chicago, IL
8/6/2011 1 Check-in Here
My first time at Macku was several months ago and I was dying to go back! However second time around, the food was just as terrific as the first but the service left much to be desired. The waiter was a bit too attentive, coming to the table every few minutes to take our order when we kept insisting we needed more time. There were attempts to remove plates from the table well before anyone was finished, and there was absolutely no apology to exchange a dish when the wrong dish was brought out instead of what we had ordered.
I really had fond memories of this restaurant after the first visit but more recently I was disappointed. I will give it one last try as the sushi is fresh and the dishes are original. -
Review from A L.
Chicago, IL
7/30/2011
A diamond in the rough. Very good restaurant but don't get discouraged by the weird location. We went for the Omakase, which is where you give up the menu and let the chefs take over. They keep bringing dishes out until you cry "uncle!" (with 2 courses notice). We ended up with 7 courses, with 5 being hits (esp. the snapper with sesame and the watermelon salad, incredibly good) and the other 2 were OK but still good.
Room was very pleasant and the service was great. I will be coming back here. -
Review from Lindsey C.
Chicago, IL
10/15/2011
The signature sashimi and soup offerings are some of the most delicious things on the menu. Thanks to yelp reviewers I knew to try the white asparagus soup. It was soooo good and unlike anything I've ever tasted. The flavors were very complex and memorable. I tried the hamachi and tuna sashimi and they were delightful and interesting. I would absolutely order them again. I would suggest avoiding the standard maki. After the soup and sashimi I couldn't help but feel let down at how average they seemed in comparison.
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Review from Marie G.
Chicago, IL
2/28/2011
Macku isn't for everyone. Neither was Kaze. I admit, it took me a couple visits (and omakase experiences, weeding out my favorites) to "get" the chefs behind Heat, Kaze, and finally, Macku. Once I got it, though... there was no turning back. Specialty soups (I haven't tried the miso) are INCREDIBLE. Special nigiri and sashimi are simply superlative - the toppings compliment the fish perfectly, and don't overwhelm. This might be why some reviews complain about "elaborate" descriptions, and not tasting anything special. It's not the RA, Sushi Samba, American sushi style that drowns everything in eel sauce, cream cheese, and mayo. Which is what some people really like, and if you're one of those people, you may be disappointed here. If you like inventive, delicate textures and flavor combinations, you will LOVE Macku.
P.S. Sushi served around room temperature/slightly cooler IS the right temp for sushi. Raw fish served cold (and of course, drowned in sugar and dairy) is a big indicator you are being served inferior quality fish by an amateur ;) -
Review from Ryan M.
8/22/2011
um yes please!!!! We were looking for a simple sushi place, but weren't having much luck. We went into Macku, and never wanted to leave. We tried soo many appetizers, soups, entrees and desserts. They were all amazing. Too bad I don't live anywhere near here. But i definitely want to go back ASAP!
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Review from Jill S.
Chicago, IL
5/17/2011
I was seriously wowed by this place, and figured I would be since they have a majority of good reviews here on yelp... which for a sushi place can be tough! Macku is more than just a sushi place though - it's quaint and casual, with a great ambiance and intimacy.
Each plate is very artistically done. It's obvious the chefs at Macku pay close attention to detail and take pride in their work. My date and I started the meal with the tempura. It was a small portion, but a perfect starter. Next we tried the Hamachi nigiri. I highly recommend this as well as the Hamachi makimono. The flavors are seriously great and the roll was one of my favorites, I will absolutely be returning to order it again. For dessert we had the "special" chocolate mousse, which turned out to be really special because it was $15 on the bill... all of their other desserts were $8. So yeah, watch out for the specials?!?
Good, knowledgeable server. Delicious food. Highly recommend for sushi dates for all! -
Review from Jeanus T.
3/28/2011
This place didn't disappoint me with their signature sashimi and nigiris. However, I liked Kaze better and am hoping that Macku would start offering the seasonal prix fixe menu like they did with Kaze before. Overall, food's really not bad. I'd really recommend the signature dishes over the regular dishes that you can order anywhere else though. Gotta get desserts there, they are surprisingly good.
P.s. The waiter was very knowledgeable about all the dishes, very professional. -
Review from Andrea R.
11/21/2010 1 Check-in Here
I've been itching to try Macku ever since they opened, but unfortunately my beloved sushi was a big no-no while pregnant. After 12 days of life with a newborn I was ready for a date night with my husband...and I insisted that our date night consisted of sushi. And so I booked us a reservation at Macku.
Unfortunately, tuna and other raw fish high in mercury are still off limits since I'm currently nursing. However, the rest of the menu was fair game. The menu is similar to what they served at Kaze (RIP). I started with the soup special- an asparagus soup topped with foie gras. It was pretty awesome, although my husband insisted that his sweet potato soup was even better.
My husband went to town on the high in mercury hamachi sashimi and another hamachi roll while I watched on jealously. Fortunately, my spicy scallop and unagi scallop rolls were uh-mazing so I was very satisfied. I also had a piece of the nama sake nigiri, which was salmon in truffle oil. I can go either way on salmon when it comes to sushi, but this alone deserves 5 stars. Delish!
For dessert we originally wanted the chocolate mousse special, but the waitress informed us they had just run out of it. That seemed to be an issue with a few things on their menu. Instead we ordered the green tea mousse topped with all sorts of goodies- fruit, marshmallows, chocolate, etc. It was good, but not quite as good as the rest of the meal.
I also had my first glass of wine in a very long time. It was one of their very sweet Rieslings, which is just how I like my wine. After 1 glass I was feeling quite tipsy, but I guess that's too be expected after being on an alcohol hiatus for 10+ months.
I'm still bummed that Kaze closed, but happy that I can get my raw fish fix at their new restaurant Macku. And in a few months when I'm done nursing I look forward to heading back for some tuna!Listed in: Sushi in Chicago
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Review from Aurore L.
11/7/2010
Another Sunday night, another delightful dinner....
Not planned this time, and in smaller committee.
But delightful all the same.
Macku is beautiful. Sleek, modern, dim lighting, subdued, romantic. Great place for a date. Or an early night with a friend.
Forget about traditional sushi when you come here. Be adventurous. Explore. Don't be shy. Dig in.
Our waitress was so eloquent about the specials that we had to order one: tuna ceviche on grilled pineapple, with litchee, sesame and a few other things that made this whole dish absolutely deeeeeee-licious.
Everything else was tasty and fresh is not as inventive. We were a bit too conservative on our choices but promised ourselves that next time we would embrace Macku in its fullness.
So many options.....
So little time.
Since I was with Mr. Sweet tooth himself (teeth would be more appropriate really....hehehe) we jumped on one of the specials that sounded just too good to pass: a composed plate of chocolate mousse, green tea ice cream with roasted fig, mochi, caramelized pineapple, tempura angel cake.
We licked everything cleaned in no time.
I really cannot WAIT to go back..... -
Review from Sarah S.
Chicago, IL
4/24/2011
After reading so many great things from other yelpers, I wanted to try this place! After trying this restaurant, this phrase best describes the place: "do not judge a book by its cover". The restaurant interior is awesome, it's small and trendy (+1 star). But let's face it, the major part of the restaurant's review should be based on the food and not how the place looks. The staff was friendly except the sushi chef, he seems kind of pissed off and didn't say welcome or anything.
Let me talk about the food. I love sushi and I am always trying to find my favorite sushi places to go. And there are so much better places around this area than Macku. Judging by the quality of the food, Toro and Sushi O Sushi have the best sushi around this area. I had salmon spider, sweet potato tempura, spicy salmon, and yellow tail ebi tempura rolls. The tempura was so thick and hard that my friend almost got her mouth scraped with that thing. I couldn't even taste the soft shell crab (spider) or the shrimp tempura because of it's hard and thick textures. Second, where is chef's special sauce on the top? Each sushi chef makes his own specialty sauce for special rolls, I was expecting something on top of our rolls, but there were none. If I wanted to just eat sushi and rice, I would've ordered nigiri or sashimi pieces.
I would come here if I need somewhere candlelit and quiet, but not for the food. The food.... was definitely "meh. I've experienced better". -
Review from Jessi O.
Chicago, IL
2/5/2011
Everything was amazing. The food, the atmosphere, the drink and of course the service.
Unique food combinations really shine on this menu. Make sure to hear all of the specials available as well. There is also a Chef's Choice option where you let the Chef decide your 7/8 course meal.
Our server was fantastic. She answered every question I had, and I had a lot! Mostly about how large each item would be.
The space is cute. I recommend a reservation because it's small and fills quickly.
Go, go now. -
Review from Agnes F.
Chicago, IL
12/28/2010
I have waited too long after Kaze to return to Macku, forgot how good sushi can be in the right hands!!!
3 of us hit Macku on a Monday night, we shared a number of items: sweet potato soup, white asparugus soup (both were phenomenal although they are very rich so we should have just ordered one), tuna tartar with spring rolls, nama sake nigiri sushi, katsuo nigiri sushi, the ceviche special (with kumquat and fried pineapple) and lamb entree
our server Andrea was knowledgeable with Sake and recommended some really good ones to us
food tasted as fantastic as it looked
definitely won't wait as long to return again :)Listed in: The Hot List
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Review from Reva M.
Chicago, IL
5/2/2011
This place is AMAZING. Easily one of my favorite restaurants in the city. I came last year when it opened and was so impressed - finally got around to bringing my husband last week! And it's still top-notch. The space is tiny, and the tables are a bit close together - but that would be my only complaint. The food is phenomenal. Definitely take the server's suggestion and stick to the signature sashimi & nigiri - you won't be disappointed! I'm normally strictly a maki fan, but if you come here, you have to go with the specialties. We ordered:
-White asparagus soup (was a "special," but I think they always have it) - out of this world. Best soup I have EVER had. Order it!! (I tried the carrot last time, which was also delish!)
-Tuna Tartar special (came with shrimp & cream cheese spring rolls - yum!)
-Hamachi & Madai signature sashimi
-Hirame, Shuro Maguro & Name sake signature nigiri
Everything was perfect - such unique and surprising flavors, yet they didn't manage to overshadow the fish. So, so delicious!! It's hard to resist ordering rolls if that's what you're used to - but you'll be glad you did. The rolls really aren't anything special (surprisingly!).
We also got the sesame flan, which was great. Somehow tasted like peanut butter?! Again, very unique.
If you haven't been here and you're a sushi fan, it's a must try. It is pricey, but totally worth it. I already can't wait to go back. -
Review from Laura M.
Chicago, IL
4/9/2011
I wish I could give Macku 4.5 stars, as I'm not sure it deserves 5 stars up against some of the best restaurants the city has to offer (L20, Sprout, etc.), however I feel it is by far the best sushi restaurant in Chicago. It deserves 5 stars in the sushi category.
Do not go here if you just want rolls doused in soy sauce, and wasabi.
These are expertly created sushi pieces with amazing but subtle flavor combinations. Please trust your waiters suggestions and try some of their signature sashimi and nigiri pieces. My husband who didn't like sushi and began to enjoy rolls only was skeptical upon ordering but was really blown away with their sashmi/nigiri and began to enjoy this type of sushi.
Oh, and the asparagus dessert is a MUST try..sounds weird but it's amazing. -
Review from Rhonda G.
10/3/2010
I had heard a few great things about the place so I was excited to try it (Thanks for the invite Mary!). We walked in without a reservation and because the place is small we had to sit at the sushi bar, which was totally fine because we got to see the sushi chefs at work and we also got to take a look at the quality of the fish they were using (everything looked really fresh by the way).
My favorite roll of the evening was the hamachi ebi tempura. It combined Japanese and Mexican flavors in a way that just seemed to work really well and it tasted awesome.
Overall I loved the food, the place is small but not cramped (make a reservation) and service was friendly and pretty quick.
and Ps. We scored a free parking spot right out front! Miracles can happen.Listed in: Sushi
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Review from Marc M.
Chicago, IL
10/13/2010
Honestly, I had to write a review to defend Macku from the very few people who have given this place negative reviews as the reviews are so absurd and clearly come from individuals who have no idea what a good restaurant is or who have never had a meal in a great restaurant and thus cannot process the delight that is Macku.
My wife and I have been going to Kaze/Macku for 4 years and it is hands down the best sushi in Chicago (Mirai is second) and some of the best sushi in the US period. My wife and I have had sushi all over the United States (Nobu in Vegas, Miami and NYC), Morimoto (Philadelphia), Katsuya (LA), Bond Street (Miami) etc.) and this place is better than all of these places. If your sushi taste is California rolls and tuna rolls, don't review this place and waste people's time as it is obvious you have never had real sushi and probably think Kamehachi and Bob San make amazing sushi! Most of the negative reviews seem to come from people in this bucket which is why I am making this comment.
First, the soups are unreal. The mushroom and carrot soup are just delicious. Also if Macku ever has a special soup order it as they are always delicious
If you want to start with a salad you cannot go wrong with the Hotate salad with scallops or the seaweed salad with fried shrimp, both of which are insanely delicious. If you like pieces with toppings and creativity than Macku is truly paradise. I suggest trying the Sake with truffle oil and mushroom toppings, the White Tuna with wasabi banana puree, and the Katsuo which is bonito with fried garlic and tomato mushroom puree. All are so good it is like eating delicious French butter! Also the Mebachi (i.e. big eyed tuna with pickled onions, chives, truffle oil and soy) is orgasmic. I guarantee if you go with guests you will be fighting with your guests to see who gets the last piece of any of the aforementioned items.
Any special roll they have ever made is pure culinary bliss and just order one of each and if they only have one order two of them. The all time classic is the special spicy tuna with sweet potato and tempura! One of the best rolls of all time. The creativity and the taste is insane. The basic rolls are all good too, however we never order them cause it is a waste of time, when you can eat all of the specialties Macku has to offer. Like I stated in the intro if all you like are California rolls and spicy tuna rolls, it probably means you think Cheesecake factory and Maggiannos are delicious and MK, Avec, Blackbird, Perennial and Spiaggia are pretentious and not amazing, and thus have no idea how to judge real food as you have never tasted it!
As far as dessert, the Asparagus pudding is one of the best desserts in the city. Who in the world would have ever thought that asparagus would make a great dessert? Macku did and that is why he is a genius. He is one of the most creative and talented chefs.
In sum, I have never been to a sushi restaurant as creative and good at using unique flavors and combinations of flavors to create amazing dishes.
The amount of friends that my wife and I have converted to dedicated fans of Macku is endless. My aunt from Brussels first sushi experience ever was Kaze and it blew her out of the water as she appreciates creativity and quality in food!
As far as the staff and hostess, they are wonderful and know how to treat loyal customers. In four (4) years we have never had bad service EVER. So any of the comments about bad service are absurd and come from people who are used to getting food sitting under heat lamps and which is brought out immediately when ordered instead of being prepared and made fresh as is done at Macku. Tip for these people: if your meal is done and served in 25 minutes it means the food is not made fresh and more than likely not good. Also who wants to eat a meal in 30 minutes! Great food is meant to be appreciated and slowly enjoyed! Thus, if you don't want fresh and delicious food do not come to Macku and post a review about something you know nothing about.
One can only hope that Macku chooses to open more restaurants so that more people can be exposed to the greatness that is Macku. -
Review from Ryan K.
Lake Forest, IL
4/13/2011
My visit was on 4/11/11....a Monday. The place is pretty intimate. Lots of tables for two set up on top of each other. Wine list is huge. We tried the Gemtree Chardonay ($40 for the bottle)...really good. Waitress was pretty awesome and explained the menu well. Someone else said this is not a typical sushi place and they were right. They really push the Sashimi and Nigri here and it is done very artistically and with lots of taste. Really good.
We had the following:
1) Sweet Potato Soup - really good
2) Hamachi Sashimi - very tasty, but small portions
3) Shiro Maguro Nigri x 4 - best part of our dinner. The Banana wasabi puree was delicious
4) Salmon Spider Roll - good
5) Hamachi Tempura Roll - good
Overall the place was pretty solid and I would go back. Gets pricey though if you have more than one bottle of wine...sigh...$80 right there. The food is reasonable priced for the quality and taste though.
Would go back again for a special occasion. -
Review from Rish N.
Skokie, IL
11/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
We went here on a Sunday night. Although the space is small, the ambiance is pretty nice. First of all, the service is slow even though we were the first ones to arrive . We ordered an appetizer ( $8, 2 pcs) an order of their signature Hamachi sashimi( $15 for 4 pcs) , an order of caterpillar makimono ($13, 6 pcs) spicy spider ( $8 , 4pcs) and spice tuna eel ( $7, 4pcs). Overall, it took about 1 and 15 mins for all the food to prepare. Their signature sashimi isn't that great. The Hamachi tasted like a fish with just the oil and vinegar. The caterpillar didn't even look like a caterpillar. There was nothing drizzled on the makiroll and there was no design what so ever. Sushi rolls from Jewel has more art than that, sorry! I'm not too upset about the cost after $66 dollars later because i missed the memo that its should be "Fine Dining". Just for their sushi alone, it really didn't leave a mark and Macku probably has the slowest service of all the sushi restaurants i've been to.
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Review from Jim W.
Chicago, IL
11/12/2010 1 photo
Macku is a nice little space that seats roughly 40 people. The decor is simple and elegant, much like its predecessor restaurant Kaze and it takes advantage of its brick walls and blends together an intimate environment.
Rereading my own review of Kaze, I discovered that they also retained a lot of the menu (I thought some of my selections were eerily familiar!), clearly past favorites since these were included in my omakase (chef's choice). Much like its predecessor, Macku goes beyond your typical sushi restaurant into culinary and visual treats with its French influenced Japanese fare.
Our waitress was polite and knowledgeable, going through the specials at length and took disappointment out of the equation immediately by informing us of seasonal items that were unavailable. I ended up ordering:
Sweet potato soup - hearty, but really flavorful made with lobster broth
Nama sake nigiri - I just assumed since it included truffle oil that it'd be delicious, but I didn't really taste it. It was interesting but the flavor definitely overwhelmed the fish
Shiro maguro nigiri - excellent, a carryover from Kaze but much more distinctive than I (didn't) remember. The banana puree was very complementary and added a unique twist.
Whitefish tempura - another Kaze carryover, was very nice aesthetically, but a little underwhelming. The tempura skin was not crunchy and almost nonexistent, essentially a layer of starch. The whitefish was excellent and tender, though I didn't think it particularly retained the flavor of the broth it was sitting in.
Hotate salad - very unique, possible my favorite item. Large grilled scallops and bonito on top of what seemed to be a vege roll....rolled and stuffed with veges! lots of texture and crunch and very satisfying
Tuna zuke roll - a special that evening, it was a pressed roll alternating tuna and shrimp with topiko on top
Sake spider roll - bit unusual in that I've never had salmon included in a spider roll, but this roll was just average
I had the benefit of a http://restaurant.com certificate, but even without it, the meal came out very reasonable for a dinner for 2, and I was pretty surprised that I was actually full. Would return!Listed in: Chitown Sushi
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Review from Jason M.
Chicago, IL
9/15/2010
This is a something. A special something. Six stars...six.
Let me share with you who doesn't need to go here: someone who wants edamame as an appetizer, someone who wants to eat a California roll, someone who is confused by sushi that isn't also sold at your local Jewel.
This is sushi perfection, meant for those who want to spend a few extra dollars to savor the taste of a perfectly marinated, perfectly accompanied piece of white tuna.
Kaze was great. It's possible that this is better. I want to go back tonight. When a restaurant can make an oyster shooter into one of the more delightful culinary experiences you've ever had, they're doing something very very right. Somehow, that oyster shooter was simple, yet provided about a thousand flavors. I wish I was a gifted enough writer to give it its props. I am not. I am, however, a good eater, and when something this wonderful comes along, I won't ever forget it.
Beyond all the sushi joy, they have Hitachino Red Rice Ale. Beer guy fun.
http://beeradvocate.co... -
Review from Gabrielle S.
La Grange Park, IL
1/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yuuuuuum. Extremely original and well thought out dishes. Each dish is plated just so, has many different components that balance and dance well on the palate!!! The chef has put a LOT of thought into everything on the menu. I do not think you can make a bad decision when ordering here.
Favorites were the gomae(I know sounds boring but was doctered up well) and ANY of the signature sashimi and nagiri...
Exceptional service. Cute chic space. Far out takes on every dish. -
Review from Monica D.
Chicago, IL
9/14/2011
Great sushi, it's worth the more expensive price for fish that you know is fresh and maki that is made with skilled hands. Nice ambiance.
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Review from Elle M.
11/2/2011
Boyfriend brought me here last night for my birthday. Absolutely the best sushi I've ever had, hands down. We definitely ate a lot- I get hungry on my birthday- and everything we had was amazing. We started with the tuna tartare special, which you spoon onto a little fried spring roll filled with cream cheese. Crazy good. I had the Caterpillar and the Hamachi Ebi Tempura. So good. SO GOOD. The jalapeno in the Hamachi roll was such a great flavor compliment. And we actually ordered another Caterpillar when we were done- that's how great it was. We had the Mebachi signature sashimi which was perfectly complimented by the smoky burdock root on top. Spicy Tuna Eel and Salmon Spider. Both fabulous. The most wonderful thing I had though was the octopus nigiri. That octopus was unlike anything I've ever eaten in my life. It was like the essence of lemongrass and the sea in one bite. Truly incredible. I seriously can't wait to go back and eat more. If you're a sushi fan you cannot miss this place!
