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Tanoshii
Categories: Restaurants Sushi Bars Restaurants Japanese Sushi Bars, Japanese [Edit]
5547 N Clark St(between Bryn Mawr Ave & Gregory St)
Chicago, IL 60640
Neighborhoods: Andersonville, Edgewater
(773) 878-6886
- Hours:
Mon-Tue, Sun 4 pm - 10 pm
Wed-Thu 4 pm - 11 pm
Fri-Sat 4 pm - 12 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
189 reviews for Tanoshii
Review Highlights
"Here's the deal: Sushi Mike knows his stuff."
(in 108 reviews)
"It's byob and that's amazing in itself."
(in 66 reviews)
"He created an Italian roll that was topped with oregano..."
(in 8 reviews)
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189 reviews in English
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Review from Gino W.
Chicago, IL
I honestly believe I have found the best sushi bar in Chicago. Instead of ordering from the menu, I opted for whatever the chef would prepare. The server asked if I had any favourite seafood and if I had any allergies. I responded to his inquiry and he said that he would have the chef prepare three rolls.
Food bliss.
Let me just say that I could not understand what the server said, other than "spicy" and "I recommend that you do not use soy sauce." My eyes were rolling around in my head, the rolls were so delicious. Fresh without a fishy taste or smell, I gobbled the rolls to completion and then had thoughts of ordering more. Instead I convinced myself that I shall have to return at a future day. And return again and again I shall. -
Review from David K.
Libertyville, IL
1/2/2012
We've been going here on and off for about 18 months.
It's not just the sushi, it's the smiles and the service you get at Tanoshii. Sushi Mike is a delight to talk with, makes great sushi creations of wonderful quality (which he occasionally takes calm, quiet, deserved pride in), and won't give you run-on sentences like this.
I don't think I can say anything that hasn't been said in other reviews, so I leave it to you, the reader, to visit and try it out. I just finished 2 pieces of salmon sashimi I took away about 10 minutes before closing time (not a Sushi Mike night), and I couldn't help but finally insert another glowing recommendation for this place. -
Review from Mike P.
Updated - 1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Been coming to Tanoshii for a few years now. There's not much I can add. I would readily agree that it is some of the best sushi in the city. It's a touch on the pricey side for a neighborhood joint. However, the first taste will tell you that it's money well spent.
Get a nice bottle of white wine and toss the menu aside. Let Sushi Mike take you on a ride. You won't regret it.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/5/2009
F-ing Great Sushi. Will probably up to 5 stars once I've been back. Last night's first visit was… Read more »
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Review from mad i.
Chicago, IL
1/27/2012
Really cool experience! Very different from any other place in Chi. Sit at the sushi bar, have Mike feed ya, and pay a LARGE bill, rolls if you are lucky average like $17-20 a piece! Reserved for special occasions for me :)
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Review from Nikkie H.
Chicago, IL
12/7/2011
My friend had talked about Sushi Mike for weeks, maybe months. I thought, "Seriously, how good can this place be? Sheesh." Well, it is that good. Indeed it is.
Went there last night as kind of a spur of the moment thing (Him: Want sushi? Me: Yup.) It was, as some say, amazeballs.
Started off with the fish and chips, which is really a nice mix of fish with spices on a tortilla-like chip. It was kind of impossible to not eat without slopping, but whatever. As others said before, it is not on the menu, but ask for it.
Then we had several pieces of nigiri before moving on to three of Sushi Mike's specialty rolls. All I can say is that these rolls put other sushi joints to shame. SHAME! The mix of flavors just melt in your mouth - refreshing, then a kick of spice, then just delish. Mmmmmm.
Towards the end my stomach started saying no more, and I finally had to give in, lest I felt sick and regret eating there. I couldn't let that happen.
Without a doubt I plan on coming back, with or without my friend (sorry dude). The quality of the fish, the creativity in the rolls, the friendliness of Sushi Mike, and the overall atmosphere was outstanding.
Oh yeah, and they play AWESOME music. Lots of great 80s tunes. I was in heaven. -
Review from Johnnie G.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 1/9/2012
Okay. So this is totally going against my last review and that makes me giddy!! Sit at the bar. Let the chef make what he wants and u will not be disappointed. Do not order off the menu. That was my bad before. Fish is fresh, delicious and why not splurge a bit...you can bring your own bottle
Listed in: My Neighborhood
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/21/2007
Went here a bit back. The service was very slow. The sushi just okay. I guess if you don't know… Read more »
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Review from Barbara D.
Chicago, IL
11/6/2011
3.45
Another Sushi Girls' Dinner.
The coolest part of this sushi joint is the dark, wooden bar. Just looks so damn cool! It's not quite a sushi bar, I don't even think in serves alcohol, it fits yet it shouldn't.
The second coolest part was the Tuna Tataki.
Although, oddly the waiter scooped all of it evenly onto our three chips;
it was impressively plenty. Spicy & Fresh.
The rolls, usual sake and different varieties of maguro nigiri were all average. Fresh but average.
So....for a quote from 3 non-anorexic girls:
Appetizer
5 rolls
8 nigiris
BYOB wine
=around 100 bucks.
Not bad.
Cute place to catch up with friends.... -
Review from Patrick F.
Austin, TX
11/30/2011
Hopefully you are reading this from the awesome virtual consierge stand at Hotel Felix.
This was the most unique and best tasting sushi experience I've had.
We picked this place at random and because you could BYOB and they offered "custom rolls." When we got there, it was much smaller than we expected... and quaint environment. We sat at the bar of course. I always think that is the best idea... you get to watch an artist make your food. Very entertaining.
We started with the fish & chips which was a unique version of ceviche. Of course then it was on to the rolls. I told him I liked escolar, and tempura flakes, and some spice... He whipped up 2 different rolls that were delicious. This was some of the freshest sushi I've ever had. The next roll was my girlfriend's request... she said, "Strawberries" and there ya go... another truly delicious roll.
We were on vacation out of Austin, TX and took the train up to get to this place. I highly recommend this place. -
Review from Sourma K.
Evanston, IL
11/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
I cannot wait to go back to Tanoshii. We had one of Sushi Mike's special rolls and it was out of this world it was a perfect blend and balance of sweet and spicy tuna and whitefish, avocado and sweet egg.
For an appetizer we had the fish and chips which was basically a homemade chip, which was pretty large and topped with Sushi Mike's own creation of chopped raw tuna in a lime, sesame oil infused spicy sauce with avocado which was scooped up and put into the chip for us my the waiter.
Keep in mind this is BOYB and some amazing sushi. I will recommend this place to everyone I know. -
Review from Nicolas H.
Chicago, IL
1/17/2012
Sat at the sushi bar and brought some sake and beer. Upon opening the sake we poured some for us and one for the chef (who apparently wasn't "Sushi Mike", as he appeared to have his attention on the other side of the bar). That glass sat there until the very end of the meal at which point I literally pointed it out to the chef again, which he drank without so much of a thanks or cheers. Pretty much summed up our "service" for the night. As for the food, it was good, but not great. We started with the fish and chips which was definitely the best thing I ate. He packed on plenty of tasty tuna onto the large chip that was thick enough to withstand the heaping mound. For my meal I got the sushi-sashimi combo as I'm not a huge fan of "rolls". While the sushi tasted fresh enough, the chef didn't take the time to tell me what he chose for me so I still am not sure what everything was that I ate. My friend ordered the "Mike's Special" which consisted of two rolls. What was in/on them? No clue. When she asked he replied: Fish. I did taste both rolls which were fine, but I honestly couldn't tell you what was on them and what made them "special". Maybe it was an off night, or maybe we really needed to talk to Sushi Mike as what I experienced was far from special...
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Review from Tom M.
Santa Fe, NM
Updated - 12/31/2011
Mike is a-ok. We let him pick and choose and he did not disappoint. We finally had to ask him to stop, as we were all full and satisfied.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/29/2010
Mike rocks. We went early on a Saturday evening. The staff was very attentive and we let Mike loose.… Read more »
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Review from Rhoda G.
9/14/2011
I live in an area in Lakeview where there are a ton of Japanese restaurants and Tanoshii is by far the best sushi I have had in Chicago so far.
Since it's BYOB, we bought a bottle of pinot grigio. We came in around 6 pm and sat at the bar. The place was fairly empty but there were several reserved tables. For apps, we got the Fish and Chips. It's not on the menu, so make sure to order it. It's one big chip with fresh guacamole and fresh salmon mixed together. Delicious! I was pleasantly surprised.
For sushi, we got three of the Sushi Mike's Specials. You just tell him what you like and don't like and he will make whatever creation. Since we were at the bar, we got to see all the action and the attention to detail was amazing. We did order off the menu as well. Fresh sake, tuna, along with their specialty rolls. Everything was fantastic and fresh.
Yes, this place can be a little expensive, but it's worth it for the quality of sushi. -
Review from Joe L.
Chicago, IL
12/18/2011
Fantastic sushi, get the Chef's Special. A little pricey, but the food is amazing.
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Review from K E.
Chicago, IL
7/17/2011
If someone had offered me a dish described as "a combination of sundried tomato, strawberry, and raw fish" I would probably have smacked them. But in the hands of "Mike" and "Chris" at Tanoshii, those three seemingly incompatible ingredients are amazing together in a roll. And it's not on the menu.
At Tanoshii, I think it's the chefs' creativity and ability to balance flavors that make their creations unique. I haven't tried anything I haven't liked yet, but with the exception of their fun and flavorful "fish and chips", I also haven't tried anything on the official menu. I highly recommend sitting at the bar and turning your meal over to the very, very capable chefs. The ingredients are eclectic and the results are amazing.
Bring your favorite people and your favorite wine - it's BYOB.
You may be surprised, but you won't be disappointed! -
Review from Chris B.
Chicago, IL
7/25/2011
Very awesome sushi, and I don't go for sushi very often. But Mike's special is very good, a little pricey though so bring friends. The only other thing I noticed was I went twice, and thinking the Mike's special would be different, was very excited. But as the plates started arriving they were the same dishes as the first time I went. Still really good, and very creative, but would be nice to have something different each time.
The place is also great because it's BYOB, and of course I love that! Also they take reservations, which is great, even if you think you won't need them, it's always nice to have. -
Review from Lorna S.
Cook, IL
6/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
The fish here is fresh, and the owner is an entertaining and friendly man. I've seen him on TV a few times, as he is an expert in his field. If you can stand the wait, the food is excellent. I waited for my food almost 2 hours while sitting at the bar on a Wednesday night. I had no idea it was going to take so long to get my food, but it was definitely good.
I found out that if you're not picky, and you sit at the bar, just ask Mike (the owner) to just make you something, he'll come up with a tasty treat. Usually spicy, but very good.
I'm not certain I will go back, unless it's for lunch on a weekday, just because it took way too long to get our food.
I took off 1 star for the wait, because the food was so good. You decide if you want to do it. BYOB! -
Review from Amy F.
Chicago, IL
8/19/2011
I came here for a friend's birthday dinner, and we had a group of 6 on a Friday night at 7:30.
We did a series of surprise plates, and not one left us disappointed! I was a little surprised to see strawberry on sushi, but it worked.
We took advantage of BYOB and had 3 bottles of wine, and for the birthday boy they brought out some Mochi ice cream. It was my first time trying and it wasn't bad!
I gave this place 5 stars for the following reasons:
1) Great ambiance - nothing fancy, but it was a hole in the wall spot for locals - and we could have a conversation with a well lit room.
2) Fish was FRESH. In terms of freshness, this was some of the freshest sushi I've had in Chicago. Spice was spot on without overpowering the rolls.
3) Price is worth it. I can't afford to go here every time I want sushi, but if you want a memorable sushi night this is the place to go. We weren't sitting at the sushi bar but watching the folks who were, they were having a blast and a great time with Mike dishing up rolls and Sake. The experience should be about more than just the food - it should come from somewhere you know that it means something to the establishment to be serving you! For a table of 4 our bill was about $150 for approximately 6 rolls and edamame. -
Review from Lisa W.
Chicago, IL
9/7/2011
Love Love Love this place! Sushi Mike Rocks!
I've been going here for years and have never ordered off the menu. We just tell the waiter/waitress that we'll take whatever Sushi Mike wants to make and he always comes up with such delicious creations. The Sushi creations are so unique that you can't get them at any other Sushi place. That is what makes Tanoshii such a fun, unique place.
I've also had several parties here with 10-15 people in the back room and they are always so accommodating with great service! It's BYOB so we always take full advantage and we never feel like they are rushing us out. The service is great and if you stay late enough, Sushi Mike might even come out and do a Saki Bomb with you.
And order the Fish and Chips as an appetizer. It's so yummy!! -
Review from A A.
Chicago, IL
7/11/2011
This places gets 5 Stars if you do the following:
1) Order the Fish and Chips (Stunning explosion of taste on first bite)
2) Order the Soft Shell Crab Chef's special (perhaps one of the best rolls in the city)
3) Leave and go to another Sushi joint or another restaurant.
If you veer off these steps and stay for other food here, expect an overall 3.5. The rolls are pretty good but they are quite expensive and you can get comparable food at other places. -
Review from Clint B.
Chicago, IL
7/21/2011
This is a great place! Sushi Mike rules the world......East of Harlem that is!
Throw the menu away and have him make some custom rolls based on what YOU like!
BYOB last time I was there!!!Listed in: FOOD
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Review from Robert R.
Chicago, IL
7/19/2011
Fantastic!
Had Mike's Special and enjoyed every plate. Be forewarned that the plates add up quick and you could be in for a bit of sticker shock when the bill arrives! :-)
New favorite place as I love great sushi just as much as I love the 80s. -
Review from janet t.
Chicago, IL
11/9/2011
It is a rare treat for me to be able to eat out as I own my own restaurant that keeps me busy. When I can escape I head for Tanoshii. Chef Mike will blow your mind with his creations. It is simply the best sushi you will ever have. Thanks Mike!
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Review from Emma M.
Chicago, IL
3/15/2011
What comes to my mind when I think of girls' night out ? Sushi & wine!
My friend had heard of this restaurant from a few different people and since it was in the neighborhood we thought we'd check it out. We went on a Wednesday night and by the time we left it was packed.
We ordered the fish and chips which was a tuna tartar on top of a wonton chip. It was really tasty, but they took away the extra tuna tartar mixture after they packed it on to the wonton chip, which was really annoying. We would of eaten it without another chip! For dinner, we ordered Mike's Special. You pick the ingredients and they create rolls for you. We all really liked cilantro, jalapeno, unagi, mango, avocado, etc and they created the some pretty interesting rolls. One came with mango and truffle oil and another came with sliced strawberries and a combo of the ingredients we requested.The rolls were really good, but also pretty $$. I've been to a lot of sushi restaurants where the rolls have been just as good or better and they were not as expensive. It was BYOB so we saved money there, but I don't think I will be going back. To me, it was just A-OK. -
Review from Sami A.
Chicago, IL
4/11/2011
Well it's more like 3.5 *s due to the BYO & 80s music.
I really really really wanted to LOVE Tanoshii because so many of my friends have recommended it as the place to go to.
Servers were friendly. Seemed like a lively environment but it wasn't what I had hoped for.
The first thing I saw on the menu was the "Mike Special" and like many others have explained, it's a way for the chef to get creative with all sorts of out-of-the-box rolls. I thought that it would be well worth the $20 for each roll if they're as good as I've heard.
Server comes over and I tell him that it's my 1st time there so I'm going to go for the Mike special. Before I tell him what I usually like he tells me that it might be easier if I tell him what I don't like. Fair enough, I don't like squid and no fruit on one of the rolls. I wanted to give the chef complete creative control.
Some time later I get a shrimp roll with strawberries and salsa like paste which was just fine. Nothing spectacular. What I just didn't understand is the 2nd roll that was salmon/shrimp from inside and super white tuna on the outside and drizzled with something overly oily. Really? I tell you I'll take about anything and you give me a salmon/tuna roll? sighs. I left the place underwhelmed and hungry.
I might go there one more time if I happen to be close to it to see if I went on a bad night. -
Review from Meghan P.
Chicago, IL
2/11/2011
What a crazy awesome SUSH delight:)
Seriously I went with a friend who was a bit more seasoned on what to do. I like sushi but never know how to order, and here its even more special. GET THE SUSHI MIKE SPECIAL! And he'll just go crrrazy and make you somethin' nuts! If you're open to new flavors in your sushi he knows his food so well that he just creates, its truly a special treat.
I recommend making a reservation so you can sit at the bar and get the whole Sushi mike experience. Major plus its BYOB, major drag we kinda got backed up in the orders and we were STARVing before we actually got to eat. Totally worth it though. -
Review from ilana f.
Chicago, IL
10/5/2011
why doesn't this place have 5 starts.
one of the greatest dining experiences i had. ever.
food was amazing. the chef just wowed us with whatever he picked, he made us feel welcome, so comfortable. we left with a smile.
It was worth every penny, we will definitely be back as soon as we can!
Loved it! loved it loved it.
please go. -
Review from Katie M.
Chicago, IL
12/10/2011
The service was very friends.. but they do not have a lot of sushi options if you are going with people who don't like raw sushi so much. I know most sushi is raw but I've been to a few really cool places that have really creative sushi rolls that are cooked or vegetarian.
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Review from Alec B.
Chicago, IL
1/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
Tanoshii is hands down my favorite sushi in the city. We went here a few weeks ago for my birthday, and not only did all in attendance like me considerably more after than before, but one person who came with was converted from a sushi naysayer to an addict.
Feel free to order off the menu, but bear in mind that it is pointless. You want to order fish and chips, and 1 sushi mike special per person. Then desert. Then maybe another special to fill in the corners. And try to get the one with the seasoned olive oil drizzled on top, sweet Christ is it good. -
Review from Candace D.
Chicago, IL
3/27/2011
Sushi Mike isn't cheap, but it is unique and absolutely delicious! That is with a capital exclamation mark.
A BYOB place (and do if you plan to order the Sushi Mike creation as these are truly works of art and take time so you'll enjoy sipping), the place is not fancy. But the food outstanding. -
Review from Hai B.
2/18/2011
Sushi Mike is funny and crazy all at the same time. I have a picture of him carrying me...enough said.
This place is pretty fun because I'm from California and this place allows BYOB! That's just so cool to me.
The fish and chips is pretty awesome. It's tuna tartare on top of fried won ton chips. The portion size is pretty decent (enough to feed 3 hungry people). I can't remember which rolls we ordered but overall the food was pretty good! -
Review from Mikey J.
9/24/2010
This place is what's up!
So good, I dedicate my 100th review to Tanoshii. I came here today on a whim and, boy, was I pleasantly surprised. The place is just off Lake Shore, has ample parking, and a warm cozy interior.
Service is excellent and quick. STEVE, you are the man. I was seated promptly and offered the menu and ice water right away. I ordered the teriyaki chicken bento box and was pleasantly surprised. I had just swam and was HUNGRY, and this bento box filled me up: miso soup, salad, rice, teriyaki chicken, tempura, sushi, and dumplings. Riding off my post-workout hunger, I then ordered two specialty rolls from the chef. I don't have their names but they were delicious!! One was a mix strawberries, egg, rice, and mixed sushi with a dab of wasabi on top. The other was a spicy salmon roll made with some twists that I couldn't identify, but came out excellent!
Prices are good too. Oh yeah, BYOB. Holla!
Will definitely be back!! -
Review from Ross W.
Chicago, IL
Updated - 8/28/2011 5 Check-ins Here
Best. Sushi. Ever.
1 Previous Review:
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5/23/2011
Sushi Mike has changed sushi for us. It is expensive but worth every penny!
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Review from Katie H.
1/11/2011
I had been hearing rave reviews about Tanoshii for months, and finally decided to give it a try. GO THERE IMMEDIATELY.
Every single other Yelp review mentions Sushi Mike's Special, but at the risk of redundancy, I'll echo everyone else: it's fantastic! We started with the "Fish and Chips" (for some reason it's not on the menu so ask your server): fresh diced tuna, avocado, onions and spices on a house-made chip. Delicious. For the maki, there were 4 in our group, and we ordered 4 rolls from Mike's Special, plus a few other simpler rolls and a couple pieces of nigiri. Everything was delicious, but Mike's concoctions were especially creative and flavorful. I don't even know what was in most of the rolls (except exceptionally fresh fish) but I loved them all, especially the one with Mike's homemade wasabi sauce and avocado.
For atmosphere: it's BYOB and totally casual. Don't go here expecting a swank/trendy place like South Coast - go here for the food. I actually thought it was fun being sort of crammed into a corner, chatting with other patrons about the awesome sushi and the choice of music (we heard Michael Jackson, Madonna, Journey, and lots of 80's music... which I loved!). But if you're thinking of Tanoshii for a romantic date, you might be disappointed.
Lots of other reviewers mention the prices, which yes, are slightly higher than your typical corner sushi spots - but totally worth it. Actually I don't think the price was any higher than Mirai or even Coast, depending on what you order there. Sushi Mike's Special rolls are $16-22, but are also way bigger with way more ingredients than your traditional spicy tuna.
Bottom line: I can't wait to go back to Tanoshii! -
Review from Agnes O.
Chicago, IL
7/8/2011
The fish was great, sushi pricing bit on a higher end for rolls - I guess that might be the novelty factor (not knowing what you will get - Mike's Special). I like my rolls spicy and I've asked twice to increase the level of heat but I guess the chef ignored my request. It did take quite some time to get our order. It's a byob so that's a big plus and street parking was plenty available. Overall it was a good experience, the quality of fish is great and you will get variety of different rolls that perhaps you won't find somewhere else. Having said that, I prefer my sushi with a little more punch so probably won't be back.
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Review from KELLIE K.
Ow.
The next time you see me, ask to see the bruises on my shins.
Why?
Because I've been repeatedly kicking myself for not getting here sooner.
Ow.
See?
Trust Chef Mike to tantalize your taste buds with a meal you won't experience anywhere else. Introducing, the Sushi Mike's Special. I'd tell you in greater detail about it, but chances are it's unique enough that you may never see the exact same dishes. That's the point. I have my favorites, you have yours. Spill the beans to Chef and you'll be in for a treat. No, make that adventure.
There are only three things you need to know about this before you depart. The first is that I dig a cook like Sushi Mike that doesn't play by the rules (except his own, "Don't use soy sauce."), so don't expect boring. How about some rosemary with that fish? Or ceviche with a Japanese flair? Chef's pairings nearly blew my mind. At the conclusion of our most recent dinner, we were complimented with a mango dessert topped with a raspberry sauce rolling in hints of honey balsamic vinegar. Beautifully presented and absolutely delicious, of course.
The second thing you need to know is that Tanoshii is BYOB. Sharing with your chef is courteous and welcomed.
While you're daydreaming about the fantastic creations in store for you, call ahead and make a reservation. You don't want to have to wait any longer than necessary. For the prime experience, be sure to sit at the bar on Mike's side. This, kiddos, is true food immersion.
And the last thing you need to know? Don't plan on it being a budget-friendly outing. You're paying for quality. Save your pennies now or quit being squeamish when you open the bill.
To the less adventurous: yes, you can order off the menu. The usual standards look like they're prepared just as well, and I'm sure they'll do the trick for you. Though, when you go to Tanoshii, you should get in there and let your taste buds live a little.Listed in: Walk This Way, O Fortuna, Oh, Boy!, And it Thwam and it Thwam…
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Review from Sam C.
Chicago, IL
4/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have been here 5 times and have never seen a menu. The key to this place is to sit at the bar and just ask Mike or Chris to fill you up. He never disappoints!! If you ask what's in it...He'll say fish! LOVE IT!! He will change his rolls with the seasons for the freshest ingredients. He is truly an artist.
Every time I have gone here I leave full and satisfied for around 50 bucks a head! It is well worth it!! I will be going back regularly. -
Review from erin w.
Lakewood, OH
10/12/2010
Chef Mike's Special.
I'm sooooo glad that I, and my two companions, went this route. You just tell your server about your likes and dislikes when it comes to sushi and the chef whips up something that is sure to strike your fancy! One of my companions asked for a certain fish (I forget what it was), and our server straight up told us that it was not very good right now and offered two similar choices that he said were very good and fresh. I love that in a restaurant, it always makes me feel like they are going that extra step to make sure what you get will be excellent.
We had two rolls that were more traditional in presentation, though not in taste, and one that was served looking like tacos in delicious mango shells! Luckily, our server also had the good sense to instruct us on how to eat it. All three rolls were so good, we wanted to order more (especially after looking around at other diner's sushi, yum!), but were too stuffed and decided against it. I cannot wait to go back!
Oh, and it's BYO. -
Review from Claire S.
Chicago, IL
6/23/2011
Have only gotten take out from this spot, but have really enjoyed it! I am a fan of the Kamikaze makimono (spicy tuna, crab meat, cucumber, lettuce). I would like to dine-in at some point for a different experience.
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Review from elizabeth g.
Lincolnwood, IL
11/15/2011
I don't know where to begin. I'll start first by saying we have been to this restaurant many times and love the food, but the service is God awful. I had a little get together of about 13 people for my daughters 16th b-day because she loves sushi. All her friends do not like sushi so I know they also have other items such as chicken teriyaki and steak etc... I made a reservation for 7:00pm, but I got there at about 6:30pm to set up with a few table decors. The waiter Jeff came up to me and asked me if I knew what we were going to order. I told him to please give me some time because I was setting up and the rest of the party wouldn't be there till 7.
Ten minutes later he came back and asked me to just give him the order because that would be easier. I told him the apps and the type of different sushi rolls I would like which was 11 different rolls. Like I said earlier not everyone at the party eats sushi which I had told him, but he began to say are you sure you don't want to order the Mikes special. Now the "mikes special" is about $30 per person and it consists of all sushi. I said no because not everyone wanted sushi.
Then he says well these are very small rolls so it might not be enough so I ended up ordering 14 rolls instead. He brought it out even before my party came and the entire table from front to end was covered in plates of sushi.
After that I asked for 5 plates of combo tempura, miso soup for everyone. Then I asked for rice for everyone along with 5 orders of chicken and beef teriyaki. He proceeded to tell me are you sure you wanna order that and not the "Mikes special" which once again consists of all sushi and I had 5 full plates of sushi left over on the table. I was like are you kidding me!!!! He brought out 1/2 spoon portions of rice and skipped one of the girls. I asked him for her bowl of rice and he said I'm sorry we ran out of rice. In a Japanese restaurant!!!!!!!! We asked him for forks 3 times for some of the girls and he said they ran out of forks. We ate the b-day cake with chopsticks. By this time I was fuming!!! Now, the check comes and guess what the prices were a $4-$5 difference for certain items than they were online. I told them and they said sorry online menu is old!!
I called to talk to the manager and my waiter Jeff answered the phone saying I am the manager. I told him I didn't want to discuss anything with him and he called and harassed me over and over on my cell phone.
I honestly can not believe how awful our experience was! -
Review from Allen B.
Chicago, IL
8/17/2011
I ordered Mike's Special....2 vegetarian rolls....got two very different and very delicious custom rolls....the most satifsfying experience I've ever had at a Japanese restaurant. Love the attention to detail made from chefs who obviously love what they are doing and the waiter made specific request if there was anything I didn't want or was allergic to. Love the Japanese chili that made it spicey. You pay a little more, but what you get is well worth it. Best value!
