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Name: RA Sushi Bar Restaurant
Address: 1139 N State St, Chicago, IL, 60610
Telephone: (312) 274-0011
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.39

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant

1139 N State St, Chicago, IL, 60610

(312) 274-0011
Store is closed

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant Menu

Getting Started

Pineapple Cheese Wontons

Kaisen Ceviche

rackin Shrimp

Grilled Short Ribs

Spicy Sesame Chicken Wings

Edamame

Dengaku Tofu

Pork Gyoza

Crispy Soft Shell Crab

Scallop Dynamite

Chicken Yakitori

Lobster Spring Rolls

Hot Mess

Tempura

Vegetable
Soups & Salads

Miso Soup

Miso Hot! Soup

Potsticker Soup

Nabeyaki Udon

Uchi No Salad

Cucumber Kimchee

Nutty Grilled Chicken Salad

Otoko Salad

Tuna2 Salad
Getting Busy

Chicken Katsu

Teriyaki

Apple Teriyaki Salmon

Lobster With Garlic Sugar Snap Peas

Chicken Yakisoba

Spicy Chicken Teriyaki Udon

Dinner Sushi Assortment

Dinner Sashimi Assortment
LUNCH SPECIALS - BENTO BOXES

VEGETABLE TEMPURA

SHRIMP TEMPURA

CHICKEN TERIYAKI

BEEF TERIYAKI

SALMON TERIYAKI

CHICKEN KATSU
LUNCH SPECIALS - SUSHI BAR

LUNCH SUSHI ASSORTMENT

LUNCH SASHIMI ASSORTMENT

SASHIMI COMBO
LUNCH SPECIALS - BOWLS

SPICY TUNA BOWL

SPICY SALMON BOWL

CHICKEN TERIYAKI BOWL

BEEF TERIYAKI BOWL

BARA CHIRASHI BOWL
Sides

Steamed Rice

Wasabi Mashed Potatoes

Steamed Vegetables

Seasoned Grilled Vegetables

Healthy Meal suggestions for RA Sushi Bar Restaurant

Getting Started

Pineapple Cheese Wontons [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Kaisen Ceviche [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

rackin Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Grilled Short Ribs [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spicy Sesame Chicken Wings [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Edamame [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dengaku Tofu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pork Gyoza [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crispy Soft Shell Crab [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Scallop Dynamite [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Yakitori [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lobster Spring Rolls [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hot Mess [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tempura [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vegetable [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Soups & Salads

Miso Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Miso Hot! Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Potsticker Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Nabeyaki Udon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Uchi No Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cucumber Kimchee [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Nutty Grilled Chicken Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Otoko Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tuna2 Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Getting Busy

Chicken Katsu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Teriyaki [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Apple Teriyaki Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lobster With Garlic Sugar Snap Peas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Yakisoba [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spicy Chicken Teriyaki Udon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dinner Sushi Assortment [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dinner Sashimi Assortment [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
LUNCH SPECIALS - BENTO BOXES

VEGETABLE TEMPURA [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

SHRIMP TEMPURA [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

CHICKEN TERIYAKI [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

BEEF TERIYAKI [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

SALMON TERIYAKI [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

CHICKEN KATSU [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
LUNCH SPECIALS - SUSHI BAR

LUNCH SUSHI ASSORTMENT [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

LUNCH SASHIMI ASSORTMENT [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

SASHIMI COMBO [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
LUNCH SPECIALS - BOWLS

SPICY TUNA BOWL [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

SPICY SALMON BOWL [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

CHICKEN TERIYAKI BOWL [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

BEEF TERIYAKI BOWL [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

BARA CHIRASHI BOWL [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sides

Steamed Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wasabi Mashed Potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steamed Vegetables [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seasoned Grilled Vegetables [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Prashanth M.

okayish place to eat.Not very great. Not good for vegetarians as they don't change their oil for cooking veg and non veg food. veg tempura smells like shrimp. Udon noodle soup is decent.
(3)
Dan M.

Alright so in Chicago for a long weekend and as we walked around trying to figure out what to eat, we stumbled upon this place. The place is "swanky like" and dimly lit with red colors throughout the restaurant. There seems to be a steady flow of people coming in and out of the joint at all times (been here twice - at night and for lunch). The servers were nice and the hostess accommodating even for the day when we walked in and said we only wanted drinks. This joint is definitely not a specialized "raw sushi house" and instead they cater to rolls and fusion style cooking. Through the course of the two visits I had to RA, we ordered the Tunacado, "Ra"llipop, Chili Ponzu Yellowtail, Crispy Onion Albacore, Crispy White Fish taco, etc. Sushi was ok quality but the cooked dishes were a bit better. The crispy White Fish Taco is actually pretty friggin good and I could have had 6 of just theses. The Crispy Onion Albacore was quite good also along with the yellow tail dish. The rolls themselves were alright. They had a great sake deal which is like $3 for a small but still good portioning throughout. Im a bit torn on this but their flexibility to seating just for drinks and their just solid appetizer menu with reasonable prices will push me to a 4 rating on this joint.
(4)
Madison L.

Lobster shrimp roll, chili ponzu yellowtail roll and the seared tuna are all incredibly delicious. RA sushi has really eye catching lights and decorations. I loved the picture of the woman with the katana sword draped in the red sheet. This place is full of character and personality - the food is very fresh and comes out pretty fast. This is the perfect place for a weekend date - it is packed and hustling and bustling with energy. Talk about lively!
(4)
Keerthana K.

Unless it's happy hour, the sushi is kind of expensive for what it is. Most of the sushi is decent, but far from the best. I wouldn't recommend the "RA"llipop roll; it was not very palatable. The calamari appetizer and the sake drinks are worth getting. The greatest part is the service. Our server Stacey was really awesome and enhanced our dining experience for the better and made RA sushi a place to return.
(3)
Sarah K.

Thought my partner and I would celebrate our half year anniversary together so we came here because it was only a block ago from where we live. I had a huge stomach by the time we left. We skipped the appetizer section and went straight to the good good sushi. We ordered a few rolls and some nigiri. The rolls were great but I wish there was more fish (bigger cuts/slices). Other than that I was happy with our food! The service was a bit slow but good overall. Dessert was probably the biggest dessert I had at a sushi restaurant. There were huge chunks of fried ice cream on this big plate! It was incredible and worth the wait. Big enough to share with 4 people. Will be back for more food!
(4)
Asenath N.

I been to this place once but I plan to go back soon. The staff was very friendly. The sushi was very good and fresh! The prices were average for sushi. I have seen reviews talking about happy hour so I think I'm going during that time next time.
(4)
Maya P.

BEWARE. Don't go to this place. Someone robs people here. I had my wallet stolen and so did my mom a year ago. My two friends had wallets stolen here too, all while sitting at the bar here. This has all been happening over a period of three years and there are still no cameras at the stupid place. While the happy hours are good, the staff is pretty stupid, and not aware of what's happening unless they know and are participating in this. All I know is that at first I thought pick pocketing was an exception here but it seems like now it's a rule.
(1)
Emily G.

I'm sad to say, things have gotten even worse since my last updated review. Ra has taken even more items off of the Happy Hour menu, and their prices are just as high. They keep trying to put all of their eggs in one basket - and by that, I mean the Viva Las Vegas roll. Listen, it used to be good, but lately it seems like it's lacking some of its flavor. You can't count on one single roll to carry your menu - where's the Crispy Onion Albacore, or the short ribs, or the Garlic Citrus Yellowtail?! Even worse, the last time (and that will be the last time) I went, which was about 2 weeks ago, I ordered a Mango Margarita off of the happy hour menu. What I got was some Mango Orange juice with a splash of tequila - that is NOT a Mango Margarita. And they wanted $6 for it! The service is as slow as ever, too. I didn't realize it could get any slower, but it did. I mean, I get it, being a waiter/waitress isn't the most exciting job in the world, but you could at least *pretend* to care. Some of the waitstaff acts as if it's a punishment for them to serve you. On my last visit it took 10-15 minutes to get drinks, food, anything, really. And when it came time to get the check? Forget about it - 20 minutes! Sad to say that with all of their changes over the last year, they have permanently lost a customer.
(1)
Liz D.

Okay so first of all let me say the food here is delicious, and if you're ordering take out then you shouldn't have any problems. That being said- the service here is soooo slow for dining in. I live very close to this location and have visited a number of times, but each time the service is slower than before. Make sure you plan at least an hour and a half for dinner.
(3)
Heather B.

Went to RA for the first time tonight with some girlfriends! AMANDA was our waitress and was instantly bubbly and personable. One of my friends had never had sushi before so Amanda was wonderful at going through the menu and explaining it to us! All her recommendations were amazing and we will for sure be coming back soon! Fabulous Saturday night dinner!
(5)
Mason E.

I got a hand roll, and the server was considerate enough to let me know that it was a soy paper wrap, and asked if I'd prefer seaweed. Which was appreciated since, of course I'd prefer seaweed! But when it came it was wrapped with both soy paper and seaweed... It's like if a sushi bar hooked up with a TGIFriday's...
(1)
Tish N.

I always make it there like 2 or 3 pm and get takeout. I like the soft shell crab rolls, they are delicious. The last time I went my friend and I decided to stay for drinks too. I had the saketini and a green tea martini both were mixed well. I like it but I'm not in love. I got for lunch when I'm in the mood for sushi. I guess I didn't have super high expectations. The coconut brulee was pretty decent, I just wish there was more crust on the top but that's what I prefer
(4)
Morgan H.

The sushi is okay, the service is terrible. They have a happy hour, with a number of items offered at about half price. The happy hour ends at 7. My party of 4 arrived at 6, and was told it would be a 15 minute wait. We were the only party waiting. 54 minutes later, we were finally seated. I asked that they honor the happy hour pricing as we had been there for nearly an hour, and was told no, we had 6 minutes to order and that we had to order everything at once. Then, they deliver everything at once rather than staggering delivery so that you can enjoy your meal at a relaxed pace. The tables aren't huge, so a party of four's entire sushi order all at once takes up the entire thing...very hard to enjoy a relaxed meal here. While I understand the need for parameters when offering discounts, it seems like the happy hour is a bit of a scam - they seat parties of 2 at 4-tops to make it harder for groups to get in in time, and encourage only one seating during the 2 hour happy hour window. The sushi isn't good enough to put up with bad service, so I likely won't be back. Plenty of other sushi options in the area.
(1)
Tada Y.

I went here when I first moved to the area and felt the sushi is average for the price point. Between my friend and I, we had an order of dumplings (surprisingly good) and four rolls. It had great ambiance and attentive service. I might come again since I live right around the corner, but if I move I don't think I'd travel to make it to this place.
(3)
Bea K.

RA has always been a favorite restaurant of mine. The GM here is fabulous and knows how to run a restaurant exceptionally well. I previously had a bad experience here and he went above and beyond to make it right. They have great sushi at an affordable price, great drink specials all day every day, and awesome appetizers. The wait staff and service was fantastic at my most recent visit here (which was the problem before). Food was A+ for what I'd rank as a $$ price range. If you haven't been, you should go! Happy Hour from 3-7 M-Sat and 8-close on Sun has a delicious variety of appetizers and rolls. If you had a sub-par experience here within the last few months, I can say that the place has truly turned around and you should return! I couldn't be more pleased the last time I went, and it's seriously a great deal for its location in the city!
(5)
King L.

First off, I'm speaking as a northern californian who's been eating sushi my whole life. I've never been to RA before I moved to chicago. So far I've been twice and eaten many things here, and I gotta say Im not a fan of the food. not the place to be if youre looking for some quality sushi or sashimi. Its more asian-fusion with heavy western influence. But I'm guessing people come here mostly to drink anyway and its the nicest/non-sleaziest bar within the vicinity so come here to drink first, eat second.
(2)
Erika B.

Fantastic food, terrible service. We didn't have to wait very long to get a table (they don't take reservations) but our waitress was constantly out of sight for extended periods of time. The food came out pretty fast though, so that was nice. Try the tropical roll and the tootsy maki. Both were delicious. Also drank a Blushing Geisha. Was a little too sweet (kinda tasted like spiked kool-aid), but still tasty. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Ashlee C.

Happy Hour is great! It includes sushi, apps, and drinks! Love this place!
(5)
Lu H.

I would go here for happy hour only. Maybe it's because we're from the west coast but to us, it's weird going to a "Japanese" restaurant with no Japanese chefs cutting sushi. The vibe here is your typical 20-somethings yuppies (yes that would include us), with loud pop music. The happy hour menu is fine, I'd stick to that. This place is what it is - a fushion asian place that will suit anyone's palates.
(3)
Jonathan W.

Not that great. However, not my type of place. Sort of a cheesy, loud club vibe. Good if you are in your early 20s. "Sushi" entirely mediocre and overpriced. You are not coming here for authenticity so don't expect anything close to authentic. The drinks were good and the food was tasty however. I enjoyed the yellowtail sashimi dish that is garnished with jalapenos and cilantro.
(2)
Margaret N.

I was in RA for lunch last weekend with the boyfriend. Everything was super tasty untillllllll I bit something super hard in my sushi roll.... I spit out what looked like a piece of avocado pit. It's not like I broke a tooth and I'm not a complainer, so I didn't mention anything to the server and we just finished our food. About 2 minutes after our plates were cleared, the head chef came out to talk to us, he said he saw the piece of avocado pit on my plate, he apologized profusely and comped food off our bill. Then he gave us cards for free drinks next time we came in!! Like I said, I'm not a complainer for little things and it didn't bother me at all. But he was very observant to notice that and also very polite, and I was super grateful for such attentive customer service!! We will be back of course, because a business that pays such close attention to customer satisfaction deserves my business in this sh*tty economy!!
(5)
Lauren S.

Let me start off by saying, I am a big fan of sushi and Asian cuisine in general. I went there Wednesday evening for happy hour with a friend and was pleasantly surprised with the whole experience. A run down of what we ordered and what I thought: I ordered a few lemon drop martini's which were quite good for 4 bucks! We sat at the bar and the bartender was not only friendly but made a great drink. It wasn't too strong yet didn't taste like lemonade. Then my friend and I split a bunch of things including the pinapple and cheese wontons w/pineapple dipping sauce (soo good), tuna tutaki (really fresh), yellow tail nigri (standard but good and cheap), a shrimp tempura roll (same as the nigri) and finished with an AMAZING AND HUGE PORTIONED DESSERT: the tempura cinnamon ice cream! Wow, that was enough food and pleasantness to account for the 4 stars above. On another note, we arrived at about 6pm and didn't have to wait at all. Food came fairly quick and overall was a really good experience. I am not sure if I would go back and spend dinner prices on what we got, but for happy hour sushi on the gold coast, can't beat it!
(4)
Swati B.

LOVE the fact that RA has a happy hour Mon-Thursday where you get half off maki rolls/appetizers and drink deals....hate that this place is ALWAYS crowded. Great place for a girls night...or even a date..as long as you have some time on your hands. Service was EXTREMELY slow the night I went (I went on a Friday night). We were seated right away, however, after our meal was finished we waited a solid hour before our server came up to us to even ask us for the check! The pineapple cheese wontons are great, and this place is really good for vegetarians that want "sushi". Love their list of sake. Great ambiance, nice music, young trendy crowd. Overall fun place...just the service brings the place down.
(3)
Tanisha S.

happy hour!!!!! amazing great prices and ambiance. The service is good too! i love the food... vegas roll is to die for!
(4)
Sasha K.

I am definitely a fan! This is a fantastic date spot. The happy hour drink and food menu is extensive and amazing. Our waiter was very helpful and friendly and our food came at perfect times. My only criticism is that the tables are too close together but that could easily have been changed. They have great seating by the windows, it was just super busy so i didn't speak up. Sushi is super fun. Las Vegas and Calamari rolls are just awesome.
(4)
Brian V.

Our second night in Chicago happened to be a Sunday so downtown was pretty dead. We had just killed a bottle of Hennesey and were planning on hitting the "something Tower" where we could sip brewskis on the top floor however, it was closed. So we just loitered around like a bunch of foreign hooligans and planned our next move at a pub. With the formation of no plan, we walked out with slouched shoulders until I saw the glow of Ra Sushi's neon lights. Transfixed, I went it and on the fly and proclaimed that we were sake bombing. We all take turn being head haunchos and the gods must have willed it, because that night was my turn. They obediently followed me like little puppets and we were seated. Planning to order some sake, I had a compulsion to turn a placard over and IT SAID $1 SAKE, 2 DOLLAR PABST!!!! What a stroke of luck you say. Flagging down the garcon, we ordered 7 little vials of sake which held 4 shots each and 7 pabst. We would each have our own little bottle. We had two rounds of that. In addition, they had half off sushi. We were too drunk to really taste the sushi. The cream cheese wanton was okay and the asta la vista roll is a question mark. The service did take very long tho, especially when the place was empty. The waitress kept forgetting our orders and it took half hour to put some damn salted beans in a bowl. I don't know if we were being too belligerent but what can you truly expect when its $1 sake. All in all, its a really fun place when you are in a large group. Nothing beats getting hot sake spilled on your inner thigh by a most bodacious lady friend. Go on a sunday with a large party and own the place...wadDUUUUUP.
(4)
Chris C.

Nice anthe have $4.00 sake. Awsome!
(4)
Nicholas W.

Mediocre sushi. Horrible service. Would never come back. Cute hostess and waitress. Its a typical corporate type sushi place. Everything is nice, but the food is basically shit.
(1)
Nicole R.

We went here for my friends bday on saturday after all the better sushi restaurants were booked due to restaurant week. Ra doesnt take reservations, so we were told it would be a 30 minute wait. 2 hours later we were STILL waiting. Luckily i convinced my friends to skip dinner so we could just head to the bars...it was past 11pm at that point. ANYWAYS, ive eaten here before and its not all that. Ditto what everyone else said. Attracts people from the suburbs, lots of fake sushi covered in mayo and cream cheese (ew), cooked fish etc. AND to make it worse, they have turned into a chain that has locations in the burbs. EW EW EW.
(1)
Brian K.

I wish I could express to you all how sushi makes me feel. Its really an indescribable thing. Sushi is happiness. So my college room mate The Trick, or Patrick to some, called me up and said, 'Lets hop on that sushi train.' And I said 'Choo choo.' I met him and our friend Nish there for their happy hour. What an idea. We ordered drinks and had crab cakes as an appetizer. And I am currently salivating thinking about this meal. The sushi was just. BANG-A-RANG RUFIO! Thats all I can really say. Because how can you talk about pure joy and ecstasy.
(4)
Michelle J.

I've never eaten Sushi a day in my life prior to a few days ago. The thought of eating raw fish made my stomach turn. My friend suggested we go here for happy hour, I went reluctantly. I had the edamame, Miso Hot soup, Viva Las Vegas rolls & a mango margarita. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised on how much I enjoyed it. Very tasty & good service. I'm not a sushi de facto so I can't vouch for it's authenticity or compare it to anything else but if you're a sushi beginner like myself I highly recommend this place.
(4)
Kim C.

Ra is where we go for $2 sake and $3 PBRs (formerly $1 sake and $2 PBRs.. booo) I am ashamed to say that I have never had any of the food here, except for the vegetable tempura (which was very good) because we always come here just to sake bomb. We've definitely seen others do the same as well so I probably wouldn't recommend coming here on a weekend evening, after 10pm, for a romantic date--it gets rowdy :P The sake is for sure cheap and probably nasty but who cares when it's $2. During my latest visit I was happy and tipsy and ready to hit the Rush/Division establishments all for $12 (including tax and tip)
(4)
Joanna P.

Great Happy Hour prices, half off on appt. and sushi. $2 hot sake.
(5)
Kristina R.

Make sure to come during Happy Hour for 1/2 priced sushi, appetizers, and drinks! The sushi is on the Americanized, but is still decent. I would recommend the Viva Las Vegas and the Tooski Maki rolls. (Both are on the 1/2 priced happy hour menu). I went to RA on a Thursday night with one of my girlfriends. It was my first time dining at the State Street location, (I have been to the one at Yorktown Mall). There was no wait and a handful of tables we vacant. We opted to sit at the bar because we were in a hurry to meet some friends. The music was very loud and made it difficult to carry on a conversation, but we got our food quickly and that is what we were looking for. Although, the service was rather disappointing, considering we were two of three people sitting at the bar and only saw the bartender to take our order, serve our food, and collect our money. He mostly hid in the room adjacent to the bar and we had to hunt him down to get our check, which was annoying. With the dozens of other sushi restaurants within a square mile of RA, I probably won't be going back. I would be willing to spend the extra money to have a better dining experience, better food, and to do without the headache.
(2)
Newooper S.

Went during happy hour on a Saturday. They have great happy hour specials that can't be beat. The service was incredible and fast, and the sushi, although I wouldn't call it authentic, was delicious and imaginative. I shall return.
(4)
Annie T.

Ok, so what... it's totally a chain, I know. but first 2 things that win my heart over: 1. 2 block radius from my apt 2. 1/2 off happy hour!!! from 3-7pm. Great drink specials, 1/2 off sushi rolls and appetizers 3. they love TEMPURA (yes, i know... totally beginner's sushi but so what-- i love it) what we ordered: lobster spring rolls (great little tease, tied us over until our rolls made it to the table) viva las vegas (MY FAVORITE ROLL) crazy monkey roll (great flavors) crispy spicy tuna (i would certainly NOT recommend this one. why not? it's served on top of deep fried rice. sure, that sounds delicious to any fat kid, right? not so much... it's super super crunchy and hard to bite into. no bueno.) overall, we had a great experience. we were immediately seated (upon 5pm arrival), the food came out fast, there were good menu options and the prices were cheap (considering the HH specials. i would never eat here without that special.)
(3)
Nirmal G.

It's really too bad that RA doesn't understand what good customer service is. I came with 6 other people to celebrate a friend's birthday a few weeks ago on a Monday night at like 5:30pm. We never expect it to be fabulous but given the good prices, my friends and I still will come here occassionally. This time, one of my friends and I each ordered the veggie tempura roll, which isn't even on the happy hour menu but we had had it last time we were in and it had been really, really good. This time, for some reason, our rolls were the last ones to come out, as in everyone else was already halfway done with their rolls when ours came out. How does food without meat in it take longer to prepare? Boggles my mind. My friend's roll was so poorly cut with lopsided pieces that half of the pieces fell apart as she tried to pick them with her chopsticks. The roll in general wasn't as good as the first time we had had it. We are convinced that's because there was a tv show that was filming when we had had the roll the first time, so that meant that the service and food was much better than usual. Later, when they were clearing the table, one of the waiters managed to spill sauce on one of my friends and didn't even notice. Wow. We also could barely track down the waitress when some of my friends wanted to order additional rolls. Then she acted as if it was a huge chore for her to take a picture of us. We realized afterwards that since we were a group of 7, tip was already included in the bill and to her that meant that she didn't need to provide us with any decent service at all. I'll never be back. There's absolutely no reason to do so. Go to Friends Sushi instead. They are much more pleasant and have much better sushi.
(1)
Kate L.

Way over priced for mediocre food. I've made the mistake of eating at Ra several times over the last couple of years because it's so close to my house, and every time I regret my decision. The sushi is decent at best and quite over-priced. You'll pay over $7 for a basic roll and I've had much better at most hole in the wall byobs. Same experience the one time I ordered a hot meal instead of sushi. It's not worth it.
(2)
Andy D.

RA is a hit!!! No complaints from this guy... You enter the restaurant and immediately notice the relaxed but sophisticated atmosphere. The servers are very friendly, attentive and informative. This is also a great place for a romantic table for two or a gathering of friends. As for the food...wow!!! Originality is everywhere...from the preparation through the plating. Sushi was fresh. Spices and sauces brought out the best taste in the fish. It was just excellent. As far as the other post about "fake sushi" goes...yes I would have to agree. This place is not going to give you traditional sushi. However, RA is the place to go if you want a fresh take on your favorite classic. RA has an unique and interesting approach to food where the results are delivered on the plate!!! I was also surprised by the value for this type of Sushi place in this part of the city. Just another bonus that makes this place great!!!
(5)
Lizzy P.

This place is A-OK! I come here for the happy hour. There's a decent selection of drinks at great prices and a big list of appetizers that are half off during the happy hour. It's one of the few places in this area that has drink specials on a Friday. I will definitely continue to return for the happy hour special.
(3)
A H.

Well, if you don't mind you sushi/sashimi made by non-Japanese, and an uptight bartender this place isn't bad. Which doesn't say much about it, does it? find a real Japanese restaurant.
(2)
Michael H.

It's a good value during happy hour? I can't really think of better positives.
(2)
Tim C.

Very good, if expensive, sushi, IMPOSSIBLY LOUD (why do they ignore all of the previous reviews?)
(3)
Jennifer H.

This was a last-minute decision because the bf and I were in town for Memorial Day weekend and couldn't figure out what the heck to eat for dinner. I can't remember exactly why but a large portion of their sushi menu that night was 1/2 off, so we decided to get a variety of sushi and soft shell crab. I agree with a lot of the other reviewers about the "fake" sushi. A lot of mayo and the sushi was drenched in sauces. I could barely taste the actual raw fish. Don't think it was there. The only reason I gave it 3-stars is because I could see this restaurant being a "fun" place for pre-partying before going out, or for a big group of friends. Definitely would NOT recommend it to true sushi aficionados out there.
(3)
Shradha A.

The staff here is friendly, but it looks like this place is just setup for some rowdy sake bombing, at least on weekend nights. Not really a good dinner destination..
(3)
Crystal P.

The Happy hours prices make this place. We went in for a quick dinner yesterday and got to partake in the 1/2 off rolls. We got Spicy yellow tail Not amazing but good spicy tuna solid but how can you go wrong Crispy spicy tuna ehh it was fish and a jalapeno on a ball of fried hard rice.. points for creativity but not something that I'd order again. crispy soft shell crab.. fried to DEATH tasted stale. over meh... I'd go back but stick to basics!
(3)
Garrett F.

Great Place, Modern sushi place with some good seating, in a small area. I really enjoy the atmosphere which is usually busy and vibrant. They do sashimi very well and the fish is fresh tasting.
(4)
Katrina F.

One of my most favorite places to dine! I love, love, love the food and service here. Although it's always busy, the staff does a good job at seating you as soon as possible and getting your food to you in a very timely manner. My only wish was that the restaurant was a little bigger. The seating is kinda tight. Other than that, I love it. #BigFan
(4)
Kristy N.

I went there on Friday around 5pm which was perfect timing - the place was PACKED when we left around 7pm. The happy hour prices were awesome and our bartender was very friendly. If I had arrived a few hours later, I would have probably walked out b/c it was so cramped. However, for an after work get together, it was perfect. Our bill was only $40 which included 2 appetizers, 1 roll and 4 drinks (including one $12 martini which wasn't included in the special). Good stuff!
(4)
Lola T.

I've been here 3 times now, and never had a bad experience:) Last time I was here, I went by myself after work to take advantage of their 1/2 price sushi from 3-7. I sat at the bar and was greeted by the attractive bartender immediately. He is so charismatic, you can tell he's good at his job. There was another person, who I later found out was named Mike, sitting at the bar a few seats over. We all got to chatting while waiting for our sushi to come out. Once the sushi came out, we decided to share our rolls. We both got the Viva Las Vegas I ordered the Crispy Spicy Tuna Mike ordered Crispy Calamari How neat to sit down at a bar, meet a perfect stranger and end up becoming sushi partners! So much fun and the sushi was interesting, yet good! I plan on taking full advantage of 1/2 price sushi nights Monday-Saturday 3-7pm.
(4)
Caroline A.

Not impressed at all. I'll be the first to admit that I dislike all the new "fusion" sushi spots. This one is the worst. Many of the rolls are dressed in mayo-ish sauces that just don't do it for me. Secondly, I am not a fan of chain restaurants, but I didn't realize this was a chain until after the poor service. I went for a late lunch while business was slow... and the service was not all that great. This is not a good choice for sushi in the city.. .especially with all the other options.
(2)
alice y.

I lived across the street from this place for over a year, and I LOVE sushi. I only ate here twice. The food isn't great, the service isn't great, the diners here are all shiny, and jingly and decked out .. and I can't hear myself think. Seriously, are we a restaurant? I think being in the Viagra Triangle has the owners confusing themselves with nightclub bosses. 1 star. However, I did once stop by the bar after a s***** day at work for a cocktail. It was good, the bartender was cool. Hit the spot. Plus one star for that.
(2)
Nicole B.

Good food. Great service. Fantastic prices during happy hour. Nice decor, and the restaurant wasn't packed, so it made for a relaxing atmosphere.
(4)
Abagail W.

This place is my Cheers. I can always rely on a smile from the wonderful friendly bartenders Mike and Mark. Ask for a "Bonsai" it's not on the menu anymore but it's delicious! Its a sweet pinkish cocktail that Mike is awesome at making. They also are one of the few smaller places that has a couple options for Nigori sake (unfiltered sake, the white looking kind). Their happy hour is great: half price sushi on sundays? Awesome. I am a sushi snob and I can say hands down they have THE BEST spicy tuna in town. There Salmon Nigiri is high quality and never disappoints in the 3 years I have been religiously going there. I am never disappointed by this place. They recently updated the interior and it looks great. The kicker is the great atmosphere, the music is always perfect and the lighting is so romantic. This place has a killer vibe. I will keep going here for years!
(5)
Erin M.

Probably won't be going here again. I'll stick to my favorites and save the bus fare. My husband and I went to Sushi Ra for Monday night happy hour which includes food specials like half off appetizers and $3 PBR and 4$ cosmos. Well-the cosmopolitan was SO watered down it tasted like they had let multiple ice cubes melt in my drink....Cosmos don't come with ice. So I am thinking they did this on purpose...What else could I expect for a $4 cosmo? Oh yeah, a COSMO! The waitress seated us and told us about how we were supposed to fill out our order form to indicate which sushi we wanted and then she left....Without giving us a pencil! The sushi was OK. I've had sushi that tasted fresher. If it wasn't happy hour and deeply discounted because it was happy hour I would have left when I saw the prices. This place is way over priced for the flavor and quality of the food. BEWARE the vegetarian roll has some nasty root/stem vegetable in it that sounds like glass when you bite into it! It was pretty loud inside - they need to turn the music down a little.
(2)
Hope G.

oh man...I've been here probably close to 30 times? The best thing about this being my favorite sushi place is my discovering that they have one in my home town in southern California! Thank goodness. Don't go unless its happy hour! 1/2 off some sushi and all appetizers from 4-7pm...they have some pretty decent lunch specials too. Your life will change as soon as you try the Chicken Wings and the Crispy Spicy Tuna Roll, which is a crisp sesame rice cake topped with delicious spicy tuna and jalapeno. Dip it in the sauce surrounding the roll and it's heaven. I'd say pass on the tempura in favor of their gyoza, fried tofu and other appetizer items. If you're not a sushi fan, the teryaki beef is perfectly cooked and tender...delicious. Lastly, always order the Uchi No house salad...I'd kill for the ginger salad dressing recipe.
(5)
Sue H.

Love it!!! Happy hour is the best!!! Try the LAS VEGAS and RAINBOW!
(5)
Anthony A.

Ra is a great place to go....during their happy hour menu. If you eat sushi often and then this might not be the place for you. Their sushi is not bad but not great either. I think its the happy hour prices that make it acceptable. I would not pay full price for a lot of their menu items. You would be much better off going to Coast, Sushi X, etc if you wanted real sushi. The place itself, however, is pretty cool inside. It can get crowded during the happy hour of course. Service was pretty good as well. If you are coming with a group that eats sushi only every so often then this would suggest coming here.
(3)
Emily F.

Been here both for the Sunday night deal and during the week. The sushi is decent at best- most of their rolls are made with crab or tuna "mixes", which is code for made with mayo. Being anti-condiments, this makes it hard to find pretty much anything on the sushi menu. The portions are decent sized though and prices are pretty standard for sushi in downtown Chicago. However, its hip and trendy vibe makes it a fun place to go with your girlfriends or on a date. But if you're just in the mood for chowhousing some good sushi in jeans and sneakers, you're probably better off elsewhere.
(3)
David G.

My wife and I have been here several times for their "happy hour" specials. Some of the rolls are (roughly) half price at that time. They are really pricey otherwise, so I suggest doing their happy hour. They even run happy hour on the weekends. The service is here usually average or on the better side of average. I've never had rude service here, but it has been incredibly slow a couple times. The "sushi" while not necessarily authentic, is pretty tasty. It's definitely an americanized version.
(4)
Christine M.

Came here to check out the appetizer specials ($3) on a weeknight. The pineapple wontons were good, along with a couple other dishes. I haven't had any huge cravings since I've left, though, which tells me they fell short of the lasting impression for which I was hoping. The service was terrible. Bartender was friendly and made the 45-minute wait for what was supposed to be 20-minutes not so bad. It began raining on us and we had to move ourselves indoors, as our waiter was MIA. He didn't seem to care, either. Interesting. I think I'll check out a new sushi restaurant rather than returning.
(3)
Eugenia O.

Happy hour is totally worth it because the rolls are half price and great drink specials. This place is great if you are looking for really fancy adverturous sushi rolls and are sick of the same rolls being offered at every place you visit. The rolls also have great presentation. I can't remember when, but on certain nights there's live music. Great abiance, great service, creative rolls, but quite pricy unless you go to happy hour, so I would definately stick to that!
(4)
Mikie B.

This one primarily gets a 4 star rating because it was my local neighborhood hangout when I lived up the street on State. I typically stopped by at least once a week and either got takeout or sat at the bar and had a quick bite before walking the rest of the way home. It took me a good year, but after doggedly walking in the front door, plopping myself at the bar and smiling widely, the resident bartender finally realized that I wasn't going anywhere and I got a winning smile and even a little kiss on the cheek! It's a typical trendy / fancy sushi restaurant where the music is too loud, the lighting too low and the wait staff too pretty. There's a lot of "fancy" sushi as opposed to the down-home classic fare, but the fish was always fresh and beautifully presented. And while a lot of their rolls contain cream cheese (which I am fundamentally against when it comes to sushi), truth be told, sometimes you just want a fancy tuna roll. My favorites are the Viva Las Vegas roll (without the cream cheese), which included delectable lotus root "chips" (my only critique is that it would be FAR better-- and worth the expense-- if they used fresh crab rather than imitation...); the salmon carpaccio (and this coming from a girl who doesn't really like salmon...); and, the best, best, best is the chili ponzu yellowtail-- the thing I always saved for last because, well, it's the best. I rarely went with friends-- it was more of a personal place to stop in for a quick lunch or grab a bite after work for me; but I have fond memories of this "neighborhood" sushi bar, and always try to stop by when I'm in town (especially since it's across the street from my fashion favorite, anthropologie).
(4)
Karina S.

the food was great but the service was HORRIBLE. i had a party of 15 who had a 'reservation'. when we got there, they told us we had to wait for the party before us to leave who stayed for another 1.5 hours. they did not apologize nor were they considerate. in fact, they told us to move from the entrance...where were we supposed to go?! after we sat down they didnt even ask us how we were, they just rushed us thru the order. will NOT go back to this location. if you like the sushi, go to another location or go at a time where they will actually pay attention to you!
(1)
Clarissa J.

So far I've only had lunch at Ra, but I knew this would be a "Clary" place from the moment I stepped through the revolving door. Lots of red. I love that. Melty-fresh and generous sashimi slices; affordable and quality lunch specials that fill you up and then some; awesome, eclectic music rotation; friendly staff. There are so many sushi hubs in Chicago -- with these important pluses, it makes a difficult lunch decision quite easy.
(5)
Misse D.

It is so mediocre that I forgot to write a review. I am probably giving it an extra star, only for sentimental reasons (my husband and I had our first date there). That said, I don't plan on going back and there is such better sushi in the city!
(2)
Amy J.

I went back, and not during Happy Hour... This time I enjoyed (much of the same items) Pineapple Wontons (by the way, these alone are worth going there for) Spinach Gyoza Avocado Roll California Roll Edamame Things we regretted ordering: Seaweed Salad Anyways, she knew we didn't like the salad, and took it off the bill, so, a star up for service. Also, we had a good waitress this time. Attentive and quick with the diet coke refills - a major plus in me (and my friend who had 5 pops, seriously)'s book. So, the total bill for all of that, 2 diet cokes, and all of those things - $37. Not bad, but during Happy Hour it was about half that for the same amount of food. Just something to note :) Still, I like it a lot and I'll be back. Probably during Happy Hour :) It's such a good deal!
(4)
Anne B.

omg, the garlic edamame. order it. eat it. then thank me.
(5)
Gloria E.

I loved it. I went with a friend who had some drink cards, but he forgot them, so no drinks. However, we got 3 rolls and we split them. They were amazing, but I don't remember two of the rolls. I just remember all three were amazing... there was peppers, nuts, avocado, mango... insane things inside that sushi!!! The reason I don't remember what the other two were would be that I found the third roll to be so great! We got some seared steak roll of some sort and that was so delightful! i loved the atmosphere and we were seated quickly. It was a Tuesday, and this place was packed, so I'm sure there's plenty who can attest to the goodness of Ra's sushi =)
(5)
Mike B.

I give 1 star for aesthetic but as far as the service, it is quite dreadfully slow. The sushi had an odor when brought to my table which is a big indication of lack of freshness. After having to return my plate 3 separate times, ordering 3 different dishes in hopes to get at the very least, a fresh, good tasting dish, all I truly received were 3 polished turds. Each looking brilliant in presentation, but in flavor and freshness? forget it! This place certainly has the look and poshness but in the restaurant business, you can't fake it until you make it people.
(1)
Adam K.

RA sushi was a good sushi bar. I give it 3.5 stars for food but 4+ stars for atmosphere and since I am a nice guy I'll round up and give it 4 stars! Yay! Before we arrived, I called ahead and although they do not take reservations they "put my name on a list" and we were seated immediately upon arrival. I do not remember the rolls we ordered but I do remember that I enjoyed all of them. The sake and cocktail I had were also very good recommendations by our server. The sushi wasn't the best fish I had ever had but at the same time, it wasn't the worst either. Will I return?....maybe but I would definitely try other sushi bars around town first. Our favorite aspect of the restaurant was the atmosphere. They had cool music playing (i.e. "Just Dance" by Lady Gaga which happens to be my favorite song at the moment), and the second we arrived it seemed that the restaurant started to fill up so that was also a good sign. I definitely recommend RA. Give it a shot, you wont be disappointed.
(4)
Megumi T.

I think this place is for someone who loves Roll sushi. We chose soft shell crab for appetizers. We order Sushi; "Uni" "Maguro" "Hamachi" "Saba" "Tako". Roll; "Crazy Monkey" Beef Tataki". Soft shell crab is really good! So crunchy and delicious. Ponzu base sauce is good too. Uni is taste strange. Little bitter taste but not too bad. Maguro is not really good. Too dry.... Hamachi and Saba, Tako just OK for me. But Roll sushi is really good. Especially, Crazy Monkey is so good. Beef Tataki is good as well. Lots of Veggie inside roll. It's busy night but service is quick and nice. I'll back this place for Roll Sushi!!
(3)
shawn f.

Turn around if you are headed here.... I tried tonight and although SURROUNDED by the most vapid group of Melrose wannabe servers I could not get service at all. They actually sat at the bar talking. Upon entering the place it took a couple minutes for the manager to finish running tired game on a blonde at the bar. After waiting 15 minutes for just one of the servers to at least grab a drink order I left.
(1)
Philip G.

Even though this place is a chain, it's probably one of my favorite sushi places in Chicago. Normally, I don't go for chain-anything. But this place is different. It's small, but the atmosphere is very inviting. The place is nicely decorated and looks to be very clean and well maintained. The staff is friendly and service is speedy. I'm by no means a sushi connoisseur. I couldn't tell you the intricacies of the sushi making process, I don't even remember the different names of fish. However, I have eaten a lot of sushi, in a lot of different places, both in Chicago and other places. And I can tell you that the most important part - the sushi and maki rolls - are TOPS at Ra Sushi. They pull of the regular rolls really well - California, Tuna, Avocado, etc. are all super tasty. You could probably stick to the regular rolls and die happy. The edamame is also some of the tastiest I've had. They do everything right in this department. They do the regular rolls really well, but the special rolls are simply UNBELIEVABLE. Like I mentioned before, I can't remember the names of them to save my life, but I do recall that the special Shrimp Tempura roll is amazing. And let me just stop here and mention the Sake Sangria. Normally, I'm someone who tends to stick to beer. Usually, when I eat at a Sushi place, I'll get a Sapporo or similar Japanese beer. However, my fiance turned me on to the Sake Sangria. It's the best of both worlds. It combines the sweetness and smoothness of a sangria, with the kick of Sake. These are highly addicting, so be careful - they will knock you on your ass. The "no reservations" policy is kind of annoying, but I never have any problems getting a table. This is truly a great place. I was even able to take my super picky 12 year old brother here, and he enjoyed it. It's a little pricey, but definitely worth it for special occasions.
(5)
Jin Joo L.

I went on a Sunday evening around 7:30 ish and it was surprisingly packed. The atmosphere was definitely more contemporary, hip, and young. They were playing a lot of mainstream songs and around 8 or 9 they had a DJ in there. We went for 50% off sushi, but maybe we were mistaken? Order mostly nigiri sushi and some appetizer. It was a lot of people packed in a really tight space. Overall, the sushi took a while which I don't mind but it wasn't the best I've tasted either. The music was SO LOUD, we had to shout. I felt like I was in a club more than a restaurant. I didn't mind the music cuz it made me want to dance but the loudness, seems to translate to eat and get out quick, we have more ppl to seat. Was a bit disappointed but not bad.
(2)
Kathy S.

Came here for the happy hour specials but ended up ordering additional rolls not on the specials menu and those were much better than the happy hour ones. My favorites were the crazy monkey maki and their apple martinis. Yum! They also had some creative appetizers/rolls that I thought were pretty cool. I also like the look and vibe of the place.
(3)
Cait H.

Their food is delicious. However, go in and order. If you get carry out or delivery, they screw up the order. It sucks when you pay almost $25 for sashimi and don't even get the side of rice that's supposed to come with.
(2)
Matthew E.

I've been to Houston multiple times and the Ra there has been my favorite restaurant for Sushi ever. It's on the top of a building with windows that opened for a breathtaking view of the city. That being said Ra here is a major let down. While the food is still pretty much the same, the ambiance and atmosphere has been eliminated. The restaurant is small and seems to be shocked when they get over 15 people wanting to eat there.We waited an hour and twenty minutes after being told we would have a 20-30 minute wait. While the manager was friendly and bought us drinks to apologize, the wait had soured many of our moods. The prices here are also way higher than I remember and generally the food is overpriced. As for what to order I love the pineapple wonton appetizer and the Viva Las Vegas roll is always tasty.
(3)
Anthony W.

Anyone who has had good sushi will know right away the quality here is below par. Service is mediocre. I ordered take out and was told 20 minutes, ended up being 40 minutes because the bartender was so slow to check the kitchen or my order.
(2)
Michael N.

Reverse happy hour is it for me! Price is super cheap, however the food is great! The DJ playing was loud but I like this kind of scene and it's not for everyone. You really have to speak up to the server to get through the music. He is a local DJ at a place nearby and he spins there.
(5)
Nikie R.

I always enjoy RA's sushi every time I eat there. It is best to go there during their happy hour. They have a pretty good sushi list and drinks that are all half off. The last time I went there, I got 2 of their dessert dishes, and it was so amazing! If you enjoy creme brulee, you must try their coconut creme brulee. The first spoon of it made my mouth water and I couldn't help but say "MMMMMM, OMG THIS IS AMAZING." like 5 times, or more like the whole time I was eating it :). The servers there are really friendly and aweome too.
(5)
Pamela P.

Somehow I come back here somewhat often. It's just ok. It's expensive, even as far as lunch "specials" go. Their spicy misu soup is really good - though make sure you have about an hour of time to eat it as it's incredibly hot, as in temperature wise. They do have some interesting maki that are tasty. The wait staff and employees are somewhat aloof and aren't very attentive but it's worth a try at least once.
(2)
Abby H.

I went to Ra last Saturday evening with three of my girlfriends. I had never eaten at any of the Ra restaurants but had heard good things. Quite the contrary. The rolls were good. The girls who ordered drinks said they were too strong (could really taste the vodka) and one was sent back but was still as stiff as the previous. We asked the waitress if the music could be turned down because we got seated at a table between two of the ceiling speakers. She made a comment alluding to the idea her boss wouldn't do it. She was right. In the era of iPhones I pulled mine out and tested the loudness- 90 db. Long term exposure to levels like that can damage ear drums. After we got our food the waitress didn't come back until a huge table of people arrived. We were ready for our check(our table was already cleared of food) but when she came into the dining room she immediately began serving them. I wasn't impressed by this restaurant; I doubt will try any other Ra restaurants.
(2)
Annie G.

Boy was I excited about Ra Sushi. I squealed when I saw the menu online. Ra Sushi did not live up to my unusually high expectations. Not entirely their fault, but not entirely mine. First of all, my boyfriend and I went into Ra Sushi around 2pm on a Saturday. Lame. I know. We were one of the five couples there, but our waiter was under the impression that the whole restaurant was packed with demanding customers. We could barely get our orders in before he would zip away. When he would come back to our table he would be out of breath . Not quite sure what that was about. I was also pretty disappointed with the portions. We ordered the pineapple wontons, which were absolutely delicious However, for a $7 appetizer I expect to get more than four bite-sized wontons. I mean, WTF? We pretty much ate them before the server had left the table. The bento box meal I had was average. Not great, but not terrible. For dessert we ordered the cinnamon tempura ice cream. I was shocked when the waiter brought it to our table. It was huge. It could have fed two ice cream-loving families. I ate about an 1/8 of it and then told them to take it away. I wasn't about to gain 10lbs with one dish. So, all in all, Ra Sushi needs to make their portions a little more equal. People seem to like the pineapple wontons, so make them bigger so we don't feel like we're being robbed!
(3)
Tad S.

Great sushi in north side. I had dinner on a weekend in the bar. Great selection of sushi, and friendly bartender. I will be going back for the half price sushi after work on week-nights, Mon-Thurs!!! Can't beat that deal.
(4)
Dan L.

Ra has a very good variety of sushi and signature suchi creations that are very good. Each time I have been there I have tried something new along with my other favorites. The only reason it gets 4 stars and not 5 is that it is often very crowded and loud. These are problems that are just the nature of a busy restaurant but it was tough to have a conversation when we were there on a Friday night for dinner. We will keep coming back.
(4)
cassie r.

I especially enjoyed the pineapple wontons (though it's a small app. for a table of four) and the campaign sampler (the "barack attack" was a bit more palatable, but if you like spicy you'll probably prefer the "mccain terrain"). The plum wine was a surprisingly nice and aromatic treat too. However, the service my friends and I received overshadowed our entire experience, as it was especially terrible and disappointing. My friend found a large piece of plastic in her sushi, and after telling the waitress, she never once received an apology. Instead, the waitress just took the food away without a word, and from that point on, rarely came back to our table unless we hailed her over to get a refill or our check. When we spoke to the manager on duty about the issue, he literally laughed, and also never apologized. It was such bad service that even if the food had been amazing, I don't think I would go back. Since it wasn't even nearly that good, I'm definitely not returning.
(1)
Elaine C.

Happy hour is the sh*t.
(4)
Mark L.

Ra is my go-to place for sushi in my neighborhood. They have some great original rolls including the las vegas and the gojira. But my favorite times to go are for lunch or happy hour (especially sundays). For lunch you can get 12 pieces of sashimi for 12.95 and it comes with rice, miso and salad. Happy hour has many rolls and pieces on special, and sundays are especially vibrant. They usually play loud music and it stays pretty dim, the feel is lively but comfortable. It's on the small side, so it fills up pretty quick. Worth going to more for the atmosphere than the sushi, although the sushi is decent, and well priced if you go at the right time.
(4)
Tony U.

Ra Sushi is an interesting place to eat dinner. Like another reviewer, I came here on a Monday when it was a slow night. From what I recall, the interior is dark and the service was reasonable. All in all, the place was ok. Just nothing was memorably great. I'd come here again though. There seems to be a fun, friendly social atmosphere. There's a retro feel about this place. One way or another, I cannot scream "I love this place" but at the same time, I will not tell you it's horrible either.
(3)
Laura R.

Uuuh how do $10 cocktails qualify as happy hours specials? I came here hearing good things about the happy hour and left disappointed. I had a veggie combo roll that was the worst I've ever had - no flavor whatsoever. This place has an extremely limited veg selection, an unimpressive happy hour and crappy food - I will definitely not be back. However the service was friendly they weren't annoyed when I obnoxiously changed my party from 2 to 5 after we had been seated - so they get a star for that.
(1)
Lauren H.

My boyfriend and I love love love this place. Our favorite bartender, Mark, works there. He is so friendly and always knows exactly what we order. It is so nice honestly to have a place where people remember you and treat you well again and again. My favorite Sushi place EVER!!!! Service is great and the food is too.
(5)
Sarah Z.

Meh. The first time I had the unfortunate experience of dining at Ra was in Scottsdale. This time, I was smart enough to order beer. My friend, not so lucky. She tried a cucumber martini and it was loaded with syrup. We had a scallop sashimi thing with hazelnuts, mango and kiwi that sounded divine but tasted like... nothing. And the scallops were raw. We ordered two rolls that were just okay. Good thing they can't mess up edamame. I will never go back to another Ra again, so long as I shall live. Cross my heart and hope to die.
(2)
Katy W.

I love their Las Vegas Roll. Good Sushi.
(4)
Doraemen C.

Great environment! If you want to try traditional sushi, it maybe not the best place for try, but their creative sushi is so great than i expected. You must try those 'RA must haves" on the menu. Excellent!
(4)
Marie G.

Happy hour sushi and the Viva Las Vegas roll bump up a review for what is otherwise a mediocre sushi restaurant. Don't order nigiri or sashimi here - though the fish tasted pretty fresh, the cuts were done sloppily, perhaps without the correct knife, training, or both. Lots of "white people" sushi abounded - mayo, tempura crumbs, unagi sauce, etc - but overall they were tasty. I wouldn't come here unless I was in the area around happy hour.
(3)
Lauren M.

Hit or miss. Nothing special. Service slow. With so many other options in town, I'd skip.
(2)
Nicole B.

I thought this place was pretty good. I don't recommend it with a large party - they don't take reservations and it's rather small. The bathroom is single stall too, which is pretty irritating. At least there is a bar and they make their drinks strong. The special roll selection didn't have many choices - everything had cream cheese, shrimp, or something fried. Not good for this girl on WW who is allergic to shrimp. I had the sushi platter which was pretty good, not the biggest or best slices of fish, but still ok. They brought out a fried ice cream for my friend's birthday. That was delicious!
(3)
Nick C.

I didn't care for RA, I thought the over the top sushi rolls were meant to mask the true quality of this fish, and based off of 2 or 3 pieces of sashimi I tried, I was correct. If it were a little cheaper, maybe I'd bump my rating up, but no promises. Overall, there are way too many sushi places to try and not enough time, so I'd say, skip RA.
(1)
Alissa B.

So, I have lived around the corner from this place for a year and just tried it two weeks ago and I would go everyday if I could! Their half off special and $3 martinis are awesome! I always have the mango martinis which are great and the scallop dynamite is a must. Other things that are good: Las Vegas roll Tootsy maki calamari roll lobster roll Basically everything is good and the staff and decor is really great too!
(5)
D J.

I love sushi sans le poisson. I don't get too excited about my sushi options as they typically run the gamut from cucumber rolls to avocado rolls. But while yellow monkey sounds more like a drink than a maki roll, this mango laden maki as well as a healthy, delicious vegetarian roll at Ra, had me pretty thrilled and so here is the rah-rah for this restaurant! Saturday night, the Gold coast - I was almost ruing my decision to make it to Ra on a whim, without a reservation. Spirits lifted when we scored a nice seat in the bar area, which is great for watching the very good looking crowd crammed into the tiny but trendy space inside. Spirits of the liquid kind were equally stimulating - loved the Tokyo Tower, a deliciously refreshing spritzer trio of plum wine, peach schnapps and vodka. Add to this the pumping beats, a lively scene and a reasonable price tag - Ra certainly impressed on most quarters, except the service. I had plenty of time to read and re-read the sushi 101 and gaze at the emblems on my empty plate and getting the hostess' attention was no easy task. But otherwise, really liked my trip here and would definitely recommend Ra for some great, affordable Japanese food in the Gold Coast.
(4)
David K.

Count the stars....3. That's exactly how many times I've gotten sick after eating sushi from Ra. Shame on me! I should have learned my lesson. I used to hit it up all the time in Vegas, and loved it for a minute here in Chicago. I think Ra originally had the right concept, but has caught a nasty case of CRS (Chain Restaurant Syndrome). They are now are lacking in quality, service and authenticity. Their lackluster specialty rolls are a terrible attempt at Asian fusion and their yellow tail sashimi only goes down now when I chase it with hot saki. So why the 3 stars? Because this place used to be the bomb. I used to love this place. It was a good stop on Las Vegas blvd before going out, and always had the highest quality fish. I have no more excuses and will now search other user reviews for good sushi bars in Chicago. In the meantime, I'll try and deal with the sushi withdrawals as best as I can.
(3)
katsiaryna s.

Me and my husband went there on a crazy st. valentine's night. the wait was pretty short, appetizers were amazing, (calamari and yakitori) and the sushi-rolls were outstanding! We had plum wine,, which is my favorite. very young and hip! can't wait to come back!
(5)
Anjali B.

I came during happy hour with friends who swear by the place. I got a "crispy spicy tuna" roll that was so incredibly crispy that I felt like I was going to break my tooth on it. Ceviche appetizer was pretty good. Viva Las Vegas roll, also decent. The $2 sake made me happy. I would come for happy hour with friends but not for amazing food.
(3)
Jahi J.

This is my favorite Sushi spot until I find another that beats it. Every time I've gone it was on the fly bored on a Saturday night or something. The adventure is trying to find somewhere to park, 30 minutes or so sometimes. After that I've never been disappointed, actually one particular night it was ridiculously cold and getting inside was our salvation But they have an overall decent menu, a lot of good options even if you don't want sushi. It can be cramped in there I suppose but it's always been cool and the atmosphere is cool enough to have a drink and chat.
(4)
Alex F.

Wow, lots of haters on this one. I'm no sushi aficionado, so I'm probably not fully qualified to comment on the food itself. It tasted fine to me, and I didn't get sick. You can get both cheap and expensive sushi here, so I won't hear any complaints about food prices. I would categorize Ra as "neo sushi." It's the SoundBar of sushi places. Backlit, frosted glass around the bathrooms and edgy black and red stuff everywhere. Let me break it down analogy-style, like junior high: tavern:nightclub::sushi:Ra I wouldn't say that's innately bad, but if you're looking for an authentic Japanese place this is not it. I can't comment on the service because we were one of two tables there and my friend knew the server, but I do have to say that the presentation was very nice. Look, I've got a discount there now so I'm going back.
(3)
hapa l.

From a Japanese person's perspective, I would say that it's pretty bad. It's okay if you're interested in fast food Japanese but it's too pricey for that! I believe RA Sushi in the Goldcoast is surviving because it's a chain and they serve pricey exotic drinks. Meh
(1)
Abby T.

PROXIMITY CAN ONLY TAKE YOU SO FAR. Ra is soo close to my house, it's a damn shame that the food SUCKS. i've eaten here a number of times. I've NEVER been impressed w/ the food. Yesterday, we dined outside. We got no coasters, and i didn't even realize it, till about the 4th time the condensation from my drink hit me in the leg. Next, our sushi comes out.......no run-thru as to which rolls are which. No plates........the guy brings us plates....but no wasabi/soy saucers......which my lunchdate had to help himself to!!!! we were looking at the rolls for a good 3 mins before we could dig in. Now, from what i remembered and what was confirmed yesterday.......a lion share of the rolls at Ra have this "crab mix" in them. ummm....why? why do they all have this crab mix in them?? check it out, they ALL have the crab mix in it. and the spider roll had a strange, stale taste to it.
(2)
Steven M.

I came here for my B-day and the food was fabulous. Very healthy portitions and they all had distinctive tastes to them. The drinks were right on the money also. The service needs a bump or two. Most of the profits in a restaurant come from the bar. We were sitting there with empty glasses for about 10 minutes. Not good. Would I go back. Sure, but this isn't baseball. 2 strike you out!
(3)
Jo C.

I came with a friend last Saturday night. We came early so we didn't have to wait to be seated. We started dinner with a hot miso soup which was divine. I would recommended it to those you like to spice up their miso soup! then we order 4 different rolls, which started out okay..but as dinner went by, they got taster. and out of the 4 rolls I would recommend the viva las vegas roll! It's unique, something you can't get anywhere but at RA! like other yelpers have mentioned, it's a small restaurant, so come with a friend or two as it would be hard to seat large parties during dinner hours.
(4)
Marjorie F.

It's trendy and young, but as for the food... Well, I've had better sushi in this city. It's not awful, but it's nothing to write home about.
(2)
Tasha K.

High review for Happy Hour. Pretty good for regular sit down dinner. If you go, order the Viva Las Vegas roll--- amazingly sinful. Definitely not a healthy piece of sushi but something one must try. Certainly not the best sushi I've ever had (and I consider myself quite the expert) but it is good and I would eat there again. There are usually drink specials. We just went Saturday night around 11:30pm and you could get $2 sake, $3 beers, and a variety of other beverages for $5-$8--- same prices as happy hour, you just didn't get happy hour pricing for food.
(4)
Julie P.

I've been here a few times because I live right around the corner, and I love it! The service has been pretty good and the sushi never took as long as I expected it to. They have a great "fishbowl" drink too! Try the Atlantic roll, it was yummy! **Update** I went here with a friend on a Saturday night and wasn't as happy as the above review indicates....our server was slow at best, the roll I ordered (which I usually get) was mushy and flavorless....maybe I was spoiled by having it made especially well by a different chef during previous visits? Still no excuse, especially from a chain restaurant! Our berry martinis were good, but we had to add ice from our waters to make them a reasonably amount chilled. The mango margaritas we got were GROSS, we sent them back..I don't usually complain about there being too much alcohol in a drink, but as a bartender, I can appreciate knowing when enough is enough...i literally gagged at the first sip of the 3/4 tequila/1/4 sour mix margarita...it was disgusting. I'm really disappointed because RA is so close to my place, but I won't be back here for a long while...
(1)
Jason L.

My friend from out of town, and another from around the corner wanted sushi. Unfortunately, it was Saturday evening already (i.e. impossible to get a table at my first choices). So against my better judgment, we went to RA. The good thing is, we only had to wait 20 minutes (we were told 45), and the prices weren't outrageous. That being said, white tuna sashimi is the equivalent to japanese crack as far as I'm concerned. The white tuna here was completely uninspiring. As if to compensate for the lack of inspiration, our salmon sashimi was some of the best texture and taste any of us had before. The rolls left a little to be desired, but my opinion is that sushi = sashimi. So if rolls are your thing, you might read some of the other reviews. The atmosphere at RA is somewhere between a lounge and a restaurant. The music covered nearly every music genre, but it was pretty good. As for the sake . . . if you're like me, you probably know just enough about sake to confuse yourself with a decent sake menu. The menu here did not confuse, and we all enjoyed the 'Daiginjo's' they have available. One is for a whole bottle at $50, the other is a small bottle (about 3 sake glasses) at $12. They both were easy to drink and good for sake beginners and experts. Overall, if you want reasonably priced sushi and no hassle about reservations, RA is your place. If you're looking for that amazing sushi experience you tell your friends about, book ahead and check out Mirai.
(3)
Diana F.

my fiance and i live so close to this restaurant we decided it was worth a try. we were very hungry and hoping for a relatively quick bite to eat, and got our expectations' asses kicked by the service. Our waitress was so freakin slow, wasn't particularly friendly (neither was the hostess for that matter), and overcharged me on the drinks then tried to blame it on someone else. which reminds me.... the drinks $6 special on cosmos convinced me to get one, and boy was that a mistake. it tasted like it was made out of cheap liquor i wouldn't even drink as an underage freshman in college! really horrible. the food... lobster spring rolls were okay, yakisoba had no flavor except bad. i must say though, the ahi tuna that i ordered was excellent! wasabi mashed potatoes were perfectly soft and spicy and the tuna was cooked just how i like it. overall a great dish, but not great enough to merit another trip. also, the atmosphere is kind of stupid and the music was total crap. thanks for the delicious tuna, but i will not be going back.
(2)
polymorphyc g.

This place is decent for a chain and the price is just right for a lunch. A little trendy for me personally, but I still roll in with my kids and a stroller. I do recommend eating here, but it is no mirai!!
(4)
Nancy H.

Ra is great for my friends and me when they come to visit because: 1) we love sushi, and 2) it is located SO conveniently to me (which is what bumped up its rating to 4 stars). It's a rather small restaurant, and the wait is incredibly long on the weekends, unless you opt to sit at the "sushi bar." I thought Ra was mostly slightly above average (presentation of sushi and atmosphere), taste was about average, and prices weren't overly expensive. Many people here are beautiful, and I do believe there are sushi specials for happy hour on some or most days (just check Metromix). Even more reason for me to keep coming here!
(4)
Maggie H.

Ra-Ra-Ra! I am a half-hearted cheerleader when it comes to Ra. It has great atmosphere, great location, and a heck of a happy hour...but it really tumbles when it comes to service and noise level in the restaurant. Happy hour was the #1 reason I decided to try this place, but the servers are pretty uptight around the end of happy hour (4-7pm). They become masters at avoiding eye contact to give you that glass of wine and eel roll for half-off. In order to really fully enjoy the great specials, get there early and order fast! Coconut shrimp, spicy tuna roll and the Chicago roll are some of my favorites. I thought the Chicken Yakisoba tasted like armpit and sent it back to the kitchen. I am a sucker for the spinach goyza with spicy mustard. Just be sure to ask for water because your taste buds will need it!
(3)
Eitan S.

Its a neighborhood sushi. 'nough said. lunch menu is a great value for money, as you can eat assortments of Sashimi in about $10 a person. in the evenings they've got great music, that consists mainly of alternative-rock bands. The fish aren't the best available, but the atmosphere is nice (although loud) and as a local joint, what else can you seek for?
(3)
Tiki D.

What a shame, I live across the street and yet everytime I give it another try I get dissed. When I want fast friendly service I just grab a burger at the Hunt Club across street. I've been going here off and on since it opened. Not once have I received decent service. There is always a wait for lunch or dinner and I'm patient. Once I was sitting at bar by myself on weekend and the place was near empty, other customers who came in half an hour after me were being served before me. Couldn't the staff comp me a cup of tea for waiting 45 minutes for lunch! But what really burned me is that I had the staff wrap up my calamaris. I got home for a late night snack and lo and behold, I open up my take out box to find only 3 pieces. The management and staff need to get there act together, the food is just chain food nothing special. Cheap happy hour for the Gold Coast and they are the only game in the hood. They are lucky in that respect.
(1)
Aimee C.

I agree, with Jia gone; the options are sparse. I actually haven't found a sushi in the neighbor hood, so I ventured to Ra last night on what I'd considered the most boisterous Monday night, Chicagoans are out in full effect, the V-Triangle was hopping... the weather was perfect for Ra's outdoor patio. I was greeted by a pleasant hostess as I walked in by a cheerful "I love your shoes!" Now flattery will get you everywhere... How can you say no to a compliment.. I was dashing across State Street, as I was late, and a little flustered... but wow, thank you happy hostess! The food was decent, I wouldn't glorify any of it, it was quite ordinary at that. But I guess if it's the only place to go in the neighborhood, then it's where you go... Also, the staff was really friendly and attentive, which was great, as we didn't leave for quite some time and it was nice to know we could Would I go back, probably not, unless I was dying for sushi, in the neighborhood and starving.. Otherwise, I'd probably venture outwards or order in.
(2)
Lucia Z.

Ra is a decent sushi place. The sushi itself is merely okay (I would give it 3 stars if it was based on the sushi alone). There are some really delicious rolls, don't get me wrong, but most people at Ra go for the social scene. The ambiance is super trendy, with loud music playing stuff that you might expect at a lounge or club. For Friday Happy Hour, there is a 1/2 off sushi menu that is really cheap. There is also $1 saki and $3 martinis that are basically recipes for disaster. Last time my girlfriends and I went there, one of us didn't even make it out after Ra. But it's a decent meal and good drinks for a great price.
(4)
John A.

Typical Ra. The sushis fine and cheap, but as usual the decor is very "pseudo Asian". Also the servers and hostesses are very... air head-ish? Usually it isn't too busy; save Fridays and Saturday evenings.
(3)
Fernando D.

Ra is definitely a place to go on Sunday evenings. The price is kinda high but on sundays they have a half price menu on sushi !!! Great Viva Las Vegas Sushi...thats what makes the trip for me...other than the sake. You better cab it there tho' cuz it is hard to find parking. Nice to sit outside but inside is not too bad. If you want to watch something on tv this is not the place to go.
(3)
Jaime S.

Sunday nights after 8 Pm they have some 3 dollar rolls, and 1 dollar sake! Good deals! The sushi is decent, lots of extra stuff in it, though. It's more of a trendy be seen kinda place, but if you are looking for authentic, good sushi place, this is not your spot.
(3)
Haley D.

go for happy hour!! where u can u beat getting FULL on sushi (i know, even if its not the BEST, its good) and a drink, for $24 for TWO people!!?!?! things to go for: viva las vegas, the tootsy maki (even tho its the got the same mixy stuff), crunchy calamari roll (so what, i LIKE cream cheese:)) , shrimp tempura (yep, i like fried crap too); soft shell crab, rib tips, veggie tempura, less impressive: sashimi is OK here, could stand to be a lil colder, spicy crunchy tuna (always over fried); pineapple wonton things (not much filling in them); lobster spring rolls all in all, GREAT for a happy hour snack. I would never pay full price here, but WHY, when they have an awesome deal 6 days of the week!!!
(3)
Rebecca S.

What? I couldn't hear you? What was that? Despite the terribly loud music, in an attempt to be young and hip (there are other ways, Ra Sushi, I promise), I like Ra Sushi. I love their chili ponzu yellowtail, the coconut shrimp, and I love how cheap their hot sake is. It's not the most authentic place ever, but it's also pretty delicious.
(4)
Anonymous P.

(a provisional review) I liked it. We went for the happy hour. Drinks were dirt cheap (big shared drinks for under $10, cups of sake for $1). Sushi was also very cheap. I wasn't exactly delighted by anything, but I wasn't offended either. This sushi was probably average or maybe even slightly above. Combine that with a nice atmosphere, good prices, and good services, and you win four stars. I just hope I wasn't too drunk to realize that the sushi was *TERRIBLE*.
(4)
Alyssa O.

As long as you're willing to get off your high horse and get past the fact that it's a chain and the best "sushi" here is probably neither authentic nor raw, you will love this place. Come here for happy hour $1 sake and the half-off menu. Order Viva Las Vegas roll. You'll keep coming back. What they serve here is tasty and interesting. The coconut creme brule is great too.
(5)
Hasham Y.

I found this place to be on pricier side for the quality of the sushi. The music is towards the upbeat side, food presentation is great and the sushi rolls are average. I had to wait for 45 min to get seated as i was in a party of 6. Due to slow inattentive service and long initial wait the dinner was longer than i wanted it to be. Vegas roll was the best roll of the evening. besides that we ordered sashimi, dragon roll( another good roll), crazy monkey ( recommended) and tuna roll
(3)
Wendy K.

Went for happy hour on a weekday. Had shrimp tempura rolls and california rolls along with mango margaritas. Fresh and well prepared and tasty. The restaurant is small, but I enjoyed the coziness and the layout was angular and modern- good use of space. Pleasant staff, and our waiter couldn't have been more helpful and attentive!
(5)
Jennifer D.

Hmmm... Pros: this is hard, because there are not many. The decor is nice, the atmosphere is trendy...and some of the fish was fresh tasting. Cons: the rice was Uncle Ben's quality, maybe worse. When we asked if we could each get small side salads, the waiter who looked like Clay Aiken said "Sure!" and then brought us 2 large, pricey salads........which SUCKED. It was loud and there were 2 bimbo "regulars" seated next to us. (I say this bc they kept shouting to the sushi masters behind the sushi bar about something that happened the last time they were there). They were drunk and basically in my lap...awesome. If you want sushi that tastes like you purchased it from the 7-Eleven after 6 pm, Ra Sushi is the place for you.
(2)
Misi P.

Overall the sushi was pretty good. Vegetarian pot stickers = very good Tuna rolls = hella spicy, a little soggy, but good California rolls = not bad, had better though Zen mojito (a cold sake mojito) = very good Their cold sake in itself was pretty tasty too. Music = loud and absolutely horrendous Decor = very nice Space = too small, especially with a bar Atmosphere = fair to middlin'...bordering on the lower end of fair. With all that said, despite the decent Japanese treats, Ra needs some elbow grease when it comes to ambiance. Forgettable 90s Rock and biker culture meets Sushi is a bad bad bad idea. Sushi is classy, a trend within itself that is never supposed to be trendy. Please treat sushi better next time, Ra. It did nothing to hurt you.
(3)
Diana B.

My favorite sushi place, hands down. The Viva Las Vegas roll is the best, along with Crazy Monkey. Tempura scallops are yummy! Don't forget the pineapple cream cheese wontons! Maybe not the most traditional place, but I still love it. It could be because this is the first place that actually made me like sushi. I don't really get the club comments. I'm not a big club person and I love this spot!
(5)
Nik L.

i love sushi and this is one of my very FAVORITE places. the food is great, the drinks are great, the atmosphere is great...everything. this place is so much fun. the las vegas roll is amazing and i recently had their calamari it was kind of like tempura though, sooooo good =]
(5)
Anne P.

When you walk into this restaurant its really easy to pick up the great vibe. The music is great and upbeat. The lighting is dark enough to make you look great, but light enough so that you can actually see the person you are with. So, as far as atmosphere is concerned this place is great. Now if we add the fact that the bar is fun and the bartenders are cool and chatty along with the fact that the saki bombs are HUGE & CHEAP you'd think that this place can't go wrong. Unfortunately, the food is not good. the sushi tastes old and come on, who wants to eat old fish. gross. With all of the other sushi spots in the immediate surrounding area its easy to find somewhere else that will serve up a delicious dinner. However, if you want a fast cheap buzz before really starting your night then I highly recommend the saki bombs. hehe
(3)
Audrey J.

Sure, Ra's a cool alternative to the Viagra Triangle undiscernable-new-American restaurant set, but that's about the only thing going for it as far as I'm concerned. The sushi was nothing special to me, and my friend's sashimi plate was just poorly executed and looked like butchered fish (nothing elegant about the presentation at all). The music was seriously ridiculously loud; we had to shout to hear each other. The service was hot and cold -- the hostess was very nice and seated us quickly even though she originally said it could be up to a 45 minute wait. However, our water glasses stayed undisturbed long after we had drained them, and after we got the check, we sat there with our credit cards for a good fifteen minutes before our server came by to pick them up. Why an extra star, then? Well, a few reasons. (1) I like the bathroom doors. (2) It sounds like this is a place to go for drinks and dessert (as opposed to good sushi), so maybe there's some redeeming quality hidden under there somewhere. And finally, (3). I'd been here previously with a friend, and that occasion was average. However, in case it says anything, I will not be back (and that's not just because I only have two more weeks here in Chicago!).
(2)
Adrian P. Z.

Ra is a spot you should go to if you want a cheap dinner after work but get quality food. The weekday happy hour from 4 to 7pm features some of their favorite menu items at half price. I love the sesame wings and spinach gyoza.
(4)
K E.

I've been to RA Sushi twice- once for lunch and another time for an early dinner. I agree with other posters that it doesn't seem very authentic, but the sushi tastes good enough, and the salads are decent as well. It's kind of "sceney," or at least it attempts to be. However, the service is good and it's the closest reasonably-priced sushi place to my apartment, so I will likely be back.
(3)
Crystal L.

It's a neat place. It's a little small compared to the other sushi places I've been to downtown but comfortable. It's been a while since I was there but I remember that they have some pretty good happy hour specials. The girls and I had a good time. Nothing in particular gave me a lasting impression though.
(3)
t.n. t.

A favorite of mine, but the portions are too petite for the price. I like ambiance and decor, but i pay to get full and that is not what you will get here! However, everything tastes so good, so I order two of everything. Unfortunately, I end up with a bill similar to a pair of Louboutin Shoes, so not quite sure if its worth it or not... definitely on special occasions.
(3)
Martha Z.

I really wasn't blown away by my experience. I don't understand the whole check something off a piece of paper ordering process. Why can't I just tell you what I want? Is that so hard? Anyways the food was decent, the prices were ok but the service was so slow, I was completely late getting back to work. It's sushi people and lunch, why should it take so long?
(3)
Fida C.

Went here for a Saturday night dinner with my brother and sister-in-law. They are roll people, and I am a nigiri fan, so we sampled the menu fairly widely. There is good sushi in Chicago -- Indie Cafe, other better known places. Ra is meh -- it's fine, nothing special, with downtown prices, and an atmosphere for the young. The cocktails were watery and the house sake tasted like yeasty water. It seemed to be a place for young people whose minds are not on what they are eating and drinking.
(2)
Cali M.

RA Sushi is a nice place to hang out. It has a trendier atmosphere then many other sushi joints and less traditional sushi menu options. It is a nice place to chill and grab a fish bowl full of liquor! (Meant for two) or just hang out at the bar and get some Dragon rolls. The alcohol is priced really decently for the area but I would watch out for the sushi it can add up very fast. The service could be better.
(3)
David R.

We were here last night and we had Spicy tofu noodle with garlic shrimp It was fabulous! :) My husband had Chicken Katsu it was very tasty. It was big crowed last night. Service was great and very friendly. Love it!!!
(5)
Annie S.

I went here for a friend's bday dinner in January. The place was packed for a Friday night and had to wait 10 minutes for a table. Our service was pretty good and the drinks/food came fast. What I don't like were the drinks. I ordered some mango martini (it was fruity) and it tasted HORRIBLE! Ugh it was like cold medicine. Even though it was only like $7, it was pretty bad. I ordered something else (I believe a cosmo) and that was ok but nothing great. The sushi is standard and nothing to rave about.
(2)
Risa T.

This place was the first place i wandered into when I moved to Chicago and Ive been addicted ever since. Im sushi snotty and I have tried tons of places, but once you've had RA you will love it. Great for romantic dates, loungey vibe with good music and not too loud TVs. The bartender Mike is a sweetheart. ! I always order the Salmon Nigiri and Spicy Tuna Roll and the Pineapple Wontons are to die for. I would skip any of the appetizers, i havent found one besides the Wontons that I liked. I go there at least once a week and I have never been disappointed. Never!
(5)
mike s.

forgettable...... mediocre food, atmosphere and drinks. Ive been to other RA's in other citys and they have been much better (4 stars)... This one just isnt very good.
(2)
Eddie S.

try the caterpillar roll!!
(5)
T T.

Amazing! Loud, but amazing! Not a good first date place but great with friends...
(4)
Karmen F.

Too loud. The food was decent, but made for a younger more undeveloped palate. The noise was overwhelming and took away considerably from enjoying the food; perhaps why the restaurant was not full. Finally, there was the carpet smell - very musty.
(2)
Andrea R.

I had the same exact experience as Rachel N when I ate at Ra Sushi this week...great sushi, awful service. I was done eating, but they took my boyfriend's plate away as he was finishing up his sushi. They also weren't crowded at all so I'm not sure what the rush was! I really do like their sushi though- it's fresh and not too expensive. I've been for happy hour as well and they have great specials.
(3)
Natalie B.

Not especially good, but not especially bad. I went there for lunch and found the prices to be a little more than my usual spots, and the quality far below. I guess if you are in the area and craving sushi it is worth a go, but I certainly wouldnt travel out of my way to get there.
(3)
Jennifer K.

Well...I went for the first time on a Monday night, and was surprised. Basically, my group had the Tootsy (sp?) roll, sashimi platter, shrimp/vegetable tempura, spicy tuna tempura roll, eel hand roll, etc. Everything tasted pretty good. But for what I paid, I expected a little better. That's not to say that the meal tasted bad, it's just...I guess I had higher expectations. And the ambience was funky. I like the way they had low red lights and wooden accents. But the loud music was such a bother. But the waiters were pretty cool.
(2)
Gisele G.

I am a longtime fan of Ra, and came here today with the hope of satisfying some of my craving for their sushi. Unfortunately though, eating here hasn't satiated the craving, only killed the desire to eat here ever again. I eat here enough that I came in wanting to redeem my "nooner club" card, which gives me $10 off after 5 punches. Manager was nice enough to take the card even though we were 10 minutes past the cutoff time, and our waitress was prompt and attentive. The problems all were with the food. I don't know if it was the light we were sitting under or what, but everything looked a terribly unappetizing color. Portions were noticeably smaller with regards to everything we ordered. Issues were as follows: tunacado was overcooked. This should have been a seared tuna slice, and it came basically as slices of cooked fish. Viva las Vegas rolls were noticeably smaller and odd color. Zonie roll was missing the jalapeÃ±o inside, and gojira roll was the worst - with some kind of bright orange salmon paste covering the exterior of the roll. Very unpleasant. I love Ra sushi normally and have no idea what to attribute this to- a bad day for the chef or no love in the kitchen? Either way I no longer am craving any of those dishes- just wanting to wipe the taste out of my mouth.
(2)
Robin W.

The only reasons to go here are the atmosphere and the happy hour! Otherwise, don't waste your money on the overpriced, not fresh sushi. I do love the spinach gyozas though.... mmmm mouth is watering as I type, but overall the sushi is borderline gross. Happy hour (4-7pm) is a steal though. They only have a few rolls on the happy hour menu: california rolls and shrimp tempura rolls are decent enough for the cheapness of happy hour. Also there is a daily martini special during happy hour which makes me, well, happy. The atmosphere is really cute too. There is always a young-ish crowd, and they play upbeat, trendy music. But in the end, it's all about the sushi - which stinks.
(3)
Erin C.

We loved this restaurant. We each tried a martini, one of which was on special and only $5! They both tasted great. We also tried a couple rolls which were very unique and came out pretty quickly for suishi. We sat right by the suishi bar and enjoyed the view and free entertainment. It was crowded, but we were never overwhelmed, rushed, or squished. We had a great experience and I will definitely go back.
(4)
Chuck K.

For Dinner for three early on a weeknight, the place was packed and the hostesses told us a half hour wait. We were seated in 15 minutes. The sushi, sashimi and rolls here are very good, very fresh, and the service is excellent. It seems like some of the other reviewers had complaints about dishes other than the fish. This is my third time at RA, each time on a weeknight for dinner, and the food and service have been consistently good. Prices for food and drink are average or less compared to good restaurants in the neighborhood.
(4)
Leslie G.

My boyfriend and I had a wonderful dining experience here! We sat outside on the patio and indulged in a wonderful array of sushi rolls and sashimi. The service was on point and the atmosphere was enjoyable. Slightly expensive, but that is what you get in downtown chicago!
(4)
Cassie S.

This place was amazing. I made it to the last 15 minutes of happy hour and the prices were phenomenal. The bartenders were adorable and treated us with a free drink. I had a blast here, the mood, the food, and the drinks were all great. I plan to go back asap!!
(5)
Stef B.

I've never eaten at the restaurant itself, but we order in at least once a month for our office. When I would pull late nights, it was the menu of choice. I definitely recommend it!!
(4)
lesley s.

I used to go to Ra almost every Sunday night for their service industry specials from 8-11 (busier now, but hope to get back into it). There are a ton of specials, so you can get your favorite roll at a regular price (I live for the Crazy Monkey Roll), then get a lot more sushi/appetizers for pretty cheap (like the california roll, tootsy maki is pretty good, pork gyoza, shrimp tempura). They also have pretty good happy hour deals that go until 7 pm during the week.
(4)
Michelle J.

If I could eat one thing the rest of my life it would be the Viva Las Vegas roll at RA. I am obsessed..and cant go a week without eating at RA. The best time to go it during happy hour which is 3-7pm Monday-Saturday. Its half priced sushi and drink menu helps keep the cost down and your stomach extremely full and satisfied!!!
(5)
Rae R.

The sushi was just as good the second time around, also the wasabi mashed potatoes. We sat at the bar again. The mojito was amazing!
(5)
Pooja S.

Post Bella lounge, we got hungry and decided to satisfy our craving for sushi. They have the best spicy tuna roll, I have had ever!! It was so good, I actually felt bad after I had the 2 pieces of it that were mine. That was my main reason of complaint, who makes such great sushi and then kills it with giving only 4 pieces... The waitress was very sweet and the white zinfandel I ordered with my sushi complimented it perfectly.Had a very chain-y feel to it, I dont know if it is a chain or not.
(3)
Korina E.

Happy hours are always great because it's a discount however in my opinion this place isn't worth it. The food varies from great to fair to great to not good at all. Being consistant in the restaurant business is a must for a regular crowd and loyal patrons. My second complaint is the music is obnoxiously loud. I had said no after 3 times of either loud music or fair sushi, however this place is close to work and I was willing to try 1 last time. My husband and I spent more time trying to figure out what the other was saying than trying to enjoy sushi.
(2)
Paul C.

I've been going here for years and this place will still draw me in. Yah it's a chain, and it's trendy decor has long since moved from hip to tiresome. But the food is good, and the drinks are always flowing. Definitely come for the happy hour. They've got some good deals there. Otherwise the tab can get to be a bit more than it should for the quality of food you are getting. This isn't a great sushi place, not by far. But when it's happy hour, it's good enough.
(3)
Melissa H.

My first time at RA and I wasn't very impressed. The Happy Hour didn't leave me with a very Happy feeling. The spicy tuna roll was not up to par, the tempura rolls were ok, i did like the fact that they used cucumber instead of avocado in their rolls. I probably wouldn't go back to this place anytime soon.
(2)
Ashley K.

Ra has slightly above average sushi, however I am a big fan of this place for the sushi happy hour, as everyone has commented on. $1 sake and cheap rolls and apps.... we can go with four people and all leave full and drunk for $50. Great place. Fun location (near rush st.). Friendly Service.
(4)
John R.

Since RA Sushi was so close to home, in the beginning I went there many times. As a sushi lover, I couldn't but notice however that the sushi varied in quality. Sometimes it would be fresh and pretty good, sometimes it would be at the boundary of legal (my wife and I felt sick one night from their sushi - we both felt it was not quite fresh). At some point I decided not to step in there again, and only go to Mirai Sushi. Yes, you end up paying more at Mirai ($60-80 per person), but it's all worth it in the end.
(2)
Jodi B.

Great Sushi! Great Service! A 1/2 off menu Monday-Saturday from 3-7! A nice Mango Martini for $3 to kick off the evening! Do try the Viva Las Vegas Roll, IT'S EXCELLENT!!
(5)
Megan H.

I love the sushi, but the service is dreadful!! I think 3/4 times I went there I either a. didn't receive my miso soup/salad or b. received it AFTER I was finished eating. Odd?? Very. The service blows but the rolls are good. Maybe I'll just resort to takeout from now on...
(3)
Shannon M.

I should start by saying it was a Friday night at about 9, and there was a large group of us. I'm ok with food/drinks taking a bit longer because of this, but our waitress was down right rude to our table. We had to ask for drinks multiple times, and got a snooty response when we asked for our water to be refilled. Most of our food came out in an ok time frame, but two people had to wait a solid fifteen minutes for theirs to come out after ours without so much as an apology. The food and drinks were pretty good, and reasonably priced. I just can't get over how rude our waitress was regarding simple requests. She made it seem like we weren't worth her time. I realize your tip is automatically built in to group tabs, but at least pay a little attention to us and not make me ask three times for my drink or more water.
(2)
shelly s.

Went to Ra tonight after having been there before and remembering it was good. I LOVE sushi and could eat it just about everyday, but not if its from Ra. The rolls lacked flavor and we ordered from their "signature" roll list. The best part about the dinner was eating outside to avoid the clubishly loud scene inside. If you are in the area you can definitely find better sushi for the money.
(2)
Drucilla D.

Quick Tid-bit: You can order Ra for delivery through Dining In ( diningin.com ). It is a $5.95 delivery charge but if you have that craving for delicious Shrimp Tempura... Thanks! Because this place has the definite feel of a chain, I never really had the desire to check it out. However, Sushi has become harder to find in my 'hood since Jia's closed, so I decided to check it out. DEFINITELY GO DURING HAPPY HOUR. Not sure if it is daily, but my friends and I were lucky enough to stumble upon it just 15 minutes before the cut-off (7pm on a Thursday). The Nigiri is almost half the price and they had a great little Happy Hour menu. Our server was very cool and not really wanting to hang-tight for the 20 minute table wait, we opted for seats at the Sushi Bar - which turned out to be just fine. I felt like I had my own personal chef, as he prepared the pieces in front of us. The Shrimp Tempura was awesome, as was the Nigiri but I don't know if it would have been worth it at full (non Happy Hour) price. I actually ate at the very famous Nobu in Miami a couple of weeks ago and it was less expensive than this place. What's up with that? One thing that totally impressed me though (and hence the 4 stars) was when I asked to take a couple of my pieces to go. The doggie bag was AWESOME and included anything I would have needed to enjoy my meal, just as I would have in the restaurant. I'm a sucker for a well organized take-out establishment. PS: The music was very fun!
(4)
Christel D.

UGH!! Food is horrible.. So, so environment..
(1)
Ren H.

I've had two Ra Sushi experiences and they were both awesome! The first time I had it it was at an event catered by it and they just had simple rolls but they were amazing. The second time we actually went and ate there and it was wonderful. The ambiance is just great, its extremely clean and its got low red lighting which create a great decor. The crunchy calamari roll is superb! They also have great appetizers and noodle dishes. Also, when you order a Kirin and sake they give you a 22 oz beer!
(5)
Jen B.

Trendy sushi bar in the Clark-Division neighborhood that is more flash than substance. The quality of the rolls and nigiri was not great, and the fish was definitely more expensive than it should have been for what you got. All that money must go into the decor and atmosphere, because it certainly isn't going into the food. I can appreciate that this place isn't trying to be authentic (or at least I hope it's not), and is more about sexy lighting and pop music than a real sushi bar experience. And sometimes this is what you want. I might come back in for Happy Hour, when the prices are low enough that I don't feel bad about how much I'm paying for bad sushi. It's in a good location for having a light dinner before hitting the town. One really nice thing: $2 cans of PBR all the time. Otherwise, expect to pay $5 for a beer and $7-10 for a cocktail. I think our server assumed we were cheap a-holes for ordering PBR and treated us pretty badly at first. He perked up near the end of the meal and got us our tab pretty fast. If you come in with low expectations, you might really love this place. As for me, it just illustrated how much I'm going to miss Koyi in Minneapolis when we move down here in the fall.
(2)
Jody C.

The sushi probably doesn't deserve 5 stars, but I go on Sundays when it's half off most of the menu. Sundays are also great b/c there usually isn't a wait and the service is a little faster than a Saturday night. My friend doesn't like sushi and he loved the teriyaki chicken and the steak. I love the New York rolls! Getting those kind of prices in the Rush/State area is awsome. They also have a $10 fish bowl type drink that is strong and tasty. Always a good time, and the patio outside is perfect for people watching!
(4)
Heather B.

The food is consistent and interesting selection. Happy hour here is probably the best with good drink and food specials - I usually sit at the bar because I find them to offer the best all hour specials, but I have to say the service is consistently bad. It's definitely loud and has good energy, but is very cramped. even with a reservation you tend to have to wait and the bar area is just not condusive to this. Getting to the bathroom is a nightmare if you're in the bar area because there is really only space for the people sitting at the bar and one row behind them. I continue to visit when in the area, but wouldn't say I would go out of my way to get their sushi and visit. If the wait/bar staff became a bit more attentive, I might consider but their attitude tends to be that they don't need your business...because quite frankly they probably don't given that it's usually busy. That's the problem I find with 'trendy' spots - they don't focus enough on service because people will still come back because all they care about is the atmosphere.
(3)
Bryant C.

I gave it 3 stars because it was a night of mixed emotion. We had to wait forever even though we made a "sort" of reservation. I didn't really get it because we called ahead and put a name in. They said they would expect us, but don't take exact "reservations". The whole thing was weird. The sushi was ok. Our group still managed to have fun though. It probably was all of the Sake bombs we did. I think we ordered at least 5 rounds. It wasn't that expensive either.
(3)
S. O.

Dark, fun atmosphere. Good sushi, mostly specialty rolls, and the sushi chef is accommodating if you want to add or remove something from the complex rolls they offer. Bartender is great, really well made martinis. Also pretty close to a lot of downtown bars. Good place to go before a night of bar-hopping.
(4)
Megan G.

I went to Ra on a Tuesday night for happy hour with my boyfriend. The food was really good and the service was great (although we were one two in about 6 people dining). They have happy hour specials Monday through Friday, which make it fun to pick and chose different items. The price was certainly right. The music was a little loud, but I will definitely be going back!
(4)
Missy M.

Eh... That's really all I have to say about this so-so sushi joint. I went with friends for the happy hour specials, which were just OK. The only thing I actually enjoyed were the salmon wontons (deep fried wonton with a salmon spinach filling and a peanut dipping sauce). Nothing to bring me back though...
(2)
Amalie S.

The Sunday night specials are a steal - and happy hour drinks are great too! I love the Tootsy maki, the spicy tuna is more delicious every time I have it, and my boyfriend has developed a serious obsession with the pork gyoza. Only four stars instead of five because the prices during non-happy hour, non-Sunday nights are kind of ridiculous.
(4)
jaimie b.

This is one of my favorite sushi places. You must get the Viva Las Vegas roll and uchi no salad. The have pretty nice outdoor seating, but I really love sitting inside because they play great top 40 music.
(4)
Jaclyn H.

The Happy Hour deal is incredible; they offer half off on so many good sushi rolls, nigiri, appetizers, and drinks!! Try the Viva Las Vegas roll!! If you're not just sticking to the half-off rolls, also make sure to try their new "Hot Mess" roll and Crazy Monkey. YUM!!
(5)
Ian H.

My girlfriend and ate here one Saturday night. It was crowded, so rather than wait, we sat at the sushi bar. This place is quite cramped actually. Some guy came and sat right next to me, which was uncomfortable as we were practically bumping elbows. My girlfriend had a cocktail which was really strong, I consider that a good drink but it was almost too strong for her to drink. The spicy miso soup was amazing, seriously... so good my favorite soup ever, and i don't particularly care for soup. The sushi was good. The techno music, decor, and crowd were a little too trendy for me.
(3)
Sameer A.

i was varying from 2-4. the place looks kinda cool, convenient location. service is mediocre. hmmm, the food varies. sometimes it has been good and other times bland and boring. you can see others sharing this sentiment. i gave it a 2 because of the lack of consistency. if i am going to spend $30, i want to be happy i am eating at the place. enjoy.
(2)
Kristen D.

They have a small number of seats outside that are worth waiting for. This place can get pretty busy, and they have some great happy hour specials (on drinks and sushi). Check out the room in back with the water flowing down the wall. The sushi is pretty average, but it's a fun place to go to.
(3)
A G.

I would give this place 2 1/2 stars, but their fantastic "Happy Hour" prices gave it the bump to 3. The place is kind of a meh. We went there for dinner on a Thursday night around six and we were able to sit right down. They had a few rolls for half price, and we decided to stick to those. The fish wasn't the freshest, really didn't have much flavor, and the portions were very tiny. I don't know if that is because of the happy hour pricing or what, but I was a little disappointed that we had to order more sushi, after I ordered to much to begin with. There regular prices also seemed very pricey compared to much better joints in the area. I might try it again, but with the food adventure that is Chicago, it is not likely.
(3)
Panda Z.

The only reason to come here is for the happy hour specials because the sushi is pretty terrible (or average, at best). I'd really rather just have the 4.99 box of cali rolls at the grocery store and skip this dull place all together. There are just too many great sushi places in this city to be eating here.
(2)
jeff n.

Good spot not the best but good. The staples are all solid. Spicy tuna, california, etc...Double check take out orders. Been know to leave out wasabi and soy sauce. Can be very frustrating if you're a fan of those condiments.
(3)
Jen E.

I ate at RA for the first time with a large group so I had the opportunity to sample many food items. The starters are very good. The sashimi, on the other hand, lacked any appeal in presentation and freshness. I later on fell ill to a bad piece of hamachi and was throwing up all night. Since they have separate kitchens I suggest only ordering from the cooked food if you are eating here. The music was too loud for such a small space but the service was good.
(2)
Taryn W.

The worst sushi and service ever. Do not eat there!
(1)
Jessica S.

I went to this restaurant because it was close to my house and I was in the mood for sushi. I would say that this place is an average sushi restaurant. Nothing was phenomenal but it was acceptable. I do have to say the spicy tuna was so spicy I couldn't stop drinking water. They have a great happy hour so if you eat right after work stop by and enjoy what's on their special menu, that's totally worthwhile. Also it's a very small restaurant so the tables are close together and you may feel like you are on top of each other.
(3)
Carrie B.

Again, this is a smaller convienent spot in the gold coast like Tsunami, but it's not spectacular. I like the smaller intimate space- good for a date maybe. I'd prefer to go here on a week night then a crowded weekend because it's so small. Ra isn't on the top of my list, but it's a good spot in the Gold Coast. Some of my friends have stopped in here just for drinks on weekends too. And a good take-out option too for those on the go.
(3)
Rose P.

I come to Ra fairly often (3 times last week in fact) since I live just 2 blocks away. The sushi itself is pretty good, often hit or miss, but I love the atmosphere and their dirnks are great. i'm a big fan of their happy hour specials especially the pork gyoza, the sesame chicken wings and their $1 hot sakes. Always a very good option for lunch, happy hour, dinner, late night or even takeout.
(4)
Nick R.

Pretty good sushi place for the price, plus they have great variety of items on the menu which is something that many sushi places can't say. The last time I went there, my brother fell in love with our waitress so give it a star for that reason alone.
(3)
Katie B.

I was pleasantly suprised when eating at Ra Sushi the other night. The atmosphere was really cool, waitress was awesome, and the prices are excellent for being a Gold Coast restaurant. There are so many Japanese restaurants in the city, but Ra is one of the best I've found!
(5)
Paul R.

I used to go to Ra a lot more often back before I started going to Oysy on Michigan, but I think Ra is a solid choice for sushi. It's small and dimly lit inside, but loud enough where you don't feel like you're on a job interview- which makes it a great date spot. They have to pack 'em in at the bar since there isn't much room to work with, but they make stiff drinks for sure. I would also recommend this for small groups (4-6) but probably no bigger than that, as there aren't many tables inside.
(4)
H K.

1st experience: Dinner This place is really great! The sushi was amazing and for the price you can't beat it. TRY the Banana Dessert. 2nd Experience: Lunch Service and food were great, they offer really good deals for lunch But they had no ice cream so no Dessert. 3rd Experience: Lunch/Dinner Same as above. 4th experience: Take out The food was good, but they barley gave us enough soy sauce, as for the ginger or wasabi, can't even recall having any bc the portions were SOOO Small!!!
(4)
Eric L.

same ol same ol sushi place. nothing special, but convienent location. The rolls are overpowered by non japanese flavors like cream cheese or mango. idiots!
(2)
Julia C.

The last time I came here I was slightly annoyed because we were told there would be a 20 minute wait for a table, which turned into way over an hour. We were finally seated and then I began to enjoy Ra's cool atmosphere, fun drinks, and fresh sushi. They have some pretty innovative rolls that I enjoyed!
(3)
Richard C.

I think the sushi here is pretty good and am always surprised when my friends don't want to go to Ra. Is it slightly annoying that they don't take reservations and it does get pretty packed. However, it's a really good place to go during the week. The godzilla roll is the best.
(4)
Andrew Y.

you know what..i hate to say this..but RA might have some of the most creative rolls in the city...been to a bunch of sushi places and a lot of them deal with a ton of mayo which im not a big fan of..RA comes down with some solid options..and their spicy rolls are actually spicy..hit up that spicy scallop and the white tuna..the white tuna their is really fresh..you can get creative here too if you are down like sea urchin and fish eggs..but its more a casual hip spot to bring a date or a small group of friends..their isnt much seating so try to keep it to 6 people..drinks are good and stiff..im not a big sake guy but they have a decent list of cold and warm sakes..i like RA as commercialized as it is..i know im gonna get fresh sushi
(4)
Courtney F.

I actually just joined yelp specifically so I could warn people away from this restaurant. Horrible customer service, to the point that on my most recent visit I got up and left because five members of the wait staff walked past my table over a 15 minute period as I attempted to get their attention and didn't as much as welcome me or make eye contact. It isn't much of a loss, though because their menu is neither traditional high quality sushi nor creative contemporary, it is simply a hodgepodge of mediocre cuisine. It seems like they are just hoping to hook people who have never had good sushi and are easily impressed by ikea-esque trendy decor.
(1)
Kathleen C.

Mediocre sushi at best, but great cocktails and desserts. A good choice for a late night stop.
(3)
Mel H.

This review is not based on Ra's sushi. I like their sushi. This is based solely on their $3 happy hour mango margarita and their $15 Tsunami Punch. Any normal margarita and 60-ounce alcoholic drink (that is served in a fishbowl) would have a least made me tipsy, maybe buzzed. I'm a small girl so this is what I was expecting and hoping (hey, it was a Friday after work, gimme a break). But alas...to no avail. I drank both the margarita and the 60 oz drink and nada. It was like there was no alcohol in either. If I had wanted straight juice, I would have gone to the grocery store. In conclusion, beware the fishbowl. It does not live up to the hype.
(1)
Rachel N.

I had sushi here last night and it was delicious. The best roll was the tootsie roll. The spicy yellowtail was good, but super spicy so beware. I have to give it a 3 star rating (instead of 4) because the service was awful. It wasn't even crowded, but they didn't notice us for about 10 minutes and they took away our plates as we were still eating. I did enjoy my sushi though despite the bad service.
(3)
Jake A.

It doesn't seem like too many people have been to Ra sushi (at least my friends), but I really like this place. I think their sushi is very fresh and reasonably priced. They also have many drink specials during the week if you go for happy hour.
(4)
MK M.

Pretty good sushi! Gojira Roll is my fav, Totsy maki is a close 2nd. Pretty much anything I tried was good and I've been here a few times and tried many different things. Happy Hour is the best if you want saki for $1 and half priced sushi :)
(5)
Zach A.

Great sushi and great drinks as well. I've been here a few times during the week after work and they have weekly specials where everything is half off. Ra is one of my favorite sushi restaurants that isn't overpriced.
(3)
Liz M.

Ra is my favorite sushi place in Chicago. The sushi is just outstanding. My favorites include the Viva Las Vegas roll (its a must-have), the Crazy Monkey roll, & the Tootsi Maki roll. For desert, the tempura ice cream is to die for. They have great happy hour specials before 7 on weekdays as well. The only downside, in my opinion, is that it is extremely loud. Even on a sunday evening at 6pm the music is blaring. If the weather is nice, I would definitely recommend sitting outside.
(4)
a w.

This is a great place to get some really fresh sushi. They have lots of different kinds to choose from, but the King Kong roll is my favorite. The restaurant is really casual and has a great atmosphere. Its a great place to go for some good food.
(4)
Michelle W.

This is my favorite spot for sushi in the city. The waitstaff is amazing at making suggestions based on your standard choices. Their house/specialty rolls are the best. Try the Vive Las Vegas Roll or the Godzilla Roll, you will not be disappointed. Also, their Fried Banana dessert is yummy. The only drawback is that the place is oddly small, so you might have to wait. Takeout is available too.
(5)
George K.

A friend invited my roommate (Isaiah) and I to this placed called Ra. I walked by here many times thinking "Ra" means Egyptian sun god - learned it from watching Stargate. It turned out to be a sushi restaurant. I didn't want to tell our friend that I'm not big a fan of sushi and Isaiah never tried sushi in his life so I didn't say anything to her and we went along for the experience. We sat at the sushi bar and our waitress was very helpful with recommendations but our friend ordered what seemed like endless amount of sushi rounds. I'm very novice with sushi knowledge, consist of California rolls and that's about it. My roommate asked "is there anything that's not raw I can eat?" Although, I wouldn't visit another sushi places near future, this place had nice service and sushi was okay. I probably ordered some sort of noodles if it wasn't for our friend. Ask my roommate, he was hugging the toilet all morning and hollered not to visit another sushi place for a very long time. It was one funny excuse for missing work that day.
(3)
Ashley W.

The sushi here is pretty good and they have some really great drinks. They also have some great specials during the week if you come right after work. I usually don't come to Ra on the weekends because they don't take reservations and it's annoying to wait for a table.
(3)
Samuel O.

I was skeptical because of the plasmas, music, and decor, but in the end, I was pleasantly surprised. Honestly didn't notice the music much; might be an indictment of pervasive music and restaurants have become.
(4)
K M.

I really enjoyed Ra- I didn't try much of the sushi, as I was with a group of girls who were doing a pre-wedding girls night out (I wouldn't quite call it a bachelorette party) and were following Ra up with the chocolate buffet at the Peninsula...but I liked the location, and the fact that the endamame was the saltiest I had ever had would make me want to come back :) I just had the spicy tuna roll which I imagine is hard to screw up, but it was good and reasonably priced, and many of the other rolls at least sounded really good. The service seemed a little slow, but if you're not in a hurry and want to sit around and chat with your friends, I'd recommend the outdoor patio here. I'm not so sure about the inside, it did seem pretty loud
(4)
K J.

The food was good, the service was ok. Even their California Roll was decent and I ordinarily wouldn't order a California Roll. The unagi was very good.
(4)
Sasha L.

ok this place i dont really go to eat instead me and my girlfriends really like to go here for drinks and appitizers...they have a really good happy hour and the bartender rocks...so with that i have to give it 3 stars at least untill i can sample a few entrees ....
(3)
Mark P.

Too trendy. Rolls border on even being classified as maki. Heavy on the mayo.
(2)
Miss O.

okay so i have to admit i didn't get any sushi. none of the specialty rolls looked that great to me. i got the tempura with some rice on the side. it was actually really good but i'm giving it 3 stars because of the lack of creativity of rolls. maybe i'm spoiled in SF?? i did like the scene - most people were dressed up and ready to go out for the night.
(3)
Pavel Z.

Love RA concept in Glenview. But Chicago place completely disappointed me. Restrooms are just completely disgusting dirty and not appropriate for people to go in. Sushi was okay. Drinks were like they mix all their liquor with water. :( never go back on this location for sure.
(5)
Pranitha P.

My roommates and I have been here a few times. I think it's only worth it during happy hour - obviously incredibly busy and they don't take reservations. I've tried the crazy monkey roll (w/out salmon), vegetable tempura roll, and the mango lobster roll (w/out the lobster). As a vegetarian, RA has numerous delicious options that they can remove the fish for a great roll.
(4)
Fiona M.

Wish I had read the yelp reviews before going to this place...it was very average. The vibe of the place is a bit over the top, dim red lighting, red and black everywhere, bamboo light shades. Half naked girls with samurai sword picture...we get it your a Japanese restaurant enough with the cliches already. The food - for me I found it quite 'safe' their were no bold flavours and everything was bland and just ok. The best bit was the amount of vegetables I got with my meal (I like lots of vegetable) the teriyaki chicken was nice but nothing special at all. The gyoza was cooked well but bland as was the sauce and the spicy shrimp maki was not at all spicy and not what I expected it was shredded crab and shrimp not actual pieces of shrimp. And for the price the serving was pitiful - al the sushi seemed well over priced. Our server started off well but went downhill quickly, partly cause I think there needs to be more servers he was dashing from table to table and seemed to be overstretched. It took quite a while after we finished our meal to be presented with the bill and we were given the bill and left to sit with our dirty plates. Then it took over 10mins for him to come back with our change. In all honesty nothing was terrible and if you couldn't find anywhere else to eat, I would say stop by you will get an ok meal and it's more than edible however if you are looking for delicious bold flavours, value for money and a great dining atmosphere I wouldn't come here.
(2)
Brittiany R.

I know it's a chain but I love RA Sushi. I've only been twice but every dish I've sampled from has been incredibly fresh and tasty. The textures are on point as far as sushi goes and the happy hour prices aren't bad. I probably wouldn't visit during non-happy hour times because the prices seemed steep but well worth it for fresh sushi. I wish the half birthday coupon I received had told me it couldn't be combined with happy hour prices, but other than that, I was a happy girl.
(5)
Donnie Y.

Very average place expected to be wild but just like any typical little bit on the upscale trendy place not as impressed the drinks were ok the food I give you a four star overall experience three and a half stars I will come back again but it's not one of my favorite places maybe if its on my way home from work the drinks were okay the food I give you 4 star overall experience 3 and a half stars I will come back again but it's not mine my favorite places maybe if its on my way home from work
(3)
Bethany W.

Service: 4 stars Food: 3 - 3 1/2 stars This place has a pretty decent happy hour even though the menu selections have gone down. Still overall pretty decent. Great birthday or half birthday promotion. $20 to use in the month of your half birthday. Um....awesome. Rolls are ok. Better than what I'd make or the supermarket but not as good as some other sushi places. The chili ponzu yellowtail has been the best one I've had here.
(3)
Zoe Y.

RA is a chain that I thought would be a safe bet to get my sushi fix while in Chicago. I was wrong. We came at an off time, around 3pm, so maybe that's why. But everything from the service to the food was sub-par/average. Our sever seemed really bored while serving us. He seemed to be really out of it and lethargic. I'm sure it was an off-day but it just wasn't what I was expecting on a Friday afternoon. We were one of three parties in the restaurant (including the bar and dining area) and there were two servers, so I'm not sure what was taking so long but whatever. We ordered a few different rolls/sashimi plates and they all tasted very bland. I have worked in a sushi restaurant before, so I know what fresh tuna, yellowtail and salmon look like and these looked frozen and thawed after a few days. Nothing looked fresh. I probably won't be back to this location. I'll visit other RA locations but not this one.
(2)
Elsie Y.

Came here again with good friends. The food is not bad , and atmosphere is good, but the service is very slow, it is hard to see our server all the time. The best thing here is that they open till midnight, and that is the reason why we came here . Anyway, it is a better experience than last time .
(3)
Alex J.

Not bad for being a sushi place in the Gold Coast. Could be a lot worse in all fronts. Prices are pretty fair for what you get, and certain things on the menu are surprisingly great. Go for the tunacado to start - its slices of seared ahi tuna and avocado placed around a little bowl of delicious sauce. They also had toro - fatty tuna - when I stopped in last time, and it was super fresh and delicious. All of the fish tastes fresh, in fact; nothing has that suspicious slimy, fishy smell or taste. The only thing I'd say is I wish they had some more traditional, simpler rolls, as well. For example, I was craving a daikon roll and they didn't even have the yellow variation in stock to make it custom for me. This is a minor issue, of course, as I know they're more of a fusion restaurant. Overall, great experience.
(4)
Wes Cole C.

Despite the huge, round, red globes all over the ceiling that look like gargantuan poisoned apples that an evil witch might tempt you with, this place isn't really for kids. Here's why I believe that to be the case: 1.) They don't have milk. I know! I know! I was like WT actual F?!? 2.) The closest thing they have to French fries is sweet potato tempura. I'm as adventurous as the next guy but...wait for it...they have a strict "no Ketchup" policy. For reals? 3.) Based on the above two points, no one should have been surprised when I melted down like butter at the end of the meal. But even as I was flailing on the floor, tossing chopsticks across the room like a true ninja, we still had a tough time getting the check. I enjoyed very little. But my Mommy likes the sushi and she is really hard to please. Especially tonight after bullet point #3. Peace out from my crib, Wes Cole
(4)
Brooke B.

My has this place gone downhill fast! My boyfriend and I wanted to grab a quick bite after work a couple of days ago, and I quickly remembered a hot spot one of my college girlfriends and I would go to on a regular basis for the happy hour specials. It was a great place... 5 years ago!! We were seated quickly (as I can imagine others have chosen to leave this sushi spot in the dust) and went to the ladies room to wash my hands. FILTHY! Paper towels all over the floor, empty soap, water everywhere - reminded me of a gas station in the middle of nowhere that you have no other choice but to stop there. Our waiter seemed completely over it from the get-go. He came to our table twice the entire night. We ordered our sushi, which came in phases by the way (not how we preferred or had been asked). We were flippantly told it'd be out 'when it's ready.' Meanwhile after the sushi is dropped off, our glasses are completely empty, no water anywhere and the waiter is long gone. Had to flag someone down to get water; which would be fine if the place was slammed; but the kicker was that the MANAGER of the restaurant was shaking up cocktails and taking SHOTS with his employees whilst we waited impatiently in the main room. It was a Monday night, lots of staff and many empty tables. My boyfriend and I were appalled by the way this place was run. It appears to me that this place is now very poorly managed and desperately needs saving if it is going to stick around. Meanwhile, we will continue to make a longer trek to ANYWHERE else. What a bummer! Great location, good sushi, TERRIBLE service and POORLY managed!
(1)
Elizabeth B.

One of the most affordable sushi places if you take advantage of their lunch and happy hour specials. Great people watching to enjoy while you dine outside! Haven't tried their drinks but have heard they are also good. Service is always good. RA's value is what's best about this place!
(4)
Andrea L.

Great sushi joint in the Gold Coast. The bartender was very helpful and offered great suggestions. Everything we had was delicious! Definitely will be back again :)
(5)
Kristel B.

They have new management and have taken a lot of the good stuff off the menu. Not to mention the stuff that stayed the same doesn't taste the same. I don't like this place anymore.
(1)
Marya A.

I came here because my friend told me she comes here four times a month. I loved the food! It tasted amazing! Best sushi I've ever had. Atmosphere was great too!
(5)
Jackie C.

We were just wandering around the area looking for a good place for drinks and a few apps. What better place than a sushi bar? We ordered two rolls and I had drink. Our waitress was very nice! We ordered the Viva Las Vegas - OUR NEW FAVORITE! We were still talking about it the next morning. We also had a yellow fish chili one where you dipped the rolls in a sauce. It had a weird after taste for me but it was very fresh. I could just not like the fish. I order the Pear Ginger Sour - amazing! We can't wait to go back for a full on dinner to try a few other rolls.
(4)
Shambavi K.

Over a year ago, I was such a regular it was almost embarrassing how many times I went to RA. I used to be a huge fan of the happy hour specials until they changed their menu. My favorite was the salmon carpaccio and short ribs and few others. both have been taken out of menu. I went for their happy hour specials last Friday and the food was just sub par. the garlic yellowtail was the highlight which was okay. I remember it had more flavor before. The drinks are okay. I miss the old RA. I don't care for the Viva Las Vegas roll as they are known for...I sort of stray away from the Midwestern sushi rolls that are either fried or have cream cheese in everything.
(2)
Rits M.

Cannot believe how often I come here- twice a month almost. I love their happy hours from 3-7 and you get pretty good deals. I usually get the ra'ckin ROLL shrimp- not the salad, the Viva las vegas roll and the crispy spicy tuna. Add on the garlic edamame and you have the best meal ever. Although none of the food there has disappointed really- other mentions are the tootsie maki and the rainbow roll. I also like the tunacado sashimi. Waiters are very friendly and helpful. The one problem I have with this place is they have watered down/ very little alcohol in the happy hour drinks. I would get the sake if I wanted a drink since thats the only one that feels legit. The ambiance is good for a later night place but I come for the happy hour. They have a little patio outside which is perfect for summer. But the place does fill up fast, you are looking at about a 20 min wait if you come at 6.
(4)
J W.

I would have to rate this as 'OK' for sushi. It is a chain, but I had never heard of it before moving to Chicago. Have been here for happy hour once, and have had carryout a couple of times. I will say that the prices for the happy hour were actually really good for what you could get. I had their sangria and it literally tasted like it was 80% water. Not very good at all. I had another mixed drink (I don't remember which one) that was pretty good. As for the sushi; I really wasn't blown away by it. It tasted kind of like grocery-store quality. Not bad, but didn't have that authentic/fresh taste that some of my favorite Sushi places have. Also, I tried a few of their appetizers and I didn't find them to be great either. If you're in the Gold Coast, looking for a reasonably priced happy hour, and are in the mood for sushi then this place is probably worth checking out. When I'm really in the mood for sushi, it's not the place that I would make a special trip for.
(3)
Adriana O.

We started coming to RA because it was about two block from where we lived. Then we moved but kept coming back for RA's happy hour on the weekend. I really liked that about this place, most place only offer happy hour during week days. My personal favs: Viva Las Vegas roll, RA'kin shrimp, pineapple cheese wontons and shishito peppers. Another great thing about RA is that you get a half birthday $20 coupon if you subscribe to their mailing list (no minimum purchase required), who doesn't like being pampered?
(5)
Andrea T.

This place was not good. It's priced fairly, but that being said, we were underwhelmed. We ordered the edamame and Japanese peppers as appetizers and they were the best part of the meal. The peppers were not too spicy for me but they had too much heat for my friend. Either way, they were delicious! However, for all the fanfare associated with the maki on the menu, it really was tasteless. We had the Crazy Monkey roll, chili ponzu yellowtail roll, lobster salmon roll, and king crab roll. All were bland. The chili ponzu roll was not spicy at all and lacked flavor. The lobster salmon roll had lobster shell shards all throughout and the rice was like cardboard. The king crab roll didn't have very much crab, the roll was dry, and the sauce tastes like salad dressing. We won't be coming here again. Lastly, the server was disinterested in our experience or how it tasted for us. The bartender was frazzled. The two hostesses were delightful.
(2)
Kenny M.

It's a cool place, usually decently full when we get there, but we've never had to wait for a seat! The servers are always really friendly with us, and though some seem to have off days and aren't always on the ball, I forgive that because they make up for it by being really friendly. Food always looks great, always tastes great, place is always clean. Music that plays is really cool too. Never have had a problem here. Their happy hours are great too, and nicely priced. (Though be warned, there is only one bathroom for each gender. It's one of those one room lock the door behind you things.So on a busy night, that's not always nice, but not really anyone's fault there, it's whoever built the place.)
(5)
Adriana S.

Food was very mediocre. The RA in Lombard is soo much better. The restaurant was very small and a bit to cozy I felt like I was dinning with the couple next to me we were so close. The sushi was a bit dry. The waitress was awesome which is why the restaurant is only getting 2 stars.
(2)
Charlie P.

Note to Manager: you shouldn't allow dogs if their owner is unable to control them in a public setting. My dog and I were almost attacked by a Great Dane that was sitting outside, on the public sidewalk, while the owner was seated on your patio. Im just thinking....if the dog is too large to sit or lay at the table, it probably shouldn't be at the establishment. I'll probably find a new sushi place because that whole event totally turned me off. Too bad.
(1)
Marta C.

Service terrible: was told a 20 minute wait. After 45 minutes waiting. We where told they where waiting for reservations coming 40 minutes later. Food: I have been several times in the past. Food was good. Happy hour is good as well!
(1)
Jaci Y.

Ra Sushi during happy hour is BUSY, and the waiting for service and food takes awhile. I just had to have patience once I go the food my husband I felt it was worth wait. Happy Hour has some good deals on sushi rolls and other food items on the menu. We got a rainbow roll and Seared Tuna it was yummy. We'd go again it was a good experience. We had to eat and pay for the food right away as we had other places to attend.
(4)
Nina I.

This is a great place to grab lunch with a group of friends. I loved going during happy hour because a lot of the popular sushi rolls were half off. It has a modern and romantic ambiance. The sushi isn't the best I've ever had but it's still tasty and after all, this is a chain restaurant located in the Midwest! This place gets 3.5 stars.
(3)
David L.

Unethical, our waitress gave herself a much bigger tip than what we had written on the receipt. I had to have our credit card company get my money back! Keep your receipts and keep them honest!
(1)
Tim P.

This place is pretty good, a nice mix of affordable, trendy and fresh. They have lunch specials and a happy hour menu that has a good selection of items. There are a wide range of rolls, nigiri/sashimi and hot and cold appetizers.
(4)
Alli H.

Great happy hour specials. We went for an early dinner, by accident. Some of the rolls were different and interesting. Others were just normal. I liked the tamago. It was hard to find our server though when we wanted a check because we were sitting outside. Go during happy hour and if you are in the area.
(3)
Maghana W.

This place is chill. It has an insane variety of choices. My favorite is the Viva Las Vegas Roll. You seriously can't go wrong with it. It's filling and their most popular one yet. They have great happy hour deals. Even the late night one that starts at 10pm. It's super dim inside and fun for a group of friends. Def gonna be back!
(4)
Christine Y.

Me and my two friends went here a couple of weeks ago and we enjoyed ourselves. I've been to Ra in other cities/states and I haven't been let down at either. They have happy hour after 10pm on sushi which is nice. The wait was a little too long and I found myself staring at the empty tables and wondering why we couldn't sit down but it was ok since we were talking. The different dish options of authentic sushi as well as cooked food (for non sushi eaters) are enjoyable.
(4)
Florinda S.

This is my little special place away from my other special place ;) Food is delicious and service is the best
(5)
Jeana C.

I love that this place offers happy hour. You can get a pretty good deal out of it. It ends at 6pm the last time I was there. The only thing I didn't like about it was the fact that most of the rolls have that imitation crab meat salad in it. Come on RA, you guys can be a little more creative than that!
(3)
Jaclyn H.

Love this place. Great sushi and great place to have a drink. Happy hour specials are great. Definitely somewhere I would send a friend.
(3)
Kav J.

Really good sushi, teriyaki chicken, and miso soup. I have been going here for a really long time and I have only been disappointed a few times. If you are in Chicago and craving sushi, I highly recommend Ra.
(4)
Robin H.

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE! Viva Las Vegas roll! Happy Hour! Tootsy Maki! Everything is great! Fave sushi place.
(5)
C C.

Came in for some late night dining with my boyfriend on our recent trip to Chicago. It was pretty busy on a Friday night but I guess it is to be expected. The food was good and service was prompt. They have some good late night specials which is a plus. Food was ok. We weren't disappointed by any dishes but there wasn't anything that stood out either. Glad we gave the place a try
(3)
Christina V.

Went for happy hour and ate waaaaay too much. I'd stalked the menu earlier in the day, and was so, so excited about the pineapple cheese wontons. Sadly, they were not as great as I'd hoped. We also ordered 5 rolls between the two of us, and it was more than enough. The gojira and viva Las Vegas were the standouts.
(3)
Alicja K.

My favorite sushi! My favorite rolls are the pacific roll and the crunchy calamari roll but I've never had anything I didn't like. They also have a great coconut creme brÃ»lÃ©e for dessert. So many yummy options. They have a really great and cheap happy hour from 4 to 7. They have a reward program. You get a gift certificate the month of your half birthday. It can get crowded especially in Friday and Saturday night. You can make reservations just not during happy hour. I highly recommend Ra.
(5)
Gracielle A.

I love the food, service and the ambiance of this place, dim lit romantic, can get loud sometimes. Great sushi, and the happy hour is very generous. My favorite roll is Las Vegas and scallop volcano, sometimes though I think the portions are getting smaller by the year. Regardless its still very good!
(4)
Rolando N.

Had the lobster ceviche which was good. But the braised tuna was to die for. Just perfect. Will go back just to have that. Great service Loved the place!!!!
(5)
Britt N.

It was really, really good! The gojira, crazy monkey, shrimp tempura and zonie roll were ALL fabulous! I made a reservation through Open Table on a Friday night for two just two hours before and we got right in. Only thing I didn't like - the ambiance. It's very loud, tables are super close together. I could barely hear my husband as we were talking. So if you are looking for more of a chill atmosphere, I wouldn't suggest but it is definitely worth going to try the sushi if you don't mind the ambiance!
(4)
Emily M.

I LOVE that this place is just down the street from me! They always have some sort of special going on, their cocktails are delicious, and they have great sushi! I personally prefer to sit at the bar, and I always have great service when I do. Also, their outdoor seating arrangement is great for the summer!
(5)
Anna M.

This restaurant is A-OK. Food is not outstanding but is typical sushi. Prices are fair, drinks are good, but it is always very crowded so service is a bit slower.
(3)
Emily L.

I am a vegetarian, so it was nice to see a different option to the "typical " veggie roll of avocado/cucumber, the Vegetable Tempura Roll. They were really helpful with offering other options as well! Also to confirm, Eel sauce does not contain fish so vegetarian friendly as well =) ( as confirmed by waitress)
(3)
Morgan K.

Went with my ex last night. They listened about me not being able to have avocado In my sushi. I loved it. Thank you for a great night!
(5)
Em M.

Been here 10 times, only cuz I live next door and keep hoping they will improve. I've sent spoiled slimy fish back about half the time. Beware! Wait staff, especially the bar tenders are clueless. You will have to do acrobatics to get their attention. Only good thing is the energetic music.
(1)
Lindsay Y.

RA sushi always had a great selection of fresh fish and delicious appetizers. The atmosphere is very nice as well as the outdoor seating area. What I love most though - is their happy hour deals! You can't really find a better deal than $5.00 sushi rolls!
(4)
Riddhi P.

This is my second time at RA Sushi. The first was at their Glenview location. I don't remember leaving there with the impression that that was one of the best sushi bars I've been to. I decided to give it another try when I planned dinner with two of my friends. We got there smack in the middle of happy hour, so needless to say, we took advantage of it. I am a sushi fanatic. Seeking out the best sushi in town has become more or less of a hobby. So after trying my luck at higher end places such as Japonais by Maromoto, and other quaint ones such as Makisu, I should have known better than to expect extraordinary sushi. FACT: Contrary to what the whole of Western Civilization believes, rice is actually the main attraction in sushi Spicy Tuna Roll: NOT GOOD. The only flavor I got from this roll was from the rice. The tuna almost had the consistency of pÃ¢tÃ©. The only thing that made this sushi somewhat palatable was dunking it in spicy mayo and popping on a jalapeÃ±o slice. Viva las Vegas Roll: First of all, it looks like a monstrosity. I remember it having lobster (?) in it. It was drenched in all of these different sauces and tasted nothing like sushi should. My friend commented on how it looked like something that belongs in Kitchen Nightmares. There was dried parsley sprinkled all over the plate (WUT?) Vegetarian Cucumber Roll: Like some sort of heathen, my friend decided that we should give this a go. I don't know why I tried this, but I guess I just wanted to see if it was any better than the previous ones. And guess what...IT WAS. I'm not saying it was good, but it wasn't weird like the others. Still needed a boat load of spicy mayo to taste anything at all. RA Sushi comes across as not a real sushi bar, but just a hang out for people looking for happy hour drinks and the excuse to eat "sushi". Nope, and nope.
(1)
Minjee Y.

I did not enjoy the sushi here at all. The spicy salmon roll was chunky and not even spicy. The spicy tuna roll was alright. Edible I'd say. The rest of the rolls were just weird to be and too big to eat (soft shell crab? and some other one I forgot the name). I felt as though the rolls tasted salty and the rice was on the stickier side. The drinks here are good though. I got the cucumber margarita and what I loved about it is that it still tasted like a margarita, but with a fresh twist because of the cucumber in it. SO REFRESHING. Strong and good... What I found interesting was that they had a live DJ come in and there was this SUSHI SHOW DOWN going on. I wish we had came later to be able to sit and see this happen, but we were leaving while this was being set up. I would not recommend this place for sushi lovers honestly though. Oh and our appetizers were kind of weird. I wasn't a fan of that cheesy tot won ton wannabe crab ragoon or the scallops appetizer. The shrimp appetizer was fine I guess. Super extra fried and crispy crispy. I'd say this is a super Americanized "sushi joint". Also want to mention that it's easy to spend more than $30 per person here.
(2)
Paul B.

Been coming here for over a year and love it. Great restaurant with very fresh selections of fish etc. The service outside of the bar area loses it a star because the service in the bar is always 5 star. Other people have seen this as well. Drinks are great, rolls are outstanding and I highly recommend you order the Vegas roll. Sake selection is also very good.
(4)
Lydia T.

This is a great little sushi place. I went last night with my boyfriend for Valentine's Day which is also my boyfriends birthday. I am from the east coast so I can be a bit of a sushi snob since I'm use to really fresh fish. RA was so fresh and delicious! The restaurant also has a great atmosphere. I would defiantly recommend.
(5)
Abby H.

Delicious sushi and reasonably priced. There aren't many places you can go to a bar and watch sports and eat good sushi. The Maki rolls are larger and easy to share.
(4)
Eddie S.

Came here with my wife for dinner. We tried the spicy shrimp and california rolls. I also had the spicy wings. The wings were not so spicy. We ordered mango margaritas to wash down our food. They tasted great! Nice place for sushi and to grab a drink.
(4)
Andre W.

Ahhhh...been awhile since I've been here, but me and a friend happened to be in the area and were in the mood for sushi. It was a nice warm evening so we decided to grab a seat on the patio. It was full so we were told it would be a 20 minute wait. Grabbed a seat @ the bar and had a Heineken...a summer favorite for years. We were starving so we started out with the edamame dip which was better than most spinach dips I've had. We then decided to go with the rainbow roll and then the spicy tuna roll. Good stuff! I remembered why I used to like this place as their sushi is pretty good and fresh. I hear the happy hour is good...will have to check it out
(4)
Don J.

RA is a fun place for sushi, especially if you're with friends who aren't into "RA" fish. Plenty of cooked options available! This is not the place for a quiet meal - the music is turned up, giving the place some energy. Also, don't forget your eyeglasses if you have trouble reading in dim red light. Having said that, I loved the music, lighting and quirky decor. Check out the chopped-up fish artwork behind the sushi bar and the 3-D orange panels on the ceiling above. We sat at the sushi bar, which was made of granite, and admired the stonework on the walls. I tried the cucumber kimchi, which was a nice twist on a Korean favorite. The spicy tuna hand roll was fantastic. If you appreciate a great presentation, try the Viva Las Vegas roll, which is topped with what I think were wafer-thin deep-fried tomatoes. It is eye-catching enought that you shouldn't be surprised if strangers ask you what you ordered. If you're an avocado lover, I highly recommend the avocado roll, which is also a great value. On the other hand, I did not find the king crab roll worth the $18 price tag. Overall, though, give this place a try!
(4)
Rachel R.

You can't go wrong here. The price is great and staff is always friendly. It's a little loud at dinner so if your planning on a table for two be prepared to yell at each other. They still have their patio open so take advantage of it while it last!
(5)
Joey S.

I came here not expecting anything great. An okay atmosphere. Kind of dark. The waiter was polite but very shy. Not the best of encounters. Even though my girlfriend and I waited 45 minutes for our sushi, I must say, it was well worth it. It looked great alone and tasted even better. If you want good sushi for a fair price, this is the right place.
(3)
Rocco123 G.

I visited the city last week for New Years and ate here Tuesday night. Absolutely amazing sushi and tempura vegetables. I have no clue which rolls I ordered because I was so wasted when I got there but remember it was fantastic. Something with jalepenos in it. I also remember it wasn't over priced either. It was crowded but we were able to be seated quickly. I would definitely recommend this place.
(5)
Susu B.

Place is always packed!! Viva las Vegas roll is super yummmmmm!!!! I also like the crunchy shrimp tempura and the rackin roll!!!! I love this place they always send me their offers through email and I always get a certificate for my bday!
(4)
April M.

I love this place. Happy hour prices are great for my small budget. My favorite roll is the Viva Las Vegas and the Tootsy Maki and I always ask for a side of eel sauce. Their shrimp tempura rolls are good but nothing. Special from anyone other place. Great place for meeting friends for drinks and good sushi. Service is great too!
(5)
Ruta Z.

Came for happy hour left in love!
(4)
Takasumi S.

I like restaurant design and atmosphere!! Various Sushi menu and it was awsome!! I will be back when I come back to Chicago next time:)
(5)
Joanna J.

First time I have ever ate sushi was here. I loved everything we ate, it was delicious. My favorite was the Vegas roll. My bf ordered the tacos, which were a no go. I say stick to the sushi. Great service. Forgot my server's name but he was nice. I will definitely come again!
(4)
Jon O.

I'm going to have to go 3 stars on this one only because it seemed like the basic rolls which we tried (tuna, california etc) were, even though inexpensive. very sub-par. On the other hand the specialty rolls were all around well made and tasted awesome. The problem is, if you are a price conscious shopper when it comes to sushi, the specialty rolls cost about twice as much as the standard rolls. I'd say that if you are looking for some good sushi you may want to look elsewhere but if you are just looking for a trendy place in the neighborhood to have some drinks and be seen this is the spot. One last thing though, if you do stop in here be sure and get the Ra'ckin Shrimp. From what all I sampled those were kick ass.
(3)
Dana C.

I've eaten at this Sushi restaurant on two occasions really enjoyed the food. Since it's located directly downtown near the mag mile, going for dinner after work is pretty easy. I usually get the Pacific Role from their menu and it's always been fresh. Customer service was less than average on both of my experiences. The servers are friendly but take a long time to get your food after ordering. Also, seating can be somewhat tight. I will continue to visit but I hope they can make some small improvements.
(3)
Veronica P.

Yummy and the best happy hour deal in town. Love this little gold coast spot- bartenders are always super friendly :)
(5)
Tian Q.

Mediocre happy hour deals. Food: -Crazy monkey roll (smoked salmon, mango & cream cheese topped with avocado, red beet tempura bits & cashews; drizzled with mango & sweet eel sauces), one of their signature sushi rolls, good. -Salmon sashimi, pretty standard. -Quail egg uzura, call me uncultured but this was not nearly as cool as I thought it sounded. I could've just cracked open two eggs by myself, poured some vinegar in, and slurped the same-tasting raw eggy goo. -Over all kind of pricey for happy hour, not sure if I got the bang for my buck. Service: -Spotty. And my waitress had a bitch face.
(3)
Mihaela M.

Been there after Christmas and a little disappointed:((( luck of good service and like the economy affects the dishes:)) a lot smaller and lots missing. The teriyaki beef used to be so good quality and quantity with lots of fresh vegetables... This time was so different in not a good way. Used to be so much better in there.
(3)
Jill K.

This is a great spot for sushi and appetizers, especially at Happy Hour. Gotta check it out if you're in the area.
(4)
Thalia C.

I love RA sushi! It's a great, casual atmosphere. The sushi is delicious! My favorite is the viva Las Vegas roll. I also love the rainbow roll. The outdoor seating is great in the summer.
(5)
Chris D.

The rolls are good, nothing special though. RA isn't worth a normal visit at full price, but their happy hour specials are great. If you really want great sushi, skip this place. If you're in the mood for decent sushi at a good price, come during happy hour.
(3)
Jackie Z.

Sushi and drinks were good (nothing remarkable), the patio was nice... if you live in the neighborhood this is an excellent choice to grab sushi within walking distance. BUT happy hour here is legendary.
(3)
Angela C.

The good is really good fresh and the service good too. I and my friends. Five of us had dinner in this restaurant last sat. The only thing is music too loud. Thats why i took one star off.
(4)
Kevin D.

Whoever says you can't trust sushi so far from the ocean, Ra will prove them wrong. Being from Boston I had this mind set until my friend brought me here for happy hour. This is one of the best happy hours I've ever been to.
(5)
Liz C.

My friend and I were in the mood for sushi so ordered pick up from RA. We ordered two rolls and a side of gyoza. The price of the rolls were about 10-13$ which seems comparable with large cities. The quality of the sushi however left much to be desired. To say the least the roles were tiny. We both had larger rolls with more fish from supermarket to go sushi counters. The taste was fine, but for $13 I expect a decent size roll. We were both highly disappointed by the quality of the food for the price, and also still hungry after we finished the small sized rolls. I wouldn't recommend this place unless they make the prices cheaper or the size of their sushi rolls larger so that the price reflects the quality
(2)
Grace C.

After my massage, I was hungry for Japanese food. Right next street to heavenly massage - I found this Japanese fusion/bar when I walked by. They had lunch menu with some bento box and terriyaki bowl. I decided to give it a try. Couldn't find this place at yelp - guess no one yelped about this place yet. I ordered Chicken terriyaki bento lunch menu. It comes with miso soup, salad and rice in a box. it was round $8.90. not bad at all, it thought. Service wasn't that good, but bearable. It took a while to take my order and waiter/waitress didn't come check me out after delivering the food. well, food: it was WORST Asian food that I've ever tired in my life.... Bento came with spring roll. let me tell you- Japanese doesn't service spring roll...Terriyaki was all burnt! and black!! I was this much close to take it back,,,but was super hungry...so decided to eat rice and the salad. When I looked around, I realized that Mexican sushi man make the sushi....and In Asian food place, there was no single Asian person include any worker (beside me) If you don't care about authentic food, I will say - you can try this place for drinks (they seem have full bar selection)...but this was the worst Asian food experience ever...Even thought I think of this place as Chinese food, it was still bad!! oh well, at least I am the first one to write about this place and warn you guys.
(1)
Belle L.

Quality ingredients for $. Email sign up for specials and freebies that is great value for $. January is skinny combo (drink and sushi) for $18. Host/Hostess are always friendly. Star Less: Perky Server makes you order your own sushi as you are seated by the sushi bar. Did not know the specials for the night that is emphasized by the venue decor. Clueless employee = clueless rating.
(3)
David C.

We come here about 2x month...i love this place and i always get the same thing...calamari tempura, spicy miso, spicy tuna roll, but to be honest its all good for a chain...will be coming back soon as I do the happy hour.
(4)
Monty M.

The food here is made with impeccable taste and creative with their service of plating. My fav is the Ra'kin roll and the Vegas buffet so far. Bartenders are fairly generous with the fish bowls too. You can't go wrong with this place.
(5)
Shemario W.

For a chain restaurant Ra is pretty good. This place offers service and food that's pretty much consistent with every other Ra out there. The sushi is great and the drinks are good. Happy hour draws a cool mix of River North professionals and it's pretty cheap by Chicago standards.
(4)
Brian F.

I've been to RA in several states and enjoy their brand. This is a very hip location in the midst of the Rush street restaurants in Chicago and it's definitely a place to see and be seen.
(4)
Blaine T.

Love RA! It's a great place to have some cocktails and splurge on sushI! Such good Miso soup and my favorite rolls are the Gojira (the best), the vegas roll and spicy tuna is always solid! Love the area it's in around rush st./state st.
(4)
Yvonne B.

The food was delicious and the atmosphere was cool. I was crazy about the calamari and the spicy tofu - two items that I usually dislike. We all really enjoyed the short ribs and the mango roll we got. The watermelon kiwi martini got me to break my "no alcohol" stint. Other than that though, I wasn't a fan of Ra. It was loud and the service wasn't that spectacular. In fact, the service was fairly negligent at times. We had to ask for silverware to go with the short ribs. I repeatedly held up our empty dishes to be cleared and nobody came to take them. Our table was cramped and could hardly accommodate our food (and we really didn't order very much). Our table probably would have been good for only two people, but we had four. Maybe it would have been better if we had done takeout instead since all we really liked was the food...
(2)
Mike H.

Wherever I go to a new sushi place I always ask the server to order me what's good. My server has been Lauren the past two times and she ordered me two amazing rolls. This place will be my new sushi hangout for a long time to come!! You have to get the seaweed salad for appetizer!!!
(5)
Justin P.

The service was lackluster, ever though it was barely half full. That's what annoyed me the most. The Ra'cking shrimp was great, but the other two rolls didn't blow my hair back. I've been here several times, so I'll chalk this one up to them having an off day.
(3)
Rocky B.

I love the one in San Diego and since I've been coming to Chicago a lot lately, tried it here also. One of my fav spots to get sushi. Everything is good
(5)
Sydney R.

LOVE this place! I usually come during the afternoon on weekdays so the place is not crowded at all. The staff are very attentive and the food is great!
(4)
Olena K.

Favorite sushi place! I go there all the time and have never been disappointed. The prices are good and the happy hour deals are unbeatable! Adrian, the bartender, is also a great guy and fun to talk to, and he makes your drinks extra good! I am a big fan of sushi and have tried tons of places, but this remains to be my favorite.
(5)
Soyoung S.

My FAVORITE sushi place in Chicago, never fails to absolutely blow my taste buds away. Food coma's commencing, this place is deliciously sinful. Happy hour is such a treat, and a really great deal. Hip interior decor and ambiance, and clean utensils and plateware. I would give this 5 stars, but the hostesses have always been a bit rude and standoffish =\ the waitresses, bartenders, and sushi chefs are all super cool and nice though =)
(4)
Laurie L.

The food was pretty good- they had a few unusual appetizers that were great including a lobster spring roll. We went in an hour before they closed for a quick dinner- we had no plans on lingering. Clearly the waitress was annoyed that we were there, the kitchen closed 45 minutes before the restaurant closed, so she was unable to get us a few more rollls that we wanted to order. Worst waitress I have had in ages, made me feel like I was inconveniencing her.
(2)
Helen Y.

The place is quite packed, so reservation is a must, especially for weekends. The service is good as the waiter is quite accommodate in helping us changing tables. The sushi itself is just OK. Although they are quite creative in making one-of-a-kind sushi, they really can use more attention in making it taste good in your mouth.
(3)
Diane G.

Had I not had an especially terrible experience here last night, this would be a 3 star review. I was already UNIMPRESSED by Ra the first few times, but shit really hit the fan last night. First of all, without fail, the sushi here is MEDIOCRE. Even their "signature rolls" are often tasteless, bland, OR overpowered by sauce. Their new "tropical roll" is anything but--you'd think that the mango salsa would be infused with flavor, but alas it tasted like orange food coloring. The only reason I'd classify it as tropical is it tasted like they flew the mangoes from Hawaii, let the damn mangoes sit in the back of a truck for 5 weeks and forgot about them, rendered them useless and used what little flavor was left of them. Second of all, the SERVICE SUCKS. The first few times it was neutral---nothing atrocious aside from it being kinda slow. But last night the waitress 1. gave us false information (told us that 2 people in our party could use a coupon b/c she could split the tab, BUT at the END of the meal said only one of us could use a coupon). Well great, I just ordered twice as much as I normally would because you LIED. On top of that, she forgot to bring my seaweed salad appetizer, was extremely slow with giving us our bill, and forgot to box our leftovers after TWO reminders. I really don't like this place and only return b/c some of my friends like going here, the vibe is cool w/Top 40 tunes playing, and the Happy Hour prices ARE cheap. But sushi and service this crappy is not worth it, even at those low prices.
(2)
Jessica M.

The ambiance is fun. Like many places in Gold Coast I thought the host and wait staff were a bit pretentious. The menu is confusing and not very helpful in telling you what something is. We ordered the edemame (pass they were hard), the SHISHITO PEPPERS (the BEST thing we ordered, without theses our meal would have been just plain bad), vegetable tempura roll (rice is everything on sushi and this rice was bad and the fried colorful crumbs on it... not a fan) and my boyfriend got udon noodles(which he said were soggy and the chicken was dry). So overall our food experience wasn't great. The sake was okay and pretty cheap, so that was good at least we left a little tipsy. I would definitely not return or recommend this place to anyone. There are FAR superior sushi restaurants in Chicago (**cough** Coast in Bucktown).
(2)
Samantha E.

Came by for Happy Hour with some friends and tried number of the cocktails. Why they did not pack a big punch, they were pretty delicious. Our server was not very attentive but the food was on point. There was a delicious spicy tuna roll on top of deep fried rice which I found particularly tasty. While HH was cheaper than the standard menu, it still was not an inexpensive HH.
(4)
Kira S.

Oh how I love RA's happy hour special! Monday-Saturday from 3-7pm you can stop in for half off wine and most sushi rolls, including every single one of my favorite rolls. Because of this I'm at RA quite frequently, especially in the summer. I'm a bit of a creature of habit at RA and have to get the following rolls when I go: TOOTSY MAKI (Kani kama crab mix, shrimp & cucumber rolled & topped with crunchy tempura bits; drizzled with a sweet eel sauce) CRISPY SPICY TUNA (Spicy tuna mix served on top of crispy sesame rice balls; drizzled with a soy chili sauce) CRUNCHY CALAMARI ROLL (Tempura calamari, kani kama crab mix & cream cheese rolled & topped with spinach tempura bits; drizzled with a sweet eel sauce) Viva Las Vegas Roll (Kani kama crab & cream cheese rolled in rice & seaweed, lightly tempura battered & topped with spicy tuna, kani kama crab mix & sliced lotus root; finished with a sweet eel sauce & spinach tempura bits) Highly recommend for an inexpensive after work dinner!
(4)
Jenna C.

I have tried other sushi restaurants that I've seen reviewed, but NONE come close to RA. Always fresh food, love the ambiance, great service. Can't beat it.
(5)
Brandon T.

Oh Ra, you treat me to well. This place is right next to my house on Elm St, and I do tend to find myself here often. The waitresses are great, bar tenders solid, and as long as you know what not to order, you're in for a good time. The list is extensive here as far as different things go. If you want a menu that has different fish everyone once in a while, well, you're out of luck. its always the same, but always good. My one HUGE complaint is on my favorite sashimi dish, the tuna belly. Its so pricey, no one orders it, and it ends up tasting super fishy when you do. I hate that. Regardless, there isn't a better place to get a large order when ordering sashimi, and I can always appreciate that. Just remember to order the things that get moved quickly. I.E. all other tuna dishes.
(4)
Mike O.

Have been here multiple times for happy hour and try new things everytime. The RA tapas and the crispy spicy tuna are definitely my favorites but everything is good. Normally loud music and pretty crowded so that might not be everybodys scene
(5)
Kelly R.

food is ALWAYS good. and i come here maybe 6 -8 times a year.. and I walked in the door to say I have one more person joing me shortly... 6 people walked in behind me and they motioned to me that I was first.. the host chose to help them first and then said to me "could you wait over there until your other party members show up" I usually don't care but I love this place and didn't feel too welcomed.
(4)
Jitka R.

Fresh fish, fun and creative menu, super tasty rolls and dishes. Service is great. Can get busy and loud during the happy hours but it's worth it :) Enjoy!!
(4)
H G.

RA Sushi is still fine (see previous review). By now, I've eaten a significant portion of their menu. I feel much of the maki fare tastes too similar and bland. I'm just updating my review with some dishes that I would be more than happy to order again: - TROPICAL MAKI SUSHI (No longer on menu as of March 2015, $8.75): "Cucumber, mango & avocado rolled & topped with spinach tempura bits, spicy shrimp mixed with masago & mango salsa". It was almost perfectly sweet and spicy. I should have doubled my order on this one! Also, I appreciate the workable size of the maki pieces, as I can eat it without almost choking (unlike the Yelp-favorite CRISPY SPICY TUNA $10). Although, I agree that the mango pieces could be more flavorful. - CALAMARI TEMPURA ($7.75): Soft calamari strips are surrounded by solidly crispy tempura batter with a dipping sauce. I prefer this variety over the shrimp or vegetable options. The soft and crispy combo is tasty and the platter is plentiful (20 pieces or so). - GREEN TEA ICE CREAM ($3.50): This dessert is becoming more common, but I thoroughly enjoyed my robustly-flavored 2 scoops. Yay! - COCONUT CREME BRULEE ($5.50): A delicious end to any meal at RA.
(3)
Kristina C.

I usually only come here during their happy hour (M-Sat 3-7) & I am usually pretty happy with the food considering the price. Great, affordable option after shopping all afternoon. I almost always get the same thing & stick to the happy hour menu to get my money's worth. Also makes the job of the waitress easier since they can tend to lack on quality service sometimes. Not the most top notch freshness (i don't like mayo or heavy sauces) so the quality of the fish is very important. Also noticed that the rainbow roll, my favorite, seemed much smaller/thinner on my last visit. The seared tuna apatizer is pretty yummy. Overall- you get what you pay for.
(3)
Shin M.

I thought the sushi was really good (well 4 out of the 6 rolls we got were good). However, my rating is lowered because of the service. Our waitress was incredibly slow and unattentive. In addition, she charged me for a drink that I did not order and charged me a full price roll when I ordered a happy hour roll. I am very upset with her service.
(3)
Alan K.

Our friend suggested we come here for their happy hour. Let me tell you, it was worth it. RA Sushi is quite small so if you are coming here with a large group, be prepared to wait. I suggest only having groups of 4 if you are planning to eat here. Also, the hostess will not seat you until your entire party is present. Since we had to put our names down earlier, we had a few drinks at the bar first. Then, as our complete party was present, our hostess sat us. We essentially ordered so much from the happy hour menu that all the food barely fit on our table. Things that were memorable and not so memorable are as follows: Viva Las Vegas Rolls-Delicious Shishito Peppers- A classic favorite of mine. It was in a different sauce than what I am accustomed to.....I think the sauce was a mixture of soy and teriyaki. Kaisen Ceviche-Not good. Ceviche should be ordered at a Mexican restaurant and not at a Japanese place. With good sushi, happy hour prices, awesome club music, and nice ambiance, it was a great experience for sushi.
(5)
Dana O.

Seriously for a place on the Gold Coast I was totally disgusted not only by the food, but also by the quality of the service. I can understand that they get busy during happy hour because their happy hour menu is great, but to have our waitress disappear numerous times and take 10 minutes just to bring over a fork is not the type of service I expect in that neighborhood. I eat on the Gold Coast so I won't have to deal with crappy service (at least encounter it less than in other neighborhoods), therefore I will not be going back to Ra. I LOVE sushi, and for Ra to purport to be a sushi bar but not know how to make classic rolls is beyond crazy. For example, their California roll comes with shrimp and imitation crab (that looks like coleslaw I might add). As far as I know, California rolls are definitely not supposed to have shrimp in them. Similarly, the shrimp tempura roll also comes with shrimp and crab. WHO PUTS CRAB IN A SHRIMP TEMPURA ROLL? WEIRD & ALSO GROSS b/c the crab was fake coleslaw crab. To make matters worse, Ra acts like these are classic rolls, and neither the menu nor the waitress bothered to inform us that they were, in fact, Ra's own take on classic sushi (which was an epic fail in my opinion). It's fine if you want to experiment with rolls, but give them a different name. Not only did they mess up very simple rolls, but when I asked the waitress to bring me a real shrimp tempura roll w/o the crab, she brought back the sloppiest roll I have ever seen in my life, and it took 20 minutes for her to come back with it. All of my friends had finished eating by the time I was served my roll. Then I had to ask for a fork (which took another 10 minutes and I eventually had to ask a bus boy to bring one out for me, he was much faster, should have asked him in the first place.) I am good with chopsticks, but the rolls were so sloppy not only did the insides fall out, but the roll actually began to unravel. So I had a soy sauce cup full of rice, seaweed, avocado, and shrimp tempura.....so not appetizing. The icing on the cake was that the rolls were not even good. Compared to the superior sushi in the neighborhood (Jellyfish), Ra's rolls had very little flavor - I don't even think they mixed any vinegar in with the rice. Needless to say I most definitely will not be back. I would have given them once star, but they do have great deals on their happy hour menu, which lasts from 3-7 - super long! So, I guess there's that.
(2)
Kristine N.

Happy hour gets packed... Quick... So come early... Or forget it. Really good happy hour prices. Sushi rolls are interesting and good, but there aren't many options.
(4)
Amy A.

I've been to Ra twice and had an enjoyable experience both times. The sushi was very tasty, no complaints on the service and the atmosphere was chill.
(4)
Amy S.

Ra has great Happy Hour specials, at every location, which is half off rolls, but you just have to get there on time (before 6pm). There have been a few times I have been here which I had to send the sushi back because it was clearly old fish, which is gross to think about. But this is a good place to check out before a night out especially since the atmosphere is very lively (although it's a smaller space).
(3)
Erica J.

The specialty rolls here are worth getting - just know they're expensive! But seriously, the tunacado and Las Vegas rolls were SO good! The typical sushi is average, not more impressive than anyplace else. It's crowded and dark, but service is pretty good.
(4)
Jamie B.

If I was the alcoholic, lady of leisure that I dream of being, as opposed to the workaholic, slave to billable hours that I actually am, I would probably be at Ra every day for Happy Hour. Delicious selection of both sushi rolls and tapas sashimi. Good presentation and friendly, attentive service. I recommend: crispy onion albacore (tapas sashimi), tuna tataki (tapas sashimi), dengaku tofu.
(5)
Sally K.

Decent sushi, reasonably priced, quick table service. Red lighting at night made it a little difficult to read the red menu, but provided fun ''mood" lighting. Waitress was nice. Atmosphere very fast paced. If you're looking for top notch sushi, this may not be your ideal restaurant, but if you're just looking for a fun sushi restaurant, this is a good stop.
(3)
Richard F.

Spent the weekend for Christmas and decided to hit up Ra. We have been to the Miami one a couple of times and loved it. This one is much smaller, but still had the same great Sushi. Now let me premise this. I do not eat a ton of sushi and normally am not a big fan. That being said, I love most of the dishes that I have had at Ra. So I would say if you are a casual sushi person, try this place out. I see the reviews are mixed, but I am a fan of Ra. We got the Caterpillar roll, viva las Vegas roll and the green beans appetizer. The green beans are a little spicy, but totally went with the sushi. I loved the Caterpillar roll and we always enjoy the Vegas roll (which is served warm). With a mixed drink and 2 beers, we got out of there for under $50 (with tip). Not bad at all for a classy looking place!
(4)
Tim S.

This neighborhood gem is one that I return to time and again whenever I'm in Chicago. And to be here during Sushi Happy Hour is even better! You get more food at a great price. It's loud, but the food is worth it. Try any of the spicy rolls. They are so worth it! And check out the restrooms. You'll chuckle when you determine which one to use.
(5)
Amanda C.

Really liked the overall ambiance of this place. Service was good. Had the lobster rolls which were absolutely delicious! Highly recommend them!
(4)
Carol M.

This place be a little 'spensive for my frugal tastes.... UNLESS YOU DO HAPPY HOUR!!! Woo! Delish rolls, noodle options, edamame, beers. All on the cheap. Their breaded shrimp deal things...man. Really good. Service was a little slow, but I was stuffed on good sushi for about $25pp.
(4)
Spencer H.

I ate here again the other day & I enjoyed the experience. The food was excellent & the service was good. I am giving 3 stars because even though I had a good experience when I ate here the other day, the time before that I had to wait 45 minutes for my food. The manager came up to me & took my entree off of the bill which was nice but the service was still very slow. However when I ate here the other day with my friends & sat at the bar the service was good & the bartender was very friendly. The food both times was excellent & can compare to Sushi Samba or Union Sushi. This restaurant is smaller than both of those restaurants but has a nice ambience. The ambience was why I wasn't really upset the first time I went there & had to wait 45 minutes for my meal. Overall I would eat here again because the sushi was fresh & tasted great.
(3)
Maurice P.

My first time going here was earlier today on a date. The food was AMAZING!!!! The sushi was fresh with bold flavors & wonderful drinks. Definitely coming back here.
(5)
Linh N.

Unnecessarily loud with trendy, lousy music. Also dark, with too many red light accents. Our waitress was perfunctory, but seemed less than thrilled to be there. Likewise the hostesses, but at least they put on some fakey cordial pretense. It was a pretty loose mask though. Should be renamed MEH. Union Sushi is much better, including the soundtrack, piped in at a reasonable decibel.
(2)
Follow T.

Freshness 5 stars. Try spicy salmon bowl, best till last bite. Happy Hours recommended: 11-3pm daily
(5)
Chels N.

aside from the less-than-stellar host staff, this place is aces. great sushi, good drinks, and only a handful of table to make a very intimate experience. I made a reso for the 4 of us, to which the hostess seemed very confused by. We ended up waiting either way, so prepare to have a drink at the bar regardless. Try some of their specialty rolls and you won't leave disappointed.
(4)
Katie V.

The sushi is not bad -- not the best, but for the price, it tastes fresh and the presentation is fine. The fact that the kitchen stays open late is a big plus. The downside is the atmosphere -- very clubby. Loud techno music. Disappointing cocktail list -- definitely designed with the sorority girl palate in mind (lots of sugary drinks). Wine list is decent, however. I wish there were more maki options without cream cheese -- I will never understand the pairing of cream cheese and raw fish. Just seems wrong. For late night sushi cravings, Ra does the trick -- but it's trying too hard to be young/hip for me to become a regular during normal dining hours (and I'm by no means an old lady, just not 22).
(3)
Christina M.

It's ok here. I wouldn't pay over the happy hour prices or lunch specials. the bento box teryiyaki is pretty good...but i don't love it... Miso...is ok.
(3)
Courtney W.

I've been coming to this location for quite some time and there have been hits and misses. The hostesses used to be awful, downright terrible. I made a comment once to the manager and it seemed that the problem was fixed. I think the interior is quite trendy and I enjoy the ambiance, when the DJ isn't playing. I'm pretty sure they did away with the DJ because it was way too loud and obnoxious. The happy hour is great and is reversed on Sundays so that it goes from 8-11 instead of 5-8 like it does Monday-Friday. The happy hour used to be certain items were half-price but that is no longer the case. Now, they take a dollar or two off of a couple of items. It's still a deal and the food is the same quality. I've never actually eaten anything off of the hot menu except for some appetizers. When my boyfriend and I go here on Sundays, we are treated like regulars. We always sit at the sushi bar because the service is always faster and we can watch them prepare everything (it's half the fun!). We normally start with Rackin Shrimp or Pork Gyoza. Both are from the kitchen and are fabulous (also part of the happy hour specials). I normally order the Tootsy Maki, Crunchy Calamari, and the Lobster Shrimp Roll. The Gogira Roll and the King Crab Roll are also wonderful. I really haven't had a bad thing on the menu. As far as service goes, there are bad servers and there are great ones. Sitting at the sushi bar means that you don't have to interact with the servers that much. The drinks are moderately strong and they have $2 sake, that's pretty awesome if you ask me! A true neighborhood gem!
(4)
Brian S.

We've always enjoyed RA, both on State and in Glenview, and usually we have a great time with good food. However, we went yesterday for happy hour and found the service very stretched and the food was questionable. Some of the rolls were a little off and looked like I'd made them in my kitchen - badly executed. Most surprising, the crab is imitation - really? Totally unacceptable in a sushi restaurant where the quality of the sea food is everything. Management should keep a watch out for a decline - there's too many good choices in the neighborhood.
(2)
Jason H.

I'll never forget my first time at RA. One, because it was my first time EVER trying sushi and two, because my date had the best body "a life long dedication to the gym and perfect genes" could buy! Yes, that's right -- I gave my dates physique a shout-out and it's not even applicable to my review of the restaurant. So visual perfection aka my date ordered for the both of us: TOOTSY MAKI, CRISPY SPICY TUNA, VEGETABLE TEMPURA ROLL, the SASHIMI ASSORTMENT and the HOLY SHISHITO CHICKEN. I was HUGELY impressed with her and EQUALLY pessimistic due to my bourgeouis pallate. So I added a few things from the side of the menu in which my expertise lied: two Kirins (Japanese beer) and 4 shots of hot sake. Here is where things get interesting... I ate my portion, 60% of my dates portion, I took down 2 Kirins and 2 shots of sake -- and I'm only 170 lbs soak and wet. So three things occurred: One, I found that I absolutely LOVE sushi, two, I learned Kirin and sake are a lethal mix when combined, and three, I learned that my date wasn't a fan of me partaking in her portions. So -- I lost out on date number two with a beauty queen but I gained a lifelong friend in RA!!!! One out of two isn't bad...
(4)
Jeremy E.

I've been to RA a handful of times and it never disappoints. The Vegas Roll and Hot Mess are my favorites to get. The Hot Mess is like a fried crab rangoon with rice all in this nugget of crispy goodness. However, my favorite and reason for coming back is the Shishito Peppers. The taste and presentation doesn't compare to any other Shishito Peppers I've ever had. The biggest plus is that most of these great dishes are offered during happy hour from 3pm - 7pm Mon thru Sat. For good sushi at a reasonable price I would definitely suggest RA and their Shishito Peppers.
(4)
Toni B.

My good friend and I normally go to the RA Sushi in Schaumburg, but we decided to venture downtown after receiving a free appetizer card from an event. We love going to RA for their Happy Hour! Their sushi and drinks are half off (or more) and absolutely delish! I recommend the cheese and pineapple wontons for an appetizer and their California rolls. The service was decent...this location had great people watching and is right by the Red Line...I would definately go back!
(4)
v m.

My wife & I stopped by, chilled at the bar, ordered a couple of drinks & sushi, then headed over to our seat where we proceeded to order a few more drinks, more food, and just enjoy the night. Amazing experience. Our waitress was amazing. Everyone was really friendly (wait-staff) and the food's consistently great. Calamari is a must-order. There's a funky monkey roll (I think that's what its called). Cucumber cocktails. I am honestly fishing for my receipt to write out the dishes... I guess that just goes to show how great the food & experience was. And at the end of the night, the bill was not that surprising! I had come here a couple of years ago with my cousin and we somehow managed to rack up a $200+ bill. I'm still confused how, since I think my wife & I ate & drank more and for longer. But it is worth the money spent.
(4)
Greg O.

This place is trying so hard to be hip and modern. Its almost painful to walk in and see how hard they are trying. But once you get past the decor and noise, the food is decent, and the service friendly, but slow at times. We went for lunch- I had the chicken teriyaki bento box. Its a good size portion of food, but the teriyaki was disappointing. The spring roll and pork tempura were quite tasty though. The prices were reasonable, especially for lunch specials with that amount of food. Overall not bad.
(3)
Kristen H.

The best sushi place in the Chicagoland area, hands down. I have been to the one in Chicago on State Street and also the one in Lombard. Both had fun atmospheres with great drinks and reasonable prices. The portions are huge. My favorite is the fried calamari. All of their dishes have some unique aspect to them, like the crab rangoon that has pineapples in the sauce. It is a great date night out!
(5)
Samantha J.

The rolls are a little overpriced, the service wasn't memorable (that's actually probably a good thing, in the grand scheme of reviewing things) but the drink specials are decent. I'd give the Vegas roll like 8 stars, the margaritas & house white 4 stars, and everything else/the fact that we overpaid for everything else 2 stars. Math and I aren't a thing, so we're going to just call it 3 stars overall.
(3)
Jessica V.

Do I have three tits or something? Well, the server we got looked at me like I had some sort of deformity everytime I opened my mouth. Now, after I opened my mouth to ...1. give my order and 2. to repeat my order and 3. to say thank you .... I got this look and a response from our server similiar to " EXCUSE ME" "HUH" "WHAT". And it would be different if it was in a different tone of voice and minus the dirty look I got. She stood right next to me when I was ordering so I know she heard me fine. She heard everyone else at my table just fine and I am usually the loudest one! Maybe she just had a bad day... I have had those being a server. Someone's got a case of the Mondays! Food: $42 for three hungry people is not bad at all. Especially for sushi! Three stars for you Glen Co Co!
(3)
Chuck E.

So after reading a couple of these reviews, I was a little perturbed by some of the ignorance. There are quality places you go for certain foods, and then there are places you go to have a good time and do whatever. After speaking with a lot of the employees and managers (I'm here frequently), Ra is more about the atmosphere and introducing people to things they haven't had. Its for going out, sitting with a couple friends, enjoying a drink or 4 and eating some form of American interpretation of sushi. OF COURSE there are more authentic places for sushi. I'm disturbed a lot of you can't tell that from the music and atmosphere as soon as you walk in. There is a full liquor bar and TVs. PLEASE tell me what you really expect. I personally like the food; they serve the same California roll as anywhere else. Except for maybe some higher end places where the use real crab and you pay $9 for a Cali roll. So to recap, if you're a sushi snob, please don't speak about the quality of the sushi, ESPECIALLY if you're there for the happy hour. c'mon. But hey if you have made it this far, the happy hour is a great deal and the drinks go all day! Definitely recommend.
(4)
Tenzo D.

The third sushi joint to try this place. Unfortunately, it misses like the rest. (could it be the same owner?) The fish showed evidence of being frozen and the rice wasn't fresh. I'm sorry, but those are the two main ingredients in sushi. On the positive side it very nice in side, friendly waitresses, nice decoration and really good happy hour values. Some original rolls and fun drinks. However the shortcuts in the ingredients will just keep me away.
(3)
Faith H.

RA is right in my neighborhood, and I wouldn't say I'm a regular, but I've been there at least a handful of times. Sushi is yummy and reasonably priced. Go there from 3-7 Monday-Saturday for happy hour, when lots of their drinks, sushi, tapas and apps on are special. But be sure to get there early as this place is super tiny. I highly recommend the shishito peppers and Viva Las Vegas Roll (crab and cream cheese roll). Their cosmo and lemon drop martinis are delish...and a great deal during happy hour. Where else can you get a martini for $4?! They also serve a variety of non-sushi dishes, which is great if you have a fiance (or friend) like mine who doesn't like sushi. And be sure to join their email list. If you do, you'll get a $20 for your half birthday...making a good deal even better!
(4)
Stephanie N.

The sushi is great, but it is really the McDonald's of sushi. It is fresh, but nothing really creative, nor new. If you are looking for great sushi and great staff in the neighborhood, go for it!
(3)
Jonny P.

We actually want to give this restaurant a 3.5.... but since it's not an option, we're being nice and rounding up. It is an americanized sushi joint.. everything is red and black. pretty chic, great for happy hour. LOCATION Gold Coast... AMBIENCE Red and black themed. Waiters don't seem to know much about their own menu. Interesting food presentations, pretty crowded depending on what time you get there. FOOD Tootsy Maki: It was okay. Pretty standard... Viva Las Vegas: our favorite roll here. Creamy cream cheeeeeese, fried lotus root, it was good. "Ra"ckin Shrimp: pretty good, very crunchy. nice "salad" and the dressing was pretty good too. the shrimp was a bit overcooked but the breading made it a little more forgivable. Pork Gyoza: standard, not that great. pretty much the freezer pack.
(3)
Judy T.

HAPPY HOUR! Visited from Seattle and was craving for some sushi and we came across this place on Yelp. Their happy hour specials offer great bang for your buck! Their food is delicious! Customer service is awesome! It was our last night in Chicago and the RA Sushi team definitely ended it on a high note! Our waitress Colleen was super sweet and showed just the right amount of attentiveness. The manager, Chris even stopped by all the guests tables to see how everyone was doing...to top it all off, when he heard we were visiting from out of town he closed out our night with a complimentary dessert (which was soo delicious! deep fried pound cake stuffed with ice cream...yum!!) and sent us on our way with happy bellies in happy spirits back to Seattle. Definitely a high light to our first Chicago visit!
(5)
Erik Y.

Went here this past Saturday night and sat on the patio (gorgeous night out!) Our server was an awesome guy, extremely attentive and personable. The food was really good with tons of options, even if you are not in the mood for sushi. I had the tootsy maki and my gf had the vegetable tempura roll. For once in my life, she ordered something better than me (although mine was still good!) Had the pineapple wonton appetizer and several cups of their house sake. All in all we spent around $30 (had a coupon for the appetizer). Not bad for a casual date-night in the triangle. I will def be back!
(4)
Eamon W.

Noisy. food was pre-prepared, the Viva Las Vegas roll was topped with Mayo, Imitation Crab, and tuna mixture..... RA's most popular roll. it also looked as if it was fried hours earlier, then set in a refrigerator and pushed by the staff as being delicious... We had 80% of the menu had spicy tuna, in some way or another. We had to ask for Wasabi, and Ginger. Service was friendly, the Pot stickers weren't bad. That is basically why it has 2 stars.
(2)
Valerie J.

OK, Let me first say I am already a huge fan of the RA in Houston!! I love the roll with pesto sauce - YUM!! But I rollerbladed here after work last week and... much to my ..dismay? demise??? it was $1 sake happy hour! Wooo-Weee! So I overindulged in that as I ate the $4 "Tootsy Maki" (also a happy hour special) and some other avocado-topped roll that was SUPPOSED To have jalapenos but did not. Sigh. Not A-class sushi for sure. You can tell they know they can get away with making it subpar. Just your average rice, no class to speak of, but still fun, sweet, edible.. But, good ppl watching, good place to go with friends. I will returneth - if i make friends:)
(3)
Kammie G.

Fantastic sushi place! Went there tonight with 3 of my friends. All of the sushi we ordered was simply delicious! We decided to step away from the basics and order the crazy maki they offered. Crazy Monkey - my favorite out of the bunch we ordered. The sauce was delish and it was decorated nicely. Mango Lobster - a sweet roll, it was really good, but might have been a little too "saucy" for me. Although it was still a great roll. Tootsey Maki - simpler than the other two, however still delicious. I can see why it's one their "must have's". Las Vegas Roll - my second favorite out of the bunch. We even ordered extra. It was a little hard to eat because of how big they were but they definitely tasted great! I like the fact that they have the low-sodium soy sauce there as well. Not many sushi places do, surprisingly. The ambiance of the place was nice and intimate and the restaurant was packed, especially for a Monday night. They must be doing something right. The football game was on (which I don't really care for), but that's cool that you have the option to watch it if you're into that sort of thing. They were playing all the good songs too. Basically I had a great time. The only bad thing was I didn't think the service was as good as they could have been, my water wasn't refilled as quickly as I wanted I had to ask for them to refill it and my friends had to ask to get their tea refilled by themselves. -------------------- Went for Happy Hour and because it was my birthday. They had cheaper options which were all yummy! We got Viva Las Vegas roll (Yum!!), Tooskey Maki, Shrimp, and these type of pot sticker things with veggies inside and manga dipping sauce which were yummy! Also, we got a birthday dessert - ice cream tempura. It was HUGE! And so good! I realized this is my favorite sushi place. Hence the 5 stars.
(5)
Gary K.

Great lunch and happy hour specials.
(4)
Em S.

A short report for a restaurant with a short name: The vegetarian tempura sushi here is pretty scrumptious. What exactly was in/on it, I'm not sure because where we sat was so dark, but hey, if it tastes good, it tastes good. Edamame was standard and we enjoyed it. The avocado roll was also decent with fresh avocado and well-cooked rice. The sushi here is definitely of decent quality. Inside, the restaurant is quite loud, crowded, and dim; outside there were no lights and almost impossible to read the menu or make out the details of the food. No candles (real or faux) or any other decorations on the bare metal tables outside. Service was subpar; indeed a few times the wait staff knocked over the soy sauce tray and it spilled through the holes in the table onto one of our party's pants - and not much apologies either! Argh. Definitely needs more lighting. Not all the heat lamps outside were functioning either. Thus, ambiance-wise, this place tries to feel more like a club than a traditional fancy restaurant, but seems not to succeed at either.
(4)
Amy W.

Ra is the perfect pre-gaming place. You can get the $2 hot sake and a $3 beer and there! You have three sake bombs for a whoppin' total of $5. It tastes absolutely disgusting, but then again, you can't really complain since it's so cheap. And then you're on your merry way to all the rest of the bars around the area. I vaguely remember having some sashimi and some sushi rolls. And I think they were pretty good. Then again, mostly everything tastes "pretty good" to me after I've got a few drinks in me.
(4)
Adam J.

Fantastic. Very Much better than expected! I ordered a beef bowl that was incredible. Though I did not have sushi it looked good and well made. There are many Japanese restaurants in Chicago but I recommend eating here.
(4)
Matthew D.

This place is in the right spot. It's a sushi place smack dab in the middle of one of the biggest party areas (Gold Coast) I've ever seen. It's more of a "sushi fusion" place that offers lots of specialty rolls and drinks. If it hasn't made the "Stuff White People Like" website yet, something is wrong. I don't have a problem with places like this but don't expect authentic sushi if you're planning on visiting. Think more along the lines of sake bombs and Philly rolls. The food is fine, decently priced and there is plenty of eye candy in the place. A decent choice if you live in the neighborhood. Just don't expect to see any actual Japanese folks. I'm pretty sure I was the only one in the place when I visited, including the staff - and I'm only half.
(3)
Katelyn E.

RA is delicious. However, it's only really worth it during happy hour. They have great deals and I typically get a roll, edamame, and a glass of wine for $10. It's a deal. I've gone before when it's not happy hour and it can get super pricey. i love love LOVE the Tootsy Maki roll here at RA. i'm a fair weather fan of sushi...i claim i love sushi but really, i rarely dare past the typical california roll. The Tootsy Maki roll is pretty much a california roll but whatever, it's great. i crave it. so 5 stars for happy hour, 4 for normal hours.
(5)
Elaine L.

I'm a fan, it's a fun place to go to meet up with friends, especially if you live in the neighborhood. The sushi leaves you a little wanting, but I feel like their lunch menu is better than their dinner menu. I wish they offered some menu items from lunch on the dinner menu as well - I just feel like there are more options for lunch. I will say though, they have excellent specials.
(4)
Ashley L.

Rating for sake bombs only ___ Nice restaurant..seems like most people come here on dates and was also told this by a friend....but my group of 20 people...came for sake bombing/pregaming. I was nervous we'd be loud and people would give us dirty stares but they seemed to enjoy watching us do them. The staff was very accommodating in getting us a bunch of tables to form one big one to sake bomb. $2 hot sake (3-4 shots) $3 cans of PBR or bottle of Changs (?) = $5 for 3-4 sake bombs! AMAZING DEAL, everyday, all day. The check came and they didn't add an auto gratuity but we tipped 20% anyways. Waiter was also very good!
(4)
Pablo S.

This place was a god send. It was about 10 degrees out and I remember this place having a happy hour for sushi so we checked it out. Got a sake bomb, and some great sushi. Service was nice for the bar. Would come back for sure.
(4)
Reema A.

Super yummy sushi
(4)
Cris O.

I come to Ra very frequent. Their seafood is just so very fresh and tasty. They have a happy hour Monday through Thursday from 3-7, with a great selection of sushi and drinks that are made for angels. I come here often for good sushi and great conversations with friends. Give it a try, you'll find yourself back again for happy hour!!!!
(4)
Jessie S.

I hadn't been back to RA in forever and randomly got take out a few days ago. They're lunch bowls are only $10 and pretty delicious. Unfortunately, this only motivated me to go again just three days later. This time I sat down. This was a mistake. The service was SO slow - and the restaurant was SO empty. ARGH! I ordered the "spicy" miso soup and green ginger salad. First, the salad could not have been less interesting - but it was alright, green lettuce, nice dressing and wontons. Then the soup came - I ordered it mainly because i live on miso soup but was starving, so the shrimp, bok choy and mushrooms sounded amazing. When it finally came, the waitress warned me it was REALLY hot. She was not lying, and i promptly burnt my tongue (this has nothing to do with my review of the restaurant, soup should be hot, more like a showcasing of my own stupidity). But yikes, I really tried to like that soup. It tasted like someone heated up salad dressing and added tasty ingredients - it was so rich, there was no taste of miso left. By the time I paid my bill i was so underwhelmed that all I could think about while i waited 15 minutes for her to handle my bill was what other deliciousness I could have gotten with my $20. Thank god I had the green tea to prevent real tears. Such a disappointing one hit wonder. On a positive note, I still will order take out, just only the lunch bowls - the sashimi is fresh and veggies delicious, just get the sauce on the side! Their regular miso is also a nice option. And its an undeniable fact that their happy hour can be amazing.
(2)
Mike S.

Ra-ra-ra! (insert corny cheerleader cheer). Okay - so this place is way better than my terrible introduction to this review. The atmosphere is very clubby, and rather neo-modern. The service is great, the staff is very friendly, and the food is definitely above average. You're paying a decent amount because of the location and the income level of people in the Gold Coast area, but quite a good experience if you're looking for above average sushi. Our appetizer had a hair in it, which is fine, unless you're one of those people that are grossed out and run out screaming. The staff took care of it, the management came over and personally apologized, it was taken off the bill, and we received a free appetizer. That's customer service, and that creates customer retention. Very satisfied with our meal there.
(4)
Roland M.

I was very pleased with my visit to Ra Sushi. My server was wonderful, the food was very well priced (happy hour special is amazing) and the outdoor seating was lovely. The only reason I didn't give this place 5 stars is because I have not eaten of the main menu not have I payed full price. However, from what I've experienced so far, I would come back again. The crispy spicy tuna was probably the only underwhelming roll I ate. The concept is interesting but the tuna was a bit bland and the fried rice ended up being a tad bit too chewy and sticks to your teeth. Other than that, great stuff! Keep it up!
(4)
Eddie A.

If you're looking for a great Sushi place.... This is it! Amazing food and great service! For 4 people with drinks and food approx $200. Not very expensive at all. They also play great music in this place! From Cold Play to Deadmau5
(5)
Katie T.

Happy that the weather is getting nice and outdoor dining is back! RA is a fine place to do it as far as location goes, but the drinks and appetizers far outshine the sushi. I would go back for happy hour but probably not for a meal, unless I was with a big group--it does have a fun, upbeat atmosphere.
(3)
V F.

Ra is one of my favorite sushi restaurants. Whenever I am in a city with a Ra, I make it a point to have dinner. They mix hip music with modern yet authentic looking furniture to create a "cool" dining room experience. They have a vast menu with price points as low as around $6 for some items and very good specialty cocktails as well. Budget conscious patrons should definitely try the Happy Hour and call ahead to see if they offer any industry discounts if you work in hospitality. I have not had anything I didn't like. However, sometimes service can be spotty if its during a rush. And, you will most likely have a wait if you catch them on a busy night. This location has terrible parking (street only in a permit residential neighborhood), so leave time to find parking.
(4)
Jacqueline S.

Loved it. My boyfriend took me to Ra on a date. We had a blast. The whole feel is great. Very small but classy too. We had a few drinks at the bar, were sat quickly, and had an extremely friendly and informative waitress. Ordering an appetizer? Get the HOT MESS. It was delicious. We ordered five rolls and were stuffed and satisfied when we left. We truly enjoyed our experience!
(5)
John R.

Was there last night. Foods better than average, not great. Wait staff attentive. Would go back, but not first choice.
(3)
Hoppie G.

I love this place! It has creative and delicious sushi and their happy hour specials are a great deal! To be honest I've never come here when it wasn't happy hour time but since they have it basically every day of the week including weekends it's not a problem! Service is great, and usually don't have to wait too long for a table.
(4)
Duncan B.

Great sushi and attentive Staff...Check out the Mango Roll
(4)
Mary P.

I don't get it. The sushi isn't that great. I tried a few specialty rolls including the one with kiwi and mango and a bunch of different fruity things on it (just tasted like fruit and rice), and the Viva Las Vegas. If more is better than you'll like the viva. If less is better than you're like me and both my friends who didn't enjoy the attempt to cram 2,453 different ingredients in one roll. Frankly the roll was kind of dry on the outside from the tempura and reminded me of taro root (which WASN'T an ingredient). It sure does look cool but as far as taste goes its not the best. I also tried the ceviche and the cucumber kimchee. The kimchee had the right flavor but it was too watery. The ceviche was just like anywhere else. I don't get why this place is so hot?
(2)
Tommy M.

This is a hip place with a young crowd. Happy hour prices are decent and include some exotic concoctions. Had the tuna nigiri and the tuna was very fresh. Yakisoba however was very salty, way too much for my taste.
(3)
Mad I.

Signed up for 'the hook up" and I got a $20 gift certificate for my half birthday. I was super excited, went on a Monday, as it was only valid Mon-Thurs, and even hit happy hour which goes from 3-7p.m. Picked 5 items and got out of there with only a $6 bill.......and I still wasnt happy. Nothing was very good, and while it came out lightning fast and was hot if it needed to be hot and vice versa, still not much to talk about. The raw tuna was the best. RA shrimp, meh, crispy tuna balls, blech. Tootsy roll, meh. Wouldn't go back , even for a $6 tab, what does that tell ya? No chain sushi for me. Place was hoppin though over in the v-triangle is you are lookin to dress up and be seen after work I suppose.....
(2)
Boris Y.

I should precede this post by saying that sushi is my favorite food (probably not a great thing for your wallet) and I have probably tried most places around the area. In my opinion RA is a great spot for sushi, especially during their happy hour. The sushi was extremely fresh and the service was very good. I went there with a friend and we sat at the sushi bar. If you do that, you mark down the rolls that you want and you pass your order directly over the counter for the chefs to prepare. Each roll comes out as soon as it is ready, which I really liked. The hot dishes are prepared in the back. The sushi was fantastic for the price and given how fresh the fish was. Yes, it is true that the chefs making the sushi were not Japanese, but the quality was much higher than at some places where all chefs are Japanese. I liked that they don't overdo the sauce, so you can actually taste the fish. They also have great sea salt edamame and the hot sake was a great hit! One more thing I should add. We mixed up our own order by asking for one thing initially and then changing our minds about it later. It was no problem at all. The initial item we ordered was struck down from our bill, and we received another sushi roll only a few minutes later. I will be going back for more!
(5)
Christine F.

I came here to celebrate a friend's birthday last year. I've never really tried sushi before. So, I tried the sushi, I am in LOVE! I really like dragon rolls. I just do. I love the lighting in this place. The food here is so GOOD! My boyfriend and I left here really happy and super full. :) We'll be back.
(5)
Rachel R.

Holy Happy Hour Special Batman!!!! I met two of my girlfriends around 5 o'clock on a weeknight. We spent 3 hours chatting over warm saki, plentiful apps, and maki rolls. Around 8 we paid our bill and were VERY pleasantly surprised to find that we owed just over $20 each including tip! The service and food were perfect. I even found pay-for street parking right outside. My only compliant: The volume on the music after about 7PM was obnoxiously loud. This is a fantastic post-work find!
(4)
Jenna S.

HAPPY HOUR! And after my first week in my first full-time career, I definitely need me some happy hour love. I can definitely say that if I had not experienced Ra during happy hour, I would not be so generous with my star rating. For sure. They are a "non-traditional" sushi restaurant and their menu includes a lot more than just sushi. Ra is like the Cheesecake Factory of chain sushi restaurants, so you can obviously see what you're getting into. But that happy hour is just so worth it! From 3-7 every Monday through Saturday evening, you can get 1/2 price rolls, 1/2 price appetizers and a selection of $1-$5 drinks. The hot sake is just $1 during happy hour, so drink up folks! Their signature rolls are definitely worth ordering, so get on that. The California Roll was pretty average, so I wasn't disappointed with it. It was tasty enough and tasted like it should. Good. But their signature rolls were great! The Tootsy has some crazy sauce in it that tastes delicious; the Crunchy Spicy Tuna literally has a giant chunk of awesome crispyness on the bottom that is super yummy; and the Viva Las Vegas was two delicious parts of awesomeness. I don't even know what was in the last one or how it was put together, but it was definitely my favorite of the evening. Service at the bar was a little slow and it took a LONG time to get orders out. I don't know if I'm used to the insanely fast service at Sushi Para II or what, but I felt like the service dragged. Our server even comped two of our rolls because it took forever for them to come out. I think that's code for "he forgot to put our order in" but I'm fine with that. Comp away, sir! Our server was super friendly, though, so that definitely made for a good evening. No super loud music and some TVs for sports watching if that's your thing. There's also an outdoor patio for your seating pleasure - I may go for that next time. In total, we had five beers, two sakes, ten rolls, two edamame orders, one shrimp shumai and four salmon nigri. Number of diners: 3. Total: $40. Totally worth it! I may go back this evening because there's something wrong with me, but I think that Viva Las Vegas Roll is calling my name.
(4)
Nicole T.

There is one thing I want to say about this place: Go there! Take advantage of the Happy Hour and try all rolls! Hands down!
(5)
Jay O.

This was a really nice sushi spot. The rolls come in 8 pieces, you can get full quick. Came on St. Pattys day (it wasn't as crowded) but they still had green everything. (Yay for green beer lol). Would definitely recommend this place.
(4)
Manda V.

Absolutely love this place. Amazing food, excellent happy hours for drinks and food!
(5)
Andrew W.

Their restaurant is run based around an all day, everyday, happy hour. The sushi is decent and the drinks are average. It's a nice way to meet co workers after work for a few rolls and quick drinks. However, as far a full dinner goes, there are much better sushi options throughout Chicago.
(3)
Kristen B.

A couple of Sundays ago, I came here for their Flying Fish Lounge special after 8pm. Service was great, seated at the sushi bar. The dj was good enough that I was dancing in my seat, but then again, I was impressed that they had a dj at all. Having celebrated my 21st birthday there before, I pretty much knew what to expect and what was tasty. I ordered the Crunchy Calamari roll, Shrimp Tempura roll, Viva Las Vegas roll, Spicy Tuna roll, and Rainbow roll. Every single one was a hit (especially with my companion that had never been there before)! Add to that $2 Sake and edamame? BET! Service was great - fast and attentive without the helicopter effect. Our waiter also drew us into their special mailing list that gets you free sushi on your half birthday. The Bottom Line :: As cheap eats go, sushi obviously is a luxury. Sunday's at Ra make that luxury pretty accessible. With some creative ordering, we got five (5) separate sushi rolls, edamame and two (2) drinks for roughly $40. Eat well and prosper.
(5)
Brandon L.

Great food! Great price. The location is perfect. They had hot sake for $2! Yes, only $2. They had an amazing crunchy shrimp dish. Very satisfied. The waiter was a little slow and forgot to bring our plates, but overall it was a good time. I will be sure to be coming back.
(4)
Sarah W.

Kind of pricey but they offer a great happy hour menu on Mon-Sat from 3:00-7:00 that is really affordable! I highly recommend their Lemon Drop Martini too! It's DELISH!!!
(4)
Kedar D.

Ra Sushi has very little for vegans except the most basic kind of avocado or cucumber sushi rolls (or, as I like to say, the Japanese equivalent of iceberg lettuce salads at steakhouses). The bar area is pretty nice, though, and I like the decor. Be warned that their mixed drinks are pretty strong and not particularly well-mixed, in my opinion. The service was friendly. If you happen to be in the area, this might be a good place for a late-night drink, as all the other bars in the neighborhood seem to be wood-paneled Irish pubs.
(2)
Natalie S.

Based on some recommendations he got at work, my husband took me here for my birthday before we went to see Mary Poppins (yay!). We were there early-ish on a Wednesday because we had to get to the theater... and it was happy hour with half price sushi! I do love a deal... A combination of two glasses of chardonay and getting married two weeks after said dinner has made my memory of the evening fairly hazy but I did like what we had. We chose mainly from the half price menu with some full price ones thrown in there for good measure. Everything was tasty and fresh and our server was attentive and friendly. The down side... it's in a crazy chaotic neighborhood that is insanely crowded on the weekends. I had been here with girlfriends years ago when we were in our "girls nights of dancing on Rush and Division" but now that I'm at the ripe, old age of 31, I won't head into this area on a weekend.
(4)
Lena D.

Surprisingly good and though it was way too loud and packed with 10 people seated, I might try it again. Our server was really nice and attentive and that too is huge. I've had better sushi but it will sate you if you're hungry for sushi. Try the lotus root roll, whatever the heck it's called - yummy!
(3)
Chocoolate I.

Whenever I am in Chicago I make it my business to go to RA because it is just plain cool. The patrons are cool, the atmosphere is cool, the bartenders are cool, the background music is cool, the happy hour prices are cool and the sushi is off the proverbial hook! First, it is conveniently located near a lot of happening spots. It is open and airy and there is just a friendly feel about RA. They have a wonderful happy hour that goes from 3 until 7 pm Monday through Saturdays and a great selection. For drinks, try the mango margarita for $5 or if you are a beer drinker they have $3 Chang Lager and PBR's. For the hip impaired, PBR's are Pabst Blue Ribbons! The sushi is really good. My favorites are the garlic citrus yellowtail, crispy spicy tuna, salmon carpaccio and spicy sesame chicken wings. Every time I go to RA I seem to meet cool people from different parts of the country, who like me, find this a cool place to visit. I highly recommend RA
(5)
Janine K.

I usually order carryout from RA but after having a bad experience, I notified the manager Brian Carter. Brian responded to my email and addressed all of my concerns. He even invited me to dine again at RA. After months of considering Brian's offer, I gave RA another chance this past Thursday night. I can honestly say RA has changed how they treat customers. I felt like I mattered and they valued me as a consumer. Brian even introduced himself to me and made mention to some of the changes they have made as a result of my bad experience. RA has always been one of my favorite sushi restaurants because of their menu. I will be back and thank Brian for listening and taking action on my concerns.
(4)
Patrick M.

Get the Vegas Rolls!!!!!!
(5)
Steve M.

I had a pretty good meal at Ra Sushi the other night. Our server appeared "out of it" and forgetful at first, but made a pretty steady comeback from my initial impression. The food was good, although there were a couple rolls that inspired thoughts along the lines of "why did this just cost me $13.50?" The music was pretty alright (think MTV hiphop remixes - JayZ, et.al .), although it was served up at a decibel level befitting a dance club. Not a restaurant. Conversation was a bit strained. The sake was taaaasty. All in all, Ra was okay. Not exactly a destination sushi joint, but one that's relatively easy to get to when I'm hanging out in the Gold Coast.
(3)
Tita P.

That's right, I'm a fan. How can you NOT like happy hour specials??? I mean you can get really good sushi and cocktails for a steal daily not to mention entertaining bar happenings. The bar staff seem to really enjoy their jobs and are quite familiar with all of the regulars. RA is a low key spot to enjoy cocktails and sushi and either begin or end your evening.
(4)
Shaakira J.

Love going to Ra to grab a quick bite... They seriously have the best crab cakes that I have ever eaten! I don't like the terriyaki wings- way tooo sweet! They have a dessert made with bananas and whipped creme- so good! On this day I wanted to use their catering service for my Cupcake Social. I showed up, the day of my party and placed an order to feed 10 people. The sushi platter I ordered was so pretty- though they did mess it up because I asked for no cucumbers! They offered to do it over- but I couldn't wait so I took it. It was $150 and was sooooo fresh! It would have been about $90 but I ordered 3 different custom rolls... I ordered a pan of edamamae and it was $30 dollars! For steamed peas?! Astronomical! (It was 3 pans, but still!) They gave me a lot of chop sticks. Soy sauce, ginger, wasabi, eel sauce, etc. was in much abundance. For a last minute order they cranked it out in about 45 minutes....which was excellent! The front hostess was new and had only been there for 2 weeks, she was very nice, helpful, and talkative.
(4)
Jerome H.

Love this place, friendly staff and good sushi!! I usually only go here during happy hour... 1/2 price sushi, cant beat it!! Would definitely recommend!
(5)
Fatima H.

This place has both good atmosphere and tasty sushi. We've had their salmon, spicy tuna and yellow tail sushi. Now we had dinner here and I have to say that although the sushi was good, it wasn't anything special. Point being, sushi is pricey here and so in my opinion this place is superb for their lunch time special and not so much for dinner.
(4)
Natasha L.

We had dinner with a friend this past Friday and had a decent experience. Overall definitely enjoyed RA. Sushi options are plentiful and the sushi itself is fresh and inexpensive. My only gripe is the noise which the restaurant can't help. Most sushi places I've been too are more low-key where RA is more of a scene. I'd come again but preferably during a less crowded day. Thumbs up to the Tootsy Maki! Definitely a must order if you go.
(4)
Stacey J.

Not a big fan of the sushi fusion. I don't think it had anything to do with the restaurant but more my personal taste.
(3)
Dan S.

I came in for dinner on Valentine's Day with a group of friends. The place is pretty small, so the wait was 45 minutes. We went over to McFadden's for a drink while we waited. After 45 minutes, we headed back to Ra. We had to wait an additional 30 minutes at this point. I guess I can't really dock them for this though, because, not one group had left since we were added to the waiting list. We ordered a wide mix of Sushi rolls and everything was great. The food and drinks were moderately priced for Sushi. I believe a 22 oz of Kirin was $7 and there was a $20 bottle of wine that two in our group ordered as well. The sushi, without drinks, worked out to be about $20 per person, including tax and 20% tip. This was enough for everyone at the table to be completely full. It was also one of the better sushi restaurants that I have been to. High quality and some interesting rolls. We had a jalapeno, shrimp and cream cheese roll that was awesome. I would definitely come back, but would call ahead to have a reservation.
(5)
Cindy L.

In full disclosure, the last time I was at Ra was three or four years ago, so it's quite possible things have changed since then. But something tells me that's not the case. This place is horrible, and I tried it three times just to be sure. The rice, oh my heavens the rice. Either always overcooked or not sushi rice, probably both. Additionally, what the rolls lacked in imagination, they made up for in sauce. Extra sauce. On everything. Likely to hide the fact that underneath all the sticky sweet unagi or mango sauce, was some overcooked mystery rice and mediocre fish. This is exactly what happens when people who have no idea what sushi is supposed to taste/smell/look/feel like, open up a sushi restaurant (chain). It gets a star for being in a good location and another for having alcohol. You are very welcome, Ra. I'm feeling generous today.
(2)
Debbie T.

I agree that the staff is friendly, the atmosphere is great and the food is pretty darn good! We love the happy hour, Mon- Sat 3-7 pm. There is a great selection of menu and beverage items that are well priced and quite delicious. I see that they are now offering Skinny cocktails (200 cals) for $8 each. I will definitely be back to take advantage. The place is pretty popular on a Friday night, get there early to be sure to get a seat!
(4)
Alix S.

Although RA has a nice atmosphere, I would say I was pretty disappointed overall. Everyone was very nice, however the server took a very long time to come to the table at first and throughout the meal. Me and my guest were not in a rush so this was really no big deal. What was a big deal, was spending 40 dollars on sushi that was really sub-par or even though it pains me to say kind of bad. If you are considering RA for your next sushi experience I would say there are better places you could go and for a lot less. Maybe we just went on an off night who knows : )
(2)
Jennifer R.

Want a place in the Gold Coast with affordable sushi, appetizers, and drinks from the hours of 3-7PM on Mon-Sat? RA Sushi Bar is definitely your place. I have only been here for the Happy hour, so honestly I'm not sure how it would be in a normal dinner setting. Thus, this review is based on my experiences during Happy Hour. This is a place to eat for a reasonable amount in a decked out atmosphere and friendly wait staff. The rolls are average, but the specialty rolls are indeed spectacular. I tried the Viva Las Vegas roll (Regular price $15, Happy Hour price $7) and was far from disappointed. The Pineapple Cheese Won Tons for $4 were also a tasty pick. This place can get very busy during the end of Happy Hour, so if you want a more quiet atmosphere, don't go in near the end of Happy Hour. This place has definitely become a favorite sushi place of mine for downtown.
(4)
Phillip M.

I have been here too many times to count as I live in the walk-up above (here come the stalkers..) It is solidly a 3 star restaurant. Cheap (during the 3-7 mon-sat happy hour) super Americanized sushi. The atmoshpere is try-hard contemporary but nice enough. The managers are over the top nice and attentive which makes it hard to understand why 9/10 times we go the wait staff is soooo bad. Really just awful. Good place to go if you're in the mood for a lot of OK sushi for $20. Or you live upstairs.
(3)
Pete V.

Went to Ra Sushi for happy hour (5 - 7pm). You can't beat their happy hour prices...$1 Hot Sake, $2 PBR, $3 Lemon Drop or Mango martini's and more drink specials I can't even remember. They also have a menu of sushi and appetizers at half price. The crispy soft shell crab was great - much bigger than I expected. They had cut the crab into four sections deep fried it with a crispy batter, and then served it with a soy sauce and ginger mixture. Very good. I wasn't a fan of the crispy spicy tuna...almost too spicy and the fried rice patties were too large. The nigiri and maki were both good, not great mind you, but I don't expect it to be great for just $1.25 a piece. We sat at the bar and the service was excellent...out bartender Jason was awesome. Will definitely be going back.
(4)
Chris V.

Supposedly one of the more "happening" restaurants in the city. This means you can expect a long wait for dinner and a ton of yuppies who don't know anything about sushi coming in to try it because "eating sushi is so nouveau!". The fact that I'm saying this places serves the kind of douche clientele that would describe eating Japanese food by using a french word hopefully gets my point across. Anyways, on to the food itself. Meh. The sushi itself is not terrible, but I'm not exactly impressed especially when considering their dinner prices. But their happy hour prices? Doable. During happy hour many items are half off, plus the wait won't be terrible at all, if there's any at all. The ambiance is all rich yuppies and vapid "sex and the city" loving airheads who love to pay too much for meh sushi while listening to to loud house music. So here's the skinny: don't go here for dinner with anyone you care about deeply. The wait for dinner is long and the sushi is overpriced considering it's mediocre. If I have to, I'll go eat there for their happy hour, but that's about it.
(2)
Roger E.

Bad service, food quality poor. Skip this one.
(1)
Liz B.

Great, great sushi. I went over a year ago but was reminded of RA when I visited Chicago this weekend. Ra had some sort of ridiculous "give back to the community" deal where all sushi was half price or something. I'm not sure what day we went... maybe a Sunday? Whatever day it was, we ordered an absurd amount of sushi, and experimented with some of the special rolls since they were half off. I ordered some roll with mango on the outside. I think if you put mango on anything, it makes a little bit better. Good job Ra.
(4)
Maryanne C.

I guess I'm used to the RA out in Los Angeles--where everything is big. I was shocked by how small this RA location was- oh so tiny. RA definitely is not your traditional Japanese sushi, but I think its still pretty tasty and quite inventive. You can take non-sushi eaters here and they will happily find other items to their liking on the menu. Its also a nice place to slowly introduce people to sushi-- especially because they a lot on cooked sushi that can be a little less intimidating to newbies. The ra-ckin shrimp is the best thing they serve. They also have awesome cocktails, I'd love to come back for happy hour.
(3)
Mike C.

We received disgraceful treatment from the manager here. I had just arrived there and met up with a pretty large group of friends. My friends had already moved tables around to accommodate the group. Shortly after I get there the manager comes up to us, and tells us in the most unpolite manner that some of us have to move to another table, because we are crowding the table behind us. The table behind us says, its ok we don't mind. The manager says it doesn't matter, I'm the manager and if you don't move you aren't getting your drinks. When the bar closed the manager tells the whole restaurant, OK the bars closed time to get out. I have never encountered this type of treatment from a restaurant manager before. Is that really how you treat your customers? Be extremely rude? The place was pretty empty at that point anyways, its not like it was really full and we were taking up too much room. Our server, however, was nice (most likely because she understood that we were paying customers, and that good service is good for business). The sake bombs were a really good deal, I think $5 for a little bottle of sake and a beer. It is unfortunate that I will most definitely never be back. That manager should be fired. I wish I got his name so I could put it up here. He had short dark brown hair and facial hair. Pathetic.
(1)
Rosie D.

This my usual sushi spot. I've taken several friends here when they wanted their first sushi expirience. I love this place. Me and my friend come here at least once a month for their happy hour specials which are half off certain foods, and cheap strong drinks. The location in Lombard I've found is bigger than the one on the Gold Coast but just as yummy. The rolls are a good size and I always get full! I have been there a few times and got questionable service (I once went and we never got our appetizers, I also one time went and the rolls were super small, and not that tasty) and the bathroom at the gold coast location is right off from the dinning room, and usually kinda grimy. But all in all it's still one of my favorite spots. No restaurant can be consistently perfect but this one is pretty decent!
(4)
Svitlana P.

It's not bad, but the quality of sushi seems a bit better at their Glenview location. Either way, you can't go wrong with their happy hr prices. A lot of rolls are half off!!!
(3)
Stephanie F.

Was visiting Chicago for just a few nights, and happened upon this place per the recommendation of the concierge at our hotel. So happy we ended up here! I'm from LA so have eaten lots of good sushi, and this place impressed me. We showed up on a Sunday night I think...and it was packed. We opted to sit at the sushi bar instead of wait for a table, and we had a very pleasant experience. The highlights of the night were the Monkey Roll and Vegetable Tempura roll (both vegetarian). There were some other rolls ordered with ahi, a couple salads, and the shishito peppers which are NOT to be missed! So incredibly tasty. Sushi chefs were great. I was very impressed with the presentation of the rolls. Service was super friendly. Only complaint would be the music was really loud! Even sitting next to each other at the bar, it was hard to hear. Otherwise, pretty perfect!
(4)
Jamie M.

I love the decor! This place has a great vibe and ambiance. We sat at the sushi bar which was a great choice. You just hand the menu over the counter and the sushi chef takes care of everything. There were some great deals for Happy Hour too. The tunacado was our favorite... it had a ponzu sauce that was out of this world. I would go back just for that tunacado dish. On the other hand, we tried the crispy spicy tuna (and I am a huge fan of tuna) but it was bland and I could not taste anything but fried-ness. The staff was very attentive and on top of their game. Our only mark-downs are that the lighting made the menus a little hard to read and the hot towels were given to us in the middle of our meal so they were cold by the time we used them. We felt like were were having sushi in a club lounge. If are looking for a great drink- the cosmopolitan was phenomenal.
(4)
Nicole C.

I love that RA has outdoor seating in the summer. I mean, who doesn't want to dine al fresco?! (Wait....there's got to be a word for "dining outside" that's not Italian, right?!) Anyway, a couple of friends and I left the book fair at the Newberry Library and planned go to next door to Bistrot Zinc for a French lunch.....until we spotted RA's outdoor patio. In Chicago you must take advantage of eating outside while you can. :) I had the Lunch Sushi Assortment (California Roll & 1 piece each of Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail & Shrimp). Hard to believe that it was only $11, but I wasn't disappointed. Sure, it wasn't the BEST sushi I've had, but not the worst either. Definitely a good place to grab a quick bit to eat if you're in the area and want sushi/Japanese food.
(4)
CÃ©lÃ¨ste B.

My friend (a local) brought me here while I was visiting, saying it was a favorite. I was quite frankly blown away. I love when a restaurant isn't afraid to get creative, and Ra certainly is not. Their "chips and salsa" (wanton chips served with spicy tuna mixed with fresh salsa) sounded a bit crazy but turned out to be crazy good. I want some right now! Then there was the spicy tuna served on balled of crunchy rice. I would eat that all day long every day if I could.
(5)
Yaw N.

This is far from the best sushi I've ever had. But it's really, really good.. Especially for the price. First of all they have a great selection of sushi and sashimi. I loved everything that I had. They also had really cheap beers which was great. The added bonus of this place is that non-sushi lovers such as my girlfriend can find things on the menu that aren't that scary to eat. An obvious choice is the tempura, but also take a look at a few of the rolls that do not have raw fish. Overall, this is a good choice and change up for a dinner date.
(3)
Juliana R.

Happy hour everyday from 3-7pm, u can't beat that!
(4)
Nadeem P.

So this place is a chain, we used to frequent the locations in Texas when we lived there for their happy hours. They have the same deals here, and the food is very consistent. Their sushi rolls are good, and you can't beat their $6 beer & sake specials, which run all day long. Great place and great prices during happy hour, outside of that I would say it's a bit overpriced as most sushi spots are...
(3)
Heather P.

I've eaten at all of the RA's around Chicago and for whatever reason; the food just tastes better to me here. The Las Vegas roll is the best. There's a hot ambiance with red lighting and a sexier looking decor. I love the floor to ceiling windows that look out onto Division. You can easily have a nice sit-down dinner in the dining room or grab a seat and a sake bomb at the bar. Prices are slightly higher than other neighborhood sushi bars, but it's consistently good and has a higher end feel to it. I'll also throw in there that I'm generally not a fan of chain restaurants so this really is saying a lot, coming from me.
(4)
Beth P.

Aw c'mon yelpers, this place isn't that bad... HALF OFF Monday-Friday 3-7pm (not everything on the menu, but a lot). We love the "tootsy" roll, and the "Viva Las Vegas" roll, seriously yummy times. Lobster spring rolls- so good, but not worth it unless its half-off time. The mango margaritas aren't bad for $5 happy hour either. Great people-watching spot on their patio. Mind the disgruntled hostess and unamused servers, they can't stop me from getting tasty sale sushi.
(3)
Cindy K.

Don't go here unless it's for the happy hour special menu. Otherwise, it's really not worth it. Sushi isn't that fresh and the rolls are filled with mayo and fried crap. The cucumber kimchee salad is disgusting. Service was fine. The food was lackluster.
(2)
Barbara B.

Happy Hour. That one joyous part of the work week where, with the help of cheap drinks and appetizers, a working woman can blow off some steam from having that particularly stressful job that she wishes she could quit. Ra's does happy hour right! 1/2 off a HUGE selection of Sushi. 1/2 off tons of appetizers. cheap cheap drinks ($2 sake, $4 lemon drop, etc.) Does this place have the most authentic sushi? nope. Does it have kind of loud clubby music in the background? yep. Are some of the waiters kind of rude? you betcha. Do I love it? YES. I like going with friends, getting a huge variety of sushi and appetizers (the tempura calamari is out of this world delicious and under $4 when it's 1/2 off and huge enough to split between 4 people).
(5)
Samra M.

I wish you had a buffet menu -Expensive -The sushi is good -but still expensive -tiny place
(3)
Karyn S.

The sushi was just o.k. we ordered a noodle dish and it was extremely sweet, bleh. If you don't generally like sweet foods they use the same sweet sauce on their sushi too. Music too loud, ambiance a bit too dark. Okay if you're going there for a drink.
(1)
Rob S.

The staff is super nice, and the food is good. My faves were tempura calamari and the Hot Mess roll, which were actually great. The crowd and the decor, on the other hand, made for douchey sushi. I'd go here again, but not on the weekend and certainly not for dinner. Lunch would be perfect.
(3)
Rhonna V.

I've always been a fan. I like to go during Happy Hour because of the $2 Hot Sake and all my favorite rolls or on the Happy Hour menu. Its not the greatest sushi I've ever had, but for the price it's the only place I'll go for bargain sushi.
(4)
Gayatri D.

From a vegetarian perspective, I'd give the place 2 stars because we had 4 options to choose from. We had the pineapple & cheese wantons (not bad) and vegetarian roll (not bad). But my carnivore husband thoroughly enjoyed his calamari, spicy tuna roll & caterpillar roll. Still doesn't excuse the mediocre, watered down cocktails and non availability of Japanese beers on tap. Plus points - Great music and even better service.
(3)
Seth M.

If you are going to eat here come between 6-7 pm when a bunch of their rolls are half price. If I was paying full price I would give this place one or two stars, but at half-price it is a solid 3-4 star sushi place. The only roll I've had here that was exceptional was the Las Vegas Roll! The Ra-king shrimp is pretty good, so is the spicy yellowtail. But its only good, not great. COME FOR HAPPY HOUR THOUGH FOR HALF PRICE SUSHI!
(3)
Ashlee V.

"Meh" really is the perfect word to describe this place. We went for St. Patty's Day and it was packed. And super, ridiculously loud. I had to strain to hear the person next to me. It wasn't that the food was bad, it just wasn't great. I've had better sushi in Madison and with cheaper prices, at that. And the girl who was our waitress was barely there when we would have liked to have had a refill. Since we were placed far in the corner, we couldn't really get her attention that easily and our sushi chef had to do it for us--at least he was kind and paying attention! However, the one thing this place has going for it? That ginger/spicy sugar snap pea tapas dish. Holy god, the things I'd do to get that recipe are incredible, but it was really amazing. Fresh-tasting with a nice zing from the sriracha on the sides. It was perfectly cooked and seasoned; none of them were mushy, but they still had a nice firmness. I don't think I'd ever come back, but the sugar snap pea dish is kind of tempting. Maybe just not return later in the evenings.
(2)
Steve W.

Simply my favorite place to eat when I'm in Chicago. Great food! Great atmosphere! Great service!
(4)
Tony K.

An atmosphere that can't be beat. Lively crowd, small place, great prices. Can't wait to go back. The service was great - food came out fast. The scallops dynamite was just that - DYNAMITE!
(4)
Brittany K.

Was VERY busy on a weekday night and seemed to take FOREVER to get our food and then our waiter got the app order wrong, and seemed like he forgot to put in our sushi order and then blamed it on the kitchen (I hate that). Regardless, we are pretty laid back, and the food was really good...so we didn't really complain.
(4)
Jelena Z.

Because Ra is a non-traditional sushi restaurant, I'm writing a non-traditional review. In solidarity. I'm going to pull a sneaky maneuver and ruin the experience for you now, instead of suspending your disbelief until the very end. It's ironic that the first item on the menu, the Pineapple Cheese Wontons, may be the only edible foodstuff that Ra creates (distributes may be a more fitting word). Even more disturbing-- have you ever had fried wontons that didn't taste good? Still, I'm going to give Ra one star for those wontons. They kept me somewhat satiated while waiting almost 15 minutes for my cocktail, a Pamatini. I've never been to the Chicago Ra on a weeknight, but on this particular Sat. evening, the music was LOUD. As their website promises, the music is "PUMPING". I love meeting friends that I haven't seen in months only to discover that their lip-reading skills don't quite measure up to Ra's standards. I used to frequent the Ra in San Diego on certain weeknights for cheap happy hour specials: $2 seaweed salad, edamame, and classic rolls. Decent drink specials, too. On one of my more daring excursions to the San Diego Ra, I tried the spicy tuna rolls, which were completely average. Back to the Chicago Ra. As history tends to repeat itself, so do I. I ordered the spicy tuna rolls for my main course, and not only are the rolls tiny, they're lackluster. No taste whatsoever. Maybe they somehow remove the flavor components as to not offend? It's a mystery, I guess. In Ra's defense, we stopped here after a long day of shopping on Mag Mile/Oak St., well aware that Ra is no Sushi Wabi, Heat or Coast. Proximity + a lack of Sat. night dinner reservations = Ra. And Ra = blah.
(2)
Jonathan L.

The first and only time I've been here, I ordered the chicken katsu. It was just ok. I'm really picky when it comes to chicken katsu. There are a lot of restaurants that don't prepare it properly, and RA is definitely one of them.
(3)
Niya K.

So I want to start by saying that I wish we had known about the Happy Hour. We came here on a Saturday afternoon at 3:00, but didn't order until 3:45. We ordered some typical things (california, philadelphia, and spicy salmon). But we also ordered some of their specialities. Everything was really good. My friends shared the teriyaki chicken and they said it was really tasty. Since I don't eat meat I asked if they could make it with just vegetables and rice. The waitress and chef were accommodating by charging me for a side of rice and a side for vegetables. My friends were right it was super tasty. As we sat there we noticed that new diners were getting a menu labeled happy hour. We asked to see it. Pretty much everything we ordered was now half price. This. Was.Devastating. We talked to our waitress about it and she said , "well I guess you know for next time" ::sad face:: really? I know it probably would have been extra work for her, but our bill literally would have been halved, so i get it, but I was still saddened a little. My friends decided they wanted to order dessert. They ordered the mochi. They were enjoying it until they got hit in the face with a pungent onion taste. They sent it back and they were super accommodating by bringing another one out. So all in all I would recommend this place for happy hour. It's definitely Americanized sushi downtown so its more expensive and definitely not authentic. But if you are getting off from work and need a drink and some good eats this is the place to go.
(3)
Krystle S.

I've been to the Ra Sushi in the Glen plenty of times before, but this was my first time at the State St location. I came here alone for lunch after classes, and wanted a small meal. I'm always a big fan of places that have lunch/Happy Hour deals. I had the Viva Las Vegas roll and a Lemon Drop. The food tasted the same as any other Ra Sushi and the drink was also made well. The server was nice enough to stop by now and then for a short conversation. That was something she didn't have to do, and I appreciated the effort she made. (She probably felt that I was lonely lol so cute) Anyways, it's a pretty solid place to have a quite lunch.
(4)
Heaven M.

This place was on my list of places not to return to. Yet I did. This is a reminder not to. The sushi was very bland and rubbery. We were there during happy hour, but no happy hour menu was presented. The service was fine. I feel bad writing a bad review as this is not about that. They just really need to improve the quality of their kitchen. I feel like it was a total waste of money. Although I did enjoy the beer.
(2)
brad p.

Do you like to pretend you like sushi? Are you from the suburbs and want to come "downtown" and have fake sushi in a club? Do you think real sushi has beef, cream cheese and cooked fish in it? Then come to Ra! If you can suspend the thought that you're having sushi, you'll enjoy Ra. Because you're not having sushi. We struggled to find rolls that were real sushi and had to order the Beef Tataki roll because we only found three others that weren't fried or didn't have cream cheese. We thought based on the description maybe it would be a nice addition to the real sushi. It was one of the most disgusting things I've ever had. It was supposed to come with a wasabi cream sauce -- it really came with Kraft Lite Italian salad dressing. The Tsunami Salmon roll had no flavor. The Spicy Tuna was OK and the Rainbow seemed a little frozen. The ceviche, short ribs and spicy tuna appetizers were good and the waitress gave me a good sake recommendation that was not the most expensive bottle on the menu. But it is so loud in there and with all the d-bags drinking $2 cans of PBR (happy hour prices are good), it seemed like we were in one of the Division Street bars not in an allegedly upscale sushi restaurant. There are a number of good sushi restaurants right around Ra, not to mention the rest of the city. Unless you like everything fried or to have cream cheese in it, as the majority of the specialty maki did, go somewhere else.
(2)
Jennifer Q.

I ate here last week with a friend after work. It was pretty good! The atmosphere was dark and moody (sort of a red glow to a dark room); I enjoy dance music and the bumpin' club songs were making me want to dance -a pretty happening venue for a Wednesday night at 6pm! I have to say, they were pretty crowded and we were lucky to get a seat at the bar. Despite how busy it was, we were served and ate in about 40 minutes flat! (My friend had to rush off to an event she was hosting and we got stuck in a little traffic getting there.) I'm not sure if other rooms are a little more quiet, but it would be a good "glamorous" place to go on a weeknight date. The ambiance is pretty impressive. It felt very Vegas -but in a glam way, not a tacky, chain smoking gambling way. It was a good place. I would be interested to go back and sit at a table and have a little more time to soak it all in!
(3)
Arlene C.

RA has a great lunch menu. Tasty bento boxes sure to feed a hungry appetite.
(3)
Theresa C.

Happy Hour Sushi. I like it. I like it, a lot. Food; The sushi was good, it's clearly a chain restaurant, there are a lot of things on the menu that aren't sushi, and it all sounds pretty good. The happy hour special makes it all half-price, which is awesome. I don't know that I would ever come here without the special since I could just go to Para II. One of the rolls we ordered had cream-cheese in it, it did taste good, but I really don't know how I feel about it and if you're a sushi purest, you probably won't dig it. Booze: During happy hour they have $3 Thai Beer. Oh it's really one of my favorites. The Saki is also on special (if that's you're thing). It's pretty pricey during the not-so-happy hours. Atmosphere: It was kind of dark, and very loud. It felt like eating in a club, it was hard to have a conversation and honestly I just like to be able to see my food when I eat it. The tables are almost too small for the size of the serving platters. Service: It took a really long time for anyone to come talk to us at all and then almost 10 minutes for us to get our first round of drinks. They came almost at the same time as the food. We were brought the wrong table's order once and one of our orders went to our neighbors. It didn't seem like the staff were paying attention or cared about how our meal was going. I wouldn't come here except for the happy hour specials, it's not super great, but it is good sushi.
(3)
Dan K.

Last night my buddy were roaming around the Yorktown area looking for a place to eat in this restaurant booming area. We decided on Ra. We didn't have a reservation and it was pretty packed, but the sushi bar was open so we got to sit down right away. +1 The service was quick, very quick for sushi especially on a busy night, maybe cause we were at the bar? +1 The server was helpful and friendly and attentive, and she gave us good sake recommendations. Also very nice atmosphere and decor. +1 The prices were relatively cheap and the cuts were not skimpy, and the food tasted good also, maybe not the best I've had, but still very good. +1 If I could rate half stars, I'd probably go with 3.5. I don't want to go too crazy cause there are definitely better places. But for a Saturday night, I was pleased. My only slight complaint is they try to be too hip. too modern. And their specials are very fusion style.
(4)
Eric H.

Always loved Ra. I don't know why I waited so long to write a review about this place. The staff is what sets it apart. Everyone that works there is super nice and knowledgable about each of the unique dishes. The atmosphere is really cool. They also play the best music for a restaurant. I usually go for lunch but Ra is a great place for dinner but if you can stop by for their happy hour. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Brett F.

This place is still open???? Ugh, it shouldn't be..... The food and service are terrible. I once threw up on my way home from dinner here. Such a shame too, the Ra in Tempe was a staple for me throughout college and it was damn good (at least back then). We have sooooo many really fantastic options in Chicago for sushi. This is not one of them.
(2)
B K.

The food was pretty good, and the waitress was really nice. So why one star? We came for the weeknight happy hour, which runs from 5-7. We arrived at 6:35, and was told by the hostess there was a 20 minute wait. I expressed my concern that we wouldn't be seated in time to take advantage of the happy hour prices (RA is pretty overpriced otherwise), and she said it would be fine: If it didn't look like a seat would be available, she'd let us know ten minutes to 7:00 how we could order our food from the bar and take it to a table when it became available. Well, 6:50 came and went, and no visit from the hostess. A table had just opened up, but the hostess was having a conversation with other guests and co-workers. By the time she got back to us and seated us at the table that had been staring at us longingly for about 10 minutes, it was after 7:00. As she seated us, I attempted to confirm with her that we would still be given the happy hour prices, since she never came to send us to the bar to make our order, and because the table had been sitting open since before 7:00 while she chatted with co-workers. She promptly declined, and told us that because it was after 7:00, we would be charged full price. I reminded her about her offer to have us order at the bar should it look like we weren't going to be seated in time. Well, it seems her "recollection" of that conversation was a little different than that of mine or my fiance - and didn't involve her doing any of the things she said she would. So we were given the option of staying and paying full price, or leaving. We were starving, and we had already been waiting 30 minutes. It was all unfortunate, because the food and service (other than the hostess) was good, and RA seems to be getting a bad rap in the reviews lately. As it stands though, I was very disappointed that we were lied to. I suppose a word to the wise: if you're interested in taking advantage of the RA happy hour, be there an hour early, and if it doesn't look like you're going to be seated in time, don't believe the hostess when she tells you it's going to be fine - just leave. I'd be happy to change this to a positive review, given the otherwise positive experience, on the condition that I receive a gift certificate/credit for the full price of our meal (thus giving us the half-off we were to get).
(1)
Michelle S.

This place as NOSE DIVED into chain sushi hell. I can't believe I ever liked this place. Sooo I hadn't been here in a while. They've changed the menu & removed my beloved Atlantic roll?! The similar roll costs $3.00 more than my already-expensive-for-chain-restaurant-sushi Atlantic roll. Waiter unapologetic & doesn't offer to have them make me an Atlantic anyway. Hmm....The W Lakeshore makes my calamari even though it's off the menu. Hell Cheesecake Factory makes my bruschetta even though IT'S off the menu. I order shrimp tempura roll & calamari app. Waiter gets order wrong; doesn't apologize. Gives wrong order back to sushi chef (I use "Chef" loosely) and tells him to "sell it to someone else". Shrimp tempura worse than mediocre. Bad rice. Ginger wasn't fresh. "Crab" not real crab. It's some kind of weird room-temperature imitation ewwwiness ( just made that word up). "Calamari" served...well it's cheaper, greaser, unstrained second cousin dressed in wasabi powder? Check please. Guy brings check. Sees that I left all the calamari on the plate. Doesn't ask to wrap it up and doesn't ask why I am a clearly disgusted with this place. Keeps calling me Dear like I'm his little sister. Boooo on you RA! You suck!! I will never ever evvvvver return.
(1)
Noah L.

Happy hour only. Pretty lame sushi, though good for beginners. Nice staff
(2)
Jing C.

The hubby and I ate lunch here and it was delish! Fresh fresh sushi, decent prices and clean decor. Probably the best sushi spot in the Gold Coast/Streeterville area. We both had the sashimi lunch combo with solid cuts of fish, miso soup, rice and salad. Not a bad amount of food for the price.
(4)
Ben H.

*boom**tsk**boom**boom**tsk* *boom**tsk**boom**boom**tsk* *boom**tsk**boom**boom**tsk* *boom**tsk**boom**boom**tsk* Iiiiiiiiii'm eatin' nigiriiiiiii, in da cluuuuuuuuub Six pieces of nigiriiiiiii, in da cluuuuuuuuub Sake, toro and hamachiiiiiii, in da cluuuuuuuuub All tasteless and shitiiiiiii, in da cluuuuuuuuub 22 bucks makes me angriiiiiii, in da cluuuuuuuuub Time for hara-kiriiiiiii, in da cluuuuuuuuub *boom**tsk**boom**boom**tsk* *boom**tsk**boom**boom**tsk* *boom**tsk**boom**boom**tsk* *boom**tsk**boom**boom**tsk* Dumbest review ever!!! 2
(2)
Lisa T.

"Shiso Naughty".... best drink name ever. And if you like fruity pink drinks, perhaps best drink ever too..... I actually much preferred the Saketini (so good!). So yes..... this place is basically what I would refer to as "sushi for my parents". It's a CHAIN for goodness sakes; I find it hard to believe that people are actually expecting much more out of such a place. Practically everything is some type of glorified california roll, or tempura, or is "sushi" that is actually seared beef. That doesn't mean it doesn't taste good. Frankly, the shrimp tempura roll I shared with my friend rocked my socks off. The rainbow roll we shared was average. The service here has been very good in my experience. Very attentive servers. We sat at the sushi bar, and the chef accidentally missed one of the rolls we marked on our order sheet. He apologized like 4 times and comped us each a delicious (huge!) piece of tuna nigiri. It was mucho appreciated by both of us. So... all in all, fun atmosphere, good drinks and good service. The food in general is tasty, and in general isn't "traditional" sushi. Some of the more traditional sushi rolls are average at best. I would stick to ordering the "specialty" items that yes, are not sushi, but are tasty delicious!
(4)
Vi N.

My friend and I went here for their happy hour special and it was awesome! Half off sushi and drinks? I'm down. It's a cute little place for dates. I wouldn't come here with a big party. The bar and dining area was packed. The sushi was good... it wasn't the best though. However, I think the decor and the feel of the place made up for the sushi. They played top forty songs in the background, so that was fun in comparison to the cheesy music played at other sushi joints.
(4)
Gina L.

I've come here pretty often through the years when I'm in town for work, cause I love their soft shell crab. Previously, the service has been typical, nothing big to complain about or boast about. However,during my last visit the service was more than EXCEPTIONAL! It was a busy late lunch hour on a Friday. The host greeted and sat us promptly. Our order was a little delayed but the staff and mananger QUICKLY recognized the issue. Instead of waiting for the complaint or ignoring the problem. The waitress and manager addressed the situation before we got TOO hungry and irratable. He took the appetizers of the bill, added some cocktails and offered us dessert. He also checked in on us again to make sure we were happy guests. It was nice to see that the staff and management was aware of their guests needs and dealt with anything before there was a problem.
(5)
Jim W.

Pam Z's review is pretty spot on. You don't come here for the sushi. The fish is average for Chicago (which means worse than average if you actually like sushi) and served at room temperature, but decently sized. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but something was off about the sushi rice, perhaps not enough vinegar? When dipped in soy sauce, my nigiri experienced "fallen soldier" more often than I cared to count. Came in for Happy Hour on a Mon, for a snack before actual dinner. The 1/2 off list is small, but ok to satisfy the casual sushi eater. The $1 hot sake should be the target order, but the $3 martinis are cheap too. The sushi doesn't really end up being all that cheap, just cheaper than normal if you tried to make a meal out of it. They really turn up the music in this joint, I think the decibel level went up a few notches just before I left. Pretty uniform clientele though, gold coast blond heads everywhere, but it does make for a scene and is probably a decent launching pad for a good night out.
(3)
Amy V.

We just returned from a trip to Ra Sushi for lunch and had a terrible experience. I have been here a few times before and it seems as though each time something slips. This time our service was horrendous, the food was terrible and our overall experience after 1 1/2 hours sitting there with zero attention was horrific. I am a sushi lover and have dined at many places that will continue to get my business, Ra sushi is not one of those places. By the way, I ordered super white tuna and it took the waitress 30 minutes to tell me the fish was frozen and would not be able to be served. She asked if I wanted albacore, after clarifying and saying if it's white I'll have it if it's red no thank you - they still served it (luke warm and slimy) and charged me for it. One of several examples from today's bad experience.
(1)
christine p.

RA has an amazing happy hour which I love! Where else can you get a belly full of sushi and beer for less than 25 bucks? (a person) Their sushi is usually pretty fresh, but the cuts of nigiri are really small. I guess for 2$ for 2 pieces you really can't complain though! However I wouldnt go to RA unless it was for happy hour, the food is good but not THAT good.
(3)
Kate C.

I went here on a Thursday night with my dad for a late dinner. The place seemed pretty trendy, probably a good spot to go on the weekend with friends. It was quite loud, so keep that in mind if you want to have easy conversation or if you are going with anyone with hearing issues. We shared some edamame, which was $4 for a pretty small portion. For dinner I got the monkey tail roll, an interesting vegetarian combination of mango, cream cream, artichoke, and roasted red pepper...maybe a few more ingredients I am forgetting. I had never had anything like that before and I would definitely get it again. I also had a california roll, which was pretty good as well. Although the sushi is pricey, it does come with 8 pieces, as opposed to some places that serve 6. I also hear that the happy hour is a great deal for 1/2 price sushi if you want to dine on the earlier side. My dad had the chicken teryaki, which had a nice presentation of chicken, rice, and vegetables. It seemed like a good amount of food for the price. The desserts with fried bananas all sounded great, but unfortunately I didn't have any this time. I think I'd go back to this place, especially during happy hour. It might be a bit expensive for carry-out, but I'm not sure what other sushi options exist on the Gold Coast, especially with such a great selection of interesting maki rolls.
(4)
Jocelyn L.

"Spicy ahi was pretty good. Other dishes was OK"
(3)
Mary S.

Came here again not long ago for a last-minute date due to its convenience factor (a block from my house). I was hoping things had changed, and since it wasn't a happy hour, the music wouldn't be so brutally loud. The joke was on me (and my date). We could barely hear each other, it was tough to sustain a conversation. Moreover, the music was far from the neutral or pleasant kind you expect to hear in restaurants. Whoever makes their marketing decisions must be a highly unique person... I walked out annoyed from the noise and metal/rock music, with a headache, and a firm decision to never go back.
(1)
J. S.

One of the first things we discussed once we sat down was the decor. Something about it screamed "We really are trying to get with it but we just can not quite get it." It also screamed "chain restaurant." The fish was good....the cocktails NOT so good. Tokyo Tower - gross Ra Pleasure - wayyy too sweet Saketini - pure alcohol...but not the tastiest (in my opinion) Service was pretty good. The music was cheese central....dance music from the 90s and old hip hop (I like old school hip hop BUT it just did not seem to go with the meal. I was not really interested in listening to "It takes 2") Nothing else at this place really stood out to me. Nothing less, nothing more.
(3)
Kelly S.

Good place for happy hour for drinks and sushi. They have a nice patio for the summertime too.
(4)
Brad F.

I love coming here for sushi. My favorite roll here is the las vegas roll. It always hits the spot. Service was great, drinks were awesome. My buddy enjoyed his meal too. my friend ordered a bunch of different rolls that I never would i tried and they were all fantastic!
(4)
Amy V.

We just returned from a trip to Ra Sushi for lunch and had a terrible experience. I have been here a few times before and it seems as though each time something slips. This time our service was horrendous, the food was terrible and our overall experience after 1 1/2 hours sitting there with zero attention was horrific. I am a sushi lover and have dined at many places that will continue to get my business, Ra sushi is not one of those places. By the way, I ordered super white tuna and it took the waitress 30 minutes to tell me the fish was frozen and would not be able to be served. She asked if I wanted albacore, after clarifying and saying if it's white I'll have it if it's red no thank you - they still served it (luke warm and slimy) and charged me for it. One of several examples from today's bad experience.
(1)
Kate C.

I went here on a Thursday night with my dad for a late dinner. The place seemed pretty trendy, probably a good spot to go on the weekend with friends. It was quite loud, so keep that in mind if you want to have easy conversation or if you are going with anyone with hearing issues. We shared some edamame, which was $4 for a pretty small portion. For dinner I got the monkey tail roll, an interesting vegetarian combination of mango, cream cream, artichoke, and roasted red pepper...maybe a few more ingredients I am forgetting. I had never had anything like that before and I would definitely get it again. I also had a california roll, which was pretty good as well. Although the sushi is pricey, it does come with 8 pieces, as opposed to some places that serve 6. I also hear that the happy hour is a great deal for 1/2 price sushi if you want to dine on the earlier side. My dad had the chicken teryaki, which had a nice presentation of chicken, rice, and vegetables. It seemed like a good amount of food for the price. The desserts with fried bananas all sounded great, but unfortunately I didn't have any this time. I think I'd go back to this place, especially during happy hour. It might be a bit expensive for carry-out, but I'm not sure what other sushi options exist on the Gold Coast, especially with such a great selection of interesting maki rolls.
(4)
Jocelyn L.

"Spicy ahi was pretty good. Other dishes was OK"
(3)
Mary S.

Came here again not long ago for a last-minute date due to its convenience factor (a block from my house). I was hoping things had changed, and since it wasn't a happy hour, the music wouldn't be so brutally loud. The joke was on me (and my date). We could barely hear each other, it was tough to sustain a conversation. Moreover, the music was far from the neutral or pleasant kind you expect to hear in restaurants. Whoever makes their marketing decisions must be a highly unique person... I walked out annoyed from the noise and metal/rock music, with a headache, and a firm decision to never go back.
(1)
J. S.

One of the first things we discussed once we sat down was the decor. Something about it screamed "We really are trying to get with it but we just can not quite get it." It also screamed "chain restaurant." The fish was good....the cocktails NOT so good. Tokyo Tower - gross Ra Pleasure - wayyy too sweet Saketini - pure alcohol...but not the tastiest (in my opinion) Service was pretty good. The music was cheese central....dance music from the 90s and old hip hop (I like old school hip hop BUT it just did not seem to go with the meal. I was not really interested in listening to "It takes 2") Nothing else at this place really stood out to me. Nothing less, nothing more.
(3)
Kelly S.

Good place for happy hour for drinks and sushi. They have a nice patio for the summertime too.
(4)
Brad F.

I love coming here for sushi. My favorite roll here is the las vegas roll. It always hits the spot. Service was great, drinks were awesome. My buddy enjoyed his meal too. my friend ordered a bunch of different rolls that I never would i tried and they were all fantastic!
(4)
christine p.

RA has an amazing happy hour which I love! Where else can you get a belly full of sushi and beer for less than 25 bucks? (a person) Their sushi is usually pretty fresh, but the cuts of nigiri are really small. I guess for 2$ for 2 pieces you really can't complain though! However I wouldnt go to RA unless it was for happy hour, the food is good but not THAT good.
(3)
Annie T.

Ok, so what... it's totally a chain, I know. but first 2 things that win my heart over: 1. 2 block radius from my apt 2. 1/2 off happy hour!!! from 3-7pm. Great drink specials, 1/2 off sushi rolls and appetizers 3. they love TEMPURA (yes, i know... totally beginner's sushi but so what-- i love it) what we ordered: lobster spring rolls (great little tease, tied us over until our rolls made it to the table) viva las vegas (MY FAVORITE ROLL) crazy monkey roll (great flavors) crispy spicy tuna (i would certainly NOT recommend this one. why not? it's served on top of deep fried rice. sure, that sounds delicious to any fat kid, right? not so much... it's super super crunchy and hard to bite into. no bueno.) overall, we had a great experience. we were immediately seated (upon 5pm arrival), the food came out fast, there were good menu options and the prices were cheap (considering the HH specials. i would never eat here without that special.)
(3)
Dan L.

Ra has a very good variety of sushi and signature suchi creations that are very good. Each time I have been there I have tried something new along with my other favorites. The only reason it gets 4 stars and not 5 is that it is often very crowded and loud. These are problems that are just the nature of a busy restaurant but it was tough to have a conversation when we were there on a Friday night for dinner. We will keep coming back.
(4)
cassie r.

I especially enjoyed the pineapple wontons (though it's a small app. for a table of four) and the campaign sampler (the "barack attack" was a bit more palatable, but if you like spicy you'll probably prefer the "mccain terrain"). The plum wine was a surprisingly nice and aromatic treat too. However, the service my friends and I received overshadowed our entire experience, as it was especially terrible and disappointing. My friend found a large piece of plastic in her sushi, and after telling the waitress, she never once received an apology. Instead, the waitress just took the food away without a word, and from that point on, rarely came back to our table unless we hailed her over to get a refill or our check. When we spoke to the manager on duty about the issue, he literally laughed, and also never apologized. It was such bad service that even if the food had been amazing, I don't think I would go back. Since it wasn't even nearly that good, I'm definitely not returning.
(1)
Elaine C.

Happy hour is the sh*t.
(4)
Mark L.

Ra is my go-to place for sushi in my neighborhood. They have some great original rolls including the las vegas and the gojira. But my favorite times to go are for lunch or happy hour (especially sundays). For lunch you can get 12 pieces of sashimi for 12.95 and it comes with rice, miso and salad. Happy hour has many rolls and pieces on special, and sundays are especially vibrant. They usually play loud music and it stays pretty dim, the feel is lively but comfortable. It's on the small side, so it fills up pretty quick. Worth going to more for the atmosphere than the sushi, although the sushi is decent, and well priced if you go at the right time.
(4)
Tony U.

Ra Sushi is an interesting place to eat dinner. Like another reviewer, I came here on a Monday when it was a slow night. From what I recall, the interior is dark and the service was reasonable. All in all, the place was ok. Just nothing was memorably great. I'd come here again though. There seems to be a fun, friendly social atmosphere. There's a retro feel about this place. One way or another, I cannot scream "I love this place" but at the same time, I will not tell you it's horrible either.
(3)
Laura R.

Uuuh how do $10 cocktails qualify as happy hours specials? I came here hearing good things about the happy hour and left disappointed. I had a veggie combo roll that was the worst I've ever had - no flavor whatsoever. This place has an extremely limited veg selection, an unimpressive happy hour and crappy food - I will definitely not be back. However the service was friendly they weren't annoyed when I obnoxiously changed my party from 2 to 5 after we had been seated - so they get a star for that.
(1)
Lauren H.

My boyfriend and I love love love this place. Our favorite bartender, Mark, works there. He is so friendly and always knows exactly what we order. It is so nice honestly to have a place where people remember you and treat you well again and again. My favorite Sushi place EVER!!!! Service is great and the food is too.
(5)
Sarah Z.

Meh. The first time I had the unfortunate experience of dining at Ra was in Scottsdale. This time, I was smart enough to order beer. My friend, not so lucky. She tried a cucumber martini and it was loaded with syrup. We had a scallop sashimi thing with hazelnuts, mango and kiwi that sounded divine but tasted like... nothing. And the scallops were raw. We ordered two rolls that were just okay. Good thing they can't mess up edamame. I will never go back to another Ra again, so long as I shall live. Cross my heart and hope to die.
(2)
Katy W.

I love their Las Vegas Roll. Good Sushi.
(4)
Doraemen C.

Great environment! If you want to try traditional sushi, it maybe not the best place for try, but their creative sushi is so great than i expected. You must try those 'RA must haves" on the menu. Excellent!
(4)
Marie G.

Happy hour sushi and the Viva Las Vegas roll bump up a review for what is otherwise a mediocre sushi restaurant. Don't order nigiri or sashimi here - though the fish tasted pretty fresh, the cuts were done sloppily, perhaps without the correct knife, training, or both. Lots of "white people" sushi abounded - mayo, tempura crumbs, unagi sauce, etc - but overall they were tasty. I wouldn't come here unless I was in the area around happy hour.
(3)
Lauren M.

Hit or miss. Nothing special. Service slow. With so many other options in town, I'd skip.
(2)
Nicole B.

I thought this place was pretty good. I don't recommend it with a large party - they don't take reservations and it's rather small. The bathroom is single stall too, which is pretty irritating. At least there is a bar and they make their drinks strong. The special roll selection didn't have many choices - everything had cream cheese, shrimp, or something fried. Not good for this girl on WW who is allergic to shrimp. I had the sushi platter which was pretty good, not the biggest or best slices of fish, but still ok. They brought out a fried ice cream for my friend's birthday. That was delicious!
(3)
Nick C.

I didn't care for RA, I thought the over the top sushi rolls were meant to mask the true quality of this fish, and based off of 2 or 3 pieces of sashimi I tried, I was correct. If it were a little cheaper, maybe I'd bump my rating up, but no promises. Overall, there are way too many sushi places to try and not enough time, so I'd say, skip RA.
(1)
Alissa B.

So, I have lived around the corner from this place for a year and just tried it two weeks ago and I would go everyday if I could! Their half off special and $3 martinis are awesome! I always have the mango martinis which are great and the scallop dynamite is a must. Other things that are good: Las Vegas roll Tootsy maki calamari roll lobster roll Basically everything is good and the staff and decor is really great too!
(5)
D J.

I love sushi sans le poisson. I don't get too excited about my sushi options as they typically run the gamut from cucumber rolls to avocado rolls. But while yellow monkey sounds more like a drink than a maki roll, this mango laden maki as well as a healthy, delicious vegetarian roll at Ra, had me pretty thrilled and so here is the rah-rah for this restaurant! Saturday night, the Gold coast - I was almost ruing my decision to make it to Ra on a whim, without a reservation. Spirits lifted when we scored a nice seat in the bar area, which is great for watching the very good looking crowd crammed into the tiny but trendy space inside. Spirits of the liquid kind were equally stimulating - loved the Tokyo Tower, a deliciously refreshing spritzer trio of plum wine, peach schnapps and vodka. Add to this the pumping beats, a lively scene and a reasonable price tag - Ra certainly impressed on most quarters, except the service. I had plenty of time to read and re-read the sushi 101 and gaze at the emblems on my empty plate and getting the hostess' attention was no easy task. But otherwise, really liked my trip here and would definitely recommend Ra for some great, affordable Japanese food in the Gold Coast.
(4)
David K.

Count the stars....3. That's exactly how many times I've gotten sick after eating sushi from Ra. Shame on me! I should have learned my lesson. I used to hit it up all the time in Vegas, and loved it for a minute here in Chicago. I think Ra originally had the right concept, but has caught a nasty case of CRS (Chain Restaurant Syndrome). They are now are lacking in quality, service and authenticity. Their lackluster specialty rolls are a terrible attempt at Asian fusion and their yellow tail sashimi only goes down now when I chase it with hot saki. So why the 3 stars? Because this place used to be the bomb. I used to love this place. It was a good stop on Las Vegas blvd before going out, and always had the highest quality fish. I have no more excuses and will now search other user reviews for good sushi bars in Chicago. In the meantime, I'll try and deal with the sushi withdrawals as best as I can.
(3)
katsiaryna s.

Me and my husband went there on a crazy st. valentine's night. the wait was pretty short, appetizers were amazing, (calamari and yakitori) and the sushi-rolls were outstanding! We had plum wine,, which is my favorite. very young and hip! can't wait to come back!
(5)
Anjali B.

I came during happy hour with friends who swear by the place. I got a "crispy spicy tuna" roll that was so incredibly crispy that I felt like I was going to break my tooth on it. Ceviche appetizer was pretty good. Viva Las Vegas roll, also decent. The $2 sake made me happy. I would come for happy hour with friends but not for amazing food.
(3)
Jahi J.

This is my favorite Sushi spot until I find another that beats it. Every time I've gone it was on the fly bored on a Saturday night or something. The adventure is trying to find somewhere to park, 30 minutes or so sometimes. After that I've never been disappointed, actually one particular night it was ridiculously cold and getting inside was our salvation But they have an overall decent menu, a lot of good options even if you don't want sushi. It can be cramped in there I suppose but it's always been cool and the atmosphere is cool enough to have a drink and chat.
(4)
Alex F.

Wow, lots of haters on this one. I'm no sushi aficionado, so I'm probably not fully qualified to comment on the food itself. It tasted fine to me, and I didn't get sick. You can get both cheap and expensive sushi here, so I won't hear any complaints about food prices. I would categorize Ra as "neo sushi." It's the SoundBar of sushi places. Backlit, frosted glass around the bathrooms and edgy black and red stuff everywhere. Let me break it down analogy-style, like junior high: tavern:nightclub::sushi:Ra I wouldn't say that's innately bad, but if you're looking for an authentic Japanese place this is not it. I can't comment on the service because we were one of two tables there and my friend knew the server, but I do have to say that the presentation was very nice. Look, I've got a discount there now so I'm going back.
(3)
hapa l.

From a Japanese person's perspective, I would say that it's pretty bad. It's okay if you're interested in fast food Japanese but it's too pricey for that! I believe RA Sushi in the Goldcoast is surviving because it's a chain and they serve pricey exotic drinks. Meh
(1)
Abby T.

PROXIMITY CAN ONLY TAKE YOU SO FAR. Ra is soo close to my house, it's a damn shame that the food SUCKS. i've eaten here a number of times. I've NEVER been impressed w/ the food. Yesterday, we dined outside. We got no coasters, and i didn't even realize it, till about the 4th time the condensation from my drink hit me in the leg. Next, our sushi comes out.......no run-thru as to which rolls are which. No plates........the guy brings us plates....but no wasabi/soy saucers......which my lunchdate had to help himself to!!!! we were looking at the rolls for a good 3 mins before we could dig in. Now, from what i remembered and what was confirmed yesterday.......a lion share of the rolls at Ra have this "crab mix" in them. ummm....why? why do they all have this crab mix in them?? check it out, they ALL have the crab mix in it. and the spider roll had a strange, stale taste to it.
(2)
Steven M.

I came here for my B-day and the food was fabulous. Very healthy portitions and they all had distinctive tastes to them. The drinks were right on the money also. The service needs a bump or two. Most of the profits in a restaurant come from the bar. We were sitting there with empty glasses for about 10 minutes. Not good. Would I go back. Sure, but this isn't baseball. 2 strike you out!
(3)
Jo C.

I came with a friend last Saturday night. We came early so we didn't have to wait to be seated. We started dinner with a hot miso soup which was divine. I would recommended it to those you like to spice up their miso soup! then we order 4 different rolls, which started out okay..but as dinner went by, they got taster. and out of the 4 rolls I would recommend the viva las vegas roll! It's unique, something you can't get anywhere but at RA! like other yelpers have mentioned, it's a small restaurant, so come with a friend or two as it would be hard to seat large parties during dinner hours.
(4)
Marjorie F.

It's trendy and young, but as for the food... Well, I've had better sushi in this city. It's not awful, but it's nothing to write home about.
(2)
Tasha K.

High review for Happy Hour. Pretty good for regular sit down dinner. If you go, order the Viva Las Vegas roll--- amazingly sinful. Definitely not a healthy piece of sushi but something one must try. Certainly not the best sushi I've ever had (and I consider myself quite the expert) but it is good and I would eat there again. There are usually drink specials. We just went Saturday night around 11:30pm and you could get $2 sake, $3 beers, and a variety of other beverages for $5-$8--- same prices as happy hour, you just didn't get happy hour pricing for food.
(4)
Julie P.

I've been here a few times because I live right around the corner, and I love it! The service has been pretty good and the sushi never took as long as I expected it to. They have a great "fishbowl" drink too! Try the Atlantic roll, it was yummy! **Update** I went here with a friend on a Saturday night and wasn't as happy as the above review indicates....our server was slow at best, the roll I ordered (which I usually get) was mushy and flavorless....maybe I was spoiled by having it made especially well by a different chef during previous visits? Still no excuse, especially from a chain restaurant! Our berry martinis were good, but we had to add ice from our waters to make them a reasonably amount chilled. The mango margaritas we got were GROSS, we sent them back..I don't usually complain about there being too much alcohol in a drink, but as a bartender, I can appreciate knowing when enough is enough...i literally gagged at the first sip of the 3/4 tequila/1/4 sour mix margarita...it was disgusting. I'm really disappointed because RA is so close to my place, but I won't be back here for a long while...
(1)
Jason L.

My friend from out of town, and another from around the corner wanted sushi. Unfortunately, it was Saturday evening already (i.e. impossible to get a table at my first choices). So against my better judgment, we went to RA. The good thing is, we only had to wait 20 minutes (we were told 45), and the prices weren't outrageous. That being said, white tuna sashimi is the equivalent to japanese crack as far as I'm concerned. The white tuna here was completely uninspiring. As if to compensate for the lack of inspiration, our salmon sashimi was some of the best texture and taste any of us had before. The rolls left a little to be desired, but my opinion is that sushi = sashimi. So if rolls are your thing, you might read some of the other reviews. The atmosphere at RA is somewhere between a lounge and a restaurant. The music covered nearly every music genre, but it was pretty good. As for the sake . . . if you're like me, you probably know just enough about sake to confuse yourself with a decent sake menu. The menu here did not confuse, and we all enjoyed the 'Daiginjo's' they have available. One is for a whole bottle at $50, the other is a small bottle (about 3 sake glasses) at $12. They both were easy to drink and good for sake beginners and experts. Overall, if you want reasonably priced sushi and no hassle about reservations, RA is your place. If you're looking for that amazing sushi experience you tell your friends about, book ahead and check out Mirai.
(3)
Eddie S.

try the caterpillar roll!!
(5)
T T.

Amazing! Loud, but amazing! Not a good first date place but great with friends...
(4)
Diana F.

my fiance and i live so close to this restaurant we decided it was worth a try. we were very hungry and hoping for a relatively quick bite to eat, and got our expectations' asses kicked by the service. Our waitress was so freakin slow, wasn't particularly friendly (neither was the hostess for that matter), and overcharged me on the drinks then tried to blame it on someone else. which reminds me.... the drinks $6 special on cosmos convinced me to get one, and boy was that a mistake. it tasted like it was made out of cheap liquor i wouldn't even drink as an underage freshman in college! really horrible. the food... lobster spring rolls were okay, yakisoba had no flavor except bad. i must say though, the ahi tuna that i ordered was excellent! wasabi mashed potatoes were perfectly soft and spicy and the tuna was cooked just how i like it. overall a great dish, but not great enough to merit another trip. also, the atmosphere is kind of stupid and the music was total crap. thanks for the delicious tuna, but i will not be going back.
(2)
polymorphyc g.

This place is decent for a chain and the price is just right for a lunch. A little trendy for me personally, but I still roll in with my kids and a stroller. I do recommend eating here, but it is no mirai!!
(4)
Nancy H.

Ra is great for my friends and me when they come to visit because: 1) we love sushi, and 2) it is located SO conveniently to me (which is what bumped up its rating to 4 stars). It's a rather small restaurant, and the wait is incredibly long on the weekends, unless you opt to sit at the "sushi bar." I thought Ra was mostly slightly above average (presentation of sushi and atmosphere), taste was about average, and prices weren't overly expensive. Many people here are beautiful, and I do believe there are sushi specials for happy hour on some or most days (just check Metromix). Even more reason for me to keep coming here!
(4)
Maggie H.

Ra-Ra-Ra! I am a half-hearted cheerleader when it comes to Ra. It has great atmosphere, great location, and a heck of a happy hour...but it really tumbles when it comes to service and noise level in the restaurant. Happy hour was the #1 reason I decided to try this place, but the servers are pretty uptight around the end of happy hour (4-7pm). They become masters at avoiding eye contact to give you that glass of wine and eel roll for half-off. In order to really fully enjoy the great specials, get there early and order fast! Coconut shrimp, spicy tuna roll and the Chicago roll are some of my favorites. I thought the Chicken Yakisoba tasted like armpit and sent it back to the kitchen. I am a sucker for the spinach goyza with spicy mustard. Just be sure to ask for water because your taste buds will need it!
(3)
Eitan S.

Its a neighborhood sushi. 'nough said. lunch menu is a great value for money, as you can eat assortments of Sashimi in about $10 a person. in the evenings they've got great music, that consists mainly of alternative-rock bands. The fish aren't the best available, but the atmosphere is nice (although loud) and as a local joint, what else can you seek for?
(3)
Tiki D.

What a shame, I live across the street and yet everytime I give it another try I get dissed. When I want fast friendly service I just grab a burger at the Hunt Club across street. I've been going here off and on since it opened. Not once have I received decent service. There is always a wait for lunch or dinner and I'm patient. Once I was sitting at bar by myself on weekend and the place was near empty, other customers who came in half an hour after me were being served before me. Couldn't the staff comp me a cup of tea for waiting 45 minutes for lunch! But what really burned me is that I had the staff wrap up my calamaris. I got home for a late night snack and lo and behold, I open up my take out box to find only 3 pieces. The management and staff need to get there act together, the food is just chain food nothing special. Cheap happy hour for the Gold Coast and they are the only game in the hood. They are lucky in that respect.
(1)
Aimee C.

I agree, with Jia gone; the options are sparse. I actually haven't found a sushi in the neighbor hood, so I ventured to Ra last night on what I'd considered the most boisterous Monday night, Chicagoans are out in full effect, the V-Triangle was hopping... the weather was perfect for Ra's outdoor patio. I was greeted by a pleasant hostess as I walked in by a cheerful "I love your shoes!" Now flattery will get you everywhere... How can you say no to a compliment.. I was dashing across State Street, as I was late, and a little flustered... but wow, thank you happy hostess! The food was decent, I wouldn't glorify any of it, it was quite ordinary at that. But I guess if it's the only place to go in the neighborhood, then it's where you go... Also, the staff was really friendly and attentive, which was great, as we didn't leave for quite some time and it was nice to know we could Would I go back, probably not, unless I was dying for sushi, in the neighborhood and starving.. Otherwise, I'd probably venture outwards or order in.
(2)
Lucia Z.

Ra is a decent sushi place. The sushi itself is merely okay (I would give it 3 stars if it was based on the sushi alone). There are some really delicious rolls, don't get me wrong, but most people at Ra go for the social scene. The ambiance is super trendy, with loud music playing stuff that you might expect at a lounge or club. For Friday Happy Hour, there is a 1/2 off sushi menu that is really cheap. There is also $1 saki and $3 martinis that are basically recipes for disaster. Last time my girlfriends and I went there, one of us didn't even make it out after Ra. But it's a decent meal and good drinks for a great price.
(4)
John A.

Typical Ra. The sushis fine and cheap, but as usual the decor is very "pseudo Asian". Also the servers and hostesses are very... air head-ish? Usually it isn't too busy; save Fridays and Saturday evenings.
(3)
Fernando D.

Ra is definitely a place to go on Sunday evenings. The price is kinda high but on sundays they have a half price menu on sushi !!! Great Viva Las Vegas Sushi...thats what makes the trip for me...other than the sake. You better cab it there tho' cuz it is hard to find parking. Nice to sit outside but inside is not too bad. If you want to watch something on tv this is not the place to go.
(3)
Jaime S.

Sunday nights after 8 Pm they have some 3 dollar rolls, and 1 dollar sake! Good deals! The sushi is decent, lots of extra stuff in it, though. It's more of a trendy be seen kinda place, but if you are looking for authentic, good sushi place, this is not your spot.
(3)
Haley D.

go for happy hour!! where u can u beat getting FULL on sushi (i know, even if its not the BEST, its good) and a drink, for $24 for TWO people!!?!?! things to go for: viva las vegas, the tootsy maki (even tho its the got the same mixy stuff), crunchy calamari roll (so what, i LIKE cream cheese:)) , shrimp tempura (yep, i like fried crap too); soft shell crab, rib tips, veggie tempura, less impressive: sashimi is OK here, could stand to be a lil colder, spicy crunchy tuna (always over fried); pineapple wonton things (not much filling in them); lobster spring rolls all in all, GREAT for a happy hour snack. I would never pay full price here, but WHY, when they have an awesome deal 6 days of the week!!!
(3)
Rebecca S.

What? I couldn't hear you? What was that? Despite the terribly loud music, in an attempt to be young and hip (there are other ways, Ra Sushi, I promise), I like Ra Sushi. I love their chili ponzu yellowtail, the coconut shrimp, and I love how cheap their hot sake is. It's not the most authentic place ever, but it's also pretty delicious.
(4)
Anonymous P.

(a provisional review) I liked it. We went for the happy hour. Drinks were dirt cheap (big shared drinks for under $10, cups of sake for $1). Sushi was also very cheap. I wasn't exactly delighted by anything, but I wasn't offended either. This sushi was probably average or maybe even slightly above. Combine that with a nice atmosphere, good prices, and good services, and you win four stars. I just hope I wasn't too drunk to realize that the sushi was *TERRIBLE*.
(4)
Alyssa O.

As long as you're willing to get off your high horse and get past the fact that it's a chain and the best "sushi" here is probably neither authentic nor raw, you will love this place. Come here for happy hour $1 sake and the half-off menu. Order Viva Las Vegas roll. You'll keep coming back. What they serve here is tasty and interesting. The coconut creme brule is great too.
(5)
Hasham Y.

I found this place to be on pricier side for the quality of the sushi. The music is towards the upbeat side, food presentation is great and the sushi rolls are average. I had to wait for 45 min to get seated as i was in a party of 6. Due to slow inattentive service and long initial wait the dinner was longer than i wanted it to be. Vegas roll was the best roll of the evening. besides that we ordered sashimi, dragon roll( another good roll), crazy monkey ( recommended) and tuna roll
(3)
Wendy K.

Went for happy hour on a weekday. Had shrimp tempura rolls and california rolls along with mango margaritas. Fresh and well prepared and tasty. The restaurant is small, but I enjoyed the coziness and the layout was angular and modern- good use of space. Pleasant staff, and our waiter couldn't have been more helpful and attentive!
(5)
Jennifer D.

Hmmm... Pros: this is hard, because there are not many. The decor is nice, the atmosphere is trendy...and some of the fish was fresh tasting. Cons: the rice was Uncle Ben's quality, maybe worse. When we asked if we could each get small side salads, the waiter who looked like Clay Aiken said "Sure!" and then brought us 2 large, pricey salads........which SUCKED. It was loud and there were 2 bimbo "regulars" seated next to us. (I say this bc they kept shouting to the sushi masters behind the sushi bar about something that happened the last time they were there). They were drunk and basically in my lap...awesome. If you want sushi that tastes like you purchased it from the 7-Eleven after 6 pm, Ra Sushi is the place for you.
(2)
Misi P.

Overall the sushi was pretty good. Vegetarian pot stickers = very good Tuna rolls = hella spicy, a little soggy, but good California rolls = not bad, had better though Zen mojito (a cold sake mojito) = very good Their cold sake in itself was pretty tasty too. Music = loud and absolutely horrendous Decor = very nice Space = too small, especially with a bar Atmosphere = fair to middlin'...bordering on the lower end of fair. With all that said, despite the decent Japanese treats, Ra needs some elbow grease when it comes to ambiance. Forgettable 90s Rock and biker culture meets Sushi is a bad bad bad idea. Sushi is classy, a trend within itself that is never supposed to be trendy. Please treat sushi better next time, Ra. It did nothing to hurt you.
(3)
Diana B.

My favorite sushi place, hands down. The Viva Las Vegas roll is the best, along with Crazy Monkey. Tempura scallops are yummy! Don't forget the pineapple cream cheese wontons! Maybe not the most traditional place, but I still love it. It could be because this is the first place that actually made me like sushi. I don't really get the club comments. I'm not a big club person and I love this spot!
(5)
Nik L.

i love sushi and this is one of my very FAVORITE places. the food is great, the drinks are great, the atmosphere is great...everything. this place is so much fun. the las vegas roll is amazing and i recently had their calamari it was kind of like tempura though, sooooo good =]
(5)
Kathy S.

Came here for the happy hour specials but ended up ordering additional rolls not on the specials menu and those were much better than the happy hour ones. My favorites were the crazy monkey maki and their apple martinis. Yum! They also had some creative appetizers/rolls that I thought were pretty cool. I also like the look and vibe of the place.
(3)
Cait H.

Their food is delicious. However, go in and order. If you get carry out or delivery, they screw up the order. It sucks when you pay almost $25 for sashimi and don't even get the side of rice that's supposed to come with.
(2)
Matthew E.

I've been to Houston multiple times and the Ra there has been my favorite restaurant for Sushi ever. It's on the top of a building with windows that opened for a breathtaking view of the city. That being said Ra here is a major let down. While the food is still pretty much the same, the ambiance and atmosphere has been eliminated. The restaurant is small and seems to be shocked when they get over 15 people wanting to eat there.We waited an hour and twenty minutes after being told we would have a 20-30 minute wait. While the manager was friendly and bought us drinks to apologize, the wait had soured many of our moods. The prices here are also way higher than I remember and generally the food is overpriced. As for what to order I love the pineapple wonton appetizer and the Viva Las Vegas roll is always tasty.
(3)
Anthony W.

Anyone who has had good sushi will know right away the quality here is below par. Service is mediocre. I ordered take out and was told 20 minutes, ended up being 40 minutes because the bartender was so slow to check the kitchen or my order.
(2)
Michael N.

Reverse happy hour is it for me! Price is super cheap, however the food is great! The DJ playing was loud but I like this kind of scene and it's not for everyone. You really have to speak up to the server to get through the music. He is a local DJ at a place nearby and he spins there.
(5)
Nikie R.

I always enjoy RA's sushi every time I eat there. It is best to go there during their happy hour. They have a pretty good sushi list and drinks that are all half off. The last time I went there, I got 2 of their dessert dishes, and it was so amazing! If you enjoy creme brulee, you must try their coconut creme brulee. The first spoon of it made my mouth water and I couldn't help but say "MMMMMM, OMG THIS IS AMAZING." like 5 times, or more like the whole time I was eating it :). The servers there are really friendly and aweome too.
(5)
Pamela P.

Somehow I come back here somewhat often. It's just ok. It's expensive, even as far as lunch "specials" go. Their spicy misu soup is really good - though make sure you have about an hour of time to eat it as it's incredibly hot, as in temperature wise. They do have some interesting maki that are tasty. The wait staff and employees are somewhat aloof and aren't very attentive but it's worth a try at least once.
(2)
Risa T.

This place was the first place i wandered into when I moved to Chicago and Ive been addicted ever since. Im sushi snotty and I have tried tons of places, but once you've had RA you will love it. Great for romantic dates, loungey vibe with good music and not too loud TVs. The bartender Mike is a sweetheart. ! I always order the Salmon Nigiri and Spicy Tuna Roll and the Pineapple Wontons are to die for. I would skip any of the appetizers, i havent found one besides the Wontons that I liked. I go there at least once a week and I have never been disappointed. Never!
(5)
mike s.

forgettable...... mediocre food, atmosphere and drinks. Ive been to other RA's in other citys and they have been much better (4 stars)... This one just isnt very good.
(2)
Abby H.

I went to Ra last Saturday evening with three of my girlfriends. I had never eaten at any of the Ra restaurants but had heard good things. Quite the contrary. The rolls were good. The girls who ordered drinks said they were too strong (could really taste the vodka) and one was sent back but was still as stiff as the previous. We asked the waitress if the music could be turned down because we got seated at a table between two of the ceiling speakers. She made a comment alluding to the idea her boss wouldn't do it. She was right. In the era of iPhones I pulled mine out and tested the loudness- 90 db. Long term exposure to levels like that can damage ear drums. After we got our food the waitress didn't come back until a huge table of people arrived. We were ready for our check(our table was already cleared of food) but when she came into the dining room she immediately began serving them. I wasn't impressed by this restaurant; I doubt will try any other Ra restaurants.
(2)
Annie G.

Boy was I excited about Ra Sushi. I squealed when I saw the menu online. Ra Sushi did not live up to my unusually high expectations. Not entirely their fault, but not entirely mine. First of all, my boyfriend and I went into Ra Sushi around 2pm on a Saturday. Lame. I know. We were one of the five couples there, but our waiter was under the impression that the whole restaurant was packed with demanding customers. We could barely get our orders in before he would zip away. When he would come back to our table he would be out of breath . Not quite sure what that was about. I was also pretty disappointed with the portions. We ordered the pineapple wontons, which were absolutely delicious However, for a $7 appetizer I expect to get more than four bite-sized wontons. I mean, WTF? We pretty much ate them before the server had left the table. The bento box meal I had was average. Not great, but not terrible. For dessert we ordered the cinnamon tempura ice cream. I was shocked when the waiter brought it to our table. It was huge. It could have fed two ice cream-loving families. I ate about an 1/8 of it and then told them to take it away. I wasn't about to gain 10lbs with one dish. So, all in all, Ra Sushi needs to make their portions a little more equal. People seem to like the pineapple wontons, so make them bigger so we don't feel like we're being robbed!
(3)
Tad S.

Great sushi in north side. I had dinner on a weekend in the bar. Great selection of sushi, and friendly bartender. I will be going back for the half price sushi after work on week-nights, Mon-Thurs!!! Can't beat that deal.
(4)
David R.

We were here last night and we had Spicy tofu noodle with garlic shrimp It was fabulous! :) My husband had Chicken Katsu it was very tasty. It was big crowed last night. Service was great and very friendly. Love it!!!
(5)
Annie S.

I went here for a friend's bday dinner in January. The place was packed for a Friday night and had to wait 10 minutes for a table. Our service was pretty good and the drinks/food came fast. What I don't like were the drinks. I ordered some mango martini (it was fruity) and it tasted HORRIBLE! Ugh it was like cold medicine. Even though it was only like $7, it was pretty bad. I ordered something else (I believe a cosmo) and that was ok but nothing great. The sushi is standard and nothing to rave about.
(2)
Karmen F.

Too loud. The food was decent, but made for a younger more undeveloped palate. The noise was overwhelming and took away considerably from enjoying the food; perhaps why the restaurant was not full. Finally, there was the carpet smell - very musty.
(2)
Andrea R.

I had the same exact experience as Rachel N when I ate at Ra Sushi this week...great sushi, awful service. I was done eating, but they took my boyfriend's plate away as he was finishing up his sushi. They also weren't crowded at all so I'm not sure what the rush was! I really do like their sushi though- it's fresh and not too expensive. I've been for happy hour as well and they have great specials.
(3)
Natalie B.

Not especially good, but not especially bad. I went there for lunch and found the prices to be a little more than my usual spots, and the quality far below. I guess if you are in the area and craving sushi it is worth a go, but I certainly wouldnt travel out of my way to get there.
(3)
Jennifer K.

Well...I went for the first time on a Monday night, and was surprised. Basically, my group had the Tootsy (sp?) roll, sashimi platter, shrimp/vegetable tempura, spicy tuna tempura roll, eel hand roll, etc. Everything tasted pretty good. But for what I paid, I expected a little better. That's not to say that the meal tasted bad, it's just...I guess I had higher expectations. And the ambience was funky. I like the way they had low red lights and wooden accents. But the loud music was such a bother. But the waiters were pretty cool.
(2)
Gisele G.

I am a longtime fan of Ra, and came here today with the hope of satisfying some of my craving for their sushi. Unfortunately though, eating here hasn't satiated the craving, only killed the desire to eat here ever again. I eat here enough that I came in wanting to redeem my "nooner club" card, which gives me $10 off after 5 punches. Manager was nice enough to take the card even though we were 10 minutes past the cutoff time, and our waitress was prompt and attentive. The problems all were with the food. I don't know if it was the light we were sitting under or what, but everything looked a terribly unappetizing color. Portions were noticeably smaller with regards to everything we ordered. Issues were as follows: tunacado was overcooked. This should have been a seared tuna slice, and it came basically as slices of cooked fish. Viva las Vegas rolls were noticeably smaller and odd color. Zonie roll was missing the jalapeÃ±o inside, and gojira roll was the worst - with some kind of bright orange salmon paste covering the exterior of the roll. Very unpleasant. I love Ra sushi normally and have no idea what to attribute this to- a bad day for the chef or no love in the kitchen? Either way I no longer am craving any of those dishes- just wanting to wipe the taste out of my mouth.
(2)
Robin W.

The only reasons to go here are the atmosphere and the happy hour! Otherwise, don't waste your money on the overpriced, not fresh sushi. I do love the spinach gyozas though.... mmmm mouth is watering as I type, but overall the sushi is borderline gross. Happy hour (4-7pm) is a steal though. They only have a few rolls on the happy hour menu: california rolls and shrimp tempura rolls are decent enough for the cheapness of happy hour. Also there is a daily martini special during happy hour which makes me, well, happy. The atmosphere is really cute too. There is always a young-ish crowd, and they play upbeat, trendy music. But in the end, it's all about the sushi - which stinks.
(3)
Erin C.

We loved this restaurant. We each tried a martini, one of which was on special and only $5! They both tasted great. We also tried a couple rolls which were very unique and came out pretty quickly for suishi. We sat right by the suishi bar and enjoyed the view and free entertainment. It was crowded, but we were never overwhelmed, rushed, or squished. We had a great experience and I will definitely go back.
(4)
Chuck K.

For Dinner for three early on a weeknight, the place was packed and the hostesses told us a half hour wait. We were seated in 15 minutes. The sushi, sashimi and rolls here are very good, very fresh, and the service is excellent. It seems like some of the other reviewers had complaints about dishes other than the fish. This is my third time at RA, each time on a weeknight for dinner, and the food and service have been consistently good. Prices for food and drink are average or less compared to good restaurants in the neighborhood.
(4)
Leslie G.

My boyfriend and I had a wonderful dining experience here! We sat outside on the patio and indulged in a wonderful array of sushi rolls and sashimi. The service was on point and the atmosphere was enjoyable. Slightly expensive, but that is what you get in downtown chicago!
(4)
Cassie S.

This place was amazing. I made it to the last 15 minutes of happy hour and the prices were phenomenal. The bartenders were adorable and treated us with a free drink. I had a blast here, the mood, the food, and the drinks were all great. I plan to go back asap!!
(5)
Stef B.

I've never eaten at the restaurant itself, but we order in at least once a month for our office. When I would pull late nights, it was the menu of choice. I definitely recommend it!!
(4)
lesley s.

I used to go to Ra almost every Sunday night for their service industry specials from 8-11 (busier now, but hope to get back into it). There are a ton of specials, so you can get your favorite roll at a regular price (I live for the Crazy Monkey Roll), then get a lot more sushi/appetizers for pretty cheap (like the california roll, tootsy maki is pretty good, pork gyoza, shrimp tempura). They also have pretty good happy hour deals that go until 7 pm during the week.
(4)
Michelle J.

If I could eat one thing the rest of my life it would be the Viva Las Vegas roll at RA. I am obsessed..and cant go a week without eating at RA. The best time to go it during happy hour which is 3-7pm Monday-Saturday. Its half priced sushi and drink menu helps keep the cost down and your stomach extremely full and satisfied!!!
(5)
Rae R.

The sushi was just as good the second time around, also the wasabi mashed potatoes. We sat at the bar again. The mojito was amazing!
(5)
Pooja S.

Post Bella lounge, we got hungry and decided to satisfy our craving for sushi. They have the best spicy tuna roll, I have had ever!! It was so good, I actually felt bad after I had the 2 pieces of it that were mine. That was my main reason of complaint, who makes such great sushi and then kills it with giving only 4 pieces... The waitress was very sweet and the white zinfandel I ordered with my sushi complimented it perfectly.Had a very chain-y feel to it, I dont know if it is a chain or not.
(3)
Korina E.

Happy hours are always great because it's a discount however in my opinion this place isn't worth it. The food varies from great to fair to great to not good at all. Being consistant in the restaurant business is a must for a regular crowd and loyal patrons. My second complaint is the music is obnoxiously loud. I had said no after 3 times of either loud music or fair sushi, however this place is close to work and I was willing to try 1 last time. My husband and I spent more time trying to figure out what the other was saying than trying to enjoy sushi.
(2)
Paul C.

I've been going here for years and this place will still draw me in. Yah it's a chain, and it's trendy decor has long since moved from hip to tiresome. But the food is good, and the drinks are always flowing. Definitely come for the happy hour. They've got some good deals there. Otherwise the tab can get to be a bit more than it should for the quality of food you are getting. This isn't a great sushi place, not by far. But when it's happy hour, it's good enough.
(3)
Melissa H.

My first time at RA and I wasn't very impressed. The Happy Hour didn't leave me with a very Happy feeling. The spicy tuna roll was not up to par, the tempura rolls were ok, i did like the fact that they used cucumber instead of avocado in their rolls. I probably wouldn't go back to this place anytime soon.
(2)
Ashley K.

Ra has slightly above average sushi, however I am a big fan of this place for the sushi happy hour, as everyone has commented on. $1 sake and cheap rolls and apps.... we can go with four people and all leave full and drunk for $50. Great place. Fun location (near rush st.). Friendly Service.
(4)
John R.

Since RA Sushi was so close to home, in the beginning I went there many times. As a sushi lover, I couldn't but notice however that the sushi varied in quality. Sometimes it would be fresh and pretty good, sometimes it would be at the boundary of legal (my wife and I felt sick one night from their sushi - we both felt it was not quite fresh). At some point I decided not to step in there again, and only go to Mirai Sushi. Yes, you end up paying more at Mirai ($60-80 per person), but it's all worth it in the end.
(2)
Jodi B.

Great Sushi! Great Service! A 1/2 off menu Monday-Saturday from 3-7! A nice Mango Martini for $3 to kick off the evening! Do try the Viva Las Vegas Roll, IT'S EXCELLENT!!
(5)
Megan H.

I love the sushi, but the service is dreadful!! I think 3/4 times I went there I either a. didn't receive my miso soup/salad or b. received it AFTER I was finished eating. Odd?? Very. The service blows but the rolls are good. Maybe I'll just resort to takeout from now on...
(3)
Shannon M.

I should start by saying it was a Friday night at about 9, and there was a large group of us. I'm ok with food/drinks taking a bit longer because of this, but our waitress was down right rude to our table. We had to ask for drinks multiple times, and got a snooty response when we asked for our water to be refilled. Most of our food came out in an ok time frame, but two people had to wait a solid fifteen minutes for theirs to come out after ours without so much as an apology. The food and drinks were pretty good, and reasonably priced. I just can't get over how rude our waitress was regarding simple requests. She made it seem like we weren't worth her time. I realize your tip is automatically built in to group tabs, but at least pay a little attention to us and not make me ask three times for my drink or more water.
(2)
shelly s.

Went to Ra tonight after having been there before and remembering it was good. I LOVE sushi and could eat it just about everyday, but not if its from Ra. The rolls lacked flavor and we ordered from their "signature" roll list. The best part about the dinner was eating outside to avoid the clubishly loud scene inside. If you are in the area you can definitely find better sushi for the money.
(2)
Jody C.

The sushi probably doesn't deserve 5 stars, but I go on Sundays when it's half off most of the menu. Sundays are also great b/c there usually isn't a wait and the service is a little faster than a Saturday night. My friend doesn't like sushi and he loved the teriyaki chicken and the steak. I love the New York rolls! Getting those kind of prices in the Rush/State area is awsome. They also have a $10 fish bowl type drink that is strong and tasty. Always a good time, and the patio outside is perfect for people watching!
(4)
Drucilla D.

Quick Tid-bit: You can order Ra for delivery through Dining In ( diningin.com ). It is a $5.95 delivery charge but if you have that craving for delicious Shrimp Tempura... Thanks! Because this place has the definite feel of a chain, I never really had the desire to check it out. However, Sushi has become harder to find in my 'hood since Jia's closed, so I decided to check it out. DEFINITELY GO DURING HAPPY HOUR. Not sure if it is daily, but my friends and I were lucky enough to stumble upon it just 15 minutes before the cut-off (7pm on a Thursday). The Nigiri is almost half the price and they had a great little Happy Hour menu. Our server was very cool and not really wanting to hang-tight for the 20 minute table wait, we opted for seats at the Sushi Bar - which turned out to be just fine. I felt like I had my own personal chef, as he prepared the pieces in front of us. The Shrimp Tempura was awesome, as was the Nigiri but I don't know if it would have been worth it at full (non Happy Hour) price. I actually ate at the very famous Nobu in Miami a couple of weeks ago and it was less expensive than this place. What's up with that? One thing that totally impressed me though (and hence the 4 stars) was when I asked to take a couple of my pieces to go. The doggie bag was AWESOME and included anything I would have needed to enjoy my meal, just as I would have in the restaurant. I'm a sucker for a well organized take-out establishment. PS: The music was very fun!
(4)
Christel D.

UGH!! Food is horrible.. So, so environment..
(1)
Ren H.

I've had two Ra Sushi experiences and they were both awesome! The first time I had it it was at an event catered by it and they just had simple rolls but they were amazing. The second time we actually went and ate there and it was wonderful. The ambiance is just great, its extremely clean and its got low red lighting which create a great decor. The crunchy calamari roll is superb! They also have great appetizers and noodle dishes. Also, when you order a Kirin and sake they give you a 22 oz beer!
(5)
Jen B.

Trendy sushi bar in the Clark-Division neighborhood that is more flash than substance. The quality of the rolls and nigiri was not great, and the fish was definitely more expensive than it should have been for what you got. All that money must go into the decor and atmosphere, because it certainly isn't going into the food. I can appreciate that this place isn't trying to be authentic (or at least I hope it's not), and is more about sexy lighting and pop music than a real sushi bar experience. And sometimes this is what you want. I might come back in for Happy Hour, when the prices are low enough that I don't feel bad about how much I'm paying for bad sushi. It's in a good location for having a light dinner before hitting the town. One really nice thing: $2 cans of PBR all the time. Otherwise, expect to pay $5 for a beer and $7-10 for a cocktail. I think our server assumed we were cheap a-holes for ordering PBR and treated us pretty badly at first. He perked up near the end of the meal and got us our tab pretty fast. If you come in with low expectations, you might really love this place. As for me, it just illustrated how much I'm going to miss Koyi in Minneapolis when we move down here in the fall.
(2)
Heather B.

The food is consistent and interesting selection. Happy hour here is probably the best with good drink and food specials - I usually sit at the bar because I find them to offer the best all hour specials, but I have to say the service is consistently bad. It's definitely loud and has good energy, but is very cramped. even with a reservation you tend to have to wait and the bar area is just not condusive to this. Getting to the bathroom is a nightmare if you're in the bar area because there is really only space for the people sitting at the bar and one row behind them. I continue to visit when in the area, but wouldn't say I would go out of my way to get their sushi and visit. If the wait/bar staff became a bit more attentive, I might consider but their attitude tends to be that they don't need your business...because quite frankly they probably don't given that it's usually busy. That's the problem I find with 'trendy' spots - they don't focus enough on service because people will still come back because all they care about is the atmosphere.
(3)
Bryant C.

I gave it 3 stars because it was a night of mixed emotion. We had to wait forever even though we made a "sort" of reservation. I didn't really get it because we called ahead and put a name in. They said they would expect us, but don't take exact "reservations". The whole thing was weird. The sushi was ok. Our group still managed to have fun though. It probably was all of the Sake bombs we did. I think we ordered at least 5 rounds. It wasn't that expensive either.
(3)
S. O.

Dark, fun atmosphere. Good sushi, mostly specialty rolls, and the sushi chef is accommodating if you want to add or remove something from the complex rolls they offer. Bartender is great, really well made martinis. Also pretty close to a lot of downtown bars. Good place to go before a night of bar-hopping.
(4)
Megan G.

I went to Ra on a Tuesday night for happy hour with my boyfriend. The food was really good and the service was great (although we were one two in about 6 people dining). They have happy hour specials Monday through Friday, which make it fun to pick and chose different items. The price was certainly right. The music was a little loud, but I will definitely be going back!
(4)
Missy M.

Eh... That's really all I have to say about this so-so sushi joint. I went with friends for the happy hour specials, which were just OK. The only thing I actually enjoyed were the salmon wontons (deep fried wonton with a salmon spinach filling and a peanut dipping sauce). Nothing to bring me back though...
(2)
Amalie S.

The Sunday night specials are a steal - and happy hour drinks are great too! I love the Tootsy maki, the spicy tuna is more delicious every time I have it, and my boyfriend has developed a serious obsession with the pork gyoza. Only four stars instead of five because the prices during non-happy hour, non-Sunday nights are kind of ridiculous.
(4)
jaimie b.

This is one of my favorite sushi places. You must get the Viva Las Vegas roll and uchi no salad. The have pretty nice outdoor seating, but I really love sitting inside because they play great top 40 music.
(4)
Jaclyn H.

The Happy Hour deal is incredible; they offer half off on so many good sushi rolls, nigiri, appetizers, and drinks!! Try the Viva Las Vegas roll!! If you're not just sticking to the half-off rolls, also make sure to try their new "Hot Mess" roll and Crazy Monkey. YUM!!
(5)
Ian H.

My girlfriend and ate here one Saturday night. It was crowded, so rather than wait, we sat at the sushi bar. This place is quite cramped actually. Some guy came and sat right next to me, which was uncomfortable as we were practically bumping elbows. My girlfriend had a cocktail which was really strong, I consider that a good drink but it was almost too strong for her to drink. The spicy miso soup was amazing, seriously... so good my favorite soup ever, and i don't particularly care for soup. The sushi was good. The techno music, decor, and crowd were a little too trendy for me.
(3)
Sameer A.

i was varying from 2-4. the place looks kinda cool, convenient location. service is mediocre. hmmm, the food varies. sometimes it has been good and other times bland and boring. you can see others sharing this sentiment. i gave it a 2 because of the lack of consistency. if i am going to spend $30, i want to be happy i am eating at the place. enjoy.
(2)
Kristen D.

They have a small number of seats outside that are worth waiting for. This place can get pretty busy, and they have some great happy hour specials (on drinks and sushi). Check out the room in back with the water flowing down the wall. The sushi is pretty average, but it's a fun place to go to.
(3)
A G.

I would give this place 2 1/2 stars, but their fantastic "Happy Hour" prices gave it the bump to 3. The place is kind of a meh. We went there for dinner on a Thursday night around six and we were able to sit right down. They had a few rolls for half price, and we decided to stick to those. The fish wasn't the freshest, really didn't have much flavor, and the portions were very tiny. I don't know if that is because of the happy hour pricing or what, but I was a little disappointed that we had to order more sushi, after I ordered to much to begin with. There regular prices also seemed very pricey compared to much better joints in the area. I might try it again, but with the food adventure that is Chicago, it is not likely.
(3)
Panda Z.

The only reason to come here is for the happy hour specials because the sushi is pretty terrible (or average, at best). I'd really rather just have the 4.99 box of cali rolls at the grocery store and skip this dull place all together. There are just too many great sushi places in this city to be eating here.
(2)
jeff n.

Good spot not the best but good. The staples are all solid. Spicy tuna, california, etc...Double check take out orders. Been know to leave out wasabi and soy sauce. Can be very frustrating if you're a fan of those condiments.
(3)
Jen E.

I ate at RA for the first time with a large group so I had the opportunity to sample many food items. The starters are very good. The sashimi, on the other hand, lacked any appeal in presentation and freshness. I later on fell ill to a bad piece of hamachi and was throwing up all night. Since they have separate kitchens I suggest only ordering from the cooked food if you are eating here. The music was too loud for such a small space but the service was good.
(2)
Taryn W.

The worst sushi and service ever. Do not eat there!
(1)
Andrew Y.

you know what..i hate to say this..but RA might have some of the most creative rolls in the city...been to a bunch of sushi places and a lot of them deal with a ton of mayo which im not a big fan of..RA comes down with some solid options..and their spicy rolls are actually spicy..hit up that spicy scallop and the white tuna..the white tuna their is really fresh..you can get creative here too if you are down like sea urchin and fish eggs..but its more a casual hip spot to bring a date or a small group of friends..their isnt much seating so try to keep it to 6 people..drinks are good and stiff..im not a big sake guy but they have a decent list of cold and warm sakes..i like RA as commercialized as it is..i know im gonna get fresh sushi
(4)
Courtney F.

I actually just joined yelp specifically so I could warn people away from this restaurant. Horrible customer service, to the point that on my most recent visit I got up and left because five members of the wait staff walked past my table over a 15 minute period as I attempted to get their attention and didn't as much as welcome me or make eye contact. It isn't much of a loss, though because their menu is neither traditional high quality sushi nor creative contemporary, it is simply a hodgepodge of mediocre cuisine. It seems like they are just hoping to hook people who have never had good sushi and are easily impressed by ikea-esque trendy decor.
(1)
Kathleen C.

Mediocre sushi at best, but great cocktails and desserts. A good choice for a late night stop.
(3)
Mel H.

This review is not based on Ra's sushi. I like their sushi. This is based solely on their $3 happy hour mango margarita and their $15 Tsunami Punch. Any normal margarita and 60-ounce alcoholic drink (that is served in a fishbowl) would have a least made me tipsy, maybe buzzed. I'm a small girl so this is what I was expecting and hoping (hey, it was a Friday after work, gimme a break). But alas...to no avail. I drank both the margarita and the 60 oz drink and nada. It was like there was no alcohol in either. If I had wanted straight juice, I would have gone to the grocery store. In conclusion, beware the fishbowl. It does not live up to the hype.
(1)
Rachel N.

I had sushi here last night and it was delicious. The best roll was the tootsie roll. The spicy yellowtail was good, but super spicy so beware. I have to give it a 3 star rating (instead of 4) because the service was awful. It wasn't even crowded, but they didn't notice us for about 10 minutes and they took away our plates as we were still eating. I did enjoy my sushi though despite the bad service.
(3)
Jake A.

It doesn't seem like too many people have been to Ra sushi (at least my friends), but I really like this place. I think their sushi is very fresh and reasonably priced. They also have many drink specials during the week if you go for happy hour.
(4)
MK M.

Pretty good sushi! Gojira Roll is my fav, Totsy maki is a close 2nd. Pretty much anything I tried was good and I've been here a few times and tried many different things. Happy Hour is the best if you want saki for $1 and half priced sushi :)
(5)
Zach A.

Great sushi and great drinks as well. I've been here a few times during the week after work and they have weekly specials where everything is half off. Ra is one of my favorite sushi restaurants that isn't overpriced.
(3)
Liz M.

Ra is my favorite sushi place in Chicago. The sushi is just outstanding. My favorites include the Viva Las Vegas roll (its a must-have), the Crazy Monkey roll, & the Tootsi Maki roll. For desert, the tempura ice cream is to die for. They have great happy hour specials before 7 on weekdays as well. The only downside, in my opinion, is that it is extremely loud. Even on a sunday evening at 6pm the music is blaring. If the weather is nice, I would definitely recommend sitting outside.
(4)
a w.

This is a great place to get some really fresh sushi. They have lots of different kinds to choose from, but the King Kong roll is my favorite. The restaurant is really casual and has a great atmosphere. Its a great place to go for some good food.
(4)
Michelle W.

This is my favorite spot for sushi in the city. The waitstaff is amazing at making suggestions based on your standard choices. Their house/specialty rolls are the best. Try the Vive Las Vegas Roll or the Godzilla Roll, you will not be disappointed. Also, their Fried Banana dessert is yummy. The only drawback is that the place is oddly small, so you might have to wait. Takeout is available too.
(5)
George K.

A friend invited my roommate (Isaiah) and I to this placed called Ra. I walked by here many times thinking "Ra" means Egyptian sun god - learned it from watching Stargate. It turned out to be a sushi restaurant. I didn't want to tell our friend that I'm not big a fan of sushi and Isaiah never tried sushi in his life so I didn't say anything to her and we went along for the experience. We sat at the sushi bar and our waitress was very helpful with recommendations but our friend ordered what seemed like endless amount of sushi rounds. I'm very novice with sushi knowledge, consist of California rolls and that's about it. My roommate asked "is there anything that's not raw I can eat?" Although, I wouldn't visit another sushi places near future, this place had nice service and sushi was okay. I probably ordered some sort of noodles if it wasn't for our friend. Ask my roommate, he was hugging the toilet all morning and hollered not to visit another sushi place for a very long time. It was one funny excuse for missing work that day.
(3)
Ashley W.

The sushi here is pretty good and they have some really great drinks. They also have some great specials during the week if you come right after work. I usually don't come to Ra on the weekends because they don't take reservations and it's annoying to wait for a table.
(3)
Samuel O.

I was skeptical because of the plasmas, music, and decor, but in the end, I was pleasantly surprised. Honestly didn't notice the music much; might be an indictment of pervasive music and restaurants have become.
(4)
K M.

I really enjoyed Ra- I didn't try much of the sushi, as I was with a group of girls who were doing a pre-wedding girls night out (I wouldn't quite call it a bachelorette party) and were following Ra up with the chocolate buffet at the Peninsula...but I liked the location, and the fact that the endamame was the saltiest I had ever had would make me want to come back :) I just had the spicy tuna roll which I imagine is hard to screw up, but it was good and reasonably priced, and many of the other rolls at least sounded really good. The service seemed a little slow, but if you're not in a hurry and want to sit around and chat with your friends, I'd recommend the outdoor patio here. I'm not so sure about the inside, it did seem pretty loud
(4)
K J.

The food was good, the service was ok. Even their California Roll was decent and I ordinarily wouldn't order a California Roll. The unagi was very good.
(4)
Sasha L.

ok this place i dont really go to eat instead me and my girlfriends really like to go here for drinks and appitizers...they have a really good happy hour and the bartender rocks...so with that i have to give it 3 stars at least untill i can sample a few entrees ....
(3)
Mark P.

Too trendy. Rolls border on even being classified as maki. Heavy on the mayo.
(2)
Miss O.

okay so i have to admit i didn't get any sushi. none of the specialty rolls looked that great to me. i got the tempura with some rice on the side. it was actually really good but i'm giving it 3 stars because of the lack of creativity of rolls. maybe i'm spoiled in SF?? i did like the scene - most people were dressed up and ready to go out for the night.
(3)
Jessica S.

I went to this restaurant because it was close to my house and I was in the mood for sushi. I would say that this place is an average sushi restaurant. Nothing was phenomenal but it was acceptable. I do have to say the spicy tuna was so spicy I couldn't stop drinking water. They have a great happy hour so if you eat right after work stop by and enjoy what's on their special menu, that's totally worthwhile. Also it's a very small restaurant so the tables are close together and you may feel like you are on top of each other.
(3)
Carrie B.

Again, this is a smaller convienent spot in the gold coast like Tsunami, but it's not spectacular. I like the smaller intimate space- good for a date maybe. I'd prefer to go here on a week night then a crowded weekend because it's so small. Ra isn't on the top of my list, but it's a good spot in the Gold Coast. Some of my friends have stopped in here just for drinks on weekends too. And a good take-out option too for those on the go.
(3)
Rose P.

I come to Ra fairly often (3 times last week in fact) since I live just 2 blocks away. The sushi itself is pretty good, often hit or miss, but I love the atmosphere and their dirnks are great. i'm a big fan of their happy hour specials especially the pork gyoza, the sesame chicken wings and their $1 hot sakes. Always a very good option for lunch, happy hour, dinner, late night or even takeout.
(4)
Nick R.

Pretty good sushi place for the price, plus they have great variety of items on the menu which is something that many sushi places can't say. The last time I went there, my brother fell in love with our waitress so give it a star for that reason alone.
(3)
Katie B.

I was pleasantly suprised when eating at Ra Sushi the other night. The atmosphere was really cool, waitress was awesome, and the prices are excellent for being a Gold Coast restaurant. There are so many Japanese restaurants in the city, but Ra is one of the best I've found!
(5)
Paul R.

I used to go to Ra a lot more often back before I started going to Oysy on Michigan, but I think Ra is a solid choice for sushi. It's small and dimly lit inside, but loud enough where you don't feel like you're on a job interview- which makes it a great date spot. They have to pack 'em in at the bar since there isn't much room to work with, but they make stiff drinks for sure. I would also recommend this for small groups (4-6) but probably no bigger than that, as there aren't many tables inside.
(4)
H K.

1st experience: Dinner This place is really great! The sushi was amazing and for the price you can't beat it. TRY the Banana Dessert. 2nd Experience: Lunch Service and food were great, they offer really good deals for lunch But they had no ice cream so no Dessert. 3rd Experience: Lunch/Dinner Same as above. 4th experience: Take out The food was good, but they barley gave us enough soy sauce, as for the ginger or wasabi, can't even recall having any bc the portions were SOOO Small!!!
(4)
Eric L.

same ol same ol sushi place. nothing special, but convienent location. The rolls are overpowered by non japanese flavors like cream cheese or mango. idiots!
(2)
Julia C.

The last time I came here I was slightly annoyed because we were told there would be a 20 minute wait for a table, which turned into way over an hour. We were finally seated and then I began to enjoy Ra's cool atmosphere, fun drinks, and fresh sushi. They have some pretty innovative rolls that I enjoyed!
(3)
Richard C.

I think the sushi here is pretty good and am always surprised when my friends don't want to go to Ra. Is it slightly annoying that they don't take reservations and it does get pretty packed. However, it's a really good place to go during the week. The godzilla roll is the best.
(4)
Anne P.

When you walk into this restaurant its really easy to pick up the great vibe. The music is great and upbeat. The lighting is dark enough to make you look great, but light enough so that you can actually see the person you are with. So, as far as atmosphere is concerned this place is great. Now if we add the fact that the bar is fun and the bartenders are cool and chatty along with the fact that the saki bombs are HUGE & CHEAP you'd think that this place can't go wrong. Unfortunately, the food is not good. the sushi tastes old and come on, who wants to eat old fish. gross. With all of the other sushi spots in the immediate surrounding area its easy to find somewhere else that will serve up a delicious dinner. However, if you want a fast cheap buzz before really starting your night then I highly recommend the saki bombs. hehe
(3)
Audrey J.

Sure, Ra's a cool alternative to the Viagra Triangle undiscernable-new-American restaurant set, but that's about the only thing going for it as far as I'm concerned. The sushi was nothing special to me, and my friend's sashimi plate was just poorly executed and looked like butchered fish (nothing elegant about the presentation at all). The music was seriously ridiculously loud; we had to shout to hear each other. The service was hot and cold -- the hostess was very nice and seated us quickly even though she originally said it could be up to a 45 minute wait. However, our water glasses stayed undisturbed long after we had drained them, and after we got the check, we sat there with our credit cards for a good fifteen minutes before our server came by to pick them up. Why an extra star, then? Well, a few reasons. (1) I like the bathroom doors. (2) It sounds like this is a place to go for drinks and dessert (as opposed to good sushi), so maybe there's some redeeming quality hidden under there somewhere. And finally, (3). I'd been here previously with a friend, and that occasion was average. However, in case it says anything, I will not be back (and that's not just because I only have two more weeks here in Chicago!).
(2)
Adrian P. Z.

Ra is a spot you should go to if you want a cheap dinner after work but get quality food. The weekday happy hour from 4 to 7pm features some of their favorite menu items at half price. I love the sesame wings and spinach gyoza.
(4)
K E.

I've been to RA Sushi twice- once for lunch and another time for an early dinner. I agree with other posters that it doesn't seem very authentic, but the sushi tastes good enough, and the salads are decent as well. It's kind of "sceney," or at least it attempts to be. However, the service is good and it's the closest reasonably-priced sushi place to my apartment, so I will likely be back.
(3)
Crystal L.

It's a neat place. It's a little small compared to the other sushi places I've been to downtown but comfortable. It's been a while since I was there but I remember that they have some pretty good happy hour specials. The girls and I had a good time. Nothing in particular gave me a lasting impression though.
(3)
t.n. t.

A favorite of mine, but the portions are too petite for the price. I like ambiance and decor, but i pay to get full and that is not what you will get here! However, everything tastes so good, so I order two of everything. Unfortunately, I end up with a bill similar to a pair of Louboutin Shoes, so not quite sure if its worth it or not... definitely on special occasions.
(3)
Martha Z.

I really wasn't blown away by my experience. I don't understand the whole check something off a piece of paper ordering process. Why can't I just tell you what I want? Is that so hard? Anyways the food was decent, the prices were ok but the service was so slow, I was completely late getting back to work. It's sushi people and lunch, why should it take so long?
(3)
Fida C.

Went here for a Saturday night dinner with my brother and sister-in-law. They are roll people, and I am a nigiri fan, so we sampled the menu fairly widely. There is good sushi in Chicago -- Indie Cafe, other better known places. Ra is meh -- it's fine, nothing special, with downtown prices, and an atmosphere for the young. The cocktails were watery and the house sake tasted like yeasty water. It seemed to be a place for young people whose minds are not on what they are eating and drinking.
(2)
Cali M.

RA Sushi is a nice place to hang out. It has a trendier atmosphere then many other sushi joints and less traditional sushi menu options. It is a nice place to chill and grab a fish bowl full of liquor! (Meant for two) or just hang out at the bar and get some Dragon rolls. The alcohol is priced really decently for the area but I would watch out for the sushi it can add up very fast. The service could be better.
(3)
Rhonna V.

I've always been a fan. I like to go during Happy Hour because of the $2 Hot Sake and all my favorite rolls or on the Happy Hour menu. Its not the greatest sushi I've ever had, but for the price it's the only place I'll go for bargain sushi.
(4)
Gayatri D.

From a vegetarian perspective, I'd give the place 2 stars because we had 4 options to choose from. We had the pineapple & cheese wantons (not bad) and vegetarian roll (not bad). But my carnivore husband thoroughly enjoyed his calamari, spicy tuna roll & caterpillar roll. Still doesn't excuse the mediocre, watered down cocktails and non availability of Japanese beers on tap. Plus points - Great music and even better service.
(3)
Seth M.

If you are going to eat here come between 6-7 pm when a bunch of their rolls are half price. If I was paying full price I would give this place one or two stars, but at half-price it is a solid 3-4 star sushi place. The only roll I've had here that was exceptional was the Las Vegas Roll! The Ra-king shrimp is pretty good, so is the spicy yellowtail. But its only good, not great. COME FOR HAPPY HOUR THOUGH FOR HALF PRICE SUSHI!
(3)
Ashlee V.

"Meh" really is the perfect word to describe this place. We went for St. Patty's Day and it was packed. And super, ridiculously loud. I had to strain to hear the person next to me. It wasn't that the food was bad, it just wasn't great. I've had better sushi in Madison and with cheaper prices, at that. And the girl who was our waitress was barely there when we would have liked to have had a refill. Since we were placed far in the corner, we couldn't really get her attention that easily and our sushi chef had to do it for us--at least he was kind and paying attention! However, the one thing this place has going for it? That ginger/spicy sugar snap pea tapas dish. Holy god, the things I'd do to get that recipe are incredible, but it was really amazing. Fresh-tasting with a nice zing from the sriracha on the sides. It was perfectly cooked and seasoned; none of them were mushy, but they still had a nice firmness. I don't think I'd ever come back, but the sugar snap pea dish is kind of tempting. Maybe just not return later in the evenings.
(2)
Steve W.

Simply my favorite place to eat when I'm in Chicago. Great food! Great atmosphere! Great service!
(4)
Tony K.

An atmosphere that can't be beat. Lively crowd, small place, great prices. Can't wait to go back. The service was great - food came out fast. The scallops dynamite was just that - DYNAMITE!
(4)
Brittany K.

Was VERY busy on a weekday night and seemed to take FOREVER to get our food and then our waiter got the app order wrong, and seemed like he forgot to put in our sushi order and then blamed it on the kitchen (I hate that). Regardless, we are pretty laid back, and the food was really good...so we didn't really complain.
(4)
Michelle J.

I've never eaten Sushi a day in my life prior to a few days ago. The thought of eating raw fish made my stomach turn. My friend suggested we go here for happy hour, I went reluctantly. I had the edamame, Miso Hot soup, Viva Las Vegas rolls & a mango margarita. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised on how much I enjoyed it. Very tasty & good service. I'm not a sushi de facto so I can't vouch for it's authenticity or compare it to anything else but if you're a sushi beginner like myself I highly recommend this place.
(4)
Jelena Z.

Because Ra is a non-traditional sushi restaurant, I'm writing a non-traditional review. In solidarity. I'm going to pull a sneaky maneuver and ruin the experience for you now, instead of suspending your disbelief until the very end. It's ironic that the first item on the menu, the Pineapple Cheese Wontons, may be the only edible foodstuff that Ra creates (distributes may be a more fitting word). Even more disturbing-- have you ever had fried wontons that didn't taste good? Still, I'm going to give Ra one star for those wontons. They kept me somewhat satiated while waiting almost 15 minutes for my cocktail, a Pamatini. I've never been to the Chicago Ra on a weeknight, but on this particular Sat. evening, the music was LOUD. As their website promises, the music is "PUMPING". I love meeting friends that I haven't seen in months only to discover that their lip-reading skills don't quite measure up to Ra's standards. I used to frequent the Ra in San Diego on certain weeknights for cheap happy hour specials: $2 seaweed salad, edamame, and classic rolls. Decent drink specials, too. On one of my more daring excursions to the San Diego Ra, I tried the spicy tuna rolls, which were completely average. Back to the Chicago Ra. As history tends to repeat itself, so do I. I ordered the spicy tuna rolls for my main course, and not only are the rolls tiny, they're lackluster. No taste whatsoever. Maybe they somehow remove the flavor components as to not offend? It's a mystery, I guess. In Ra's defense, we stopped here after a long day of shopping on Mag Mile/Oak St., well aware that Ra is no Sushi Wabi, Heat or Coast. Proximity + a lack of Sat. night dinner reservations = Ra. And Ra = blah.
(2)
Jonathan L.

The first and only time I've been here, I ordered the chicken katsu. It was just ok. I'm really picky when it comes to chicken katsu. There are a lot of restaurants that don't prepare it properly, and RA is definitely one of them.
(3)
Katelyn E.

RA is delicious. However, it's only really worth it during happy hour. They have great deals and I typically get a roll, edamame, and a glass of wine for $10. It's a deal. I've gone before when it's not happy hour and it can get super pricey. i love love LOVE the Tootsy Maki roll here at RA. i'm a fair weather fan of sushi...i claim i love sushi but really, i rarely dare past the typical california roll. The Tootsy Maki roll is pretty much a california roll but whatever, it's great. i crave it. so 5 stars for happy hour, 4 for normal hours.
(5)
Jing C.

The hubby and I ate lunch here and it was delish! Fresh fresh sushi, decent prices and clean decor. Probably the best sushi spot in the Gold Coast/Streeterville area. We both had the sashimi lunch combo with solid cuts of fish, miso soup, rice and salad. Not a bad amount of food for the price.
(4)
Ben H.

*boom**tsk**boom**boom**tsk* *boom**tsk**boom**boom**tsk* *boom**tsk**boom**boom**tsk* *boom**tsk**boom**boom**tsk* Iiiiiiiiii'm eatin' nigiriiiiiii, in da cluuuuuuuuub Six pieces of nigiriiiiiii, in da cluuuuuuuuub Sake, toro and hamachiiiiiii, in da cluuuuuuuuub All tasteless and shitiiiiiii, in da cluuuuuuuuub 22 bucks makes me angriiiiiii, in da cluuuuuuuuub Time for hara-kiriiiiiii, in da cluuuuuuuuub *boom**tsk**boom**boom**tsk* *boom**tsk**boom**boom**tsk* *boom**tsk**boom**boom**tsk* *boom**tsk**boom**boom**tsk* Dumbest review ever!!! 2
(2)
Niya K.

So I want to start by saying that I wish we had known about the Happy Hour. We came here on a Saturday afternoon at 3:00, but didn't order until 3:45. We ordered some typical things (california, philadelphia, and spicy salmon). But we also ordered some of their specialities. Everything was really good. My friends shared the teriyaki chicken and they said it was really tasty. Since I don't eat meat I asked if they could make it with just vegetables and rice. The waitress and chef were accommodating by charging me for a side of rice and a side for vegetables. My friends were right it was super tasty. As we sat there we noticed that new diners were getting a menu labeled happy hour. We asked to see it. Pretty much everything we ordered was now half price. This. Was.Devastating. We talked to our waitress about it and she said , "well I guess you know for next time" ::sad face:: really? I know it probably would have been extra work for her, but our bill literally would have been halved, so i get it, but I was still saddened a little. My friends decided they wanted to order dessert. They ordered the mochi. They were enjoying it until they got hit in the face with a pungent onion taste. They sent it back and they were super accommodating by bringing another one out. So all in all I would recommend this place for happy hour. It's definitely Americanized sushi downtown so its more expensive and definitely not authentic. But if you are getting off from work and need a drink and some good eats this is the place to go.
(3)
Krystle S.

I've been to the Ra Sushi in the Glen plenty of times before, but this was my first time at the State St location. I came here alone for lunch after classes, and wanted a small meal. I'm always a big fan of places that have lunch/Happy Hour deals. I had the Viva Las Vegas roll and a Lemon Drop. The food tasted the same as any other Ra Sushi and the drink was also made well. The server was nice enough to stop by now and then for a short conversation. That was something she didn't have to do, and I appreciated the effort she made. (She probably felt that I was lonely lol so cute) Anyways, it's a pretty solid place to have a quite lunch.
(4)
Heaven M.

This place was on my list of places not to return to. Yet I did. This is a reminder not to. The sushi was very bland and rubbery. We were there during happy hour, but no happy hour menu was presented. The service was fine. I feel bad writing a bad review as this is not about that. They just really need to improve the quality of their kitchen. I feel like it was a total waste of money. Although I did enjoy the beer.
(2)
Kim C.

Ra is where we go for $2 sake and $3 PBRs (formerly $1 sake and $2 PBRs.. booo) I am ashamed to say that I have never had any of the food here, except for the vegetable tempura (which was very good) because we always come here just to sake bomb. We've definitely seen others do the same as well so I probably wouldn't recommend coming here on a weekend evening, after 10pm, for a romantic date--it gets rowdy :P The sake is for sure cheap and probably nasty but who cares when it's $2. During my latest visit I was happy and tipsy and ready to hit the Rush/Division establishments all for $12 (including tax and tip)
(4)
Joanna P.

Great Happy Hour prices, half off on appt. and sushi. $2 hot sake.
(5)
brad p.

Do you like to pretend you like sushi? Are you from the suburbs and want to come "downtown" and have fake sushi in a club? Do you think real sushi has beef, cream cheese and cooked fish in it? Then come to Ra! If you can suspend the thought that you're having sushi, you'll enjoy Ra. Because you're not having sushi. We struggled to find rolls that were real sushi and had to order the Beef Tataki roll because we only found three others that weren't fried or didn't have cream cheese. We thought based on the description maybe it would be a nice addition to the real sushi. It was one of the most disgusting things I've ever had. It was supposed to come with a wasabi cream sauce -- it really came with Kraft Lite Italian salad dressing. The Tsunami Salmon roll had no flavor. The Spicy Tuna was OK and the Rainbow seemed a little frozen. The ceviche, short ribs and spicy tuna appetizers were good and the waitress gave me a good sake recommendation that was not the most expensive bottle on the menu. But it is so loud in there and with all the d-bags drinking $2 cans of PBR (happy hour prices are good), it seemed like we were in one of the Division Street bars not in an allegedly upscale sushi restaurant. There are a number of good sushi restaurants right around Ra, not to mention the rest of the city. Unless you like everything fried or to have cream cheese in it, as the majority of the specialty maki did, go somewhere else.
(2)
Jennifer Q.

I ate here last week with a friend after work. It was pretty good! The atmosphere was dark and moody (sort of a red glow to a dark room); I enjoy dance music and the bumpin' club songs were making me want to dance -a pretty happening venue for a Wednesday night at 6pm! I have to say, they were pretty crowded and we were lucky to get a seat at the bar. Despite how busy it was, we were served and ate in about 40 minutes flat! (My friend had to rush off to an event she was hosting and we got stuck in a little traffic getting there.) I'm not sure if other rooms are a little more quiet, but it would be a good "glamorous" place to go on a weeknight date. The ambiance is pretty impressive. It felt very Vegas -but in a glam way, not a tacky, chain smoking gambling way. It was a good place. I would be interested to go back and sit at a table and have a little more time to soak it all in!
(3)
Arlene C.

RA has a great lunch menu. Tasty bento boxes sure to feed a hungry appetite.
(3)
Kate L.

Way over priced for mediocre food. I've made the mistake of eating at Ra several times over the last couple of years because it's so close to my house, and every time I regret my decision. The sushi is decent at best and quite over-priced. You'll pay over $7 for a basic roll and I've had much better at most hole in the wall byobs. Same experience the one time I ordered a hot meal instead of sushi. It's not worth it.
(2)
Theresa C.

Happy Hour Sushi. I like it. I like it, a lot. Food; The sushi was good, it's clearly a chain restaurant, there are a lot of things on the menu that aren't sushi, and it all sounds pretty good. The happy hour special makes it all half-price, which is awesome. I don't know that I would ever come here without the special since I could just go to Para II. One of the rolls we ordered had cream-cheese in it, it did taste good, but I really don't know how I feel about it and if you're a sushi purest, you probably won't dig it. Booze: During happy hour they have $3 Thai Beer. Oh it's really one of my favorites. The Saki is also on special (if that's you're thing). It's pretty pricey during the not-so-happy hours. Atmosphere: It was kind of dark, and very loud. It felt like eating in a club, it was hard to have a conversation and honestly I just like to be able to see my food when I eat it. The tables are almost too small for the size of the serving platters. Service: It took a really long time for anyone to come talk to us at all and then almost 10 minutes for us to get our first round of drinks. They came almost at the same time as the food. We were brought the wrong table's order once and one of our orders went to our neighbors. It didn't seem like the staff were paying attention or cared about how our meal was going. I wouldn't come here except for the happy hour specials, it's not super great, but it is good sushi.
(3)
B K.

The food was pretty good, and the waitress was really nice. So why one star? We came for the weeknight happy hour, which runs from 5-7. We arrived at 6:35, and was told by the hostess there was a 20 minute wait. I expressed my concern that we wouldn't be seated in time to take advantage of the happy hour prices (RA is pretty overpriced otherwise), and she said it would be fine: If it didn't look like a seat would be available, she'd let us know ten minutes to 7:00 how we could order our food from the bar and take it to a table when it became available. Well, 6:50 came and went, and no visit from the hostess. A table had just opened up, but the hostess was having a conversation with other guests and co-workers. By the time she got back to us and seated us at the table that had been staring at us longingly for about 10 minutes, it was after 7:00. As she seated us, I attempted to confirm with her that we would still be given the happy hour prices, since she never came to send us to the bar to make our order, and because the table had been sitting open since before 7:00 while she chatted with co-workers. She promptly declined, and told us that because it was after 7:00, we would be charged full price. I reminded her about her offer to have us order at the bar should it look like we weren't going to be seated in time. Well, it seems her "recollection" of that conversation was a little different than that of mine or my fiance - and didn't involve her doing any of the things she said she would. So we were given the option of staying and paying full price, or leaving. We were starving, and we had already been waiting 30 minutes. It was all unfortunate, because the food and service (other than the hostess) was good, and RA seems to be getting a bad rap in the reviews lately. As it stands though, I was very disappointed that we were lied to. I suppose a word to the wise: if you're interested in taking advantage of the RA happy hour, be there an hour early, and if it doesn't look like you're going to be seated in time, don't believe the hostess when she tells you it's going to be fine - just leave. I'd be happy to change this to a positive review, given the otherwise positive experience, on the condition that I receive a gift certificate/credit for the full price of our meal (thus giving us the half-off we were to get).
(1)
Michelle S.

This place as NOSE DIVED into chain sushi hell. I can't believe I ever liked this place. Sooo I hadn't been here in a while. They've changed the menu & removed my beloved Atlantic roll?! The similar roll costs $3.00 more than my already-expensive-for-chain-restaurant-sushi Atlantic roll. Waiter unapologetic & doesn't offer to have them make me an Atlantic anyway. Hmm....The W Lakeshore makes my calamari even though it's off the menu. Hell Cheesecake Factory makes my bruschetta even though IT'S off the menu. I order shrimp tempura roll & calamari app. Waiter gets order wrong; doesn't apologize. Gives wrong order back to sushi chef (I use "Chef" loosely) and tells him to "sell it to someone else". Shrimp tempura worse than mediocre. Bad rice. Ginger wasn't fresh. "Crab" not real crab. It's some kind of weird room-temperature imitation ewwwiness ( just made that word up). "Calamari" served...well it's cheaper, greaser, unstrained second cousin dressed in wasabi powder? Check please. Guy brings check. Sees that I left all the calamari on the plate. Doesn't ask to wrap it up and doesn't ask why I am a clearly disgusted with this place. Keeps calling me Dear like I'm his little sister. Boooo on you RA! You suck!! I will never ever evvvvver return.
(1)
Dan K.

Last night my buddy were roaming around the Yorktown area looking for a place to eat in this restaurant booming area. We decided on Ra. We didn't have a reservation and it was pretty packed, but the sushi bar was open so we got to sit down right away. +1 The service was quick, very quick for sushi especially on a busy night, maybe cause we were at the bar? +1 The server was helpful and friendly and attentive, and she gave us good sake recommendations. Also very nice atmosphere and decor. +1 The prices were relatively cheap and the cuts were not skimpy, and the food tasted good also, maybe not the best I've had, but still very good. +1 If I could rate half stars, I'd probably go with 3.5. I don't want to go too crazy cause there are definitely better places. But for a Saturday night, I was pleased. My only slight complaint is they try to be too hip. too modern. And their specials are very fusion style.
(4)
Eric H.

Always loved Ra. I don't know why I waited so long to write a review about this place. The staff is what sets it apart. Everyone that works there is super nice and knowledgable about each of the unique dishes. The atmosphere is really cool. They also play the best music for a restaurant. I usually go for lunch but Ra is a great place for dinner but if you can stop by for their happy hour. You won't be disappointed.
(4)
Brett F.

This place is still open???? Ugh, it shouldn't be..... The food and service are terrible. I once threw up on my way home from dinner here. Such a shame too, the Ra in Tempe was a staple for me throughout college and it was damn good (at least back then). We have sooooo many really fantastic options in Chicago for sushi. This is not one of them.
(2)
Noah L.

Happy hour only. Pretty lame sushi, though good for beginners. Nice staff
(2)
Lisa T.

"Shiso Naughty".... best drink name ever. And if you like fruity pink drinks, perhaps best drink ever too..... I actually much preferred the Saketini (so good!). So yes..... this place is basically what I would refer to as "sushi for my parents". It's a CHAIN for goodness sakes; I find it hard to believe that people are actually expecting much more out of such a place. Practically everything is some type of glorified california roll, or tempura, or is "sushi" that is actually seared beef. That doesn't mean it doesn't taste good. Frankly, the shrimp tempura roll I shared with my friend rocked my socks off. The rainbow roll we shared was average. The service here has been very good in my experience. Very attentive servers. We sat at the sushi bar, and the chef accidentally missed one of the rolls we marked on our order sheet. He apologized like 4 times and comped us each a delicious (huge!) piece of tuna nigiri. It was mucho appreciated by both of us. So... all in all, fun atmosphere, good drinks and good service. The food in general is tasty, and in general isn't "traditional" sushi. Some of the more traditional sushi rolls are average at best. I would stick to ordering the "specialty" items that yes, are not sushi, but are tasty delicious!
(4)
Tish N.

I always make it there like 2 or 3 pm and get takeout. I like the soft shell crab rolls, they are delicious. The last time I went my friend and I decided to stay for drinks too. I had the saketini and a green tea martini both were mixed well. I like it but I'm not in love. I got for lunch when I'm in the mood for sushi. I guess I didn't have super high expectations. The coconut brulee was pretty decent, I just wish there was more crust on the top but that's what I prefer
(4)
Morgan H.

The sushi is okay, the service is terrible. They have a happy hour, with a number of items offered at about half price. The happy hour ends at 7. My party of 4 arrived at 6, and was told it would be a 15 minute wait. We were the only party waiting. 54 minutes later, we were finally seated. I asked that they honor the happy hour pricing as we had been there for nearly an hour, and was told no, we had 6 minutes to order and that we had to order everything at once. Then, they deliver everything at once rather than staggering delivery so that you can enjoy your meal at a relaxed pace. The tables aren't huge, so a party of four's entire sushi order all at once takes up the entire thing...very hard to enjoy a relaxed meal here. While I understand the need for parameters when offering discounts, it seems like the happy hour is a bit of a scam - they seat parties of 2 at 4-tops to make it harder for groups to get in in time, and encourage only one seating during the 2 hour happy hour window. The sushi isn't good enough to put up with bad service, so I likely won't be back. Plenty of other sushi options in the area.
(1)
Tada Y.

I went here when I first moved to the area and felt the sushi is average for the price point. Between my friend and I, we had an order of dumplings (surprisingly good) and four rolls. It had great ambiance and attentive service. I might come again since I live right around the corner, but if I move I don't think I'd travel to make it to this place.
(3)
Bea K.

RA has always been a favorite restaurant of mine. The GM here is fabulous and knows how to run a restaurant exceptionally well. I previously had a bad experience here and he went above and beyond to make it right. They have great sushi at an affordable price, great drink specials all day every day, and awesome appetizers. The wait staff and service was fantastic at my most recent visit here (which was the problem before). Food was A+ for what I'd rank as a $$ price range. If you haven't been, you should go! Happy Hour from 3-7 M-Sat and 8-close on Sun has a delicious variety of appetizers and rolls. If you had a sub-par experience here within the last few months, I can say that the place has truly turned around and you should return! I couldn't be more pleased the last time I went, and it's seriously a great deal for its location in the city!
(5)
King L.

First off, I'm speaking as a northern californian who's been eating sushi my whole life. I've never been to RA before I moved to chicago. So far I've been twice and eaten many things here, and I gotta say Im not a fan of the food. not the place to be if youre looking for some quality sushi or sashimi. Its more asian-fusion with heavy western influence. But I'm guessing people come here mostly to drink anyway and its the nicest/non-sleaziest bar within the vicinity so come here to drink first, eat second.
(2)
Erika B.

Fantastic food, terrible service. We didn't have to wait very long to get a table (they don't take reservations) but our waitress was constantly out of sight for extended periods of time. The food came out pretty fast though, so that was nice. Try the tropical roll and the tootsy maki. Both were delicious. Also drank a Blushing Geisha. Was a little too sweet (kinda tasted like spiked kool-aid), but still tasty. I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Ashlee C.

Happy Hour is great! It includes sushi, apps, and drinks! Love this place!
(5)
Lu H.

I would go here for happy hour only. Maybe it's because we're from the west coast but to us, it's weird going to a "Japanese" restaurant with no Japanese chefs cutting sushi. The vibe here is your typical 20-somethings yuppies (yes that would include us), with loud pop music. The happy hour menu is fine, I'd stick to that. This place is what it is - a fushion asian place that will suit anyone's palates.
(3)
Jonathan W.

Not that great. However, not my type of place. Sort of a cheesy, loud club vibe. Good if you are in your early 20s. "Sushi" entirely mediocre and overpriced. You are not coming here for authenticity so don't expect anything close to authentic. The drinks were good and the food was tasty however. I enjoyed the yellowtail sashimi dish that is garnished with jalapenos and cilantro.
(2)
Margaret N.

I was in RA for lunch last weekend with the boyfriend. Everything was super tasty untillllllll I bit something super hard in my sushi roll.... I spit out what looked like a piece of avocado pit. It's not like I broke a tooth and I'm not a complainer, so I didn't mention anything to the server and we just finished our food. About 2 minutes after our plates were cleared, the head chef came out to talk to us, he said he saw the piece of avocado pit on my plate, he apologized profusely and comped food off our bill. Then he gave us cards for free drinks next time we came in!! Like I said, I'm not a complainer for little things and it didn't bother me at all. But he was very observant to notice that and also very polite, and I was super grateful for such attentive customer service!! We will be back of course, because a business that pays such close attention to customer satisfaction deserves my business in this sh*tty economy!!
(5)
Lauren S.

Let me start off by saying, I am a big fan of sushi and Asian cuisine in general. I went there Wednesday evening for happy hour with a friend and was pleasantly surprised with the whole experience. A run down of what we ordered and what I thought: I ordered a few lemon drop martini's which were quite good for 4 bucks! We sat at the bar and the bartender was not only friendly but made a great drink. It wasn't too strong yet didn't taste like lemonade. Then my friend and I split a bunch of things including the pinapple and cheese wontons w/pineapple dipping sauce (soo good), tuna tutaki (really fresh), yellow tail nigri (standard but good and cheap), a shrimp tempura roll (same as the nigri) and finished with an AMAZING AND HUGE PORTIONED DESSERT: the tempura cinnamon ice cream! Wow, that was enough food and pleasantness to account for the 4 stars above. On another note, we arrived at about 6pm and didn't have to wait at all. Food came fairly quick and overall was a really good experience. I am not sure if I would go back and spend dinner prices on what we got, but for happy hour sushi on the gold coast, can't beat it!
(4)
Swati B.

LOVE the fact that RA has a happy hour Mon-Thursday where you get half off maki rolls/appetizers and drink deals....hate that this place is ALWAYS crowded. Great place for a girls night...or even a date..as long as you have some time on your hands. Service was EXTREMELY slow the night I went (I went on a Friday night). We were seated right away, however, after our meal was finished we waited a solid hour before our server came up to us to even ask us for the check! The pineapple cheese wontons are great, and this place is really good for vegetarians that want "sushi". Love their list of sake. Great ambiance, nice music, young trendy crowd. Overall fun place...just the service brings the place down.
(3)
Tanisha S.

happy hour!!!!! amazing great prices and ambiance. The service is good too! i love the food... vegas roll is to die for!
(4)
Sasha K.

I am definitely a fan! This is a fantastic date spot. The happy hour drink and food menu is extensive and amazing. Our waiter was very helpful and friendly and our food came at perfect times. My only criticism is that the tables are too close together but that could easily have been changed. They have great seating by the windows, it was just super busy so i didn't speak up. Sushi is super fun. Las Vegas and Calamari rolls are just awesome.
(4)
Brian V.

Our second night in Chicago happened to be a Sunday so downtown was pretty dead. We had just killed a bottle of Hennesey and were planning on hitting the "something Tower" where we could sip brewskis on the top floor however, it was closed. So we just loitered around like a bunch of foreign hooligans and planned our next move at a pub. With the formation of no plan, we walked out with slouched shoulders until I saw the glow of Ra Sushi's neon lights. Transfixed, I went it and on the fly and proclaimed that we were sake bombing. We all take turn being head haunchos and the gods must have willed it, because that night was my turn. They obediently followed me like little puppets and we were seated. Planning to order some sake, I had a compulsion to turn a placard over and IT SAID $1 SAKE, 2 DOLLAR PABST!!!! What a stroke of luck you say. Flagging down the garcon, we ordered 7 little vials of sake which held 4 shots each and 7 pabst. We would each have our own little bottle. We had two rounds of that. In addition, they had half off sushi. We were too drunk to really taste the sushi. The cream cheese wanton was okay and the asta la vista roll is a question mark. The service did take very long tho, especially when the place was empty. The waitress kept forgetting our orders and it took half hour to put some damn salted beans in a bowl. I don't know if we were being too belligerent but what can you truly expect when its $1 sake. All in all, its a really fun place when you are in a large group. Nothing beats getting hot sake spilled on your inner thigh by a most bodacious lady friend. Go on a sunday with a large party and own the place...wadDUUUUUP.
(4)
Chris C.

Nice anthe have $4.00 sake. Awsome!
(4)
Nicholas W.

Mediocre sushi. Horrible service. Would never come back. Cute hostess and waitress. Its a typical corporate type sushi place. Everything is nice, but the food is basically shit.
(1)
Nicole R.

We went here for my friends bday on saturday after all the better sushi restaurants were booked due to restaurant week. Ra doesnt take reservations, so we were told it would be a 30 minute wait. 2 hours later we were STILL waiting. Luckily i convinced my friends to skip dinner so we could just head to the bars...it was past 11pm at that point. ANYWAYS, ive eaten here before and its not all that. Ditto what everyone else said. Attracts people from the suburbs, lots of fake sushi covered in mayo and cream cheese (ew), cooked fish etc. AND to make it worse, they have turned into a chain that has locations in the burbs. EW EW EW.
(1)
Brian K.

I wish I could express to you all how sushi makes me feel. Its really an indescribable thing. Sushi is happiness. So my college room mate The Trick, or Patrick to some, called me up and said, 'Lets hop on that sushi train.' And I said 'Choo choo.' I met him and our friend Nish there for their happy hour. What an idea. We ordered drinks and had crab cakes as an appetizer. And I am currently salivating thinking about this meal. The sushi was just. BANG-A-RANG RUFIO! Thats all I can really say. Because how can you talk about pure joy and ecstasy.
(4)
Kristina R.

Make sure to come during Happy Hour for 1/2 priced sushi, appetizers, and drinks! The sushi is on the Americanized, but is still decent. I would recommend the Viva Las Vegas and the Tooski Maki rolls. (Both are on the 1/2 priced happy hour menu). I went to RA on a Thursday night with one of my girlfriends. It was my first time dining at the State Street location, (I have been to the one at Yorktown Mall). There was no wait and a handful of tables we vacant. We opted to sit at the bar because we were in a hurry to meet some friends. The music was very loud and made it difficult to carry on a conversation, but we got our food quickly and that is what we were looking for. Although, the service was rather disappointing, considering we were two of three people sitting at the bar and only saw the bartender to take our order, serve our food, and collect our money. He mostly hid in the room adjacent to the bar and we had to hunt him down to get our check, which was annoying. With the dozens of other sushi restaurants within a square mile of RA, I probably won't be going back. I would be willing to spend the extra money to have a better dining experience, better food, and to do without the headache.
(2)
Newooper S.

Went during happy hour on a Saturday. They have great happy hour specials that can't be beat. The service was incredible and fast, and the sushi, although I wouldn't call it authentic, was delicious and imaginative. I shall return.
(4)
Nirmal G.

It's really too bad that RA doesn't understand what good customer service is. I came with 6 other people to celebrate a friend's birthday a few weeks ago on a Monday night at like 5:30pm. We never expect it to be fabulous but given the good prices, my friends and I still will come here occassionally. This time, one of my friends and I each ordered the veggie tempura roll, which isn't even on the happy hour menu but we had had it last time we were in and it had been really, really good. This time, for some reason, our rolls were the last ones to come out, as in everyone else was already halfway done with their rolls when ours came out. How does food without meat in it take longer to prepare? Boggles my mind. My friend's roll was so poorly cut with lopsided pieces that half of the pieces fell apart as she tried to pick them with her chopsticks. The roll in general wasn't as good as the first time we had had it. We are convinced that's because there was a tv show that was filming when we had had the roll the first time, so that meant that the service and food was much better than usual. Later, when they were clearing the table, one of the waiters managed to spill sauce on one of my friends and didn't even notice. Wow. We also could barely track down the waitress when some of my friends wanted to order additional rolls. Then she acted as if it was a huge chore for her to take a picture of us. We realized afterwards that since we were a group of 7, tip was already included in the bill and to her that meant that she didn't need to provide us with any decent service at all. I'll never be back. There's absolutely no reason to do so. Go to Friends Sushi instead. They are much more pleasant and have much better sushi.
(1)
Andy D.

RA is a hit!!! No complaints from this guy... You enter the restaurant and immediately notice the relaxed but sophisticated atmosphere. The servers are very friendly, attentive and informative. This is also a great place for a romantic table for two or a gathering of friends. As for the food...wow!!! Originality is everywhere...from the preparation through the plating. Sushi was fresh. Spices and sauces brought out the best taste in the fish. It was just excellent. As far as the other post about "fake sushi" goes...yes I would have to agree. This place is not going to give you traditional sushi. However, RA is the place to go if you want a fresh take on your favorite classic. RA has an unique and interesting approach to food where the results are delivered on the plate!!! I was also surprised by the value for this type of Sushi place in this part of the city. Just another bonus that makes this place great!!!
(5)
Lizzy P.

This place is A-OK! I come here for the happy hour. There's a decent selection of drinks at great prices and a big list of appetizers that are half off during the happy hour. It's one of the few places in this area that has drink specials on a Friday. I will definitely continue to return for the happy hour special.
(3)
A H.

Well, if you don't mind you sushi/sashimi made by non-Japanese, and an uptight bartender this place isn't bad. Which doesn't say much about it, does it? find a real Japanese restaurant.
(2)
Michael H.

It's a good value during happy hour? I can't really think of better positives.
(2)
Tim C.

Very good, if expensive, sushi, IMPOSSIBLY LOUD (why do they ignore all of the previous reviews?)
(3)
Jennifer H.

This was a last-minute decision because the bf and I were in town for Memorial Day weekend and couldn't figure out what the heck to eat for dinner. I can't remember exactly why but a large portion of their sushi menu that night was 1/2 off, so we decided to get a variety of sushi and soft shell crab. I agree with a lot of the other reviewers about the "fake" sushi. A lot of mayo and the sushi was drenched in sauces. I could barely taste the actual raw fish. Don't think it was there. The only reason I gave it 3-stars is because I could see this restaurant being a "fun" place for pre-partying before going out, or for a big group of friends. Definitely would NOT recommend it to true sushi aficionados out there.
(3)
Shradha A.

The staff here is friendly, but it looks like this place is just setup for some rowdy sake bombing, at least on weekend nights. Not really a good dinner destination..
(3)
Crystal P.

The Happy hours prices make this place. We went in for a quick dinner yesterday and got to partake in the 1/2 off rolls. We got Spicy yellow tail Not amazing but good spicy tuna solid but how can you go wrong Crispy spicy tuna ehh it was fish and a jalapeno on a ball of fried hard rice.. points for creativity but not something that I'd order again. crispy soft shell crab.. fried to DEATH tasted stale. over meh... I'd go back but stick to basics!
(3)
Garrett F.

Great Place, Modern sushi place with some good seating, in a small area. I really enjoy the atmosphere which is usually busy and vibrant. They do sashimi very well and the fish is fresh tasting.
(4)
Katrina F.

One of my most favorite places to dine! I love, love, love the food and service here. Although it's always busy, the staff does a good job at seating you as soon as possible and getting your food to you in a very timely manner. My only wish was that the restaurant was a little bigger. The seating is kinda tight. Other than that, I love it. #BigFan
(4)
Kristy N.

I went there on Friday around 5pm which was perfect timing - the place was PACKED when we left around 7pm. The happy hour prices were awesome and our bartender was very friendly. If I had arrived a few hours later, I would have probably walked out b/c it was so cramped. However, for an after work get together, it was perfect. Our bill was only $40 which included 2 appetizers, 1 roll and 4 drinks (including one $12 martini which wasn't included in the special). Good stuff!
(4)
Lola T.

I've been here 3 times now, and never had a bad experience:) Last time I was here, I went by myself after work to take advantage of their 1/2 price sushi from 3-7. I sat at the bar and was greeted by the attractive bartender immediately. He is so charismatic, you can tell he's good at his job. There was another person, who I later found out was named Mike, sitting at the bar a few seats over. We all got to chatting while waiting for our sushi to come out. Once the sushi came out, we decided to share our rolls. We both got the Viva Las Vegas I ordered the Crispy Spicy Tuna Mike ordered Crispy Calamari How neat to sit down at a bar, meet a perfect stranger and end up becoming sushi partners! So much fun and the sushi was interesting, yet good! I plan on taking full advantage of 1/2 price sushi nights Monday-Saturday 3-7pm.
(4)
Caroline A.

Not impressed at all. I'll be the first to admit that I dislike all the new "fusion" sushi spots. This one is the worst. Many of the rolls are dressed in mayo-ish sauces that just don't do it for me. Secondly, I am not a fan of chain restaurants, but I didn't realize this was a chain until after the poor service. I went for a late lunch while business was slow... and the service was not all that great. This is not a good choice for sushi in the city.. .especially with all the other options.
(2)
alice y.

I lived across the street from this place for over a year, and I LOVE sushi. I only ate here twice. The food isn't great, the service isn't great, the diners here are all shiny, and jingly and decked out .. and I can't hear myself think. Seriously, are we a restaurant? I think being in the Viagra Triangle has the owners confusing themselves with nightclub bosses. 1 star. However, I did once stop by the bar after a s***** day at work for a cocktail. It was good, the bartender was cool. Hit the spot. Plus one star for that.
(2)
Nicole B.

Good food. Great service. Fantastic prices during happy hour. Nice decor, and the restaurant wasn't packed, so it made for a relaxing atmosphere.
(4)
Abagail W.

This place is my Cheers. I can always rely on a smile from the wonderful friendly bartenders Mike and Mark. Ask for a "Bonsai" it's not on the menu anymore but it's delicious! Its a sweet pinkish cocktail that Mike is awesome at making. They also are one of the few smaller places that has a couple options for Nigori sake (unfiltered sake, the white looking kind). Their happy hour is great: half price sushi on sundays? Awesome. I am a sushi snob and I can say hands down they have THE BEST spicy tuna in town. There Salmon Nigiri is high quality and never disappoints in the 3 years I have been religiously going there. I am never disappointed by this place. They recently updated the interior and it looks great. The kicker is the great atmosphere, the music is always perfect and the lighting is so romantic. This place has a killer vibe. I will keep going here for years!
(5)
Erin M.

Probably won't be going here again. I'll stick to my favorites and save the bus fare. My husband and I went to Sushi Ra for Monday night happy hour which includes food specials like half off appetizers and $3 PBR and 4$ cosmos. Well-the cosmopolitan was SO watered down it tasted like they had let multiple ice cubes melt in my drink....Cosmos don't come with ice. So I am thinking they did this on purpose...What else could I expect for a $4 cosmo? Oh yeah, a COSMO! The waitress seated us and told us about how we were supposed to fill out our order form to indicate which sushi we wanted and then she left....Without giving us a pencil! The sushi was OK. I've had sushi that tasted fresher. If it wasn't happy hour and deeply discounted because it was happy hour I would have left when I saw the prices. This place is way over priced for the flavor and quality of the food. BEWARE the vegetarian roll has some nasty root/stem vegetable in it that sounds like glass when you bite into it! It was pretty loud inside - they need to turn the music down a little.
(2)
Hope G.

oh man...I've been here probably close to 30 times? The best thing about this being my favorite sushi place is my discovering that they have one in my home town in southern California! Thank goodness. Don't go unless its happy hour! 1/2 off some sushi and all appetizers from 4-7pm...they have some pretty decent lunch specials too. Your life will change as soon as you try the Chicken Wings and the Crispy Spicy Tuna Roll, which is a crisp sesame rice cake topped with delicious spicy tuna and jalapeno. Dip it in the sauce surrounding the roll and it's heaven. I'd say pass on the tempura in favor of their gyoza, fried tofu and other appetizer items. If you're not a sushi fan, the teryaki beef is perfectly cooked and tender...delicious. Lastly, always order the Uchi No house salad...I'd kill for the ginger salad dressing recipe.
(5)
Sue H.

Love it!!! Happy hour is the best!!! Try the LAS VEGAS and RAINBOW!
(5)
Anthony A.

Ra is a great place to go....during their happy hour menu. If you eat sushi often and then this might not be the place for you. Their sushi is not bad but not great either. I think its the happy hour prices that make it acceptable. I would not pay full price for a lot of their menu items. You would be much better off going to Coast, Sushi X, etc if you wanted real sushi. The place itself, however, is pretty cool inside. It can get crowded during the happy hour of course. Service was pretty good as well. If you are coming with a group that eats sushi only every so often then this would suggest coming here.
(3)
Emily F.

Been here both for the Sunday night deal and during the week. The sushi is decent at best- most of their rolls are made with crab or tuna "mixes", which is code for made with mayo. Being anti-condiments, this makes it hard to find pretty much anything on the sushi menu. The portions are decent sized though and prices are pretty standard for sushi in downtown Chicago. However, its hip and trendy vibe makes it a fun place to go with your girlfriends or on a date. But if you're just in the mood for chowhousing some good sushi in jeans and sneakers, you're probably better off elsewhere.
(3)
David G.

My wife and I have been here several times for their "happy hour" specials. Some of the rolls are (roughly) half price at that time. They are really pricey otherwise, so I suggest doing their happy hour. They even run happy hour on the weekends. The service is here usually average or on the better side of average. I've never had rude service here, but it has been incredibly slow a couple times. The "sushi" while not necessarily authentic, is pretty tasty. It's definitely an americanized version.
(4)
Christine M.

Came here to check out the appetizer specials ($3) on a weeknight. The pineapple wontons were good, along with a couple other dishes. I haven't had any huge cravings since I've left, though, which tells me they fell short of the lasting impression for which I was hoping. The service was terrible. Bartender was friendly and made the 45-minute wait for what was supposed to be 20-minutes not so bad. It began raining on us and we had to move ourselves indoors, as our waiter was MIA. He didn't seem to care, either. Interesting. I think I'll check out a new sushi restaurant rather than returning.
(3)
Eugenia O.

Happy hour is totally worth it because the rolls are half price and great drink specials. This place is great if you are looking for really fancy adverturous sushi rolls and are sick of the same rolls being offered at every place you visit. The rolls also have great presentation. I can't remember when, but on certain nights there's live music. Great abiance, great service, creative rolls, but quite pricy unless you go to happy hour, so I would definately stick to that!
(4)
Mikie B.

This one primarily gets a 4 star rating because it was my local neighborhood hangout when I lived up the street on State. I typically stopped by at least once a week and either got takeout or sat at the bar and had a quick bite before walking the rest of the way home. It took me a good year, but after doggedly walking in the front door, plopping myself at the bar and smiling widely, the resident bartender finally realized that I wasn't going anywhere and I got a winning smile and even a little kiss on the cheek! It's a typical trendy / fancy sushi restaurant where the music is too loud, the lighting too low and the wait staff too pretty. There's a lot of "fancy" sushi as opposed to the down-home classic fare, but the fish was always fresh and beautifully presented. And while a lot of their rolls contain cream cheese (which I am fundamentally against when it comes to sushi), truth be told, sometimes you just want a fancy tuna roll. My favorites are the Viva Las Vegas roll (without the cream cheese), which included delectable lotus root "chips" (my only critique is that it would be FAR better-- and worth the expense-- if they used fresh crab rather than imitation...); the salmon carpaccio (and this coming from a girl who doesn't really like salmon...); and, the best, best, best is the chili ponzu yellowtail-- the thing I always saved for last because, well, it's the best. I rarely went with friends-- it was more of a personal place to stop in for a quick lunch or grab a bite after work for me; but I have fond memories of this "neighborhood" sushi bar, and always try to stop by when I'm in town (especially since it's across the street from my fashion favorite, anthropologie).
(4)
Karina S.

the food was great but the service was HORRIBLE. i had a party of 15 who had a 'reservation'. when we got there, they told us we had to wait for the party before us to leave who stayed for another 1.5 hours. they did not apologize nor were they considerate. in fact, they told us to move from the entrance...where were we supposed to go?! after we sat down they didnt even ask us how we were, they just rushed us thru the order. will NOT go back to this location. if you like the sushi, go to another location or go at a time where they will actually pay attention to you!
(1)
Clarissa J.

So far I've only had lunch at Ra, but I knew this would be a "Clary" place from the moment I stepped through the revolving door. Lots of red. I love that. Melty-fresh and generous sashimi slices; affordable and quality lunch specials that fill you up and then some; awesome, eclectic music rotation; friendly staff. There are so many sushi hubs in Chicago -- with these important pluses, it makes a difficult lunch decision quite easy.
(5)
Misse D.

It is so mediocre that I forgot to write a review. I am probably giving it an extra star, only for sentimental reasons (my husband and I had our first date there). That said, I don't plan on going back and there is such better sushi in the city!
(2)
Amy J.

I went back, and not during Happy Hour... This time I enjoyed (much of the same items) Pineapple Wontons (by the way, these alone are worth going there for) Spinach Gyoza Avocado Roll California Roll Edamame Things we regretted ordering: Seaweed Salad Anyways, she knew we didn't like the salad, and took it off the bill, so, a star up for service. Also, we had a good waitress this time. Attentive and quick with the diet coke refills - a major plus in me (and my friend who had 5 pops, seriously)'s book. So, the total bill for all of that, 2 diet cokes, and all of those things - $37. Not bad, but during Happy Hour it was about half that for the same amount of food. Just something to note :) Still, I like it a lot and I'll be back. Probably during Happy Hour :) It's such a good deal!
(4)
Anne B.

omg, the garlic edamame. order it. eat it. then thank me.
(5)
Gloria E.

I loved it. I went with a friend who had some drink cards, but he forgot them, so no drinks. However, we got 3 rolls and we split them. They were amazing, but I don't remember two of the rolls. I just remember all three were amazing... there was peppers, nuts, avocado, mango... insane things inside that sushi!!! The reason I don't remember what the other two were would be that I found the third roll to be so great! We got some seared steak roll of some sort and that was so delightful! i loved the atmosphere and we were seated quickly. It was a Tuesday, and this place was packed, so I'm sure there's plenty who can attest to the goodness of Ra's sushi =)
(5)
Mike B.

I give 1 star for aesthetic but as far as the service, it is quite dreadfully slow. The sushi had an odor when brought to my table which is a big indication of lack of freshness. After having to return my plate 3 separate times, ordering 3 different dishes in hopes to get at the very least, a fresh, good tasting dish, all I truly received were 3 polished turds. Each looking brilliant in presentation, but in flavor and freshness? forget it! This place certainly has the look and poshness but in the restaurant business, you can't fake it until you make it people.
(1)
Adam K.

RA sushi was a good sushi bar. I give it 3.5 stars for food but 4+ stars for atmosphere and since I am a nice guy I'll round up and give it 4 stars! Yay! Before we arrived, I called ahead and although they do not take reservations they "put my name on a list" and we were seated immediately upon arrival. I do not remember the rolls we ordered but I do remember that I enjoyed all of them. The sake and cocktail I had were also very good recommendations by our server. The sushi wasn't the best fish I had ever had but at the same time, it wasn't the worst either. Will I return?....maybe but I would definitely try other sushi bars around town first. Our favorite aspect of the restaurant was the atmosphere. They had cool music playing (i.e. "Just Dance" by Lady Gaga which happens to be my favorite song at the moment), and the second we arrived it seemed that the restaurant started to fill up so that was also a good sign. I definitely recommend RA. Give it a shot, you wont be disappointed.
(4)
Megumi T.

I think this place is for someone who loves Roll sushi. We chose soft shell crab for appetizers. We order Sushi; "Uni" "Maguro" "Hamachi" "Saba" "Tako". Roll; "Crazy Monkey" Beef Tataki". Soft shell crab is really good! So crunchy and delicious. Ponzu base sauce is good too. Uni is taste strange. Little bitter taste but not too bad. Maguro is not really good. Too dry.... Hamachi and Saba, Tako just OK for me. But Roll sushi is really good. Especially, Crazy Monkey is so good. Beef Tataki is good as well. Lots of Veggie inside roll. It's busy night but service is quick and nice. I'll back this place for Roll Sushi!!
(3)
shawn f.

Turn around if you are headed here.... I tried tonight and although SURROUNDED by the most vapid group of Melrose wannabe servers I could not get service at all. They actually sat at the bar talking. Upon entering the place it took a couple minutes for the manager to finish running tired game on a blonde at the bar. After waiting 15 minutes for just one of the servers to at least grab a drink order I left.
(1)
Philip G.

Even though this place is a chain, it's probably one of my favorite sushi places in Chicago. Normally, I don't go for chain-anything. But this place is different. It's small, but the atmosphere is very inviting. The place is nicely decorated and looks to be very clean and well maintained. The staff is friendly and service is speedy. I'm by no means a sushi connoisseur. I couldn't tell you the intricacies of the sushi making process, I don't even remember the different names of fish. However, I have eaten a lot of sushi, in a lot of different places, both in Chicago and other places. And I can tell you that the most important part - the sushi and maki rolls - are TOPS at Ra Sushi. They pull of the regular rolls really well - California, Tuna, Avocado, etc. are all super tasty. You could probably stick to the regular rolls and die happy. The edamame is also some of the tastiest I've had. They do everything right in this department. They do the regular rolls really well, but the special rolls are simply UNBELIEVABLE. Like I mentioned before, I can't remember the names of them to save my life, but I do recall that the special Shrimp Tempura roll is amazing. And let me just stop here and mention the Sake Sangria. Normally, I'm someone who tends to stick to beer. Usually, when I eat at a Sushi place, I'll get a Sapporo or similar Japanese beer. However, my fiance turned me on to the Sake Sangria. It's the best of both worlds. It combines the sweetness and smoothness of a sangria, with the kick of Sake. These are highly addicting, so be careful - they will knock you on your ass. The "no reservations" policy is kind of annoying, but I never have any problems getting a table. This is truly a great place. I was even able to take my super picky 12 year old brother here, and he enjoyed it. It's a little pricey, but definitely worth it for special occasions.
(5)
Jin Joo L.

I went on a Sunday evening around 7:30 ish and it was surprisingly packed. The atmosphere was definitely more contemporary, hip, and young. They were playing a lot of mainstream songs and around 8 or 9 they had a DJ in there. We went for 50% off sushi, but maybe we were mistaken? Order mostly nigiri sushi and some appetizer. It was a lot of people packed in a really tight space. Overall, the sushi took a while which I don't mind but it wasn't the best I've tasted either. The music was SO LOUD, we had to shout. I felt like I was in a club more than a restaurant. I didn't mind the music cuz it made me want to dance but the loudness, seems to translate to eat and get out quick, we have more ppl to seat. Was a bit disappointed but not bad.
(2)
Vi N.

My friend and I went here for their happy hour special and it was awesome! Half off sushi and drinks? I'm down. It's a cute little place for dates. I wouldn't come here with a big party. The bar and dining area was packed. The sushi was good... it wasn't the best though. However, I think the decor and the feel of the place made up for the sushi. They played top forty songs in the background, so that was fun in comparison to the cheesy music played at other sushi joints.
(4)
Gina L.

I've come here pretty often through the years when I'm in town for work, cause I love their soft shell crab. Previously, the service has been typical, nothing big to complain about or boast about. However,during my last visit the service was more than EXCEPTIONAL! It was a busy late lunch hour on a Friday. The host greeted and sat us promptly. Our order was a little delayed but the staff and mananger QUICKLY recognized the issue. Instead of waiting for the complaint or ignoring the problem. The waitress and manager addressed the situation before we got TOO hungry and irratable. He took the appetizers of the bill, added some cocktails and offered us dessert. He also checked in on us again to make sure we were happy guests. It was nice to see that the staff and management was aware of their guests needs and dealt with anything before there was a problem.
(5)
Jim W.

Pam Z's review is pretty spot on. You don't come here for the sushi. The fish is average for Chicago (which means worse than average if you actually like sushi) and served at room temperature, but decently sized. I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but something was off about the sushi rice, perhaps not enough vinegar? When dipped in soy sauce, my nigiri experienced "fallen soldier" more often than I cared to count. Came in for Happy Hour on a Mon, for a snack before actual dinner. The 1/2 off list is small, but ok to satisfy the casual sushi eater. The $1 hot sake should be the target order, but the $3 martinis are cheap too. The sushi doesn't really end up being all that cheap, just cheaper than normal if you tried to make a meal out of it. They really turn up the music in this joint, I think the decibel level went up a few notches just before I left. Pretty uniform clientele though, gold coast blond heads everywhere, but it does make for a scene and is probably a decent launching pad for a good night out.
(3)
Don J.

RA is a fun place for sushi, especially if you're with friends who aren't into "RA" fish. Plenty of cooked options available! This is not the place for a quiet meal - the music is turned up, giving the place some energy. Also, don't forget your eyeglasses if you have trouble reading in dim red light. Having said that, I loved the music, lighting and quirky decor. Check out the chopped-up fish artwork behind the sushi bar and the 3-D orange panels on the ceiling above. We sat at the sushi bar, which was made of granite, and admired the stonework on the walls. I tried the cucumber kimchi, which was a nice twist on a Korean favorite. The spicy tuna hand roll was fantastic. If you appreciate a great presentation, try the Viva Las Vegas roll, which is topped with what I think were wafer-thin deep-fried tomatoes. It is eye-catching enought that you shouldn't be surprised if strangers ask you what you ordered. If you're an avocado lover, I highly recommend the avocado roll, which is also a great value. On the other hand, I did not find the king crab roll worth the $18 price tag. Overall, though, give this place a try!
(4)
Rachel R.

You can't go wrong here. The price is great and staff is always friendly. It's a little loud at dinner so if your planning on a table for two be prepared to yell at each other. They still have their patio open so take advantage of it while it last!
(5)
Joey S.

I came here not expecting anything great. An okay atmosphere. Kind of dark. The waiter was polite but very shy. Not the best of encounters. Even though my girlfriend and I waited 45 minutes for our sushi, I must say, it was well worth it. It looked great alone and tasted even better. If you want good sushi for a fair price, this is the right place.
(3)
Rocco123 G.

I visited the city last week for New Years and ate here Tuesday night. Absolutely amazing sushi and tempura vegetables. I have no clue which rolls I ordered because I was so wasted when I got there but remember it was fantastic. Something with jalepenos in it. I also remember it wasn't over priced either. It was crowded but we were able to be seated quickly. I would definitely recommend this place.
(5)
Andrea L.

Great sushi joint in the Gold Coast. The bartender was very helpful and offered great suggestions. Everything we had was delicious! Definitely will be back again :)
(5)
Kristel B.

They have new management and have taken a lot of the good stuff off the menu. Not to mention the stuff that stayed the same doesn't taste the same. I don't like this place anymore.
(1)
Marya A.

I came here because my friend told me she comes here four times a month. I loved the food! It tasted amazing! Best sushi I've ever had. Atmosphere was great too!
(5)
Jackie C.

We were just wandering around the area looking for a good place for drinks and a few apps. What better place than a sushi bar? We ordered two rolls and I had drink. Our waitress was very nice! We ordered the Viva Las Vegas - OUR NEW FAVORITE! We were still talking about it the next morning. We also had a yellow fish chili one where you dipped the rolls in a sauce. It had a weird after taste for me but it was very fresh. I could just not like the fish. I order the Pear Ginger Sour - amazing! We can't wait to go back for a full on dinner to try a few other rolls.
(4)
Pranitha P.

My roommates and I have been here a few times. I think it's only worth it during happy hour - obviously incredibly busy and they don't take reservations. I've tried the crazy monkey roll (w/out salmon), vegetable tempura roll, and the mango lobster roll (w/out the lobster). As a vegetarian, RA has numerous delicious options that they can remove the fish for a great roll.
(4)
Shambavi K.

Over a year ago, I was such a regular it was almost embarrassing how many times I went to RA. I used to be a huge fan of the happy hour specials until they changed their menu. My favorite was the salmon carpaccio and short ribs and few others. both have been taken out of menu. I went for their happy hour specials last Friday and the food was just sub par. the garlic yellowtail was the highlight which was okay. I remember it had more flavor before. The drinks are okay. I miss the old RA. I don't care for the Viva Las Vegas roll as they are known for...I sort of stray away from the Midwestern sushi rolls that are either fried or have cream cheese in everything.
(2)
Rits M.

Cannot believe how often I come here- twice a month almost. I love their happy hours from 3-7 and you get pretty good deals. I usually get the ra'ckin ROLL shrimp- not the salad, the Viva las vegas roll and the crispy spicy tuna. Add on the garlic edamame and you have the best meal ever. Although none of the food there has disappointed really- other mentions are the tootsie maki and the rainbow roll. I also like the tunacado sashimi. Waiters are very friendly and helpful. The one problem I have with this place is they have watered down/ very little alcohol in the happy hour drinks. I would get the sake if I wanted a drink since thats the only one that feels legit. The ambiance is good for a later night place but I come for the happy hour. They have a little patio outside which is perfect for summer. But the place does fill up fast, you are looking at about a 20 min wait if you come at 6.
(4)
Chris D.

The rolls are good, nothing special though. RA isn't worth a normal visit at full price, but their happy hour specials are great. If you really want great sushi, skip this place. If you're in the mood for decent sushi at a good price, come during happy hour.
(3)
Jackie Z.

Sushi and drinks were good (nothing remarkable), the patio was nice... if you live in the neighborhood this is an excellent choice to grab sushi within walking distance. BUT happy hour here is legendary.
(3)
J W.

I would have to rate this as 'OK' for sushi. It is a chain, but I had never heard of it before moving to Chicago. Have been here for happy hour once, and have had carryout a couple of times. I will say that the prices for the happy hour were actually really good for what you could get. I had their sangria and it literally tasted like it was 80% water. Not very good at all. I had another mixed drink (I don't remember which one) that was pretty good. As for the sushi; I really wasn't blown away by it. It tasted kind of like grocery-store quality. Not bad, but didn't have that authentic/fresh taste that some of my favorite Sushi places have. Also, I tried a few of their appetizers and I didn't find them to be great either. If you're in the Gold Coast, looking for a reasonably priced happy hour, and are in the mood for sushi then this place is probably worth checking out. When I'm really in the mood for sushi, it's not the place that I would make a special trip for.
(3)
Adriana O.

We started coming to RA because it was about two block from where we lived. Then we moved but kept coming back for RA's happy hour on the weekend. I really liked that about this place, most place only offer happy hour during week days. My personal favs: Viva Las Vegas roll, RA'kin shrimp, pineapple cheese wontons and shishito peppers. Another great thing about RA is that you get a half birthday $20 coupon if you subscribe to their mailing list (no minimum purchase required), who doesn't like being pampered?
(5)
Andrea T.

This place was not good. It's priced fairly, but that being said, we were underwhelmed. We ordered the edamame and Japanese peppers as appetizers and they were the best part of the meal. The peppers were not too spicy for me but they had too much heat for my friend. Either way, they were delicious! However, for all the fanfare associated with the maki on the menu, it really was tasteless. We had the Crazy Monkey roll, chili ponzu yellowtail roll, lobster salmon roll, and king crab roll. All were bland. The chili ponzu roll was not spicy at all and lacked flavor. The lobster salmon roll had lobster shell shards all throughout and the rice was like cardboard. The king crab roll didn't have very much crab, the roll was dry, and the sauce tastes like salad dressing. We won't be coming here again. Lastly, the server was disinterested in our experience or how it tasted for us. The bartender was frazzled. The two hostesses were delightful.
(2)
Mihaela M.

Been there after Christmas and a little disappointed:((( luck of good service and like the economy affects the dishes:)) a lot smaller and lots missing. The teriyaki beef used to be so good quality and quantity with lots of fresh vegetables... This time was so different in not a good way. Used to be so much better in there.
(3)
Jill K.

This is a great spot for sushi and appetizers, especially at Happy Hour. Gotta check it out if you're in the area.
(4)
Thalia C.

I love RA sushi! It's a great, casual atmosphere. The sushi is delicious! My favorite is the viva Las Vegas roll. I also love the rainbow roll. The outdoor seating is great in the summer.
(5)
Angela C.

The good is really good fresh and the service good too. I and my friends. Five of us had dinner in this restaurant last sat. The only thing is music too loud. Thats why i took one star off.
(4)
Grace C.

After my massage, I was hungry for Japanese food. Right next street to heavenly massage - I found this Japanese fusion/bar when I walked by. They had lunch menu with some bento box and terriyaki bowl. I decided to give it a try. Couldn't find this place at yelp - guess no one yelped about this place yet. I ordered Chicken terriyaki bento lunch menu. It comes with miso soup, salad and rice in a box. it was round $8.90. not bad at all, it thought. Service wasn't that good, but bearable. It took a while to take my order and waiter/waitress didn't come check me out after delivering the food. well, food: it was WORST Asian food that I've ever tired in my life.... Bento came with spring roll. let me tell you- Japanese doesn't service spring roll...Terriyaki was all burnt! and black!! I was this much close to take it back,,,but was super hungry...so decided to eat rice and the salad. When I looked around, I realized that Mexican sushi man make the sushi....and In Asian food place, there was no single Asian person include any worker (beside me) If you don't care about authentic food, I will say - you can try this place for drinks (they seem have full bar selection)...but this was the worst Asian food experience ever...Even thought I think of this place as Chinese food, it was still bad!! oh well, at least I am the first one to write about this place and warn you guys.
(1)
Belle L.

Quality ingredients for $. Email sign up for specials and freebies that is great value for $. January is skinny combo (drink and sushi) for $18. Host/Hostess are always friendly. Star Less: Perky Server makes you order your own sushi as you are seated by the sushi bar. Did not know the specials for the night that is emphasized by the venue decor. Clueless employee = clueless rating.
(3)
David C.

We come here about 2x month...i love this place and i always get the same thing...calamari tempura, spicy miso, spicy tuna roll, but to be honest its all good for a chain...will be coming back soon as I do the happy hour.
(4)
Monty M.

The food here is made with impeccable taste and creative with their service of plating. My fav is the Ra'kin roll and the Vegas buffet so far. Bartenders are fairly generous with the fish bowls too. You can't go wrong with this place.
(5)
Shemario W.

For a chain restaurant Ra is pretty good. This place offers service and food that's pretty much consistent with every other Ra out there. The sushi is great and the drinks are good. Happy hour draws a cool mix of River North professionals and it's pretty cheap by Chicago standards.
(4)
Yvonne B.

The food was delicious and the atmosphere was cool. I was crazy about the calamari and the spicy tofu - two items that I usually dislike. We all really enjoyed the short ribs and the mango roll we got. The watermelon kiwi martini got me to break my "no alcohol" stint. Other than that though, I wasn't a fan of Ra. It was loud and the service wasn't that spectacular. In fact, the service was fairly negligent at times. We had to ask for silverware to go with the short ribs. I repeatedly held up our empty dishes to be cleared and nobody came to take them. Our table was cramped and could hardly accommodate our food (and we really didn't order very much). Our table probably would have been good for only two people, but we had four. Maybe it would have been better if we had done takeout instead since all we really liked was the food...
(2)
Mike H.

Wherever I go to a new sushi place I always ask the server to order me what's good. My server has been Lauren the past two times and she ordered me two amazing rolls. This place will be my new sushi hangout for a long time to come!! You have to get the seaweed salad for appetizer!!!
(5)
Justin P.

The service was lackluster, ever though it was barely half full. That's what annoyed me the most. The Ra'cking shrimp was great, but the other two rolls didn't blow my hair back. I've been here several times, so I'll chalk this one up to them having an off day.
(3)
Rocky B.

I love the one in San Diego and since I've been coming to Chicago a lot lately, tried it here also. One of my fav spots to get sushi. Everything is good
(5)
Sydney R.

LOVE this place! I usually come during the afternoon on weekdays so the place is not crowded at all. The staff are very attentive and the food is great!
(4)
Olena K.

Favorite sushi place! I go there all the time and have never been disappointed. The prices are good and the happy hour deals are unbeatable! Adrian, the bartender, is also a great guy and fun to talk to, and he makes your drinks extra good! I am a big fan of sushi and have tried tons of places, but this remains to be my favorite.
(5)
Soyoung S.

My FAVORITE sushi place in Chicago, never fails to absolutely blow my taste buds away. Food coma's commencing, this place is deliciously sinful. Happy hour is such a treat, and a really great deal. Hip interior decor and ambiance, and clean utensils and plateware. I would give this 5 stars, but the hostesses have always been a bit rude and standoffish =\ the waitresses, bartenders, and sushi chefs are all super cool and nice though =)
(4)
Laurie L.

The food was pretty good- they had a few unusual appetizers that were great including a lobster spring roll. We went in an hour before they closed for a quick dinner- we had no plans on lingering. Clearly the waitress was annoyed that we were there, the kitchen closed 45 minutes before the restaurant closed, so she was unable to get us a few more rollls that we wanted to order. Worst waitress I have had in ages, made me feel like I was inconveniencing her.
(2)
Kevin D.

Whoever says you can't trust sushi so far from the ocean, Ra will prove them wrong. Being from Boston I had this mind set until my friend brought me here for happy hour. This is one of the best happy hours I've ever been to.
(5)
Liz C.

My friend and I were in the mood for sushi so ordered pick up from RA. We ordered two rolls and a side of gyoza. The price of the rolls were about 10-13$ which seems comparable with large cities. The quality of the sushi however left much to be desired. To say the least the roles were tiny. We both had larger rolls with more fish from supermarket to go sushi counters. The taste was fine, but for $13 I expect a decent size roll. We were both highly disappointed by the quality of the food for the price, and also still hungry after we finished the small sized rolls. I wouldn't recommend this place unless they make the prices cheaper or the size of their sushi rolls larger so that the price reflects the quality
(2)
Brian F.

I've been to RA in several states and enjoy their brand. This is a very hip location in the midst of the Rush street restaurants in Chicago and it's definitely a place to see and be seen.
(4)
Blaine T.

Love RA! It's a great place to have some cocktails and splurge on sushI! Such good Miso soup and my favorite rolls are the Gojira (the best), the vegas roll and spicy tuna is always solid! Love the area it's in around rush st./state st.
(4)
Helen Y.

The place is quite packed, so reservation is a must, especially for weekends. The service is good as the waiter is quite accommodate in helping us changing tables. The sushi itself is just OK. Although they are quite creative in making one-of-a-kind sushi, they really can use more attention in making it taste good in your mouth.
(3)
Diane G.

Had I not had an especially terrible experience here last night, this would be a 3 star review. I was already UNIMPRESSED by Ra the first few times, but shit really hit the fan last night. First of all, without fail, the sushi here is MEDIOCRE. Even their "signature rolls" are often tasteless, bland, OR overpowered by sauce. Their new "tropical roll" is anything but--you'd think that the mango salsa would be infused with flavor, but alas it tasted like orange food coloring. The only reason I'd classify it as tropical is it tasted like they flew the mangoes from Hawaii, let the damn mangoes sit in the back of a truck for 5 weeks and forgot about them, rendered them useless and used what little flavor was left of them. Second of all, the SERVICE SUCKS. The first few times it was neutral---nothing atrocious aside from it being kinda slow. But last night the waitress 1. gave us false information (told us that 2 people in our party could use a coupon b/c she could split the tab, BUT at the END of the meal said only one of us could use a coupon). Well great, I just ordered twice as much as I normally would because you LIED. On top of that, she forgot to bring my seaweed salad appetizer, was extremely slow with giving us our bill, and forgot to box our leftovers after TWO reminders. I really don't like this place and only return b/c some of my friends like going here, the vibe is cool w/Top 40 tunes playing, and the Happy Hour prices ARE cheap. But sushi and service this crappy is not worth it, even at those low prices.
(2)
Jessica M.

The ambiance is fun. Like many places in Gold Coast I thought the host and wait staff were a bit pretentious. The menu is confusing and not very helpful in telling you what something is. We ordered the edemame (pass they were hard), the SHISHITO PEPPERS (the BEST thing we ordered, without theses our meal would have been just plain bad), vegetable tempura roll (rice is everything on sushi and this rice was bad and the fried colorful crumbs on it... not a fan) and my boyfriend got udon noodles(which he said were soggy and the chicken was dry). So overall our food experience wasn't great. The sake was okay and pretty cheap, so that was good at least we left a little tipsy. I would definitely not return or recommend this place to anyone. There are FAR superior sushi restaurants in Chicago (**cough** Coast in Bucktown).
(2)
Samantha E.

Came by for Happy Hour with some friends and tried number of the cocktails. Why they did not pack a big punch, they were pretty delicious. Our server was not very attentive but the food was on point. There was a delicious spicy tuna roll on top of deep fried rice which I found particularly tasty. While HH was cheaper than the standard menu, it still was not an inexpensive HH.
(4)
Kira S.

Oh how I love RA's happy hour special! Monday-Saturday from 3-7pm you can stop in for half off wine and most sushi rolls, including every single one of my favorite rolls. Because of this I'm at RA quite frequently, especially in the summer. I'm a bit of a creature of habit at RA and have to get the following rolls when I go: TOOTSY MAKI (Kani kama crab mix, shrimp & cucumber rolled & topped with crunchy tempura bits; drizzled with a sweet eel sauce) CRISPY SPICY TUNA (Spicy tuna mix served on top of crispy sesame rice balls; drizzled with a soy chili sauce) CRUNCHY CALAMARI ROLL (Tempura calamari, kani kama crab mix & cream cheese rolled & topped with spinach tempura bits; drizzled with a sweet eel sauce) Viva Las Vegas Roll (Kani kama crab & cream cheese rolled in rice & seaweed, lightly tempura battered & topped with spicy tuna, kani kama crab mix & sliced lotus root; finished with a sweet eel sauce & spinach tempura bits) Highly recommend for an inexpensive after work dinner!
(4)
Jenna C.

I have tried other sushi restaurants that I've seen reviewed, but NONE come close to RA. Always fresh food, love the ambiance, great service. Can't beat it.
(5)
Brandon T.

Oh Ra, you treat me to well. This place is right next to my house on Elm St, and I do tend to find myself here often. The waitresses are great, bar tenders solid, and as long as you know what not to order, you're in for a good time. The list is extensive here as far as different things go. If you want a menu that has different fish everyone once in a while, well, you're out of luck. its always the same, but always good. My one HUGE complaint is on my favorite sashimi dish, the tuna belly. Its so pricey, no one orders it, and it ends up tasting super fishy when you do. I hate that. Regardless, there isn't a better place to get a large order when ordering sashimi, and I can always appreciate that. Just remember to order the things that get moved quickly. I.E. all other tuna dishes.
(4)
Mike O.

Have been here multiple times for happy hour and try new things everytime. The RA tapas and the crispy spicy tuna are definitely my favorites but everything is good. Normally loud music and pretty crowded so that might not be everybodys scene
(5)
Kelly R.

food is ALWAYS good. and i come here maybe 6 -8 times a year.. and I walked in the door to say I have one more person joing me shortly... 6 people walked in behind me and they motioned to me that I was first.. the host chose to help them first and then said to me "could you wait over there until your other party members show up" I usually don't care but I love this place and didn't feel too welcomed.
(4)
Jitka R.

Fresh fish, fun and creative menu, super tasty rolls and dishes. Service is great. Can get busy and loud during the happy hours but it's worth it :) Enjoy!!
(4)
H G.

RA Sushi is still fine (see previous review). By now, I've eaten a significant portion of their menu. I feel much of the maki fare tastes too similar and bland. I'm just updating my review with some dishes that I would be more than happy to order again: - TROPICAL MAKI SUSHI (No longer on menu as of March 2015, $8.75): "Cucumber, mango & avocado rolled & topped with spinach tempura bits, spicy shrimp mixed with masago & mango salsa". It was almost perfectly sweet and spicy. I should have doubled my order on this one! Also, I appreciate the workable size of the maki pieces, as I can eat it without almost choking (unlike the Yelp-favorite CRISPY SPICY TUNA $10). Although, I agree that the mango pieces could be more flavorful. - CALAMARI TEMPURA ($7.75): Soft calamari strips are surrounded by solidly crispy tempura batter with a dipping sauce. I prefer this variety over the shrimp or vegetable options. The soft and crispy combo is tasty and the platter is plentiful (20 pieces or so). - GREEN TEA ICE CREAM ($3.50): This dessert is becoming more common, but I thoroughly enjoyed my robustly-flavored 2 scoops. Yay! - COCONUT CREME BRULEE ($5.50): A delicious end to any meal at RA.
(3)
Kristina C.

I usually only come here during their happy hour (M-Sat 3-7) & I am usually pretty happy with the food considering the price. Great, affordable option after shopping all afternoon. I almost always get the same thing & stick to the happy hour menu to get my money's worth. Also makes the job of the waitress easier since they can tend to lack on quality service sometimes. Not the most top notch freshness (i don't like mayo or heavy sauces) so the quality of the fish is very important. Also noticed that the rainbow roll, my favorite, seemed much smaller/thinner on my last visit. The seared tuna apatizer is pretty yummy. Overall- you get what you pay for.
(3)
Shin M.

I thought the sushi was really good (well 4 out of the 6 rolls we got were good). However, my rating is lowered because of the service. Our waitress was incredibly slow and unattentive. In addition, she charged me for a drink that I did not order and charged me a full price roll when I ordered a happy hour roll. I am very upset with her service.
(3)
Alan K.

Our friend suggested we come here for their happy hour. Let me tell you, it was worth it. RA Sushi is quite small so if you are coming here with a large group, be prepared to wait. I suggest only having groups of 4 if you are planning to eat here. Also, the hostess will not seat you until your entire party is present. Since we had to put our names down earlier, we had a few drinks at the bar first. Then, as our complete party was present, our hostess sat us. We essentially ordered so much from the happy hour menu that all the food barely fit on our table. Things that were memorable and not so memorable are as follows: Viva Las Vegas Rolls-Delicious Shishito Peppers- A classic favorite of mine. It was in a different sauce than what I am accustomed to.....I think the sauce was a mixture of soy and teriyaki. Kaisen Ceviche-Not good. Ceviche should be ordered at a Mexican restaurant and not at a Japanese place. With good sushi, happy hour prices, awesome club music, and nice ambiance, it was a great experience for sushi.
(5)
Dana O.

Seriously for a place on the Gold Coast I was totally disgusted not only by the food, but also by the quality of the service. I can understand that they get busy during happy hour because their happy hour menu is great, but to have our waitress disappear numerous times and take 10 minutes just to bring over a fork is not the type of service I expect in that neighborhood. I eat on the Gold Coast so I won't have to deal with crappy service (at least encounter it less than in other neighborhoods), therefore I will not be going back to Ra. I LOVE sushi, and for Ra to purport to be a sushi bar but not know how to make classic rolls is beyond crazy. For example, their California roll comes with shrimp and imitation crab (that looks like coleslaw I might add). As far as I know, California rolls are definitely not supposed to have shrimp in them. Similarly, the shrimp tempura roll also comes with shrimp and crab. WHO PUTS CRAB IN A SHRIMP TEMPURA ROLL? WEIRD & ALSO GROSS b/c the crab was fake coleslaw crab. To make matters worse, Ra acts like these are classic rolls, and neither the menu nor the waitress bothered to inform us that they were, in fact, Ra's own take on classic sushi (which was an epic fail in my opinion). It's fine if you want to experiment with rolls, but give them a different name. Not only did they mess up very simple rolls, but when I asked the waitress to bring me a real shrimp tempura roll w/o the crab, she brought back the sloppiest roll I have ever seen in my life, and it took 20 minutes for her to come back with it. All of my friends had finished eating by the time I was served my roll. Then I had to ask for a fork (which took another 10 minutes and I eventually had to ask a bus boy to bring one out for me, he was much faster, should have asked him in the first place.) I am good with chopsticks, but the rolls were so sloppy not only did the insides fall out, but the roll actually began to unravel. So I had a soy sauce cup full of rice, seaweed, avocado, and shrimp tempura.....so not appetizing. The icing on the cake was that the rolls were not even good. Compared to the superior sushi in the neighborhood (Jellyfish), Ra's rolls had very little flavor - I don't even think they mixed any vinegar in with the rice. Needless to say I most definitely will not be back. I would have given them once star, but they do have great deals on their happy hour menu, which lasts from 3-7 - super long! So, I guess there's that.
(2)
Kristine N.

Happy hour gets packed... Quick... So come early... Or forget it. Really good happy hour prices. Sushi rolls are interesting and good, but there aren't many options.
(4)
Amy A.

I've been to Ra twice and had an enjoyable experience both times. The sushi was very tasty, no complaints on the service and the atmosphere was chill.
(4)
Susu B.

Place is always packed!! Viva las Vegas roll is super yummmmmm!!!! I also like the crunchy shrimp tempura and the rackin roll!!!! I love this place they always send me their offers through email and I always get a certificate for my bday!
(4)
April M.

I love this place. Happy hour prices are great for my small budget. My favorite roll is the Viva Las Vegas and the Tootsy Maki and I always ask for a side of eel sauce. Their shrimp tempura rolls are good but nothing. Special from anyone other place. Great place for meeting friends for drinks and good sushi. Service is great too!
(5)
Ruta Z.

Came for happy hour left in love!
(4)
Takasumi S.

I like restaurant design and atmosphere!! Various Sushi menu and it was awsome!! I will be back when I come back to Chicago next time:)
(5)
Joanna J.

First time I have ever ate sushi was here. I loved everything we ate, it was delicious. My favorite was the Vegas roll. My bf ordered the tacos, which were a no go. I say stick to the sushi. Great service. Forgot my server's name but he was nice. I will definitely come again!
(4)
Jon O.

I'm going to have to go 3 stars on this one only because it seemed like the basic rolls which we tried (tuna, california etc) were, even though inexpensive. very sub-par. On the other hand the specialty rolls were all around well made and tasted awesome. The problem is, if you are a price conscious shopper when it comes to sushi, the specialty rolls cost about twice as much as the standard rolls. I'd say that if you are looking for some good sushi you may want to look elsewhere but if you are just looking for a trendy place in the neighborhood to have some drinks and be seen this is the spot. One last thing though, if you do stop in here be sure and get the Ra'ckin Shrimp. From what all I sampled those were kick ass.
(3)
Dana C.

I've eaten at this Sushi restaurant on two occasions really enjoyed the food. Since it's located directly downtown near the mag mile, going for dinner after work is pretty easy. I usually get the Pacific Role from their menu and it's always been fresh. Customer service was less than average on both of my experiences. The servers are friendly but take a long time to get your food after ordering. Also, seating can be somewhat tight. I will continue to visit but I hope they can make some small improvements.
(3)
Veronica P.

Yummy and the best happy hour deal in town. Love this little gold coast spot- bartenders are always super friendly :)
(5)
Tian Q.

Mediocre happy hour deals. Food: -Crazy monkey roll (smoked salmon, mango & cream cheese topped with avocado, red beet tempura bits & cashews; drizzled with mango & sweet eel sauces), one of their signature sushi rolls, good. -Salmon sashimi, pretty standard. -Quail egg uzura, call me uncultured but this was not nearly as cool as I thought it sounded. I could've just cracked open two eggs by myself, poured some vinegar in, and slurped the same-tasting raw eggy goo. -Over all kind of pricey for happy hour, not sure if I got the bang for my buck. Service: -Spotty. And my waitress had a bitch face.
(3)
Amy S.

Ra has great Happy Hour specials, at every location, which is half off rolls, but you just have to get there on time (before 6pm). There have been a few times I have been here which I had to send the sushi back because it was clearly old fish, which is gross to think about. But this is a good place to check out before a night out especially since the atmosphere is very lively (although it's a smaller space).
(3)
Erica J.

The specialty rolls here are worth getting - just know they're expensive! But seriously, the tunacado and Las Vegas rolls were SO good! The typical sushi is average, not more impressive than anyplace else. It's crowded and dark, but service is pretty good.
(4)
Jamie B.

If I was the alcoholic, lady of leisure that I dream of being, as opposed to the workaholic, slave to billable hours that I actually am, I would probably be at Ra every day for Happy Hour. Delicious selection of both sushi rolls and tapas sashimi. Good presentation and friendly, attentive service. I recommend: crispy onion albacore (tapas sashimi), tuna tataki (tapas sashimi), dengaku tofu.
(5)
Sally K.

Decent sushi, reasonably priced, quick table service. Red lighting at night made it a little difficult to read the red menu, but provided fun ''mood" lighting. Waitress was nice. Atmosphere very fast paced. If you're looking for top notch sushi, this may not be your ideal restaurant, but if you're just looking for a fun sushi restaurant, this is a good stop.
(3)
Richard F.

Spent the weekend for Christmas and decided to hit up Ra. We have been to the Miami one a couple of times and loved it. This one is much smaller, but still had the same great Sushi. Now let me premise this. I do not eat a ton of sushi and normally am not a big fan. That being said, I love most of the dishes that I have had at Ra. So I would say if you are a casual sushi person, try this place out. I see the reviews are mixed, but I am a fan of Ra. We got the Caterpillar roll, viva las Vegas roll and the green beans appetizer. The green beans are a little spicy, but totally went with the sushi. I loved the Caterpillar roll and we always enjoy the Vegas roll (which is served warm). With a mixed drink and 2 beers, we got out of there for under $50 (with tip). Not bad at all for a classy looking place!
(4)
Tim S.

This neighborhood gem is one that I return to time and again whenever I'm in Chicago. And to be here during Sushi Happy Hour is even better! You get more food at a great price. It's loud, but the food is worth it. Try any of the spicy rolls. They are so worth it! And check out the restrooms. You'll chuckle when you determine which one to use.
(5)
Amanda C.

Really liked the overall ambiance of this place. Service was good. Had the lobster rolls which were absolutely delicious! Highly recommend them!
(4)
Spencer H.

I ate here again the other day & I enjoyed the experience. The food was excellent & the service was good. I am giving 3 stars because even though I had a good experience when I ate here the other day, the time before that I had to wait 45 minutes for my food. The manager came up to me & took my entree off of the bill which was nice but the service was still very slow. However when I ate here the other day with my friends & sat at the bar the service was good & the bartender was very friendly. The food both times was excellent & can compare to Sushi Samba or Union Sushi. This restaurant is smaller than both of those restaurants but has a nice ambience. The ambience was why I wasn't really upset the first time I went there & had to wait 45 minutes for my meal. Overall I would eat here again because the sushi was fresh & tasted great.
(3)
Maurice P.

My first time going here was earlier today on a date. The food was AMAZING!!!! The sushi was fresh with bold flavors & wonderful drinks. Definitely coming back here.
(5)
Linh N.

Unnecessarily loud with trendy, lousy music. Also dark, with too many red light accents. Our waitress was perfunctory, but seemed less than thrilled to be there. Likewise the hostesses, but at least they put on some fakey cordial pretense. It was a pretty loose mask though. Should be renamed MEH. Union Sushi is much better, including the soundtrack, piped in at a reasonable decibel.
(2)
Follow T.

Freshness 5 stars. Try spicy salmon bowl, best till last bite. Happy Hours recommended: 11-3pm daily
(5)
Chels N.

aside from the less-than-stellar host staff, this place is aces. great sushi, good drinks, and only a handful of table to make a very intimate experience. I made a reso for the 4 of us, to which the hostess seemed very confused by. We ended up waiting either way, so prepare to have a drink at the bar regardless. Try some of their specialty rolls and you won't leave disappointed.
(4)
Katie V.

The sushi is not bad -- not the best, but for the price, it tastes fresh and the presentation is fine. The fact that the kitchen stays open late is a big plus. The downside is the atmosphere -- very clubby. Loud techno music. Disappointing cocktail list -- definitely designed with the sorority girl palate in mind (lots of sugary drinks). Wine list is decent, however. I wish there were more maki options without cream cheese -- I will never understand the pairing of cream cheese and raw fish. Just seems wrong. For late night sushi cravings, Ra does the trick -- but it's trying too hard to be young/hip for me to become a regular during normal dining hours (and I'm by no means an old lady, just not 22).
(3)
Christina M.

It's ok here. I wouldn't pay over the happy hour prices or lunch specials. the bento box teryiyaki is pretty good...but i don't love it... Miso...is ok.
(3)
Courtney W.

I've been coming to this location for quite some time and there have been hits and misses. The hostesses used to be awful, downright terrible. I made a comment once to the manager and it seemed that the problem was fixed. I think the interior is quite trendy and I enjoy the ambiance, when the DJ isn't playing. I'm pretty sure they did away with the DJ because it was way too loud and obnoxious. The happy hour is great and is reversed on Sundays so that it goes from 8-11 instead of 5-8 like it does Monday-Friday. The happy hour used to be certain items were half-price but that is no longer the case. Now, they take a dollar or two off of a couple of items. It's still a deal and the food is the same quality. I've never actually eaten anything off of the hot menu except for some appetizers. When my boyfriend and I go here on Sundays, we are treated like regulars. We always sit at the sushi bar because the service is always faster and we can watch them prepare everything (it's half the fun!). We normally start with Rackin Shrimp or Pork Gyoza. Both are from the kitchen and are fabulous (also part of the happy hour specials). I normally order the Tootsy Maki, Crunchy Calamari, and the Lobster Shrimp Roll. The Gogira Roll and the King Crab Roll are also wonderful. I really haven't had a bad thing on the menu. As far as service goes, there are bad servers and there are great ones. Sitting at the sushi bar means that you don't have to interact with the servers that much. The drinks are moderately strong and they have $2 sake, that's pretty awesome if you ask me! A true neighborhood gem!
(4)
Brian S.

We've always enjoyed RA, both on State and in Glenview, and usually we have a great time with good food. However, we went yesterday for happy hour and found the service very stretched and the food was questionable. Some of the rolls were a little off and looked like I'd made them in my kitchen - badly executed. Most surprising, the crab is imitation - really? Totally unacceptable in a sushi restaurant where the quality of the sea food is everything. Management should keep a watch out for a decline - there's too many good choices in the neighborhood.
(2)
Jason H.

I'll never forget my first time at RA. One, because it was my first time EVER trying sushi and two, because my date had the best body "a life long dedication to the gym and perfect genes" could buy! Yes, that's right -- I gave my dates physique a shout-out and it's not even applicable to my review of the restaurant. So visual perfection aka my date ordered for the both of us: TOOTSY MAKI, CRISPY SPICY TUNA, VEGETABLE TEMPURA ROLL, the SASHIMI ASSORTMENT and the HOLY SHISHITO CHICKEN. I was HUGELY impressed with her and EQUALLY pessimistic due to my bourgeouis pallate. So I added a few things from the side of the menu in which my expertise lied: two Kirins (Japanese beer) and 4 shots of hot sake. Here is where things get interesting... I ate my portion, 60% of my dates portion, I took down 2 Kirins and 2 shots of sake -- and I'm only 170 lbs soak and wet. So three things occurred: One, I found that I absolutely LOVE sushi, two, I learned Kirin and sake are a lethal mix when combined, and three, I learned that my date wasn't a fan of me partaking in her portions. So -- I lost out on date number two with a beauty queen but I gained a lifelong friend in RA!!!! One out of two isn't bad...
(4)
Carol M.

This place be a little 'spensive for my frugal tastes.... UNLESS YOU DO HAPPY HOUR!!! Woo! Delish rolls, noodle options, edamame, beers. All on the cheap. Their breaded shrimp deal things...man. Really good. Service was a little slow, but I was stuffed on good sushi for about $25pp.
(4)
Jeremy E.

I've been to RA a handful of times and it never disappoints. The Vegas Roll and Hot Mess are my favorites to get. The Hot Mess is like a fried crab rangoon with rice all in this nugget of crispy goodness. However, my favorite and reason for coming back is the Shishito Peppers. The taste and presentation doesn't compare to any other Shishito Peppers I've ever had. The biggest plus is that most of these great dishes are offered during happy hour from 3pm - 7pm Mon thru Sat. For good sushi at a reasonable price I would definitely suggest RA and their Shishito Peppers.
(4)
Toni B.

My good friend and I normally go to the RA Sushi in Schaumburg, but we decided to venture downtown after receiving a free appetizer card from an event. We love going to RA for their Happy Hour! Their sushi and drinks are half off (or more) and absolutely delish! I recommend the cheese and pineapple wontons for an appetizer and their California rolls. The service was decent...this location had great people watching and is right by the Red Line...I would definately go back!
(4)
v m.

My wife & I stopped by, chilled at the bar, ordered a couple of drinks & sushi, then headed over to our seat where we proceeded to order a few more drinks, more food, and just enjoy the night. Amazing experience. Our waitress was amazing. Everyone was really friendly (wait-staff) and the food's consistently great. Calamari is a must-order. There's a funky monkey roll (I think that's what its called). Cucumber cocktails. I am honestly fishing for my receipt to write out the dishes... I guess that just goes to show how great the food & experience was. And at the end of the night, the bill was not that surprising! I had come here a couple of years ago with my cousin and we somehow managed to rack up a $200+ bill. I'm still confused how, since I think my wife & I ate & drank more and for longer. But it is worth the money spent.
(4)
Greg O.

This place is trying so hard to be hip and modern. Its almost painful to walk in and see how hard they are trying. But once you get past the decor and noise, the food is decent, and the service friendly, but slow at times. We went for lunch- I had the chicken teriyaki bento box. Its a good size portion of food, but the teriyaki was disappointing. The spring roll and pork tempura were quite tasty though. The prices were reasonable, especially for lunch specials with that amount of food. Overall not bad.
(3)
Kristen H.

The best sushi place in the Chicagoland area, hands down. I have been to the one in Chicago on State Street and also the one in Lombard. Both had fun atmospheres with great drinks and reasonable prices. The portions are huge. My favorite is the fried calamari. All of their dishes have some unique aspect to them, like the crab rangoon that has pineapples in the sauce. It is a great date night out!
(5)
Samantha J.

The rolls are a little overpriced, the service wasn't memorable (that's actually probably a good thing, in the grand scheme of reviewing things) but the drink specials are decent. I'd give the Vegas roll like 8 stars, the margaritas & house white 4 stars, and everything else/the fact that we overpaid for everything else 2 stars. Math and I aren't a thing, so we're going to just call it 3 stars overall.
(3)
Jessica V.

Do I have three tits or something? Well, the server we got looked at me like I had some sort of deformity everytime I opened my mouth. Now, after I opened my mouth to ...1. give my order and 2. to repeat my order and 3. to say thank you .... I got this look and a response from our server similiar to " EXCUSE ME" "HUH" "WHAT". And it would be different if it was in a different tone of voice and minus the dirty look I got. She stood right next to me when I was ordering so I know she heard me fine. She heard everyone else at my table just fine and I am usually the loudest one! Maybe she just had a bad day... I have had those being a server. Someone's got a case of the Mondays! Food: $42 for three hungry people is not bad at all. Especially for sushi! Three stars for you Glen Co Co!
(3)
Chuck E.

So after reading a couple of these reviews, I was a little perturbed by some of the ignorance. There are quality places you go for certain foods, and then there are places you go to have a good time and do whatever. After speaking with a lot of the employees and managers (I'm here frequently), Ra is more about the atmosphere and introducing people to things they haven't had. Its for going out, sitting with a couple friends, enjoying a drink or 4 and eating some form of American interpretation of sushi. OF COURSE there are more authentic places for sushi. I'm disturbed a lot of you can't tell that from the music and atmosphere as soon as you walk in. There is a full liquor bar and TVs. PLEASE tell me what you really expect. I personally like the food; they serve the same California roll as anywhere else. Except for maybe some higher end places where the use real crab and you pay $9 for a Cali roll. So to recap, if you're a sushi snob, please don't speak about the quality of the sushi, ESPECIALLY if you're there for the happy hour. c'mon. But hey if you have made it this far, the happy hour is a great deal and the drinks go all day! Definitely recommend.
(4)
Tenzo D.

The third sushi joint to try this place. Unfortunately, it misses like the rest. (could it be the same owner?) The fish showed evidence of being frozen and the rice wasn't fresh. I'm sorry, but those are the two main ingredients in sushi. On the positive side it very nice in side, friendly waitresses, nice decoration and really good happy hour values. Some original rolls and fun drinks. However the shortcuts in the ingredients will just keep me away.
(3)
Faith H.

RA is right in my neighborhood, and I wouldn't say I'm a regular, but I've been there at least a handful of times. Sushi is yummy and reasonably priced. Go there from 3-7 Monday-Saturday for happy hour, when lots of their drinks, sushi, tapas and apps on are special. But be sure to get there early as this place is super tiny. I highly recommend the shishito peppers and Viva Las Vegas Roll (crab and cream cheese roll). Their cosmo and lemon drop martinis are delish...and a great deal during happy hour. Where else can you get a martini for $4?! They also serve a variety of non-sushi dishes, which is great if you have a fiance (or friend) like mine who doesn't like sushi. And be sure to join their email list. If you do, you'll get a $20 for your half birthday...making a good deal even better!
(4)
Stephanie N.

The sushi is great, but it is really the McDonald's of sushi. It is fresh, but nothing really creative, nor new. If you are looking for great sushi and great staff in the neighborhood, go for it!
(3)
Jonny P.

We actually want to give this restaurant a 3.5.... but since it's not an option, we're being nice and rounding up. It is an americanized sushi joint.. everything is red and black. pretty chic, great for happy hour. LOCATION Gold Coast... AMBIENCE Red and black themed. Waiters don't seem to know much about their own menu. Interesting food presentations, pretty crowded depending on what time you get there. FOOD Tootsy Maki: It was okay. Pretty standard... Viva Las Vegas: our favorite roll here. Creamy cream cheeeeeese, fried lotus root, it was good. "Ra"ckin Shrimp: pretty good, very crunchy. nice "salad" and the dressing was pretty good too. the shrimp was a bit overcooked but the breading made it a little more forgivable. Pork Gyoza: standard, not that great. pretty much the freezer pack.
(3)
Judy T.

HAPPY HOUR! Visited from Seattle and was craving for some sushi and we came across this place on Yelp. Their happy hour specials offer great bang for your buck! Their food is delicious! Customer service is awesome! It was our last night in Chicago and the RA Sushi team definitely ended it on a high note! Our waitress Colleen was super sweet and showed just the right amount of attentiveness. The manager, Chris even stopped by all the guests tables to see how everyone was doing...to top it all off, when he heard we were visiting from out of town he closed out our night with a complimentary dessert (which was soo delicious! deep fried pound cake stuffed with ice cream...yum!!) and sent us on our way with happy bellies in happy spirits back to Seattle. Definitely a high light to our first Chicago visit!
(5)
Erik Y.

Went here this past Saturday night and sat on the patio (gorgeous night out!) Our server was an awesome guy, extremely attentive and personable. The food was really good with tons of options, even if you are not in the mood for sushi. I had the tootsy maki and my gf had the vegetable tempura roll. For once in my life, she ordered something better than me (although mine was still good!) Had the pineapple wonton appetizer and several cups of their house sake. All in all we spent around $30 (had a coupon for the appetizer). Not bad for a casual date-night in the triangle. I will def be back!
(4)
Kammie G.

Fantastic sushi place! Went there tonight with 3 of my friends. All of the sushi we ordered was simply delicious! We decided to step away from the basics and order the crazy maki they offered. Crazy Monkey - my favorite out of the bunch we ordered. The sauce was delish and it was decorated nicely. Mango Lobster - a sweet roll, it was really good, but might have been a little too "saucy" for me. Although it was still a great roll. Tootsey Maki - simpler than the other two, however still delicious. I can see why it's one their "must have's". Las Vegas Roll - my second favorite out of the bunch. We even ordered extra. It was a little hard to eat because of how big they were but they definitely tasted great! I like the fact that they have the low-sodium soy sauce there as well. Not many sushi places do, surprisingly. The ambiance of the place was nice and intimate and the restaurant was packed, especially for a Monday night. They must be doing something right. The football game was on (which I don't really care for), but that's cool that you have the option to watch it if you're into that sort of thing. They were playing all the good songs too. Basically I had a great time. The only bad thing was I didn't think the service was as good as they could have been, my water wasn't refilled as quickly as I wanted I had to ask for them to refill it and my friends had to ask to get their tea refilled by themselves. -------------------- Went for Happy Hour and because it was my birthday. They had cheaper options which were all yummy! We got Viva Las Vegas roll (Yum!!), Tooskey Maki, Shrimp, and these type of pot sticker things with veggies inside and manga dipping sauce which were yummy! Also, we got a birthday dessert - ice cream tempura. It was HUGE! And so good! I realized this is my favorite sushi place. Hence the 5 stars.
(5)
Gary K.

Great lunch and happy hour specials.
(4)
Debbie T.

I agree that the staff is friendly, the atmosphere is great and the food is pretty darn good! We love the happy hour, Mon- Sat 3-7 pm. There is a great selection of menu and beverage items that are well priced and quite delicious. I see that they are now offering Skinny cocktails (200 cals) for $8 each. I will definitely be back to take advantage. The place is pretty popular on a Friday night, get there early to be sure to get a seat!
(4)
Em S.

A short report for a restaurant with a short name: The vegetarian tempura sushi here is pretty scrumptious. What exactly was in/on it, I'm not sure because where we sat was so dark, but hey, if it tastes good, it tastes good. Edamame was standard and we enjoyed it. The avocado roll was also decent with fresh avocado and well-cooked rice. The sushi here is definitely of decent quality. Inside, the restaurant is quite loud, crowded, and dim; outside there were no lights and almost impossible to read the menu or make out the details of the food. No candles (real or faux) or any other decorations on the bare metal tables outside. Service was subpar; indeed a few times the wait staff knocked over the soy sauce tray and it spilled through the holes in the table onto one of our party's pants - and not much apologies either! Argh. Definitely needs more lighting. Not all the heat lamps outside were functioning either. Thus, ambiance-wise, this place tries to feel more like a club than a traditional fancy restaurant, but seems not to succeed at either.
(4)
Amy W.

Ra is the perfect pre-gaming place. You can get the $2 hot sake and a $3 beer and there! You have three sake bombs for a whoppin' total of $5. It tastes absolutely disgusting, but then again, you can't really complain since it's so cheap. And then you're on your merry way to all the rest of the bars around the area. I vaguely remember having some sashimi and some sushi rolls. And I think they were pretty good. Then again, mostly everything tastes "pretty good" to me after I've got a few drinks in me.
(4)
Eamon W.

Noisy. food was pre-prepared, the Viva Las Vegas roll was topped with Mayo, Imitation Crab, and tuna mixture..... RA's most popular roll. it also looked as if it was fried hours earlier, then set in a refrigerator and pushed by the staff as being delicious... We had 80% of the menu had spicy tuna, in some way or another. We had to ask for Wasabi, and Ginger. Service was friendly, the Pot stickers weren't bad. That is basically why it has 2 stars.
(2)
Valerie J.

OK, Let me first say I am already a huge fan of the RA in Houston!! I love the roll with pesto sauce - YUM!! But I rollerbladed here after work last week and... much to my ..dismay? demise??? it was $1 sake happy hour! Wooo-Weee! So I overindulged in that as I ate the $4 "Tootsy Maki" (also a happy hour special) and some other avocado-topped roll that was SUPPOSED To have jalapenos but did not. Sigh. Not A-class sushi for sure. You can tell they know they can get away with making it subpar. Just your average rice, no class to speak of, but still fun, sweet, edible.. But, good ppl watching, good place to go with friends. I will returneth - if i make friends:)
(3)
Adam J.

Fantastic. Very Much better than expected! I ordered a beef bowl that was incredible. Though I did not have sushi it looked good and well made. There are many Japanese restaurants in Chicago but I recommend eating here.
(4)
Matthew D.

This place is in the right spot. It's a sushi place smack dab in the middle of one of the biggest party areas (Gold Coast) I've ever seen. It's more of a "sushi fusion" place that offers lots of specialty rolls and drinks. If it hasn't made the "Stuff White People Like" website yet, something is wrong. I don't have a problem with places like this but don't expect authentic sushi if you're planning on visiting. Think more along the lines of sake bombs and Philly rolls. The food is fine, decently priced and there is plenty of eye candy in the place. A decent choice if you live in the neighborhood. Just don't expect to see any actual Japanese folks. I'm pretty sure I was the only one in the place when I visited, including the staff - and I'm only half.
(3)
Elaine L.

I'm a fan, it's a fun place to go to meet up with friends, especially if you live in the neighborhood. The sushi leaves you a little wanting, but I feel like their lunch menu is better than their dinner menu. I wish they offered some menu items from lunch on the dinner menu as well - I just feel like there are more options for lunch. I will say though, they have excellent specials.
(4)
Ashley L.

Rating for sake bombs only ___ Nice restaurant..seems like most people come here on dates and was also told this by a friend....but my group of 20 people...came for sake bombing/pregaming. I was nervous we'd be loud and people would give us dirty stares but they seemed to enjoy watching us do them. The staff was very accommodating in getting us a bunch of tables to form one big one to sake bomb. $2 hot sake (3-4 shots) $3 cans of PBR or bottle of Changs (?) = $5 for 3-4 sake bombs! AMAZING DEAL, everyday, all day. The check came and they didn't add an auto gratuity but we tipped 20% anyways. Waiter was also very good!
(4)
Pablo S.

This place was a god send. It was about 10 degrees out and I remember this place having a happy hour for sushi so we checked it out. Got a sake bomb, and some great sushi. Service was nice for the bar. Would come back for sure.
(4)
Reema A.

Super yummy sushi
(4)
Cris O.

I come to Ra very frequent. Their seafood is just so very fresh and tasty. They have a happy hour Monday through Thursday from 3-7, with a great selection of sushi and drinks that are made for angels. I come here often for good sushi and great conversations with friends. Give it a try, you'll find yourself back again for happy hour!!!!
(4)
Katie T.

Happy that the weather is getting nice and outdoor dining is back! RA is a fine place to do it as far as location goes, but the drinks and appetizers far outshine the sushi. I would go back for happy hour but probably not for a meal, unless I was with a big group--it does have a fun, upbeat atmosphere.
(3)
Jessie S.

I hadn't been back to RA in forever and randomly got take out a few days ago. They're lunch bowls are only $10 and pretty delicious. Unfortunately, this only motivated me to go again just three days later. This time I sat down. This was a mistake. The service was SO slow - and the restaurant was SO empty. ARGH! I ordered the "spicy" miso soup and green ginger salad. First, the salad could not have been less interesting - but it was alright, green lettuce, nice dressing and wontons. Then the soup came - I ordered it mainly because i live on miso soup but was starving, so the shrimp, bok choy and mushrooms sounded amazing. When it finally came, the waitress warned me it was REALLY hot. She was not lying, and i promptly burnt my tongue (this has nothing to do with my review of the restaurant, soup should be hot, more like a showcasing of my own stupidity). But yikes, I really tried to like that soup. It tasted like someone heated up salad dressing and added tasty ingredients - it was so rich, there was no taste of miso left. By the time I paid my bill i was so underwhelmed that all I could think about while i waited 15 minutes for her to handle my bill was what other deliciousness I could have gotten with my $20. Thank god I had the green tea to prevent real tears. Such a disappointing one hit wonder. On a positive note, I still will order take out, just only the lunch bowls - the sashimi is fresh and veggies delicious, just get the sauce on the side! Their regular miso is also a nice option. And its an undeniable fact that their happy hour can be amazing.
(2)
Mike S.

Ra-ra-ra! (insert corny cheerleader cheer). Okay - so this place is way better than my terrible introduction to this review. The atmosphere is very clubby, and rather neo-modern. The service is great, the staff is very friendly, and the food is definitely above average. You're paying a decent amount because of the location and the income level of people in the Gold Coast area, but quite a good experience if you're looking for above average sushi. Our appetizer had a hair in it, which is fine, unless you're one of those people that are grossed out and run out screaming. The staff took care of it, the management came over and personally apologized, it was taken off the bill, and we received a free appetizer. That's customer service, and that creates customer retention. Very satisfied with our meal there.
(4)
Roland M.

I was very pleased with my visit to Ra Sushi. My server was wonderful, the food was very well priced (happy hour special is amazing) and the outdoor seating was lovely. The only reason I didn't give this place 5 stars is because I have not eaten of the main menu not have I payed full price. However, from what I've experienced so far, I would come back again. The crispy spicy tuna was probably the only underwhelming roll I ate. The concept is interesting but the tuna was a bit bland and the fried rice ended up being a tad bit too chewy and sticks to your teeth. Other than that, great stuff! Keep it up!
(4)
Eddie A.

If you're looking for a great Sushi place.... This is it! Amazing food and great service! For 4 people with drinks and food approx $200. Not very expensive at all. They also play great music in this place! From Cold Play to Deadmau5
(5)
V F.

Ra is one of my favorite sushi restaurants. Whenever I am in a city with a Ra, I make it a point to have dinner. They mix hip music with modern yet authentic looking furniture to create a "cool" dining room experience. They have a vast menu with price points as low as around $6 for some items and very good specialty cocktails as well. Budget conscious patrons should definitely try the Happy Hour and call ahead to see if they offer any industry discounts if you work in hospitality. I have not had anything I didn't like. However, sometimes service can be spotty if its during a rush. And, you will most likely have a wait if you catch them on a busy night. This location has terrible parking (street only in a permit residential neighborhood), so leave time to find parking.
(4)
Jacqueline S.

Loved it. My boyfriend took me to Ra on a date. We had a blast. The whole feel is great. Very small but classy too. We had a few drinks at the bar, were sat quickly, and had an extremely friendly and informative waitress. Ordering an appetizer? Get the HOT MESS. It was delicious. We ordered five rolls and were stuffed and satisfied when we left. We truly enjoyed our experience!
(5)
John R.

Was there last night. Foods better than average, not great. Wait staff attentive. Would go back, but not first choice.
(3)
Hoppie G.

I love this place! It has creative and delicious sushi and their happy hour specials are a great deal! To be honest I've never come here when it wasn't happy hour time but since they have it basically every day of the week including weekends it's not a problem! Service is great, and usually don't have to wait too long for a table.
(4)
Duncan B.

Great sushi and attentive Staff...Check out the Mango Roll
(4)
Mary P.

I don't get it. The sushi isn't that great. I tried a few specialty rolls including the one with kiwi and mango and a bunch of different fruity things on it (just tasted like fruit and rice), and the Viva Las Vegas. If more is better than you'll like the viva. If less is better than you're like me and both my friends who didn't enjoy the attempt to cram 2,453 different ingredients in one roll. Frankly the roll was kind of dry on the outside from the tempura and reminded me of taro root (which WASN'T an ingredient). It sure does look cool but as far as taste goes its not the best. I also tried the ceviche and the cucumber kimchee. The kimchee had the right flavor but it was too watery. The ceviche was just like anywhere else. I don't get why this place is so hot?
(2)
Tommy M.

This is a hip place with a young crowd. Happy hour prices are decent and include some exotic concoctions. Had the tuna nigiri and the tuna was very fresh. Yakisoba however was very salty, way too much for my taste.
(3)
Mad I.

Signed up for 'the hook up" and I got a $20 gift certificate for my half birthday. I was super excited, went on a Monday, as it was only valid Mon-Thurs, and even hit happy hour which goes from 3-7p.m. Picked 5 items and got out of there with only a $6 bill.......and I still wasnt happy. Nothing was very good, and while it came out lightning fast and was hot if it needed to be hot and vice versa, still not much to talk about. The raw tuna was the best. RA shrimp, meh, crispy tuna balls, blech. Tootsy roll, meh. Wouldn't go back , even for a $6 tab, what does that tell ya? No chain sushi for me. Place was hoppin though over in the v-triangle is you are lookin to dress up and be seen after work I suppose.....
(2)
Boris Y.

I should precede this post by saying that sushi is my favorite food (probably not a great thing for your wallet) and I have probably tried most places around the area. In my opinion RA is a great spot for sushi, especially during their happy hour. The sushi was extremely fresh and the service was very good. I went there with a friend and we sat at the sushi bar. If you do that, you mark down the rolls that you want and you pass your order directly over the counter for the chefs to prepare. Each roll comes out as soon as it is ready, which I really liked. The hot dishes are prepared in the back. The sushi was fantastic for the price and given how fresh the fish was. Yes, it is true that the chefs making the sushi were not Japanese, but the quality was much higher than at some places where all chefs are Japanese. I liked that they don't overdo the sauce, so you can actually taste the fish. They also have great sea salt edamame and the hot sake was a great hit! One more thing I should add. We mixed up our own order by asking for one thing initially and then changing our minds about it later. It was no problem at all. The initial item we ordered was struck down from our bill, and we received another sushi roll only a few minutes later. I will be going back for more!
(5)
Tita P.

That's right, I'm a fan. How can you NOT like happy hour specials??? I mean you can get really good sushi and cocktails for a steal daily not to mention entertaining bar happenings. The bar staff seem to really enjoy their jobs and are quite familiar with all of the regulars. RA is a low key spot to enjoy cocktails and sushi and either begin or end your evening.
(4)
Cindy L.

In full disclosure, the last time I was at Ra was three or four years ago, so it's quite possible things have changed since then. But something tells me that's not the case. This place is horrible, and I tried it three times just to be sure. The rice, oh my heavens the rice. Either always overcooked or not sushi rice, probably both. Additionally, what the rolls lacked in imagination, they made up for in sauce. Extra sauce. On everything. Likely to hide the fact that underneath all the sticky sweet unagi or mango sauce, was some overcooked mystery rice and mediocre fish. This is exactly what happens when people who have no idea what sushi is supposed to taste/smell/look/feel like, open up a sushi restaurant (chain). It gets a star for being in a good location and another for having alcohol. You are very welcome, Ra. I'm feeling generous today.
(2)
Jenna S.

HAPPY HOUR! And after my first week in my first full-time career, I definitely need me some happy hour love. I can definitely say that if I had not experienced Ra during happy hour, I would not be so generous with my star rating. For sure. They are a "non-traditional" sushi restaurant and their menu includes a lot more than just sushi. Ra is like the Cheesecake Factory of chain sushi restaurants, so you can obviously see what you're getting into. But that happy hour is just so worth it! From 3-7 every Monday through Saturday evening, you can get 1/2 price rolls, 1/2 price appetizers and a selection of $1-$5 drinks. The hot sake is just $1 during happy hour, so drink up folks! Their signature rolls are definitely worth ordering, so get on that. The California Roll was pretty average, so I wasn't disappointed with it. It was tasty enough and tasted like it should. Good. But their signature rolls were great! The Tootsy has some crazy sauce in it that tastes delicious; the Crunchy Spicy Tuna literally has a giant chunk of awesome crispyness on the bottom that is super yummy; and the Viva Las Vegas was two delicious parts of awesomeness. I don't even know what was in the last one or how it was put together, but it was definitely my favorite of the evening. Service at the bar was a little slow and it took a LONG time to get orders out. I don't know if I'm used to the insanely fast service at Sushi Para II or what, but I felt like the service dragged. Our server even comped two of our rolls because it took forever for them to come out. I think that's code for "he forgot to put our order in" but I'm fine with that. Comp away, sir! Our server was super friendly, though, so that definitely made for a good evening. No super loud music and some TVs for sports watching if that's your thing. There's also an outdoor patio for your seating pleasure - I may go for that next time. In total, we had five beers, two sakes, ten rolls, two edamame orders, one shrimp shumai and four salmon nigri. Number of diners: 3. Total: $40. Totally worth it! I may go back this evening because there's something wrong with me, but I think that Viva Las Vegas Roll is calling my name.
(4)
Nicole T.

There is one thing I want to say about this place: Go there! Take advantage of the Happy Hour and try all rolls! Hands down!
(5)
Jay O.

This was a really nice sushi spot. The rolls come in 8 pieces, you can get full quick. Came on St. Pattys day (it wasn't as crowded) but they still had green everything. (Yay for green beer lol). Would definitely recommend this place.
(4)
Manda V.

Absolutely love this place. Amazing food, excellent happy hours for drinks and food!
(5)
Christine F.

I came here to celebrate a friend's birthday last year. I've never really tried sushi before. So, I tried the sushi, I am in LOVE! I really like dragon rolls. I just do. I love the lighting in this place. The food here is so GOOD! My boyfriend and I left here really happy and super full. :) We'll be back.
(5)
Kristen B.

A couple of Sundays ago, I came here for their Flying Fish Lounge special after 8pm. Service was great, seated at the sushi bar. The dj was good enough that I was dancing in my seat, but then again, I was impressed that they had a dj at all. Having celebrated my 21st birthday there before, I pretty much knew what to expect and what was tasty. I ordered the Crunchy Calamari roll, Shrimp Tempura roll, Viva Las Vegas roll, Spicy Tuna roll, and Rainbow roll. Every single one was a hit (especially with my companion that had never been there before)! Add to that $2 Sake and edamame? BET! Service was great - fast and attentive without the helicopter effect. Our waiter also drew us into their special mailing list that gets you free sushi on your half birthday. The Bottom Line :: As cheap eats go, sushi obviously is a luxury. Sunday's at Ra make that luxury pretty accessible. With some creative ordering, we got five (5) separate sushi rolls, edamame and two (2) drinks for roughly $40. Eat well and prosper.
(5)
Brandon L.

Great food! Great price. The location is perfect. They had hot sake for $2! Yes, only $2. They had an amazing crunchy shrimp dish. Very satisfied. The waiter was a little slow and forgot to bring our plates, but overall it was a good time. I will be sure to be coming back.
(4)
Sarah W.

Kind of pricey but they offer a great happy hour menu on Mon-Sat from 3:00-7:00 that is really affordable! I highly recommend their Lemon Drop Martini too! It's DELISH!!!
(4)
Kedar D.

Ra Sushi has very little for vegans except the most basic kind of avocado or cucumber sushi rolls (or, as I like to say, the Japanese equivalent of iceberg lettuce salads at steakhouses). The bar area is pretty nice, though, and I like the decor. Be warned that their mixed drinks are pretty strong and not particularly well-mixed, in my opinion. The service was friendly. If you happen to be in the area, this might be a good place for a late-night drink, as all the other bars in the neighborhood seem to be wood-paneled Irish pubs.
(2)
Natalie S.

Based on some recommendations he got at work, my husband took me here for my birthday before we went to see Mary Poppins (yay!). We were there early-ish on a Wednesday because we had to get to the theater... and it was happy hour with half price sushi! I do love a deal... A combination of two glasses of chardonay and getting married two weeks after said dinner has made my memory of the evening fairly hazy but I did like what we had. We chose mainly from the half price menu with some full price ones thrown in there for good measure. Everything was tasty and fresh and our server was attentive and friendly. The down side... it's in a crazy chaotic neighborhood that is insanely crowded on the weekends. I had been here with girlfriends years ago when we were in our "girls nights of dancing on Rush and Division" but now that I'm at the ripe, old age of 31, I won't head into this area on a weekend.
(4)
Lena D.

Surprisingly good and though it was way too loud and packed with 10 people seated, I might try it again. Our server was really nice and attentive and that too is huge. I've had better sushi but it will sate you if you're hungry for sushi. Try the lotus root roll, whatever the heck it's called - yummy!
(3)
Chocoolate I.

Whenever I am in Chicago I make it my business to go to RA because it is just plain cool. The patrons are cool, the atmosphere is cool, the bartenders are cool, the background music is cool, the happy hour prices are cool and the sushi is off the proverbial hook! First, it is conveniently located near a lot of happening spots. It is open and airy and there is just a friendly feel about RA. They have a wonderful happy hour that goes from 3 until 7 pm Monday through Saturdays and a great selection. For drinks, try the mango margarita for $5 or if you are a beer drinker they have $3 Chang Lager and PBR's. For the hip impaired, PBR's are Pabst Blue Ribbons! The sushi is really good. My favorites are the garlic citrus yellowtail, crispy spicy tuna, salmon carpaccio and spicy sesame chicken wings. Every time I go to RA I seem to meet cool people from different parts of the country, who like me, find this a cool place to visit. I highly recommend RA
(5)
Janine K.

I usually order carryout from RA but after having a bad experience, I notified the manager Brian Carter. Brian responded to my email and addressed all of my concerns. He even invited me to dine again at RA. After months of considering Brian's offer, I gave RA another chance this past Thursday night. I can honestly say RA has changed how they treat customers. I felt like I mattered and they valued me as a consumer. Brian even introduced himself to me and made mention to some of the changes they have made as a result of my bad experience. RA has always been one of my favorite sushi restaurants because of their menu. I will be back and thank Brian for listening and taking action on my concerns.
(4)
Patrick M.

Get the Vegas Rolls!!!!!!
(5)
Steve M.

I had a pretty good meal at Ra Sushi the other night. Our server appeared "out of it" and forgetful at first, but made a pretty steady comeback from my initial impression. The food was good, although there were a couple rolls that inspired thoughts along the lines of "why did this just cost me $13.50?" The music was pretty alright (think MTV hiphop remixes - JayZ, et.al .), although it was served up at a decibel level befitting a dance club. Not a restaurant. Conversation was a bit strained. The sake was taaaasty. All in all, Ra was okay. Not exactly a destination sushi joint, but one that's relatively easy to get to when I'm hanging out in the Gold Coast.
(3)
Rachel R.

Holy Happy Hour Special Batman!!!! I met two of my girlfriends around 5 o'clock on a weeknight. We spent 3 hours chatting over warm saki, plentiful apps, and maki rolls. Around 8 we paid our bill and were VERY pleasantly surprised to find that we owed just over $20 each including tip! The service and food were perfect. I even found pay-for street parking right outside. My only compliant: The volume on the music after about 7PM was obnoxiously loud. This is a fantastic post-work find!
(4)
Andrew W.

Their restaurant is run based around an all day, everyday, happy hour. The sushi is decent and the drinks are average. It's a nice way to meet co workers after work for a few rolls and quick drinks. However, as far a full dinner goes, there are much better sushi options throughout Chicago.
(3)
Shaakira J.

Love going to Ra to grab a quick bite... They seriously have the best crab cakes that I have ever eaten! I don't like the terriyaki wings- way tooo sweet! They have a dessert made with bananas and whipped creme- so good! On this day I wanted to use their catering service for my Cupcake Social. I showed up, the day of my party and placed an order to feed 10 people. The sushi platter I ordered was so pretty- though they did mess it up because I asked for no cucumbers! They offered to do it over- but I couldn't wait so I took it. It was $150 and was sooooo fresh! It would have been about $90 but I ordered 3 different custom rolls... I ordered a pan of edamamae and it was $30 dollars! For steamed peas?! Astronomical! (It was 3 pans, but still!) They gave me a lot of chop sticks. Soy sauce, ginger, wasabi, eel sauce, etc. was in much abundance. For a last minute order they cranked it out in about 45 minutes....which was excellent! The front hostess was new and had only been there for 2 weeks, she was very nice, helpful, and talkative.
(4)
Jerome H.

Love this place, friendly staff and good sushi!! I usually only go here during happy hour... 1/2 price sushi, cant beat it!! Would definitely recommend!
(5)
Fatima H.

This place has both good atmosphere and tasty sushi. We've had their salmon, spicy tuna and yellow tail sushi. Now we had dinner here and I have to say that although the sushi was good, it wasn't anything special. Point being, sushi is pricey here and so in my opinion this place is superb for their lunch time special and not so much for dinner.
(4)
Natasha L.

We had dinner with a friend this past Friday and had a decent experience. Overall definitely enjoyed RA. Sushi options are plentiful and the sushi itself is fresh and inexpensive. My only gripe is the noise which the restaurant can't help. Most sushi places I've been too are more low-key where RA is more of a scene. I'd come again but preferably during a less crowded day. Thumbs up to the Tootsy Maki! Definitely a must order if you go.
(4)
Stacey J.

Not a big fan of the sushi fusion. I don't think it had anything to do with the restaurant but more my personal taste.
(3)
Dan S.

I came in for dinner on Valentine's Day with a group of friends. The place is pretty small, so the wait was 45 minutes. We went over to McFadden's for a drink while we waited. After 45 minutes, we headed back to Ra. We had to wait an additional 30 minutes at this point. I guess I can't really dock them for this though, because, not one group had left since we were added to the waiting list. We ordered a wide mix of Sushi rolls and everything was great. The food and drinks were moderately priced for Sushi. I believe a 22 oz of Kirin was $7 and there was a $20 bottle of wine that two in our group ordered as well. The sushi, without drinks, worked out to be about $20 per person, including tax and 20% tip. This was enough for everyone at the table to be completely full. It was also one of the better sushi restaurants that I have been to. High quality and some interesting rolls. We had a jalapeno, shrimp and cream cheese roll that was awesome. I would definitely come back, but would call ahead to have a reservation.
(5)
Alix S.

Although RA has a nice atmosphere, I would say I was pretty disappointed overall. Everyone was very nice, however the server took a very long time to come to the table at first and throughout the meal. Me and my guest were not in a rush so this was really no big deal. What was a big deal, was spending 40 dollars on sushi that was really sub-par or even though it pains me to say kind of bad. If you are considering RA for your next sushi experience I would say there are better places you could go and for a lot less. Maybe we just went on an off night who knows : )
(2)
Jennifer R.

Want a place in the Gold Coast with affordable sushi, appetizers, and drinks from the hours of 3-7PM on Mon-Sat? RA Sushi Bar is definitely your place. I have only been here for the Happy hour, so honestly I'm not sure how it would be in a normal dinner setting. Thus, this review is based on my experiences during Happy Hour. This is a place to eat for a reasonable amount in a decked out atmosphere and friendly wait staff. The rolls are average, but the specialty rolls are indeed spectacular. I tried the Viva Las Vegas roll (Regular price $15, Happy Hour price $7) and was far from disappointed. The Pineapple Cheese Won Tons for $4 were also a tasty pick. This place can get very busy during the end of Happy Hour, so if you want a more quiet atmosphere, don't go in near the end of Happy Hour. This place has definitely become a favorite sushi place of mine for downtown.
(4)
Phillip M.

I have been here too many times to count as I live in the walk-up above (here come the stalkers..) It is solidly a 3 star restaurant. Cheap (during the 3-7 mon-sat happy hour) super Americanized sushi. The atmoshpere is try-hard contemporary but nice enough. The managers are over the top nice and attentive which makes it hard to understand why 9/10 times we go the wait staff is soooo bad. Really just awful. Good place to go if you're in the mood for a lot of OK sushi for $20. Or you live upstairs.
(3)
Pete V.

Went to Ra Sushi for happy hour (5 - 7pm). You can't beat their happy hour prices...$1 Hot Sake, $2 PBR, $3 Lemon Drop or Mango martini's and more drink specials I can't even remember. They also have a menu of sushi and appetizers at half price. The crispy soft shell crab was great - much bigger than I expected. They had cut the crab into four sections deep fried it with a crispy batter, and then served it with a soy sauce and ginger mixture. Very good. I wasn't a fan of the crispy spicy tuna...almost too spicy and the fried rice patties were too large. The nigiri and maki were both good, not great mind you, but I don't expect it to be great for just $1.25 a piece. We sat at the bar and the service was excellent...out bartender Jason was awesome. Will definitely be going back.
(4)
Chris V.

Supposedly one of the more "happening" restaurants in the city. This means you can expect a long wait for dinner and a ton of yuppies who don't know anything about sushi coming in to try it because "eating sushi is so nouveau!". The fact that I'm saying this places serves the kind of douche clientele that would describe eating Japanese food by using a french word hopefully gets my point across. Anyways, on to the food itself. Meh. The sushi itself is not terrible, but I'm not exactly impressed especially when considering their dinner prices. But their happy hour prices? Doable. During happy hour many items are half off, plus the wait won't be terrible at all, if there's any at all. The ambiance is all rich yuppies and vapid "sex and the city" loving airheads who love to pay too much for meh sushi while listening to to loud house music. So here's the skinny: don't go here for dinner with anyone you care about deeply. The wait for dinner is long and the sushi is overpriced considering it's mediocre. If I have to, I'll go eat there for their happy hour, but that's about it.
(2)
Roger E.

Bad service, food quality poor. Skip this one.
(1)
Liz B.

Great, great sushi. I went over a year ago but was reminded of RA when I visited Chicago this weekend. Ra had some sort of ridiculous "give back to the community" deal where all sushi was half price or something. I'm not sure what day we went... maybe a Sunday? Whatever day it was, we ordered an absurd amount of sushi, and experimented with some of the special rolls since they were half off. I ordered some roll with mango on the outside. I think if you put mango on anything, it makes a little bit better. Good job Ra.
(4)
Mike C.

We received disgraceful treatment from the manager here. I had just arrived there and met up with a pretty large group of friends. My friends had already moved tables around to accommodate the group. Shortly after I get there the manager comes up to us, and tells us in the most unpolite manner that some of us have to move to another table, because we are crowding the table behind us. The table behind us says, its ok we don't mind. The manager says it doesn't matter, I'm the manager and if you don't move you aren't getting your drinks. When the bar closed the manager tells the whole restaurant, OK the bars closed time to get out. I have never encountered this type of treatment from a restaurant manager before. Is that really how you treat your customers? Be extremely rude? The place was pretty empty at that point anyways, its not like it was really full and we were taking up too much room. Our server, however, was nice (most likely because she understood that we were paying customers, and that good service is good for business). The sake bombs were a really good deal, I think $5 for a little bottle of sake and a beer. It is unfortunate that I will most definitely never be back. That manager should be fired. I wish I got his name so I could put it up here. He had short dark brown hair and facial hair. Pathetic.
(1)
Rosie D.

This my usual sushi spot. I've taken several friends here when they wanted their first sushi expirience. I love this place. Me and my friend come here at least once a month for their happy hour specials which are half off certain foods, and cheap strong drinks. The location in Lombard I've found is bigger than the one on the Gold Coast but just as yummy. The rolls are a good size and I always get full! I have been there a few times and got questionable service (I once went and we never got our appetizers, I also one time went and the rolls were super small, and not that tasty) and the bathroom at the gold coast location is right off from the dinning room, and usually kinda grimy. But all in all it's still one of my favorite spots. No restaurant can be consistently perfect but this one is pretty decent!
(4)
Svitlana P.

It's not bad, but the quality of sushi seems a bit better at their Glenview location. Either way, you can't go wrong with their happy hr prices. A lot of rolls are half off!!!
(3)
Stephanie F.

Was visiting Chicago for just a few nights, and happened upon this place per the recommendation of the concierge at our hotel. So happy we ended up here! I'm from LA so have eaten lots of good sushi, and this place impressed me. We showed up on a Sunday night I think...and it was packed. We opted to sit at the sushi bar instead of wait for a table, and we had a very pleasant experience. The highlights of the night were the Monkey Roll and Vegetable Tempura roll (both vegetarian). There were some other rolls ordered with ahi, a couple salads, and the shishito peppers which are NOT to be missed! So incredibly tasty. Sushi chefs were great. I was very impressed with the presentation of the rolls. Service was super friendly. Only complaint would be the music was really loud! Even sitting next to each other at the bar, it was hard to hear. Otherwise, pretty perfect!
(4)
Maryanne C.

I guess I'm used to the RA out in Los Angeles--where everything is big. I was shocked by how small this RA location was- oh so tiny. RA definitely is not your traditional Japanese sushi, but I think its still pretty tasty and quite inventive. You can take non-sushi eaters here and they will happily find other items to their liking on the menu. Its also a nice place to slowly introduce people to sushi-- especially because they a lot on cooked sushi that can be a little less intimidating to newbies. The ra-ckin shrimp is the best thing they serve. They also have awesome cocktails, I'd love to come back for happy hour.
(3)
Jamie M.

I love the decor! This place has a great vibe and ambiance. We sat at the sushi bar which was a great choice. You just hand the menu over the counter and the sushi chef takes care of everything. There were some great deals for Happy Hour too. The tunacado was our favorite... it had a ponzu sauce that was out of this world. I would go back just for that tunacado dish. On the other hand, we tried the crispy spicy tuna (and I am a huge fan of tuna) but it was bland and I could not taste anything but fried-ness. The staff was very attentive and on top of their game. Our only mark-downs are that the lighting made the menus a little hard to read and the hot towels were given to us in the middle of our meal so they were cold by the time we used them. We felt like were were having sushi in a club lounge. If are looking for a great drink- the cosmopolitan was phenomenal.
(4)
Nicole C.

I love that RA has outdoor seating in the summer. I mean, who doesn't want to dine al fresco?! (Wait....there's got to be a word for "dining outside" that's not Italian, right?!) Anyway, a couple of friends and I left the book fair at the Newberry Library and planned go to next door to Bistrot Zinc for a French lunch.....until we spotted RA's outdoor patio. In Chicago you must take advantage of eating outside while you can. :) I had the Lunch Sushi Assortment (California Roll & 1 piece each of Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail & Shrimp). Hard to believe that it was only $11, but I wasn't disappointed. Sure, it wasn't the BEST sushi I've had, but not the worst either. Definitely a good place to grab a quick bit to eat if you're in the area and want sushi/Japanese food.
(4)
CÃ©lÃ¨ste B.

My friend (a local) brought me here while I was visiting, saying it was a favorite. I was quite frankly blown away. I love when a restaurant isn't afraid to get creative, and Ra certainly is not. Their "chips and salsa" (wanton chips served with spicy tuna mixed with fresh salsa) sounded a bit crazy but turned out to be crazy good. I want some right now! Then there was the spicy tuna served on balled of crunchy rice. I would eat that all day long every day if I could.
(5)
Yaw N.

This is far from the best sushi I've ever had. But it's really, really good.. Especially for the price. First of all they have a great selection of sushi and sashimi. I loved everything that I had. They also had really cheap beers which was great. The added bonus of this place is that non-sushi lovers such as my girlfriend can find things on the menu that aren't that scary to eat. An obvious choice is the tempura, but also take a look at a few of the rolls that do not have raw fish. Overall, this is a good choice and change up for a dinner date.
(3)
Juliana R.

Happy hour everyday from 3-7pm, u can't beat that!
(4)
Nadeem P.

So this place is a chain, we used to frequent the locations in Texas when we lived there for their happy hours. They have the same deals here, and the food is very consistent. Their sushi rolls are good, and you can't beat their $6 beer & sake specials, which run all day long. Great place and great prices during happy hour, outside of that I would say it's a bit overpriced as most sushi spots are...
(3)
Heather P.

I've eaten at all of the RA's around Chicago and for whatever reason; the food just tastes better to me here. The Las Vegas roll is the best. There's a hot ambiance with red lighting and a sexier looking decor. I love the floor to ceiling windows that look out onto Division. You can easily have a nice sit-down dinner in the dining room or grab a seat and a sake bomb at the bar. Prices are slightly higher than other neighborhood sushi bars, but it's consistently good and has a higher end feel to it. I'll also throw in there that I'm generally not a fan of chain restaurants so this really is saying a lot, coming from me.
(4)
Beth P.

Aw c'mon yelpers, this place isn't that bad... HALF OFF Monday-Friday 3-7pm (not everything on the menu, but a lot). We love the "tootsy" roll, and the "Viva Las Vegas" roll, seriously yummy times. Lobster spring rolls- so good, but not worth it unless its half-off time. The mango margaritas aren't bad for $5 happy hour either. Great people-watching spot on their patio. Mind the disgruntled hostess and unamused servers, they can't stop me from getting tasty sale sushi.
(3)
Cindy K.

Don't go here unless it's for the happy hour special menu. Otherwise, it's really not worth it. Sushi isn't that fresh and the rolls are filled with mayo and fried crap. The cucumber kimchee salad is disgusting. Service was fine. The food was lackluster.
(2)
Barbara B.

Happy Hour. That one joyous part of the work week where, with the help of cheap drinks and appetizers, a working woman can blow off some steam from having that particularly stressful job that she wishes she could quit. Ra's does happy hour right! 1/2 off a HUGE selection of Sushi. 1/2 off tons of appetizers. cheap cheap drinks ($2 sake, $4 lemon drop, etc.) Does this place have the most authentic sushi? nope. Does it have kind of loud clubby music in the background? yep. Are some of the waiters kind of rude? you betcha. Do I love it? YES. I like going with friends, getting a huge variety of sushi and appetizers (the tempura calamari is out of this world delicious and under $4 when it's 1/2 off and huge enough to split between 4 people).
(5)
Samra M.

I wish you had a buffet menu -Expensive -The sushi is good -but still expensive -tiny place
(3)
Karyn S.

The sushi was just o.k. we ordered a noodle dish and it was extremely sweet, bleh. If you don't generally like sweet foods they use the same sweet sauce on their sushi too. Music too loud, ambiance a bit too dark. Okay if you're going there for a drink.
(1)
Rob S.

The staff is super nice, and the food is good. My faves were tempura calamari and the Hot Mess roll, which were actually great. The crowd and the decor, on the other hand, made for douchey sushi. I'd go here again, but not on the weekend and certainly not for dinner. Lunch would be perfect.
(3)
Pavel Z.

Love RA concept in Glenview. But Chicago place completely disappointed me. Restrooms are just completely disgusting dirty and not appropriate for people to go in. Sushi was okay. Drinks were like they mix all their liquor with water. :( never go back on this location for sure.
(5)
Fiona M.

Wish I had read the yelp reviews before going to this place...it was very average. The vibe of the place is a bit over the top, dim red lighting, red and black everywhere, bamboo light shades. Half naked girls with samurai sword picture...we get it your a Japanese restaurant enough with the cliches already. The food - for me I found it quite 'safe' their were no bold flavours and everything was bland and just ok. The best bit was the amount of vegetables I got with my meal (I like lots of vegetable) the teriyaki chicken was nice but nothing special at all. The gyoza was cooked well but bland as was the sauce and the spicy shrimp maki was not at all spicy and not what I expected it was shredded crab and shrimp not actual pieces of shrimp. And for the price the serving was pitiful - al the sushi seemed well over priced. Our server started off well but went downhill quickly, partly cause I think there needs to be more servers he was dashing from table to table and seemed to be overstretched. It took quite a while after we finished our meal to be presented with the bill and we were given the bill and left to sit with our dirty plates. Then it took over 10mins for him to come back with our change. In all honesty nothing was terrible and if you couldn't find anywhere else to eat, I would say stop by you will get an ok meal and it's more than edible however if you are looking for delicious bold flavours, value for money and a great dining atmosphere I wouldn't come here.
(2)
Brittiany R.

I know it's a chain but I love RA Sushi. I've only been twice but every dish I've sampled from has been incredibly fresh and tasty. The textures are on point as far as sushi goes and the happy hour prices aren't bad. I probably wouldn't visit during non-happy hour times because the prices seemed steep but well worth it for fresh sushi. I wish the half birthday coupon I received had told me it couldn't be combined with happy hour prices, but other than that, I was a happy girl.
(5)
Donnie Y.

Very average place expected to be wild but just like any typical little bit on the upscale trendy place not as impressed the drinks were ok the food I give you a four star overall experience three and a half stars I will come back again but it's not one of my favorite places maybe if its on my way home from work the drinks were okay the food I give you 4 star overall experience 3 and a half stars I will come back again but it's not mine my favorite places maybe if its on my way home from work
(3)
Bethany W.

Service: 4 stars Food: 3 - 3 1/2 stars This place has a pretty decent happy hour even though the menu selections have gone down. Still overall pretty decent. Great birthday or half birthday promotion. $20 to use in the month of your half birthday. Um....awesome. Rolls are ok. Better than what I'd make or the supermarket but not as good as some other sushi places. The chili ponzu yellowtail has been the best one I've had here.
(3)
Zoe Y.

RA is a chain that I thought would be a safe bet to get my sushi fix while in Chicago. I was wrong. We came at an off time, around 3pm, so maybe that's why. But everything from the service to the food was sub-par/average. Our sever seemed really bored while serving us. He seemed to be really out of it and lethargic. I'm sure it was an off-day but it just wasn't what I was expecting on a Friday afternoon. We were one of three parties in the restaurant (including the bar and dining area) and there were two servers, so I'm not sure what was taking so long but whatever. We ordered a few different rolls/sashimi plates and they all tasted very bland. I have worked in a sushi restaurant before, so I know what fresh tuna, yellowtail and salmon look like and these looked frozen and thawed after a few days. Nothing looked fresh. I probably won't be back to this location. I'll visit other RA locations but not this one.
(2)
Elsie Y.

Came here again with good friends. The food is not bad , and atmosphere is good, but the service is very slow, it is hard to see our server all the time. The best thing here is that they open till midnight, and that is the reason why we came here . Anyway, it is a better experience than last time .
(3)
Alex J.

Not bad for being a sushi place in the Gold Coast. Could be a lot worse in all fronts. Prices are pretty fair for what you get, and certain things on the menu are surprisingly great. Go for the tunacado to start - its slices of seared ahi tuna and avocado placed around a little bowl of delicious sauce. They also had toro - fatty tuna - when I stopped in last time, and it was super fresh and delicious. All of the fish tastes fresh, in fact; nothing has that suspicious slimy, fishy smell or taste. The only thing I'd say is I wish they had some more traditional, simpler rolls, as well. For example, I was craving a daikon roll and they didn't even have the yellow variation in stock to make it custom for me. This is a minor issue, of course, as I know they're more of a fusion restaurant. Overall, great experience.
(4)
Wes Cole C.

Despite the huge, round, red globes all over the ceiling that look like gargantuan poisoned apples that an evil witch might tempt you with, this place isn't really for kids. Here's why I believe that to be the case: 1.) They don't have milk. I know! I know! I was like WT actual F?!? 2.) The closest thing they have to French fries is sweet potato tempura. I'm as adventurous as the next guy but...wait for it...they have a strict "no Ketchup" policy. For reals? 3.) Based on the above two points, no one should have been surprised when I melted down like butter at the end of the meal. But even as I was flailing on the floor, tossing chopsticks across the room like a true ninja, we still had a tough time getting the check. I enjoyed very little. But my Mommy likes the sushi and she is really hard to please. Especially tonight after bullet point #3. Peace out from my crib, Wes Cole
(4)
Brooke B.

My has this place gone downhill fast! My boyfriend and I wanted to grab a quick bite after work a couple of days ago, and I quickly remembered a hot spot one of my college girlfriends and I would go to on a regular basis for the happy hour specials. It was a great place... 5 years ago!! We were seated quickly (as I can imagine others have chosen to leave this sushi spot in the dust) and went to the ladies room to wash my hands. FILTHY! Paper towels all over the floor, empty soap, water everywhere - reminded me of a gas station in the middle of nowhere that you have no other choice but to stop there. Our waiter seemed completely over it from the get-go. He came to our table twice the entire night. We ordered our sushi, which came in phases by the way (not how we preferred or had been asked). We were flippantly told it'd be out 'when it's ready.' Meanwhile after the sushi is dropped off, our glasses are completely empty, no water anywhere and the waiter is long gone. Had to flag someone down to get water; which would be fine if the place was slammed; but the kicker was that the MANAGER of the restaurant was shaking up cocktails and taking SHOTS with his employees whilst we waited impatiently in the main room. It was a Monday night, lots of staff and many empty tables. My boyfriend and I were appalled by the way this place was run. It appears to me that this place is now very poorly managed and desperately needs saving if it is going to stick around. Meanwhile, we will continue to make a longer trek to ANYWHERE else. What a bummer! Great location, good sushi, TERRIBLE service and POORLY managed!
(1)
Elizabeth B.

One of the most affordable sushi places if you take advantage of their lunch and happy hour specials. Great people watching to enjoy while you dine outside! Haven't tried their drinks but have heard they are also good. Service is always good. RA's value is what's best about this place!
(4)
Kenny M.

It's a cool place, usually decently full when we get there, but we've never had to wait for a seat! The servers are always really friendly with us, and though some seem to have off days and aren't always on the ball, I forgive that because they make up for it by being really friendly. Food always looks great, always tastes great, place is always clean. Music that plays is really cool too. Never have had a problem here. Their happy hours are great too, and nicely priced. (Though be warned, there is only one bathroom for each gender. It's one of those one room lock the door behind you things.So on a busy night, that's not always nice, but not really anyone's fault there, it's whoever built the place.)
(5)
Adriana S.

Food was very mediocre. The RA in Lombard is soo much better. The restaurant was very small and a bit to cozy I felt like I was dinning with the couple next to me we were so close. The sushi was a bit dry. The waitress was awesome which is why the restaurant is only getting 2 stars.
(2)
Charlie P.

Note to Manager: you shouldn't allow dogs if their owner is unable to control them in a public setting. My dog and I were almost attacked by a Great Dane that was sitting outside, on the public sidewalk, while the owner was seated on your patio. Im just thinking....if the dog is too large to sit or lay at the table, it probably shouldn't be at the establishment. I'll probably find a new sushi place because that whole event totally turned me off. Too bad.
(1)
Marta C.

Service terrible: was told a 20 minute wait. After 45 minutes waiting. We where told they where waiting for reservations coming 40 minutes later. Food: I have been several times in the past. Food was good. Happy hour is good as well!
(1)
Jaci Y.

Ra Sushi during happy hour is BUSY, and the waiting for service and food takes awhile. I just had to have patience once I go the food my husband I felt it was worth wait. Happy Hour has some good deals on sushi rolls and other food items on the menu. We got a rainbow roll and Seared Tuna it was yummy. We'd go again it was a good experience. We had to eat and pay for the food right away as we had other places to attend.
(4)
Nina I.

This is a great place to grab lunch with a group of friends. I loved going during happy hour because a lot of the popular sushi rolls were half off. It has a modern and romantic ambiance. The sushi isn't the best I've ever had but it's still tasty and after all, this is a chain restaurant located in the Midwest! This place gets 3.5 stars.
(3)
David L.

Unethical, our waitress gave herself a much bigger tip than what we had written on the receipt. I had to have our credit card company get my money back! Keep your receipts and keep them honest!
(1)
Tim P.

This place is pretty good, a nice mix of affordable, trendy and fresh. They have lunch specials and a happy hour menu that has a good selection of items. There are a wide range of rolls, nigiri/sashimi and hot and cold appetizers.
(4)
Prashanth M.

okayish place to eat.Not very great. Not good for vegetarians as they don't change their oil for cooking veg and non veg food. veg tempura smells like shrimp. Udon noodle soup is decent.
(3)
Dan M.

Alright so in Chicago for a long weekend and as we walked around trying to figure out what to eat, we stumbled upon this place. The place is "swanky like" and dimly lit with red colors throughout the restaurant. There seems to be a steady flow of people coming in and out of the joint at all times (been here twice - at night and for lunch). The servers were nice and the hostess accommodating even for the day when we walked in and said we only wanted drinks. This joint is definitely not a specialized "raw sushi house" and instead they cater to rolls and fusion style cooking. Through the course of the two visits I had to RA, we ordered the Tunacado, "Ra"llipop, Chili Ponzu Yellowtail, Crispy Onion Albacore, Crispy White Fish taco, etc. Sushi was ok quality but the cooked dishes were a bit better. The crispy White Fish Taco is actually pretty friggin good and I could have had 6 of just theses. The Crispy Onion Albacore was quite good also along with the yellow tail dish. The rolls themselves were alright. They had a great sake deal which is like $3 for a small but still good portioning throughout. Im a bit torn on this but their flexibility to seating just for drinks and their just solid appetizer menu with reasonable prices will push me to a 4 rating on this joint.
(4)
Madison L.

Lobster shrimp roll, chili ponzu yellowtail roll and the seared tuna are all incredibly delicious. RA sushi has really eye catching lights and decorations. I loved the picture of the woman with the katana sword draped in the red sheet. This place is full of character and personality - the food is very fresh and comes out pretty fast. This is the perfect place for a weekend date - it is packed and hustling and bustling with energy. Talk about lively!
(4)
Keerthana K.

Unless it's happy hour, the sushi is kind of expensive for what it is. Most of the sushi is decent, but far from the best. I wouldn't recommend the "RA"llipop roll; it was not very palatable. The calamari appetizer and the sake drinks are worth getting. The greatest part is the service. Our server Stacey was really awesome and enhanced our dining experience for the better and made RA sushi a place to return.
(3)
Sarah K.

Thought my partner and I would celebrate our half year anniversary together so we came here because it was only a block ago from where we live. I had a huge stomach by the time we left. We skipped the appetizer section and went straight to the good good sushi. We ordered a few rolls and some nigiri. The rolls were great but I wish there was more fish (bigger cuts/slices). Other than that I was happy with our food! The service was a bit slow but good overall. Dessert was probably the biggest dessert I had at a sushi restaurant. There were huge chunks of fried ice cream on this big plate! It was incredible and worth the wait. Big enough to share with 4 people. Will be back for more food!
(4)
Asenath N.

I been to this place once but I plan to go back soon. The staff was very friendly. The sushi was very good and fresh! The prices were average for sushi. I have seen reviews talking about happy hour so I think I'm going during that time next time.
(4)
Maya P.

BEWARE. Don't go to this place. Someone robs people here. I had my wallet stolen and so did my mom a year ago. My two friends had wallets stolen here too, all while sitting at the bar here. This has all been happening over a period of three years and there are still no cameras at the stupid place. While the happy hours are good, the staff is pretty stupid, and not aware of what's happening unless they know and are participating in this. All I know is that at first I thought pick pocketing was an exception here but it seems like now it's a rule.
(1)
Emily G.

I'm sad to say, things have gotten even worse since my last updated review. Ra has taken even more items off of the Happy Hour menu, and their prices are just as high. They keep trying to put all of their eggs in one basket - and by that, I mean the Viva Las Vegas roll. Listen, it used to be good, but lately it seems like it's lacking some of its flavor. You can't count on one single roll to carry your menu - where's the Crispy Onion Albacore, or the short ribs, or the Garlic Citrus Yellowtail?! Even worse, the last time (and that will be the last time) I went, which was about 2 weeks ago, I ordered a Mango Margarita off of the happy hour menu. What I got was some Mango Orange juice with a splash of tequila - that is NOT a Mango Margarita. And they wanted $6 for it! The service is as slow as ever, too. I didn't realize it could get any slower, but it did. I mean, I get it, being a waiter/waitress isn't the most exciting job in the world, but you could at least *pretend* to care. Some of the waitstaff acts as if it's a punishment for them to serve you. On my last visit it took 10-15 minutes to get drinks, food, anything, really. And when it came time to get the check? Forget about it - 20 minutes! Sad to say that with all of their changes over the last year, they have permanently lost a customer.
(1)
Liz D.

Okay so first of all let me say the food here is delicious, and if you're ordering take out then you shouldn't have any problems. That being said- the service here is soooo slow for dining in. I live very close to this location and have visited a number of times, but each time the service is slower than before. Make sure you plan at least an hour and a half for dinner.
(3)
Heather B.

Went to RA for the first time tonight with some girlfriends! AMANDA was our waitress and was instantly bubbly and personable. One of my friends had never had sushi before so Amanda was wonderful at going through the menu and explaining it to us! All her recommendations were amazing and we will for sure be coming back soon! Fabulous Saturday night dinner!
(5)
Mason E.

I got a hand roll, and the server was considerate enough to let me know that it was a soy paper wrap, and asked if I'd prefer seaweed. Which was appreciated since, of course I'd prefer seaweed! But when it came it was wrapped with both soy paper and seaweed... It's like if a sushi bar hooked up with a TGIFriday's...
(1)
Alli H.

Great happy hour specials. We went for an early dinner, by accident. Some of the rolls were different and interesting. Others were just normal. I liked the tamago. It was hard to find our server though when we wanted a check because we were sitting outside. Go during happy hour and if you are in the area.
(3)
Maghana W.

This place is chill. It has an insane variety of choices. My favorite is the Viva Las Vegas Roll. You seriously can't go wrong with it. It's filling and their most popular one yet. They have great happy hour deals. Even the late night one that starts at 10pm. It's super dim inside and fun for a group of friends. Def gonna be back!
(4)
Christine Y.

Me and my two friends went here a couple of weeks ago and we enjoyed ourselves. I've been to Ra in other cities/states and I haven't been let down at either. They have happy hour after 10pm on sushi which is nice. The wait was a little too long and I found myself staring at the empty tables and wondering why we couldn't sit down but it was ok since we were talking. The different dish options of authentic sushi as well as cooked food (for non sushi eaters) are enjoyable.
(4)
Florinda S.

This is my little special place away from my other special place ;) Food is delicious and service is the best
(5)
Jeana C.

I love that this place offers happy hour. You can get a pretty good deal out of it. It ends at 6pm the last time I was there. The only thing I didn't like about it was the fact that most of the rolls have that imitation crab meat salad in it. Come on RA, you guys can be a little more creative than that!
(3)
Jaclyn H.

Love this place. Great sushi and great place to have a drink. Happy hour specials are great. Definitely somewhere I would send a friend.
(3)
Kav J.

Really good sushi, teriyaki chicken, and miso soup. I have been going here for a really long time and I have only been disappointed a few times. If you are in Chicago and craving sushi, I highly recommend Ra.
(4)
Robin H.

LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE! Viva Las Vegas roll! Happy Hour! Tootsy Maki! Everything is great! Fave sushi place.
(5)
C C.

Came in for some late night dining with my boyfriend on our recent trip to Chicago. It was pretty busy on a Friday night but I guess it is to be expected. The food was good and service was prompt. They have some good late night specials which is a plus. Food was ok. We weren't disappointed by any dishes but there wasn't anything that stood out either. Glad we gave the place a try
(3)
Christina V.

Went for happy hour and ate waaaaay too much. I'd stalked the menu earlier in the day, and was so, so excited about the pineapple cheese wontons. Sadly, they were not as great as I'd hoped. We also ordered 5 rolls between the two of us, and it was more than enough. The gojira and viva Las Vegas were the standouts.
(3)
Alicja K.

My favorite sushi! My favorite rolls are the pacific roll and the crunchy calamari roll but I've never had anything I didn't like. They also have a great coconut creme brÃ»lÃ©e for dessert. So many yummy options. They have a really great and cheap happy hour from 4 to 7. They have a reward program. You get a gift certificate the month of your half birthday. It can get crowded especially in Friday and Saturday night. You can make reservations just not during happy hour. I highly recommend Ra.
(5)
Gracielle A.

I love the food, service and the ambiance of this place, dim lit romantic, can get loud sometimes. Great sushi, and the happy hour is very generous. My favorite roll is Las Vegas and scallop volcano, sometimes though I think the portions are getting smaller by the year. Regardless its still very good!
(4)
Rolando N.

Had the lobster ceviche which was good. But the braised tuna was to die for. Just perfect. Will go back just to have that. Great service Loved the place!!!!
(5)
Britt N.

It was really, really good! The gojira, crazy monkey, shrimp tempura and zonie roll were ALL fabulous! I made a reservation through Open Table on a Friday night for two just two hours before and we got right in. Only thing I didn't like - the ambiance. It's very loud, tables are super close together. I could barely hear my husband as we were talking. So if you are looking for more of a chill atmosphere, I wouldn't suggest but it is definitely worth going to try the sushi if you don't mind the ambiance!
(4)
Emily M.

I LOVE that this place is just down the street from me! They always have some sort of special going on, their cocktails are delicious, and they have great sushi! I personally prefer to sit at the bar, and I always have great service when I do. Also, their outdoor seating arrangement is great for the summer!
(5)
Anna M.

This restaurant is A-OK. Food is not outstanding but is typical sushi. Prices are fair, drinks are good, but it is always very crowded so service is a bit slower.
(3)
Riddhi P.

This is my second time at RA Sushi. The first was at their Glenview location. I don't remember leaving there with the impression that that was one of the best sushi bars I've been to. I decided to give it another try when I planned dinner with two of my friends. We got there smack in the middle of happy hour, so needless to say, we took advantage of it. I am a sushi fanatic. Seeking out the best sushi in town has become more or less of a hobby. So after trying my luck at higher end places such as Japonais by Maromoto, and other quaint ones such as Makisu, I should have known better than to expect extraordinary sushi. FACT: Contrary to what the whole of Western Civilization believes, rice is actually the main attraction in sushi Spicy Tuna Roll: NOT GOOD. The only flavor I got from this roll was from the rice. The tuna almost had the consistency of pÃ¢tÃ©. The only thing that made this sushi somewhat palatable was dunking it in spicy mayo and popping on a jalapeÃ±o slice. Viva las Vegas Roll: First of all, it looks like a monstrosity. I remember it having lobster (?) in it. It was drenched in all of these different sauces and tasted nothing like sushi should. My friend commented on how it looked like something that belongs in Kitchen Nightmares. There was dried parsley sprinkled all over the plate (WUT?) Vegetarian Cucumber Roll: Like some sort of heathen, my friend decided that we should give this a go. I don't know why I tried this, but I guess I just wanted to see if it was any better than the previous ones. And guess what...IT WAS. I'm not saying it was good, but it wasn't weird like the others. Still needed a boat load of spicy mayo to taste anything at all. RA Sushi comes across as not a real sushi bar, but just a hang out for people looking for happy hour drinks and the excuse to eat "sushi". Nope, and nope.
(1)
Minjee Y.

I did not enjoy the sushi here at all. The spicy salmon roll was chunky and not even spicy. The spicy tuna roll was alright. Edible I'd say. The rest of the rolls were just weird to be and too big to eat (soft shell crab? and some other one I forgot the name). I felt as though the rolls tasted salty and the rice was on the stickier side. The drinks here are good though. I got the cucumber margarita and what I loved about it is that it still tasted like a margarita, but with a fresh twist because of the cucumber in it. SO REFRESHING. Strong and good... What I found interesting was that they had a live DJ come in and there was this SUSHI SHOW DOWN going on. I wish we had came later to be able to sit and see this happen, but we were leaving while this was being set up. I would not recommend this place for sushi lovers honestly though. Oh and our appetizers were kind of weird. I wasn't a fan of that cheesy tot won ton wannabe crab ragoon or the scallops appetizer. The shrimp appetizer was fine I guess. Super extra fried and crispy crispy. I'd say this is a super Americanized "sushi joint". Also want to mention that it's easy to spend more than $30 per person here.
(2)
Paul B.

Been coming here for over a year and love it. Great restaurant with very fresh selections of fish etc. The service outside of the bar area loses it a star because the service in the bar is always 5 star. Other people have seen this as well. Drinks are great, rolls are outstanding and I highly recommend you order the Vegas roll. Sake selection is also very good.
(4)
Emily L.

I am a vegetarian, so it was nice to see a different option to the "typical " veggie roll of avocado/cucumber, the Vegetable Tempura Roll. They were really helpful with offering other options as well! Also to confirm, Eel sauce does not contain fish so vegetarian friendly as well =) ( as confirmed by waitress)
(3)
Morgan K.

Went with my ex last night. They listened about me not being able to have avocado In my sushi. I loved it. Thank you for a great night!
(5)
Em M.

Been here 10 times, only cuz I live next door and keep hoping they will improve. I've sent spoiled slimy fish back about half the time. Beware! Wait staff, especially the bar tenders are clueless. You will have to do acrobatics to get their attention. Only good thing is the energetic music.
(1)
Lindsay Y.

RA sushi always had a great selection of fresh fish and delicious appetizers. The atmosphere is very nice as well as the outdoor seating area. What I love most though - is their happy hour deals! You can't really find a better deal than $5.00 sushi rolls!
(4)
Lydia T.

This is a great little sushi place. I went last night with my boyfriend for Valentine's Day which is also my boyfriends birthday. I am from the east coast so I can be a bit of a sushi snob since I'm use to really fresh fish. RA was so fresh and delicious! The restaurant also has a great atmosphere. I would defiantly recommend.
(5)
Abby H.

Delicious sushi and reasonably priced. There aren't many places you can go to a bar and watch sports and eat good sushi. The Maki rolls are larger and easy to share.
(4)
Eddie S.

Came here with my wife for dinner. We tried the spicy shrimp and california rolls. I also had the spicy wings. The wings were not so spicy. We ordered mango margaritas to wash down our food. They tasted great! Nice place for sushi and to grab a drink.
(4)
Andre W.

Ahhhh...been awhile since I've been here, but me and a friend happened to be in the area and were in the mood for sushi. It was a nice warm evening so we decided to grab a seat on the patio. It was full so we were told it would be a 20 minute wait. Grabbed a seat @ the bar and had a Heineken...a summer favorite for years. We were starving so we started out with the edamame dip which was better than most spinach dips I've had. We then decided to go with the rainbow roll and then the spicy tuna roll. Good stuff! I remembered why I used to like this place as their sushi is pretty good and fresh. I hear the happy hour is good...will have to check it out
(4)

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Address : 1139 N State St
Chicago, IL, 60610
Phone (312) 274-0011
Website https://www.rasushi.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 12

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Loud
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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RA Sushi Bar Restaurant

1139 N State St, Chicago, IL, 60610

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant Menu

Getting Started

Soups & Salads

Getting Busy

LUNCH SPECIALS - BENTO BOXES

LUNCH SPECIALS - SUSHI BAR

LUNCH SPECIALS - BOWLS

Sides

Healthy Meal suggestions for RA Sushi Bar Restaurant

Getting Started

Soups & Salads

Getting Busy

LUNCH SPECIALS - BENTO BOXES

LUNCH SPECIALS - SUSHI BAR

LUNCH SPECIALS - BOWLS

Sides

Prashanth M.

Dan M.

Madison L.

Keerthana K.

Sarah K.

Asenath N.

Maya P.

Emily G.

Liz D.

Heather B.

Mason E.

Tish N.

Morgan H.

Tada Y.

Bea K.

King L.

Erika B.

Ashlee C.

Lu H.

Jonathan W.

Margaret N.

Lauren S.

Swati B.

Tanisha S.

Sasha K.

Brian V.

Chris C.

Nicholas W.

Nicole R.

Brian K.

Michelle J.

Kim C.

Joanna P.

Kristina R.

Newooper S.

Annie T.

Nirmal G.

Kate L.

Andy D.

Lizzy P.

A H.

Michael H.

Tim C.

Jennifer H.

Shradha A.

Crystal P.

Garrett F.

Katrina F.

Kristy N.

Lola T.

Caroline A.

alice y.

Nicole B.

Abagail W.

Erin M.

Hope G.

Sue H.

Anthony A.

Emily F.

David G.

Christine M.