Hole in the wall amazing BYO sushi restaurant. Sushi is fresh and the rolls are amazing!!! My favorites rolls are: Naruto, Christmas, snow white, and the Atlantic Rolls. You can't go and not order the tuna dumplings as an appetizer. Prices are very reasonable. Everything is great except the fact that it only seats 10 people max.
(5)
Katy O.
I didn't really comprehend when people say this place is tiny. I'll repeat it then for people as slow as myself -- IT'S TINY. I think it can really only seat 8-10 people. If you're in a hurry, do take out. That being said, it's cozy and BYOB, so at times may be worth the wait. Vic's definitely has the most affordable, good sushi in the city -- at least that I've found so far. Went with my parents and got the 39-piece party platter with some seaweed as appetizer. Pretty damn good deal for what you get. The fish wasn't the best I've had, but quite good. The yellowtail dragon roll was delish! Who knew mango went so well with eel sushi. The three roll special is probably what most will gravitate towards, I know that's what I'll be getting next time I need take out sushi (which is likely soon). But I also can't wait to bring my boyfriend back here for a cozy night of cheap sushi and cheap wine.
(4)
Tala T.
It is literally a little gem because the restaurant is tiny and the sushi- delicious. There is a small bar facing the chef and one table in front of the door. Making it an ideal spot to pick up or go in a very small group. We went on a weekday after the lunch rush and found seats at the table in front. The menu is extensive and includes all the basics you'd expect from a sushi shop. We ordered the spicy trio roll (salmon and avocado, spicy tuna and shrimp tempura roll) and a specialty roll consisting of salmon covered with salmon, avocado, eel and drizzled in eel sauce. Everything tasted extremely fresh. the rice was the perfect amount in each roll. It was made fresh and tasted warm. The fish were all tender and literally melted on first bite. For dessert, the tamago roll which consisted of a very thing egg concoction. It takes a very skilled tamago maker to create the perfect tamago and this in my mind was perfect. If you want real sushi made fresh then this is the place for it. You won't find anything else like it in the city.
(4)
Shreyas Z.
nothing beats vic on sushi!!! nothing!!
(5)
Sumito A.
Get to the Chase: Pros: 1) What more can you ask for, great prices, fresh fresh sushi, great taste, and quick service! 2) My favorite is the naruto roll! But usually get 2-3 special rolls (larger ones at $12-15/order) and 1 set of nigiri and 2-3 sets of plain sushi rolls (small simple rolls like cucumber or spicy tuna) and share it with 1 or 2 people (comes down to ~$25/person) You will definitely leave satisfied 3) Capogiro's (Italian Gelato) is right next to the restaurant 4) The chef makes the rolls right in front of you 5) Small and quaint place, and offer free green tea 6) Also have pick-up 7) Also if you spend a decent amount $80+ you can get your photo taken and put on the wall of the restaurant! Cons: 1) Small and cramped, but get there 1hr before expected peak times and you'll have no problem
(5)
Joanna T.
3 roll combo special is a really good deal for decent quality sushi. I take one star away bc its near impossible to get seating during dinner time. But they are BYOB if you don't mind waiting.
(4)
Dianna L.
Great sushi. Great location. Cheap Price. AND BYOB. it doesn't get better than that. I really liked the shrimp tempora roll and the salmon avocado roll. Small cute little place. I can't wait to come back.
(5)
Ben W.
Ever since I hear about Vic's from a friend, I have been a huge fan. I've been several times before an finally decided to write a review. We went for lunch and both ordered a 3 roll special, the same rolls by coincidence. We also ordered the tuna dumplings which are a MUST have. Filled with avocado, tempura flakes, crab, and other yummy stuff, all wrapped in a large slab of tuna. Absolutely delicious. Their rolls are fairly fresh and nicely priced. We both agreed the salmon was great, but the yellowtail was a little lacking. Pros: great prices, fresh fish, creative specialty rolls Cons: small place and doesn't take reservations Dishes to try: Tuna Dumplings
(4)
Tea P.
Went to Vic's for lunch during a visit to Philadelphia. It was fine. It was probably in the middle taste-wise of sushi that I've eaten in my life, but I don't know how it compares to other sushi places in Philly, so maybe it is as good as everyone says? I got the 3 roll special for 10.95, which is a wonderful deal. I ordered the spicy salmon, spicy tuna, and a Philadelphia roll. The Philadelphia roll was fantastic. The salmon in it was perfection. The spicy salmon and spicy tuna rolls were okay. I don't think they had water, but we were able to get some tea. And, it was nice sitting in front of the chefs and watching them work. Also, this is absolutely not a place to linger. There are about 7 or 8 chairs at the bar. And, one table of four. We were basically pushed out of the door. I would recommend ordering and picking it up.
(3)
Michael L.
If you're looking for rolls, this probably a good bet for you. If you're looking for sashimi- go elsewhere. The tuna dumpling is indeed worth the 5 bucks a pop. I don't think you'll find anything like it. It's like a XLB (shanghai soup dumpling) except the tuna is the skin, and the creamy avocado inside is the filling. An unlikely but tasty combination. That was the highlight of our meal. There are some novel combinations of seafood, fruits, and soy paper (ie., Holiday Roll) which was quite refreshing. The spider roll was pedestrian and wasn't exactly crispy, the snow white roll was decent, as was the romantic roll. Creative, tasty enough, and a bit on the pricey side. It's really more about the sauces here than the fish, though the quality of the fish is good enough. Good...but not "wow".
(3)
Winnie Y.
I'll be honest. I think this place is a bit hyped for me. It's still very good for the price though. You get 3 rolls for $10.95. I ordered the Alaskan, Salmon, and Yellowtail-Scallion. The rolls were okay, nothing special, and it's not on par with high quality Japanese sushi places that I've been to before. However, I would come back just because of the price.
(3)
C T.
Tried Vic's through yelp suggestions, very satisfied. Great food & best presentation of sushi I've seen in Philly! Highly Recommend a Visit.
(5)
Dave H.
Good fortune took me to Vic's Sushi Bar, a diminutive BYOB near Rittenhouse Square. There's little room at this eatery, putting their sushi bar front and center. Eating at the bar is an intimate experience; don't be surprised to find yourself passing soy sauce or water from one person to another. If you're lucky, you'll score a seat right away, otherwise be prepared to wait. (We waited a bit. Another group chose to sit at the tiny table by the door.) Sipping bowls of miso, we chatted with the humble sushi chef, Vic himself. Toiling behind the counter, he worked his magic. The rest of the staff were on point that evening, met our needs, and were happy to provide separate checks for us. Sushi presentation was outstanding. Everything we tasted was delectable. We started with the Sansom roll ($14) - that's shrimp tempura, crab stick and avocado roll, with fresh tuna, salmon, avocado, eel sauce, spicy sauce, masago, and scallions. Next, we had the Black Dragon roll ($11) - eel, avocado, in a cucumber roll, topped with more eel. We finished with the Alaskan roll. Rolls weren't skimpy; we barely finished what we had. Despite being smaller than a frickin' bread box, Vic's delivers personal service, reasonable prices, and quality sushi. After hearing so much about Vic's, I'm glad I finally got to stop in.
(5)
Rita P.
Not a sushi connoisseur, I will confess, but I know and love good food. Second time here for take out . Their nigiri combo is now one of my most favorite things to eat on Earth!!!! The food tastes fresh to me and the service is quick and freindly. Added to my go to place list in the city.
(4)
Leo G.
I don't particular enjoy the crowded atmosphere, but this place has a great 3 roll special to order out. It's pretty good sushi that gets the job done when you have that sushi craving.
(4)
Cayla M.
The 3 rolls for $10.95 is a great deal and I've gotten it every time. The rolls are really yummy and there's lots of different choices! Pros: Great deals, good prices (for the most part) lots of different rolls, and they really put an effort in how the rolls look. Also it's BYOB! Always a fun time! Last time I was there a girlfriend and I shared a bottle of wine and had a lovely time. Cons: It's super small! Don't be surprised if you end up waiting a while for a seat at the bar, there's always people waiting - never slowed down every time I've eaten there. Don't be thrown off by it's size though, Vic's really is a hidden (and occasionally crammed, but that just adds to the character I swear!) gem! Over all, I'm happy and pleased with every meal i've had there! My favorites: alaskan roll, the eel avocado roll, the futomki roll
(4)
Patick R.
This is a tiny spot that makes you feel right at home even when you are eating alone, with good food and a laid back ambiance.
(5)
A E.
I have to say, Vic's is very affordable. It's a very no frills establishment, and I personally liked that they cut out being ostentatious. I'm willing to pay for good product, but I don't necessarily want that money to go into making your place a pleasure palace. Sadly, the sushi I had also seems to have lost a little to the price slashing. It's not the worst I've ever had, by a large margin. However, the rolls I ordered really were lacking in texture. Usually I can feel the different ingredients as I slowly chew, and can feel the nori, the grains of rice, and the filling. Here, it just seemed to come as a big piece of mush. The flavors didn't really seem in balance either. Usually, I just like to try the rolls themselves, and spare any of the typical American condiments, but here I had to add soy sauce to add a little salt and acidity. Maybe I did myself a disservice by ordering specialty rolls, as it seems that their main market is serving 3 roll specials. (what everyone else seemed to be getting) But, in the end, while it was one of the cheaper sushi binges of my life, I really don't think I'll be back soon.
(2)
Ray L.
Vic is an affordable joint when you're in the mood for sushi. It's a great value considering the quality of the fish. It's by no means REALLY GREAT quality, but I think it's a terrific value when you compare the quality, quantity, and price. I have eaten at this location once, but for the most part I order in and have it delivered. Their 3-roll special costs only $11. The dish to get: tuna dumplings. They are delicious.
(5)
Katrina C.
I was walking back from Trader Joes after having a not so great day (including falling off a desk I was standing on while trying to put things in a high cabinet), and I decided that I was not a true sushi-loving Philadelphian since I hadn't been to Vic's. [woah long sentence - deep breath] So, I thought I'd stop in a get a 3 roll special for $10.95. I got a spicy tuna, whitetail-scallion, and and alaska roll. I especially liked that they gave me soy sauce in a little ramekin with a lid instead of in packets like a lot of places. How do you dip sushi into a packet for goodness's sake? Anyway, the sushi pieces were a little small, but the pieces of fish - like many others say - are pretty large and the ratio to rice is great.. Oh, and my take out order - I ordered when I got there - and I swear it was ready 5 minutes later. Crazy fast. And it was crowded in there! Overall, it was NOT the best sushi I've had, and I was not blown away, but it was tasty. I will definitely go back to eat in and be blown away (hopefully).
(4)
Meredith B.
Best sushi in Philadelphia - get the tuna dumplings. These aren't your everyday tuna dumplings. Kano salad is good too but don't go to Vic's and skimp on the tuna dumplings!
(5)
Chiara R.
i enjoyed this place very much! did not stick around to eat in, but it looked very clean. and my california rolls were delicious.
(4)
Lindsay D.
Sooo tasty! I am a vegetarian who goes into sushi places with suspicion because there are rarely any specialty rolls or exciting sushi offerings. It can be done. I know it can. I know this because of Vic's Summer Roll - a tasty vegetable-filled roll topped with mango. But know this - of the 32 specialty rolls, this is the only one that's vegetarian. I'll often pair it with some edamame and a tamago roll or fried sweet potato roll. By the way, don't think I didn't notice that I got a regular old white potato instead of a sweet potato roll last time - not cool, Vic's. I only ever order take out because the place is teensy. But they're fast and the prices are fine and because I feel special that I have a specialty roll.
(4)
JC J.
Really good and cheap sushi. It's extremely difficult to find this quality of sushi at this price anywhere in the Northeast, so I would highly recommend people eat at this restaurant if they live in or visit Philadelphia. I recommend getting the tuna tartar or the gyoza for an appetizer, and experimenting with the $11 10-roll special for the main. The stand-alone rolls are pretty good, but none are really worth the extra price. Out of the rolls available within the 10-roll special, salmon avocado and spicy tuna are by far the best, although the other ones are pretty good too. My most favorite aspect of the sushi here is the size - American sushi restaurants tend to stuff too much rice and large chunks of fish into each roll, which ruins the delicacy of the sushi meal. The chefs at Vic do an excellent job of serving small, well-made pieces of sushi that don't just resemble a cut-up seafood taco. The restaurant space is VERY limited - it only fits around 7-8 people at the counter and 4 people in a table. During the week, the restaurant is fairly empty around lunch and dinner time, but it tends to get pretty crowded on weekend nights so make sure to get a spot early (before 7ish) if you can. This is a great place to get take-out, even during the weekends. They usually have your meal ready in 10-15 minutes.
(4)
Ameena E.
Great for an afternoon sushi fix. Fresh, delicious, and inexpensive! Seating is something's a little cramp.
(4)
Polar B.
Vic's Sushi is quite interesting. It's the perfect balance of cost and quality/quantity. They have a 3 roll for 11$ deal which is very "cheap" as far as sushi goes. I would recommend getting this deal if you come to Vic's. The place is VERY small so you're definitely getting take out when you come. The owners are nice and I've had no issues with the food. My advice: Order the 3 roll for 11$ deal - to go, and give yourself 15-20 minutes before going since it's usually busy. Overall - Great place to get cheap sushi, though go somewhere else for better quality food.
(4)
Julie N.
Every time that we've ordered from Vic Sushi Bar, I've always ended up standing around by the door, trying to respect the space of all the other customers who were waiting for a table. Vic's is THE smallest sushi bar I've ever been to, it's ALWAYS packed whether it be early evening or late night, and the sushi continues to hit the spot everytime! Seriously, Vic's is one of the better sushi bars in Philly. Their rolls have very little rice, with big cuts of fresh fish - which I absolutely love! We like to order the specialty rolls (go big or go home), and I think we've had almost every one (without crabstick) on the menu. My fave is the Naruto Roll - the cucumber is so refreshing! Other good rolls: I-Roll, Ocean Brother Roll, Lover Roll, Romantic Roll, Spider Roll and Shrimp Tempura Mango Coconut Roll. The service is decent - there are 2-3 sushi chefs, and the cashier is really nice. Even though we usually have to wait an extra 20+ mins for our sushi, the cashier recognizes that and usually apologizes to me for the extra wait. Thank goodness for Lent, because when the bf can't eat meat on Fridays, we get to have sushi from Vic's!
(4)
Michelle C.
One thing I definitely didn't have while living in the burbs? Delivery sushi. And not just sushi that defaults to acceptable because it saves me a trip off the couch. Vic Sushi is pretty decent stuff. I did think the fancy rolls were overpriced. Paying well over ten bucks because a roll involves two types of fish and some eel sauce does not justify that cost (although the rolls with mango intrigue). Next time, I'll go for one of the three roll dealies, which comes to a much more wallet-friendly $10.95.
(4)
Audrey R.
I realized the other day while in Vic's that I have actually been an avid Vic's customer for coming on six years. I moved to the south for a few years and just returned, and the fact that I once again live in the same city as Vic's is definitely on the list of why I like living in Philadelphia. All of the rolls are delicious! The three roll special is unbeatable. Some places in the neighborhood have attempted to replicate the three roll special, and even if they have replicated it in price, they are not replicating it in quality, because not only is Vic's cheap, but it is incredible sushi! Try the Kani salad for something different too - always delicious! And they have seaweed salads ready to go if you ever are in the neighborhood and want a quick, cheap snack for the road. In the warm weather I definitely suggest getting take out and going to eat it in Rittenhouse! If you like sushi and live in Philadelphia definitely need to go to Vic's.
(5)
Amy L.
One of my favorite quick fix sushi places in the city. Their fast turn around with service makes the fish fresh. The three roll specials are a deal. I enjoy ordering the vic's special roll and scallops sushi too. The tuna dumplings are different but I'm not a fan of the texture. The prices are cheap and the service is quick.
(3)
Zareen S.
I doubt if even Morimoto can make better sushi than Vic. I have been to many a sushi places, nothing comes close. The Sansom Roll is a must try, best thing on the menu!
(5)
Lizette H.
Two words, tuna dumplings. My husband made me a "bento box" (look at the picture) and we had a wonderful time enjoying it in the the comfort of our own home. The Sansom roll is also exquisite. They are quick, have fresh food, too small of a place (but I have kids, so take-out is what I do well...), and all around great, It's a little pricey, but that is what you should expect when you find a fresh, tasty, and creative sushi place. Enjoy!
(5)
Camila Z.
Hands Down the BEST sushi in Philadelphia! The place is so tiny, so when it's full it can be difficult to get a seat, but they do take out and I'll eat in the park or by the water if it's nice out. Order anything and you can't go wrong, but my favorites are the kani salad, Volcano roll, lover roll, romantic roll, lucky roll, crazy roll. There are so many and they never fail to impress me!!
(5)
Danan R.
I love this tiny yet delicious sushi bar with the amazing tuna dumplings app (must try!) and the 3 rolls for $10.95 combo special. It's almost impossible to beat. Okay, I will admit that the special rolls are definitely pricier but they are worth the cost. Between my own orders over the years and my incessant "mooching" off of everyone else's plates, I've tried a pretty wide range of the menu and have yet to be even mildly disappointed. The quality of the rolls is almost Bluefin-level and the variety is amazing. I love the birthday roll, which is filled with plenty of albacore, salmon, tuna, oshinko (love that crunch!), avocado, and cucumber, wrapped in soy paper, and topped with masago; it's a delcious combination and soy paper is a perfect foil for the crunchy oshinko. The ocean brother roll is another fav with shrimp tempura, avocado, wasabi, and actual lump crabmeat, not "krab." In terms of regular rolls, I would definitely try a white tuna/eel/spicy salmon trio. It's fail-proof. And don't leave without getting the tuna dumpling! It's a "purse" made out of thinly sliced, fresh tuna wrapped around a filling of avocado and roe, and served on top of a checkerboard of sauce, and is a staple here. Kinda like how the tuna sundae is a staple at Bluefin. It even looks absolutely darling, like two little red lanterns. The actual sushi here is fresh and tasty but the rolls are definitely their forte. The fish, while good, didn't really stand out from that at the other surrounding sushi restaurants. The party platters here are also pretty good and a medium will easily feed a family of 3-4 for under $60, which is fantastic considering the fact that they give you a good selection of sushi (salmon, eel, albacore, tuna, yellowtail) along with spicy tuna, salmon, red dragon, alaska, and california rolls. Most other places usually just give you california rolls in the platters. It was less than $60 for that and an order of the dumplings. Plus, everything was ready when we went to pick up our food. No wait time = happy dad (and me...and the rest of the family). The restaurant (not exactly a sit-down place) is tiny and seating simultaneously sparse and cramped, but bolsters a fun, relaxed atmosphere if you only have a small party (3 or less people). Grab a seat at the bar, if there is room, and have fun chatting with the chefs while nomming on your rolls.
(4)
Tsolere A.
Great sushi! I ordered three specialty rolls: Birthday, Princess and Sansom (no mayo). Light, healthy and tasty. The place needs renovation.. Not so nice to dine in.
(3)
Kevin C.
Sushi is good and fresh, but just not very filling. This is always the peril of going to good Japanese places in America - the portions are authentic while the prices are not. Can get expensive unless you have the appetite of a terminally ill cancer patient, but for quick, honest sushi, this place is great. Restaurant is tiny, be prepared.
(3)
Celic M.
The only thing stopping me from giving Vic's 5 stars is their service and quality of the rolls/food goes down tremendously during lunch (1130am - 130pm). The reason for that is because of their "3 Rolls for $10.95" lunch special. Otherwise, the rolls are made well and you receive 8 pieces per roll. If you eat in, you receive free tea. I have tried a handful of the special rolls and while they are a bit pricey, for the most part, they are worth it! *Others may say that the small venue is also a negative.
(4)
Kunjan P.
This was my first time visiting Vics and I will definitely will be going back. A small location, however their food makes up for it. I tried the shrimp tempura, philly, and spicy tuna rolls. All were very good, however I could have done with a little less cream cheese in the Philly roll. Prices are reasonable and service is great!
(4)
Ava W.
Ok, I'll add my two cents..(after 225 reviews, not sure if ya care, but...) I really fell in love with this little place. I tried the three roll special. For the price, it can't be beat. Plus, if I totally hated the place, I wouldn't feel played. However, no worries here. I came here on a weekday around 3ish and the place was about half-full. I placed my to-go order (philly, spicy tuna, yellowtail/scallion) and then just people watched as I waited. The cashier and sushi chefs were just friendly enough without being overbearing and my rolls were ready quickly. I was glad 'cuz I was hatin on the guy near me who had just received his dine-in order and it looked so good I felt like 'accidentally' tipping myself over into his plate. While I thoroughly enjoyed my rolls at home, I did notice that the take-out rolls are smaller than dine-in. Just a note. If you have the time, eat in. I think it would be worth it. It's DEFINITELY on my "to do" list.
(4)
Nicole H.
I've only picked up from Vic once, and got two rolls (not knowing about the 3 roll special for $10.95 at the time, I spent almost that much for 2. oops). I was impressed by the freshness of the fish and the rice-fish ratio, though I have heard when ordering the 3 roll special the portions are small. The place was super packed on the night I ordered, and I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly my rolls were made. I hope to be able to BYO and sit down for a dinner there some time, if there's ever not a wait out the door!
(4)
Cristen S.
Vic is hands down the best sushi in Philly. Not only can you get an awesome deal with the 3 roll special, each roll comes with 8 pieces as opposed to the typical 6 pieces. The fish is incredibly fresh and you can tell the sushi chefs have a lot of experience and really care about what they are serving you. I love how the place is so tiny that you can only sit at the sushi bar, it gives it so much character.
(5)
Vichet O.
Sweet! Sushi for people who like food! Sushi has never been a favorite of mine. It's probably because this one time when I was a kid, a fish sexually assaulted me, and then told me not to tell anyone or he would come back. Oh. Shit. That's neither here nor there. The portions at Vic are generous, and everything is fresh. For the size you're getting, prices are very reasonable. And, because of the nature of sushi, you're getting a relatively well-balanced meal that will make you feel okay about giving your liver a once over right after. Or, at least it makes ME feel okay about that. Their 3 roll special will cover you if you're hungry and don't want anything too fancy. Definitely try the Sansom roll, the spider roll, and the rainbow roll. Pro-tip: Get takeout. The place is tiny, so you probably won't get a table.
(4)
Virginia C.
BYOB. Fan, but more like 3.75 stars and can satisfy a lunch craving vs. dinner. If you are in the neighborhood, def. worth a try- but there isn't anything outstanding besides the 3 standard roll price for $10.95! On a friday night, it wasn't too hard to get a seat at the bar. Do's 1) Get any of the three rolls specials 2) Also tried the Vic's special with lobster salad on top of shrimp tempura. It was good, but I really wanted a crunch to the sushi. The shrimp tempura here doesn't have the fancy shrimp tails sticking out of the rolls. Don'ts 1) Eat in Edamame. They just heat it in a microwave. 2) Miso Soup. It's not great- so I would pass. This place doesn't serve anything else besides sushi- so if you need some other Japanese affair. Move on. But I'll def. make a trip back to visit Vic.
(4)
Alessandro N.
I got maki and nigiri sushi from them. I'm a huge sushi and sashimi fan. Usually I prefer sashimi over sushi, especially when talking about "regular" sushi rolls, such as California or Alaska rolls. I must say that having Vic Sushi rolls made me change my mind. Their rolls, even the basic ones are so tasty. Some of the best sushi I have ever had. Furthermore their prices are very competitive.
(5)
Ellis M.
Went here for a quick dinner to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday. Sushi is his favorite food and Vic didn't disappoint. A large many with much to choose from. A lot of vegetarian options for me and some fish types that can be difficult to find at a fast food style sushi bar (e.g. toro). This place is VERY small, but worth a wait to sit at the bar and watch the chefs make the sushi. Food comes out very quickly. We will come back here, for sure. Oh, and a quick tip: treat this place as a fast food restaurant when you go. Don't expect 5 star service. Get your own drink from the cooler. Shout over the counter to order. Salads come in plastic bowls. People in previous reviews who've complained about the server not getting you a drink clearly were not in the right mind set. Imagine you are going to the greatest fast food joint and you won't be disappointed. The food (which is what matters most), is outstanding.
(5)
Ryan F.
Visited for a late lunch on Wednesday May 25th 2011. A small BYOB that unfortunately, in my opinion, did not rise up to all the positive reviews. Although cheap, the sushi lacked in flavor. Positive(s) - Cheap (3 sushi rolls for $10.95).. Fast service.. Negative(s) - Lacking in flavor on all levels.. No liquor license.. Hoping that my visit was merely a fluke. - Going to try some of their speciality rolls next visit which aren't as cost efficient as the 3 rolls for $10.95, but look promising.
(2)
Emily W.
I'm into the no frills atmosphere of this place. Sure, there is (very, very) limited seating and no reservations, but the sushi is delicious. And they always get our order right, which is no small feat since I nearly always have a request to "add this or no to that" when it comes to sushi. The rolls are always neatly cut and creatively displayed, and the rice to filling ratio is perfect, so you're not left chewing on sticky sushi rice. My boyfriend takes advantage of the 3 roll special, and the fish pieces are fresh and large, but not excessive. They seem to get the balance of textures and flavors right in their rolls, too. I love the Summer roll with its creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, sour radish, and sweet mango. I'm also glad they offer a brown rice option, albeit for a $0.50 charge. Their miso soup is one of the better ones we've had, but their edamame could use a pick-me-up. Considering that we primarily go here for the rolls, I'm not downgrading them a star for their other offerings. Their checkout service can be a bit brusque, but the sushi chefs are friendly, and it's always fun watching them work their magic. I'm still in awe of how neatly and quickly they peeled, pitted, and sliced an avocado.
(5)
Chihee K.
Like other reviewers, I heard so much about this sushi place that I just had to go, The first thing I noticed was that there is only room at the bar for about 8 people, and that there was a distinct "fried" smell to the place (your clothes will smell like it after the fact too). I think that Vic got a high rating because of the value that you get... and I guess the food was okay for the price. Two of us ordered the tuna dumplings (a bit on the creamy side), the 3 rolls for $10.95 special, and 2 specialty rolls. I felt like there was a mushy texture to all the rolls (avocado and mayo probably). Overall we felt really full after the meal and paid a good price.
(3)
Michelle C.
Yes. This place is as small as everyone says it is BUT if you do score a few spots by the sushi bar, you'll forget how small it is. The bar is rather wide and to the side of the commotion of the storefront/people who ordered take-out. The special is 3 rolls cut up into 8 BITE-SIZED pieces for $10.95. Notice the emphasis on the size, they're small but should satisfy your sushi craving. If you have a bigger appetite they have also have tasty "special" rolls for about $10-15 each. They're packed with more sashimi and so tasty that you'll want to try to stick the whole piece in your mouth, only to fail and have sushi rice stuck on your face. I enjoy that they use a lot of soybean "paper" on their rolls. Not sure if it adds more flavor but it's pretty to look at. I don't remember the names of rolls but I do remember the "Expensive Roll" in particular... because of its name and price. I know there is lobster in it but unsure of what else lies within that makes it $30[1]. You can only order it if you dine in though. The staff here is really nice, service is prompt and the sushi is presented beautifully. This place is also vegetarian friendly! There are tofu and vegetable rolls on the menu. So bring a bottle of wine, a vegetarian and visit Vic. Or just be smart and bring a bottle to drink while you wait for your take-out. [1] Why can't they have something called a "Cheap roll" for $0.30 and leave out the lobster?
(4)
Sean R.
The three roll special is good price, but the rolls are small, with a limited selection. Miso soup was very good, but they do not give you the spoons that you usually get in sushi bars, you just get a regular plastic spoon. The two special rolls that I had were very good, definatly worth the price. The Al a Carte sushi was good, with very fresh fish. The ambinence was ok, it is very small and cramped if all the seats are taken (12-15 seats), and they have an old school boom box playing 80s music.
(4)
Alice B.
So good! So cheap! So fresh! Found this place a couple nights ago to get sushi takeout, and not only was I able to get many rolls for a super decent price, I only had to wait a few minutes while I watched them being made and they were amazingly fresh and delicious! Oh, I'll be back, and it will be a fearsome feast to behold! I also randomly liked that they gave soy sauce in plastic dishes instead of those really annoyingly hard to open packets, it made my life so much easier!
(5)
Justin K.
Great Sushi, Decent Prices, Tiny Place. Me and my brother were looking for some good sushi during my visit to Philly. We ended up going here on a suggestion from a friend. The place is in a pretty great location. Not too far from Rittenhouse Square. Also there are some great places to go afterwords for some delicious treats. Might I suggest Sweet Endings.... But back to the sushi. They have a great deal that is 3 rolls for $10 which is a fantastic price. They aren't the specialty rolls but they are still very tasty. We got three rolls along with two specialty rolls, all of which were really great. Overall the prices, quantity and QUALITY were all well worth it. The only reason for giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is for a very simple reason. The place is tiny. I felt crammed for room while I was eating my dinner. With the place being so tiny there really isn't much room enjoy your meal. If this doesn't bother than go for it. If this does bother than just get their sushi to go. Either way you'll enjoy some good sushi.
(4)
Sarah C.
Don't do it to yourself! Sure 10 bucks for 3 rolls sounds like a good deal, but it ends up being a lot closer to $12 (FYI) and you get what you pay for. I have eaten at Vic's twice, the first time was takeout, and the second time was eat-in for lunch. The first time I just got one roll, a Philly roll (my fav) and I have to say I was disappointing. Philly rolls traditionally have smoked salmon, cream cheese, and cucumber. But this roll was made with raw salmon. It's not that I don't like raw fish, but it just had no flavor at all. The only taste I was getting was from the cream cheese and the soy sauce I was putting on it to force me to eat it. Today I went back for lunch. I was really craving sushi and when I searched on Yelp nearby, once again, Vic came to the top of the list. I can only hope there are better sushi places around, but I decided I would give it another shot. I ordered the 3 roll special. I have an avocado roll, a shrimp tempura roll, and a boston roll. The avocado roll was quite boring and I am honestly sorry that I included it in my order. My favorite by far was the boston roll, which has shrimp, mayo and cucumber. I liked it because it was crisp and had good clean flavors. The way sushi should be. The other rolls just tasted old. I have had better supermarket sushi. The rolls are small and not packed tightly, so they almost fall apart when you pick them up. I hope I can find a better lunch spot for sushi in the area. Let me know if you have any suggestions.
(2)
Sarah D.
BYOB, amazing specialty rolls (made with coconut jam, mango, cool colored rice papers...) The three roll special is great - but that is not the reason to go there...they have so many other tasty items on the menu. It is very tiny, so you might have to wait for a while to get a seat at the bar. And it gets over-run with hoards of college students coming in for the cheap 3-roll special. They are very friendly there too!
(5)
Chiara I.
This place is surprising for a lot of factors. For one, the prices are super reasonable - especially for the Rittenhouse area. Although they don't have any lunch specials, they don't raise their prices for dinner! That's super rare for a Japanese restaurant. They also have a deal with three 8 piece rolls of sushi for $10. That's awesome by any standards. I don't care what your standards are(... well, actually I do). I only got the 3 roll special, but I want to come back to try their special rolls which also are priced very well. The whole staff is very friendly and makes sure you enjoy your experience. One down side I wasn't expecting, the place is minuscule. Like really. It fits maybe 8 people max? There's only a bar seating area. But they do free delivery for orders of $10. :D So, they get a solid 4 stars for satisfying my sushi craving.
(4)
Paul C.
Amazing.... just amazing. First of all, my friends can attest to this in that I of all people are very bias when it comes to places that lack ambiance. One look at a hole in the wall place and i am GONE. I don't know if itz cuz i just trusted my friend wholeheartedly or I was just in a daring mood that night, I walked in and had one of my most orgasmic sushi experiences I've ever had in my life. Growing up in the OC, i've become quite picky when it comes to sushi. Thus, coming to grad school was quite frustrating since most places in the city have quite mediocre japanese restaurants. "Never judge a book by it's cover" is what i'm sayin here... never judge a place in what it looks like.... you don't come here for the ambiance, u come here for the food... u come here for Vic's baby.
(5)
Lily T.
I can summarize my experience and observations in a few bullet points: 1. The 3-roll special is a good deal. I filled up on the salmon avocado roll (you can't go wrong there). Even though my companions and I ordered the spicy tuna roll, I avoided it because it didn't look too appetizing. When I did try it, I must say that it lacked the "spice" that would have made it actually spicy. 2. The restaurant is tiny, so unless you don't mind waiting and risking not getting a table until closing time, I would recommend ordering take-out. The employees are pretty serious (as they should be) about closing up on time. This means they will literally pull the floor mat from under you if they need to. 3. Since I've been dining with elitist sushi enthusiasts for more years than I care to remember, I find it my moral obligation to note here that Vic is a Japanese restaurant by name, but Chinese by customer service. It's quite clear that it's run by Chinese people if you just take one look at their customer restroom.
(4)
Scott L.
This place was intriguing. It fits about 8-10 people depending on the size of the groups. All it really consists of is a sushi bar with about 10 stools. I went in thinking that was actually kind of cool so for me that was a plus not really a minus. When we got there the bar was full but it really only took like 15-20 minutes to get a couple of seats. This is no longer than a wait (without a reservation) at like a normal sushi restaurant on a Saturday night right around prime-time would probably be anyway, so that was fine. Let me get starting by talking about the only thing that stopped me from giving this place a 5/5. The ordering process. Yes the place is small, and yes I guess if I had too big of a problem with it I don't have to go, but the place is so good that I would go again even because of this. I don't find it very appealing that you have to order like right in front of the entire bar, and almost scream it over the bar for the lady to hear you. It's kind of a privacy breach and it makes you feel a little awkward when you want to order a lot to (which at this please is very easy to do.) That having been said, everything else was fantastic. The sushi came out super quick and everything was super fresh. It would be nice if they could give you cold glasses of water for free instead of having to get a couple water bottles out of the fridge, but they do provide free hot green tea, which I guess is good enough. The sushi was probably the best sushi I have ever had in my life for the price. For an appetizer we got the spicy tuna tar-tar. It was really good. Not the best thing I have ever eaten but it was really tasty. We each got a 3-roll special. 3 rolls for $10.95. Any 3 non-special rolls from the menu are allowed. All together we got the eel roll, yellow tail-scallion, spicy tuna, shrimp tempura, Alaska, and I believe spicy salmon but I could be wrong. Every roll was incredible. The fish was unbelievably fresh and tasty, presented well, neat, and quickly. For that price you definitely cannot beat it. They give you kind of small amounts of wasabi and ginger and they charge you $.50 for extra, but we didn't need any (although I can see some people getting a little upset over this.) Overall you can see the little things I have mentioned that have kept this place from getting a perfect score, but it's real close to perfection. Little subtraction on the environment, non-free water, and the condiments, but other than that top notch sushi for a very affordable price. Our entire dinner (appetizer, 6 rolls, two drinks), was under $40 including tip. Can't beat that. By the way it's BYOB! I would definitely go back anytime.
(4)
Jo W.
I ordered takeout from Vic's last night. I thought the sushi was good; however, I think that the edamame I ordered had already gone bad! It was very dried out and parts of it were brown. I would order from this place again...but I will probably stay away from the edamame and other salads.
(3)
Bob S.
Yum. Had the New Years Roll. Excellent. The Shrimp Shumai were awesome. The only reason for 4 instead of 5 stars was that it is REALLY small, hardly anywhere to sit.
(4)
Susanne J.
This sushi bar is just that - a 6 to 10 seat bar with an extra table by the door to squeeze in a few extra customers. The $10.95 three roll deal cannot be beat. You can't even get sushi for that price at Whole Foods. The fish and other ingredients are fresh and comparable to many other more expensive restaurants. The rolls could use a more generous coating of rice on the outside, though. I've eaten in for lunch when it is slow and I can sip miso soup and read a book. I've also called for take-out after a long day of work and arrived to find my order ready and waiting. I also recommend their shumai and salad with ginger dressing to round out your meal. I've seen many other customers order the fancy rolls which just look a little too rich for my stomach (I prefer to keep it simple with spicy tuna), but they seem to get good reviews for their unique flavor combinations and creative presentations. The tuna dumplings mentioned by other reviewers do look pretty intriguing! The staff are very friendly and this could easily be a place where you become a "regular".
(3)
Irina P.
Definitely the best sushi in Philadelphia. I love how fresh and tasty their ingredients are. Also, the staff is extremely nice and friendly - it's really great to have a conversation with them while you are waiting for your sushi to be made. My personal favorite is the Sansom roll and tuna dumplings, but absolutely everything on the menu is delicious. The only thing that I would recommend is to order a take out, as they often don't have any seats available (this place is so tiny!).
(5)
Rachel W.
I LOVE YOU. 3 roll special is amazing. I leave this place stuffed full of all things that are good, with my wallet not taking a beating. I decided on going here after reading the reviews on yelp, and I was definitely not disappointed.
(5)
Elizabeth B.
Vic is an amazing place! I would call it a hidden gem, but judging from how busy it always is, I do not consider it hidden. The 3-roll special IS everything it's cracked up to be. The specialty rolls that I've tried are also delicious. I am no sushi connoisseur but it appears to me that they have some creative and unusual rolls here. I recommend the avocado roll, fried tofu roll and eel roll. Can't go wrong with the California Roll either. Or the dragon roll or the spider roll. My only complaint is that it sometimes gets a little *too* busy -- the counter person can't seem to keep track of what's going on and sometimes take out orders seem to get lost in the shuffle. I doubt I could do a better job myself though, and the food is worth the wait, in my book. I recommend ordering takeout ahead of time unless you have your heart set on dining-in. Also they open at 5p on Saturdays!
(4)
Carrie E.
Yum yum yum yum yum. I'm pretty speechless, which, for me, is totally rare. Finally ate here on the recommendations of yelpers, and they are all right. Yep, it's small (you feel like you're eating in someone's kitchen) but it's cozy and as long as it's not too crowded, it adds to the experience. The service was great, the sushi, which was amazingly delicious, was made quickly and the price was right. If they weren't playing a Muzac version of "Ave Maria" over and over on the speaker in front of me, it would have been darn near perfect. As it was, it made me, my belly and my credit card happy. I'm down with the VIC.
(5)
Cassie T.
Love this place with all my heart! Tiny little hole in the wall, family owned operation. See the same people there making my sushi every time I come in! The old guy is always carving the cucumbers into really these thin long spirals, sometimes the little boy runs around and is ridiculously cute. It is small, cozy, and intimate and that is what I love about it. The sushi itself is fantastic for the price, freshness, flavor,and selection! You can get three rolls (8 pcs) for $10. If that's not a deal I don't know what is. This includes all the pretty standard rolls: spicy tuna (so good), cali, alaska, salmon, philly, shrimp tempura, tuna, veggie rolls, etc. Their specialty rolls look incredible as well. $3 seaweed salads that are huge, edamame, good japanese salads. Free hot tea! Good selection of cold bottled teas! I really couldn't recommend this place enough. Lauren D. and I always go here when we're cravin sushi! :)
(5)
Allison K.
Sooooo disappointed. With all the 4 and 5 star Yelp ratings, I was really looking forward to trying Vic. What a letdown. My friend Ben and I each got a 3 roll special and hightailed it to Rittenhouse for the first "I can eat outside now" nice day of the year. Maybe it was just me, but I swear the rolls seemed unusually tiny. Scratch that, I know it wasn't just me because Ben agreed. They were super small. Not that I was expecting miracle sushi for $11 bucks, but seriously - I think I've seen more spicy tuna in one piece at other restaurants than was in my whole roll from Vic's. And perhaps I'm mistaken, but I'm pretty sure spicy tuna and yellowtail w/ scallion rolls aren't supposed to taste exactly the same. Maybe we should have eaten at the bar instead of getting take out? Maybe the sushi chef makes up better quality stuff if you watch him work? Or maybe Vic's really is just a classic case of you get what you pay for.
(2)
Brian N.
Great little place for sushi... I'll reiterate the size, as I didn't truly understand from reading the few reviews I read. I think there are only 8 seats in the place; all around the sushi bar. Think about that... only 8, so if you come with more than one friend, just get your meal to go. Otherwise, everything we had was great. Miso, tuna nigiri, 3 roll special (yellowtail scallion, spicy tuna, alaska), and yellow dragon (eel roll topped with mango). Everything was really good, I'll definitely be back.
(4)
Melissa K.
I've been searching Philadelphia for years to find a great, inexpensive sushi restaurant. This place is it. There are only about 8 seats around the counter, so you might have to wait- but it'll be worth it. If you prefer not to wait, they'll make your to-go order in the blink of an eye, and they also deliver.
(5)
Chris W.
Vic's would quickly take over the center city sushi world if they had space. It's just a tight experience. Even grabbing something to go can be uncomfortable. The sushi is average (which I'm ok with average sushi) and I head over for the 3 roll special $9.95. Insane. If it was bigger, it'd hit the pockets more so this place is a gem in cc. *Vic, throw some cafe seating outside!
(4)
Annie M.
3.5 star. First and foremost, DON'T EXPECT TO GET A SEAT! This restaurant literally seats seven people so either expect to wait a very long time or order to-go (I saw a lot that did this). Now that that's out of the way, let's talk about what's really important. FOOD! :) I've been looking for a place in Philly that has big fancy rolls and Vic has exactly that! Take a look at their menu because they have quite the extensive list of unique rolls that include coconut and mango. I've tried the Happy Roll and the Holiday Roll (HAPPY HOLIDAY!) Okay, lame joke. Both rolls were good and had their own unique sauces. What's interesting about their rolls also is that they don't use seaweed to wrap the roll but instead, they use soy paper. Can't say I prefer this but it doesn't really take away from the rolls either. I also got to try the Sunomono appetizer (fish medley with ponzu sauce) and I'm going to recommend NOT ordering this. Plainly stated, their ponzu sauce sucked. It lacked a lot of flavor, leaving the raw chopped up fish medley tasting pretty plain. I guess this let me at least taste what the sashimi would taste like but I also felt like that lacked flavor somehow. I'll be sticking to the rolls from now on. Note: I did end up ordering take-out so maybe that affected it. The staff is really nice and this is a BYOB. I wish this was a place I can go to dinner with a few friends but since it's small, I probably won't be frequenting this place.
(4)
Lauryn Z.
It seems that every time i've tried to visit this place, its been a sunday and they are closed! Finally we found ourselves with a sushi craving in the vacinity of 21st and Samson on a Friday and headed straight here. As has been previously mentioned, the place is quite small, with the number of seats in the waiting area outnumbering the amount of seats at the sushi bar. (not necessary a bad thing if the bulk of their business is take-out) It was early friday evening and not particularly busy so we got a seat immediately. Despite the minimal decor, the overall atmosphere is comfortable, intimate, and inviting. I enjoyed being able to watch the sushi chefs do their thing as all the fish was right there in front of us. The entire 3 person staff was very friendly and attentive- the sushi chefs taking the time to ask us how we liked our food. On to the food- It was great! We started off with a generous portion of miso soup and a plate consisting of two of the special rolls- the volcano roll (with spicy tuna and avocado), the lover roll (with eel, salmon, spicy tuna and avocado), and an order of tuna and salmon sashimi. The presentation was original and both rolls were excellent- fresh fish & avocado, tasty sauces, and the rolls were just the right size. The tuna sashimi was melt-in-your-mouth and the salmon sashimi was some of the best I've had in a while! The price was decent- total $20 per person for dinner. I'm curious to go back and try their three rolls for $10 special for lunch one of these days. Regardless, I'm sure I'll be back! This is how a family sushi business should be run!
(4)
RJ B.
5 stars for the food, 1 star for service, so the average comes out to 3 stars. Warning: If you plan to dine in, make sure you empty your bladder or don't drink too much while you are there. The restroom is reserved for employees only! How bizarre is that? While waiting for a table, my friend was told no when she asked to use the bathroom. Not sure if that's a health code violation, although a guy waiting for a table with us said Vic could get away with refusing customers' access to the john because of their small size.... I'll have to investigate. I went with 2 of my sushi-loving friends and we all left feeling full and thinking about our next *take out* meal. The place is really small: 9 seats at the sushi bar, one table that can seat 5 people max. Vic has 3 sushi chefs, a hostess and a bus lady... I didn't see anyone that fits the description of a waiter/waitress. Once seated, you literally have to ask for everything. We had a bottle of sake, but the lone bus lady didn't bring us glasses until we asked for it. We also had to ask for water, but was told they didn't have ice. While giving us our water, the bus lady spilled the entire contents of a cup all over my friend's jeans. We used our napkins to contain the spill and the bus lady came out with a dish rag, but didn't think to give us replacement napkins. We made our dinner selection while waiting for our seats, but had a hard time getting the hostess' attention to place our order. She was either settling bills, answering phones or getting take out orders from people who walked in *after* we were seated. One of the sushi chefs noticed our frustration and took our order. Once the food came out, it was really good. My friend didn't even mind that her jeans were wet! Like other reviewers mentioned, definitely try the tuna dumplings. It's tuna sashimi pieces wrapped around avocado paste/salad -- it looks like cha shu bao. Their specialty rolls are good too... really creative. I highly recommend the spicy combo roll. I especially love their prices... cheaper than other Japanese restaurants in Center City : )
(3)
Kenneth F.
Ok, I am going to snobbily give this place a 3-stars. I know this has been mentioned - but the smallness of the place needs to be re-emphasized!!! I understand when someone mentions a restaurant is not great for parties, or if it's an "intimate/comfy" setting, but a grand total of 7 seats is prettttttttttttttttty small. When the number of waiting seats outranks the number of eating seats, that's never a good thing! That being said, I stupidly decided to wait even though there were others waiting before me. During this half-hour, I witnessed several people drop by and pick up take-out (ding ding ding!!) I too decided to order take-out after finishing most of my BYOB wine, and actually got my food fairly fast! Word to the wise - the food is pretty interesting as far as sushi goes - but it's not worth the long wait. Order to-go or move along. Their sushi rolls are predominantly wrapped in soy paper as opposed to seaweed, so if that's not your thing, that's good to keep in mind as well. The good thing about that is the colorful colors that get added to truly create some pretty pieces of food. One more thing: the sonomono was no good! Blech. It's sashimi in ponzu sauce - but both their ponzu and their sashimi tasted like water (might be cuz it was take out?). I ended up dipping in soy sauce for taste and pan-frying the rest (haaha shhh).
(3)
Sara C.
Here's the first thing you need to know about Vic: if you're looking for a chic sushi bar, look elsewhere. This is your classic hole-in-the-wall great find. Their 3 rolls (8 pieces each) for $11 deal is stellar, and it even includes typically "special" rolls like philadelphia, etc. It's great quality fish, plus they have oodles of specialty rolls, all of which are packed with tasty ingredients. I think the common thread in other reviews is the service--I'll be the first to admit that this isn't a high-class place. They have bottles of water in a cooler in the corner, and there effectively isn't a waitress. You come in, sit at the counter (or the small table right by the door) and order straight from the sushi chefs. They put all of your food on a big plate and hand it right to you. Although I'm a fan of snazzy, classy restaurants, I've also always been a lover of little side-street places with great food. Vic is definitely the latter, and I can't wait to go back again.
(4)
Todd C.
Meh, I've had better....I don't really understand all the rave reviews on here? I had to try this place after reading all of them, but I'll have to say the sushi itself was just ok. The people working there were really nice and friendly, but the food itself wasn't really good and was borderline bootleg (ie: wegmans takeout style)... I did get takout as seating there during lunch is virtually impossible,1 small table and a bar which seats about 8 people. I did get the 3 role special which would've been a great deal had the sushi actually tasted good. I could name a ton of better sushi places in philly to go to instead of here. Too each their own, but I probably won't be going back.
(2)
Liz C.
The sushi here is delicious and fresh, and the 3-roll special is perfect for dinner. But the reason I'm reviewing is because the service is excellent. Prime example - they have a $10 credit card minimum, and I was two dollars short of that the other day and didn't have enough cash. Rather than making me go get cash or buy enough to get up to $10, they said I could give them the difference next time. Not too many businesses, especially in a city, are that good to their customers. I made sure to come back the next week and give them the $2!
(5)
Amy J.
Five star sushi. Stop in and say hi to sushi chef/owner Jim and dine on my favorite sushi treat of ALL time: mouth watering Ahi Dumplings, (flattened ahi sashimi wrapped around a perfectly smooth mix of avocado filling.) 4seats at sushi bar! Some treats may be microwaved,fresh sushi/salads, etc here, are definitely their specialty. I minus a star for the microwaving and super small venue. The quality of food and warm friendly service make Vic the regular afternoon spot for a quick lunch.
(4)
Meg C.
Sushi is one of those foods that generally sticks to the you-get-what-you-pay-for rule. Vic's has perfectly good, cheap, utilitarian sushi. You can easily get your fill for $11. I recommend the Alaska Roll. Mmmm... fatty. It is BYOB, which I wish I knew before hand. I'll definitely be back (at an off-peak time) to try some of the specialty rolls. The space is very small, so it isn't that good for a group.
(3)
Michael E.
Can I get a HELL YEAH? Seriously... Can I? Cause I want to give it to Vic. I stopped in for lunch this week and was floored by the by everything I ordered. My standard is miso, a roll and sake sashimi. I tried a nontraditional iRoll, guess I'm a sucker for anything referencing apple. There was an unexpected surprise of coconut, it really added an interesting complexity to the roll. The roll are fun and make great use of flavor combinations. Sashimi is where I really judge sushi. It is the most striped down and honest food product you can get. If you don't have a great product there's no hiding it. Vic's sake sashimi was like kissing a mermaid, smooth, sensual and seductive. I could eat this all day. Vic is my new favorite sushi bar.
(4)
Chris S.
Okay, so I violated my own "sushi house" rule and ordered rolls in addition to the nigiri (I guess this is unavoidable in the US), and I was impressed! The fish is fresh here, a little brushing of the soy sauce and that's all you need. I started with the straight sashimi plate with tuna, salmon, and yellowtail. It all went down the way good/fresh fish should. We tried the Philly roll (being in Philly, naturally), and hey, it was good too! It was funny, the folks behind the counter found it weird that we originally weren't ordering any rolls (again, must be a US thing!) So that's how we ended up with the roll. All in all, great place. A tad small on the seating, and I noticed lots of people coming in to pick-up take-out orders. The pieces of fish are on the larger side. Extra points for their presentation!
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : No
Joe N.
Hole in the wall amazing BYO sushi restaurant. Sushi is fresh and the rolls are amazing!!! My favorites rolls are: Naruto, Christmas, snow white, and the Atlantic Rolls. You can't go and not order the tuna dumplings as an appetizer. Prices are very reasonable. Everything is great except the fact that it only seats 10 people max.
(5)Katy O.
I didn't really comprehend when people say this place is tiny. I'll repeat it then for people as slow as myself -- IT'S TINY. I think it can really only seat 8-10 people. If you're in a hurry, do take out. That being said, it's cozy and BYOB, so at times may be worth the wait. Vic's definitely has the most affordable, good sushi in the city -- at least that I've found so far. Went with my parents and got the 39-piece party platter with some seaweed as appetizer. Pretty damn good deal for what you get. The fish wasn't the best I've had, but quite good. The yellowtail dragon roll was delish! Who knew mango went so well with eel sushi. The three roll special is probably what most will gravitate towards, I know that's what I'll be getting next time I need take out sushi (which is likely soon). But I also can't wait to bring my boyfriend back here for a cozy night of cheap sushi and cheap wine.
(4)Tala T.
It is literally a little gem because the restaurant is tiny and the sushi- delicious. There is a small bar facing the chef and one table in front of the door. Making it an ideal spot to pick up or go in a very small group. We went on a weekday after the lunch rush and found seats at the table in front. The menu is extensive and includes all the basics you'd expect from a sushi shop. We ordered the spicy trio roll (salmon and avocado, spicy tuna and shrimp tempura roll) and a specialty roll consisting of salmon covered with salmon, avocado, eel and drizzled in eel sauce. Everything tasted extremely fresh. the rice was the perfect amount in each roll. It was made fresh and tasted warm. The fish were all tender and literally melted on first bite. For dessert, the tamago roll which consisted of a very thing egg concoction. It takes a very skilled tamago maker to create the perfect tamago and this in my mind was perfect. If you want real sushi made fresh then this is the place for it. You won't find anything else like it in the city.
(4)Shreyas Z.
nothing beats vic on sushi!!! nothing!!
(5)Sumito A.
Get to the Chase: Pros: 1) What more can you ask for, great prices, fresh fresh sushi, great taste, and quick service! 2) My favorite is the naruto roll! But usually get 2-3 special rolls (larger ones at $12-15/order) and 1 set of nigiri and 2-3 sets of plain sushi rolls (small simple rolls like cucumber or spicy tuna) and share it with 1 or 2 people (comes down to ~$25/person) You will definitely leave satisfied 3) Capogiro's (Italian Gelato) is right next to the restaurant 4) The chef makes the rolls right in front of you 5) Small and quaint place, and offer free green tea 6) Also have pick-up 7) Also if you spend a decent amount $80+ you can get your photo taken and put on the wall of the restaurant! Cons: 1) Small and cramped, but get there 1hr before expected peak times and you'll have no problem
(5)Joanna T.
3 roll combo special is a really good deal for decent quality sushi. I take one star away bc its near impossible to get seating during dinner time. But they are BYOB if you don't mind waiting.
(4)Dianna L.
Great sushi. Great location. Cheap Price. AND BYOB. it doesn't get better than that. I really liked the shrimp tempora roll and the salmon avocado roll. Small cute little place. I can't wait to come back.
(5)Ben W.
Ever since I hear about Vic's from a friend, I have been a huge fan. I've been several times before an finally decided to write a review. We went for lunch and both ordered a 3 roll special, the same rolls by coincidence. We also ordered the tuna dumplings which are a MUST have. Filled with avocado, tempura flakes, crab, and other yummy stuff, all wrapped in a large slab of tuna. Absolutely delicious. Their rolls are fairly fresh and nicely priced. We both agreed the salmon was great, but the yellowtail was a little lacking. Pros: great prices, fresh fish, creative specialty rolls Cons: small place and doesn't take reservations Dishes to try: Tuna Dumplings
(4)Tea P.
Went to Vic's for lunch during a visit to Philadelphia. It was fine. It was probably in the middle taste-wise of sushi that I've eaten in my life, but I don't know how it compares to other sushi places in Philly, so maybe it is as good as everyone says? I got the 3 roll special for 10.95, which is a wonderful deal. I ordered the spicy salmon, spicy tuna, and a Philadelphia roll. The Philadelphia roll was fantastic. The salmon in it was perfection. The spicy salmon and spicy tuna rolls were okay. I don't think they had water, but we were able to get some tea. And, it was nice sitting in front of the chefs and watching them work. Also, this is absolutely not a place to linger. There are about 7 or 8 chairs at the bar. And, one table of four. We were basically pushed out of the door. I would recommend ordering and picking it up.
(3)Michael L.
If you're looking for rolls, this probably a good bet for you. If you're looking for sashimi- go elsewhere. The tuna dumpling is indeed worth the 5 bucks a pop. I don't think you'll find anything like it. It's like a XLB (shanghai soup dumpling) except the tuna is the skin, and the creamy avocado inside is the filling. An unlikely but tasty combination. That was the highlight of our meal. There are some novel combinations of seafood, fruits, and soy paper (ie., Holiday Roll) which was quite refreshing. The spider roll was pedestrian and wasn't exactly crispy, the snow white roll was decent, as was the romantic roll. Creative, tasty enough, and a bit on the pricey side. It's really more about the sauces here than the fish, though the quality of the fish is good enough. Good...but not "wow".
(3)Winnie Y.
I'll be honest. I think this place is a bit hyped for me. It's still very good for the price though. You get 3 rolls for $10.95. I ordered the Alaskan, Salmon, and Yellowtail-Scallion. The rolls were okay, nothing special, and it's not on par with high quality Japanese sushi places that I've been to before. However, I would come back just because of the price.
(3)C T.
Tried Vic's through yelp suggestions, very satisfied. Great food & best presentation of sushi I've seen in Philly! Highly Recommend a Visit.
(5)Dave H.
Good fortune took me to Vic's Sushi Bar, a diminutive BYOB near Rittenhouse Square. There's little room at this eatery, putting their sushi bar front and center. Eating at the bar is an intimate experience; don't be surprised to find yourself passing soy sauce or water from one person to another. If you're lucky, you'll score a seat right away, otherwise be prepared to wait. (We waited a bit. Another group chose to sit at the tiny table by the door.) Sipping bowls of miso, we chatted with the humble sushi chef, Vic himself. Toiling behind the counter, he worked his magic. The rest of the staff were on point that evening, met our needs, and were happy to provide separate checks for us. Sushi presentation was outstanding. Everything we tasted was delectable. We started with the Sansom roll ($14) - that's shrimp tempura, crab stick and avocado roll, with fresh tuna, salmon, avocado, eel sauce, spicy sauce, masago, and scallions. Next, we had the Black Dragon roll ($11) - eel, avocado, in a cucumber roll, topped with more eel. We finished with the Alaskan roll. Rolls weren't skimpy; we barely finished what we had. Despite being smaller than a frickin' bread box, Vic's delivers personal service, reasonable prices, and quality sushi. After hearing so much about Vic's, I'm glad I finally got to stop in.
(5)Rita P.
Not a sushi connoisseur, I will confess, but I know and love good food. Second time here for take out . Their nigiri combo is now one of my most favorite things to eat on Earth!!!! The food tastes fresh to me and the service is quick and freindly. Added to my go to place list in the city.
(4)Leo G.
I don't particular enjoy the crowded atmosphere, but this place has a great 3 roll special to order out. It's pretty good sushi that gets the job done when you have that sushi craving.
(4)Cayla M.
The 3 rolls for $10.95 is a great deal and I've gotten it every time. The rolls are really yummy and there's lots of different choices! Pros: Great deals, good prices (for the most part) lots of different rolls, and they really put an effort in how the rolls look. Also it's BYOB! Always a fun time! Last time I was there a girlfriend and I shared a bottle of wine and had a lovely time. Cons: It's super small! Don't be surprised if you end up waiting a while for a seat at the bar, there's always people waiting - never slowed down every time I've eaten there. Don't be thrown off by it's size though, Vic's really is a hidden (and occasionally crammed, but that just adds to the character I swear!) gem! Over all, I'm happy and pleased with every meal i've had there! My favorites: alaskan roll, the eel avocado roll, the futomki roll
(4)Patick R.
This is a tiny spot that makes you feel right at home even when you are eating alone, with good food and a laid back ambiance.
(5)A E.
I have to say, Vic's is very affordable. It's a very no frills establishment, and I personally liked that they cut out being ostentatious. I'm willing to pay for good product, but I don't necessarily want that money to go into making your place a pleasure palace. Sadly, the sushi I had also seems to have lost a little to the price slashing. It's not the worst I've ever had, by a large margin. However, the rolls I ordered really were lacking in texture. Usually I can feel the different ingredients as I slowly chew, and can feel the nori, the grains of rice, and the filling. Here, it just seemed to come as a big piece of mush. The flavors didn't really seem in balance either. Usually, I just like to try the rolls themselves, and spare any of the typical American condiments, but here I had to add soy sauce to add a little salt and acidity. Maybe I did myself a disservice by ordering specialty rolls, as it seems that their main market is serving 3 roll specials. (what everyone else seemed to be getting) But, in the end, while it was one of the cheaper sushi binges of my life, I really don't think I'll be back soon.
(2)Ray L.
Vic is an affordable joint when you're in the mood for sushi. It's a great value considering the quality of the fish. It's by no means REALLY GREAT quality, but I think it's a terrific value when you compare the quality, quantity, and price. I have eaten at this location once, but for the most part I order in and have it delivered. Their 3-roll special costs only $11. The dish to get: tuna dumplings. They are delicious.
(5)Katrina C.
I was walking back from Trader Joes after having a not so great day (including falling off a desk I was standing on while trying to put things in a high cabinet), and I decided that I was not a true sushi-loving Philadelphian since I hadn't been to Vic's. [woah long sentence - deep breath] So, I thought I'd stop in a get a 3 roll special for $10.95. I got a spicy tuna, whitetail-scallion, and and alaska roll. I especially liked that they gave me soy sauce in a little ramekin with a lid instead of in packets like a lot of places. How do you dip sushi into a packet for goodness's sake? Anyway, the sushi pieces were a little small, but the pieces of fish - like many others say - are pretty large and the ratio to rice is great.. Oh, and my take out order - I ordered when I got there - and I swear it was ready 5 minutes later. Crazy fast. And it was crowded in there! Overall, it was NOT the best sushi I've had, and I was not blown away, but it was tasty. I will definitely go back to eat in and be blown away (hopefully).
(4)Meredith B.
Best sushi in Philadelphia - get the tuna dumplings. These aren't your everyday tuna dumplings. Kano salad is good too but don't go to Vic's and skimp on the tuna dumplings!
(5)Chiara R.
i enjoyed this place very much! did not stick around to eat in, but it looked very clean. and my california rolls were delicious.
(4)Lindsay D.
Sooo tasty! I am a vegetarian who goes into sushi places with suspicion because there are rarely any specialty rolls or exciting sushi offerings. It can be done. I know it can. I know this because of Vic's Summer Roll - a tasty vegetable-filled roll topped with mango. But know this - of the 32 specialty rolls, this is the only one that's vegetarian. I'll often pair it with some edamame and a tamago roll or fried sweet potato roll. By the way, don't think I didn't notice that I got a regular old white potato instead of a sweet potato roll last time - not cool, Vic's. I only ever order take out because the place is teensy. But they're fast and the prices are fine and because I feel special that I have a specialty roll.
(4)JC J.
Really good and cheap sushi. It's extremely difficult to find this quality of sushi at this price anywhere in the Northeast, so I would highly recommend people eat at this restaurant if they live in or visit Philadelphia. I recommend getting the tuna tartar or the gyoza for an appetizer, and experimenting with the $11 10-roll special for the main. The stand-alone rolls are pretty good, but none are really worth the extra price. Out of the rolls available within the 10-roll special, salmon avocado and spicy tuna are by far the best, although the other ones are pretty good too. My most favorite aspect of the sushi here is the size - American sushi restaurants tend to stuff too much rice and large chunks of fish into each roll, which ruins the delicacy of the sushi meal. The chefs at Vic do an excellent job of serving small, well-made pieces of sushi that don't just resemble a cut-up seafood taco. The restaurant space is VERY limited - it only fits around 7-8 people at the counter and 4 people in a table. During the week, the restaurant is fairly empty around lunch and dinner time, but it tends to get pretty crowded on weekend nights so make sure to get a spot early (before 7ish) if you can. This is a great place to get take-out, even during the weekends. They usually have your meal ready in 10-15 minutes.
(4)Ameena E.
Great for an afternoon sushi fix. Fresh, delicious, and inexpensive! Seating is something's a little cramp.
(4)Polar B.
Vic's Sushi is quite interesting. It's the perfect balance of cost and quality/quantity. They have a 3 roll for 11$ deal which is very "cheap" as far as sushi goes. I would recommend getting this deal if you come to Vic's. The place is VERY small so you're definitely getting take out when you come. The owners are nice and I've had no issues with the food. My advice: Order the 3 roll for 11$ deal - to go, and give yourself 15-20 minutes before going since it's usually busy. Overall - Great place to get cheap sushi, though go somewhere else for better quality food.
(4)Julie N.
Every time that we've ordered from Vic Sushi Bar, I've always ended up standing around by the door, trying to respect the space of all the other customers who were waiting for a table. Vic's is THE smallest sushi bar I've ever been to, it's ALWAYS packed whether it be early evening or late night, and the sushi continues to hit the spot everytime! Seriously, Vic's is one of the better sushi bars in Philly. Their rolls have very little rice, with big cuts of fresh fish - which I absolutely love! We like to order the specialty rolls (go big or go home), and I think we've had almost every one (without crabstick) on the menu. My fave is the Naruto Roll - the cucumber is so refreshing! Other good rolls: I-Roll, Ocean Brother Roll, Lover Roll, Romantic Roll, Spider Roll and Shrimp Tempura Mango Coconut Roll. The service is decent - there are 2-3 sushi chefs, and the cashier is really nice. Even though we usually have to wait an extra 20+ mins for our sushi, the cashier recognizes that and usually apologizes to me for the extra wait. Thank goodness for Lent, because when the bf can't eat meat on Fridays, we get to have sushi from Vic's!
(4)Michelle C.
One thing I definitely didn't have while living in the burbs? Delivery sushi. And not just sushi that defaults to acceptable because it saves me a trip off the couch. Vic Sushi is pretty decent stuff. I did think the fancy rolls were overpriced. Paying well over ten bucks because a roll involves two types of fish and some eel sauce does not justify that cost (although the rolls with mango intrigue). Next time, I'll go for one of the three roll dealies, which comes to a much more wallet-friendly $10.95.
(4)Audrey R.
I realized the other day while in Vic's that I have actually been an avid Vic's customer for coming on six years. I moved to the south for a few years and just returned, and the fact that I once again live in the same city as Vic's is definitely on the list of why I like living in Philadelphia. All of the rolls are delicious! The three roll special is unbeatable. Some places in the neighborhood have attempted to replicate the three roll special, and even if they have replicated it in price, they are not replicating it in quality, because not only is Vic's cheap, but it is incredible sushi! Try the Kani salad for something different too - always delicious! And they have seaweed salads ready to go if you ever are in the neighborhood and want a quick, cheap snack for the road. In the warm weather I definitely suggest getting take out and going to eat it in Rittenhouse! If you like sushi and live in Philadelphia definitely need to go to Vic's.
(5)Amy L.
One of my favorite quick fix sushi places in the city. Their fast turn around with service makes the fish fresh. The three roll specials are a deal. I enjoy ordering the vic's special roll and scallops sushi too. The tuna dumplings are different but I'm not a fan of the texture. The prices are cheap and the service is quick.
(3)Zareen S.
I doubt if even Morimoto can make better sushi than Vic. I have been to many a sushi places, nothing comes close. The Sansom Roll is a must try, best thing on the menu!
(5)Lizette H.
Two words, tuna dumplings. My husband made me a "bento box" (look at the picture) and we had a wonderful time enjoying it in the the comfort of our own home. The Sansom roll is also exquisite. They are quick, have fresh food, too small of a place (but I have kids, so take-out is what I do well...), and all around great, It's a little pricey, but that is what you should expect when you find a fresh, tasty, and creative sushi place. Enjoy!
(5)Camila Z.
Hands Down the BEST sushi in Philadelphia! The place is so tiny, so when it's full it can be difficult to get a seat, but they do take out and I'll eat in the park or by the water if it's nice out. Order anything and you can't go wrong, but my favorites are the kani salad, Volcano roll, lover roll, romantic roll, lucky roll, crazy roll. There are so many and they never fail to impress me!!
(5)Danan R.
I love this tiny yet delicious sushi bar with the amazing tuna dumplings app (must try!) and the 3 rolls for $10.95 combo special. It's almost impossible to beat. Okay, I will admit that the special rolls are definitely pricier but they are worth the cost. Between my own orders over the years and my incessant "mooching" off of everyone else's plates, I've tried a pretty wide range of the menu and have yet to be even mildly disappointed. The quality of the rolls is almost Bluefin-level and the variety is amazing. I love the birthday roll, which is filled with plenty of albacore, salmon, tuna, oshinko (love that crunch!), avocado, and cucumber, wrapped in soy paper, and topped with masago; it's a delcious combination and soy paper is a perfect foil for the crunchy oshinko. The ocean brother roll is another fav with shrimp tempura, avocado, wasabi, and actual lump crabmeat, not "krab." In terms of regular rolls, I would definitely try a white tuna/eel/spicy salmon trio. It's fail-proof. And don't leave without getting the tuna dumpling! It's a "purse" made out of thinly sliced, fresh tuna wrapped around a filling of avocado and roe, and served on top of a checkerboard of sauce, and is a staple here. Kinda like how the tuna sundae is a staple at Bluefin. It even looks absolutely darling, like two little red lanterns. The actual sushi here is fresh and tasty but the rolls are definitely their forte. The fish, while good, didn't really stand out from that at the other surrounding sushi restaurants. The party platters here are also pretty good and a medium will easily feed a family of 3-4 for under $60, which is fantastic considering the fact that they give you a good selection of sushi (salmon, eel, albacore, tuna, yellowtail) along with spicy tuna, salmon, red dragon, alaska, and california rolls. Most other places usually just give you california rolls in the platters. It was less than $60 for that and an order of the dumplings. Plus, everything was ready when we went to pick up our food. No wait time = happy dad (and me...and the rest of the family). The restaurant (not exactly a sit-down place) is tiny and seating simultaneously sparse and cramped, but bolsters a fun, relaxed atmosphere if you only have a small party (3 or less people). Grab a seat at the bar, if there is room, and have fun chatting with the chefs while nomming on your rolls.
(4)Tsolere A.
Great sushi! I ordered three specialty rolls: Birthday, Princess and Sansom (no mayo). Light, healthy and tasty. The place needs renovation.. Not so nice to dine in.
(3)Kevin C.
Sushi is good and fresh, but just not very filling. This is always the peril of going to good Japanese places in America - the portions are authentic while the prices are not. Can get expensive unless you have the appetite of a terminally ill cancer patient, but for quick, honest sushi, this place is great. Restaurant is tiny, be prepared.
(3)Celic M.
The only thing stopping me from giving Vic's 5 stars is their service and quality of the rolls/food goes down tremendously during lunch (1130am - 130pm). The reason for that is because of their "3 Rolls for $10.95" lunch special. Otherwise, the rolls are made well and you receive 8 pieces per roll. If you eat in, you receive free tea. I have tried a handful of the special rolls and while they are a bit pricey, for the most part, they are worth it! *Others may say that the small venue is also a negative.
(4)Kunjan P.
This was my first time visiting Vics and I will definitely will be going back. A small location, however their food makes up for it. I tried the shrimp tempura, philly, and spicy tuna rolls. All were very good, however I could have done with a little less cream cheese in the Philly roll. Prices are reasonable and service is great!
(4)Ava W.
Ok, I'll add my two cents..(after 225 reviews, not sure if ya care, but...) I really fell in love with this little place. I tried the three roll special. For the price, it can't be beat. Plus, if I totally hated the place, I wouldn't feel played. However, no worries here. I came here on a weekday around 3ish and the place was about half-full. I placed my to-go order (philly, spicy tuna, yellowtail/scallion) and then just people watched as I waited. The cashier and sushi chefs were just friendly enough without being overbearing and my rolls were ready quickly. I was glad 'cuz I was hatin on the guy near me who had just received his dine-in order and it looked so good I felt like 'accidentally' tipping myself over into his plate. While I thoroughly enjoyed my rolls at home, I did notice that the take-out rolls are smaller than dine-in. Just a note. If you have the time, eat in. I think it would be worth it. It's DEFINITELY on my "to do" list.
(4)Nicole H.
I've only picked up from Vic once, and got two rolls (not knowing about the 3 roll special for $10.95 at the time, I spent almost that much for 2. oops). I was impressed by the freshness of the fish and the rice-fish ratio, though I have heard when ordering the 3 roll special the portions are small. The place was super packed on the night I ordered, and I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly my rolls were made. I hope to be able to BYO and sit down for a dinner there some time, if there's ever not a wait out the door!
(4)Cristen S.
Vic is hands down the best sushi in Philly. Not only can you get an awesome deal with the 3 roll special, each roll comes with 8 pieces as opposed to the typical 6 pieces. The fish is incredibly fresh and you can tell the sushi chefs have a lot of experience and really care about what they are serving you. I love how the place is so tiny that you can only sit at the sushi bar, it gives it so much character.
(5)Vichet O.
Sweet! Sushi for people who like food! Sushi has never been a favorite of mine. It's probably because this one time when I was a kid, a fish sexually assaulted me, and then told me not to tell anyone or he would come back. Oh. Shit. That's neither here nor there. The portions at Vic are generous, and everything is fresh. For the size you're getting, prices are very reasonable. And, because of the nature of sushi, you're getting a relatively well-balanced meal that will make you feel okay about giving your liver a once over right after. Or, at least it makes ME feel okay about that. Their 3 roll special will cover you if you're hungry and don't want anything too fancy. Definitely try the Sansom roll, the spider roll, and the rainbow roll. Pro-tip: Get takeout. The place is tiny, so you probably won't get a table.
(4)Virginia C.
BYOB. Fan, but more like 3.75 stars and can satisfy a lunch craving vs. dinner. If you are in the neighborhood, def. worth a try- but there isn't anything outstanding besides the 3 standard roll price for $10.95! On a friday night, it wasn't too hard to get a seat at the bar. Do's 1) Get any of the three rolls specials 2) Also tried the Vic's special with lobster salad on top of shrimp tempura. It was good, but I really wanted a crunch to the sushi. The shrimp tempura here doesn't have the fancy shrimp tails sticking out of the rolls. Don'ts 1) Eat in Edamame. They just heat it in a microwave. 2) Miso Soup. It's not great- so I would pass. This place doesn't serve anything else besides sushi- so if you need some other Japanese affair. Move on. But I'll def. make a trip back to visit Vic.
(4)Alessandro N.
I got maki and nigiri sushi from them. I'm a huge sushi and sashimi fan. Usually I prefer sashimi over sushi, especially when talking about "regular" sushi rolls, such as California or Alaska rolls. I must say that having Vic Sushi rolls made me change my mind. Their rolls, even the basic ones are so tasty. Some of the best sushi I have ever had. Furthermore their prices are very competitive.
(5)Ellis M.
Went here for a quick dinner to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday. Sushi is his favorite food and Vic didn't disappoint. A large many with much to choose from. A lot of vegetarian options for me and some fish types that can be difficult to find at a fast food style sushi bar (e.g. toro). This place is VERY small, but worth a wait to sit at the bar and watch the chefs make the sushi. Food comes out very quickly. We will come back here, for sure. Oh, and a quick tip: treat this place as a fast food restaurant when you go. Don't expect 5 star service. Get your own drink from the cooler. Shout over the counter to order. Salads come in plastic bowls. People in previous reviews who've complained about the server not getting you a drink clearly were not in the right mind set. Imagine you are going to the greatest fast food joint and you won't be disappointed. The food (which is what matters most), is outstanding.
(5)Ryan F.
Visited for a late lunch on Wednesday May 25th 2011. A small BYOB that unfortunately, in my opinion, did not rise up to all the positive reviews. Although cheap, the sushi lacked in flavor. Positive(s) - Cheap (3 sushi rolls for $10.95).. Fast service.. Negative(s) - Lacking in flavor on all levels.. No liquor license.. Hoping that my visit was merely a fluke. - Going to try some of their speciality rolls next visit which aren't as cost efficient as the 3 rolls for $10.95, but look promising.
(2)Emily W.
I'm into the no frills atmosphere of this place. Sure, there is (very, very) limited seating and no reservations, but the sushi is delicious. And they always get our order right, which is no small feat since I nearly always have a request to "add this or no to that" when it comes to sushi. The rolls are always neatly cut and creatively displayed, and the rice to filling ratio is perfect, so you're not left chewing on sticky sushi rice. My boyfriend takes advantage of the 3 roll special, and the fish pieces are fresh and large, but not excessive. They seem to get the balance of textures and flavors right in their rolls, too. I love the Summer roll with its creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, sour radish, and sweet mango. I'm also glad they offer a brown rice option, albeit for a $0.50 charge. Their miso soup is one of the better ones we've had, but their edamame could use a pick-me-up. Considering that we primarily go here for the rolls, I'm not downgrading them a star for their other offerings. Their checkout service can be a bit brusque, but the sushi chefs are friendly, and it's always fun watching them work their magic. I'm still in awe of how neatly and quickly they peeled, pitted, and sliced an avocado.
(5)Chihee K.
Like other reviewers, I heard so much about this sushi place that I just had to go, The first thing I noticed was that there is only room at the bar for about 8 people, and that there was a distinct "fried" smell to the place (your clothes will smell like it after the fact too). I think that Vic got a high rating because of the value that you get... and I guess the food was okay for the price. Two of us ordered the tuna dumplings (a bit on the creamy side), the 3 rolls for $10.95 special, and 2 specialty rolls. I felt like there was a mushy texture to all the rolls (avocado and mayo probably). Overall we felt really full after the meal and paid a good price.
(3)Michelle C.
Yes. This place is as small as everyone says it is BUT if you do score a few spots by the sushi bar, you'll forget how small it is. The bar is rather wide and to the side of the commotion of the storefront/people who ordered take-out. The special is 3 rolls cut up into 8 BITE-SIZED pieces for $10.95. Notice the emphasis on the size, they're small but should satisfy your sushi craving. If you have a bigger appetite they have also have tasty "special" rolls for about $10-15 each. They're packed with more sashimi and so tasty that you'll want to try to stick the whole piece in your mouth, only to fail and have sushi rice stuck on your face. I enjoy that they use a lot of soybean "paper" on their rolls. Not sure if it adds more flavor but it's pretty to look at. I don't remember the names of rolls but I do remember the "Expensive Roll" in particular... because of its name and price. I know there is lobster in it but unsure of what else lies within that makes it $30[1]. You can only order it if you dine in though. The staff here is really nice, service is prompt and the sushi is presented beautifully. This place is also vegetarian friendly! There are tofu and vegetable rolls on the menu. So bring a bottle of wine, a vegetarian and visit Vic. Or just be smart and bring a bottle to drink while you wait for your take-out. [1] Why can't they have something called a "Cheap roll" for $0.30 and leave out the lobster?
(4)Sean R.
The three roll special is good price, but the rolls are small, with a limited selection. Miso soup was very good, but they do not give you the spoons that you usually get in sushi bars, you just get a regular plastic spoon. The two special rolls that I had were very good, definatly worth the price. The Al a Carte sushi was good, with very fresh fish. The ambinence was ok, it is very small and cramped if all the seats are taken (12-15 seats), and they have an old school boom box playing 80s music.
(4)Alice B.
So good! So cheap! So fresh! Found this place a couple nights ago to get sushi takeout, and not only was I able to get many rolls for a super decent price, I only had to wait a few minutes while I watched them being made and they were amazingly fresh and delicious! Oh, I'll be back, and it will be a fearsome feast to behold! I also randomly liked that they gave soy sauce in plastic dishes instead of those really annoyingly hard to open packets, it made my life so much easier!
(5)Justin K.
Great Sushi, Decent Prices, Tiny Place. Me and my brother were looking for some good sushi during my visit to Philly. We ended up going here on a suggestion from a friend. The place is in a pretty great location. Not too far from Rittenhouse Square. Also there are some great places to go afterwords for some delicious treats. Might I suggest Sweet Endings.... But back to the sushi. They have a great deal that is 3 rolls for $10 which is a fantastic price. They aren't the specialty rolls but they are still very tasty. We got three rolls along with two specialty rolls, all of which were really great. Overall the prices, quantity and QUALITY were all well worth it. The only reason for giving it 4 stars instead of 5 is for a very simple reason. The place is tiny. I felt crammed for room while I was eating my dinner. With the place being so tiny there really isn't much room enjoy your meal. If this doesn't bother than go for it. If this does bother than just get their sushi to go. Either way you'll enjoy some good sushi.
(4)Sarah C.
Don't do it to yourself! Sure 10 bucks for 3 rolls sounds like a good deal, but it ends up being a lot closer to $12 (FYI) and you get what you pay for. I have eaten at Vic's twice, the first time was takeout, and the second time was eat-in for lunch. The first time I just got one roll, a Philly roll (my fav) and I have to say I was disappointing. Philly rolls traditionally have smoked salmon, cream cheese, and cucumber. But this roll was made with raw salmon. It's not that I don't like raw fish, but it just had no flavor at all. The only taste I was getting was from the cream cheese and the soy sauce I was putting on it to force me to eat it. Today I went back for lunch. I was really craving sushi and when I searched on Yelp nearby, once again, Vic came to the top of the list. I can only hope there are better sushi places around, but I decided I would give it another shot. I ordered the 3 roll special. I have an avocado roll, a shrimp tempura roll, and a boston roll. The avocado roll was quite boring and I am honestly sorry that I included it in my order. My favorite by far was the boston roll, which has shrimp, mayo and cucumber. I liked it because it was crisp and had good clean flavors. The way sushi should be. The other rolls just tasted old. I have had better supermarket sushi. The rolls are small and not packed tightly, so they almost fall apart when you pick them up. I hope I can find a better lunch spot for sushi in the area. Let me know if you have any suggestions.
(2)Sarah D.
BYOB, amazing specialty rolls (made with coconut jam, mango, cool colored rice papers...) The three roll special is great - but that is not the reason to go there...they have so many other tasty items on the menu. It is very tiny, so you might have to wait for a while to get a seat at the bar. And it gets over-run with hoards of college students coming in for the cheap 3-roll special. They are very friendly there too!
(5)Chiara I.
This place is surprising for a lot of factors. For one, the prices are super reasonable - especially for the Rittenhouse area. Although they don't have any lunch specials, they don't raise their prices for dinner! That's super rare for a Japanese restaurant. They also have a deal with three 8 piece rolls of sushi for $10. That's awesome by any standards. I don't care what your standards are(... well, actually I do). I only got the 3 roll special, but I want to come back to try their special rolls which also are priced very well. The whole staff is very friendly and makes sure you enjoy your experience. One down side I wasn't expecting, the place is minuscule. Like really. It fits maybe 8 people max? There's only a bar seating area. But they do free delivery for orders of $10. :D So, they get a solid 4 stars for satisfying my sushi craving.
(4)Paul C.
Amazing.... just amazing. First of all, my friends can attest to this in that I of all people are very bias when it comes to places that lack ambiance. One look at a hole in the wall place and i am GONE. I don't know if itz cuz i just trusted my friend wholeheartedly or I was just in a daring mood that night, I walked in and had one of my most orgasmic sushi experiences I've ever had in my life. Growing up in the OC, i've become quite picky when it comes to sushi. Thus, coming to grad school was quite frustrating since most places in the city have quite mediocre japanese restaurants. "Never judge a book by it's cover" is what i'm sayin here... never judge a place in what it looks like.... you don't come here for the ambiance, u come here for the food... u come here for Vic's baby.
(5)Lily T.
I can summarize my experience and observations in a few bullet points: 1. The 3-roll special is a good deal. I filled up on the salmon avocado roll (you can't go wrong there). Even though my companions and I ordered the spicy tuna roll, I avoided it because it didn't look too appetizing. When I did try it, I must say that it lacked the "spice" that would have made it actually spicy. 2. The restaurant is tiny, so unless you don't mind waiting and risking not getting a table until closing time, I would recommend ordering take-out. The employees are pretty serious (as they should be) about closing up on time. This means they will literally pull the floor mat from under you if they need to. 3. Since I've been dining with elitist sushi enthusiasts for more years than I care to remember, I find it my moral obligation to note here that Vic is a Japanese restaurant by name, but Chinese by customer service. It's quite clear that it's run by Chinese people if you just take one look at their customer restroom.
(4)Scott L.
This place was intriguing. It fits about 8-10 people depending on the size of the groups. All it really consists of is a sushi bar with about 10 stools. I went in thinking that was actually kind of cool so for me that was a plus not really a minus. When we got there the bar was full but it really only took like 15-20 minutes to get a couple of seats. This is no longer than a wait (without a reservation) at like a normal sushi restaurant on a Saturday night right around prime-time would probably be anyway, so that was fine. Let me get starting by talking about the only thing that stopped me from giving this place a 5/5. The ordering process. Yes the place is small, and yes I guess if I had too big of a problem with it I don't have to go, but the place is so good that I would go again even because of this. I don't find it very appealing that you have to order like right in front of the entire bar, and almost scream it over the bar for the lady to hear you. It's kind of a privacy breach and it makes you feel a little awkward when you want to order a lot to (which at this please is very easy to do.) That having been said, everything else was fantastic. The sushi came out super quick and everything was super fresh. It would be nice if they could give you cold glasses of water for free instead of having to get a couple water bottles out of the fridge, but they do provide free hot green tea, which I guess is good enough. The sushi was probably the best sushi I have ever had in my life for the price. For an appetizer we got the spicy tuna tar-tar. It was really good. Not the best thing I have ever eaten but it was really tasty. We each got a 3-roll special. 3 rolls for $10.95. Any 3 non-special rolls from the menu are allowed. All together we got the eel roll, yellow tail-scallion, spicy tuna, shrimp tempura, Alaska, and I believe spicy salmon but I could be wrong. Every roll was incredible. The fish was unbelievably fresh and tasty, presented well, neat, and quickly. For that price you definitely cannot beat it. They give you kind of small amounts of wasabi and ginger and they charge you $.50 for extra, but we didn't need any (although I can see some people getting a little upset over this.) Overall you can see the little things I have mentioned that have kept this place from getting a perfect score, but it's real close to perfection. Little subtraction on the environment, non-free water, and the condiments, but other than that top notch sushi for a very affordable price. Our entire dinner (appetizer, 6 rolls, two drinks), was under $40 including tip. Can't beat that. By the way it's BYOB! I would definitely go back anytime.
(4)Jo W.
I ordered takeout from Vic's last night. I thought the sushi was good; however, I think that the edamame I ordered had already gone bad! It was very dried out and parts of it were brown. I would order from this place again...but I will probably stay away from the edamame and other salads.
(3)Bob S.
Yum. Had the New Years Roll. Excellent. The Shrimp Shumai were awesome. The only reason for 4 instead of 5 stars was that it is REALLY small, hardly anywhere to sit.
(4)Susanne J.
This sushi bar is just that - a 6 to 10 seat bar with an extra table by the door to squeeze in a few extra customers. The $10.95 three roll deal cannot be beat. You can't even get sushi for that price at Whole Foods. The fish and other ingredients are fresh and comparable to many other more expensive restaurants. The rolls could use a more generous coating of rice on the outside, though. I've eaten in for lunch when it is slow and I can sip miso soup and read a book. I've also called for take-out after a long day of work and arrived to find my order ready and waiting. I also recommend their shumai and salad with ginger dressing to round out your meal. I've seen many other customers order the fancy rolls which just look a little too rich for my stomach (I prefer to keep it simple with spicy tuna), but they seem to get good reviews for their unique flavor combinations and creative presentations. The tuna dumplings mentioned by other reviewers do look pretty intriguing! The staff are very friendly and this could easily be a place where you become a "regular".
(3)Irina P.
Definitely the best sushi in Philadelphia. I love how fresh and tasty their ingredients are. Also, the staff is extremely nice and friendly - it's really great to have a conversation with them while you are waiting for your sushi to be made. My personal favorite is the Sansom roll and tuna dumplings, but absolutely everything on the menu is delicious. The only thing that I would recommend is to order a take out, as they often don't have any seats available (this place is so tiny!).
(5)Rachel W.
I LOVE YOU. 3 roll special is amazing. I leave this place stuffed full of all things that are good, with my wallet not taking a beating. I decided on going here after reading the reviews on yelp, and I was definitely not disappointed.
(5)Elizabeth B.
Vic is an amazing place! I would call it a hidden gem, but judging from how busy it always is, I do not consider it hidden. The 3-roll special IS everything it's cracked up to be. The specialty rolls that I've tried are also delicious. I am no sushi connoisseur but it appears to me that they have some creative and unusual rolls here. I recommend the avocado roll, fried tofu roll and eel roll. Can't go wrong with the California Roll either. Or the dragon roll or the spider roll. My only complaint is that it sometimes gets a little *too* busy -- the counter person can't seem to keep track of what's going on and sometimes take out orders seem to get lost in the shuffle. I doubt I could do a better job myself though, and the food is worth the wait, in my book. I recommend ordering takeout ahead of time unless you have your heart set on dining-in. Also they open at 5p on Saturdays!
(4)Carrie E.
Yum yum yum yum yum. I'm pretty speechless, which, for me, is totally rare. Finally ate here on the recommendations of yelpers, and they are all right. Yep, it's small (you feel like you're eating in someone's kitchen) but it's cozy and as long as it's not too crowded, it adds to the experience. The service was great, the sushi, which was amazingly delicious, was made quickly and the price was right. If they weren't playing a Muzac version of "Ave Maria" over and over on the speaker in front of me, it would have been darn near perfect. As it was, it made me, my belly and my credit card happy. I'm down with the VIC.
(5)Cassie T.
Love this place with all my heart! Tiny little hole in the wall, family owned operation. See the same people there making my sushi every time I come in! The old guy is always carving the cucumbers into really these thin long spirals, sometimes the little boy runs around and is ridiculously cute. It is small, cozy, and intimate and that is what I love about it. The sushi itself is fantastic for the price, freshness, flavor,and selection! You can get three rolls (8 pcs) for $10. If that's not a deal I don't know what is. This includes all the pretty standard rolls: spicy tuna (so good), cali, alaska, salmon, philly, shrimp tempura, tuna, veggie rolls, etc. Their specialty rolls look incredible as well. $3 seaweed salads that are huge, edamame, good japanese salads. Free hot tea! Good selection of cold bottled teas! I really couldn't recommend this place enough. Lauren D. and I always go here when we're cravin sushi! :)
(5)Allison K.
Sooooo disappointed. With all the 4 and 5 star Yelp ratings, I was really looking forward to trying Vic. What a letdown. My friend Ben and I each got a 3 roll special and hightailed it to Rittenhouse for the first "I can eat outside now" nice day of the year. Maybe it was just me, but I swear the rolls seemed unusually tiny. Scratch that, I know it wasn't just me because Ben agreed. They were super small. Not that I was expecting miracle sushi for $11 bucks, but seriously - I think I've seen more spicy tuna in one piece at other restaurants than was in my whole roll from Vic's. And perhaps I'm mistaken, but I'm pretty sure spicy tuna and yellowtail w/ scallion rolls aren't supposed to taste exactly the same. Maybe we should have eaten at the bar instead of getting take out? Maybe the sushi chef makes up better quality stuff if you watch him work? Or maybe Vic's really is just a classic case of you get what you pay for.
(2)Brian N.
Great little place for sushi... I'll reiterate the size, as I didn't truly understand from reading the few reviews I read. I think there are only 8 seats in the place; all around the sushi bar. Think about that... only 8, so if you come with more than one friend, just get your meal to go. Otherwise, everything we had was great. Miso, tuna nigiri, 3 roll special (yellowtail scallion, spicy tuna, alaska), and yellow dragon (eel roll topped with mango). Everything was really good, I'll definitely be back.
(4)Melissa K.
I've been searching Philadelphia for years to find a great, inexpensive sushi restaurant. This place is it. There are only about 8 seats around the counter, so you might have to wait- but it'll be worth it. If you prefer not to wait, they'll make your to-go order in the blink of an eye, and they also deliver.
(5)Chris W.
Vic's would quickly take over the center city sushi world if they had space. It's just a tight experience. Even grabbing something to go can be uncomfortable. The sushi is average (which I'm ok with average sushi) and I head over for the 3 roll special $9.95. Insane. If it was bigger, it'd hit the pockets more so this place is a gem in cc. *Vic, throw some cafe seating outside!
(4)Annie M.
3.5 star. First and foremost, DON'T EXPECT TO GET A SEAT! This restaurant literally seats seven people so either expect to wait a very long time or order to-go (I saw a lot that did this). Now that that's out of the way, let's talk about what's really important. FOOD! :) I've been looking for a place in Philly that has big fancy rolls and Vic has exactly that! Take a look at their menu because they have quite the extensive list of unique rolls that include coconut and mango. I've tried the Happy Roll and the Holiday Roll (HAPPY HOLIDAY!) Okay, lame joke. Both rolls were good and had their own unique sauces. What's interesting about their rolls also is that they don't use seaweed to wrap the roll but instead, they use soy paper. Can't say I prefer this but it doesn't really take away from the rolls either. I also got to try the Sunomono appetizer (fish medley with ponzu sauce) and I'm going to recommend NOT ordering this. Plainly stated, their ponzu sauce sucked. It lacked a lot of flavor, leaving the raw chopped up fish medley tasting pretty plain. I guess this let me at least taste what the sashimi would taste like but I also felt like that lacked flavor somehow. I'll be sticking to the rolls from now on. Note: I did end up ordering take-out so maybe that affected it. The staff is really nice and this is a BYOB. I wish this was a place I can go to dinner with a few friends but since it's small, I probably won't be frequenting this place.
(4)Lauryn Z.
It seems that every time i've tried to visit this place, its been a sunday and they are closed! Finally we found ourselves with a sushi craving in the vacinity of 21st and Samson on a Friday and headed straight here. As has been previously mentioned, the place is quite small, with the number of seats in the waiting area outnumbering the amount of seats at the sushi bar. (not necessary a bad thing if the bulk of their business is take-out) It was early friday evening and not particularly busy so we got a seat immediately. Despite the minimal decor, the overall atmosphere is comfortable, intimate, and inviting. I enjoyed being able to watch the sushi chefs do their thing as all the fish was right there in front of us. The entire 3 person staff was very friendly and attentive- the sushi chefs taking the time to ask us how we liked our food. On to the food- It was great! We started off with a generous portion of miso soup and a plate consisting of two of the special rolls- the volcano roll (with spicy tuna and avocado), the lover roll (with eel, salmon, spicy tuna and avocado), and an order of tuna and salmon sashimi. The presentation was original and both rolls were excellent- fresh fish & avocado, tasty sauces, and the rolls were just the right size. The tuna sashimi was melt-in-your-mouth and the salmon sashimi was some of the best I've had in a while! The price was decent- total $20 per person for dinner. I'm curious to go back and try their three rolls for $10 special for lunch one of these days. Regardless, I'm sure I'll be back! This is how a family sushi business should be run!
(4)RJ B.
5 stars for the food, 1 star for service, so the average comes out to 3 stars. Warning: If you plan to dine in, make sure you empty your bladder or don't drink too much while you are there. The restroom is reserved for employees only! How bizarre is that? While waiting for a table, my friend was told no when she asked to use the bathroom. Not sure if that's a health code violation, although a guy waiting for a table with us said Vic could get away with refusing customers' access to the john because of their small size.... I'll have to investigate. I went with 2 of my sushi-loving friends and we all left feeling full and thinking about our next *take out* meal. The place is really small: 9 seats at the sushi bar, one table that can seat 5 people max. Vic has 3 sushi chefs, a hostess and a bus lady... I didn't see anyone that fits the description of a waiter/waitress. Once seated, you literally have to ask for everything. We had a bottle of sake, but the lone bus lady didn't bring us glasses until we asked for it. We also had to ask for water, but was told they didn't have ice. While giving us our water, the bus lady spilled the entire contents of a cup all over my friend's jeans. We used our napkins to contain the spill and the bus lady came out with a dish rag, but didn't think to give us replacement napkins. We made our dinner selection while waiting for our seats, but had a hard time getting the hostess' attention to place our order. She was either settling bills, answering phones or getting take out orders from people who walked in *after* we were seated. One of the sushi chefs noticed our frustration and took our order. Once the food came out, it was really good. My friend didn't even mind that her jeans were wet! Like other reviewers mentioned, definitely try the tuna dumplings. It's tuna sashimi pieces wrapped around avocado paste/salad -- it looks like cha shu bao. Their specialty rolls are good too... really creative. I highly recommend the spicy combo roll. I especially love their prices... cheaper than other Japanese restaurants in Center City : )
(3)Kenneth F.
Ok, I am going to snobbily give this place a 3-stars. I know this has been mentioned - but the smallness of the place needs to be re-emphasized!!! I understand when someone mentions a restaurant is not great for parties, or if it's an "intimate/comfy" setting, but a grand total of 7 seats is prettttttttttttttttty small. When the number of waiting seats outranks the number of eating seats, that's never a good thing! That being said, I stupidly decided to wait even though there were others waiting before me. During this half-hour, I witnessed several people drop by and pick up take-out (ding ding ding!!) I too decided to order take-out after finishing most of my BYOB wine, and actually got my food fairly fast! Word to the wise - the food is pretty interesting as far as sushi goes - but it's not worth the long wait. Order to-go or move along. Their sushi rolls are predominantly wrapped in soy paper as opposed to seaweed, so if that's not your thing, that's good to keep in mind as well. The good thing about that is the colorful colors that get added to truly create some pretty pieces of food. One more thing: the sonomono was no good! Blech. It's sashimi in ponzu sauce - but both their ponzu and their sashimi tasted like water (might be cuz it was take out?). I ended up dipping in soy sauce for taste and pan-frying the rest (haaha shhh).
(3)Sara C.
Here's the first thing you need to know about Vic: if you're looking for a chic sushi bar, look elsewhere. This is your classic hole-in-the-wall great find. Their 3 rolls (8 pieces each) for $11 deal is stellar, and it even includes typically "special" rolls like philadelphia, etc. It's great quality fish, plus they have oodles of specialty rolls, all of which are packed with tasty ingredients. I think the common thread in other reviews is the service--I'll be the first to admit that this isn't a high-class place. They have bottles of water in a cooler in the corner, and there effectively isn't a waitress. You come in, sit at the counter (or the small table right by the door) and order straight from the sushi chefs. They put all of your food on a big plate and hand it right to you. Although I'm a fan of snazzy, classy restaurants, I've also always been a lover of little side-street places with great food. Vic is definitely the latter, and I can't wait to go back again.
(4)Todd C.
Meh, I've had better....I don't really understand all the rave reviews on here? I had to try this place after reading all of them, but I'll have to say the sushi itself was just ok. The people working there were really nice and friendly, but the food itself wasn't really good and was borderline bootleg (ie: wegmans takeout style)... I did get takout as seating there during lunch is virtually impossible,1 small table and a bar which seats about 8 people. I did get the 3 role special which would've been a great deal had the sushi actually tasted good. I could name a ton of better sushi places in philly to go to instead of here. Too each their own, but I probably won't be going back.
(2)Liz C.
The sushi here is delicious and fresh, and the 3-roll special is perfect for dinner. But the reason I'm reviewing is because the service is excellent. Prime example - they have a $10 credit card minimum, and I was two dollars short of that the other day and didn't have enough cash. Rather than making me go get cash or buy enough to get up to $10, they said I could give them the difference next time. Not too many businesses, especially in a city, are that good to their customers. I made sure to come back the next week and give them the $2!
(5)Amy J.
Five star sushi. Stop in and say hi to sushi chef/owner Jim and dine on my favorite sushi treat of ALL time: mouth watering Ahi Dumplings, (flattened ahi sashimi wrapped around a perfectly smooth mix of avocado filling.) 4seats at sushi bar! Some treats may be microwaved,fresh sushi/salads, etc here, are definitely their specialty. I minus a star for the microwaving and super small venue. The quality of food and warm friendly service make Vic the regular afternoon spot for a quick lunch.
(4)Meg C.
Sushi is one of those foods that generally sticks to the you-get-what-you-pay-for rule. Vic's has perfectly good, cheap, utilitarian sushi. You can easily get your fill for $11. I recommend the Alaska Roll. Mmmm... fatty. It is BYOB, which I wish I knew before hand. I'll definitely be back (at an off-peak time) to try some of the specialty rolls. The space is very small, so it isn't that good for a group.
(3)Michael E.
Can I get a HELL YEAH? Seriously... Can I? Cause I want to give it to Vic. I stopped in for lunch this week and was floored by the by everything I ordered. My standard is miso, a roll and sake sashimi. I tried a nontraditional iRoll, guess I'm a sucker for anything referencing apple. There was an unexpected surprise of coconut, it really added an interesting complexity to the roll. The roll are fun and make great use of flavor combinations. Sashimi is where I really judge sushi. It is the most striped down and honest food product you can get. If you don't have a great product there's no hiding it. Vic's sake sashimi was like kissing a mermaid, smooth, sensual and seductive. I could eat this all day. Vic is my new favorite sushi bar.
(4)Chris S.
Okay, so I violated my own "sushi house" rule and ordered rolls in addition to the nigiri (I guess this is unavoidable in the US), and I was impressed! The fish is fresh here, a little brushing of the soy sauce and that's all you need. I started with the straight sashimi plate with tuna, salmon, and yellowtail. It all went down the way good/fresh fish should. We tried the Philly roll (being in Philly, naturally), and hey, it was good too! It was funny, the folks behind the counter found it weird that we originally weren't ordering any rolls (again, must be a US thing!) So that's how we ended up with the roll. All in all, great place. A tad small on the seating, and I noticed lots of people coming in to pick-up take-out orders. The pieces of fish are on the larger side. Extra points for their presentation!
(4)