Japanese BYOBs in Chicago

Photo: Chris Lake

Tanoshii
People come from all over the city to get whatever chef “Sushi Mike” is dishing out, but if you don’t know his style, be warned: He didn’t become famous for his cuts of salmon. His style is more fusion in nature, slipping pickled pearl onion and Boston lettuce into his maki rolls and coming up with spicy tuna dishes that resemble nachos more than anything Japanese. Order all of that stuff, but don’t get attached—some of these dishes are fleeting. In fact, regulars know not to even ask for menus. They just name a price, and Sushi Mike does the rest. 5547 N Clark St, 773-878-6886.
Corkage fee $2 per person
Best nearby liquor store In Fine Spirits (5418 N Clark St, 773-506-9463)

Coast
Though the dining room here is slick and minimalist, the food can sometimes go over the top—in a good way. Case in point: maki such as the ceviche roll (lime-cured scallop with mango and jalapeño), Maine roll (lobster with ginger mayo and salmon roe) and the enormous white dragon roll (shrimp tempura with eel sauce, wasabi dressing and cream cheese). Anybody hoping to eat a little more demurely shouldn’t panic, though: The sashimi is as pristine as the decor. 2045 N Damen Ave, 773-235-5775.
Corkage fee None
Best nearby liquor store The Goddess & Grocer (1646 N Damen Ave, 773-342-3200)

Shiso
It takes confidence to open a sushi joint in this city, where it seems as if there’s raw fish on every corner. It takes even more confidence to do so in this economy. But so far, Shiso, which debuted just a few months ago, has given us no reason to doubt it. From the salt-and-pepper calamari to the massive hamachi-stuffed volcano roll, this food has capable written all over it. 449 W North Ave, 312-649-1234.
Corkage fee None
Best nearby liquor store Galleria Liqueurs (1559 N Wells St, 312-867-7070)—David Tamarkin

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