Restaurant Roundup: Sushi Lounge - Hoboken

Just across the Hudson lies a little town you may have heard of called Hoboken (or as I like to refer to it, Hob), and in that town lies a small Japanese gem called Sushi Lounge, which I visited last Friday night. A small restaurant with minimal tables, a fancy sushi bar is front and center (along with a bar of the alcoholic variety), available for seating and admiring the hand-rolled creations. Though the inside was a bit loud for a date situation, Sushi Lounge offers a desirable outdoor seating section in which I happily had dinner. 

The Sushi Bar at Sushi Lounge

The Food

Sushi Lounge offers a vast array of Japanese cuisine and sushi rolls that can satisfy both a seasoned sushi vet (Uni with quail egg, Super Toro) or a newbie sushi virgin (edamame, shumai, California roll). Don’t skip the Hoboken roll, a motley assortment of fish and eel in a tempura roll with a delicious spicy mayo that may leave you reaching for water to put out the fire (but in a totally-worth-it kind of way). 

The Hoboken Roll

We also sampled the Chilean sea bass roll (bass cooked in soy glaze with avocado and wrapped in soy paper) and the Super Toro/Fatty Tuna roll (a delicate, superior cut of tuna). Both of these were light, yet deliciously full of flavor. Highly recommended.

Super Toro Roll & Chilean Sea Bass Roll

All 3 were outstanding, and my only concern is that when I return I won’t want to try anything new, but repeat the 3 aforementioned items since I have been dreaming about them for the last 4 days. Not a sushi lover? Not to worry, since their main dishes looked delicious as well, but alas I never made it to them as I filled up on straight up sushi. The question I always face with sushi is: How much to order? For husband and me, 3 rolls, an order of shumai, and a round of drinks were plenty. After all, Crumbs Bake Shop just opened up down the street…

Getting There

For Manhattanites and Jersey Citians alike, a quick trip on the PATH train will deliver you to Sushi Lounge. Just a quick walk from the Hoboken PATH station, Sushi Lounge is located just off the main drag on Hudson Street, a mere 5 minute walk from the train. Since they don’t take reservations for parties under 6 people, I recommend leaving extra time and planning a trip to the bar while you wait.

Sushi Lounge.200 Hudson Street.Hoboken, NJ

Why it Rocks

Delicious, reasonably priced sushi (total bill for 2: under $70) and fun atmosphere make this restaurant one I will definitely be visiting again. Sushi Lounge also offers a rockin' Happy Hour Monday-Friday from 3-6:30, featuring select half price drinks, appetizers, and sushi rolls.

Gripes

Just one - The food just came too darn quickly, making our dinner seem a bit short-lived.

We skipped dessert in favor of the aforementioned Crumbs Bake Shop...article coming up next...

Freebies: HOLY GUACAMOLE!

I don't know about you, but I woke up today thinking it had to be Friday since this week has seemingly gone on for much longer than 2 days. If you are looking for a bit of happy hour to get you over the hump and make the next 2 days less painful, I suggest hitting up Rosa Mexicano for the debut of Guac on Tap.

What is Guac on Tap, you ask? Head into any Rosa location around the city (I recommend Union Square) between 5 and 6pm tonight, spend at least $10 and get some free guacamole! And really, have you ever had better guacamole than Rosa's? This Manhattan chick has not. Choose from their extensive drink menu, which includes margaritas, sangria, wine, and if it's been a really rough day, some tequila flights. I recommend their deliciously famed pomegranate margarita.
The promise of yummy drinks and out-of-this-world free guac? That's enough to get me through hump day.

Katwalk

What: No, it's not the name of a gentleman's club, but a rockin' bar/lounge in the Fashion District.
Where: 2 West 35th Street
Why it Rocks:
1) Sex & the City Wednesdays, featuring a big screen showing of your fave eps and fashionably monikered drink specials...Mr. Big shots anyone? Bring a group of 8 ladies or more and get free apps!
2) Fab outdoor seating arrangements! As Spring springs, this is a highly valued feature as all city dwellers long for some semi-fresh air
3) Music is fun and audible, but not so much that you can't carry a conversation.
4) Happy Hour Mon-Fri from 3-7, including $4-$6 specialty cocktails and $6 glasses of wine.
Bonus: It's charitable! Katwalk encourages guest bartending gigs where they donate 10% of drink proceeds to the charity of guest bartender's choice.

Gripes:
1) You have to practically climb over piled up trash on the corner to reach the entrance
2) Remember those fab outdoor seating arrangements? See Gripe #1.
3) Stay away from the nachos, unless you are into chips slathered in fake cheese and salsa (and not in a good way).

Bottom Line:
Great place for after work drinks, especially if you start before 7! Stay at the bar unless you've reserved a table. While it does get crowded quickly, seats frequently open up.