Family Sushi

[8Gr8N8]

There are a lot of Sushi aficionados on the boards who indulge their passion to the tune of hundred dollar bills being stacked on white table cloth. They use words like Kiriko, Mori, Sushi Zo, and Sasabune. And that's wonderful!

But how about the working man's sushi bars? The places where a savvy couple can go in for a casual bite (my wife loves uni and ikura), get some reasonably good fish and a couple beers, and walk out for less than $60 (cheap!)?

I know Ichiban in Glendale is one example. Sushi Gen used to be another great value place, before they renovated and raised their prices. I'm looking for other inexpensive gems in Pasadena, Alhambra, and Little Tokyo. What do you say, hounds? Where can we find the best sushi values in LA, without sacrificing TOO much quality?

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Ichiban
120 S Brand Blvd, Glendale, CA 91204

[FranklinJefferson]

Apart from the "couple beers" part, Sushi Don Sasabune in Studio City might fill the bill. It is of the same family as the westside Sasabune (think of it as the Scion brand to Sasabune's Lexus). No alcohol, but bargain priced - high quality sushi, donburi etc. You'd be hard-pressed to go over $25 a head. They even have Uni right now...

[jay 1]

I haven't been for a couple of years, but Noshi Sushi on Beverly Blvd. near Western is a real workingman's sushi place. Always busy, nothing fancy...just good fresh fish, and cash only. Workingmen don't use credit cards! It closes at 9:00 so I was too late tonight. Ate at Kiriko on Sawtelle, which I will not return to.

[jaypeezy]

Ichima Sushi in Pasadena (off Rosemead) has decent sushi at very good prices...

[antonis]

Kiyokawa -- Robertson between Olympic and Wilshire (just east of Bev Hills).
Probably a little out of your ideal area, but a hidden gem nonetheless, especially for your budget.

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Kiyokawa Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar
265 S Robertson Blvd Ste 10, Beverly Hills, CA 90211

[J.L.]

Perhaps you may want to take the brood to Hide Sushi, on Sawtelle. Cash only.

[westsidegal]

i've never gotten out of hide at under $30/pp for sushi even without adding alcohol, even though i usually order the cheaper types of sushi (saba, etc).
8gr8n8's wife likes the more expensive types (ikura and uni) AND they like to have a couple of beers.
can't see hide coming in at budget in this situation.

[J.L.]

I can't see ANY palatable and safe sushi options for $30pp or less unless you buy it at the Japanese supermarkets. But I admit, I may not be qualified to answer this thread.

[ipsedixit]

Komasa and Gen come to mind.

[lotta_cox]

I am always happy at a little sushi bar in Little Tokyo on 1st Street. It is near the corner of Alameda, and has a green neon fish over the door. Why can I NEVER remember the name?

[Servorg]

There is Sushi Imai - but it's closer to Central and there was another place (Toshi?) near Imai as well. Maybe one of those two?

[cls]

I think you're thinking of Toshi Sushi. The OP might like it because Toshi came from Gen before opening his own place. It can be really good and there is a "Toshi Special" on the menu for lunch and dinner which is a chef's choice of 12? items with salad and miso soup for around $20 pp. The also have Echigo.

[lotta_cox]

I think it is Toshi. Thanks.