Blowfish Sushi & Ramen

### Introduction / Overview

For those living in or visiting Chicago, especially in the vibrant Edgewater neighborhood, Blowfish Sushi & Ramen has established itself as an undeniable local favorite and a culinary highlight. More than just a typical Japanese eatery, Blowfish prides itself on offering an "ABSOLUTELY Phenomenal" dining experience that combines fresh, top-quality sushi with hearty, flavorful ramen, all within an inviting atmosphere. This establishment, which has successfully expanded from its old location, has garnered a loyal following for its commitment to exceptional food and outstanding customer service.

At Blowfish Sushi & Ramen, you'll find a diverse menu designed to cater to various preferences, from classic sushi rolls and fresh sashimi to rich, comforting bowls of ramen. What truly sets them apart, according to numerous local patrons, is not only the delicious and consistent quality of their food but also the speed of service and the genuine care shown by their staff. Whether you're a long-time resident of Illinois or just passing through Chicago, Blowfish aims to deliver a memorable and satisfying Japanese meal that keeps people coming back again and again.

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### Location and Accessibility

Blowfish Sushi & Ramen is conveniently located in the lively Edgewater neighborhood of Chicago, making it easily accessible for residents across the city. You can find this highly-rated Japanese restaurant at:

1130 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60660, USA

Situated on West Bryn Mawr Avenue, Blowfish is nestled in a dynamic area known for its diverse culinary scene and community feel. This location is well-served by Chicago's extensive public transportation network, including CTA bus routes and nearby "L" train stations, making it a breeze to reach from various parts of Illinois. For those driving, street parking is typically available in the vicinity, adding to the convenience. Its presence in a bustling and residential corridor of Edgewater ensures that it's a popular and practical choice for locals seeking a quality meal, whether for a quick bite, a relaxed dine-in experience, or a convenient takeout order.

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### Services Offered

Blowfish Sushi & Ramen offers a comprehensive array of Japanese culinary delights, emphasizing both the freshness of ingredients and the variety of their menu to cater to diverse tastes:

• Dine-in Service: Enjoy a comfortable and inviting atmosphere, described as casual elegant, perfect for an enjoyable meal. They have indoor seating and a patio that can seat up to 40 guests.
• Takeout & Delivery: For ultimate convenience, customers can place orders for pickup or have their food delivered through popular third-party platforms like Grubhub and Uber Eats. Customers frequently praise the speed and accuracy of delivery.
• Extensive Sushi & Sashimi Menu: A wide selection of fresh sushi and sashimi, including:
  • Nigiri and Sashimi: Traditional options like Tuna (Maguro), Salmon (Namasake), Yellowtail (Hamachi), Escolar (Bonito), Eel (Unagi), Scallop (Hotate), and various roes (Ikura, Tobiko). They also offer premium selections like Bluefin Belly (Toro).
  • Classic Rolls: Popular choices such as California, Spicy Tuna, Salmon & Avocado, Shrimp Tempura, Spider, and Philadelphia.
  • Signature Rolls: Creative and unique rolls like Fuji (spicy tuna, salmon, white tuna, cucumber with jalapeno sauce), Crispy BBQ Spicy Tuna, Stuffed Salmon, Hamachi Jalapeño, and Snowball. Some rolls incorporate Wagyu beef.
  • Sushi Bar Combinations: Curated platters like Sushi Deluxe (6 pieces nigiri with spicy tuna roll), Sashimi Deluxe (12 pieces sashimi), Makimono (California, spicy tuna, shrimp tempura rolls), and Spicymono (spicy tuna, salmon, and shrimp rolls).
• Hearty Ramen Bowls: A strong highlight, offering various flavorful ramen options:
  • Black Garlic Tonkotsu Ramen: A popular choice with silky pork soup, Holland pork chashu, kikurage mushrooms, and black garlic oil.
  • Beef Brisket Ramen: Miso soup noodle topped with soy-marinated beef brisket.
  • Spicy Roasted Garlic Miso Ramen: Miso soup with pork chashu, chili pepper, and roasted garlic.
  • Tofu Shoyu Ramen: A soy sauce and vegetable-based soup with fried tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Signature Poke Bowls: Fresh and customizable bowls like Flaming Tuna Bowl, Salmon Sunrise Bowl, Dynamite Bowl (shrimp tempura), and Veggie Delight Bowl.
• Appetizers: A diverse range including Gyoza (pan-fried beef dumplings), Edamame (sea salt or spicy garlic butter), Crispy BBQ Spicy Tuna, Stuffed Salmon, Tiger Shrimp Tempura, Hamachi Jalapeño, Pork Buns, Karaage Chicken, and Calamari.
• Soups & Salads: Classic Miso Soup, Cucumber Salad, Seaweed Salad, and Creamy Crab Salad.
• Full Bar & Sake Selection: Offering a variety of cold and hot sake, as well as beer, wine, and signature cocktails like the Yuzu Highball.
• Desserts: Simple yet satisfying options like Green Tea Ice Cream and Mochi Ice Cream.
• Gluten-Free Options: A remarkable highlight for those with dietary restrictions, with many sushi rolls and dishes thoughtfully adaptable to be gluten-free, including gluten-free soy sauce provided upon request.

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### Features / Highlights

Blowfish Sushi & Ramen truly shines in the Chicago dining scene due to several key features that draw in and retain its loyal local customer base:

• "Absolutely Phenomenal" Food Quality: Customers consistently rave about the "delicious" food, "top quality in taste," and the "so fresh" sushi. This commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients is a cornerstone of their appeal.
• Exceptional Customer Service: The staff is frequently praised for being "outstanding," "kind," "attentive," and providing "reassurance," particularly for diners with dietary needs like celiac disease. This level of care creates a welcoming and memorable experience.
• Accommodating Gluten-Free Options: A significant highlight is their extensive and thoughtfully prepared gluten-free menu. Servers are knowledgeable about modifications and proactively offer gluten-free soy sauce, making it a "favorite place in Chicago" for individuals with celiac and other dietary restrictions.
• Speedy Service: Many reviews commend the "very short wait time for the food," with dishes often arriving within "5 minutes." This efficiency is a huge plus for those seeking a quick yet high-quality meal.
• Dual Specialization in Sushi & Ramen: Unlike many restaurants that focus on just one, Blowfish excels in both. Their ramen is frequently cited as "excellent" and "some of the best ramen on the North side," while their sushi is consistently described as "delicious" and "fresh."
• Great Value: Customers feel the "price was well worth it," indicating that the quality and portion sizes justify the cost, making it a great value for the money.
• Consistent Quality Over Time: Long-time patrons note that Blowfish has maintained its high quality since its expansion, proving its reliability and dedication to standards.
• Inviting Atmosphere: The "atmosphere" is frequently mentioned as a positive, contributing to a pleasant dining experience.

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### Promotions or Special Offers

Blowfish Sushi & Ramen, a popular spot in Chicago, frequently offers promotions to enhance the dining experience for its valued customers. While specific offers can vary, locals should keep an eye out for these types of deals:

• Lunch Specials: Many Japanese restaurants offer attractive lunch deals, often featuring discounted sushi rolls, bento boxes, or ramen combinations. While not explicitly detailed, it's a common offering for restaurants like Blowfish that serve lunch.
• Online Ordering Incentives: They occasionally provide special offers for online orders placed through their website or via partner delivery apps. For instance, a "Free California Roll" or "Free Cold Sake" with a $75 purchase has been noted in the past on delivery platforms.
• Sushi Bar Combinations: Their menu features various "Sushi Bar Combinations" and "Makimono" sets, which offer a selection of rolls and nigiri at a bundled price, providing good value for those looking to try a variety of items.
• Happy Hour: While not explicitly detailed in recent public information, restaurants with a full bar often run happy hour specials on drinks and select appetizers or rolls during off-peak hours.
• Seasonal or Chef's Specials: Blowfish, known for its "contemporary" style, might introduce seasonal sushi rolls or ramen creations that are available for a limited time, offering a unique culinary experience.

For the most current and accurate information on any ongoing promotions or special offers, it is highly recommended that locals contact Blowfish Sushi & Ramen directly at (773) 654-3369 or check their official website and popular food delivery platforms like Grubhub and Uber Eats.

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### Contact Information

For inquiries, to place a takeout order, or to make reservations at Blowfish Sushi & Ramen in Chicago, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 1130 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60660, USA
• Phone: (773) 654-3369

You can also find their full menu and place orders through popular online delivery services such as Grubhub and Uber Eats. Given their consistent popularity, especially during peak dining hours, calling ahead or utilizing their online ordering system is often a convenient way to ensure a smooth experience.

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### Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Blowfish Sushi & Ramen is an exceptional choice and a highly suitable dining spot for locals in Chicago, embodying the perfect blend of quality, convenience, and genuine hospitality. For Illinois residents, this restaurant offers a compelling array of reasons to become a regular. Its dual expertise in both "phenomenal" sushi and "delicious" ramen means that whatever your Japanese food craving, Blowfish is likely to satisfy it with fresh ingredients and expertly prepared dishes.

The consistent praise for "outstanding customer service" is a major draw, creating a welcoming and attentive dining environment that makes every visit pleasant. This is especially true for those with dietary needs, as their thoughtful and accommodating approach to gluten-free options makes it a truly inclusive spot for the community. Furthermore, the "very short wait time for the food" and efficient service cater perfectly to the fast-paced Chicago lifestyle, whether you're dining in or picking up a meal to go.

Having maintained its high standards since expanding, Blowfish has proven its reliability and commitment to providing a consistently great experience. It's a place where quality, speed, and care converge, making it a true "favorite place in Chicago" for many. For any local seeking top-tier Japanese cuisine in a friendly and efficient setting, Blowfish Sushi & Ramen is a must-visit destination that promises a satisfying and memorable meal every time.

Blowfish Sushi & Ramen

1130 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60660, USA