Maki Sushi & Cocktails

For those of us living in California, especially in the thriving city of Riverside, finding a dining spot that perfectly balances fresh, delicious food with a lively atmosphere and excellent drinks is a true win. Maki Sushi & Cocktails has quickly established itself as just such a place, becoming a vibrant hub within the Riverside Food Lab. It’s not just a sushi restaurant; it’s a full experience where culinary artistry meets mixology, creating a truly memorable outing for locals and visitors alike.

Maki Sushi & Cocktails is celebrated for its commitment to quality, from the "super tasty and fresh" ingredients in their sushi to the "balance flavor profile" of their diverse cocktail menu. Whether you're craving a comforting bowl of ramen, expertly crafted sushi rolls like the "91 FWY" or "Asahi night," or simply a refreshing drink in a friendly setting, this establishment consistently delivers. Patrons rave about the attentive and delightful staff, creating an inviting environment that makes everyone feel welcome. This article will provide a comprehensive look at what makes Maki Sushi & Cocktails a highly recommended destination for anyone in the California region seeking an authentic and enjoyable Japanese-inspired dining and cocktail experience in Riverside.

Maki Sushi & Cocktails is ideally situated at 3605 Market St #14, Riverside, CA 92501, USA. This prime location places it within the bustling and popular Riverside Food Lab, a vibrant culinary collective that has become a key attraction in downtown Riverside. Market Street is a central thoroughfare, making the restaurant highly visible and easily accessible for residents throughout the city and surrounding areas.

Being part of the Riverside Food Lab offers several advantages in terms of accessibility. The Food Lab typically provides ample parking options, including nearby street parking and parking structures, which is a significant convenience in a downtown setting. Its location within this popular food hall means it's often a destination for those exploring various culinary options, making it a great spot to stumble upon or plan a visit to. The lively atmosphere of the Food Lab itself, combined with Maki Sushi & Cocktails' inviting interior, enhances the overall accessibility and appeal, ensuring a pleasant experience from the moment you arrive.

Maki Sushi & Cocktails offers a dynamic range of services, blending traditional Japanese culinary offerings with a vibrant bar experience, ensuring a delightful visit for every patron.

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal and drinks in a lively and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant is known for its friendly and talkative staff who create a comfortable and engaging environment for guests.
• Sushi & Rolls: A wide selection of fresh sushi and beautifully crafted rolls, including unique creations like the "91 FWY" and "Asahi Night" rolls, along with popular options like Seared Salmon Roll, Lit Baked, Maki, DTR, Proabition Crunch, Hot Cheeto, Mt. Rubidoux, Mission Inn, Spicy Tuna, Rainbow Menagerie, I.E. Fire, and California Rolls.
• Nigiri & Sashimi: Traditional nigiri (two pieces per order) and various sashimi options featuring fresh fish such as Salmon, Tuna, Shrimp, Eel, and Yellowtail. They also offer Yellowtail Sashimi Belly and Bluefin Tuna Sashimi.
• Ramen Bowls: Offering comforting and flavorful ramen bowls, perfect for a cozy meal, as highlighted by satisfied customers.
• Poki Bowls: Customizable "Build Your Own Poke" bowls with a choice of 2 or 3 proteins, various bases (white rice, spring mix, or both), and an array of toppings and sauces. Protein options include Shrimp, Tuna, Spicy Tuna, Eel, Spam, Salmon, and Yellowtail.
• Cocktail Bar: A full bar offering a variety of well-balanced and flavorful cocktails, with creative bartenders willing to craft custom drinks (like a whiskey sour, as noted in a review).
• Takeout Service: For those on the go, customers can place orders for pickup to enjoy their fresh sushi and other dishes at home or elsewhere.
• Delivery Services: Maki Sushi & Cocktails partners with major food delivery platforms such as Uber Eats and DoorDash, bringing their delicious menu items directly to your doorstep.
• Online Ordering: Easily browse their comprehensive menu and place orders for both pickup and delivery through various online platforms, ensuring a seamless ordering experience.
• Small Plates & Appetizers: A selection of starters like Edamame, Masubi, Hand Rolls, Crispy Rice, and Hamachi Crudo.
• Entrees: Offering a variety of Japanese kitchen entrees, including Teriyaki (Chicken, Salmon, Beef), Ton Katsu (Pork, Chicken, Beef), Filet Mignon Steak, and Korean BBQ Beef Ribs.

Maki Sushi & Cocktails stands out in the Riverside dining scene with a range of distinctive features and highlights that contribute to its glowing reviews and loyal customer base.

• "Super Tasty and Fresh" Food: This is a consistent highlight, with customers praising the quality of the ingredients. The "seared salmon roll was pretty good," and the "91 FWY and the Asahi night rolls" were described as "delicious and beautifully crafted." The freshness of the fish is clearly a top priority.
• Perfect Sushi Rice: A true mark of a quality sushi restaurant, one reviewer specifically noted their pickiness about sushi rice, yet found the "texture/seasoning was just right" at Maki Sushi & Cocktails. This attention to detail elevates the sushi experience.
• Exceptional Cocktails with "Balance Flavor Profile": The "Cocktails" are a major draw. The ability of the staff, like Monica, to expertly create drinks, even custom requests like a whiskey sour, speaks volumes about their mixology skills and dedication to customer satisfaction. The variety of cocktails all offered "a balance flavor profile."
• Outstanding and Friendly Staff: Customer service is a significant highlight. Servers like Monica are described as "an absolute treasure" and "an absolute delight to talk to." The entire team is noted as "very friendly and talkative," creating a welcoming and engaging atmosphere.
• Inviting and Accommodating Atmosphere: The restaurant offers a fun and comfortable environment. The anecdote about changing the music from "Romeo and Juliet playing" to "old school reggaeton" demonstrates their willingness to go above and beyond to ensure customer comfort and enjoyment.
• Diverse Menu with Unique Rolls: Beyond standard options, Maki Sushi & Cocktails offers a creative array of specialty rolls like the "Lit Baked," "Hot Cheeto," "Mt. Rubidoux," and "Mission Inn" rolls, catering to adventurous palates while still providing classics.
• Comprehensive Japanese Offerings: In addition to sushi and rolls, they serve comforting ramen bowls, customizable poke bowls, various nigiri and sashimi options, and a selection of Japanese entrees, making it a versatile dining spot.
• Located within Riverside Food Lab: Being part of this popular food hall adds to the vibrant atmosphere and offers guests the convenience of exploring other vendors if desired, enhancing the overall experience.

While explicit, widely advertised daily or weekly promotions are not extensively detailed in the provided reviews, Maki Sushi & Cocktails offers value through its diverse menu, customizable options, and the overall experience. Based on common practices within such establishments and elements inferred from reviews:

• Diverse Menu Pricing: The extensive menu, from individual nigiri pieces starting around $6.60 to specialty rolls around $20-$24, allows customers to tailor their spending to their appetite and budget. For example, a "91 FWY" roll is priced around $19.20, and a "Seared Salmon" roll is around $22.80.
• Customizable Poke Bowls: Their "Build Your Own Poke" bowls are offered with 2 proteins (around $19.20) or 3 proteins (around $22.80), providing a customizable and value-driven option for a complete meal.
• Lunch Specials: While not specifically mentioned in the reviews, many sushi restaurants offer lunch specials or combos that bundle popular items at a more attractive price during midday hours. It would be advisable for customers to inquire directly or check their full menu for any such offerings.
• Cocktail Offerings: The presence of a full bar and a variety of creative cocktails provides a premium beverage experience, with prices for cocktails generally starting around $18, reflecting the craft and quality. One review mentioned $6 shots which implies potential happy hour deals for specific drinks, although this is not explicitly stated as a regular promotion.
• Special Event Offerings: As highlighted by the Valentine's Day visit, restaurants often create special menus or pairings for holidays, offering unique dining experiences that may come as a set price.
• Customer Service Value: While not a monetary discount, the exceptional and attentive service, as described by customers, adds significant perceived value to the dining experience, making patrons feel they are getting more than just food for their money.

For the most current and specific information on any promotions, happy hour timings, or special offers, it is always recommended for locals to check Maki Sushi & Cocktails' official online presence (e.g., their page on Riverside Food Lab's website, or social media) or to call the restaurant directly.

To experience the fresh sushi, delicious ramen, and creative cocktails at Maki Sushi & Cocktails, or for any inquiries, you can reach them using the following contact details:

Address: 3605 Market St #14, Riverside, CA 92501, USA

Phone: (951) 455-4070

Mobile Phone: +1 951-455-4070

Operating Hours: (Based on available public data)

• Sunday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• Friday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

For convenient online ordering and to view their full menu, you can find Maki Sushi & Cocktails on platforms such as Riverside Food Lab's website, Uber Eats, and DoorDash.

For the residents of Riverside, California, Maki Sushi & Cocktails stands out as an exceptionally suitable and highly appealing dining destination. It embodies the very essence of what Californians seek in their local establishments: a blend of high-quality cuisine, a vibrant social atmosphere, and genuinely friendly service, all within a convenient and popular location.

One of the most compelling reasons Maki Sushi & Cocktails is ideal for the local community is its unwavering commitment to "super tasty and fresh" food. From beautifully crafted sushi rolls like the "91 FWY" and "Asahi night" to perfectly seasoned sushi rice, the culinary team prioritizes quality ingredients and meticulous preparation. This dedication ensures that every bite is a delightful experience, satisfying the discerning palates of California's sushi enthusiasts. The inclusion of comforting ramen and customizable poke bowls further broadens its appeal, making it a versatile choice for different cravings and dietary preferences.

Beyond the food, the exceptional customer service and inviting atmosphere truly make Maki Sushi & Cocktails a local favorite. Patrons consistently rave about the staff being "an absolute treasure" and "very friendly and talkative," creating a welcoming and engaging environment that makes every visit enjoyable. The willingness of staff to go above and beyond, like accommodating music requests or crafting custom cocktails, fosters a strong sense of community and personal connection. This is a place where you feel genuinely appreciated, enhancing the overall dining experience far beyond just the meal itself.

Finally, its prime location within the lively Riverside Food Lab on Market Street provides easy accessibility and ample parking, integrating seamlessly into the urban lifestyle of Riverside residents. Whether you're looking for a casual lunch, a dynamic dinner with friends, or a spot for a celebratory drink, Maki Sushi & Cocktails offers a flexible and appealing option. It's more than just a place to eat sushi; it's a vibrant hub where quality food, creative cocktails, and warm hospitality converge, solidifying its status as a must-visit destination for anyone in the local community.

Maki Sushi & Cocktails

3605 Market St #14, Riverside, CA 92501, USA