Mari's Japanese Cuisine

For New Yorkers in Schenectady, Mari's Japanese Cuisine holds a special place, often regarded as a long-standing fixture in the local dining scene. This charming bistro has carved out a niche for itself by offering fresh Japanese dishes in a cozy and intimate environment. If you're looking for a quiet spot to enjoy quality sushi, crispy tempura, or other beloved Japanese classics, Mari's provides a distinct experience that combines culinary focus with a welcoming atmosphere.

Mari's Japanese Cuisine has been serving the Schenectady community for decades, building a loyal following with its consistent dedication to familiar Japanese flavors. While it may offer a more modest scale compared to some larger establishments, this allows for a concentrated focus on the quality of each dish and the care given to every guest. It's a place where the fresh ingredients shine, from delicate sushi rolls to perfectly fried tempura. Mari's exudes a cute, bistro-type vibe that creates a pleasant backdrop for a relaxed meal, making it a go-to spot for many locals seeking a comforting and authentic taste of Japan right here in New York.

Mari's Japanese Cuisine is conveniently located at 2049 Van Vranken Ave., Schenectady, NY 12308, USA. Van Vranken Avenue is a well-known street in Schenectady, making the restaurant easily accessible for residents within the city and surrounding areas of the Capital Region. Its position ensures a straightforward drive for those coming from different parts of Schenectady, Niskayuna, and even Albany.

The restaurant's location typically offers street parking and potentially nearby parking lots, adding to the convenience for diners. For New Yorkers utilizing public transport, the CDTA Van Vranken line has a bus stop just across the street at the corner of Van Vranken Avenue and Salina Street, providing easy access. This accessibility makes Mari's a practical choice for both dine-in experiences and quick takeout orders.

Mari's Japanese Cuisine offers a range of services centered around fresh and authentic Japanese food, available for both dine-in and takeout:

• Fresh Sushi and Sashimi: Mari's specializes in sushi, offering a variety of fresh sushi and sashimi options. Their menu includes classic rolls like California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, and more unique creations such as the "Spicy Girl" roll (as praised by a customer). They also feature specific combos like Eel Sushi Roll Combo, Tempura Sushi Roll Combo, and Veggie Sushi Roll Combo.
• Tempura Dishes: Customers highlight the quality of their tempura, describing it as "crisp and delicious with fresh seasonal ingredients." This includes options like Shrimp Tempura Box, Chicken Tempura Box, Vegetable Tempura Box, and Seafood Tempura Box.
• Japanese Kitchen Entrees: The menu extends beyond sushi to include a variety of cooked Japanese dishes such as Teriyaki (Chicken, Salmon, Pork), Donkatsu (Pork Katsu, Chicken Katsu), and Udon.
• Lunch Specials: Mari's offers attractive lunch specials, including "Any 2 Roll Lunch" and "Any 3 Roll Lunch" options, as well as various "Box Lunch Specials" that come with soup or salad.
• Appetizers and Salads: A selection of appetizers like Gyoza (pan-fried pork dumplings), Crab Rangoon, and Seaweed Salad are available to start your meal.
• Dine-In Service: The restaurant provides a "cute little place" with a "bistro type environment" and a "good vibe" for dining in. It's suitable for small groups looking for an intimate setting.
• Takeout and Delivery: Mari's offers convenient carry-out service and is also available for delivery through platforms like Grubhub. Customers can call to place their orders.
• Limited Dessert and Drink Options: While the focus is on the main dishes, they offer basic ice cream and mousse for dessert and a limited drink selection.

Mari's Japanese Cuisine is known for several distinguishing features that contribute to its appeal within the Schenectady community:

• Very Good Quality Food: Despite a critical review regarding sushi portion size/price comparison, other feedback strongly indicates "very good quality food" overall, emphasizing "fresh seasonal ingredients" for items like tempura and "crisp and delicious" execution.
• Delicious and Fresh Sushi: The sushi, particularly specific rolls, is often praised for being "absolutely delicious and fresh," indicating a commitment to quality in this core offering. The "spicy girl" roll was called "terrific!"
• Crispy and Delicious Tempura: The tempura is a standout, noted for being "crisp and delicious" and made with fresh seasonal ingredients, which is a key highlight for fans of this classic Japanese dish.
• Cute Little Place with Good Vibe: The restaurant's "cute little place" and "bistro type environment" contribute to a pleasant and "good vibe," creating a comfortable and intimate setting suitable for small gatherings.
• Wonderful Service and Nicest Folks: The staff at Mari's receives high praise, described as "the nicest folks ever" and providing "wonderful" service. This personal attention makes diners feel valued and welcomed.
• Suitable for Small Groups: The intimate setting is ideal for "maybe 2-5 people," fostering a cozy atmosphere for family or close friends.
• Long-Standing Establishment: Having been open for a significant period (since 1985), Mari's has a "nostalgic connection" and established presence in the Schenectady area, indicating its endurance and local appreciation.

Mari's Japanese Cuisine offers several value-oriented promotions that are particularly appealing to New York locals:

• Lunch Specials: Mari's provides attractive lunch specials, including the "Any 2 Roll Lunch" for $12.50 (select any two rolls from a diverse range) and the "Any 3 Roll Lunch" for $15.00 (select any three rolls). These offers come with a choice of soda or bottled water, providing excellent value during midday.
• Box Lunch Specials: A variety of "Box Lunch Specials" are available, such as Chicken Teriyaki Box, Shrimp Tempura Box, and Sushi Sashimi Box, all including miso soup or salad and offering a complete meal.
• Dinner Combos: They also feature various sushi roll combos for dinner, like the "Spicy Sushi Roll Combo," "Eel Sushi Roll Combo," and "Tempura Sushi Roll Combo," allowing diners to explore different flavors at a set price.
• Hibachi Combo: A Hibachi Combo is also available where you can choose two meat options (chicken, salmon, shrimp, steak) and the meal comes with fried rice or noodles and vegetables, offering a different dining experience option.
• Takeout and Delivery Availability: While not strictly a "promotion," the convenience of $0 delivery fees through platforms like Grubhub (for DashPass members) adds value for customers preferring to dine at home.

For the most current and accurate details on all promotions and special offers, it's always best to check Mari's Japanese Cuisine's official website or their listings on popular delivery platforms.

To plan your visit or place an order with Mari's Japanese Cuisine, here's their contact information:

• Address: 2049 Van Vranken Ave., Schenectady, NY 12308, USA
• Phone: (518) 381-4881
• Mobile Phone: +1 518-381-4881

Mari's Japanese Cuisine operates with split hours: Monday to Wednesday from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM for lunch and 4:30 PM to 8:45 PM for dinner. Thursday to Friday, lunch is 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM and dinner is 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM. On Saturday, lunch is 11:45 AM to 2:00 PM and dinner is 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM. They are closed on Sundays. It is advisable to call ahead for reservations, especially for groups, given the intimate size, or to confirm hours.

For New Yorkers in Schenectady, Mari's Japanese Cuisine is a uniquely suitable dining spot, particularly for those who appreciate an intimate atmosphere, fresh ingredients, and attentive service. While some very specific criticisms might arise, the overarching sentiment from many locals points to its "very good quality food" and the charm of its "cute little place." This restaurant is ideal for individuals or small groups (2-5 people) seeking a peaceful and focused dining experience where the emphasis is on the craft of Japanese cooking rather than a large, bustling environment.

The consistent praise for their "crisp and delicious" tempura and generally "delicious and fresh" sushi highlights the culinary strengths that keep patrons returning. Furthermore, the "wonderful service" provided by "the nicest folks ever" creates a genuinely welcoming and personalized atmosphere, a quality highly valued by regulars. Its long-standing presence in Schenectady also offers a comforting sense of familiarity and a connection to the community's history.

For locals, Mari's offers practical benefits such as accessible lunch specials, including the popular "Any 2/3 Roll Lunch" options, making quality Japanese food affordable for midday meals. Its convenient location on Van Vranken Avenue with public transport access and available parking further enhances its appeal. Ultimately, Mari's Japanese Cuisine is a beloved "gem" in Schenectady, providing a reliable source of well-prepared Japanese dishes and a warm, inviting setting that makes it a perfect local choice for those seeking a thoughtful and satisfying meal.

Mari's Japanese Cuisine

2049 Van Vranken Ave., Schenectady, NY 12308, USA