Neighborhood Sushi Introduce
For Texans on the hunt for a truly standout sushi experience, Neighborhood Sushi in Austin is rapidly becoming the talk of the town. Nestled discreetly on South Congress Avenue, this establishment has quickly risen to become a favorite among discerning locals, even challenging the long-held positions of other renowned sushi spots in Austin. If you appreciate incredibly fresh fish, innovative dishes, and an atmosphere that combines elegance with a relaxed vibe, Neighborhood Sushi is a must-visit that promises to impress.
What sets Neighborhood Sushi apart is not just its commitment to quality ingredients, but the entire dining journey it offers. From its intriguing, tucked-away entrance to the beautifully dim-lit interior, every detail is crafted to create a memorable experience. Patrons consistently express their "absolute impress" with the food and the overall ambiance, frequently recommending it to friends and family. It’s a place where the fresh fish takes center stage, and every dish is a testament to culinary excellence.
Neighborhood Sushi is conveniently located at 1716 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704, USA. This address places it squarely in Austin's iconic South Congress (SoCo) district, a vibrant and popular area known for its unique shops, lively entertainment, and diverse culinary offerings. The restaurant's position on South Congress makes it easily accessible for residents across Austin and visitors exploring the city's charming south side.
One of the distinctive features of Neighborhood Sushi's location is its entrance, which is "discreet and tucked away in the back," often accessed from Annie Street. While this might be a pleasant surprise for some, it adds to the establishment's exclusive and intimate charm. Parking in the South Congress area can be a mix of street-side spots (some with 2-hour limits) and possibly nearby parking lots, including one accessible off Annie Street. Its central location also means it's well-served by local transport routes, ensuring a convenient visit whether you’re driving or using public transit.
Neighborhood Sushi provides a refined dining experience centered around high-quality sushi and Japanese-inspired dishes.
- Dine-in Service: Enjoy your meal in a beautiful setting with "dim lighting that sets a relaxed, elegant vibe." The ambiance is designed for a comfortable and sophisticated dining experience.
- Extensive Sushi and Sashimi Selection: The menu features a wide array of incredibly fresh fish for nigiri and sashimi, often highlighted by customers as a key reason for their satisfaction. Popular items like Tuna Nigiri, Yellowtail Nigiri, and Salmon Nigiri are available à la carte.
- Innovative Rolls and Dishes: Beyond traditional offerings, Neighborhood Sushi presents creative rolls such as Spicy Tuna Roll, Spicy Salmon Roll, and Snow Crab Roll. They also offer unique dishes like "Pork Belly" which has garnered high praise, and a "Sushi per Person" option that includes soup or salad, nigiri, and a roll.
- Japanese-Inspired Small Plates and Appetizers: Complementing the sushi are a variety of small plates and appetizers, including Grilled Edamame, Miso Soup, Egg Drop Soup, and various salads, showcasing Japanese and contemporary Asian influences.
- Full Bar with Cocktails, Sake, and Wine: The restaurant features a well-curated drink menu with signature cocktails like "Drunken Angel" and "Red Dragon Cocktail," along with a comprehensive selection of sake, wine (by the glass and bottle), and beer, perfect for pairing with your meal.
- Takeout Options: For those who prefer to enjoy their sushi at home, takeout services are available, allowing you to savor Neighborhood Sushi's flavors at your convenience.
- Attentive and Knowledgeable Service: The staff at Neighborhood Sushi are frequently commended for their great service, being attentive, friendly, and helpful with menu explanations and recommendations.
Neighborhood Sushi distinguishes itself with several key features that contribute to its growing popularity among Austin locals:
- Incredibly Fresh Fish: This is a consistent and highly praised aspect of Neighborhood Sushi. Customers repeatedly emphasize the freshness of the fish, calling it "unbeatable" and "incredibly fresh," which is paramount for a quality sushi experience.
- Exceptional Flavor and Culinary Execution: Reviewers describe every dish as "beyond delicious." The culinary team's ability to craft flavorful and well-executed items, from sushi to a highly lauded "Pork Belly," ensures a memorable meal.
- Beautiful and Relaxed Ambiance: The interior design and lighting create a "beautiful" and "elegant vibe" that is also "relaxed." This makes it suitable for various occasions, from a romantic date night to a casual dinner with friends.
- Discreet and Unique Entrance: The "discreet and tucked away in the back" entrance adds an element of discovery and exclusivity to the dining experience, making it feel like a true hidden gem.
- Friendly and Great Service: The staff are consistently praised for their professionalism and attentiveness. They are described as "very friendly" and "great at suggestions," enhancing the overall customer satisfaction.
- Strong Contender Among Austin's Best: Many long-time Austin sushi enthusiasts, who have tried other top spots like Soto and Lucky Robot, now consider Neighborhood Sushi their new favorite, highlighting its competitive edge in the local market.
- Diverse Menu Beyond Sushi: While sushi is a highlight, the menu includes a range of Japanese-inspired dishes, ensuring there's something for every palate, even for those who might be newer to Japanese cuisine.
Neighborhood Sushi offers a popular Happy Hour and-a-half, providing an excellent opportunity for locals to enjoy their high-quality offerings at a more accessible price point. This special runs:
- Weekdays: Monday through Friday
- Time: 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM
- Availability: Throughout the entire restaurant.
During happy hour, you can expect food and beverage specials. While specific items on discount may vary, happy hour menus often include:
- Discounted prices on select sushi and sashimi.
- Specials on appetizers and small plates.
- Reduced prices on drinks, including beer, sake, and signature cocktails.
This happy hour is a fantastic way to "try a bunch of different things" and experience the quality of Neighborhood Sushi without committing to a full dinner price, making it a "great deal" highly recommended by patrons.
To experience the highly recommended Neighborhood Sushi for yourself, here’s how to reach them:
Address: 1716 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704, USA
Phone: (512) 580-1390
Reservations are recommended, especially for evening dining, to ensure you secure a table at this popular Austin sushi spot.
For Texans, particularly those residing in Austin, Neighborhood Sushi is a standout addition to the city's dynamic culinary scene. It’s a place that resonates with the local desire for high-quality, authentic, and memorable dining experiences. Its unique blend of an intimate, hidden entrance, a beautifully designed interior, and an unwavering commitment to fresh, delicious food makes it an ideal choice for a variety of occasions, from a casual weeknight meal to a special celebration.
The consistent praise from locals, with many stating it has "easily become one of my favorites" and urging others to "go experience it for yourself," speaks volumes. The focus on "incredibly fresh fish" and the ability to craft dishes that are "beyond delicious" ensures a satisfying meal every time. While some minor issues like rice consistency have been mentioned, the overall positive feedback regarding the quality, atmosphere, and service strongly outweighs any minor critiques. The accessible location on South Congress, combined with convenient happy hour specials, further cements its appeal for the Austin community.
Neighborhood Sushi offers an approachable yet sophisticated sushi experience that rivals the best in Austin, making it a truly suitable and highly recommended destination for anyone in Texas seeking exceptional Japanese cuisine. Don’t let anything "fool you" – you’ll "regret not trying it sooner."
Neighborhood Sushi Photos










Neighborhood Sushi Location
Neighborhood Sushi
1716 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704, USA
Neighborhood Sushi Reviews
Absolutely Impressed!I looked through the reviews and honestly couldn’t understand the 3 and 4 star ratings or some of the negative comments about Neighborhood Sushi. I’ve eaten at some of the best sushi spots here in Austin, and after dining here, Neighborhood Sushi has easily become one of my favorites.Soto used to be my go to, and for something quick, I’d head to Lucky Robot. But Neighborhood Sushi stands out, not just for the food, but for the whole experience. I love how the entrance is discreet and tucked away in the back, and the ambiance inside is beautiful, with dim lighting that sets a relaxed, elegant vibe.Every dish we tried was beyond delicious, and the fish was incredibly fresh. The pork belly? So good I almost passed out!I’ll definitely be back and will be recommending this place to friends and family. Don’t let the subpar reviews fool you—go experience it for yourself. You’ll regret not trying it sooner. Highly recommend!
May 20, 2025 · Mark MccWe’ve dined here a few times, and overall, it’s been a good experience. The fish is always fresh, which is a big plus. But the rice was too mushy this time, and that really threw off the texture of the sushi. Even people who aren’t sushi experts know that the rice is just as important as the fish.That said, the service is always great, and the atmosphere is nice. If they can get the rice right, this place would be amazing.
Feb 18, 2025 · GThe vibes + atmosphere were cute and trendy, but overall the food was sub par and sushi temperature was not cold.The menu had lots of traditional items as well as creative selections.Asparagus tempura + grilled edamame was excellent. Tuna tataki appetizer was decent but again the fish was almost warm along with the rest of sushi served and that ruined the experience for me. The flavor profile of the fish was off and did not taste fresh.The cocktail was okay. I had the fallen angel and it tasted like a watered down pina colada with chunky bits. 7/10
Mar 08, 2025 · Nikki BoudreauxThe sushi and sashimi here are undeniably fresh and flavorful—like they flew in the fish and whispered affirmations to it before slicing. Yes, it’s a tad overpriced, but considering the competition in the area, it’s worth the splurge if you’re craving high-quality sushi in Austin.Now, about the service… let’s just say it was a little too chill. We sat outside and it felt like we’d been put on airplane mode. Our sushi arrived before our drinks, and when it was time to leave, the check moved slower than a Zen monk on a nature walk.Still, I’m willing to chalk it up to an off day. The sushi alone earns this place a recommendation—just maybe ask for a seat inside and hope your server is caffeinated.
Mar 30, 2025 · Timmy CNeighborhood Sushi in Austin nailed it, equal parts hospitality and sashimi excellence. From the moment we walked in, the staff struck that rare balance of chill and attentive, making the whole experience feel personal without being overbearing.Food-wise, the ingredients were all incredibly fresh and every dish had a moment, but the lobster shishito tempura kicked things off with a sweet-heat crunch we couldn’t stop talking about. The yellowtail tartare was delicate but packed a citrusy punch, while the spicy tuna roll brought a familiar comfort done right. We capped things off with an assortment of nigiri highlighted by buttery cuts of yellowtail and melt-in-your-mouth fatty tuna that honestly deserve their own standing ovation.
Jun 01, 2025 · Max Tremain
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