Sankyu Sushi & Izakaya

For those in Illinois seeking a truly authentic Japanese dining experience reminiscent of an "izakaya from Japan," Sankyu Sushi & Izakaya in Mt. Prospect is a destination that warrants attention. Under new ownership and recently renovated, this restaurant is quickly re-establishing itself as a local favorite, aiming to bring genuine Japanese flavors and ambiance to the community.

Sankyu Sushi & Izakaya offers a diverse menu that extends beyond just sushi, embracing the spirit of a traditional izakaya with a focus on small plates, grilled skewers (yakitori), and a welcoming atmosphere. While some recent experiences indicate areas for refinement in service and consistency, the underlying quality of the food and the authentic "vibe" make it a compelling choice for Illinois residents eager to explore true Japanese culinary traditions.

Sankyu Sushi & Izakaya is conveniently located at 1176 Elmhurst Rd, Mt Prospect, IL 60056, USA. This prime spot in Mt. Prospect makes it easily accessible for residents across the Illinois region, particularly those in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago.

Situated on Elmhurst Road, a well-known thoroughfare, the restaurant benefits from good visibility and connectivity. Being in a commercial area, it typically offers accessible parking options for diners, contributing to a convenient visit. For those relying on public transportation, local Pace bus routes serve the Mt. Prospect area, with stops that could be within a reasonable distance, though checking specific routes for direct access is always recommended. Its location makes it a handy spot for locals looking to enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine without venturing far from home.

Sankyu Sushi & Izakaya offers a comprehensive Japanese dining experience, embodying the spirit of a traditional izakaya alongside a full sushi menu. Their services are designed to cater to various dining preferences, from casual meals to more elaborate gatherings.

• Dine-in Service: Enjoy the newly renovated dining area, designed to evoke the feeling of being in Japan. The ambiance is noted by customers to be conducive to a pleasant meal, making it a good spot for a relaxed dinner or social gathering.
• Takeout Service: For the convenience of customers who prefer to enjoy their Japanese dishes at home, Sankyu Sushi & Izakaya offers takeout options. You can call ahead to place your order for pickup.
• Online Ordering & Delivery: The restaurant partners with popular third-party delivery platforms such as DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats, and Postmates. This allows for easy online ordering and delivery services for residents in Mt. Prospect and surrounding areas.
• Extensive Izakaya Menu (Small Plates & Skewers): This is a major highlight, with a wide variety of small dishes perfect for sharing:
  • Yakitori (Skewers): A specialty, featuring various grilled meats and vegetables on skewers. Options include chicken heart (enjoyed by many), chicken thigh, beef, pork belly, duck, lamb, and unique items like quail egg.
  • Hot Appetizers: Such as Karaage (fried chicken), Takowasa (chopped raw octopus with wasabi), Mixed Tempura (including abundant shrimp tempura), Agedashi Tofu, Gyoza (pork and vegetable dumplings), and Grilled Squid.
  • Cold Appetizers: Including Edamame, Seaweed Salad, and various sunomono (vinegared dishes).
• Comprehensive Sushi & Sashimi Selection: Sankyu offers a wide array of fresh sushi and sashimi, emphasizing quality ingredients:
  • Nigiri & Sashimi: Including Yellowtail, Bluefin Tuna, Salmon, Sweet Shrimp, Scallop, Surf Clam, Homemade Mackerel, Salmon Roe, Hokkaido Uni (sea urchin), and Fatty Tuna (Toro).
  • Specialty & Basic Rolls: A diverse selection of sushi rolls, from classic California and Spicy Tuna to unique creations like Banzai Roll and Caterpillar Roll.
  • Sushi/Sashimi Combos: Available for those looking for a varied platter.
• Ramen & Noodles: The menu also features popular Japanese noodle dishes:
  • Tonkatsu Ramen: A rich pork bone broth ramen, though recent reviews suggest some inconsistency with seasoning.
  • Tempura Udon: Udon noodles served with tempura.
  • Other possible ramen and udon variations as a comprehensive Japanese restaurant.
• Entrees & Donburi (Rice Bowls): A selection of larger main dishes like Grilled Mackerel Combo, Chicken Teriyaki, Tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet), and various Donburi (rice bowls).
• Desserts: Offerings typically include Green Tea Mochi Ice Cream and other traditional Japanese desserts.
• Beverage Selection: A variety of Japanese beers (e.g., Sapporo), sake, and possibly other Japanese spirits.
• Lunch & Dinner Hours: Open for both lunch and dinner, with separate menus for each, ensuring availability throughout the day.

Sankyu Sushi & Izakaya boasts several compelling features and highlights that draw in local diners in Illinois, despite some noted inconsistencies in recent customer experiences. Its strengths lie in its authentic approach and diverse menu.

• "As Close to an Izakaya from Japan": This is a significant highlight. Customers, including those who frequently visit Japan, praise the restaurant's ability to replicate a genuine Japanese izakaya experience, from the interior design to the style of food offered.
• Newly Renovated Dining Area: The "newly renovated dining area is nice," contributing to a pleasant and immersive atmosphere that makes diners "feel like you're in Japan."
• Diverse and Authentic Izakaya Menu: The wide selection of skewers (yakitori) and small plates (like Takowasa, Grilled Squid, Chicken Karaage) is a major draw. These dishes are consistently praised for being "simple and tasty," offering a genuine taste of Japanese comfort food.
• Solid Sushi & Sashimi Quality: While there was a specific issue with uni, the majority of the "nigiri was mostly fresh and good," indicating a general high standard for their raw fish offerings. The "mixed tempura was solid" with a "light and delicious" batter.
• Generous Shrimp Tempura in Combos: A standout detail from one review was the mixed tempura coming with "four shrimp tempuras which was kind of amazing." This suggests good value in certain combo plates.
• Return of Beloved Dishes (Potential): The hope expressed by a customer for the return of "gyutan (beef tongue)" indicates a history of unique and well-loved traditional items, suggesting a commitment to a diverse and authentic menu.
• Convenient Local Access: For those residing nearby, being "just a walking distance from our place" makes it an incredibly convenient spot for regular visits, fostering a strong local following.

While there are clear highlights, recent reviews also point to areas for improvement such as service speed, consistency in ramen seasoning, and quality control on certain high-end sushi items like uni. However, the strong positive feedback on the overall izakaya experience and many specific dishes suggests that Sankyu has a solid foundation for continued success.

While specific, universally advertised promotions for Sankyu Sushi & Izakaya are not explicitly detailed in the provided customer reviews, established Japanese restaurants often utilize various strategies to offer value to their clientele in Illinois. It's always best for interested diners to check directly with the restaurant for the most current information.

Based on their menu structure and industry practices, Sankyu Sushi & Izakaya might offer:

• Lunch Specials: Their online menu explicitly lists "Lunch Special" options available on Tuesday-Friday (11:00 AM – 2:30 PM) and Saturday & Sunday (11:00 AM – 10:00 PM for the full menu, implying specials may be available within those hours or as distinct lunch sets). These often provide excellent value.
• Specialty Combos: As seen with their sashimi and nigiri combos, and various "Entree" options that come with rice, soup, salad, and a side, these pre-selected groupings often offer a better price point than ordering individual items.
• Online Ordering Deals: Check their listings on third-party delivery platforms like DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats, and Postmates. These platforms frequently offer discounts on first orders, free delivery for minimum order amounts, or exclusive combo deals.
• Happy Hour / Late Night Specials: Given its Izakaya nature, it's possible they offer late-night food (their website indicates late-night hours on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) or drink specials, though not explicitly confirmed in the reviews.
• Seasonal or Weekly Specials: Traditional izakayas often feature daily or weekly specials based on fresh ingredients. Inquiring about such specials during a visit could reveal unique culinary offerings.

Given the recent ownership change and renovations, it's possible Sankyu Sushi & Izakaya may introduce new promotional strategies. Calling the restaurant or visiting their official website would be the most reliable way to stay informed about any current offers.

For those in Illinois looking to experience the authentic Japanese flavors and izakaya ambiance of Sankyu Sushi & Izakaya in Mt. Prospect, here's how you can get in touch:

Address: 1176 Elmhurst Rd, Mt Prospect, IL 60056, USA

Phone: (847) 228-5539

You can also find their menu and place online orders through various popular food delivery and takeout platforms such as DoorDash, Grubhub, Uber Eats, and Postmates. For more detailed information on their hours, reservations, and full menu, it is recommended to visit their official website.

For residents across Illinois, particularly those in Mt. Prospect and the surrounding communities, Sankyu Sushi & Izakaya offers a compelling and evolving Japanese dining experience that feels genuinely authentic. Its newly renovated interior provides a welcoming "vibe" that genuinely makes you "feel like you're in Japan," setting it apart from many other local Japanese establishments.

The strength of Sankyu lies in its extensive izakaya menu, featuring a wide array of delicious skewers and small plates that are perfect for sharing and exploring diverse Japanese flavors. The commitment to fresh sushi and sashimi, along with hearty entrees and ramen, caters to a broad range of preferences. While recent customer feedback points to some areas for service consistency, the overall quality of many dishes, particularly the appetizers and the majority of the nigiri, combined with the accessible location and "walking distance" convenience for many locals, makes Sankyu Sushi & Izakaya a valuable addition to the Illinois dining scene. It's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in an authentic Japanese culinary journey, fostering a sense of community and appreciation for genuine flavors.

Sankyu Sushi & Izakaya

1176 Elmhurst Rd, Mt Prospect, IL 60056, USA