Sapporo Japanese Grill & Sushi

For those in Kentucky with a deep appreciation for truly outstanding Japanese cuisine, Sapporo Japanese Grill & Sushi on Bardstown Road in Louisville stands as a testament to culinary excellence. This isn't just another restaurant; it's a vibrant dining destination that has left such a lasting impression on its patrons that some are even traveling across states to revisit. Praised for its phenomenal food, captivating ambiance, and a welcoming atmosphere, Sapporo offers an experience that goes beyond just a meal, inviting you to discover a true local treasure.

Sapporo Japanese Grill & Sushi is perfectly situated at 1706 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205, USA. This prime location places it in the heart of one of Louisville's most vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods, known for its diverse culinary scene and unique local businesses. Bardstown Road is a major and easily navigable thoroughfare, making Sapporo highly accessible for residents across Louisville and even for those making a special trip from other parts of Kentucky or beyond. While street parking can sometimes be a consideration in popular areas, there are often nearby parking options. Its central and bustling location contributes to the lively atmosphere and ensures that a phenomenal Japanese meal is within easy reach for those exploring Louisville's dynamic food landscape.

Sapporo Japanese Grill & Sushi offers an extensive and diverse menu that caters to a wide array of Japanese culinary preferences, ensuring every diner finds something to delight their palate.

• Hibachi Grill Entrees: Sapporo features popular hibachi grill options, though it's important to note that a recent change (as mentioned in one online review) might mean a shift from traditional hibachi tables to kitchen-prepared hibachi dishes, which still offer the same great flavor. These entrees typically come with clear soup, house salad with their renowned ginger dressing, a shrimp appetizer, seasonal vegetables, and steamed rice (with an option to upgrade to fried rice). Options include:
  • Chicken, Steak (New York Strip, Ribeye, Filet Mignon), Shrimp, Scallop, Salmon, Red Snapper, Lobster.
  • Various combination dinners, such as Steak & Chicken, Steak & Shrimp, Chicken & Shrimp, or grand combinations like Filet Mignon & Shrimp & Lobster.
• Extensive Sushi & Sashimi Selection: Sapporo is highly celebrated for its sushi, offering a vast selection of both traditional and innovative rolls, as well as nigiri and sashimi. Their sushi menu includes:
  • Nigiri (2pc) and Sashimi (3pc): Featuring a wide range of fresh fish like Tuna (Maguro), Salmon (Sake), Yellowtail (Hamachi), Eel (Unagi), White Tuna (Bin Naga), Red Snapper (Tai), Scallop (Hotate), and various roes (Ikura, Tobiko).
  • Maki Mono (Regular Rolls): Classics such as California Roll, Spicy Tuna, Salmon Roll, Eel Roll (with avocado or cucumber), Fried Shrimp Roll, and Spider Roll (soft shell crab).
  • House Maki (Special Rolls): Creative and unique rolls like the Bardstown, Big Mouth, Candy Cane, Crunch Munch, Derby, Iwa Maki, J.P. Special, Mango Crunch, New Orleans, No Name, Playboy, Redbull, Red Dragon, Sapporo Maki, Surf & Turf, T.J., V.I.P., and Highland Roll.
  • Deep-Fried Rolls: Including Sunday Morning, Flaming Lips, and Highland (also a special roll).
  • Vegetable Maki: Options like Avocado, Cucumber, Sweet Potato Tempura, and a Vegetable Roll.
• Appetizers: A diverse range of starters to complement any meal, many of which are highly praised:
  • Gyoza (pan-fried pork dumplings)
  • Shrimp Shumai (steamed shrimp dumplings)
  • Edamame (boiled soybeans) and Garlic Edamame
  • Shrimp Tempura and Vegetable Tempura
  • Calamari Tempura, Fried Oyster, Coconut Shrimp (a popular choice).
  • Green Mussels (broiled with Japanese sauce), Beef Negi Maki (scallion wrapped in beef).
• Soups and Salads: Classic offerings such as Miso Soup, Chicken Broth and Mushroom Soup, House Salad (with their famous ginger dressing), Seaweed Salad, and various sunomono (cucumber salads with seafood).
• Washoku Entrees (Kitchen Dishes): Cooked Japanese dishes like various Teriyaki options (Chicken, Beef, Salmon, Red Snapper), Chicken Katsu, Lemon Chicken, Tuna Sashimi with Sushi Rice, and BBQ Eel with Sushi Rice.
• Noodle Dishes: Including Tempura Udon (noodle soup), Seafood Udon, and various Yakisoba (pan-fried noodles) with choice of beef, chicken, or shrimp.
• Fried Rice Entrees: Shrimp, Chicken, Beef, Vegetable, and Combination Fried Rice.
• Tataki: Seared options like Beef Tataki, White Tuna Tataki, and Tuna Tataki.
• Desserts: Traditional Japanese Ice Cream (vanilla, green tea, red bean), Tempura Ice Cream, and Pineapple Boat.
• Dine-In and Takeout: Offering a welcoming dining room experience and convenient options for enjoying their food at home.

Sapporo Japanese Grill & Sushi stands out in the Louisville, Kentucky, dining landscape with several remarkable features that earn it high praise from its patrons:

• "Phenomenal Food": This is the most consistent and emphatic highlight. Customers consistently describe the food as "phenomenal" and "DELICIOUS!" indicating a high standard of culinary execution across their menu, from hibachi to sushi and appetizers.
• Exceptional Ambiance and Atmosphere: Beyond the food, the "ambiance and atmosphere is something you have to experience for yourself." This suggests a welcoming, perhaps lively or unique, environment that enhances the overall dining experience, contributing to its "very fun & welcoming environment."
• Unforgettable Impression: One reviewer's decision to drive "11 hours from Florida to come back here" and declare it "WAY better than 23 years ago" is an incredibly powerful testament to Sapporo's quality and its ability to create a lasting, positive impression. This level of dedication from a former local speaks volumes.
• High Praise for Hibachi and Sushi: Both the hibachi (steak and shrimp specifically mentioned) and various sushi rolls (California, Spider) receive enthusiastic compliments, showcasing their expertise in multiple Japanese culinary styles. The specific mention of "Our complements to the chef" for the hibachi further solidifies this.
• Clean and Welcoming Environment: Customers note the restaurant is "neat & Clean," which significantly contributes to a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience.
• Efficiency and No Wait: Despite being a popular spot, one review mentioned "No wait," indicating efficient service that gets delicious food to customers promptly, a highly valued trait in any busy restaurant.
• Loyal Customer Base: The strong desire for "a next time" from new customers and the long-distance return of a former local highlight Sapporo's ability to cultivate deep loyalty among its patrons in Kentucky and beyond.

For those in Kentucky looking to enjoy the exceptional offerings at Sapporo Japanese Grill & Sushi, keeping an eye out for promotions can enhance the experience. While specific daily specials might vary, based on typical restaurant practices and available public data, locals can often find:

• Happy Hour Specials: Sapporo Japanese Grill & Sushi offers a Happy Hour menu everyday from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy their delicious food and drinks at a special price.
• Lunch Specials: Many Japanese restaurants feature dedicated lunch menus with combo deals or reduced pricing on popular dishes, making it an ideal time for a more budget-friendly visit. Sapporo does indeed offer "WASHOKU LUNCH SPECIAL" and "LUNCH DONBURI" (rice bowls) during lunch hours.
• Seasonal Offerings: Restaurants often introduce seasonal ingredients or special rolls that might come with promotional pricing for a limited time.
• Online Deals: If Sapporo partners with third-party delivery services (like Uber Eats, DoorDash, etc.), these platforms occasionally run exclusive discounts or free delivery promotions.

To get the most current and accurate information on any ongoing promotions, locals are encouraged to visit Sapporo's official website, check their social media channels if available, or simply call the restaurant directly before their visit.

For those in Louisville, Kentucky, ready to experience the acclaimed Japanese cuisine and vibrant atmosphere of Sapporo Japanese Grill & Sushi, here's how to connect:

Address: 1706 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205, USA

Phone: (502) 479-5550

Sapporo Japanese Grill & Sushi typically operates during these hours:

• Dinner:
  • Monday - Thursday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  • Friday - Saturday: 5:00 PM - 10:30 PM
  • Sunday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Some sources also indicate lunch hours on weekdays (e.g., Tuesday-Friday 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM) and Sundays (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM). Given the slight discrepancies across various online sources, it is highly recommended to call the restaurant directly or check their official website (sapporolouisville.com) for the most up-to-date and accurate operating hours, especially on holidays, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.

For anyone residing in or visiting Kentucky, particularly the Louisville area, Sapporo Japanese Grill & Sushi on Bardstown Road is an absolute must-visit and perfectly suited for locals. Its status as a highly praised establishment, with customers declaring the food "phenomenal" and even traveling long distances to return, speaks volumes about its enduring quality and appeal.

Locals will appreciate the vibrant "ambiance and atmosphere" that transforms a meal into a truly enjoyable experience, whether it's a casual dinner or a special occasion. The diverse menu, covering everything from delicious hibachi (cooked to perfection by skilled chefs) to a vast array of fresh and creative sushi rolls, ensures there's something for every taste and craving. The consistently high quality of appetizers like Gyoza, and the efficiency of service ("No wait"), further cement its position as a top-tier dining spot. Sapporo isn't just serving Japanese food; it's providing a memorable culinary journey right here in Louisville, making it an indispensable part of the local dining scene for any resident seeking authentic flavors and an exceptional experience.

Sapporo Japanese Grill & Sushi

1706 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205, USA