Shogun

For decades, Shogun Japanese Restaurant in Albuquerque’s vibrant Nob Hill district has been a familiar name for New Mexico locals seeking a taste of Japanese cuisine. Known for being one of the city's longest-standing Japanese eateries, Shogun offers a blend of traditional dishes and a distinctive dining atmosphere, especially noted for its unique sushi boat carousel. While opinions on specific aspects of the dining experience can vary among patrons, it remains a landmark for those in search of Japanese fare in the Duke City.

Shogun has built a reputation over the years, striving to provide a slice of Japanese culture in Albuquerque. From classic sushi and sashimi to hearty tempura and udon, the restaurant’s menu aims to cater to a variety of tastes. Its unique sushi boat delivery system has often been a point of fascination for diners, contributing to a distinctive and memorable visit. For New Mexico residents looking for an established Japanese restaurant with a unique twist in a central location, Shogun continues to be a part of the local dining conversation.

Shogun Japanese Restaurant is prominently located at 3310 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA. This address places it squarely in the heart of Albuquerque's vibrant Nob Hill neighborhood, a well-known cultural and commercial hub. Central Avenue SE (historic Route 66) is a major thoroughfare, making the restaurant highly visible and accessible from various parts of the city.

Being in Nob Hill, a lively urban district, means Shogun is easily reachable by car, and while parking can sometimes be a consideration in busy areas, there are typically street parking options or nearby lots available. The neighborhood is also well-served by public transportation, with numerous bus routes running along Central Avenue, providing convenient access for New Mexico locals who prefer to use public transit. This central and dynamic location adds to Shogun's appeal, making it a convenient destination for a Japanese meal.

Shogun Japanese Restaurant provides a comprehensive array of Japanese dining experiences, aiming to cater to diverse preferences.

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in the restaurant's distinct atmosphere, including seating at the sushi bar with its unique boat delivery system or at traditional tables.
• Sushi Bar with Sushi Boat Carousel: A signature service where small plates of sushi circulate on wooden boats along a water trough, allowing diners to pick their desired items directly. Custom sushi orders are also available from the menu.
• Extensive Sushi & Sashimi Menu: A broad selection of nigiri, sashimi, classic rolls (e.g., California, Spicy Tuna, Philadelphia), and special rolls (e.g., Super Crunch Roll, Dragon Roll, New Mexico Roll) is available.
• Tempura: A highly praised offering, featuring lightly battered and deep-fried seafood and vegetables, available as appetizers or main courses with rice.
• Bento Boxes: Special platters are available for both lunch and dinner, often including teriyaki (chicken, salmon, New York steak, pork cutlet) with rice and a choice of steamed vegetables or tempura.
• Udon Noodles: Thick Japanese wheat-flour noodles served in a dashi broth, with options for vegetable or seafood. Stir-fried Yaki Udon is also available.
• Appetizers: A variety of starters like Edamame (classic and garlic), Gyoza (beef or vegetable), Yakitori, Agedashi Tofu, and unique items like Aji Fry (Spanish Mackerel) and Ikayaki (grilled squid).
• Desserts: Offerings include Mochi Ice Cream, Green Tea Tempura Ice Cream, and their "award-winning" Berry Cheesecake Maki.
• Alcohol Service: The restaurant offers a selection of beverages, including beer (like Sapporo), sake, and wine.
• Takeout Service: Customers can place orders for pickup, providing a convenient option for enjoying Shogun's food at home. Online ordering may be available through third-party platforms.

Shogun Japanese Restaurant boasts several distinctive features and highlights that shape its identity in Albuquerque's dining landscape, creating varied experiences for its patrons.

• Unique Sushi Boat Carousel: A signature and memorable feature, the "sushi boat river circling the sushi bar" offers an interactive way for diners to select their sushi. This is often highlighted as a unique aspect, being the "only one in Albuquerque."
• Phenomenal Tempura: Despite mixed reviews on sushi, the tempura is consistently praised as "phenomenal" and a "saving grace of the meal" by customers, indicating a strong point on their menu.
• Long-Standing Establishment: Having served Nob Hill for "over a decade" (and potentially much longer, as suggested by reviews mentioning visits 20 years ago), Shogun has become an "Albuquerque institution," known for its consistent presence.
• Diverse Menu Beyond Sushi: While known for sushi, Shogun offers a comprehensive Japanese menu including various bento boxes, udon noodle dishes, and appetizers, catering to a wider range of tastes.
• Central Nob Hill Location: Its prime spot on Central Avenue SE in the vibrant Nob Hill district makes it easily accessible and a part of a popular cultural area.
• Friendly Environment & Service (Variable): While some reviews note "always great" service and a "friendly environment," others highlight experiences of staff being "visibly annoyed" or service being slow, indicating variability.
• Authentic Meals: Some long-time patrons or those who have lived in Japan praise Shogun for offering "excellent sushi and authentic meals."

However, it's important to acknowledge some critical points raised in reviews:

• Concerns About Sushi Boat Cleanliness: A significant concern raised by a recent reviewer noted "wooden boats that they send out your small plates on were visibly moldy and rotting in the water trough, right in front of our faces." This is a critical issue that potential diners should be aware of.
• Inconsistent Sushi Quality: While some find the sushi "excellent" and "fresh and quality," others have described it as "mediocre."
• Service Issues: Alongside positive comments, there are instances where staff interactions were perceived as less welcoming, particularly near closing time.

While specific, regularly advertised promotions for Shogun Japanese Restaurant are best confirmed directly with the establishment, their menu structure does indicate value opportunities, particularly during lunch hours.

• Lunch Specials: Shogun offers "Sushi Lunch Special" combinations, such as "Combination A" (California roll, cucumber roll & 4 piece assorted nigiri) and "Combination B" (California roll, spicy tuna hand roll & 6 piece assorted nigiri), which are typically priced more affordably than dinner options. Bento boxes are also available for lunch.
• Combination Platters: For larger groups or those wanting variety, they offer "Special Nigiri & Sashimi Plate" designed for 2-3 people, and "Lover Boat For Two" which includes sashimi, premium sushi, and a special roll of the day. These are often structured to provide good value for a comprehensive meal.
• Varying Price Points: With a diverse menu ranging from appetizers and tempura to sushi and udon, customers can tailor their order to fit their budget, from more affordable individual items to larger, higher-priced platters.

It is always recommended for New Mexico locals to check Shogun's official website or contact them directly for the most current information on any promotions, daily specials, or seasonal offerings.

Ready to visit Shogun Japanese Restaurant in Nob Hill? Here’s how you can get in touch or find your way there:

• Address: 3310 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA
• Phone: (505) 265-9166

It's advisable to call ahead, especially if you're planning to visit near closing time, to confirm hours and ensure a smooth dining experience.

For residents of Albuquerque and the wider New Mexico community, Shogun Japanese Restaurant in Nob Hill offers a mix of reasons why it might be a suitable dining choice, especially for those who appreciate a blend of tradition and unique flair.

Firstly, Shogun's long-standing presence and central location make it an accessible and well-known entity in Albuquerque's dining scene. Being in Nob Hill, it’s convenient for many and offers a vibrant atmosphere for a night out. Its claim as the "only one in Albuquerque" with a sushi boat carousel provides a truly unique and interactive dining experience that can be particularly appealing for families, first-time sushi diners, or those looking for something different.

Secondly, while sushi quality can be subjective, the "phenomenal tempura" consistently receives high praise, offering a reliable and delicious option for those who enjoy expertly fried dishes. The broad menu, encompassing bento boxes, udon, and various appetizers, ensures there’s a choice for most palates beyond just sushi, including options for those who prefer cooked Japanese food.

However, it's essential for locals to approach with informed expectations, particularly regarding the criticism about the cleanliness of the sushi boats and occasional reports of inconsistent service. While many patrons have positive experiences, acknowledging these points allows for a more prepared visit. For those who prioritize a unique dining ambiance and specific menu items like their celebrated tempura, these factors might still make Shogun a compelling choice.

Ultimately, Shogun is suitable for New Mexico locals who value an established Japanese restaurant with a distinct character, located in a lively part of the city. It's a place that has created many happy stomachs over the years, as one reviewer noted, and continues to offer a memorable experience, particularly for those seeking that unique sushi boat interaction and excellent tempura, making it a reliable, albeit at times idiosyncratic, part of Albuquerque's culinary fabric.

Shogun

3310 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA