Sushi & Friends

For Oregon residents, particularly those in downtown Portland, seeking a quick, convenient, and satisfying sushi fix, Sushi & Friends offers a practical choice. Located centrally, this Japanese eatery provides a range of sushi rolls, Udon noodles, and other Japanese delights, catering to those who appreciate speed and value. While not striving for a "mind blowing" gourmet experience, Sushi & Friends consistently delivers "decent sushi for a decent price," making it a go-to spot for many locals on the move.

Sushi & Friends is conveniently situated at 1901 SW 4th Ave, Portland, OR 97201, USA. This address places it squarely in the vibrant downtown core of Portland, an area bustling with businesses, educational institutions like Portland State University (PSU), and cultural venues. Its proximity to major attractions such as the Keller Auditorium makes it an ideal spot for a quick bite before a show or event. Accessibility is a major advantage for Sushi & Friends, as it's well-served by Portland's extensive public transportation system. Numerous bus lines and MAX Light Rail stops are within a short walking distance, making it easy to reach from various parts of the city. For those driving, street parking can be found in the vicinity, and there are several parking garages nearby, though patrons should always factor in potential parking availability during peak hours in a busy downtown setting. The location even offers the unique flexibility of grabbing your order and "crossing the street to eat them on a bench" in a nearby outdoor space.

Sushi & Friends offers a straightforward and efficient service model, primarily focused on quick preparation and convenient access to their menu.

• Dine-In/Takeout: While generally a casual spot, you can pick up your order and enjoy it on nearby benches or take it to go. Their quick preparation time makes it ideal for takeout.
• Delivery Services: Sushi & Friends is readily available through popular third-party delivery platforms such as DoorDash and Grubhub. This allows locals to enjoy their sushi from the comfort of their homes or offices.
• Sushi Rolls (Maki): A wide variety of classic and specialty rolls are available, including:
  • Popular Rolls: Portland Special rolls, Rock 'n' Roll, Vegas Roll (with crab, cream cheese, green onions), Deep-Fried California Roll, Spider Roll.
  • Traditional Rolls: California Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, Spicy Salmon Roll, Veggie Roll (cucumber, radish, yamagogo), Shrimp Tempura Roll, Smoked Philly Roll, Salmon Skin Roll.
  • Specialty Rolls: Baked Sushi Friends Roll (with lobster), Angel Special, Sweet Chili Shrimp, Baked Shrimp, Baked Salmon, Special Cucumber, Yummy Yummy, Special Rainbow, Caterpillar Roll, Mt Hood Roll, Special California Roll, Dragon Roll, Ring of Fire Roll, Special Mango Roll, Monster Roll.
• Nigiri and Sashimi: They offer various individual pieces of Nigiri (e.g., Salmon Belly, Maguro/Tuna, Sake/Salmon, Hamachi/Yellowtail, Ebi/Shrimp, Unagi/Eel, Tai/Red Snapper, Ika/Squid, Inari/Fried Tofu, Tobiko/Flying Fish Roe). Sashimi options are also available.
• Hand Rolls: Various hand rolls are on the menu, including Unagi Hand Roll, Spicy Tuna Hand Roll, Salmon Skin Hand Roll, and Spicy Salmon Hand Roll.
• Udon Noodles: For those seeking a warm, hearty bowl, they offer Udon noodles with various protein options such as Chicken Udon, Beef Udon, Veggie Udon, Tempura Udon, and Plain Udon.
• Appetizers & Sides: Complement your meal with options like Miso Soup, Edamame, Pot Stickers, Spring Rolls, Sesame Balls, Jalapeno Tempura, Cucumber Salad, Seaweed Salad, Poke Tuna, Poke Salmon, Seared Salmon, Seared Tuna, Crab Salad, Tuna Salad, and Creamy Scallops.
• Sushi Burritos: While not as prominent as some other establishments, they do offer sushi burritos like The Lobster Burrito, California Burrito, Crunchy Burrito, Timber Burrito, Spicy Burrito, Dragon Burrito, and Hawaiian Burrito.

Sushi & Friends stands out for several key features that cater to the needs and preferences of its Portland clientele.

• Speedy Preparation: A significant highlight is how "quickly" orders are prepared, making it an excellent choice for a fast lunch or a quick meal before an event.
• Convenient Online Ordering: The availability of online ordering through their preferred website, as well as platforms like DoorDash and Grubhub, allows for seamless and efficient ordering and pickup or delivery.
• Decent Quality for the Price: Customers consistently describe the sushi as "decent" and "tasty," offering good value for the price point. One review specifically noted "decent rolls for $13," which is competitive for downtown Portland.
• Generous Portions of Wasabi and Ginger: For those who appreciate ample condiments, reviews mention that "the Wasabi and ginger were generous," enhancing the overall sushi experience.
• Variety of Rolls and Japanese Dishes: Beyond standard sushi, the menu offers a broad selection of specialty rolls with interesting flavor profiles (e.g., "hint of sweet," "creamy") and other Japanese staples like Udon noodles and various appetizers.
• Accessible Downtown Location: Its placement on SW 4th Ave makes it a highly convenient stop for anyone working or visiting the downtown core, including those attending events at nearby venues.
• Adaptable for On-The-Go Dining: The option to "cross the street to eat them on a bench" highlights its suitability for a casual, outdoor meal in good weather.

While specific, ongoing, fixed promotions for dine-in were not extensively detailed, Sushi & Friends frequently participates in and offers deals through its online presence and delivery partners.

• Delivery Platform Discounts: Locals can often find discounts and special offers when ordering through DoorDash, Grubhub, and other delivery services. These may include reduced delivery fees, percentage off your order, or special bundle deals. It's always worth checking the app for current promotions.
• Loyalty Programs (Potential): Many restaurants utilizing online ordering systems offer loyalty points or rewards programs. Customers are encouraged to inquire or check the restaurant's ordering website directly for any such programs that could offer long-term value.

Given the competitive nature of downtown Portland's food scene, new promotions may arise regularly. For the most up-to-date information, checking their listings on various food delivery apps or their direct online ordering portal is recommended.

For inquiries, placing orders, or to confirm current operating hours for Sushi & Friends:

• Address: 1901 SW 4th Ave, Portland, OR 97201, USA
• Phone: (971) 217-3877

While some delivery issues with packaging (miso soup leaking) have been noted by a reviewer, the restaurant's responsiveness to feedback and the overall positive sentiment about food quality and quick service suggest a generally reliable experience.

Sushi & Friends is a highly suitable option for Oregon locals, particularly those in the bustling Portland metropolitan area, for several key reasons. Its central downtown location at 1901 SW 4th Ave makes it incredibly convenient for a quick and satisfying meal, whether it’s a lunch break for office workers, a dinner before a show at the Keller Auditorium, or a casual takeout for students at PSU. This prime accessibility aligns perfectly with the fast-paced urban lifestyle of many Portlanders.

The restaurant consistently delivers "decent sushi for a decent price," a crucial factor for locals seeking reliable quality without breaking the bank. While individual preferences for specific garnishes (like red onion on salmon belly) may vary, the overall consensus points to tasty and well-prepared sushi rolls. The speedy preparation of orders is a significant advantage, ensuring that even during busy times, customers receive their food promptly, a valuable asset in a city known for its diverse and often busy food scene.

Furthermore, the emphasis on convenience through online ordering and seamless delivery via platforms like DoorDash caters directly to modern consumer habits. Even with occasional minor packaging issues noted, the fact that the "order was ready promptly" and the "sushi itself was tasty" highlights its dependable core offering. For locals seeking a straightforward, efficient, and good-value sushi experience in the heart of Portland, Sushi & Friends provides a practical and enjoyable dining solution that fits seamlessly into daily life.

Sushi & Friends

1901 SW 4th Ave, Portland, OR 97201, USA