Tanuki Sushi & Grill

For those in Illinois with a penchant for exceptional Japanese cuisine, particularly sushi that's as innovative as it is delicious, Tanuki Sushi & Grill stands out as a vibrant and well-loved destination in Chicago. Located in the bustling Lakeview neighborhood, Tanuki has garnered significant attention, even achieving viral fame for its unique "Sushi-Zza box." However, beyond the social media buzz, this restaurant offers a genuinely delightful dining experience, combining fresh ingredients, a diverse menu, and a cozy atmosphere that makes it a true gem for locals.

Tanuki Sushi & Grill prides itself on crafting a culinary journey that goes beyond traditional sushi offerings. While their impressive array of maki rolls and fresh sashimi are a major draw, the menu also features delectable grilled items and even Thai curries, showcasing a broader expertise in Asian flavors. Diners consistently praise the freshness of the food and the comfortable ambiance, making it suitable for anything from a casual lunch to an intimate date night. With a welcoming environment and a commitment to quality, Tanuki Sushi & Grill invites residents of Illinois to discover why it's become a celebrated spot for Japanese and Asian-inspired cuisine.

Tanuki Sushi & Grill is conveniently situated at 3006 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, USA. This prime location in Chicago's vibrant Lakeview neighborhood makes it highly accessible for residents across Illinois, particularly those in the greater Chicago area. Sheffield Avenue is a well-trafficked street, ensuring easy navigation to the restaurant. For those utilizing public transportation, Tanuki Sushi & Grill is very well-connected. It's just a short walk (about one block) from the Belmont Red and Brown Line CTA stations, making it an incredibly convenient destination for those commuting via the 'L' train system. This excellent public transit access significantly reduces the need for personal vehicles and mitigates concerns about parking, which, as with many popular city locations, can sometimes be challenging at busy intersections. While a review mentioned parking could be "a bit difficult at the busy intersection," the availability of street parking a bit further down, combined with robust public transport options, ensures that visiting Tanuki is a hassle-free experience.

The Lakeview neighborhood itself is a lively and popular area, filled with shops, entertainment venues, and other dining options. This dynamic setting adds to the appeal of Tanuki Sushi & Grill, making it an ideal spot for a meal as part of a larger outing in the city. Its central location and easy accessibility contribute significantly to its suitability as a go-to Japanese restaurant for locals in Illinois.

Tanuki Sushi & Grill offers a versatile range of services designed to cater to various dining preferences, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable experience for all its patrons.

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in the restaurant's "coziest space perfect for date night." The welcoming ambiance makes it ideal for a relaxed meal, whether you're dining alone, with a partner, or with friends.
• Lunch Specials: Tanuki offers appealing lunch specials, available Monday-Thursday from 11:30 AM to 2:45 PM (for dine-in only). These specials, such as three maki rolls for approximately $22 including tax, often come with a generous portion of miso soup and a small house salad, providing excellent value.
• Takeout Service: Customers can place orders for takeout, though it's important to note that the lunch special is exclusively for dine-in. However, the famous "Sushi-Zza box" is specifically available for takeout or delivery, making it a popular choice for home dining or gatherings.
• Delivery Service: Tanuki Sushi & Grill partners with major delivery platforms, making it easy to enjoy their delicious food from the comfort of your home or office. This is particularly relevant for their viral Sushi-Zza box, which is designed for off-premise enjoyment.
• BYOB Policy: Tanuki Sushi & Grill is a BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) establishment. This allows diners to bring their own wine, beer, or sake to pair with their meal. However, it's important to note that hard liquor is not permitted on the premises, and there may be a corkage fee (though not explicitly stated in provided information, it is common for BYOB establishments).
• Diverse Menu Offerings: Beyond sushi, the restaurant offers a comprehensive menu including hot and cold appetizers (like shrimp shumai and crab rangoon), Robata grilled skewers, sushi platters, various hot kitchen entrees (such as Thai curries and stir-fried noodles), and donburi bowls.

Tanuki Sushi & Grill distinguishes itself with several unique features and highlights that contribute to its popularity and make it a noteworthy dining spot in Chicago.

• Viral Sushi-Zza Box: This innovative offering is a major draw, having gone "viral" on social media. It allows customers to "build your own perfect sushi experience" by choosing 6 to 8 rolls to create a custom box, designed to resemble a pizza. This fun and customizable option is available exclusively for takeout or delivery.
• Cozy and Intimate Ambiance: The restaurant offers a "coziest space perfect for date night." This inviting atmosphere makes it suitable for both casual dining and more intimate occasions, providing a comfortable setting for enjoying your meal.
• High-Quality Food with Variety: While known for its sushi, customers also praise other dishes. The "best shrimp Shumai" has been highlighted, and the availability of "Thai curries too" indicates a broader culinary range that extends beyond traditional Japanese sushi. Specific rolls like "Ocean Drive Roll" and "Godzilla" are also popular.
• BYOB Policy: The "BYOB too!" policy is a significant highlight, allowing diners to bring their preferred wine, beer, or sake, which can enhance the dining experience and potentially save on beverage costs. It's explicitly noted that hard liquor is not permitted.
• Value-Oriented Lunch Specials: The lunch special, offering three maki rolls with miso soup and salad for a reasonable price, provides excellent value for a midday meal, although it is strictly dine-in only and has a limited, no-substitution menu.
• Fresh Ingredients: Despite some feedback on the lunch special's rigidity, the food itself is generally described as "fresh," underscoring the quality of ingredients used.

Tanuki Sushi & Grill provides specific offers that appeal to value-conscious diners in Illinois, primarily through its well-structured lunch program and other unique menu items:

• Dine-In Lunch Special: This is a prominent promotion, available Monday through Thursday from 11:30 AM to 2:45 PM. It allows customers to select a "Maki Set of 3" for approximately $22, which includes three maki rolls along with miso soup and a small house salad. While the menu for this special is fixed with no substitutions, it offers a cost-effective way to enjoy a satisfying sushi lunch. They also offer "Maki Set of 2" and other lunch sets including sushi/sashimi and hot kitchen items at varying price points.
• Sushi-Zza™ Box: While not a discount in the traditional sense, the "Sushi-Zza™ Box" acts as a unique promotional offering. It provides a customizable platter of 6 to 8 sushi rolls, allowing patrons to build their perfect sushi experience. This offering is specifically available for carry-out or delivery and can cost anywhere from $60 to $120 depending on the selected rolls, offering a distinct and shareable option for gatherings.

For the most current information on any seasonal specials, happy hour offerings (though not explicitly mentioned in reviews, it's always worth checking), or other promotions, it is highly recommended to visit Tanuki Sushi & Grill's official website or contact them directly at (773) 360-1950. Their online menus also provide detailed pricing and options for their various lunch and dinner sets.

To experience the acclaimed sushi and grill offerings at Tanuki Sushi & Grill, or for any inquiries, here is their contact information:

Address: 3006 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, USA

Phone: (773) 360-1950

Mobile Phone: +1 773-360-1950

Feel free to call them for reservations (though note their reservation policies for larger parties and time limits), to inquire about their viral Sushi-Zza box, or for details on their current menu offerings and BYOB policy. Their team will be happy to assist you.

Tanuki Sushi & Grill is an excellent choice for locals throughout Illinois, especially those in the Chicago area, offering a compelling blend of quality, value, and unique features that cater to diverse preferences. Its suitability for the local community is evident in several key aspects.

Firstly, the restaurant provides a high-quality and diverse Japanese culinary experience. While one customer noted the rigidity of the lunch special, the overall consensus is that the food is "fresh" and "delicious." The menu extends beyond standard sushi, offering popular items like the "best shrimp Shumai" and even "Thai curries," catering to a wider range of tastes and ensuring there's something for everyone in a group.

Secondly, the inclusion of a value-driven lunch special makes quality Japanese food accessible during weekdays, allowing locals to enjoy a satisfying meal without a significant expense. This, combined with their BYOB policy (for wine, beer, and sake), provides an opportunity for diners to control their beverage costs and personalize their experience, a significant advantage for those looking for an affordable yet refined outing.

Moreover, Tanuki Sushi & Grill offers a unique and fun element with its viral "Sushi-Zza box," making it a perfect option for gatherings, parties, or simply a fun night in. This customizable platter, available for takeout or delivery, caters to the growing demand for convenient and shareable dining experiences, making it a hit for local households and social events.

Lastly, the "coziest space perfect for date night" ambiance ensures that whether locals are seeking a casual meal or a more intimate setting, Tanuki can deliver. Its convenient location near major CTA lines in Lakeview further enhances its appeal, making it easily reachable. Tanuki Sushi & Grill truly offers a well-rounded and appealing Japanese dining experience that resonates with the local community, making it a highly recommended spot for residents of Illinois.

Tanuki Sushi & Grill

3006 N Sheffield Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, USA