Yokocho Handrolls and Omakase Bar

For discerning residents of Illinois seeking an unparalleled and truly immersive Japanese culinary journey, **Yokocho Handrolls and Omakase Bar** in Chicago's vibrant Fulton Market stands as a testament to exceptional dining. Hailed by patrons as the "BEST omakase in Chicago," this establishment offers a unique blend of high-end traditional Japanese artistry with a lively, "American-Japanese bar" ambiance. It's a place where every visit promises to be a discovery, with a focus on fresh, creatively prepared dishes that consistently "blow guests away."

At its core, Yokocho specializes in the omakase style of dining, an intimate experience where you "trust the chef" to curate your meal. Here, the experience is described as "phenomenal," with the chef preparing "everything on the spot" and offering "no fixed menu." This dynamic approach ensures "every dish was a creative surprise with incredible flavors," making each bite a delightful exploration for the palate. The emphasis on seasonality and the chef's inspiration means that the menu "changed weekly," inviting repeat visits for new and exciting culinary adventures.

Beyond the innovative cuisine, Yokocho is celebrated for its captivating atmosphere and warm hospitality. The "lively and dimly lit" interior creates a "cool and welcoming" vibe, reminiscent of an authentic Japanese alleyway bar, providing a perfect backdrop for a memorable evening. The staff, from the "amazing warm chefs" to the "hostesses and rest of staff," are consistently praised for their attentiveness and passion, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience from start to finish. Even the drinks are noted as "good too," complementing the exquisite food.

A visit to Yokocho is more than just a meal; it's an event where you're encouraged to immerse yourself in the culinary artistry. Despite the premium price point for their omakase, customers firmly believe it's "definitely worth it," often feeling "so sad that the dishes end" and eager to return. For locals across Illinois looking for a sophisticated yet exciting Japanese dining experience that pushes culinary boundaries, Yokocho Handrolls and Omakase Bar is an absolute must-try.

Yokocho Handrolls and Omakase Bar is strategically located at **167 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA**, placing it firmly in the heart of Chicago's highly sought-after Fulton Market District. This neighborhood is a dynamic hub for culinary innovation, vibrant nightlife, and trendy establishments, making it an attractive destination for residents across Illinois.

The Fulton Market area offers excellent connectivity via Chicago's extensive public transportation system. The CTA Green and Pink Line 'L' train stations (Morgan and Lake) are both within easy walking distance, providing direct and convenient access from various parts of the city and surrounding suburbs. Numerous CTA bus routes also serve the Green Street corridor and adjacent avenues, further enhancing public transit options.

For patrons opting to drive, parking in the bustling Fulton Market can sometimes be a consideration. While street parking may be available, it is often metered and can be competitive, especially during peak dining hours. However, the area is well-equipped with several paid parking garages and lots within close proximity, offering secure and convenient solutions. Valet parking services are also typically available in the vicinity, though it's advisable to confirm directly with the restaurant or check for local valet options upon arrival. The restaurant's website also indicates "Street parking, valet" as options, which is helpful.

The lively energy of Fulton Market perfectly complements Yokocho's "lively and dimly lit" ambiance, making a visit to the restaurant part of a broader, exciting experience in one of Chicago's most celebrated neighborhoods. Its location within this culinary mecca means easy access to other bars, shops, and entertainment venues for a complete night out.

Yokocho Handrolls and Omakase Bar provides a range of specialized Japanese dining experiences, focusing on high-quality ingredients and chef-driven creativity.

• Omakase "Trust The Chef" Experience: This is their signature offering, featuring a multi-course, chef-curated tasting menu. The most highlighted option is a 16-Course Omakase at $195 per person, available Tuesday-Friday with one seating at 7 p.m. They also offer a 10-Course Specialty Nigiri Bites & 1 Premium Handroll "Edomae Experience" for $120 per person.

• A La Carte Dining: For those not opting for the full omakase, Yokocho offers an a la carte menu featuring a selection of Nigiri, Handrolls, and Small Plates. Handrolls are available for $6 each and include options like Spicy Tuna, Spicy Salmon, Spicy Shrimp, Sea Scallop, Blue Crab, Salmon & Cucumber, Negi Hamachi, and Truffle Hamachi.

• Lunch Service: During weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM), Yokocho offers a lunch menu featuring Sandos (e.g., Chicken Katsu Sando, Spicy Tuna Sando, Strawberry with Matcha Cream Sando), Donburi Bowls (e.g., Spicy Tuna Donburi, Truffle Hamachi Donburi, Unagi Donburi), and additional Handrolls and Small Plates.

• Happy Hour Handroll Bar: Available Tuesday-Friday from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, featuring handrolls for $6 each and selected drinks for $7 (e.g., Toki Highball, Asahi Draft, House Wine, House Sake), making it a great way to experience their offerings at a more accessible price point.

• Full Bar & Beverage Program: A selection of Japanese beers (Asahi, Echigo, Hitachino), sake, wines, and classic Japanese highballs like the Toki Highball. Reviewers also mention "drinks are good too," indicating a well-rounded beverage menu.

• Private Events & Catering: Offers catering services featuring exquisite nigiri combo trays, sushi roll trays, chef-dressed nigiri plates, hot entrées, salads & sides, and Japanese sandos, perfect for various gatherings. Private event bookings are also available.

• Gift Cards: Available for purchase, allowing customers to share the Yokocho experience with others.

• Online Reservations & Waitlist: Utilizes Tock for prepaid reservations for omakase and standard reservations for a la carte dining. They also offer a waitlist for walk-ins, useful given their popularity.

Yokocho Handrolls and Omakase Bar is celebrated by locals in Illinois for its distinctive features and highlights that elevate it beyond a typical Japanese restaurant:

• "BEST Omakase in Chicago": This is the most prominent highlight, with customers consistently praising the "phenomenal" and "blown away" experience. The chef-curated, ever-changing menu ensures that "every dish was a creative surprise with incredible flavors," making each visit unique.

• Creative and Innovative Dishes: Beyond traditional sushi, the chef's ability to craft "creative and surprisingly good" dishes is a major draw. The use of premium ingredients and thoughtful pairings results in a "culinary journey" that leaves diners "so sad that the dishes end."

• "Lively and Dimly Lit" American-Japanese Bar Vibe: The ambiance is a significant feature, offering a "cool and welcoming" atmosphere that combines the intimacy of an omakase bar with the energetic feel of a Japanese lounge. This blend creates an engaging setting for dining and socializing.

• Warm and Attentive Staff: The "amazing warm chefs, hostesses and rest of staff" receive high praise. Their professionalism and personalized attention contribute significantly to the overall positive experience, fostering a sense of hospitality and comfort.

• Freshness and Quality of Ingredients: The core of their excellence lies in the "fresh" ingredients, particularly the fish for sushi and handrolls, which are prepared "on the spot." This commitment to quality ensures a superior taste and texture in every bite.

• Dynamic, Weekly Changing Menu: The fact that the omakase menu "changed weekly" is a compelling feature for repeat customers, guaranteeing new discoveries and seasonal delights with each visit.

• Handroll Bar Experience: In addition to omakase, the focus on Handrolls provides a more casual yet equally high-quality option for quick, fresh bites, especially during their popular Happy Hour.

• Thoughtful Drink Offerings: While the food is the star, the "good" drink selection, including various Japanese beers and highballs, complements the cuisine perfectly and adds to the bar atmosphere.

Yokocho Handrolls and Omakase Bar offers specific promotions designed to make its high-quality Japanese dining more accessible and appealing to locals in Illinois. Their most notable recurring special is the **Happy Hour Handroll Bar**.

• Happy Hour Handroll Bar: This popular promotion is available Tuesday through Friday, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. During this time, guests can enjoy a selection of their high-quality handrolls for just $6 each. Featured handrolls include Spicy Tuna, Spicy Salmon, Spicy Shrimp, Spicy Tako, Sea Scallop, Blue Crab, Salmon & Cucumber, Negi Hamachi, and Truffle Hamachi. Complementing these are selected drinks priced at $7, such as the Toki Highball, Asahi Draft, House Red Wine, House White Wine, and House Sake. This offers an excellent opportunity to experience Yokocho's quality at a more accessible price point.

• Lunch Specials: Yokocho also offers a dedicated lunch menu from Tuesday to Thursday (11:00 AM - 2:00 PM) with various Sandos and Donburi Bowls that provide a more affordable midday dining option compared to their dinner omakase.

While Yokocho's "Specials" page on their website currently states "We are updating our specials. Please stay tuned," the consistency of their Happy Hour and structured omakase pricing suggests these are their primary ongoing offers. For the most up-to-date information on any new or limited-time promotions, it is always recommended to check their official website or follow their social media channels, as new offerings may be announced there.

To experience the exquisite omakase and handrolls at Yokocho Handrolls and Omakase Bar, or for any inquiries, you can reach them through the following contact details:

• Address: 167 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA

• Phone: (312) 890-1119

Yokocho operates with specific hours for its various dining experiences. Their typical operating hours are:

• Lunch Hours: Tuesday – Thursday, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Dinner Hours: Tuesday – Thursday, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM; Friday – Saturday, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

• Happy Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

• Closed: Monday and Sunday

Given the highly sought-after nature of their omakase experience, making prepaid reservations through platforms like Tock is highly recommended for the 16-Course Omakase. For a la carte dining, reservations are also advisable, especially for parties of 5 or more which may require a deposit. They also offer a walk-in waitlist for convenience. For private events or catering services, it's best to contact them directly via phone or through the forms on their website.

For residents of Illinois, particularly those in the Chicago metropolitan area, Yokocho Handrolls and Omakase Bar offers an exceptional and uniquely suitable Japanese dining experience that truly stands out. Its designation by patrons as the "BEST omakase in Chicago" speaks volumes about the quality and creativity of its chef-curated tasting menus. This makes it an ideal destination for locals who appreciate high-end culinary artistry, a dynamic menu that changes weekly, and the thrill of a surprise culinary journey with "incredible flavors."

The restaurant's location in the trendy Fulton Market District provides excellent accessibility via public transport and offers convenient parking options, making it a hassle-free destination for a special night out. The "lively and dimly lit" American-Japanese bar ambiance, combined with the "amazing warm chefs, hostesses, and rest of staff," creates a sophisticated yet welcoming environment that fosters memorable conversations and an overall engaging experience. This atmosphere, described as "intimate eating space," is perfect for celebrating special occasions, impressing guests, or simply indulging in a luxurious and unique meal.

Furthermore, Yokocho caters to various preferences and occasions beyond the full omakase. Their a la carte menu with fresh handrolls, diverse lunch offerings (including Sandos and Donburi bowls), and a fantastic Happy Hour with affordable handrolls and drinks make it accessible for different budgets and dining moods. This versatility ensures that whether you're looking for an extravagant culinary adventure or a casual yet high-quality Japanese meal, Yokocho has something to offer.

Despite the premium pricing for their full omakase, the overwhelming consensus is that the experience is "definitely worth it," leaving diners "blown away" and eager to return. For locals in Illinois seeking a top-tier Japanese dining experience that combines exceptional food, impeccable service, and a captivating atmosphere, Yokocho Handrolls and Omakase Bar is an unmissable destination that promises to leave a lasting impression.

Yokocho Handrolls and Omakase Bar

167 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA