Insider Pages Reviews for Rise Sushi & Sake Lounge

1 Stars: the worst attitude ever (by foodiegirlchicago)

foodiegirlchicago — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 02:00:00 GMT

I placed a catering order, they got it wrong, then wouldn't give me a credit. The attitude of the manager was ridiculous. I will never go there again. The good isn't good enough to put up with terrible service.

1 Stars: Strike 2 you're out! (by mkay75)

mkay75 — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 01:00:00 GMT

I used to love this place but the last 2 times were horrible. Last night I ordered the Chirashi and the sashimi was served on piping hot rice. EWW. The service was not good either. With all the great sushi places in the area I won't be heading to Rise for a 3rd bad experience!

5 Stars: Trendy, hip, sushi bar! (by ChicagoKid12328)

ChicagoKid12328 — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 02:00:00 GMT

We went to Rise over the weekend, and was a little scared after reading other reviews. This is not "traditional" Japanese cuisine. This is Americanized Japanese cuisine, with a dash of Chinese and Thai food. The Sushi rolls are great, and original. The Mexican Maki was my favorite. Huge martini list. Service was great. Trendy atmosphere. You either will like it or you won't.

1 Stars: From great a couple of years ago to horrible today. (by arh2007)

arh2007 — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 02:00:00 GMT

My wife and I used to frequent Rise regularly back when it was new to the neighborhood and found it to have a cool atmosphere with fairly good sushi.

We hadn't been there in about a year when we visited last night for dinner. The place had gone from a hip, cool atmosphere to an excessively loud and annoying place where you couldn't hear yourself think, let alone have a conversation.

After waiting for a table for over 30 minutes (when we were next on the lsit and several tables remained open) we left - after being treated extremely rudely by both the hostess and manager.

We'll never return to Rise as there are just far too many better Sushi restaurants in the city.

3 Stars: Eh (by kiki80)

kiki80 — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Sushi was ok--not good, not bad, but pretty expensive. I did like the restaurant itself and our server was friendly and helpful. Overall, Rise was a mediocre experience. There are way better sushi places in Chicago.

2 Stars: too noisy to believe!!!!!!!! (by deidre_stone)

deidre_stone — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 02:00:00 GMT

We eat sushi all of the time and based on a review of Rise, on this site, we went on a Thursday night at 9. When we walked in we were horrified by how loud it was. Even our teenage son thought it was way too loud!!! We couldn't have a conversation at all!! We certainly couldn't ask the sushi chef a question!! What happened to the traditional Sushi Bar where you actually got to order from the sushi chef? We ordered quickly, from a waitress, and then waited more than 30 minutes to get our very small order. The food was uneven, the fish in the yellowtail hand roll was definitely not fresh, it smelled bad and tasted very fishy!! though the tuna was good. I would never go back!!

1 Stars: AVOID THIS PLACE (by Scott H.)

Scott H. — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 19:51:00 GMT

In the several years of eating at Rise, I am shocked at the treatment we received from the manager, and I will never eat there again. My wife and I ordered carry out. We are loyal customers and forego the sushi places that are closer to Evanston and make the 25 minute trip there and back to pick up our food. Upon returning home we discovered that the scallop rolls we ordered were in fact octopus. We called to alert the restaurant about their mistake. After two completely confused hostesses, we finally got the manager on the phone who informed us that there would be no refund of the $10 for the two incorrect rolls. Apparently the owners (who do not live in the United States and CANNOT be contacted by anyone other than the manager we spoke to) have issued a fatwah that no refunds may be given unless the wrong food is returned to the restaurant. The manager would not send his delivery driver to pick up their mistake and informed me that they would do nothing to rectify their mistake. The lesson, youd better make sure that everything is absolutely perfect before you walk out that door, cause these guys dont care if you are satisfied with the food or the service. This seems like a small offense, but really their inability to fix a mistake of their own making shows how little regard Rise has for its customers. For the $10 they got to keep on their mistake from me tonight, the manager conceded that he would rather not have me as a customer. Choose wisely. Find a different place to eat.

1 Stars: AVOID THIS PLACE!!! (by horwitzzz)

horwitzzz — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

In the several years of eating at Rise, I am shocked at the treatment we received from the manager, and I will never eat there again. My wife and I ordered carry out. We are loyal customers and forego the sushi places that are closer to Evanston and make the 25 minute trip there and back to pick up our food. Upon returning home we discovered that the scallop rolls we ordered were in fact octopus. We called to alert the restaurant about their mistake. After two completely confused hostesses, we finally got the manager on the phone who informed us that there would be no refund of the $10 for the two incorrect rolls. Apparently the owners (who do not live in the United States and CANNOT be contacted by anyone other than the manager we spoke to) have issued a fatwah that no refunds may be given unless the wrong food is returned to the restaurant. The manager would not send his delivery driver to pick up their mistake and informed me that they would do nothing to rectify their mistake. The lesson, you?d better make sure that everything is absolutely perfect before you walk out that door, cause these guys don?t care if you are satisfied with the food or the service. This seems like a small offense, but really their inability to fix a mistake of their own making shows how little regard Rise has for its customers. For the $10 they got to keep on their mistake from me tonight, the manager conceded that he would rather not have me as a customer. Choose wisely. Find a different place to eat.

5 Stars: This place is... (by thisismymembername)

thisismymembername — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

Awesome! Will always go there! Don't know why stupid people complain about Rise and the staff! I mean like if they tell you that you can't bring drinks from Starbucks into the place, just finish and throw it out! If the workers have Starbucks, who cares?! You don't have a job so you can just deal with it! If you want to drink Starbucks in Rise, get a job there! The waiters and waitresses aren't mean or rude....probably your the one who's acting like a big baby.

Having a problem about how the hostess puts on her make-up or dresses is really stupid. Restaurants are for eating, it's not a fashion show. And if a worker "ignores" you, it's because there busy with other people at the restaurant. It's not all about YOU the moment you walk into Rise. If you don't like the music, bring an Ipod or something! GET GOT GOOD!

5 Stars: Best place ever!!!!! (by mybffisstacey)

mybffisstacey — Sun, 17 Jun 2007 02:00:00 GMT

omg!! The service is awsome! The sesame chicken and calamarie are sooooooo good!!!! The workers are really nice, especally Mono. The sushi is really fresh. The owner is really nice. The fried rice is good too. The enviornment is so cool! And my best friends uncle owns it so its even more awsome! And to all the people who said they had bad servise boo you!

3 Stars: Great sushi (by tbwus)

tbwus — Wed, 02 May 2007 02:00:00 GMT

The sushi was fresh and excellent. Highly recommend for fine sushi. I like the interaction with the chef?s at smaller sushi restaurant?s which you will not get at Rise, but the quality was superb.

4 Stars: Good sushi (by windycityghopper)

windycityghopper — Thu, 01 Mar 2007 01:00:00 GMT

I have been to Rise on several occassions and each time I am satisfied with the sushi selection and taste. I have definitely had better sushi, but this is a pretty good choice for sushi in Chicago. I really like the shrimp tempura and suggest trying the chef's specials. They have always been good!

5 Stars: "SATISFIED" CUSTOMER SERVICE (by erikturn)

erikturn — Sun, 26 Nov 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I HAVE BEEN GOING TO RISE FOR YEARS AND I ENJOY MOST OF THE FOOD ON THE MENU, ESPECIALLY THE SPECIALTY ROLLS AND APPETIZERS THAT THEY UPDATE EVERY FEW MONTHS. THE STAFFS ARE FRIENDLY, AND THEY ALWAYS BE THERE WHEN YOU NEED IT, EVEN THOUGHT RECENTLY THERE GOT SOME NEW SERVERS JUST JOIN IN. THE ONLY PROBLEM IS THAT YOU MIGHT EXPECT TO WAIT AT LEAST 40 MINUTES FOR YOUR FOOD TO BE READY DURING THE WEEKEND. I HOPE THAT THEY WILL KEEP PROVIDING THE HIGH STANDARD CUSTOMER SERVICE

3 Stars: Horrible Service (by 230faw233l)

230faw233l — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 01:00:00 GMT

I have been here twice and the staff is not friendly. The first time the place was empty and we asked to pull up a table for added friends and got attitude about not having reservations. The second time I was waiting up front for a friend and was told I needed to either go to the bar or leave!!

5 Stars: Highly recommend (by slsteinb)

slsteinb — Sat, 07 Oct 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I'm not sure what everyone keeps complaining about. I've been there NUMEROUS times and have NEVER had the problem. Everyone has always been friendly and attentive to me and my party. Food is delicious. I highly recommend to everyone except those with children; it's not a family restraunt

4 Stars: should get new hostess for Thursday (by jsmith1214)

jsmith1214 — Sun, 06 Aug 2006 02:00:00 GMT

i'm a frequent customers at Rise. went down there with couple of my friends last thursday and noticed many new faces. the one i remember the most is the new hostess. she kind of scared us the minute we walked in. her outfit and her makeup. not being prejudice.. discriminating.. but she should really learn how to fix up herself since she's the first person that customers accounter when walking in the restaurant. despite her poor english. i untentionally ignored her for couple of times because we have no idea when she was talking to us.(felt sorry for not noticing her 'eye problems'). maybe the restaurent should be considered before hiring her. restaurant is a place for socializing, and the first person that customers see when going to a restaurant will greatly affect there mood when dining in after. moreover, the hostess will be the one that get hurt if such misunderstanding happens, not the customers. other than that, the new server we had was great and the food we had was delicious!!

3 Stars: UUUGH! (by trispy)

trispy — Wed, 02 Aug 2006 02:00:00 GMT

I think rise sushi has a great selection of fresh sushi and the atmosphere is beautiful but as you have read already, most of the staff is rude and not worth the $7 odd dollars they make an hour. I have dined there on numerous occations with small and large groups and have encountered nothing but problems with the host and hostess, the bartenders and a few of the wait staff. If you want to pay city prices and recieve awfull treatment this is the place!!

A word to Rise, seriously think about cleaning kitchen on a large # of your employees, you do have a great resturant and a beautiful theme.

4 Stars: Chic Sushi (by Kathleen K.)

Kathleen K. — Tue, 01 Aug 2006 11:38:00 GMT

If you want an upscale atmosphere to stuff yourself with sushi, give Rise a try. This chic restaurant and sake lounge caters to the martini-swilling Southport crowd, so expect long waits during the weekends. Inside, you'll find a an exposed sushi bar, plenty of sake to try, and some excellent cuisine. Prices aren't too bad considering the quality and service. My personal suggestion is the lychee martini and an order of edamame before your sushi arrives.

5 Stars: love it (by EmilyDwarf)

EmilyDwarf — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 02:00:00 GMT

i'm not sure what all the talk about poor service is about, i've certainly never experienced it. i've been to rise a handful of times and the food is delicious and our servers have been nothing but polite and helpful. it's reasonably priced for quality sushi.

1 Stars: Worst. Service. Ever. (by constant_diner)

constant_diner — Thu, 15 Jun 2006 02:00:00 GMT

We *USED* to frequent Rise as often every week. We (and the friends that we've taken to Rise) have spent considerable money there (one month, between the numerous groups of people we took there, total tabs were well in excess of $1,750).

We know the wait staff, are recognized by the cooks, and were regulars in every sense of the word. However, we will NOT be going back after a recent incident. If they treat their regulars like this, I would hate to see how they treat people who are visiting town and unlikely to return.

The host & manager were exceeding rude. On numerous occasions in the past, we have stopped at the Starbucks across the street and purchased iced coffees before going to Rise. We ALWAYS order drinks (cocktails, wine, etc) after we have finished our coffees. The WAIT STAFF can frequently be seen drinking from cups with the prominent Starbucks logo. It has NEVER been a problem.

However, the last time we went with iced coffees in hand, we were VERY OBNOXIOUSLY told that they would not seat us because we had outside drinks. No sorry, could you finish that before you come in, no weve got a new policy. Just we wont seat you. Repeated twice with a serious attitude. The restaurant was practically empty at the time, so its not like they should have been turning away customers. They dont even SERVE iced coffee its not like we were trying to walk in with martinis. So, they have PERMANENTLY lost our business.

1 Stars: GET A BETTER HOST & MANAGER (by jc6357)

jc6357 — Sun, 14 May 2006 02:00:00 GMT

Went with friends who had been there before and raved about this place.Checked in with the host and from that moment we were disappointed. The host or manager was rude. we had the impression he was pissed at the world and had no idea what customer service is all about. He actually was pissed when we kept ordering food. anywhere else you think they be happy. We were ready to order dessert when the waiter brought the check and said we couldn't order dessert because they were closing..while the angry manager looked on with his hands crossed. By the way, there were still plenty of tables eating... What a big disappointment... Will never go back or recommend this place. There a far too many sushi places to deal with such attitude and lack of customer service.

5 Stars: excellent (by emilystrikesagain)

emilystrikesagain — Wed, 19 Apr 2006 02:00:00 GMT

food was great, the service was excellent- i think we all literally dreamt of our food later that night.

1 Stars: Rude ! (by styleplus)

styleplus — Sun, 09 Apr 2006 02:00:00 GMT

From the moment we arrived our experience at this restaurant was extremely poor. The host behaved as if we were annoying him . The bartender ignored us and once seated the waitstaff was impossible to find when we needed anything. The food was nothing special and not worth the money spent. With the way this place is run and the very bad attitude of the staff I suspect the place has it's days numbered.

5 Stars: User review by mic165 (by mic165)

mic165 — Mon, 16 Jan 2006 01:00:00 GMT

Nice, simple sushi restaurant. Very comfortable and affordable, one of my favorites in Chicago all things considered.

5 Stars: Must go if you appreciate fresh sushi (by foodie_girl2003)

foodie_girl2003 — Fri, 30 Dec 2005 01:00:00 GMT

Excellent! I have been there multiple times and have NEVER encountered poor service. Choosing to be a childless couple I appreciate the fact children are not encouraged - finally a restauarant for adults. The sushi is outstanding, it clearly is fresher than many other sushi restaurants in the city. I have not encountered poor service or long waits. I have even gone there with a group of 8 people and still had a fabulous time and excellent quality food.

2 Stars: repeatedly horrendous service (by celwood)

celwood — Mon, 05 Dec 2005 01:00:00 GMT

I've had the misfortune of eating here several times- we have friends that live close by. Each time we return, I have forgotten how much this place disappoints. I will never go back! The service has been consistently horrible. A highlight was a waiter who got the order wrong, and then right there at the table scraped his mistake sushi roll off the presentation plate leaving behind the remnants of the mistake roll and a rather disgusting display of smushed sushi. When you are paying such inflated prices, either the service or food should be exceptional. The sushi itself is mediocre, far below the quality of other trendy sushi spots. The setting is what must draw our friends, it has a hipster feeling in a neighborhood without much of it.

1 Stars: Whoever hired the host... (by sirg)

sirg — Sat, 06 Aug 2005 02:00:00 GMT

Should be fired... We asked for a table with 2 chairs and 1 highchair (dining at 5:40 so early enough to have the kids awake).... Host says no highchair... I asked for a booster... host says no booster... then I asked for a regular chair and said we would deal with it... I walked toward the door and he disappeared... turns out he went to another door... had to figure this out on my own... then he seated us at a table for 2 and walked away without saying anything... what a moron... so I got my own chair, was served shrimp instead of chicken and decided I will NOT GO BACK... food was good but not worth the attitude.

2 Stars: Service is terrible! (by dpateldpm)

dpateldpm — Wed, 29 Jun 2005 02:00:00 GMT

We had to wait 2.5 hours for our food on a wednesday night. Then the manager has the nerves to tell us that, "we must not be familiar with fine dining restaurants, because they usually make freash food and take this long ot prepare" No one even apologized!

5 Stars: Rise (by jak96)

jak96 — Sat, 19 Mar 2005 01:00:00 GMT

This is my favorite sushi restaurant in the city. The sushi is always fresh and they have a variety of types of sushi rolls. Also, if there is someone in the group who does not like sushi, their japanese food (orange chicken) is also very good. The ambiance is nice. It is trendy but not a place "to be seen". Their chocolate martinis are really good as well.

2 Stars: Don't go with children (by jlemaster)

jlemaster — Sat, 05 Mar 2005 01:00:00 GMT

This is an above average sushi restaurant when considering the price but do not go to Rise if you have children. It is not a kid friendly place. They even removed their highchairs.

4 Stars: Soporo Maki (by nathanstull_citysearch)

nathanstull_citysearch — Tue, 16 Sep 2003 02:00:00 GMT

Went here for a taste and found it great. The special Soporo Maki is worth the $10. Unagi and avacado, such an odd mixture for a roll, but wow. Definitely worth a taste.

4 Stars: Worth the wait (by carlyherrig)

carlyherrig — Fri, 31 Jan 2003 01:00:00 GMT

You may have to wait a while to get a table but it's worth it. Have a drink at the bar first and make sure you try the seaseme calamari. It's a must!

5 Stars: Perfect Sushi! (by erin78)

erin78 — Thu, 16 Jan 2003 01:00:00 GMT

I absolutely love this place! It is my favorite spot for sushi...and the martinis are impossible to put down! The overall energy of Rise makes for a perfect evening out!

1 Stars: Good food and I'm deaf (by fatherhugh)

fatherhugh — Thu, 15 Aug 2002 02:00:00 GMT

I went deaf enjoying the great food at this place. We enjoyed the Chef's preparing right in front of us but the techno was a total turn off. We went back to Sanko and Shiro Hana for dining.

5 Stars: clean and modern sushi shack (by russelldow)

russelldow — Thu, 15 Aug 2002 02:00:00 GMT

Great food, minimal environment, sophisticated look, and even better drinks. If sushi isn't enough try the rise shrimp cocktail or the mixed green salad with ginger dressing. I recommend the new york roll or the dragon roll which are great coming from a true maki man. Best of all they are the fastest sushi home delivery; if you like to share your sushi with your cats in front of the TV.

5 Stars: above the rest (by heatherom)

heatherom — Wed, 31 Jul 2002 02:00:00 GMT

Rise is not to be overlookedamong other local sushi favorites. This new hot spot off of Southport may eventually outshine most of its competition. The rolls are all fresh and flavorfull and Rise even offers some unique and tasty alternatives to the traditional fare. Try the Rise roll and for the non-sushi lover, the veggie fried rice is excellent. Slightly pricy, but then again, isn't sushi always?

5 Stars: Best Sushi, Best Price (by mcpeake)

mcpeake — Tue, 30 Jul 2002 02:00:00 GMT

This simple sushi bar is perfect for sushi lovers without deep pockets. The dragon is incredible and the Salmon/Avacado Maki is heaven. It is a place where you order more and not regret the extras when the bill comes. The wait staff is friendly, the atmosphere private and fun. A good laid back crowd.

2 Stars: Average Service and Food (by AllisonHeverin)

AllisonHeverin — Tue, 28 May 2002 02:00:00 GMT

The food was only fair. The sushi did not seem that fresh. We'd heard that Rise was known for the quality of their rolls, however we found the rolls to be fairly generic. We were amazed when they brought out our hot tea and a Lipton tag was dangling down the side of the teapot.
The service was average. Instead of bringing the sushi out to us in segments, as it was ready, our server brought our huge order out all at once. As a result, the rolls tasted somewhat chewy, and we didn't have any room to put our plates on the table.
Furthermore, they should lose the pounding club music which only distracts from the food and coversation.