Tokyo 21
The Weed Street district may be best known for a lively nightlife, but Tokyo 21 has added fine food to the mix. The owners of Chicago’s renowned Kamehachi chain created this contemporary Japanese spot, which feels like an authentic Asian lounge. Neon lights, great music, video screens: all of these are typical ingredients of an upscale techno-colored club in Tokyo.
Serving sushi until 1:00 a.m. on weekends, the restaurant draws both a dinner clientele and Weed Street’s late-night crowd. Not surprisingly, considering the Kamehachi connection, the sushi bar serves up a major part of the menu. One eye-catching specialty is called “the Red Dragon.” You can also try tumiki block-style sushi and, for a modern twist, the Spicy Tuna Martini (raw tuna with sauce on a salad served in a martini glass). And don’t miss the Japanese version of surf and turf: tiger prawns coupled with a Kobe steak. The fact is, everything here is stellar, so it’s a good idea to order lots of small dishes so you can get an assortment of great flavors.
This is one restaurant where you won’t mind waiting. Adding to the authenticity, the restaurant has Pachinko gaming machines, i.e., Japanese slot machines. But there’s no real gambling here. Free tokens are available to keep yourself entertained while you wait.
Above the sushi bar inside Tokyo 21, you’ll find a large statue of a black cat. While here in the States we may consider a black cat bad luck, in Japan the animal actually symbolizes good fortune. You’ll definitely feel lucky for finding this place.
Photo credit: (c/o Flickr) yelpdotcom
Tokyo 21 ($$): 901 W Weed St; 312-337-2001
Weds - Thurs: 5:00 p.m. - '
Fri: 5:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.
Sat: 5:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.
Street parking difficult
Public trans: Bus # 8, 72 or Red Line train (North/Clybourn)
http://www.tokyo21chicago.com/
Related Stories
POSTED IN: Restaurants
0 opinions for Tokyo 21
No one has left a comment yet. You know what this means, right? You could be first!
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: