The Wake

Craving sushi but short on cash? Sushi Express is your best option. Located a block away from the Superblock, you can’t beat its convenience or its cheap prices. But if quality is high on your priority list, don’t waste your time.

Sushi Express, located at 929 Washington Ave S.E., offers sushi for fast-food prices. The portions are large, about nine pieces of sushi per roll, and customers are given the option of grabbing some sushi-to-go out of a refrigerated case or waiting for their sushi to be made to order.

The menu is relatively limited. It does, however, offer some appetizers and soups along with traditional sushi. I tried the miso soup, a broth mixed with tofu, and was thoroughly disappointed to find that it was extremely watered-down. Sushi Express redeemed itself with its inari, a sweet appetizer of rice covered in a fried tofu skin.

For a main course, I tried the snow crab roll and the Philadelphia roll. Paired with appetizers, this was enough to feed two people. The snow crab roll consisted of shredded crab and avocado, wrapped in seaweed and rice. It was difficult to taste the crab, but the overall flavor wasn’t disappointing. The Philadelphia roll was made up of salmon and cream cheese wrapped in seaweed and rice, and was very good. The salmon didn’t have an overly fishy taste. While the texture of the fish was a little rubbery, topped with some wasabi, the roll was fabulous. Soda, water and juices are also available in can or fountain-form.

The restaurant has a relaxed, fast-food environment. It’s very white and plain, giving off a sterile, almost depressing feel. Don’t come expecting atmosphere. With soft rock playing in the background, it has an overwhelming casual vibe. It’s a tiny place and there’s not a lot of seating, but on a Friday night, the restaurant was not busy at all.

The staff is friendly. Even if food is brought out to you, don’t expect to be checked up on or waited on. Appetizers come promptly, with no more than a ten minute wait for the sushi to arrive.

The price of the sushi is very reasonable. The soup and inari were both under $3 each, with the rolls generally about $6 or $7.

Sushi Express is perfect for a casual sushi experience, but probably not the best idea for a romantic date. Though well within walking distance of the Superblock and the Melrose, parking is available too.

First-time sushi eaters will most likely appreciate the price and the taste of their sushi, but experienced connoisseurs may find Sushi Express only good for quick cravings.