Im giving this place a 4 mostly for value, uniqueness of the environment and that they served my beer FROSTY cold. The server was awesome in every way and the check was unbelievably affordable for all we ordered. Food was okay, not bad, not great. Would be back again for a few beers and snacks, maybe not for dinner. read more

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Absolutely love this sushi place. The fact that it's in the same building I work in makes it dangerously convenient. I usually order to-go and head straight back to the office, which is perfect for a quick but satisfying lunch. In all the times I've eaten here, there's only been one small boo-boo (they forgot to deep fry the California roll), but honestly--not a big deal. It was still delicious. Consistently good food, super convenient, great service, and definitely one of my go-to spots. Hard to beat sushi this easy and this good. read more

503 Sushi Bar - California roll and the other had asparagus in it - Japanese Near Me - Salem, Oregon

This place has good sushi at a very reasonable price! The service was very fast and the vibe upstairs was very comfortable. I have no complaints of this place whatsoever. read more

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Really good food, pretty affordable and my party enjoyed the service we received. Unique design also, nice break from other sushi places.

Sushi is so fresh and delicious. Friendly service. Nice view of street and quiet area. read more

Usually I hate sushi, but I think their volcano roll has changed my mind! The eel and chicken katsu was also really great. We used their online ordering service, and they brought out our food pretty fast with no issues. The layout was really interesting because the restaurant is on a sort of balcony above a metaphysical store and the rest of the sort of mall area in the Reed. If you've ever been there, you know what I mean-- the building used to be an opera house, which gives it a really unique charm. You have to walk through the service counter area to actually get to the restaurant, but that wasn't an issue. There are big windows and fun lighting along the top of it, so you get a really nice view of the Salem streets in the area. We unfortunately splashed a lot of water onto the window, however, so if the staff is reading this... we are very, very sorry. I was just as soaked as the glass was. read more

503 Sushi Bar - Japanese Near Me - Salem, Oregon

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We had a girl server and she said our ids were fake. We are both 30 years old so this was extremely annoying. Not only was she very rude, but she accuse us of lying and She refused to give us any wine so we left very upset . She has zero customer service skills and clearly needs to be retrained on what an ID looks like. We were out celebrating the purchase of a new car so this was very disappointing. You need to have people who are trained in checking IDs and that have costumer service skills. read more

Great little place in Old Reed Opera House, great atmosphere and great sushi. Plus I like ordering and paying from your phone. The Rainbow Roll, The Philadelphia Roll and the Hawaiian Roll were fresh and delicious. read more

This place is in a neat location with a lot of seating near windows. Staff are friendly. Sushi was good - although the cucumber salad was awful- it didn't taste like a cucumber at all and was not pleasant- I didn't finish that. Also I did assume it was going to have a bar with sushi on it to pick up since it is called sushi bar - but they did not have this. Other than that - the service was good and they were nice - I only gave 3 stars as I felt the cucumber salad was pricy for how awful it was - and this is a main thing I get every where I go. I did appreciate that you can add things to the roll and customize. I will probably come back again with my husband and see how it is -and update my review. read more

Sure it's salem so the sushi isn't great. That's expected. And a lot of places post pandemic are struggling with speedy service, so let's have some generosity of spirit. But the servers are just rude. For no reason. It's one thing to have mediocre food and bad service but at least be pleasant. Also the kitchen area is disgustingly filthy. See pic. read more

503 Sushi Bar - Dust. Disgusting. - Japanese Near Me - Salem, Oregon

Service was horrible food was average. Expected better customer service from the owner kay Lee, but he's a piece of shit who runs a dishonest business read more

Not everyone wants to use QR codes. I have gauging my family that it is a treat to go out to a restaurant for a dining experience. My feelings are that the experience should include the opportunity to detach from devices and enjoy each others company and the service provided. The food was marginal and I have to thank myself for creating the experience. This place should be take out only. read more

My partner recently took on a big change at work and we've seen our time together get much more limited with her work schedule changes. Last night we planned to meet after her first Sunday shift in years for a sushi dinner date at what we'd been told was a pretty good place. I love what they've done at the Reed Opera House downtown, it looks beautiful. Going into the restaurant I was a little annoyed with their new method of ordering, but I'm nothing if not adaptable in this post COVID world. You scan a QR code and you're taken to a digital menu where you order and pay all at once (I do like Apple Pay options, I suppose). I will say I intended to leave a tip in cash based on service, but I have an issue tipping before I receive any service. Anyway after ordering, we received our sushi on one plate, and were surprised to find that the only double roll (the dragon roll) was slathered in avocado slices (which was not specified on the menu). We noted specifically an avocado allergy existed. We also ordered a spider roll (that is made with avocado) that was going to be completely for my partner and so we ordered as is. Upon receiving our food, and noting the issue that we had, we flagged one of the two servers down and explained the situation, that the dragon roll appeared to be made incorrectly, because there were avocado slices all over it. She went back to the chef, who is also apparently the owner and manager, and I saw her explain the situation. She came back and informed us that "that is just the way he makes it". When I emphasized that we ordered it specifically because it didn't have avocado, I asked her to have the chef remake it. She stated that he had told her that he would not remake it. That was when I asked her to let me speak to him, assuming she would pass along the message and he would come out to speak to me. When she came back to our table a minute later, she looked rather embarrassed, and said that we needed to leave. Needing clarification, my partner asked were they going to refund us, to which she replied no, they were not going to refund the coat of our meal amd that she had been instructed to take our plate, and we were to leave the restaurant. He would not remake our food, allow us yo eat our food, or process a refund. It was at this point that I did get up and walk over to him, just to clarify what was being told to us, and after grabbing a menu from their serving counter, and showing it to him very clearly where the Dragon roll DOES NOT have avocado listed as an ingredient. He angrily tossed his own menu and said again no refund, no correction, and we had to leave. I was shocked. Needless to say our date night hit a serious speed bump. We ended up at Ventis just to eat something, but we'd both been excited for sushi, soooo. I would highly recommend that we let this horrible business go out of business. With so many good options of places to eat downtown, this one should not ever be patronized again. read more

503 Sushi Bar - Japanese Near Me - Salem, Oregon

So yummy! Affordable, small portions of fresh sushi and an aesthetically pleasing dining area. The place is definitely popular with the students around campus - since it's so cheap. Come one come all Willlamette students. Pros: - Value: Most of the rolls are well worth what the restaurant charges, which is pretty dang inexpensive. Not to mention the bowls are huge and all the elements are done well. The rice always comes out cooked properly, the proteins are always seasoned and sauced well, and veggies come fresh. - Location: Every time I ask my Uni friends where we should eat out, 503 is always on our radar. It looks seriously unique in a very "hidden gem," saloon kinda way, definitely great vibes from the place. It gets a pretty nice street view of the center of Salem's city life. Really charming. Overall, nothing but love for this place, you get what you pay for + some. read more

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This is the best sushi I have ever had. The flavors exploded in my mouth and I almost cried tears of joy. The staff is friendly and it's quick service. I usually don't like avocado but with this sushi i did like it. The flavors compliment each other so much. I would definitely go here if i were you. read more

503 Sushi Bar - Vegas Roll, Volcano Roll - Japanese Near Me - Salem, Oregon

The food was really good & a lot of variety, very favorable. Will be coming back again ! read more

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We had edamame, vegetable roll, salmon, eel, and calamari nigiri. The portions were small and lacked flavor. Limited menu options.

I've had better sushi in the local area for around the same price, but the place was worth trying once. read more

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I was really looking forward to the nigiri and getting some good flavor from the fish. Unfortunately, it did not taste like sushi grade fish or it was old. I'm actually a little concerned that I'm going to be sick tonight. The Vegas roll wasn't too bad but the taste of the nigiri was still in my mouth and eating anymore of it made me more concerned and nervous for later. I've ordered from them in the past and it was pretty good so I am fairly disappointed in myself and in the cost of the food that I am throwing in the garbage. Such a bummer. read more

503 Sushi Bar - Peppered Tuna Nigiri and Vegas Roll - Japanese Near Me - Salem, Oregon

The owner has a serious anger issue and is disrespectful to customers, especially to women. I'm sure the food is good, but his demeanor is just uncalled for and puts a bad reputation to a restaurant that has way more potential without his involvement. There are better places to go to in Salem that do not disrespect people, trust me. Seriously, get some anger management help dude. read more

Chef behind the counter has a horrible attitude and a sailors mouth. Wouldn't be an issue if his sushi was actually good - the younger of the two chefs is the one carrying that duo. Seems like an out of touch owner forcing himself to remain as the chef because he's afraid to hurt his soft ego. And it shows in his food. read more

Walking downtown on a very excellent summer evening when my daughter said she wanted Sushi for dinner...and there we were outside The Reed Opera House..so we took the elevator to Sushi Bar 503. I really like how they have kept a lot of the old features plain brick work..old pillars and the old windows..with a nice view of the street below. Waring if you are tall the ceiling is not high. Ordered 2 miso soups and 3 rolls and some nigiri. The rolls are smaller than most places but also less expensive.. They were all good..especially liked the "Oregon Roll". Nigiri was good Miso not so much . The wait people were very good and always on top of things. Rather liked this place. read more

Horrible service! It's a scan to order, pay and tip before service type of place. No explanation of menu items just a "here is your table, scan and order using the code..." Waitress just basically threw our items on the table and walked away. No eye contact or anything. Appetizers came out after the rolls. Only one tiny piece of soft shell crab in the "spider" roll. I can not explain how disengaged the staff were. It was like we were bothering her by being there... avoid at all cost unless you like being treated like garbage. read more

I got food here yesterday I ordered online and first thing is it didn't go through so me and my girlfriend waited almost an hour for our food, it was bland and salty and just overall gross. Today I am now sick from the food and I just am overall disappointed. read more

1 star is solely for the service. Very sweet waitresses but besides this, nothing to offer. The location is great and the atmosphere is nice... but all in all not good. Starting from the ordering system- you have to scan a QR code to place your order and pre-tip (which I did see on previous reviews but still gave it a shot) but it's extremely confusing and not user friendly. Drinks took way too long to get to us, would've preferred an actual server. The sushi itself was not good. The nigiri was stale and the rolls were underwhelming. Would not come here again. read more

We love it here! Came in for dinner with my two children. We ordered 3 California rolls (one with Siracha Mayo), an Oregon Roll, and Rocky Roll. My children attacked the rolls and barely left any for me. All 5 rolls were tightly wrapped and did not suffer the premature sushi death (falling apart on the way to the mouth). On each table 503 provides a photo menu of their sushi (be cautioned, some of the rolls are not exactly as they appear) as well as ginger and soy sauces. My family prefers water to accompany sushi but 503 also has sodas, tea, and adult beverages. read more

503 Sushi Bar - California Rolls (one with Siracha Mayo added) and an Oregon Roll - Japanese Near Me - Salem, Oregon

We have been on a quest to experience every restaurant in downtown Salem over the Summer. We found this to be a little on the high side for the quality and quantity of food. Even though the location is nice, the first impression is it's not very clean! The table was sticky and the backing behind the rail was filthy it just didn't sit well as anyplace I would choose to frequent again! Service was "ok", nothing special, and since part of the kitchen is in the entryway it makes for an awkward first contact. I would not be able to recommend this restaurant to any of my friends! read more

Excellent! Wonderful location and ambience and the food was excellent. Definitely will be back.

I eat here weekly. The sushi and ramen are really good. The food is usually served very quickly. There has been a lot of turnover in staff but there are some great longer term employees. You know who you are. They could have a better wine and beer selection. The cold and warm saki are good choices. It's a basic and reasonable sushi joint, but enough to keep bringing me back. read more

We visited this place because we heard that they had ramen, that was a mistake. Like ordering fish at a steakhouse, lol. I ordered the peppered tuna nigiri and it was awesome, everything you'd expect from top notch sushi, the wasabi was fresh and had real zing. Bottled beers were reasonably priced. Service was average. I would eat here again. read more

This place is my go to sushi place. I love the sushi and they have a lot of variety of different types of sushi and all are great. The staff is pretty good they just take your order and get straight to it so pretty quick. read more

503 Sushi Bar - Sushi - Japanese Near Me - Salem, Oregon

Cheap ingredients bad tasting chewy baked clams. Chicken bowl not put together well. Pass unless they upgrade soon.

Waited 30+ minutes for an order that was put in on line. 10+ people that order after me got food first. None of the employees were concerned about it. Horrible service read more

I eat sushi probably about once a week, and I have never been so disappointed as I was with this place. I've never even made a yelp review, but this needs to be known! I'm here visiting Salem and decided to give this place a try. I called in an order for a Dragon roll, tuna poki, salmon nigiri and unagi nigiri. Interaction and pick up was fine, and all that for $15? I was impressed. Got it back to my place and dug in, I'm starving! The first bite of the dragon roll was weird. The eel on top is fridge cold, and there's some sort of gelatinous goo on the bottom. It tasted okay, so I ate a couple more. Then the goo kinda started throwing me off, not appetizing. Pick up the eel nigiri, and half of the meat is this black, sticky, slimy, what I assume to be fat attached to it, and again, fridge cold! In my experience, unagi is served warmed, and I have never, ever seen fat like that actually served. I picked it off of both pieces, I'll at least try to salvage it. Tentatively ate the salmon, that was fine (Phew!) Then I got into the poki, which I was most looking forward to. As I was eating I was thinking, okay, this could redeem the weird eel, when I stick a piece of fish in my mouth and it is Super. Fishy. It is off. And it is gross. I barely made it to the sink before everything else I just ate came right back up. I don't know if because I ordered to go, they thought they could cut all the corners, or if that is their normal practice... But I will never go there again. read more

503 Sushi Bar - The nasty fat from the eel - Japanese Near Me - Salem, Oregon

Hairy sushi, all I have to say... We told the owner, they took the hair out but give us the same exact roll rather than making us new non hairy roll. :( read more

Super cute location, but the food and experience are not great. Sushi is super basic and falls apart when you try to eat it. No pictures on the menu so everything is a surprise when it comes out. Won't be coming in here again. read more

Great location! Such potential, but meh. Safeway has better "sushi." I get that it's super cheap, so you shouldn't be expecting much.. but imitation krab salad or avocado for basically every roll? I guess a warning would have been nice. Oh well. read more

The sushi is delicious and incredibly priced. The woman (didn't catch her name) who waitresses is so nice and provides great service. They guy (not sushi chef) is sort of an asshole. Took awhile to even get a water refill and anything I asked for seemed like a large chore. read more

Stopped to grab some lunch after a friend who spent 2 years in Okinawa gave this place two thumbs up. Here's the skinny on my first impression..... ****STARS**** SERVICE: 3.5 PRICING: 5 SELECTION: 5 YUM FACTOR: 5 The rolls I purchased for take out were Avacado, Unagi, Spicy Tuna, & Rainbow. They were DELICIOUS! Service wasn't the most amazing, but I was in and out in a timely manner. I will most definitely be returning! BTW, if you're going to leave a 1 or 2 star rating (Danielle F. & Bekki B., I'm lookin' at you....), please work out your "rating math" accordingly. Your shoddy rating skills directly impact small business owners. If this needs to be explained, stick to posting to your friends on Fakebook..... read more

503 Sushi Bar - Lunch Box full o' YUM! - Japanese Near Me - Salem, Oregon

The waitress was friendly and willing to explain the menu, even tho she was the only one serving tables Sunday about 2 pm. She was running back and forth...not always focused to pick up dirty dishes on her way to the kitchen. She said they usually aren't that busy. The food was mediocre. Nothing special. Typically Sushi plates are beautifully adorned. Nothing extra in these sushi rolls plates. The tables were sticky...hard to get the menu off the table. It wasn't very clean. The soap store downstairs gave off an unpleasant aroma. Won't be going back. read more