I found this lowkey spot in Bridgeport that serves delicious sushi. As a sushi lover, I was surprised I haven't heard of this place yet until some of my friends brought me there. This place has an unbelievably low-priced lunch special that left me shocked! 3 basic rolls of your choice and 2 pcs sashimi of the chef's choice. I personally chose the spicy yellow tail crunch roll, spicy salmon roll, and spicy white tuna crunch roll. Chef picked salmon for the sashimi. Sushi was It also came with either salad or miso soup. I picked miso and it was nothing short of delicious! All together, it was $12!!! Insane deal you won't find anywhere else. This is enough to get your quick fix in if you're obsessed with sushi like I am but don't want to pay a pretty dollar for it. Overall the service was super fast. We had a large group of 10-12 and food came at a reasonable time. This place is on the smaller side, so it's a good idea to make reservations before visiting. Paid parking located right outside. read more

South Kawa - Lunch hour 3 Rolls Lunch Special - Japanese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

You can get a discount if you pay in cash. Great lunch specials - even offered on the weekends. You can get 3 rolls with 2 pieces sashimi/nigiri or 2 rolls with 4 pieces sashimi/nigiri and soup or salad for $13.50. Lately the rice has been on the harder side. Their special rolls are pretty good and I recommend trying them. My favorite is the Hawaiian roll. read more

South Kawa - Lunch special - Japanese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

WOW. I mean WOW. You will literally never find cheaper sushi anywhere else. This was $13 for 3 rolls and 2 sashimi, lunch special available even on weekends. Pay with cash and get a discount! I got the eel and avocado, Philadelphia, and spicy tuna crunch rolls. Absolutely loved them all!! So generous with the portions, did not skimp on any ingredients. Miso soup is delectable (not too miso-ey, which is what I prefer), def get that over the salad. There were 12 of us and they still served so quickly!! A smaller store inside. read more

South Kawa - Salad - Japanese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Ambiance - super intimate, family owned restaurant Service - speedy & staff was nice Food - although rice fell apart upon picking up the pieces, they're super generous with their fish portions read more

South Kawa - Japanese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

We had a great first experience. They were very patient with our baby dropping everything on the floor. The gyoza were tasty. We loved the Chicago roll (and it was huge!). We also ate the Sunny roll, the fatty salmon , and the salmon roe. Our baby enjoyed the tamago. Everything tasted so fresh. Will go back! read more

South Kawa - Japanese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Bridgeport DO NOT SNOOZE ON THIS PLACE!! It's the best place I've been to for sushi in a long time. The rock shrimp will have you shaking your head at how good they are!! The rolls.. fire!! So fresh.. so amazing. And it needs to be put on the map for one of the best places I've been to for sushi.... in years. Don't let the location fool you.. you won't be sorry. And ITS BYOB!! Hands down ... best spot read more

South Kawa - Japanese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great prices, excellent sushi, wonderful service! I will definitely return! Good place to have food before a show at the Ramova

This is my favorite local spot to get sushi at. They have an amazing lunch special deal that you can not pass up on. 3 rolls and 2 pieces of sashimi for less than $15. The service is always great, the staff are friendly and attentive. Whenever I'm craving sushi, this is my go to spot. I've gotten the lunch special as takeout and have dined in. Both experiences have been great. Sometimes the quality of takeout sushi isn't as good as dining in, but both are similar. However, if you dine in, the lunch special comes with a choice of soup or salad. The location is small with only a few tables, but I've never needed to wait for a table. There's also lots of metered parking in the area. This is one of my regular spots that I've been going to for a while. Would highly recommend for that lunch special. read more

South Kawa - 3 rolls and 2 sashimi lunch special - Japanese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I decided to treat my friend out to dinner for his birthday and we decided on SKJR. So, let me get into it. The food was pretty good. I have to say having had sushi and sashimi in Japan in my time I have to say the quality was pretty good, the soft shell crab could have been a little more crispy. The taste was on par. The gyoza was looked okay but, my friend and I both agreed we that it could have been better from an overall cook time stand point. The sushi, sashimi was on point. I definitely would go back just for the sushi. The service was okay. There wasn't many people inside the shop and the server/waitress didn't seem very excited to walk us through any of the special items. The atmosphere or ambiance like I call it, was really nice. Everything seemed very clean and the décor really matched the environment. Overall, I would say definitely try the sushi and sashimi! read more

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We have been going here for YEARS. We have not been able to find another sushi place in any state that compares in quality, service, and price. We moved away from Chicago several years ago, but we still come back to South Kawa for our sushi cravings a few times a year! read more

Kawa's lunch menu is unbeatable! $13 for 3 rolls, 4 pieces of sashimi, and either miso soup or a salad?! Say less! But of course, this isn't going to taste like a $100 omakase experience lol. Sometimes the rice can be a little better and the soup can be hotter. However, if you're looking for a quick, affordable lunch in this economy, Kawa's your best bet. read more

South Kawa - Salmon sashimi, Salmon Avocado Roll, Salmon Roll - Japanese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I can't believe it took us so long to find this neighborhood gem! My husband and I stopped in on a Saturday night for dinner. It wasn't very busy for dine in, but there were plenty of take-out orders. The ambience was very relaxing. It was quiet and they were playing calming pop music. Nice decor. Tables decently spaced. The bench seating was not particularly comfortable, but it was fine. Service was friendly and attentive but not pushy. Food came out quickly. BYOB! We had the salmon nigiri, yaki udon stir-fry with chicken, Anaconda roll and Halloween roll. The Anaconda roll was our favorite, very savory and rich. The Halloween was nice too, kind of spicy. The nigiri was good, it was nice to try their fish without adulteration. It was clean and served at a good temp. The Yaki udon was fine, but nothing special. We'll probably try a different noodle dish next time. Definitely looking forward to coming back! read more

South Kawa - Chicken Yaki Udon - Japanese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I love Kawa! Whenever we can't think of where to get dinner and want to stay local, we never go wrong. We came in on Friday night. It was busier than usual but their service is always so quick. We got miso soup to start off along with the snow shrimp tempura. The snow shrimp tempura was so delicious! It reminded me of the honey walnut shrimp from taste of canton. It's nice and sweet. For dinner we got the tonkatsu ramen. My egg yolk was not runny enough but still good. The pork was amazing!! It was so crispy on the edges but by the time you got to the middle, it melted in your mouth. We ended our night with the little candy you get at the front desk. 100/10. read more

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A quiet night at Kawa, but all was delicious. We had sushi rolls, nigiri, ramen, and a few other things. All plates were top notch, as always with Kawa. Ramen was filling and so flavorful. The nigiri pieces were plump and melt in your mouth. The rolls were unique and flavorful, as well as filling. They had a few rolls on special, but we didn't try any of those. We were so happy with all our choices. Staff was helpful and quick with everything, as well as attentive with the essentials. Once again Kawa impresses! Always recommend this place to everyone that is looking for a good sushi/ramen place on the southeast side of town. read more

This is a hidden gem in the neighborhood. Small and cozy sushi spot with amazingly fresh food. I stopped my for a quick lunch for and ordered the salmon sashimi, shumai, Sunny Roll, and and Volcano Roll. I've been to this place a few times and I am never disappointed! read more

South Kawa - Volcano Roll Sunny Roll - Japanese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Really delicious and such an affordable price! The bento box was massive and so cheap! It was everything in the picture PLUS miso soup. The salmon was so nicely cooked. read more

South Kawa - Salmon teriyaki bento box - Japanese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The quality was great for its price! I ordered the 20 piece sashimi deluxe and it was only around $33 with thick solid cuts. The salmon, tuna, hamachi, red snapper, and escolar all tastes fresh and melts in your mouth. The raw sweet shrimp/ebi nigiri was okay. I liked the fried head more than the flesh. My only complaint is that the squid/ika nigiri didn't taste fresh; it tasted fishy and rubbery. Usually the good quality squid tastes sweet and slimy the more you chew it. The rice was also a little too dry and hard. The service is good. Ambiance is humble and cute. Overall, great place for sashimi for its price. read more

South Kawa - Ebi - Japanese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I went there for lunch and ordered 3 rolls. The price was great for how much you get. Everything was delicious and it was ready even before they said it would be. I used to go here a lot when I lived in the area. I haven't had a bad experience. read more

Im usually very skeptical on ordering sushi. It usually always arrived like warm or just isn't that good to start with. South Kawa delivered hot gyoza and some of the best rolls I ever had. I highly recommend the huge Chicago fire roll. I don't even know what's in it but it took two bites to fully finish one piece. Would order from here again and again. I gotta make a trip to stop in sometime. Thank you for another amazing sushi spot! read more

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We had a bunch of food picked up and I thoroughly enjoyed each and every item. CA rolls, Tempura udon, edamame, gyoza, and a small taste of the teriyaki beef. Will definately order from here again. read more

Great sushi it was very fresh and you get a lot for your money!! 3 rolls for $12. Can't beat that read more

South Kawa - Sushi Lunch Special - Japanese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

If you can order during lunchtime you'll save a bunch on the traditional rolls, however I wasn't that impressed with them. I ordered the Spicy Salmon Crunch Roll, Spicy White Tuna Roll, Philadelphia Roll, and a kani salad. I ordered for pickup, service was good, and my total was $21 which wasn't bad at all. The rolls were very basic but I did like the salmon one and the kani salad had lettuce in it which I was not a fan of at all. I'd return but maybe for the specialty rolls instead. read more

Great local sushi place. Sushi quality is great for a quaint place. Staff is friendly. read more

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This is one of my favorite sushi spots in Chicago! The food (and fish) is delicious, fresh, and affordable. And the service is attentive, kind, and joyful. I recommend the Fallen Angel roll, Yakuza roll, and UIC roll - those are my favorites! They also have great lunch specials, perfect for a quick meal, with or without company. Every time I go to South Kawa, it feels like I'm enjoying a meal with family! read more

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Chill spot, dim lighting, so you'll always look good in photos. Service was prompt and friendly, food fresh and delicious! You will leave full and relaxed. Great vibe. read more

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Love their lunch special, so affordable and comes with miso soup or salad. Got the 3 rolls lunch special for $11. It's their anniversary too so they're giving an additional 10% for orders over $40 or 15% if paying with cash. Not much seatings but never packed when we come. Service was a little slow but it's because they make the food upon order and it takes some time for the chefs to roll the sushi. Not bad, definitely one of my go to spots for sushi. read more

The ramen was so good. The chicken ramen comes with pork broth which is my favorite, yet the chicken on top is grilled and really flavorful, which I like better than actual pieces of pork. The online order entry from their website wouldn't let me place an order after 8:45, but I called and it was very easy to place my order over the phone. The food was ready in when I arrived in 15 minutes, as they estimated. The broth had a ton of flavor and the chicken was perfectly seasoned and grilled. Will definitely order here again. read more

South Kawa - Chicken Ramen (comes with pork broth) - Japanese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

fantastic service and satisfying food each time we're there wether it be a holiday or regular day. Would recommend to anyone in the Bridgeport area! read more

I was in this area on south Halstead a few days ago looking for Homestyle Taste, much to my dismay I found they have gone out of business. Homestyle Taste was a 2 time Michelin rated restaurant in 2014 & 2015 . After recovering from my disappointment & shock I had to pick up the pieces of my shattered life and move on. Being a Yelper I resorted to Yelp to find an alternate to grab lunch. I found South Kawa a Japanese Restaurant @ 3417 S Halstead Ave. When you check in on Yelp you get an order of edamame (a very nice sized bowl) South Kawa has a nice interior ambiance. I got an order of tempura rock shrimp w/spicy mayo, 10 pieces for $7. So dam good, fried to perfection w/the spicy mayo. I savored every bite. I also ordered soft shell crab tempura sushi also tasty. By checking in on Yelp you get a free order of edamame (generous size portion) The service was a little slow, but the food was good read more

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My boyfriend and I stopped in on a Tuesday for a late lunch and it did not disappoint! Let me tell you about the jalapeño poppers! Perfect appetizer, a bit spicy for my mild folks but filling nonetheless! I ordered the Godzilla roll and the Chicago fire roll and I can't pick a favorite! I was so full at the end of the meal but I couldn't leave without satisfying my sweet tooth. Mochi ice cream is prepared and hits the spot every time. If you don't know about this place you've been asleep lol read more

South Kawa - Jalapeño Popper, Seaweed Salad, Chicago Fire Roll - Japanese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Great! Nice little place with a wonderful staff and a Homie atmosphere. I absolutely love it and I feel so welcome every time I go. And the food is really great as well. read more

Ok customer service. Clean restaurant. Food came out super fast. The food is average. The fish doesn't have much taste, specially the sashimi. The cuts of fish seem large and even you bite into them, they seem a bit hard and they have extra water, like the fish was previously frozen. Walked out of there unsatisfied and still hungry. Not coming back. read more

South Kawa - Thick cut tasteless Sashimi Regular ( previously frozen fish ) - Japanese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I had lunch at this location which started off fine. I ordered the teriyaki chicken bento box which did not note anywhere on the menu or the website that there are mushrooms in this dish. I stupidly did not ask for reassurance which I should have done. That being said, once I told who appeared to be the manager as well as my server. The woman told me 80% of teriyaki chicken will contain mushrooms. I have had this dish plenty of times and normally if that's the case it's noted on the menu. Her reaction to downplay me having an allergic reaction was very rude. And for that alone I will not be coming back. If you decide to try this place definitely give them a call first to check for any allergens. Very disappointing. read more

We love this family owned restaurant. The food is always delish and service is quick. I appreciate that the ambiance is a little less casual, perfect for a date night or family outing! read more

It's crazy to think that this kind of sushi restaurant has been in Bridgeport for almost a decade but here it is. When it first opened it was AYCE and it was in the best sushi but it was nice to get an all you can eat closer to me than the north side or west side. I haven't been for yearsss and now it's no longer ACYE. They have meal deals at least. The choices are your usual sushi restaurant rolls. The appetizers aren't the best quality. In my opinion, there's better sushi around the city and if you are willing to travel then go there. read more

I'm giving this place 5/5 stars and here is why: 1. The sushi is shockingly good. I didn't expect this walking into a very small restaurant where we were the only customers. I always tell my partner, if we want to blindly try out a restaurant, we should at least try the ones with customers already inside. Well, I stand corrected. 2. They served us water as most restaurants do. But, they failed to mention this is cucumber and lemon water. When we tried it, we were surprised and worried about contamination. When we told the restaurant manager about this, they totally understood.. apologized and even gave us free ice cream. THAT is how you manage a restaurant. We didn't even expect the free ice cream but we were so grateful to be heard! 3. The prices are excellent. Really good. I do not suggest the crab rangoon. The sushi was fresh and fantastic at his price point. Service was good and even though a mistake was made... it was fixed and we gave a hefty tip because they really deserve that. read more

Was told to f*ck off today by Elva from South Kawa today. Messed up on our order and was telling workers there that we were ignorant and annoying. All she said was I repeated everything it's just you guys being stupid. I'm very disappointed and think that South Kawa has to stop hiring these immature high schoolers just straight disrespectful!!! Will not come back anymore I've told many people about this place and was still a regular Thanks again Elva We will F*ck off P.s why is there never a manager?? read more

South Kawa - Japanese Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Dining hall is not that big but can accommodate more than 15 pp at once. Hall was a little bit dim but seems clean and neatly managed. Ordered roll, sushi and udon. I think this place uses quality ingredients. Udon was excellent, I like the way they use seafood broth and sesame oil. Also, clam and shrimp were really fresh and delicious. Hope to come back here soon read more

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Got the sushi and it was decent; the potstickers wasn't that great. I will try them again seen they are close, I can say the restaurant is beautiful. Amazing ambience it is cute for date night. The vibe of the restaurant is pleasing as well. read more

Pros: - good prices for large portions, especially the appetizers. - BYOB - no line Cons: - everything is covered in this sweet soy-based sauce, including nigiri. Yep, my freaking nigiri came out drenched in brown sauce. The rolls are extra covered in mayo and cheese sauces, some deep fried until beyond recognition. I couldn't taste the fish in these overwhelming flavors, so can't say if they were fresh or not. Maybe that was the point??? The chefs and wait staff are Chinese which might explain the lack of delicacy and refine flavors that are essential in Japanese cuisine. - ubiquitous presence of fatty ingredients like cream cheese, cheesy sauces, fried starch... quickly depletes one's appetite. - metered street parking - we were given wine glasses for our sake... and no water service Conclusion: a good place when you are in the mood for take-out /supermarket-quality sushi. Not for date nights or dinning with a foodie friend read more

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