A New Neighborhood Sushi Spot Led by a Veteran Chicago Chef Opens in Lincoln Park

Sushi Hall, a brand new sushi restaurant in Lincoln Park, opened this week, finalizing the transformation of a vacant storefront tavern into a comfy and up to date neighborhood retreat.

Tucked inside a 150-year-old constructing at 2630 N. Clark Avenue, Sushi Corridor goals to supply Lincoln Park residents a center floor between Chicago’s array of ultra-casual all-you-can-eat sushi spots and splashy, spendy omakase dens.

“The neighborhood is so necessary to us,” says associate Jacob Ringer, who in 2019 ran for 43rd Ward alderman. Although he didn’t win the election (a household custom, it seems — in 1967, his father additionally misplaced his bid for alderman in the identical ward) Ringer did knock on 10,000 doorways within the space and says that have gave him a deeper understanding of the Lincoln Park neighborhood. “My restaurant inspirations are one thing like Gemini — a neighborhood staple eternally — or the Willow Room: it’s very native, very inviting, however as a substitute of a cheeseburger, you’re grabbing a roll of sushi.”

The novice-friendly menu goes into intricate element, itemizing every element in its signature maki, in addition to its location inside or atop every of the eight rolls. There’s additionally a group of traditional maki and sashimi, in addition to a plethora of playful starters like togarashi fries with yuzu aioli and Spicy Poppers (tempura-battered jalapeños served with spicy tuna and unagi sauce).

Sushi Corridor patrons may also order off an “I Don’t Eat Sushi” menu, designed to offer choices for individuals who’d somewhat not eat uncooked fish. It consists of izakaya-style dishes reminiscent of hen katsu and garlic pork udon alongside vegetarian maki and rolls with cooked proteins. The latter choices are, actually, nonetheless sushi — the Japanese phrase refers to rice seasoned with vinegar and sugar, not seafood — however operators wish to make certain all types of diners really feel comfy.

Whereas Ringer and his companions are all first-time restaurant homeowners, Sushi Corridor can be the beginning of a brand new chapter for chef Mitch Kim, who spent 17 years main the kitchen at Toro Sushi, the tiny Lincoln Park spot the place he fostered a loyal following within the space. It was there Kim met Ringer and Jimmy Vetrano, each neighborhood residents and Toro Sushi regulars, and solid a friendship that has now advanced right into a enterprise partnership. The trio have additionally introduced on Dao Chanthabane, who spent six years as Kim’s sous chef at Toro, as a basic supervisor and co-owner.

Effectively-known Chicago inside design agency Siren Betty Design (additionally behind the take a look at Segnatore and Nine Bar, amongst others) crafted the two,700 square-foot area, which features a entrance eating room that seats 16; a chef’s counter for 4; a six-seat sushi bar; and a rear eating room (additionally out there for personal events) with chairs for 16. In lieu of the extra typical escapism-fueled aesthetic seen at loads of sushi eating places, designers rooted the area firmly in Chicago with uncovered brick partitions, neat blue and yellow subway tile, and an infinite wall mural of a fish skeleton impressed by a tattoo on Kim’s forearm.

Regardless of accruing greater than 20 years of expertise behind the sushi bar, Kim stays humble, claiming — erroneously — that he’s “not knowledgeable,” however says he may see that Ringer is a pleasant one who cherished his meals. He additionally shares his fellow companions’s devotion to the neighborhood. “I stated, ‘Jacob, let’s open one other restaurant. I’d love to remain in Lincoln Park and maintain my clients,’” he says. “I didn’t wish to depart for one more location.”

Go searching inside Sushi Corridor within the pictures under.

Sushi Hall, 2630 N. Clark Avenue, Open 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday by means of Sunday.