Sushi, as I’ve found, comes cheap and expensive, traditional and exotic. Just down the street at Houston’s, you can get delicious Americanized rolls, with ingredients such as Tuna, jalapeno, avocado, and Macadamia nuts (but they’re also ridiculously overpriced) or you can go to Monsoon Cafe during happy hour and get a small roll for $4.
And of course, no happy hour is complete without drinks. Margaritas are $6 each.
All drafts and appetizers are $4. This includes all the sushi and random finger foods (such as Thai popcorn chicken).
After reading Kitchen Confidential, Anthony Bourdain made me a bit weary about discounted sushi. Long story short, if it’s discounted, be skeptical. So, I ordered the tempura roll in which the salmon is cooked. I know, cooked salmon and sushi? But it was delicious.
At $4, you get 6 small pieces, which is somewhat of a decent deal. Obviously, there are better deals out there, but not around Santa Monica.
Kun ordered the Pacific Roll, which has 3 different pieces of fish in it. It was so good that he ordered 2 more right after. I was put off by the Albatross.
We also ordered a Tuna and Crab Spring Roll, which was actually my favorite, but such a rip off. They only give you 4 pieces.
On a beautiful and warm day, it’s a great place because they offer al fresco seating
MENU
1212 3rd St Promenade
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 576-9996
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Hey Jess–I used to live in LA and about the only thing I miss are the restaurants. I was a starving graduate student at the tieme, so high-priced fare was out. If I was there now I would go to:
Killer Shrimp (somewhere south of you–maybe Venice but I’m thinking Manhattan Beach or something). They only have one thing on the menu: killer shrimp. OK, two thinks: killer shrimp and beer).
California Chicken Cafe (there are a bunch all around town–AWESOME wraps, AWESOME rotissere chicken, AWESOME sides and potatoes).
Versailles (pretty much the best Cuban food I’ve every had–in Venice I think–get the Cuban roast pork, and bring a doggie-bag. Amazing).
Check them out!
John