Seemor
Blowfish Sushi & Ramen ChicagoB+Worth Trying
1130 W Bryn Mawr Ave, Chicago, IL 60660
· Sushi restaurant, Asian restaurant, Japanese restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (1440 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Lively Edgewater spot for flavorful ramen and creative sushi with generally friendly service and fair prices, but expect occasional delivery mishaps and salt-heavy flavors.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Blowfish Sushi & Ramen Chicago delivers competitive neighborhood dining through solid food quality and strong service attentiveness, supported by a polished newer space and genuine local loyalty. However, inconsistent execution between dine-in and delivery—particularly salt levels and packaging issues during rushes—prevents the higher grade. Best experienced dining in rather than ordering out.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling with a polished new space that regulars rave about. Servers are often friendly and fast, and plates land with energy—"rich ramen and fresh sushi, exactly what we wanted." However, expect occasional delivery delays during rushes. The cooking leans comfort-first Japanese with modern flourishes: silky tonkotsu, spicy brisket ramen, and creative rolls with sauces and crunch. The culinary approach leans contemporary and produce-driven: inventive toppings and pressed sushi without drifting into theatrics. Dine-in shines most; delivery can magnify salt and sauce. Families do fine here thanks to approachable staples like classic rolls, shrimp tempura, miso soup, and tofu ramen. Portions are generous and prices fair for kids who share. There is no explicit kids menu, but simple rolls and mild broths keep picky eaters covered.
At a Glance
- Rich, satisfying ramen with crowd-favorite brisket and black garlic bowls
- Fresh sushi and generous portions at fair neighborhood prices
- Delivery capacity issues can cause long waits and soggy items
- Some dishes skew salty or sauce-heavy for sensitive palates
- Peak-time pickup bottlenecks; consider dining in or off-peak orders
What Sets It Apart
- rich_garlic_tonkotsu
- creative_signature_rolls
- strong_local_following
What People Love
- Comforting, flavorful broths
- Creative signature rolls with vibrant presentation
- Quick, friendly service for dine-in
- Cozy, attractive new space
Points of Concern
- Delivery and pickup delays during rushes, sometimes 1-3 hours reported
- A minority report excessive salt or heavy sauces, especially on delivery
- Occasional order accuracy issues for specialty rolls
- A few isolated illness reports without consistent pattern
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$35-48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- For mild palates: Classic Tonkotsu or Salmon & Avo roll
- For vegetarians: Tofu Shoyu Ramen or Veggie Delight Bowl
- For value: Gyoza + classic roll + mochi for a budget-friendly set
Perfect For
- Casual date night with ramen and rolls
- Warm-up winter meal with hearty broth
- Solo sushi stop near the Red Line
- Neighborhood meetups without fine-dining fuss
Location Insights
Area: Residential Edgewater corridor near Bryn Mawr CTA, attracts neighbors and casual date-night diners.
Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; typical urban vigilance at night.
Nearby: Close to Red Line, small shops, theaters, and lakefront within a short walk.
EdgewaterEdgewater is a lakeside neighborhood with a strong community feel, featuring a variety of dining options from casual eateries to ethnic restaurants. The area is known for its walkability, beach access, and a growing number of trendy cafes and bars, attracting both locals and visitors seeking a relaxed yet lively dining environment.
Bryn Mawr Historic DistrictThis micro-neighborhood is characterized by well-preserved historic buildings and a calm, neighborhood-oriented atmosphere. Dining here tends to be more intimate and community-focused, with a few boutique restaurants and cafes that cater to local tastes.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–22:00
Tuesday11:30–22:00
Wednesday11:30–22:00
Thursday11:30–22:00
Friday11:30–23:00
Saturday12:00–23:00
Sunday12:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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