The Sit Down Cafe & Sushi Bar
| Address: | 1312 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615, USA |
| Phone: | +1 773-324-3700 |
| Site: | thesitdowncafe.com |
| Rating: | 4.1 |
| Working: | Closed 11AM–9:30PM 11AM–9:30PM 11AM–9:30PM 11AM–10:30PM 11AM–10:30PM 11AM–9:30PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 12
A
A Private User
Taking over the old Hyde Park Produce location next to CVS at 53rd and Kimbark, the Sit Down Sushi Bar and Restaurant (which opened October 20, 2008) is a breath of fresh air for those wanting more health-oriented, tasty fusion cuisine. From sushi to smoothies and pizza to soups, salads and sandwiches, everything on the menu looks delicious. I ordered their 53rd St. maki – smoked salmon, spicy shrimp, mango and radish sprout wrapped with soy paper ($9), which was both well presented and tasty. The blue apple salad ($6.95) was advertised in the menu as containing “arugula, gorgonzola, chopped green apples, dried cranberries and blue cheese dressing” – but it arrived on my plate with small pieces of bacon and a few chopped red onions, which weren’t included in the description, and the dressing was too heavy. Next time I’d ask for dressing on the side. The owner also assured me that the menu will be fixed and the salads are served as advertised (no bacon or onions) until new menus are printed. As far as salads go, I’m partial to the Third World Café’s Waldorf or “amazing apple” salad with tuna on top, since their salads are larger (compared to the Sit Down’s blue apple salad), although the former comes to over $13 with the 10.25% Chicago sales tax. Overall, the Sit Down has a nice selection of menu items and a pleasing ambiance. It’s the kind of place you could go for lunch with a friend or bring a date for dinner. The owner, Salvatore Pappalito, who is related to the owners of Hyde Park Produce (HPP’s owners are his cousin and uncle), says that all of the fruits and vegetables used in the dishes come from the same wholesale markets where HPP gets its produce. All sandwiches (which range from $7-8, including chicken pesto, vegetable, steak, “Mediterranean caprese” and more) come with chopped fruit, berries or veggie chips. So unless you have a huge appetite, you’ll probably be satisfied with their medium-size portions. In general, I highly recommend this restaurant and plan to go back to try the rest of their menu.
A
A Private User
I stopped in Saturday night, and was truly wowed! Everything from the aesthetics to the food was incredible. One of my favorite rolls is the Caterpillar, and I have to say, it was probably the best Ive tasted. And there were so many rolls on the menu that Ive never seen before. I tried a few new things, also exceptional. The special Saturday Night was the Hyde Park Roll. My mouth starts to water thinking about it. I stopped in specifically for the Sushi, but Im definitely going back to try the full menu. So to Summarize: The Sit Down has a great atmosphere. Comfortable and Urban. And in one visit, its already on its way to becoming my new Sushi place.
VA
Valery Stanley
If you mention or ask about gluten-free options, you can throw your caution aside and rely on the very attentive management to suggest and ensure that you remain so for the whole meal. Did you know soy-sauce was NOT gluten-free? Well its not, so opt for Nama Shoyu instead. The gumbo soup was delish with nice amount of meat variety (shrimp, sausage, chicken). The sea-weed salad was on a smaller side, for that price Ive had bigger, but the cucumbers were a nice touch (usually its just lettuce underneath the sea weed). The sushi rolls seemed fresh and were very tasty. Overall a nice option is youre in the neighborhood.
JO
Jorene Ooi
This place serves sushi... sandwiches... and pizza? Hmm ok, thats quite a variety. However, the food is just mediocre, and Im not sure if its the urge to provide a variety of food that makes it so. The boyfriend and I got sandwiches and we both were underwhelmed. They were not bad, but they were not particularly delicious or unique. The portions were small too. I didnt get the sushi but the place didnt look like it would serve out-of-the-world sushi anyway, It is a good gluten-free option, but dont come here with high expectations.
AR
Arlene Wang
There is a lot of variety in the menu, which can be appealing to a large group with different tastes but also disappointing because some of the items are pretty mediocre. First time I came here, I got the chicken pesto panini (not knowing they dont really do sandwiches well) and the meat was dry and fairly bland. Their sushi is good though. In comparison to Shinju across the street, the Sit Downs is better quality but slightly overpriced. Spider rolls and tempura were tasty. Make sure to bring your student ID for a discount!
MS
Ms. Frisby
I called ahead here to check if they served food that was safe for my allergies. The staff was very nice and thoughtful and checked to make sure that I would have a safe meal. When I arrived, our waitress remembered my call and double checked everything on my card. I had the gluten free cheese pizza and it was some of the tastiest pizza Ive had. Everyone else at the table really enjoyed what they ordered as well, both food and cocktails. Our waitress was perfectly lovely and very attentive. Highly recommend!
HA
Hayley Myers
After spending over $79 on take out we were not only disappointed with the portions but some condiments were missing. The over-pricing and stingy portions, along with mediocre service explains why a sit down sushi spot in the heart of bustling HydePark is empty on a Saturday night. I wont be back and I suggest a restaurant that wants to feed their guests instead of this one and there are plenty of great restaurants in HydePark that cater to the foodie.
NE
Nefertiti OjiNjideka Hemphill
My husband and I order from this restaurant at least once a week. The food is delicious, consistent and eclectic. You can order everything from a blueberry smoothie to tuna tataki. Two of our favorite dishes are the chicken pesto sandwich and the thin crust pizza, both can be prepared gluten free. Delicious! The atmosphere is fantastic and the owner Sal is fabulous! If youre in the area check out where the locals eat. Its definitely worth a visit!
A
A Private User
We were recently in Chicago. My kids are Celiac and have never been to a restaurant. Sal at The Sit Down went out of his way to make sure that we were aware of all the ways they protect gluten free diners. The food was fantastic, the service was impeccable and the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. I cant recommend this restaurant enough to those with and without a gluten intolerance.
PA
Paul Keyser
Best sushi in Hyde Park, plus they have thin-crust pizza, with a gluten-free option thats actually tasty; add outdoor seating, and how can you miss? During the terms, often full of University of Chicago students and faculty. Besides the good food, they have a decent beer and wine menu, and a few sake selections. The menu is reliable, not exciting; the staff are welcoming. #15bday
KI
Kit Englert
Delicious food amazing presentation. Today I ordered for the first time from The Sit Down Cafe & Sushi Bar.when the order arrived I was so surprised to see a beautiful plate (real white plate and real silverware) elegantly decorated. The salad was very fresh and very crisp the salmon perfectly grilled, the tuna salad perfectly seasoned. You guys gained a new customer.
DA
David Ornelas
Easy going environment with a varied menu. In my limited experience with sushi this place is as good as any other try the super crunchy roll. I enjoy their soups too. Only thing knocking off a star is the fact that they dont have a sofa fountain. I dislike having to pay for my pop in glass bottles. This is a sushi bar not a downtown fancy place.
