SushiStop Sawtelle South

FAST AND AFFORDABLE Popped in here for a quick, cheap, weekday lunch. I was immediately seated and perused their menu. Lunch specials looked like the best deal, so I ordered the Chicken Teriyaki Plate for $9.99. It wasn't long before it arrived, though it could have been hotter. The lukewarm chicken had three pieces of gristle; otherwise, it was fine. The rice was perfect, the salad was refreshing, and the flower added to the pretty presentation. Probably wouldn't order this again, but I wouldn't mind trying some of the other options. Stop here for more than sushi!

Ahh talk about nostalgia when returning to this spot many years later after frequenting it monthly for 5 years! Love the causal ambiance though it can be quite loud when they turn up the overhead music (maybe by accident?). Well, things have definitely changed. Food is still DECENT and it is affordable for student pricing given how expensive sushi can be on the west side. But yeah, portions seem smaller than before. TIP: post on Instagram to get 10% off your bill and a free dessert! They have this one the specials menu in each table but you just gotta show your server =) Staff is welcoming and the inside is still small with small tables along the sides (mostly 2 seaters) and then many high chairs surrounding the center chef sushi making stations. Sadly, those amazing mini udon and mini curry bowls are NO more at the South Sawtelle location :( This still gets busy around lunch hour. But thankfully there is a free 2 hr multi level parking lot in the shared shopping center. But if you want there's always paid metered parking along Sawtelle. Restrooms: 2 gender neutral ones.

I love this branch of sushi stop. Fresh sushi and very affordable. If you want good quality fast service and affordable meal, You must stop by

Are people not able to manage expectations? Do you compare McDonalds to a gourmet burger spot? I surely don't. The sushi here is cheap. The alcohol is also fairly cheap (I saw the box of wine). I'd venture to say the sake and shochu are higher quality and taste better. The best part about this place is that you can get in and out, with a tasty beverage to slightly inebriate you for about $30 or less all in during lunch and you'll be driving back to wherever you came from within thirty minutes after entering. For the price, the sushi is actually fairly decent. Is this hitting the level of omakase places or even the neighborhood favorite Hide? No. However, it scratches the sushi itch and you can pay by card. Realize, this is budget sushi. All that said, I did see one of the chefs (I believe Chuy is his name) placing gigantic salmon filets about half his size onto a table to break down within the sushi bar. While the fish isn't always the most flavorful, it's cheap, fast, and easy. You don't get many places that complete the triangle. SushiStop frequently has promotions; generally some rotation of cheaper booze, thicker nigiri, or a game to play. PS they have salmon belly ever since they had the belly trio. Order this over the regular salmon for a more decadent bite. They also serve ama ebi (sweet shrimp), although only one piece, with a fried head. It's absolutely not live before being served; it's likely flash frozen, but you still get two fun bites without paying too much. PPS if you ask nicely and maybe if you're somewhat known, you can ask for some custom orders. I like to ask for the chefs to make my hotate nigiri and then add the aburi flame. PPPS: park in the lot. You get a couple hours for free and the management really doesn't check too hard. The Sawtelle parking experience can be painful otherwise. TL;DR: come here to get your sushi fix. It's fast and cheap. Don't expect Nobu or even Kazunori, but your wallet also doesn't need to expect those types of prices.

Ordered two rolls $12.42. I remember back in the day the rolls were cheaper but still affordable today. There are pricer rolls. Sushi felt fresh and the food was ready by the 15 minute ordering window. The server quickly got my order and said they put soy sauce and if I needed anything else. There's 2 hour free parking in the one west side lot where you can find other food and Marshall's/home goods.