ZipPicks Awards
Best Japanese in River North
Best Date Night Sushi in River North
Master Critic Review
Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar
8.3
Since 2011, Union has blended robata-grilled meats with creative maki and sashimi in a compact, graffiti-accented Erie Street space. Its long-running happy hour, $1 oyster promotions, and reliable sushi make it a high-volume standby for after-work meetups and casual dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Truffled Tuna, Kyoto Glazed Lamb Chops, Spicy Tuna roll
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 7.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Japanese-leaning sushi and robata spot with serious happy hour traction.
Who should go: Friends or coworkers splitting sushi and grilled plates.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour for deals and easier seating.
What to order: Truffled Tuna, Kyoto Lamb Chops, a signature roll.
Insider tip: Use the upstairs bar area for larger happy hour groups.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in River North; most guests use nearby paid garages or rideshare, especially during peak evening hours.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many diners lean slightly dressy for evenings.
Noise level: Lively and on the louder side during peak hours — conversation is possible but can require raised voices at the bar and communal areas.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially during prime happy hour and evening windows.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; easier to walk in and be seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — multiple maki, vegetable sides, and some hot plates can be ordered meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable rolls and sides work, but many sauces include mayo or fish elements; confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Some options available and staff can guide substitutions, but cross-contact is likely in a mixed sushi/robata kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual or fun first dates — the energy is lively and the menu is shareable, but it may feel loud if you prefer a quieter, more intimate conversation setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes during weekdays and earlier seatings; on weekends and during happy hour, expect a wait or consider the bar or upstairs area for faster seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably kid-friendly during earlier hours, but the vibe skews adult and social at night; best for older kids or families comfortable with a louder dining room.
Best For
Better for: Happy hour deals, group meetups, and a mix of creative rolls plus grilled skewers in a high-energy setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet, traditional omakase or minimalist sushi experience, or require very strict dietary controls with low cross-contact risk.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday4:30pm - 10pm
Wednesday4:30pm - 10pm
Thursday4:30pm - 10pm
Friday4:30pm - 11pm
Saturday4:30pm - 11pm
Sunday4:30pm - 9:30pm