From the look of its outside, Sushi Town seems like it would serve super sketchy sushi. Located a bit off campus, the hole-in-the-wall restaurant looks depressing and uninviting. More importantly, do you really want to trust sushi from a restaurant connected to a hardwear store? Despite this off-putting first impression, my answer is yes, because Sushi Town is Ann Arbor’s hidden sushi gem.
Photo by Adam Weiss
Sushi Town has an insane variety of rolls available, including make-your-own options. The menu offers all of your sushi basics and then additional spins on the basics; there are five different varieties of California rolls alone. But the real stars of the Sushi Town menu are the special rolls. While these rolls are a bit pricier (most range from about $10-$14), the rolls are innovative and unique, and have quickly developed a cult following.
I am full-blown addicted, as in I actively crave this specific roll on a regular basis, the Tiger roll (spicy crabmeat, cucumber and avocado topped with shrimp and special sauce). The special sauce is like spicy mayo, but with an extra kick that pairs great with the shrimp and crab.
Another fan favorite is the California Long Beach, an 11-piece roll packed with avocado, cucumber, crab, mango (a sweet addition) and cream cheese topped with crunch and mayo sauce. Many of the signature rolls include seemingly random, but possibly interesting ingredients. Case in point: the Cheddar roll, which includes salmon, crab, cucumber, avocado and shrimp tempura topped with baked cheddar cheese and special sauce.
Photo by Adam Weiss
The downside? Sushi Town does not deliver (but honestly, I am viewing this as a blessing in disguise) and dining-in is a little weird (you order at the register in the front and then seat yourself), but I find these negatives are outweighed by everything Sushi Town has to offer. The fish and vegetables are always fresh, and the sushi is really packed with ingredients (including vegetable rolls, which lets be honest, can be a little sparse at restaurants). The staff members are genuine and friendly, and have been known to include free water bottles when you pick up.
You should never judge a book by its cover, and you should never judge a sushi restaurant connected to a hardwear store either. While I don’t necessarily recommend dining in, Sushi Town is an ideal spot when you’re looking to pick up sushi. It may not be luxurious, but this is a place where the food seriously speaks for itself.
Address: 740 Packard St., Ann Arbor
Hours of operation: Mon-Fri 12 pm – 11 pm, Sat 3 pm – 11 pm