Nohana Restaurant

I have to admit, I'm pretty ashamed of my previous review (seeing as how I have now come here more than 10 times-yup that's right, you read correctly, "more than 10") after writing, "this place was a no-go for me."

*Not to worry though, I am now making it rule to try things twice before being so judgmental.

So, my friend and I came here for lunch because she said they had great noodles..After trying them the word "great" became a pathetic use of a word for this magical creation....The NABEYAKI UDON (picture posted) is incredible. It comes in a beautifully crafted traditional soup bowl with a side cup and a traditional soup spoon and spicy spices.

The noodles are cooked in a delicious broth with Bok-Choy, tofu, egg, broccoli, mushroom, carrots, chicken, ONE large tempura shrimp, and Udon noodles. The bowl comes steamy hot and ready for your chopsticks to immerse themselves into this superb dish.

Now, after having tried their noodles I started giving other items a shot and voila, it was love at second shot. Another great thing about them is that they don't charge for BYOB, the sushi chefs are incredibly friendly, and the music is well...it's an experience..(acoustic versions of today's trendy pop songs...I know, random).

*Trust me, during winter if you are in the mood for some incredibly delicious Japanese Udon noodles, COME HERE, you won't regret it (as long as you don't look at the green color on the walls)..

Small place, good service, inexpensive prices, and just good sushi.  

But besides the sushi, they have the best agedashi tofu appetizer I've ever had.  I don't know how they prepare it, but instead of the usual deep fried number, this dish is made up of four plump cubes of soft sticky goodness, swimming in a sweet and savory sauce.  It's a must-have whenever I'm in Chicago!

I've eaten at many sushi places in Chicago but none of them ever live up to Nohana!  

Best sushi ever!  and its so reasonably priced!  I also dont like a lot of crap in my roll.  No cream cheese or any crap like that.  Just bring on the meat, the rice and wrap it in seaweed.  I dont like saying "I'll have the salmon maki please, but could you leave out the avacado?"  I dont have to do that at Nohana because they have so many simple options.

The staff is also very very friendly.  I'm just a huge fan of this place.  I have to avert my eyes every time I walk past or else I will run in the door and order something to go  :)

If I had to say anything negative I would say that it could stand to be a little darker and a little bit more romantic at dinner time....