Sushi Counter Introduce
For New Yorkers seeking a fresh, fast, and friendly sushi experience, Sushi Counter stands out as a hidden gem in the heart of Alphabet City. This charming, Australian-styled sushi shop offers a delightful and straightforward approach to one of the city's favorite foods. Unlike traditional sit-down sushi restaurants, Sushi Counter is designed for convenience, serving up a vibrant array of freshly prepared sushi rolls that are perfect for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or a satisfying solo meal. The concept is simple yet effective: high-quality ingredients, expertly rolled, and ready to go. Whether you're a local resident or just passing through the East Village, Sushi Counter provides a refreshing and accessible way to enjoy excellent sushi without the fuss.
The shop's atmosphere is a key part of its appeal. It's casual and trendy, with a laid-back vibe that makes you feel instantly at home. This isn't a place for a formal dining experience; it's a spot where you can grab a quick, delicious meal and be on your way. The focus here is on the quality of the food and the simplicity of the service, creating a low-key and hospitable environment that customers love. Many patrons have noted that the experience feels incredibly easy and welcoming, with a friendly staff that adds to the positive atmosphere. It's the kind of neighborhood spot that makes you feel like a regular from your very first visit.
What truly sets Sushi Counter apart is its commitment to freshness and quality. The sushi rolls are prepared with care and are displayed beautifully, allowing you to choose exactly what you want. This visual feast is matched by the taste, as the rolls are consistently fresh and satisfying. Customers rave about the simplicity and deliciousness of the food, noting that great food doesn't need to be overly complex. The menu, while focused, is built on a foundation of quality ingredients and expertly balanced flavors. This dedication to simple excellence is what keeps people coming back, making Sushi Counter a beloved fixture in the local dining scene.
The restaurant’s location and accessibility are major benefits for those in the New York area. Situated at 523 E 12th St, New York, NY 10009, USA, Sushi Counter is nestled in the vibrant and lively Alphabet City neighborhood. This area is known for its unique character, bustling streets, and community feel. The shop is conveniently located just a couple of blocks from Tompkins Square Park, a local landmark and a perfect spot to enjoy your takeout on a sunny day. This proximity to the park adds a unique dimension to the dining experience, especially during warmer weather. You can easily grab your favorite rolls and find a peaceful bench or a grassy spot to enjoy a meal al fresco, turning a simple lunch into a pleasant outing.
Getting to Sushi Counter is straightforward, whether you're walking, biking, or taking public transit. The neighborhood is well-served by city buses and is within walking distance of several subway stations, making it accessible from various parts of Manhattan and beyond. For those in the immediate area, the easy walkability of Alphabet City means you can quickly pop in for a quick bite. The small shopfront is easy to spot, and while the interior seating is limited, with a couple of window seats and some tables on the sidewalk, the focus on takeout makes it a flexible option for anyone on the go. The friendly, low-key vibe of the staff and the efficient service ensure a smooth and pleasant visit every time.
Sushi Counter offers a range of services designed for convenience and modern dining habits. The primary service options are takeout and dine-in. While the dine-in space is cozy, many customers appreciate the ability to grab their food and enjoy it elsewhere, a testament to the spot's focus on quick and casual dining. The emphasis on takeout makes it an ideal spot for anyone looking for a satisfying meal to enjoy at home, at work, or in a nearby park. The efficiency of the service means you can be in and out in minutes, with your delicious meal in hand. This makes it a popular choice for busy professionals, students, and anyone with a packed schedule who doesn't want to compromise on quality.
The establishment's services are complemented by a flexible payment system. Customers can pay with major credit cards and debit cards, making transactions quick and hassle-free. This modern approach to payments aligns with the overall focus on a smooth, convenient customer experience. Whether you’re stopping by for a planned meal or a spontaneous snack, the process is always straightforward. The shop is also popular for solo dining, a reflection of its welcoming and unpretentious atmosphere. It's the perfect place to grab a moment of peace and enjoy a delicious meal by yourself, without feeling rushed or out of place. This focus on individual dining needs further enhances its appeal to the diverse residents of New York City.
Sushi Counter is best known for its excellent value and high-quality offerings. The most popular items include healthy options, quick bites, and small plates, which are a perfect fit for a light lunch or a casual dinner. The menu is intentionally simple to ensure every item is executed perfectly. For example, their sushi rolls are a standout feature. Customers frequently highlight the spicy salmon, spicy shrimp tempura, and other varieties as particularly fresh and delicious. The taste and quality of every roll are consistent, and the flavors are both familiar and satisfying. Beyond the rolls, the menu includes a few other choice items, such as miso soup and a selection of soft drinks. A customer favorite is the lemon lime and bitters drink, an Australian staple that adds a unique touch to the beverage list. The simplicity of the menu is a strength, not a weakness, as it allows the restaurant to focus on what it does best: crafting exceptional sushi rolls.
The value offered by Sushi Counter is also a major highlight. Many customers point to a fantastic deal where three rolls are priced affordably, making it a great option for a full meal. This competitive pricing, combined with the high quality of the food, creates a compelling value proposition that is hard to beat in New York City. The addition of a customer loyalty or punch card system further incentivizes return visits, showing that the business values its regulars. This kind of customer-centric approach, combined with the delicious food and friendly service, has helped build a strong and loyal customer base. The friendly and chilled-out staff also contribute to the overall positive experience, making every visit a pleasant one. They are known for being affable and accommodating, adding a warm, hospitable element to this low-key spot.
The shop's hours align well with its popularity for lunch and dinner. It's a go-to spot for those looking for a midday meal or a convenient evening bite. Whether you're grabbing a roll on your lunch break or picking up dinner on your way home, Sushi Counter has you covered. The quick service and pre-made display of rolls mean there's no long wait time, which is a major benefit for busy New Yorkers. This focus on efficiency and convenience, without sacrificing quality, is a core part of its business model. The casual and trendy atmosphere is perfectly suited for these dining times, attracting a diverse crowd of patrons who appreciate good food in a relaxed setting.
Choosing Sushi Counter is an excellent decision for anyone in New York looking for an authentic and satisfying sushi experience. It’s the perfect place for a quick bite or a satisfying meal, whether you're dining alone or with friends. What truly makes it worth choosing is the combination of factors: the exceptional freshness and quality of the sushi, the affordable prices, the welcoming and casual atmosphere, and the friendly staff. It provides a refreshing alternative to more traditional, formal Japanese restaurants, focusing instead on delivering a simple, high-quality product with speed and friendliness. The unique Australian-style approach to sushi, with its focus on delicious, straightforward rolls, is a key differentiator. The proximity to Tompkins Square Park also provides a unique opportunity for outdoor dining, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. It’s a local spot that feels like a discovery, a place where you can rely on getting a fresh and delicious meal every single time. It's a testament to the idea that great food doesn't need to be complicated to be incredibly satisfying and worth every penny.
Contact Information:
- Address: 523 E 12th St, New York, NY 10009, USA
- Phone: (646) 951-6415
Sushi Counter Details
Service options
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Offerings
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Sushi Counter Photos










Sushi Counter Location
Sushi Counter Reviews
pricemiso soupfishlunchseaweedrollsaddition
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1Sushi Counter is a Australian-styled sushi roll takeout spot in Alphabet City. it serves up a freshly prepared selection of sushi rolls that are on display to choose from. had the pleasure of grabbing a variety of rolls a few times. highly recommend the spicy salmon, spicy, and shrimp tempura rolls. tbh, every roll that i have had here has been quality. the sushi rolls are very fresh and satisfying —it really shows foods don’t have to be ridiculously complex to be appetizing. beyond the sushi rolls, there’s miso soup as a menu item as well as some soft drink options. the shopfront is fairly small. there are a couple of seats by the window and a few tables station on the sidewalk. the shop itself is a couple of blocks from Tompkins Square Park, so warmer weather will provide those al fresco sushi rolls enjoyment opportunities. the staff is very affable and chill which makes for another hospitable low-key spot in the ABCs.
March 04 · Ruwan J.I can’t recommend this place enough! It’s the cutest little shop with fantastically priced sushi rolls. The workers are all really friendly and they have a great deal where 3 rolls are 12$! The sushi is great quality and I love the lemon lime and bitters drink- strongly recommend it if you wanna try something! I just filled out my first punch card with them and am so happy to have such a cute little sushi place so close to my apartment!
May 31 · Charlie RickleI came here after seeing a lot of good reviews, but unfortunately, it didn’t meet my expectations. The sushi didn’t taste fresh—everything seemed pre-made and not much of it was raw. It felt more like cooked items that had been sitting out for a while. I ended up not feeling great the next morning, so overall, it just wasn’t a good experience for me.
August 05 · AlexYes you don’t have to wait… but at what cost? Tastes bad, the rice is almost un-sushi like. Rolls are smaller than your standard maki so it’s cheaper but it’s also less food.
August 14 · Jake Brekkemy go-to! love this place, super convenient, staff is always so nice and the sushi is always fresh - sunshine roll and spicy tuna are sooo good !!
August 15 · mariie
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