Ebisu

Ebisu is my favorite lunch place! I love everything I pick there, from salad to sushi. Wonderful and surprising flavors, fast service. The only problem is that when I come around 1 PM all of my favorites dishes are already gone.

This has easily become one of my lunch stop staples.
+ Good quality food
+ Nice selection, but not overwhelming
+ Decent prices
+ BEST MOCHI COMBINATIONS EVER… some of the craziest flavors I’ve seen!
(green tea w/​mango, lavender w/​fig, raspberry w/​pepper)
TIP: it’s take out only, but they do take credit cards… even AMEX! :)

Ebisu is a small place that can do bento boxes right. I see many Japanese restaurants try, but most fail.
They offer gyu-​don (sliced beef and onions over rice), katsu-​don (katsu and egg over rice), Hiyashi chuka (cold ramen), cold udon, curry dishes, onigiri, fresh hand rolls… the list goes on.
I tried the hiyashi chuka and a crab and avocado hand roll. The hiyashi chuka consisted of cold ramen noodles, bamboo, ham, crab (yeah real crab!) and eggs. On the side there was a ginger vinegar soy sauce and some mayo and hot mustard. The dish did not blow me away, but all of the ingredients were fresh and delicious. I think I just prefer my ramen hot and in a broth.
The hand roll was definitely worth 2 bucks. Imagine Vietnamese spring rolls, but instead of the rice paper wrap, its wrapped in fresh seaweed. It didn’t have that dry crispy texture that some restaurants use. The balance between the avocado and crab was just right. I was able to taste the crab while feeling the creaminess of the avocado in the background.
It is only take out at this location, but bento boxes are meant to be taken outside to enjoy the sites.

Solid Japanese lunch options, and fast checkout because you can [usually] just grab ‘n’ go. I’ve mostly had their prepared sushi and bento boxes, but it looks like you can order soup dishes from the counter.
The design of the place is a little unintuitive, and the line can get a little unbearable during the lunch rush, but I’ve really enjoyed the bento boxes I’ve had for lunch. Lots of delicious little things packed in a box for ~$ 10. Definitely worth a try.

Came there early today around 11:30am and it was getting crowed.
I got the Salmon Onigiri (Rice Ball) and Spicy Tuna hand roll. Both were $ 2.00 and both tasted very good. The tuna was very fresh and the rice ball was flavorful.
I also got the Black Pepper Raspberry mochi. Again it was very good. The mochi was so fresh and soft. It was even still warm when I bought it, so you can imagine how fresh it was.

From Ebisu’s Website:
«All of us are saddened and concerned to have learned about the destruction of the 8.9 magnitude earthquake which has devastated areas of Japan. Many of us and our staff have family and friends who are affected by this tragedy. For the next week, portions of profits from all our locations will be donated back to Japan Earthquake Relief and the Red Cross.»
This Ebisu location only has takeout lunch. The best thing I’ve had here so far is the Agedashi Tofu ($ 4.50). This big ol’ block of delicious tofu comes with a great broth and is garnished with bits of scallions, mushrooms, sesame seeds, and ginger paste.
I’m also a fan of the simple Green Salad ($ 4). Although I wish it had less lettuce and more of the peppers, tomatoes, and edamame, it is very fresh and the soy vinaigrette is great. Unfortunately, the Bento Boxes, Hand Rolls, and Sushi have been a mixed experience for me with some items that were either dry or not fresh.
Thinking of you Japan!
UPDATE:
Other restaurants helping with the Tsunami Relief efforts:
And don’t forget to check out: