Suzume

"On your second date, you should probably eat something. This sends the message that you aren’t just dating a person because you’re bored or trying to get close to their dog. So go ahead and get a meal at Suzume. It’s a very small, cash-only Japanese place where you can eat sushi, fish tacos, and ramen. They don’t take reservations, so anticipate a wait." - bryan kim

"Suzume has sushi, ramen, and a few different kinds of tacos. Which is impressive for a place that’s about the size of a one-bedroom apartment. It’s a cozy space that’s good for date night, and most things cost less than $15. By all means, get both ramen and sushi. Maybe share a little of both with someone. Just be aware that this place is cash only." - bryan kim

"What makes a restaurant essential? Not “Essential” in that meaningless, buzzword way. Essential in the sense that it offers something – or a combination of things – you can’t get anywhere else. And Suzume does exactly that. Holler at us if you know of any other place that serves sushi AND ramen AND tacos AND wings, because this is a revelation. Add to that its charming space, reasonable prices, and solid cocktail selection and Suzume is a true restaurant anomaly. Despite all of those ANDs, Suzume packs a lot of good things into a surprisingly concise menu. There are a few sushi options, a few “snacks” (tacos, wings), a few bowls of ramen, and a few other items just in case you’re the hardest person in New York to please. As for prices - the most expensive thing on the menu is $11. The addition of a great drinks list also makes Suzume a place where you can have a gin-beet-carrot-apple-ginger cocktail while eating a spicy tuna roll and feel neither like you’re at a spa nor Tao. What this all boils down to is a happiness free-for-all – no matter how or what you order, it’s going to be good, and it’s going to be fun. photo credit: Noah Devereaux Suzume also gets major points for its atmosphere. It’s a tiny space, but it’s simultaneously cool enough for a date and comfortable enough for a weeknight solo dinner. And while we’ve encountered slight waits for a table, getting in is never a production. Ultimately, Suzume is not a place you come because you want the best sushi or ramen in the city. It’s a place you come because it fulfills all your needs in one fell swoop, with its quirky yet accessible menu, reasonable prices, and feel-good vibes. And that, in itself, is a real rarity. Suzume may not be on everyone’s list of essential restaurants, but if you’re anywhere near this part of Brooklyn it should be on yours. Food Rundown Salmon Poke Sushi, Tuna Poke Sushi, Spicy Scallop Sushi There are three kinds of sushi at Suzume, and all of them need to be on your table. The salmon and tuna pokes are generous spoonfuls of very fresh chopped fish in tasty dressings, and they’re genius. Ok, maybe not genius. We just really like poke. As for the spicy scallop sushi, this is a little bomb of happiness: scallop, avocado, spicy mayo, and masago. Spicy Salmon and Avocado Roll, Crunchy Spicy Tuna Roll Up top: Spicy tuna and crispy rice is never a bad idea. But a spicy tuna roll topped with shoestring fried potatoes? We’re not sharing. Below: Your usual salmon and avocado roll, plus a basil/mayo dipping sauce. Order it. Roasted Salmon Ramen Fact: salmon on top of anything makes it healthy. Even a pile of noodles. In a rich broth. If you’ve been around the ramen block at all and are looking for something you haven’t tried before, order this. YaoYao Ramen Our favorite ramen at Suzume. Instead of the usual slices of pork, this bowl is topped with pulled pork. Translation: BITS OF PORK IN EVERY NOODLE-Y BITE. Hawaiian Fried Chicken Bowl Want a warm bowl of goodness that isn’t noodles? This is a solid option – save for the pineapple macaroni salad that comes with it. Something about cold, vaguely sweet pasta just doesn’t excite. Cynthia Roll Can we all just acknowledge that no one is really excited about raw mackerel? Feel free to skip this one." - Katherine Lewin

"Suzume is ideal if you want sushi, but you’re with someone who doesn’t. The menu at this casual Williamsburg Japanese restaurant has everything from tuna rolls topped with fried potatoes and cucumbers, as well as options like sticky ribs, poke, and spam musubi (and lots of drinks). You can eat outside between Wednesday and Saturday from 4-9pm, or order takeout by calling 718-486-0200." - hannah albertine

"In early-in-the-game stages of date night planning, you often get texts like “I’m up for anything, you decide.” But you also know that “anything” actually means “nothing boring, and some healthy options would be nice, and definitely good cocktails.” So just go to Suzume. They serve sushi and ramen and good drinks, and nothing is over $13." - matt tervooren