Uchiko Social Hour

If you are looking for a foodie experience that feels like a million bucks but doesn’t cost it, the Uchiko Social Hour is for you. From 5:00-6:30 everyday, you can sample classic menu items and small bites whilst sitting in the lap of luxury. What a reasonable way to dine at one of the hottest restaurants in town the country. It’s one of the most popular happy hours in Austin, so even if you get there right at 5:00 there will be a crowd waiting:

But the staff is always prepared for the Social Hour rush and you won’t have to wait long. In no time you’ll be sipping bargain-priced sake, Kirin or wine and perusing the menu.

On our most recent visit Mr. Betty and I sat at the sushi bar and were entertained by this fabulous guy.

I’ll start with the $3 items we ordered. The Brussels sprouts are so famous that the bartender joked that they pay the mortgage. I’m not surprised. I didn’t see a seat in the house that didn’t have the citrusy sprouts in front of them. They really are to die for. The other $3 item we sampled was grilled beef tongue nigiri.

From the $6 side of the social menu we had Koviche made with fresh diver scallops, the Yokai Berry with salmon and dinosaur kale, and a delicious dish simply named “Bacon” although it was so much more. The pork belly with apples, kimchi and cilantro was a study in balance.

We also ordered a couple $6 hand rolls, too. They were so nice and cut them in half for us so we could each try both. We really loved both the Crunchy Spicy Tuna and the Hamachi Hand Rolls. No one does hamachi like Uchiko. No one!

We couldn’t resist getting a few things from the regular menu, too. Our tempura onion ring envy got the best of us when the couple next to us oohed and ahed over the light as air crunchy rings. Aren’t they gorgeous?

They were the perfect accompaniment to the Loup De Mer (Mediterranean sea bass) and Uni (sea urchin) sushi.

We ordered the P-38 roll, too. The more yellowtail in my day, the better. It goes without saying that this is the freshest, highest quality fish you are going to find. Positively exquisite.

And there you have it. A social hour for the gods. On a mere mortal’s budget.