Sushiyano Sukeroku

Sukeroku is a cozy, neighborhood sushi bar that has inadvertently gained a reputation as a training ground for several sushi chefs who have since left to work in NYC. One of the most famous is Masato Shimizu, who trained under Rikio Kugo for 7 years before leaving for NYC, first at Jewel Bako, then a famed tenure helming the bar at 15 East before his departure in June 2015. What is remarkable is how ordinary Sukeroku appears on the surface, without airs or particular refinement.
As with most Japanese businesses, it is virtually hidden without mapping or help from locals. So despite a location close to the Kameido station of the JR Sobu line, we got thoroughly lost in the nearby residential area, getting a cheerful greeting from all the staff as we arrived quite out of breath. Inside the traditional, simple dining room is primarily the long blond wood bar with some tables to the left. Multiple sushi chefs worked busily behind the counter. We communicated a desire to be served omakase, and with some sake to start, we were on our way.
Most of the chefs did not speak any English at all. It was not as great an impediment as that may sound; all were very friendly, game to try a few phrases, and just as game to entertain some of our rudimentary Japanese. To our surprise, it turned out that evening that most sitting at the bar had one relation or another to Masato Shimizu, and it was great fun just finding out the relationships, and it was a very friendly atmosphere all around.
The omakase started with sashimi, a few small raw fish appetizers, then proceeded to sushi, one piece at a time. The sushi and sashimi featured a variety of seafood that can only really be had in Japan. All were bracingly fresh and a delight to try. The sushi was well-​made although not as refined as I’ve actually grown used to having at higher-​end sushi places in NYC. For one, the pieces were absurdly large, which may well be a plus for others. The shari was delicious. The preparations are strictly traditional. The sushi omakase treaded the well-​worn path that included silverfish, tuna, shrimp, clams, uni, anago, freshly made rolls, and tamago.
Service was exemplary, the bar experience a great deal of fun. Sukeroku is a very enjoyable neighborhood sushi bar, and quite reasonably priced. It is a good choice for mid-​tier sushi in Tokyo; far better quality than chains like Sushizanmai, but without the hassle and price point of the high end sushi bars.