Maki -- Roll your own Sushi

Maki, is a new concept for Sushi in Austin started by the Yung brothers--Yuen and Peter.  Peter was the Sushi chef at Azuma in Houston before starting this restaraunt.  Maki works to make sushi more accessible, creative and a bit less pretentious.  I have heard it described as the Chipotle of Sushi. 

Maki is a design your own Sushi place.  You have your choice of "traditional" (seaweed) or "modern" (soy) wraps, and several meats and "veggies" (veggies, fruit, and cream cheese) and the sauce.  For me, part of the fun at Maki is being creative and non-traditional--I like my Sushi to be spicy hot so I added jalapeno's to the soft shell crab;  adding mangos to my tuna roll added a unique kick.   The average tab for me at Maki is about $12--that's a roll, an order of edamame beans and tea (I'm addicted to the lemongrass tea). Miso soup and seaweed salad is also available as is green tea ice cream.  Since I'm a geeky engineering type, I was intrigued by the machines that helped prep...one to roll the rice on the wrap, another to cut the roll once it was made.

I also like that Maki includes ingredients that make sushi more accessible to folks who won't touch raw ingredients (or even fish)--there is cooked chicken and beef.   The ordering process can be a bit confusing the first time through but after that you do get the hang of it.  You can tell Maki newbies because they hang out at the beginning of the line trying to figure it all out. 

Maki is in a brand new space in the Arbor Walk Shopping center--you do have to look for it...it's easy to just drive by.  The atmosphere is contemporary casual, very clean, and has several tables outside to soak in some good weather.   Service is warm, friendly and professional.  I really liked the fact that they allow you to be a bit green and separate your trash--paper, plastic, glass and just trash. 

10515 N. Mopac Expy, Ste A165, Austin, TX 78759, (512) 243-8298, www.maki.us.com

Comments

[Albert]

Maki sounds great; I'd not heard of it, but now I've got to try it! Thanks for sharing this great find.

[Robert]

I had lunch there today for the first time and it is a bit tricky to find (it's hidden next to Joan Fabrics).

The Sushi was good, although I am sure a Sushi-Fanatic would whine about something. I got their 10-piece 'traditional' special to save myself the trouble of picking and choosing from dozens of combinations.

Although the atmosphere is pleasant, it does not look like your normal Sushi joint; they could have easily been server burgers or burritos.

The staff was Austin-friendly (meaning they were pleasant & had tattoos) and the food was good. It's a good place if you want Sushi but don't want to have suffer the "Sushi Experience".

[thom singer]

Had lunch there today for the first time. Wow. It is like FreeBirds meets sushi. It was great food. I will be back for sure.

[Tom Daly]

Ate there today for the first time and am a huge fan.

How I roll. . .

Modern with Tuna, asparagus, avacado, sprouts, topped with crab, seasame oil and spicy mayo.

So good I had to bring some home.

Great concept and space.

[Scott Allen]

I'm such a huge fan of this place. When my wife and I first discovered it, I think we went like 5 times in a week, and have continued going 2-3 times a week ever since.

I think these guys have a dynamite concept here that is ripe for franchising. I seriously think this could be the next Subway. I wish them all the success in the world and will continue to choose it as a meeting spot to introduce new people to it.

[Lauren]

Totally agree with Scott about this place becoming a chain -- I could definitely see that. The thing I like about Maki is that I can get a traditional roll for myself and a chicken, strawberry and avocado "roll" for my toddler. It's fast, fresh, reasonably priced, and a fun concept too!

[Makifans]

Hey guys! We're happy to hear such great reviews...thanks! We've had to make some changes in the past few months, though. Sadly, we are no longer, "Maki" (due to copyright issues); we are now "How Do You Roll? a Maki sushi bar"...a bit longer but more informative, too! Look for our new store opening at 2nd and San Antonio street sometime in early April and check out our new blog www.hdyr.wordpress.com or find us on facebook (Maki Sushi)!