I’ll be the first to admit, I am not an especially daring sushi eater. That being said, I do like to indulge on occasion. Sushi is just fun; so different from other types of food, engaging to eat and something to be shared with others around the table. Sushi Basho is at the very end of the quaint Main St. area of Littleton, just off of Santa Fe. It’s easy to miss as you are speeding past, but it is near to my home, so I thought I’d give it a try.
The most popular sushi joints in Denver are those with over-the-top Japanese Zen décor, lacquered tables and track lighting. I’m always on the lookout for something more authentic, and something that puts a lot smaller dent in my pocketbook. You’ll never go to Sushi Basho for the ambience; it kind of feels like you’re in someone’s living room, observing their half-hearted attempt at Asian décor. What Basho lacks in elegance, however, it makes up for in just plain tasty sushi.
Known for its $1 rolls at happy hour, Basho is all-around economically priced, which is why some might at first feel skittish about the quality. But let me assure you, there’s no need for worry. All of the rolls we sampled were fresh, expertly rolled, and very tasty.
Vegetarian rolls seem to all be priced around $4. We tried sweet potato, with tempura inside and vegetable, stuffed with cucumber, avocado and asparagus. The California rolls were also $4; the best price I’ve ever seen. The spicy salmon roll had a generously packed center and just the right amount of heat. The tuna sashimi was just the right translucent pink on its little bed of rice. Our favorite was the Alaska roll (salmon, avocado, cucumber). The fish rolls range from $6 - $11. All said and done, our bill was a mere $35.
Sushi Basho might just be my new favorite sushi place. The service was brisk and efficient; always someone checking on you, refilling your water, or asking if you have questions about the menu. The prices are terrific and everything looks and smells fresh, a challenge for land-locked Colorado. Next time you’re up for some sushi, give them a try, especially during their $1 happy hour.
