Sushi by Bou is bringing its one-of-a-kind concept to Philly’s vibrant Midtown Village with a new location at 1224 Chestnut St. This freshly renovated space offers 10 exclusive seats for their signature timed Omakase Experience, alongside booths and tables in the BouBar lounge. The modern-day speakeasy-inspired omakase is one of New York’s fastest-growing restaurant concepts, known across the country for taking over unique, offbeat, and underserved spaces as small as 200 square feet. Previous locations have included everything from the backroom of a coffee shop and florist to a hotel room, basement storage, and even a mop closet— and everything in between. For Midtown Village, SBB will take over the former secret music hideaway, Leda’s Cocktail Lounge, including the main bar, lounge, and upstairs space. Sushi by Bou has transformed the venue into a Studio 54-inspired space, featuring a sparkling and seductive disco theme with velvet booths, a dazzling collection of mirror balls, and a black-and-white gallery of moments from the legendary disco era.
“We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of Sushi by Bou’s first location in Center City Philadelphia,” said SimpleVenue Co-Founder Michael Sinensky in a statement. “With this opening, SimpleVenue is proud to debut a new concept. Sushi by Bou Midtown will feature our first BouBar—a fun and lively lounge atmosphere with live DJs playing a blend of timeless disco and house beats. This concept will be replicated from Philadelphia to the rest of the country and will be part of our offerings moving forward.”
Sushi by Bou Midtown is the second location in Philadelphia, following the existing location in Fishtown, behind Izakaya Fishtown, at 1832 Frankford Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19125.
Sushi by Bou specializes in serving a high-end traditional omakase experience in a speakeasy environment. Using the finest quality fish from around the world, master sushi chefs craft memorable and delicious meals using traditional edomae techniques. Sushi by Bou offers a signature 12-piece omakase as well as an upgraded 17-course omakase. The 60-minute timed omakase is served at intimate 4- to 12-seat counters, featuring the freshest fish, both locally sourced and imported. The seasoned sushi chefs serve guests directly, guiding them through the meal and providing a truly exclusive experience. The cuisine is complemented by a selection of handmade cocktails, imported sake, and rare Japanese whiskeys.
Each restaurant by SimpleVenue brings concepts to micro-restaurants located within underutilized spaces in existing venues. Sushi by Bou offers a modern take on the classic old-school sushi counter, providing a glimpse into the hustle and bustle of Japan’s food culture combined with a truly unique, personalized culinary experience. To date, Sushi by Bou has 16 locations in New York, New Jersey, Chicago, Florida, Washington, DC, and Puerto Rico.
Every Sushi by Bou location has its own unique vibe, and Midtown Village in Philadelphia is no exception with its bold “Disco Sushi” theme. The space is an homage to 1977, featuring velvet booths, a dazzling collection of mirror balls, and a black-and-white gallery of iconic moments from the legendary disco era. Think Studio 54 meets sushi. On Friday and Saturday nights, Sushi by Bou transforms into BouBar, a chic and vibrant lounge experience with live DJs spinning a mix of classic disco and house music.
Sushi by Bou also offers the “Bougie” Omakase, a 17-course menu that includes a ceremonial “Kanpai!” toast with the chefs. This menu features seasonal fish sourced globally.
The menu features specialties like Hamachi (yellowtail), Botan Ebi (spotted prawn), Ikura (salmon roe), Hotate (scallop), O-Toro (fatty tuna), and the signature Wagyuni “surf and turf.” Additional sushi favorites and à la carte items, along with seasonal mochi ice cream for dessert, round out the offerings.
For drinks, look for a selection of handcrafted cocktails and sake. Drink highlights include the Yuzu Honey Bee with Maker’s Mark Bourbon, Honey Syrup, Yuzu, Simple Syrup, and Pink Peppercorn; Old Fashion Pearl with Legent Bourbon, Angostura Bitters, and Roasted Barley Syrup; and Japanese Negroni with Gin, Sweet Vermouth, Campari, and Umeshu. Guests can also enjoy the barkeep’s special rotating cocktail of the week. Sake highlights include Flight to Heaven, featuring Heavensake Junmai (bright and fresh finish), Heavensake Junmai Ginjo (crisp, light, and refreshing), and Heavensake Junmai Daiginjo (vibrant, rich, and aromatic), among other selections.
The Sushi by Bou Midtown location is a partnership between Philly mainstays Glu Hospitality and NYC-based SimpleVenue, led by restaurateurs Michael Sinensky and Erika London, along with Richie Romero. Since 2017, Sushi by Bou has been transforming the traditional sushi counter experience.
Romero, one of the most well-known and respected nightlife figures in the country, shares, “We’re creating an experience that blends the best of both worlds—world-class omakase that transitions into a high-energy, late-night disco lounge/BouBar. It’s a seamless flow from dining to dancing, where the vibe elevates, the disco beats kick in, and the night takes off. This is where the party truly starts.”
PRICING
$65 for a 12-course omakase featuring sustainable fish, ensuring product consistency year-round.
$125 for a 17-course omakase (the “Bou-gie” upgrade), including the classic 12-course menu plus five seasonal courses that change frequently, sometimes multiple times in a week.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Mon: CLOSED
Tue: CLOSED
Wed: 5:00 – 11:00 PM (last seating 10:00 PM)
Thu: 5:00 – 11:00 PM (last seating 10:00 PM)
Fri: 5:00 – 2:00 AM (last seating 11:00 PM)
Sat: 5:00 – 2:00 AM (last seating 11:00 PM)
Sun: 5:00 – 11:00 PM (last seating 10:00 PM)
