The Sushi Review: Sugami Sushi Bar & Grill

There are a few different places called Sugami (much like the Buddha lounge) so be sure to get the right address. This place was featured prominently on the Beach TV channel as an established hibachi grill and authentic Japanese steakhouse. After a little investigation in the form of asking around, I determined that the spot had previously been a favorite for locals and vacationing golfers - which is basically the same crowd - but had fallen from favor due to menu and staff changes to lure in a younger, hipper crowd. This fact cemented my resolve to check it out. I typically use vacationing golfers as my reverse barometer for just about everything. Other than buffet locations or a descriptive observation of a hooters server, generally I disregard most of they tell me.
No offense intended. That scene is just not my thing. Not yet, anyway.

I arrived for the dinner service with my lady friend and realized changes had been made even though it was my first visit. The bar was of modern design, not particularly imaginative but very inviting. Most of the dining area however was from late 1980's Benihana.

They kept the prior mystique of a local hibachi and just added some modern flair. Had the place been any bigger, it would not have worked. But this place seemed cozy enough to get away with it. The service was adequate, the bartenders were friendly - mostly Russian girls, so the scenery was nice and the conversation was interesting. We ordered some maki, including the Soundboy roll (smoked salmon Philly tempura), some sashimi and a few gilled appetizers. The drink selection was fair but the house Sake was bland and ordinary. The sushi was good, but nothing to write home about. The grill items however were excellent, so if you are on the bubble about sushi, go for that menu right away. The value of this place was definitely the swag. It seemed to be the late night hipster hangout much like the other sushi bars in the area.

The parking was kind of a mess, but it was not very inconvenient to park nearby and walk a few blocks (it's the beach for crying out loud). My best advice, the older you are, the earlier you want to arrive. They started to bump some Riviera discotheque around 11 PM, which I was feeling - and most of the crowd approved.
There is room for improvement, but overall I give it thumbs up.