Dozo Lincoln

Dozo Sushi Grill & Lounge, located in Lincoln’s Haymarket (151 N 8th Street), offers a variety of options for both sushi lovers and haters. Happy Hour runs Monday - Saturday 3p-6p, noon - 10p Sunday and a reverse option Thursday-Saturday from 10p-1a. Dozo offers various apps, rolls and drinks for a discount ranging from $4-$9 in most cases and around $15 for Dozo fishbowls and $12 for flavored sake bombs.

Dozo’s interior is nice. Unfortunately every sushi place I visit is “nice”. They all have the sushi spot esthetic, ensuring you never mistake it for anything other than what it is. I do like their bar more than some places I’ve been to but at the end of the day, it’s just another place to get sushi and asian dishes.

The first off putting thing for me was the prominence of both gin and vodka options on their HH drink menu. I drink dark almost exclusively so to not be able to try one “signature” cocktail that included a liquor I liked was disheartening. Eventually we got ahold of the bartender and to my delight the well whiskey/bourbon they had was Jim Beam. My Beam & Ginger only being $5 was a small victory, albeit the only one of the night.

For a starter I ordered the Firecracker Shrimp ($6: battered fried with sweet and spicy mayo sauce) as I am obsessed with this option at most sushi spots. What I got was interesting. Tail on shrimp, which I got over eventually, without much batter to speak of. They were good sized so I really wanted to enjoy them however between the sauce being a bit blah and lack of batter fried-ness I ended up sending it back. The waitress was a good sport about it, taking the charge off my final bill and inquiring in the kitchen about it (turns out the batter they used was “off” that day) so I let the issue rest.

I tried their shrimp tempura roll ($4: mayo, avocado, smelt, shrimp tempura, tempura crunch) will was another disappointment. I have a feeling half the ingredients weren’t included, or I was just so over Dozo by this point I didn’t notice. These rolls were huge, not something I’d normally complain about but in this instance it was just too much. You almost wanted to cut it in half to enjoy comfortably. Other than the size, these rolls didn’t stand out. I realize I’m a sushi snob but these were nothing to write home about.

I give Dozo 1.5 smiles. I liked that they rectified my shrimp situation and that the bartender came to our table personally to find a drink I would enjoy, but the food didn’t make me want to return.

Ponzu Sushi & Grill (Aksarben-Omaha)

Located adjacent to the Aksarben Cinema in Aksarben Village, Ponzu Sushi & Grill (2110 S 67th Street, Omaha) has been described as a “nouveau American fish house, combining cutting edge food with contemporary architecture. With a wide variety of sushi, a full grill menu and a full service bar Ponzu has something for everyone in your group. Happy Hour is everyday from 3pm to 6pm with a reverse Happy Hour Friday and Saturday from 9pm to close. Chose from various discounted grill items (like black pepper calamari or kobe beef sliders), $5 and $8 sushi rolls, $5.50 specialty cocktails and various other drinks such as $5 Big Saporro’s and $4.50 house wines.

I immediately liked the exterior and interior of Ponzu. Lots of clean lines makes this place appear modern and “cool” while still allowing enough space for large groups. Service was great for the duration of our stay and the waitress was super helpful and inviting. Our drinks were prepared quickly and the grill and sushi items arrived hot and fresh respectively. Happy Hour is also open to the whole restaurant which is a plus if you have a larger group that wouldn’t be able to be accommodated at the bar. A great place to stop before or after a movie at Aksarben Cinema (which was the idea in the first place I’m sure).

I sampled the $5.50 Stormy Ginger which includes both rum and ginger ale. This drink was super refreshing and the rum matched all three of the items I ordered surprisingly well. I’ve never thought of rum as a particular pair for sushi but the Stormy Ginger proved me wrong.

My first dish to arrive was the Kamakazee Shrimp ($6: breaded and tossed in sambal aioli). The presentation was nice and the shrimp were hot and crispy. The aioli was very good although I wish it had a bit more kick to it. They lasted well, not getting soggy throughout the night and still tasting great after they had gotten a bit cold. Two or three lasted until the next day and passed the microwave test, not getting soggy or hard after a few seconds heating up.

I also tried some of my friend’s Pork Potstickers ($6: fried served with sweet & spicy ponzu). I enjoyed that the wrappers they used weren’t too thick, ensuring the potstickers weren’t too tough. The filling was nice, would have liked a bit more flavor. The sauce that accompanied was ok, but I went without it on most of them.

For sushi I tried the Crazy Crab roll ($5: spicy crab, avocado, rolled in panko, topped with unagi sauce). These rolls were super fresh and you get 8 pieces so well worth the $5 price tag. Was surprised it wasn't a bit more spicy, but was also glad that they didn’t put in huge chunks of avocado, overpowering everything. Definitely some of the best sushi I’ve had in a while (which ended in me drunkenly eating it cold later).

Ponzu gets 5 smiles. I immediately wanted to return the next day and will definitely explore some of their rolls not on special during HH (I tried my friend’s Jammin Salmon and may be an Itchy Salmon convert). Great vibes and atmosphere here and quality food and drink. Plus with its prime location in Aksarben Village, it wasn’t jammed packed (although it was 10pm on Valentine’s Day when I checked it out lol).

Happy Hour Happy Girl's Top 5 Happy Hours!!!

Since starting Happy Hour Happy Girl April of last year, I've enjoyed amazing dishes and fabulous after work cocktails.  The love I have for Happy Hours is so real. So real that is was hard to choose my Top Five ;-(. But no sad faces here, each spot has a special place in my heart. Here is my Top Five Happy Hours.

1).  Kona Grill- Omaha, NE

When people find out that I review Happy Hours, they always ask which place is my favorite. I always say Kona Grill. Why? Kona offers happy hour majority of the day each day, and all day SUNDAY! If you know me, you know I live for an all day happy hour. Another reason why Kona is my #1, is the prices. For $25 you can easily get a good meal for 2 maybe even 3. The sushi is divine and cheap (half price). Better than Omaha's favorite Sushi place. No shade.  

Happy Hour Times: Monday- Friday 3pm to 7pm. Monday- Thursday 9pm to 11pm. Friday and Saturday 10pm to 12am. Sunday- All day.   

295 N 170th St. Village Point

2) Rays in the City- Atlanta, GA 

My first review outside of Omaha and it was in ATLANTA, GEORGIA BABAAAYY! I'm still geeked about that. If you know my vision for #H3G then you'll understand.  I had the time of my life at Rays. Rays gave you the sensual and relaxed atmosphere which is perfect for after work drinks. The Calamari and shrimp I sampled was delicious and so was the cocktails. Rays is in downtown Atlanta on Peachtree. I highly recommend getting the Blue Cheese Chips (house made potato chips, bacon, and blue cheese). I know it may sound like a weird combination, but listen....its divine. 

Happy Hour Times: Monday-Friday 4:30-6:30pm

240 PeachTree ST NW, Atlanta GA

Yessss...Cotton candy. 

3. Salt 88

Another one of my all time favorite Happy Hours is Salt 88! Modern American with a Italian Twist. Earlier this year I hosted my First Anniversary for #H3G party at Salt 88. Excellent customer service, fabulous food and beautiful atmosphere. This summer they offered reverse happy hour on Thursdays nights from 10pm to 1am. I hope they bring it back for Summer of 2015 lets cross our fingers ;-) !!!.  Salt is another place that offers happy hours all day on Sunday. 

Happy Hour Times Monday-Saturday 3pm  to 630pm Sunday All Day

3623 N. 129th Street 

4. Twisted Cork Bistro- Omaha, NE

Twisted Cork is one of Omaha gems, a place that should have nation wide recognition.  Seattle to Omaha is the theme, and once you're there you'll feel like you're there! Seriously! Fresh and organic is what you'll get on your plate. I highly recommend the Juan de Fuca Tacos ( blue corn tortillas, miso glazed red salmon, bacon mayo, avocado aioli, mixed greens, and pico de gallo). One of my favorite tacos to date. Who would of thought bacon mayo with salmon would compliment each other so well.

Twisted Cork's menu is seasonal so the menu will change every once and awhile. 

Happy Hour Times: Monday- Saturday 3 to 6pm 

10730 Pacific Street 

5. Brix- Omaha, NE

Brix  has a very special place in my heart. Brix introduced me to the love of my life. Soon as we meet he never did me wrong, was always there for me when I needed him.  We celebrated the highs and the lows and recently watched Beyonce and Jay-Z On the Run Tour together. Oh, and let me not forget each Thursday we watch Scandal. His name is Stella Rosa. The love we have for each other is real, its a match made in heaven. For Brix I'll always be thankful. Seriously, Brix is one of those places where you'll get a experience. Its fun, casual, and you'll always have a great time! Throughout the resturant/store they place wine dispensing sytems and you can choose any wine you like!  

Happy Hour Times Monday- Saturday 3pm to 6pm

Midtown Omaha Location 

Tokyo Sushi Review

Hey y'all!!! I'm finally back with another review. This review is for all my sushi lovers. Tokyo Sushi will make you say "Blue who????" hahaha. Tokyo is located in the heart of Old Market District on Howard Street right next to Eat the Worm. Tokyo offers all you can eat sushi for only $10.99 during Happy Hour including appetizers! A great wallet friendly deal that you can't beat!! Unfortunately I forgot to take pictures of the food but you just have to trust me when I say, Tokyo is the real deal. If you like Blue, you'll love Tokyo. Most of the rolls on the menu reminds me of Blue.  Since this place is "all you can eat", before you order another round you have to finish your plate. They don't believe in wasting, which I don't blame them on. One thing I wish they did have....was booze! Lol they're currently working on their liquor license. I give Tokyo 3.5 Smiles.