Aoi Sushi Izakaya - Boulder

Service: Dine in Meal type: Lunch Price per person: $30–50 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Recommended dishes: Sushi Combination

Visited twice last week while in town and the service was lightning quick! The staff were very friendly, attentive and eager to please. Everything from the #9 Roll, Dougy Fresh Roll to the vegetable Tempura were Spot on!! The best surprise was the house made Sesame Ice Cream! We'll be back next month when we're back in town!

Sure, great sushi and very popular place. But does that really mean that they should be unclear/rude to walk-ins? We arrived like 5:30pm, and the host (after a long analysis of the paper in front of him) told us 45 minutes since we don 't have a reservation. We decided to not wait, but then heard that (when he is talking to next person in line) he actually meant they could seat us for 45 minutes before a reservation. That party decided to leave, so we decided to take the offer since we just wanted a quick bite anyway (all this happening in 20 seconds). Now another host showed up and said that the kitchen wouldn 't do it and he cannot seat us for 45 minutes. He didn 't literally kick us out, but he started to offer us some alternatives in town and made me feel quite unwelcome. I was also very puzzled, so decided to ask if there was a waitlist or anything. After looking at the same paper the other host looked at, he said he can offer us a table at 7:45. Well, maybe I am the weird one here, but I think there must be a much clear communication: If you are a reservation-only restaurant, then simply ask for reservations and deny parties without reservation. If you want to get walk-ins, and if you want to squeeze them in, then don 't change your mind after you offer something. Also, please let people know that if there is a waitlist or not (or if you cannot eventually seat them or not) before suggesting them a new place.

Ordered the sashimi plate, 2 nigiri, 3 vegetarian rolls and a cucumber seaweed salad as takeout. Incredibly disappointed that they packed everything in one container, when this was food for two people and one person was vegetarian so all the fish and veggie options were mixed up. I've never seen this at any other sushi place I've ordered takeout from. Tried the food and we were both disappointed by the quality and taste.

Hands down the best sushi in the state. By a long shot too. They always have a special menu and I suggest just ordering everything off that. It's always different and fabulous. Details are key with sushi and every piece has the perfect topping. Service is always outstanding and they all yell welcome when anyone walks in. Fresh grated wasabi and even the miso soup is a bit different and delicious. Could not recommend this place more.