Bajeez! I love Bottle Rocket. Stashed away in the middle of no where, but an absolutely delicious find! Fantasic...I mean Fantastic specialty cocktails and sushi! Best I've had in Atlanta thus far! The atmosphere is colorful, fun, playful, nerdy and little sexy! Bar is rad and overall decorum. And staff! Woo! Love em! Unfortunately, only 4 stars because it's not child friendly at all. No high chairs, no room, and nothing a youngin could eat. Super sad about this. I have a toddler and he is always attached to my hip, except for this one night...my husband's and mines anniversary. So, I'll probably only eat here twice a year and that's a shame :(
(4)
Alex G.
Not sure what any of the so-so reviews are about, i thought this place was awesome! Staying at the Westin downtown and walked over about 1.25 miles. The 25 minute walk was well worth what waited on the other end. Started with the signature drinks and tried the Georgia Boy, Root Beer Weebles, and the Paloma. If you like whiskey you HAVE to try the Georgia boy. It has a complex flavor. Rye whiskey, almond milk, chocolate liquor, over Mexican coke with ice. It was certainly more of a dessert drink however, I had it before dinner and wasn't at all upset. I don't recall all that was in the Root Beer drink but the flavor was also wonderful. It was like having a root beer float that we all remember as kids but with a little extra kick at the end. The Paloma was alright. It reminded me of a margarita and I was on the hunt for whiskey so I wouldn't be the best one to review. Don't knock it till ya try it! Now for the main event, the reason we all came here, or are debating by reading this article. I'm not much of a bland sushi eater. I am always fascinated by the signature rolls and the creativity of each sushi joint. In my mind, it is an art to put together something so small with so many ingredients that tastes so amazing. That being said, we shared the 9.6er and the Rufio rolls. The 9.6er was pretty good with its topping of marinated steak however, the Rufio roll takes the cake in this debate. If you enjoy a little crunchy, a little spice, and everything nice, you won't regret trying this roll. Hey, if you do, it was only $12 bucks and we've all spent a worse 12 bucks. At the end of the day, I was very impressed with the flavor of this "off the map" sushi joint. I would recommend to anyone looking for something a little different on any night of the week! P.s. I can honestly say I never take the time to write these so this place must have done something right.
(5)
Michael R.
A group of us went by recently due to the high reviews but were sorely disappointed. I ordered the sushi combo with nigiri and the negihama roll. When the food comes out I was informed they did not have any yellowtail and so was given a California roll instead. The nigiri grouping was very unimpressive. It included only a tuna, salmon, eel, and shrimp offering. Each was as bland as the previous. Each fell apart instantly (worse than the first time I made sushi). As unimpressive as the sushi was; the greater pains were felt later. Almost the entire group was stuck in the bathrooms last night and throughout today. Avoid this restaurant. There are much better places in Atlanta with similar price points.
(1)
Matthew E.
Been here 3 times. First experience was magical as they had just opened and were really on top of everything and the sushi presentation and freshness were a total five stars. On par with the very best experiences I've ever had including at Tomo, MF Sushi, Twist/Shout, Nikimotos, Strip, Blue Grotto, Wasabi House, etc, etc. Since then it's been more like a 3-4 depending on who is working and sushi freshness. Presentation isn't quite what it was but drinks are still great and sushi is very reasonably priced and consistently decent.
(4)
Candyce V.
Normally, I don't do this, but uhhh...I had to give this experience 2 stars :-( We ordered calamari, but were informed that they didn't have any that day. So we ordered the Big Ass Egg Roll, which would've been tasty if it wasn't dripping with grease. I held out hope for the cocktails, since I read online that they were potent. I chose the Zombie because it was supposed to have a lot of likka in it. It tasted like it had a lot of sugary syrup and no likka. So I settled for a Long Beach Iced Tea....which also tasted like it had no likka in it. Our server didn't seem very intent on being pleasant with us, though we didn't give her a hard time about the grease-dripping Big Ass Egg Roll or my lack of even a hint of a buzz from the cocktails I tried. For our sushi we ordered the Bottle Rocket, Whistle Pop, spicy tuna, and Philly rolls. The spicy rolls were super spicy. I stay away from spicy things, but the Hubs couldn't even take the heat of these rolls. My Bottle Rocket was good. And the Philly was fine. I really had high hopes for this place. I may give it another shot on another day, but right now I'm kinda 'meh' about it...bummer.
(2)
Meggan N.
I am new to the neighborhood. I am glad I found this place. I heard all the locals visit here quite often. The food was really good (especially the fried calamari) but the drinks were better. The am pusher is relaxed and the staff are wonderful.
(5)
Travis J.
We have been here a few times and have not been disappointed. The Crab Rangoon is excellent although the portion really takes the "appetizer" definition seriously. Every roll is both delicious and interesting as they incorporate unique ingredients. For example, the Green Mt. Fuji roll has green apples paired with wasabi! They also have a great beer, wine and saki collection. Best of all, they are never really packed despite the quality of food and small space. If you are looking for great Atlanta sushi, you can't do much better!
(5)
Lindsay E.
Had a great, chill time in the relaxed atmosphere, our server Sam was awesome, and each bite of sushi was delicious. They even let me request a custom roll, and this was just my first visit! I'd been wanting to try this place because of its great reviews and because, if it turned out to be a good joint, it would the closest good sushi to my place. I was not disappointed! Aesthetically, it's the weirdest sushi restaurant I've ever seen, but the friendly service from Sam, the variety of menu options, and the tasty sushi we ordered sat just fine with me. We ordered the Pink Lady roll, the Bottle Rocket roll, and I asked for a custom roll with just avocado and salmon. I was so impressed by how Sam said, "IF you tell me what you want, I can have the kitchen make it for you." No sushi server has ever told me that! Every roll was excellent. Fresh fish, fresh avocado, well seasoned and moist/sticky rice, and fresh nori. Wish we could have stayed for more, but sushi always fills me up quickly. Strange atmosphere, great food, can't wait to go back.
(5)
Michael O.
Great food and great people. Sushi was fresh and very tasty. I will make it a point to visit when I pass through Atlanta.
(5)
Vanitha S.
This was a fascinating divey hipster type place that was a fun pregame to our dessert and coffee next door at No Mas Cantina. First of all the "comfort cocktails" were great and comfort worthy. I can't remember the name of the drink I ordered unfortunately but my friend ordered the Skinny Tini (w regular ginger beer not diet as suggested by our waiter). They were both solid--the mixture of coconut water and rum was smooth and easy in mine while the Tini was light and refreshing with pineapple juice though a little on the too-sweet side. Sushi was good. Not amazing but solid. I loved reading all the creative specialty rolls and had a hard time choosing. We ended up ordering the Rufio rolls and the Bottle Rocket rolls. The bottle rocket rolls were ok but something felt off and missing...like the glorified shrimp tempura rolls were trying too hard. The Rufio rolls were great and a yummy blend of salmon, nori and spicy mayo and sauces. If I come back I want to try the Strawberry Bomb as the combo of crab stick, avocado and strawberries sound fascinatingly yummy! Same with the Green Mt Fuji-crab, salmon, green apples and avocado? Yum. What were really disappointing were the veggie dumplings. They came drenched in some tasteless sauce and the inside was a meager blend of cabbage and not sure what else. I would avoid ordering these here as somehow they got potstickers wrong which is a tough feat! Or if you do try them ask for them steamed and without the drenching of the sauce. If I were to come back Id try the crab rangoon or the "big ass" egg roll! :) Service was awesome and very friendly. Food came pretty quickly. The atmosphere was super funky and cool inside. The space was fairly small and the restaurant was one long rectangle and squeezed as many tables they could in the long way. A couple of high tables, low tables and the bar. On a wed night it wasn't crowded so it was comfy but I imagine during busier times it could be tight spacing. The problem was that it was really smoky in there...though we were sitting right under the fan, smoke from the kitchen assaulted our noses and eyes. My friend with contacts was especially sensitive, combined with the pollen count outside. She had to keep dabbing her eyes during dinner. Not sure what can be done to remedy...more fans in the kitchen? Overall a solid place that another yelper called it right--good pregame before other funky places in the Castleberry Hill area or just to be in the area during the filming of all the movies and shows (walking dead!).
(3)
Mike S.
Nice chill spot to pregame the other spots in/around Castleberry. It's right down from No Mas which is another spot worth trying if you're not familiar. I went with the sashimi rollout just to get a sample of the place and it was solid fare. Nothing to beat about but, more importantly, nothing to cry about. The sake menu however is limited--I don't know what it is about places in the southeast. But I found one that I think was an ozeki. Just kinda me. But...i chased it with maker's. The highlight of the night to me was the marinated octopus though... Not to be missed. Again, this is a very chill spot... I kinda wanna drop back by and sample the tap and a few glamour rolls when the weather is behaving a bit better.
(3)
Kayla W.
The food took a long time to come out. Wasn't too busy in the place . The sake ($38) wasn't worth the price. It taste like fruity cheap wine . I was upset I spent so much on mediocre Sake which taste like a cheap moscato or reisling wine . The sushi was 7/10. Not too bad but still good. The hamachi was good . The sunset was great. I'll be back since it's my local sushi spot 5 minutes from home . Bring back the Green Apple mountain Sushi !
(3)
T L.
Slow service. Weak drinks. Overpriced and not a wide variety of sushi. Just middle of the road for me... nothing extraordinary
(3)
Lanae T.
Words can't describe how much I LOVE buying sushi from this place! It always taste so fresh. I always customize my order and purchase the spicy salmon rolls with crunchies and spicy mayo. It's great!. Honestly the best sushi I've had since moving to Atlanta last year. My only issue is that they close the kitchen super early at 10:30, which makes it hard for me to ever make a late night run if need be :-( . They are a little pricey but worth it. They're conveniently located 10 minutes down the street from my job so it's a perfect place to get good drinks and food after work.
(5)
Ryan S.
My coworkers and I have a traditional load out dinner after the last performance in each city we work. My sushi connoisseur friend and another, Japenese, co-worker, friend, chose Bottle Rocket because another place that was previously chosen, the management was rude on the phone. We were greeted upon arrival and found a nice table for us 4. It seemed the bartender/server, manager, and chef were the only people working. They also seemed overwhelmed by the amount of customers they had for a rainy Monday night. This understaffing led to LONG wait times for our appetizers and additionally, our sushi orders. The server/bartender was very attentive and polite, however the wait was difficult because we were all starving after a long day of work. It was approximately 1 hour between the time we sat down and when we received our sushi even after ordering rather quickly when we were initially greeted at the table. We also had to ask for soy plates and additional bowls for our edamame husks. The sushi, once it came out, was very delicious though. The atmosphere was inviting and warm; very artsy. The bathroom has a chalkboard to add your own art! I would likely go back if I knew they would be staffed properly because the sushi is really good for the price.
(4)
E J.
This place is just plain awesome. The owner, Josh, is super personable and clearly loves his business, his jobs, and his customers. The music that plays is awesome. From Passion Pit to Black Kids. The people who come seem to be regulars but they're all nice. There's a dart board and a huge bar. The drinks are good (Skinny Tiki is on point) and the sushi is even better (Supercrunch omg). If you're in the area try this place out, it has a great staff along with awesome food.
(4)
R F.
Walked from the Westin, Carlsberg on tap, the sashimi was excellent. What a great find. Off the beaten path but worth it.
(5)
Maria T.
WAY COOL HIPSTER PRESENTATION! is all I gotta say.....haha ok just kidding but I will rant about how awesome this place is. They have BEER, BURGERS, and SUSHI...what more can you ask for, really? My fiance and I came here on New Years Eve (we're out of town-ers) for a pregame celebration and the place was decorated with NY stuff...beads, hats, etc. Came in for dinner and we were the only ones there! But it later became the poppin' place as we were leaving. Anyways, Bottle Rocket is a small local place located in a sketchy area. If it weren't for the reviews and the bomb menu I probably would have pass on. So we ordered several specialty rolls that were reasonably priced. What we were impressed with were the amount of time and craft put into each roll. The presentation was different and unique for each roll we ordered (granted we were the only ones there at the time, not sure if that was a factor). We had several rolls and appetizers, delicious! We ordered a few drinks, and the ones I ordered were pretty strong. Getting your monies worth! Although they had a limited selection of drinks to choose from and 2 of the 4 I wanted to try were out.....wahh on NYE? you'd think they stock up but the drinks I had were very good none the less. Forgot to mention the great service we had! She was very friendly, recommended us great rolls and drinks to try. Why only 4 stars? Location for starters, in a sketchy neighborhood (it was a mix of hipster and vacant buildings) we didn't feel very safe leaving and walking around the neighborhood by ourselves...then again probably wasn't the wisest thing to do. Also they only had 1 option for a burger and limited alochol in stock! Would we come here again? Definitely...food, atmosphere and service were on point!
(4)
Claire C.
Wasn't very crowded and had a very laid back feel. The waiters were nice and brought all of our food very quickly. Tried two rolls -- the bottle rocket and the Bulls eye -- both of which were absolutely delicious. Also ordered a Moscow Mule, which was great, and I am very picky about my Moscow Mules! Overall, a really good hole in the wall! Go if you're in the mood for good, creative sushi rolls!
(4)
Charles A.
I went here because I was told the hamburgers were better than Holeman and Finch....that suggestion was way off. Average hamburger, egg rolls were nice and light ...I didn't have the sushi but heard it was good. It's a small place with too many seats in there...so you're mobility is limited, be prepared to say 'excuse me' several times. I just don't see me retuning here
(2)
Rach D.
Over rated..over priced.. Underwhelming..OVERPRICED Gross food. The "Big Ass Egg Roll" tasted like ass. It was greasy and smelled like it was spoiled. I can't believe the high ratings. Never again.
(1)
Hope B.
BEST SUSHI EVER!!! Me and my girlfriend come here at least twice a week. We LOVE IT! I highly highly recommend the Bulls eye roll, pink lady, aloha & super crunch!!! The service is wonderful & the atmosphere is super chill & relaxing. Tanner is our favorite server, ask for him!!! The owner, Josh, is always super friendly and very welcoming! Everything about this establishment is GREAT.
(5)
Anderson D.
Delicious food. Love eating here plus the people are great! Come through and watch some soccer!
(5)
Lisa H.
This is a "fusion" sushi restaurant. That said, don't come here if you want real sushi. We were here on a Tuesday night and it was empty. The staff was really friendly and the service is great, just the food is not that good. The best thing we had was their Tuna tartaki, which was very flavorful. The sushi rolls were nothing special and not that delicious.
(3)
Duncan B.
Steak and sushi and stout drinks. Easily some of the best servers in the "A".
(5)
Gerald N.
Cool lil spot! Try the steak fried rice! We ordered the bubble gum, 9.6er, Rufio, spider, spicy hamachi, and a couple others. All of the rolls were good. Nothing stood out as amazing but nothing was horrible. I think the highlight was the steak fried rice. The steak was cooked perfectly, it was tender, and you could tell it was a nice cut of meat.
(4)
Walker C.
Food was pretty good, but the service was pretty bad. Took forever to get a measly meal priced like a feast. The only server messed up about as many times as he could have and I left hungrier than before I entered the restaurant. Come here if you're looking for a tasty treat for which you don't mind waiting an hour. Also, unless you don't mind putting on show for the whole street to see, make sure you don't have to use the restroom.
(2)
Joshua S.
This place is incredible! I love the feel of the restaurant and Josh, the owner, is super friendly. He introduced himself and told us his recommendations. You have to try their signature roll.
(5)
Tiffany S.
Ok sushi...had to wait a LONG TIME for a roll... TWO other tables that came after me got theirs before me. Probably won't return.
(3)
Mark G.
Stopped by for a couple of rolls. The Whistle-Pop was unbelievable. Great service and creative rolls.
(4)
Justin C.
Bulls eye roll was great even thought it was rice heavy ( I love rice). Rufio roll is very original. It contains Salmon pieces wrapped in seaweed then flash fried on rolls of rice. Basically it's fried salmon and seaweed nigiri instead of a roll. Decor is cool and hip. Needs more light. The only downfall is the awful edamame, it was waaaaaay overcooked. The eventide nitro stout is stellar.
(4)
Mignon B.
Not bad. Pretty middle of the road. Not exactly bang for your buck but you're not cheated either.
(3)
Shawnelle C.
Great find! We were in town just for dinner. We walked a mile just to see the city and came across this place. Tanner was so welcoming. Got us a great table, water and a menu quickly and gave us excellent recommendations. Great sushi and drinks! Will be coming back when were back. Nice group of locals hang out here too, friendly and fun people.
(5)
Justin H.
To say that Bottle Rocket is a love letter to Castleberry Hill would be an understatement. Let's start with the food. A restaurant that takes pride in it's cuisine, is one thing. But to not only deliver quality sushi, burgers, and general edible wonderfulness is something else. The owner, bartenders, and chefs openly aim to please. ATL needed a sushi restaurant that lacked the overbearing techno music and health code violations, that some of the other supposed iconic ones did. Bottle Rocket is the answer. Comfortable, safe and delicious. It also openly makes a name for itself as being a mainstay for a neighborhood. A local hotspot that is frequented on most Castleberry Art Strolls, Bottle Rocket is also used for weekly The Walking Dead screenings while the show is in season, art nights, karaoke nights, birthday parties and after parties to some of the finer ATL arts events. At the end of last summer, you could even find an after party where the owner of the establishment partook in a game of Egg Russian Roulette, made famous by Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, along with several local and visiting artists. For the love of all that is sacred and holy... As a new-ish New Yorker who misses ATL on occasion. This place is as beloved to me as the city itself. PS - Anyone else got a sushi restaurant regularly patrolled by Atlanta's only Costumed Superhero? Nope... Just Bottle Rocket.
(5)
Shellie S.
Bottle Rocket is amazing!! The sushi is delicious, I can't rave enough about their Bulls Eye, Aloha, and Pink Lady Rolls are my favorite. You can't find a nicer group of restaurant staff and the owner is a huge supporter of the Atlanta art scene, who has done a lot for the Castleberry Hill Community. The space is cozy enough for a date night, but large enough for a group outing with friends. A sidewalk patio gives it that NYC street feel, and there are always dog bowls filled with water for the four-legged friends who walk the neighborhood. I highly recommend Bottle Rocket - definitely check it out!!
(5)
Michael I.
Dinner at Bottle Rocket last night was delicious! Right next door to No Mas! in Castleberry Hill. Decor was artsy with a tint of European sports bar since they had soccer on every station. It was birthday date night and the sushi was excellent and very reasonably priced. Drinks were unique and tasty. Bottle Rocket does not presently have a dessert menu so we walked next door to have some pecan pie and truffles at No Mas! What a great night!
(5)
Neal M.
Very enjoyable. Quirky and quaint atmosphere. Amazing sushi. The BeatBox roll was worth the effort of trying to pick it up.
(5)
Brian H.
Great little find! We were going to an event at the Georgia Dome and looking to try something new, not too far from there. The folks were really nice, the atmosphere was very low key and cool, and the sushi was fantastic! Parking's not ideal, and the neighborhood is pretty poorly lit, which is why I didn't give it five stars. But we'll definitely go back soon.
(4)
Apryle A.
If you're not big on sushi, get a burger and hangout with the staff. Everyone on the service staff is bartender so if you dont know what to drink, just ask for a suggestion, or do as the natives do and just drink whiskey. One of the owners, usually Josh in my experience, can be found in the general vicinity.. he's the real life Kenny Powers.. sans baseball.
(5)
Robert H.
Unimpressive, flavorless and more of a sushi place for those that don't mind if the fish isn't fresh, because they just drench it in soy sauce before they eat. - Street parking - Hip interior - Friendly service - Basic menu, more about booze - Bland, old sushi I found this place on Yelp knowing it was close to the Georgia Dome before the Falcons game. We took a shot, knowing it wouldn't be the most flavorful, authentic sushi. We at least expected it to be fresh, considering the good reviews. I guess these people are rating more on the night scene than food quality. I started with the Temaki Hand Roll ($7) that comes with the option of eel, spicy tuna, or salmon skin. I went with the spicy tuna and ended up putting soy sauce into it for flavor because it was dry. I am not used to hand rolls coming with so much rice, usually more tuna. I thought I would try the whistle...POP! ($13) that has Serrano pepper, tempura shrimp, avocado, and is topped with spicy tuna & tempura fried eel. For the price I expected more flavor. But I guess it just didn't heavy any because the fish wasn't fresh? I don't know. It looked pretty though. My wife got a basic California roll ($7) for my wife, simple and came with larger chunks of crab than usual. My wife finished with the Bottle Rocket ($12) that includes shrimp tempura, avocado, and cream cheese topped with spicy crab salad, eel sauce, spicy mayo. crusted with panko & flash fried. This was the most flavored roll of them all and was actually worth the cost. Each bite made my mouth water. I really wanted some good sushi before the game and ended up having to eat a pizza within an hour because the sushi just didn't fill my craving or hunger. I wouldn't try this place again, I have had better and expect more than pretty looking fish from $15 rolls.
(3)
Roma Y.
This is soooo my atmosphere. The music is smooth, the lights are dim and no one is yelling.. Did I mention the Sushi. Oh yeh!!!
(5)
Ashaleigh R.
1st time here, I tried the Bottle Rocket roll and the Bubble Gum roll and they both were amazing! Service was great and the environment was very laid back! I will def be back again!
(4)
Eva F.
Me and my partner went here for dinner. The sushi is really good!!! The interior is not very cozy and not very comfortable because the tables are too low. The service was good, but they served me a coke that tasted more like water. But it seemed like an honest mistake, when I asked for a new one they apologized and got me a new (very delicious) coke! Go here for dinner!
(4)
Cindy R.
I'm lucky to live in one of the hippest Art Districts in Downtown Atlanta. Bottle Rocket we claim as our Cheers,we all know each other and the friends I've made here in almost 12 years are dear to my heart. I'm sad the City of Atlanta took away there right to take your drink out the door to charming little tables. But alas, just know this when you have your best friend with you. In my case Zeke. My sweet yellow Lab.
(4)
Quinton W.
This place rocks. The owner Josh is cool and always there but Rashida and Joel are the heart of Castleberry Hill. Though Joel isn't here now this is a great place to chill and just be around good cool people. Ask Rashida to make you a drink or a shot and just let the time pass you by. Boom goes the rocket!
(5)
Kam M.
Pretty impressed with the sushi. Not a wide variety of sushi to choose from but what we ordered was great. Loved the Bottle Rocket and the Spider roll! Prices were kind of steep though in comparison to some of the other sushi spots in the area. I tried the Skinny Tiki drink and they weren't stingy with the alcohol. No watered down drinks here. The place is pretty cramped for space so large groups (of more than 4) can forget about seating at night. The atmosphere was friendly. Our waiters were very polite. Tough to judge the service because it was our waiter's first day and the manager picked up whatever he forgot. The bathroom walls were covered in chalkboard paint so there were some funny messages written on the walls. Overall, it's a small, intimate spot with good sushi (cooked the way I like it) and a great atmosphere. Would definitely visit again.
(4)
Leslie H.
it was good food and very intimate.
(4)
Jeff C.
I cannot say it was my favorite food experience in Atlanta. I have had much better Sushi in Dallas/Fort Worth. The fish was not that fresh, and everything was tasteless in comparison to previous sushi experiences. I also had the Burger. It was just a basic burger. The waitress even told me they buy the fries frozen from Restaurant Depot. It's funny that the fries were the one thing I really enjoyed.
(3)
Madison J.
Excellent food. Started with the crab rangoons. Had to get a second order. A few of us ordered the strawberry ball drink, it was very good! The sushi was so fresh and tasty! We got the bottle rocket and one other roll (can't remember name). And it was such a fun atmosphere. Overall great time and will be coming back!
(5)
Page F.
Update: despite the last bad review I left- wanted to say that the owner responded with a generous apology and assured us that this was an abnormal experience for bottle rocket.
(5)
Mike B.
Real Posh Spot with good Sushi. Had a wonderful time at this establishment.
(4)
Adelaide X.
I loved the rufio rolls! Everything was good except for their soy sauce, even the less salty one was really salty. Hopefully they can make some change with the soy sauce to make everything perfect! I will definitely come back for their sushi though!
(4)
Liz S.
Ordered the bottle rocket sushi roll. It was so good! A bit overpriced thigh at $12. But so good.
(4)
Kathryn T.
A five star experience! My friends and I went to bottle rocket for my birthday last week and not only was the food incredible (literally everything we had) but the service was awesome, too. The vibe is great and the people are awesome. Thanks bottle rocket for helping make my birthday awesome! Go and try bottle rocket; you won't regret it!
(5)
Omar H.
I'm hooked on the bottle rocket burger and bottle rocket sushi, can't get myself to try anything else! Awesome people, food and atmosphere.
(5)
Tracy S.
When I was in Atlanta, I went from the W hotel to Bottle Rocket Restaurant. Atlanta has a flat cab rate of $10 in the downtown area. Bottlerocket is close enough to walk (less than a mile) from the Georgia World Convention Center for a drink after meetings and to get a bite to eat. A dear friend of mine owns this unique spot. I went in first to see him, ended up staying a wee bit longer than I originally planned. The sushi was amazing and I was a bit spoiled by the generous heart of my pal. My heart is that of a food detective, though and I went back when he was not there with a new and patient friend to see if my second experience matched my first. I'm a connoisseur of seaweed salads - they are one of my favorites because of the nutritional value of the natural sodium, the high iron content, and the eicosapentaenoic acid, a special omega-3 fatty acid. (If you are curious about this, you should look it up.) As I eat limited meat (if any), I always try to sneak in a little extra magical greens. The Wakame salad was divine. The seaweed tasted like seaweed I ate straight from the water off the coast of the San Juan Islands kayaking one time and the sesame seeds were extremely fresh. There also was a hint of spice, enough kick to make me happy but not too much for someone like my mother, who needs a softer heat level. I decided to have the whistle...Pop!, the house roll although there were certainly others that were tempting. This has all my favorites, spice (Serrano pepper) tempura shrimp, avocado, spicy tuna (more heat), tempura fried eel. Yum! I ate every last bite and was completely sated. Perfect for one person with a really big appetite, some days more than others. I also had a single perfect glass of Sauvignon Blanc paired with my meal. Moderation and a bit of tartness always make a meal more complete for me. My new friend had already eaten and so had a side of seasoned house fries with spicy, tasty aioli sauce. Yummy and the oil was super clean. (Someone who doesn't eat much meat or has worked in restaurants a bit can always tell!) . *Has vegetarian options. Small seating area so I would call ahead for larger groups.
(5)
Lawrence C.
This was a great place to start our arts stroll of Castleberry Heights. Good selection of drafts on tap for $5.50/pint, and the wine selections are great for only $6.50. My wife and I shared a Whistle Pop! sushi roll and fries ($13,4), and they were both great. We eyed the ahi tuna burger, and there were several other items to order that were intriguing and reasonably priced. Service was very friendly and attentive. We will return!
(4)
Jonn A.
Whenever I'm in Atlanta, I always plan to stop in at Bottle Rocket. I've never had anything less than 5 stars at this place. "Creative and delicious" is the best description for it. I've tried at least 8 dishes on the menu including whole baby octopus. Never had a bust. The staff has always been friendly and swift. It's not a big place - kind of a neighborhood joint. Every time I'm there, I like the music that's being played and there's always fun happening. Try it. I don't think I'd label it as "hipster". It's trendy, not stupid.
(5)
Now C.
Awful. Took an hour to get my uncooked food. Sushi tasted like grocery store quality rolls. They don't serve Hennessey or Heineken. Bartender was rude, amd brought my friend a martini with salt around the rim. waitress was incompetent. This is the first bad review I have ever left on yelp, that's how bad it was. I will not be returning here ever.
(1)
Carrie B.
Go to sleep Christmas Eve with a sushi bar, wake up in the New Year with an American/Asian Fusion hot spot with awesome cocktails...that's what I call a Happy New Year! I will say that there are times I will miss WASABi, but Bottle Rocket definitely has a bit more flair to it and the food so far is perfect. Since it was a soft opening they only had a few choices, but to give you an initial idea: Tuna Burgers, Hamburgers, Strip Steak and Salmon Salad were the options. The tuna burger had a side of aioli and the combination was really something, the tuna was great...no surprise since they didn't completely dismantle the sushi bar, just reduced the size a little and raised the bar (so to speak). The sweet potato fries could be a little bigger, but then again it's probably better they're not so I don't gorge myself on them. I was told the burger was decent and the salmon salad looked quite tasty. The cocktails all sound fantastic and looking forward to trying more going forward. The size of the space is still the same, but the seating was rearranged and the facelift that some of the locals helped make happen really jazzed the place up. WTG on a revitalization of a staple location in Castleberry Hill...so far so good in my book.
(4)
Sheena M.
It was a little hard to find but so glad we did! Sushi was excellent! Such a unique menu. Great music and artsy ambiance. Try the bubblegum roll and the strawberry bomb roll.
(5)
Maitreyee R.
Went on a Thursday night to grab a quick late dinner. Cozy place and service is good but I felt it was overpriced for what we ate. We ordered a Miso soup which was quite tasteless, I found it very surprising that a sushi place would go wrong with their miso soup. The rolls were decent , the best one was the Happy ending roll. But still not worth the price..Iv eaten better Sushi for that price!!
(3)
Kirby Ann P.
Bottlerocket has a cute and hip atmosphere. Sushi is fairly well made. Plenty of drink options and other menu items. Come here for happy hour with friends.
(4)
Pam C.
Went here on a Sunday night for sushi. We started with the miso soup and the house salad with ginger dressing. it was the best ginger salad, I've ever had...they used romaine instead of iceberg and the dressing was phenomenal. It was a little on the small side, but delicious. We got he Whistle Pop roll, would get again. We also got the Beat Box and it was pretty good, but fell apart too easily on us.
(4)
Kelly C.
This bar is my CHEERS! Best hidden gem in Atlanta! Not only is the sushi phenomenally yummy the staff is very attentive and friendly. Off the sushi menu...If you love classic fries, they have really crispy seasoned fries that are hard not to order. Oh and vegetarians don't be afraid that there aren't many veggie sushi options, they will custom make sushi for you. Like I said really the staff is very attentive. The mixed drinks are stout, and great place to check out the local artist work on the walls. They have plenty great events too! Football parties, Luau, Walking Dead parties, karaokie, and sometimes live music! I think you can find out about their events on the facebook page.
(5)
Shannon H.
Great sushi and appetizers, a few fusion items, nice drink selection, and everything was delicious! Small seating areas, but with a long bar to sit at. Do know, though, that it's a little dark and loud on a Friday night, so you'll want to be prepared. I imagine it would be a delight on a date, kind of dark and sexy, but it wasn't really the best pick for girls night with my daughter-in-law!
(4)
Dawn M.
This is my favorite place to get sushi in Atlanta all because of one roll- Bulls Eye. If you are a Sushi Connoisseur this place might not be for you. I've gone with friends who say it's good, not great. But generally everyone loves this roll. The service staff is not the fastest but they are friendly. There is usually a fun crowd at the bar and always an interesting conversation to participate in. Parking is free on the street. Do not park illegally in front of the restaurant because you will get a ticket. The only downside of this spot is no matter what the season it is always cold inside
(4)
Genevieve M.
Bottle Rocket is a Gem. The sushi wasn't good, it was amazing. The Bull's Eye and sashimi make it worth a trip to Castleberry Hill.
(4)
Jennifer L.
Had a couple signature cocktails and standard sushi rolls. Very good food and drinks.
(4)
Ayyad K.
Food wise: _They don't have the best variety of Sushi, but everything i ordered (Specialty Rolls and Sashimi) turned out to be pretty good. _Note that if your looking for the best sushi cuts, its not available here (e.g. Bluefin Toro). But thats okay because they are serving to a specific market/audience, which may not want to spend that much on Sushi. Drinks wise: Also, Disappointed that they don't have more bottled japanese beer (i think they just had Sapporro on draft). Cost wise: _I took my brother to it and ordered 3 Specialty Sushi rolls and 2 Sashimis (YellowTail), and it turned out to be ~$55. We were both stuffed by the end of it _Its a borderline between 3stars and 4stars, but it got bumped up due to good fast service, and the location. My Sushi perspective comes from having it in expensive places all over the world: Tokyo, London , Atlanta, San Francisco, and several other US Cities. My work travel allowed me to enjoy sushi without worrying about the cost ;)
(4)
Anni Z.
I love this place, even though I don't eat meat! I discovered it when my neighbor invited me to their "Walking Dead" finale party, where they did free zombie makeup on people. It's only a mile from my house, so it's convenient to walk there, rather than drive and search for street parking. The last time I was there, it was so hot inside that they took 15% off our check and gave us all sorts of free food! The staff is amazing and so friendly. Definitely give it a try!
(5)
Ashley A.
Where to begin; We were in town for only two days and wanted to find a good sushi spot, happened on this place through yelp and were more then happy with the selection. First the staff in incredible! They were informative of the menu and bar selection, and even more informative of the area. The fish was amazing! So fresh the sashimi practically melted on your tongue. The rolls were excellent too, some traditional, and some modern (which we loved). We enjoyed this place so much we went both nights we were in town. Will go back every time we are around.
(5)
Natalie W.
Loved this place! Was in Atlanta last weekend for a wedding and went to Bottle Rocket by myself to grab dinner. Everyone who works there is incredibly friendly, they all took the time to talk to me and ask about my trip. The sushi was great and the Zombie was excellent. Bottle Rocket has a great cozy atmosphere and a really fun vibe going for it, would definitely eat here again on my next trip to ATL.
(5)
J. G.
Great sushi. The owner went out of his way to make sure our meal was great.
(5)
Jason M.
Best Sushi in the ATL
(5)
Forrest C.
I was there a month ago (takes me awhile) but kept meaning to write this review. Food was amazing! Atmosphere relaxed! Service was great....Joel was a great bartender and made us real comfortable.
(5)
Todd C.
Went here on the night of their 2nd Anniversary party. Small place with an amazing atmosphere. Very trendy and modern setting. Menu variety is plentiful. Service was outstanding. The GM, Josh, took time to come over and go over the menu, make some suggestions and talk about new additions to the menu. We got three different sushi rolls, Bulls Eye, Happy Ending, and a new one involving strawberries and crab. All three were absolutely amazing. Overall it was a top-notch experience that will have us coming back for sure! Highly recommend.
(5)
Rebecca G.
I am not much of a reviewer when it comes to restaurants, because I have been a server for years and I hate people who write stupid reviews. That being said, this place is AWESOME. The sushi is fantastic - I'm partial to the Bottle Rocket roll, and last time my roomie and I split a Strawberry Bomb roll. The Strawberry Bomb had a honey wasabi that was delish, and overall the roll felt very fresh. The Georgia Boy cocktail tastes like a YooHoo! The place is tiny, and the last few times I have been there the bartender was also our server. His name was Joel, and he was awesome. The owner checked on us too, and made sure we liked everything. If you're a sushi fan, you should check this place out. It has become borderline obsession for my roommate and I!
(5)
smacksmackgulp K.
Wanted to try their sushi for Sunday Wine Down, but nowhere on their website did it say that they don't have sushi Sunday nights, and only serve drinks, and a very very limited menu on Sunday nights (e.g. a couple sandwiches, maybe an appetizer selection or two). Their drinks were fine. Service was also fine...considering we were the only ones in the place. It did feel like he was hovering though...like waiting for us to leave so he could leave. Please amend your website so that you let patrons know that you don't serve sushi on Sundays, especially when sushi is such a large portion of your menu.
(2)
Chris H.
Really awesome place. Ask for Joel, the best bartender ever. Plenty of bar selections with mexican coke... very cool. The sushi is surprisingly good. This has become one of my favorite little hole in the walls. Winter is best because their AC often breaks down in the summer.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Hipster Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Laura C.
(4)Karl H.
(4)Steve R.
(5)David C.
(5)Charisma H.
(5)Dani F.
(4)Robert M.
(5)Macey M.
Bajeez! I love Bottle Rocket. Stashed away in the middle of no where, but an absolutely delicious find! Fantasic...I mean Fantastic specialty cocktails and sushi! Best I've had in Atlanta thus far! The atmosphere is colorful, fun, playful, nerdy and little sexy! Bar is rad and overall decorum. And staff! Woo! Love em! Unfortunately, only 4 stars because it's not child friendly at all. No high chairs, no room, and nothing a youngin could eat. Super sad about this. I have a toddler and he is always attached to my hip, except for this one night...my husband's and mines anniversary. So, I'll probably only eat here twice a year and that's a shame :(
(4)Alex G.
Not sure what any of the so-so reviews are about, i thought this place was awesome! Staying at the Westin downtown and walked over about 1.25 miles. The 25 minute walk was well worth what waited on the other end. Started with the signature drinks and tried the Georgia Boy, Root Beer Weebles, and the Paloma. If you like whiskey you HAVE to try the Georgia boy. It has a complex flavor. Rye whiskey, almond milk, chocolate liquor, over Mexican coke with ice. It was certainly more of a dessert drink however, I had it before dinner and wasn't at all upset. I don't recall all that was in the Root Beer drink but the flavor was also wonderful. It was like having a root beer float that we all remember as kids but with a little extra kick at the end. The Paloma was alright. It reminded me of a margarita and I was on the hunt for whiskey so I wouldn't be the best one to review. Don't knock it till ya try it! Now for the main event, the reason we all came here, or are debating by reading this article. I'm not much of a bland sushi eater. I am always fascinated by the signature rolls and the creativity of each sushi joint. In my mind, it is an art to put together something so small with so many ingredients that tastes so amazing. That being said, we shared the 9.6er and the Rufio rolls. The 9.6er was pretty good with its topping of marinated steak however, the Rufio roll takes the cake in this debate. If you enjoy a little crunchy, a little spice, and everything nice, you won't regret trying this roll. Hey, if you do, it was only $12 bucks and we've all spent a worse 12 bucks. At the end of the day, I was very impressed with the flavor of this "off the map" sushi joint. I would recommend to anyone looking for something a little different on any night of the week! P.s. I can honestly say I never take the time to write these so this place must have done something right.
(5)Michael R.
A group of us went by recently due to the high reviews but were sorely disappointed. I ordered the sushi combo with nigiri and the negihama roll. When the food comes out I was informed they did not have any yellowtail and so was given a California roll instead. The nigiri grouping was very unimpressive. It included only a tuna, salmon, eel, and shrimp offering. Each was as bland as the previous. Each fell apart instantly (worse than the first time I made sushi). As unimpressive as the sushi was; the greater pains were felt later. Almost the entire group was stuck in the bathrooms last night and throughout today. Avoid this restaurant. There are much better places in Atlanta with similar price points.
(1)Matthew E.
Been here 3 times. First experience was magical as they had just opened and were really on top of everything and the sushi presentation and freshness were a total five stars. On par with the very best experiences I've ever had including at Tomo, MF Sushi, Twist/Shout, Nikimotos, Strip, Blue Grotto, Wasabi House, etc, etc. Since then it's been more like a 3-4 depending on who is working and sushi freshness. Presentation isn't quite what it was but drinks are still great and sushi is very reasonably priced and consistently decent.
(4)Candyce V.
Normally, I don't do this, but uhhh...I had to give this experience 2 stars :-( We ordered calamari, but were informed that they didn't have any that day. So we ordered the Big Ass Egg Roll, which would've been tasty if it wasn't dripping with grease. I held out hope for the cocktails, since I read online that they were potent. I chose the Zombie because it was supposed to have a lot of likka in it. It tasted like it had a lot of sugary syrup and no likka. So I settled for a Long Beach Iced Tea....which also tasted like it had no likka in it. Our server didn't seem very intent on being pleasant with us, though we didn't give her a hard time about the grease-dripping Big Ass Egg Roll or my lack of even a hint of a buzz from the cocktails I tried. For our sushi we ordered the Bottle Rocket, Whistle Pop, spicy tuna, and Philly rolls. The spicy rolls were super spicy. I stay away from spicy things, but the Hubs couldn't even take the heat of these rolls. My Bottle Rocket was good. And the Philly was fine. I really had high hopes for this place. I may give it another shot on another day, but right now I'm kinda 'meh' about it...bummer.
(2)Meggan N.
I am new to the neighborhood. I am glad I found this place. I heard all the locals visit here quite often. The food was really good (especially the fried calamari) but the drinks were better. The am pusher is relaxed and the staff are wonderful.
(5)Travis J.
We have been here a few times and have not been disappointed. The Crab Rangoon is excellent although the portion really takes the "appetizer" definition seriously. Every roll is both delicious and interesting as they incorporate unique ingredients. For example, the Green Mt. Fuji roll has green apples paired with wasabi! They also have a great beer, wine and saki collection. Best of all, they are never really packed despite the quality of food and small space. If you are looking for great Atlanta sushi, you can't do much better!
(5)Lindsay E.
Had a great, chill time in the relaxed atmosphere, our server Sam was awesome, and each bite of sushi was delicious. They even let me request a custom roll, and this was just my first visit! I'd been wanting to try this place because of its great reviews and because, if it turned out to be a good joint, it would the closest good sushi to my place. I was not disappointed! Aesthetically, it's the weirdest sushi restaurant I've ever seen, but the friendly service from Sam, the variety of menu options, and the tasty sushi we ordered sat just fine with me. We ordered the Pink Lady roll, the Bottle Rocket roll, and I asked for a custom roll with just avocado and salmon. I was so impressed by how Sam said, "IF you tell me what you want, I can have the kitchen make it for you." No sushi server has ever told me that! Every roll was excellent. Fresh fish, fresh avocado, well seasoned and moist/sticky rice, and fresh nori. Wish we could have stayed for more, but sushi always fills me up quickly. Strange atmosphere, great food, can't wait to go back.
(5)Michael O.
Great food and great people. Sushi was fresh and very tasty. I will make it a point to visit when I pass through Atlanta.
(5)Vanitha S.
This was a fascinating divey hipster type place that was a fun pregame to our dessert and coffee next door at No Mas Cantina. First of all the "comfort cocktails" were great and comfort worthy. I can't remember the name of the drink I ordered unfortunately but my friend ordered the Skinny Tini (w regular ginger beer not diet as suggested by our waiter). They were both solid--the mixture of coconut water and rum was smooth and easy in mine while the Tini was light and refreshing with pineapple juice though a little on the too-sweet side. Sushi was good. Not amazing but solid. I loved reading all the creative specialty rolls and had a hard time choosing. We ended up ordering the Rufio rolls and the Bottle Rocket rolls. The bottle rocket rolls were ok but something felt off and missing...like the glorified shrimp tempura rolls were trying too hard. The Rufio rolls were great and a yummy blend of salmon, nori and spicy mayo and sauces. If I come back I want to try the Strawberry Bomb as the combo of crab stick, avocado and strawberries sound fascinatingly yummy! Same with the Green Mt Fuji-crab, salmon, green apples and avocado? Yum. What were really disappointing were the veggie dumplings. They came drenched in some tasteless sauce and the inside was a meager blend of cabbage and not sure what else. I would avoid ordering these here as somehow they got potstickers wrong which is a tough feat! Or if you do try them ask for them steamed and without the drenching of the sauce. If I were to come back Id try the crab rangoon or the "big ass" egg roll! :) Service was awesome and very friendly. Food came pretty quickly. The atmosphere was super funky and cool inside. The space was fairly small and the restaurant was one long rectangle and squeezed as many tables they could in the long way. A couple of high tables, low tables and the bar. On a wed night it wasn't crowded so it was comfy but I imagine during busier times it could be tight spacing. The problem was that it was really smoky in there...though we were sitting right under the fan, smoke from the kitchen assaulted our noses and eyes. My friend with contacts was especially sensitive, combined with the pollen count outside. She had to keep dabbing her eyes during dinner. Not sure what can be done to remedy...more fans in the kitchen? Overall a solid place that another yelper called it right--good pregame before other funky places in the Castleberry Hill area or just to be in the area during the filming of all the movies and shows (walking dead!).
(3)Mike S.
Nice chill spot to pregame the other spots in/around Castleberry. It's right down from No Mas which is another spot worth trying if you're not familiar. I went with the sashimi rollout just to get a sample of the place and it was solid fare. Nothing to beat about but, more importantly, nothing to cry about. The sake menu however is limited--I don't know what it is about places in the southeast. But I found one that I think was an ozeki. Just kinda me. But...i chased it with maker's. The highlight of the night to me was the marinated octopus though... Not to be missed. Again, this is a very chill spot... I kinda wanna drop back by and sample the tap and a few glamour rolls when the weather is behaving a bit better.
(3)Kayla W.
The food took a long time to come out. Wasn't too busy in the place . The sake ($38) wasn't worth the price. It taste like fruity cheap wine . I was upset I spent so much on mediocre Sake which taste like a cheap moscato or reisling wine . The sushi was 7/10. Not too bad but still good. The hamachi was good . The sunset was great. I'll be back since it's my local sushi spot 5 minutes from home . Bring back the Green Apple mountain Sushi !
(3)T L.
Slow service. Weak drinks. Overpriced and not a wide variety of sushi. Just middle of the road for me... nothing extraordinary
(3)Lanae T.
Words can't describe how much I LOVE buying sushi from this place! It always taste so fresh. I always customize my order and purchase the spicy salmon rolls with crunchies and spicy mayo. It's great!. Honestly the best sushi I've had since moving to Atlanta last year. My only issue is that they close the kitchen super early at 10:30, which makes it hard for me to ever make a late night run if need be :-( . They are a little pricey but worth it. They're conveniently located 10 minutes down the street from my job so it's a perfect place to get good drinks and food after work.
(5)Ryan S.
My coworkers and I have a traditional load out dinner after the last performance in each city we work. My sushi connoisseur friend and another, Japenese, co-worker, friend, chose Bottle Rocket because another place that was previously chosen, the management was rude on the phone. We were greeted upon arrival and found a nice table for us 4. It seemed the bartender/server, manager, and chef were the only people working. They also seemed overwhelmed by the amount of customers they had for a rainy Monday night. This understaffing led to LONG wait times for our appetizers and additionally, our sushi orders. The server/bartender was very attentive and polite, however the wait was difficult because we were all starving after a long day of work. It was approximately 1 hour between the time we sat down and when we received our sushi even after ordering rather quickly when we were initially greeted at the table. We also had to ask for soy plates and additional bowls for our edamame husks. The sushi, once it came out, was very delicious though. The atmosphere was inviting and warm; very artsy. The bathroom has a chalkboard to add your own art! I would likely go back if I knew they would be staffed properly because the sushi is really good for the price.
(4)E J.
This place is just plain awesome. The owner, Josh, is super personable and clearly loves his business, his jobs, and his customers. The music that plays is awesome. From Passion Pit to Black Kids. The people who come seem to be regulars but they're all nice. There's a dart board and a huge bar. The drinks are good (Skinny Tiki is on point) and the sushi is even better (Supercrunch omg). If you're in the area try this place out, it has a great staff along with awesome food.
(4)R F.
Walked from the Westin, Carlsberg on tap, the sashimi was excellent. What a great find. Off the beaten path but worth it.
(5)Maria T.
WAY COOL HIPSTER PRESENTATION! is all I gotta say.....haha ok just kidding but I will rant about how awesome this place is. They have BEER, BURGERS, and SUSHI...what more can you ask for, really? My fiance and I came here on New Years Eve (we're out of town-ers) for a pregame celebration and the place was decorated with NY stuff...beads, hats, etc. Came in for dinner and we were the only ones there! But it later became the poppin' place as we were leaving. Anyways, Bottle Rocket is a small local place located in a sketchy area. If it weren't for the reviews and the bomb menu I probably would have pass on. So we ordered several specialty rolls that were reasonably priced. What we were impressed with were the amount of time and craft put into each roll. The presentation was different and unique for each roll we ordered (granted we were the only ones there at the time, not sure if that was a factor). We had several rolls and appetizers, delicious! We ordered a few drinks, and the ones I ordered were pretty strong. Getting your monies worth! Although they had a limited selection of drinks to choose from and 2 of the 4 I wanted to try were out.....wahh on NYE? you'd think they stock up but the drinks I had were very good none the less. Forgot to mention the great service we had! She was very friendly, recommended us great rolls and drinks to try. Why only 4 stars? Location for starters, in a sketchy neighborhood (it was a mix of hipster and vacant buildings) we didn't feel very safe leaving and walking around the neighborhood by ourselves...then again probably wasn't the wisest thing to do. Also they only had 1 option for a burger and limited alochol in stock! Would we come here again? Definitely...food, atmosphere and service were on point!
(4)Claire C.
Wasn't very crowded and had a very laid back feel. The waiters were nice and brought all of our food very quickly. Tried two rolls -- the bottle rocket and the Bulls eye -- both of which were absolutely delicious. Also ordered a Moscow Mule, which was great, and I am very picky about my Moscow Mules! Overall, a really good hole in the wall! Go if you're in the mood for good, creative sushi rolls!
(4)Charles A.
I went here because I was told the hamburgers were better than Holeman and Finch....that suggestion was way off. Average hamburger, egg rolls were nice and light ...I didn't have the sushi but heard it was good. It's a small place with too many seats in there...so you're mobility is limited, be prepared to say 'excuse me' several times. I just don't see me retuning here
(2)Rach D.
Over rated..over priced.. Underwhelming..OVERPRICED Gross food. The "Big Ass Egg Roll" tasted like ass. It was greasy and smelled like it was spoiled. I can't believe the high ratings. Never again.
(1)Hope B.
BEST SUSHI EVER!!! Me and my girlfriend come here at least twice a week. We LOVE IT! I highly highly recommend the Bulls eye roll, pink lady, aloha & super crunch!!! The service is wonderful & the atmosphere is super chill & relaxing. Tanner is our favorite server, ask for him!!! The owner, Josh, is always super friendly and very welcoming! Everything about this establishment is GREAT.
(5)Anderson D.
Delicious food. Love eating here plus the people are great! Come through and watch some soccer!
(5)Lisa H.
This is a "fusion" sushi restaurant. That said, don't come here if you want real sushi. We were here on a Tuesday night and it was empty. The staff was really friendly and the service is great, just the food is not that good. The best thing we had was their Tuna tartaki, which was very flavorful. The sushi rolls were nothing special and not that delicious.
(3)Duncan B.
Steak and sushi and stout drinks. Easily some of the best servers in the "A".
(5)Gerald N.
Cool lil spot! Try the steak fried rice! We ordered the bubble gum, 9.6er, Rufio, spider, spicy hamachi, and a couple others. All of the rolls were good. Nothing stood out as amazing but nothing was horrible. I think the highlight was the steak fried rice. The steak was cooked perfectly, it was tender, and you could tell it was a nice cut of meat.
(4)Walker C.
Food was pretty good, but the service was pretty bad. Took forever to get a measly meal priced like a feast. The only server messed up about as many times as he could have and I left hungrier than before I entered the restaurant. Come here if you're looking for a tasty treat for which you don't mind waiting an hour. Also, unless you don't mind putting on show for the whole street to see, make sure you don't have to use the restroom.
(2)Joshua S.
This place is incredible! I love the feel of the restaurant and Josh, the owner, is super friendly. He introduced himself and told us his recommendations. You have to try their signature roll.
(5)Tiffany S.
Ok sushi...had to wait a LONG TIME for a roll... TWO other tables that came after me got theirs before me. Probably won't return.
(3)Mark G.
Stopped by for a couple of rolls. The Whistle-Pop was unbelievable. Great service and creative rolls.
(4)Justin C.
Bulls eye roll was great even thought it was rice heavy ( I love rice). Rufio roll is very original. It contains Salmon pieces wrapped in seaweed then flash fried on rolls of rice. Basically it's fried salmon and seaweed nigiri instead of a roll. Decor is cool and hip. Needs more light. The only downfall is the awful edamame, it was waaaaaay overcooked. The eventide nitro stout is stellar.
(4)Mignon B.
Not bad. Pretty middle of the road. Not exactly bang for your buck but you're not cheated either.
(3)Shawnelle C.
Great find! We were in town just for dinner. We walked a mile just to see the city and came across this place. Tanner was so welcoming. Got us a great table, water and a menu quickly and gave us excellent recommendations. Great sushi and drinks! Will be coming back when were back. Nice group of locals hang out here too, friendly and fun people.
(5)Justin H.
To say that Bottle Rocket is a love letter to Castleberry Hill would be an understatement. Let's start with the food. A restaurant that takes pride in it's cuisine, is one thing. But to not only deliver quality sushi, burgers, and general edible wonderfulness is something else. The owner, bartenders, and chefs openly aim to please. ATL needed a sushi restaurant that lacked the overbearing techno music and health code violations, that some of the other supposed iconic ones did. Bottle Rocket is the answer. Comfortable, safe and delicious. It also openly makes a name for itself as being a mainstay for a neighborhood. A local hotspot that is frequented on most Castleberry Art Strolls, Bottle Rocket is also used for weekly The Walking Dead screenings while the show is in season, art nights, karaoke nights, birthday parties and after parties to some of the finer ATL arts events. At the end of last summer, you could even find an after party where the owner of the establishment partook in a game of Egg Russian Roulette, made famous by Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, along with several local and visiting artists. For the love of all that is sacred and holy... As a new-ish New Yorker who misses ATL on occasion. This place is as beloved to me as the city itself. PS - Anyone else got a sushi restaurant regularly patrolled by Atlanta's only Costumed Superhero? Nope... Just Bottle Rocket.
(5)Shellie S.
Bottle Rocket is amazing!! The sushi is delicious, I can't rave enough about their Bulls Eye, Aloha, and Pink Lady Rolls are my favorite. You can't find a nicer group of restaurant staff and the owner is a huge supporter of the Atlanta art scene, who has done a lot for the Castleberry Hill Community. The space is cozy enough for a date night, but large enough for a group outing with friends. A sidewalk patio gives it that NYC street feel, and there are always dog bowls filled with water for the four-legged friends who walk the neighborhood. I highly recommend Bottle Rocket - definitely check it out!!
(5)Michael I.
Dinner at Bottle Rocket last night was delicious! Right next door to No Mas! in Castleberry Hill. Decor was artsy with a tint of European sports bar since they had soccer on every station. It was birthday date night and the sushi was excellent and very reasonably priced. Drinks were unique and tasty. Bottle Rocket does not presently have a dessert menu so we walked next door to have some pecan pie and truffles at No Mas! What a great night!
(5)Neal M.
Very enjoyable. Quirky and quaint atmosphere. Amazing sushi. The BeatBox roll was worth the effort of trying to pick it up.
(5)Brian H.
Great little find! We were going to an event at the Georgia Dome and looking to try something new, not too far from there. The folks were really nice, the atmosphere was very low key and cool, and the sushi was fantastic! Parking's not ideal, and the neighborhood is pretty poorly lit, which is why I didn't give it five stars. But we'll definitely go back soon.
(4)Apryle A.
If you're not big on sushi, get a burger and hangout with the staff. Everyone on the service staff is bartender so if you dont know what to drink, just ask for a suggestion, or do as the natives do and just drink whiskey. One of the owners, usually Josh in my experience, can be found in the general vicinity.. he's the real life Kenny Powers.. sans baseball.
(5)Robert H.
Unimpressive, flavorless and more of a sushi place for those that don't mind if the fish isn't fresh, because they just drench it in soy sauce before they eat. - Street parking - Hip interior - Friendly service - Basic menu, more about booze - Bland, old sushi I found this place on Yelp knowing it was close to the Georgia Dome before the Falcons game. We took a shot, knowing it wouldn't be the most flavorful, authentic sushi. We at least expected it to be fresh, considering the good reviews. I guess these people are rating more on the night scene than food quality. I started with the Temaki Hand Roll ($7) that comes with the option of eel, spicy tuna, or salmon skin. I went with the spicy tuna and ended up putting soy sauce into it for flavor because it was dry. I am not used to hand rolls coming with so much rice, usually more tuna. I thought I would try the whistle...POP! ($13) that has Serrano pepper, tempura shrimp, avocado, and is topped with spicy tuna & tempura fried eel. For the price I expected more flavor. But I guess it just didn't heavy any because the fish wasn't fresh? I don't know. It looked pretty though. My wife got a basic California roll ($7) for my wife, simple and came with larger chunks of crab than usual. My wife finished with the Bottle Rocket ($12) that includes shrimp tempura, avocado, and cream cheese topped with spicy crab salad, eel sauce, spicy mayo. crusted with panko & flash fried. This was the most flavored roll of them all and was actually worth the cost. Each bite made my mouth water. I really wanted some good sushi before the game and ended up having to eat a pizza within an hour because the sushi just didn't fill my craving or hunger. I wouldn't try this place again, I have had better and expect more than pretty looking fish from $15 rolls.
(3)Roma Y.
This is soooo my atmosphere. The music is smooth, the lights are dim and no one is yelling.. Did I mention the Sushi. Oh yeh!!!
(5)Ashaleigh R.
1st time here, I tried the Bottle Rocket roll and the Bubble Gum roll and they both were amazing! Service was great and the environment was very laid back! I will def be back again!
(4)Eva F.
Me and my partner went here for dinner. The sushi is really good!!! The interior is not very cozy and not very comfortable because the tables are too low. The service was good, but they served me a coke that tasted more like water. But it seemed like an honest mistake, when I asked for a new one they apologized and got me a new (very delicious) coke! Go here for dinner!
(4)Cindy R.
I'm lucky to live in one of the hippest Art Districts in Downtown Atlanta. Bottle Rocket we claim as our Cheers,we all know each other and the friends I've made here in almost 12 years are dear to my heart. I'm sad the City of Atlanta took away there right to take your drink out the door to charming little tables. But alas, just know this when you have your best friend with you. In my case Zeke. My sweet yellow Lab.
(4)Quinton W.
This place rocks. The owner Josh is cool and always there but Rashida and Joel are the heart of Castleberry Hill. Though Joel isn't here now this is a great place to chill and just be around good cool people. Ask Rashida to make you a drink or a shot and just let the time pass you by. Boom goes the rocket!
(5)Kam M.
Pretty impressed with the sushi. Not a wide variety of sushi to choose from but what we ordered was great. Loved the Bottle Rocket and the Spider roll! Prices were kind of steep though in comparison to some of the other sushi spots in the area. I tried the Skinny Tiki drink and they weren't stingy with the alcohol. No watered down drinks here. The place is pretty cramped for space so large groups (of more than 4) can forget about seating at night. The atmosphere was friendly. Our waiters were very polite. Tough to judge the service because it was our waiter's first day and the manager picked up whatever he forgot. The bathroom walls were covered in chalkboard paint so there were some funny messages written on the walls. Overall, it's a small, intimate spot with good sushi (cooked the way I like it) and a great atmosphere. Would definitely visit again.
(4)Leslie H.
it was good food and very intimate.
(4)Jeff C.
I cannot say it was my favorite food experience in Atlanta. I have had much better Sushi in Dallas/Fort Worth. The fish was not that fresh, and everything was tasteless in comparison to previous sushi experiences. I also had the Burger. It was just a basic burger. The waitress even told me they buy the fries frozen from Restaurant Depot. It's funny that the fries were the one thing I really enjoyed.
(3)Madison J.
Excellent food. Started with the crab rangoons. Had to get a second order. A few of us ordered the strawberry ball drink, it was very good! The sushi was so fresh and tasty! We got the bottle rocket and one other roll (can't remember name). And it was such a fun atmosphere. Overall great time and will be coming back!
(5)Page F.
Update: despite the last bad review I left- wanted to say that the owner responded with a generous apology and assured us that this was an abnormal experience for bottle rocket.
(5)Mike B.
Real Posh Spot with good Sushi. Had a wonderful time at this establishment.
(4)Adelaide X.
I loved the rufio rolls! Everything was good except for their soy sauce, even the less salty one was really salty. Hopefully they can make some change with the soy sauce to make everything perfect! I will definitely come back for their sushi though!
(4)Liz S.
Ordered the bottle rocket sushi roll. It was so good! A bit overpriced thigh at $12. But so good.
(4)Kathryn T.
A five star experience! My friends and I went to bottle rocket for my birthday last week and not only was the food incredible (literally everything we had) but the service was awesome, too. The vibe is great and the people are awesome. Thanks bottle rocket for helping make my birthday awesome! Go and try bottle rocket; you won't regret it!
(5)Omar H.
I'm hooked on the bottle rocket burger and bottle rocket sushi, can't get myself to try anything else! Awesome people, food and atmosphere.
(5)Tracy S.
When I was in Atlanta, I went from the W hotel to Bottle Rocket Restaurant. Atlanta has a flat cab rate of $10 in the downtown area. Bottlerocket is close enough to walk (less than a mile) from the Georgia World Convention Center for a drink after meetings and to get a bite to eat. A dear friend of mine owns this unique spot. I went in first to see him, ended up staying a wee bit longer than I originally planned. The sushi was amazing and I was a bit spoiled by the generous heart of my pal. My heart is that of a food detective, though and I went back when he was not there with a new and patient friend to see if my second experience matched my first. I'm a connoisseur of seaweed salads - they are one of my favorites because of the nutritional value of the natural sodium, the high iron content, and the eicosapentaenoic acid, a special omega-3 fatty acid. (If you are curious about this, you should look it up.) As I eat limited meat (if any), I always try to sneak in a little extra magical greens. The Wakame salad was divine. The seaweed tasted like seaweed I ate straight from the water off the coast of the San Juan Islands kayaking one time and the sesame seeds were extremely fresh. There also was a hint of spice, enough kick to make me happy but not too much for someone like my mother, who needs a softer heat level. I decided to have the whistle...Pop!, the house roll although there were certainly others that were tempting. This has all my favorites, spice (Serrano pepper) tempura shrimp, avocado, spicy tuna (more heat), tempura fried eel. Yum! I ate every last bite and was completely sated. Perfect for one person with a really big appetite, some days more than others. I also had a single perfect glass of Sauvignon Blanc paired with my meal. Moderation and a bit of tartness always make a meal more complete for me. My new friend had already eaten and so had a side of seasoned house fries with spicy, tasty aioli sauce. Yummy and the oil was super clean. (Someone who doesn't eat much meat or has worked in restaurants a bit can always tell!) . *Has vegetarian options. Small seating area so I would call ahead for larger groups.
(5)Lawrence C.
This was a great place to start our arts stroll of Castleberry Heights. Good selection of drafts on tap for $5.50/pint, and the wine selections are great for only $6.50. My wife and I shared a Whistle Pop! sushi roll and fries ($13,4), and they were both great. We eyed the ahi tuna burger, and there were several other items to order that were intriguing and reasonably priced. Service was very friendly and attentive. We will return!
(4)Jonn A.
Whenever I'm in Atlanta, I always plan to stop in at Bottle Rocket. I've never had anything less than 5 stars at this place. "Creative and delicious" is the best description for it. I've tried at least 8 dishes on the menu including whole baby octopus. Never had a bust. The staff has always been friendly and swift. It's not a big place - kind of a neighborhood joint. Every time I'm there, I like the music that's being played and there's always fun happening. Try it. I don't think I'd label it as "hipster". It's trendy, not stupid.
(5)Now C.
Awful. Took an hour to get my uncooked food. Sushi tasted like grocery store quality rolls. They don't serve Hennessey or Heineken. Bartender was rude, amd brought my friend a martini with salt around the rim. waitress was incompetent. This is the first bad review I have ever left on yelp, that's how bad it was. I will not be returning here ever.
(1)Carrie B.
Go to sleep Christmas Eve with a sushi bar, wake up in the New Year with an American/Asian Fusion hot spot with awesome cocktails...that's what I call a Happy New Year! I will say that there are times I will miss WASABi, but Bottle Rocket definitely has a bit more flair to it and the food so far is perfect. Since it was a soft opening they only had a few choices, but to give you an initial idea: Tuna Burgers, Hamburgers, Strip Steak and Salmon Salad were the options. The tuna burger had a side of aioli and the combination was really something, the tuna was great...no surprise since they didn't completely dismantle the sushi bar, just reduced the size a little and raised the bar (so to speak). The sweet potato fries could be a little bigger, but then again it's probably better they're not so I don't gorge myself on them. I was told the burger was decent and the salmon salad looked quite tasty. The cocktails all sound fantastic and looking forward to trying more going forward. The size of the space is still the same, but the seating was rearranged and the facelift that some of the locals helped make happen really jazzed the place up. WTG on a revitalization of a staple location in Castleberry Hill...so far so good in my book.
(4)Sheena M.
It was a little hard to find but so glad we did! Sushi was excellent! Such a unique menu. Great music and artsy ambiance. Try the bubblegum roll and the strawberry bomb roll.
(5)Maitreyee R.
Went on a Thursday night to grab a quick late dinner. Cozy place and service is good but I felt it was overpriced for what we ate. We ordered a Miso soup which was quite tasteless, I found it very surprising that a sushi place would go wrong with their miso soup. The rolls were decent , the best one was the Happy ending roll. But still not worth the price..Iv eaten better Sushi for that price!!
(3)Kirby Ann P.
Bottlerocket has a cute and hip atmosphere. Sushi is fairly well made. Plenty of drink options and other menu items. Come here for happy hour with friends.
(4)Pam C.
Went here on a Sunday night for sushi. We started with the miso soup and the house salad with ginger dressing. it was the best ginger salad, I've ever had...they used romaine instead of iceberg and the dressing was phenomenal. It was a little on the small side, but delicious. We got he Whistle Pop roll, would get again. We also got the Beat Box and it was pretty good, but fell apart too easily on us.
(4)Kelly C.
This bar is my CHEERS! Best hidden gem in Atlanta! Not only is the sushi phenomenally yummy the staff is very attentive and friendly. Off the sushi menu...If you love classic fries, they have really crispy seasoned fries that are hard not to order. Oh and vegetarians don't be afraid that there aren't many veggie sushi options, they will custom make sushi for you. Like I said really the staff is very attentive. The mixed drinks are stout, and great place to check out the local artist work on the walls. They have plenty great events too! Football parties, Luau, Walking Dead parties, karaokie, and sometimes live music! I think you can find out about their events on the facebook page.
(5)Shannon H.
Great sushi and appetizers, a few fusion items, nice drink selection, and everything was delicious! Small seating areas, but with a long bar to sit at. Do know, though, that it's a little dark and loud on a Friday night, so you'll want to be prepared. I imagine it would be a delight on a date, kind of dark and sexy, but it wasn't really the best pick for girls night with my daughter-in-law!
(4)Dawn M.
This is my favorite place to get sushi in Atlanta all because of one roll- Bulls Eye. If you are a Sushi Connoisseur this place might not be for you. I've gone with friends who say it's good, not great. But generally everyone loves this roll. The service staff is not the fastest but they are friendly. There is usually a fun crowd at the bar and always an interesting conversation to participate in. Parking is free on the street. Do not park illegally in front of the restaurant because you will get a ticket. The only downside of this spot is no matter what the season it is always cold inside
(4)Genevieve M.
Bottle Rocket is a Gem. The sushi wasn't good, it was amazing. The Bull's Eye and sashimi make it worth a trip to Castleberry Hill.
(4)Jennifer L.
Had a couple signature cocktails and standard sushi rolls. Very good food and drinks.
(4)Ayyad K.
Food wise: _They don't have the best variety of Sushi, but everything i ordered (Specialty Rolls and Sashimi) turned out to be pretty good. _Note that if your looking for the best sushi cuts, its not available here (e.g. Bluefin Toro). But thats okay because they are serving to a specific market/audience, which may not want to spend that much on Sushi. Drinks wise: Also, Disappointed that they don't have more bottled japanese beer (i think they just had Sapporro on draft). Cost wise: _I took my brother to it and ordered 3 Specialty Sushi rolls and 2 Sashimis (YellowTail), and it turned out to be ~$55. We were both stuffed by the end of it _Its a borderline between 3stars and 4stars, but it got bumped up due to good fast service, and the location. My Sushi perspective comes from having it in expensive places all over the world: Tokyo, London , Atlanta, San Francisco, and several other US Cities. My work travel allowed me to enjoy sushi without worrying about the cost ;)
(4)Anni Z.
I love this place, even though I don't eat meat! I discovered it when my neighbor invited me to their "Walking Dead" finale party, where they did free zombie makeup on people. It's only a mile from my house, so it's convenient to walk there, rather than drive and search for street parking. The last time I was there, it was so hot inside that they took 15% off our check and gave us all sorts of free food! The staff is amazing and so friendly. Definitely give it a try!
(5)Ashley A.
Where to begin; We were in town for only two days and wanted to find a good sushi spot, happened on this place through yelp and were more then happy with the selection. First the staff in incredible! They were informative of the menu and bar selection, and even more informative of the area. The fish was amazing! So fresh the sashimi practically melted on your tongue. The rolls were excellent too, some traditional, and some modern (which we loved). We enjoyed this place so much we went both nights we were in town. Will go back every time we are around.
(5)Natalie W.
Loved this place! Was in Atlanta last weekend for a wedding and went to Bottle Rocket by myself to grab dinner. Everyone who works there is incredibly friendly, they all took the time to talk to me and ask about my trip. The sushi was great and the Zombie was excellent. Bottle Rocket has a great cozy atmosphere and a really fun vibe going for it, would definitely eat here again on my next trip to ATL.
(5)J. G.
Great sushi. The owner went out of his way to make sure our meal was great.
(5)Jason M.
Best Sushi in the ATL
(5)Forrest C.
I was there a month ago (takes me awhile) but kept meaning to write this review. Food was amazing! Atmosphere relaxed! Service was great....Joel was a great bartender and made us real comfortable.
(5)Todd C.
Went here on the night of their 2nd Anniversary party. Small place with an amazing atmosphere. Very trendy and modern setting. Menu variety is plentiful. Service was outstanding. The GM, Josh, took time to come over and go over the menu, make some suggestions and talk about new additions to the menu. We got three different sushi rolls, Bulls Eye, Happy Ending, and a new one involving strawberries and crab. All three were absolutely amazing. Overall it was a top-notch experience that will have us coming back for sure! Highly recommend.
(5)Rebecca G.
I am not much of a reviewer when it comes to restaurants, because I have been a server for years and I hate people who write stupid reviews. That being said, this place is AWESOME. The sushi is fantastic - I'm partial to the Bottle Rocket roll, and last time my roomie and I split a Strawberry Bomb roll. The Strawberry Bomb had a honey wasabi that was delish, and overall the roll felt very fresh. The Georgia Boy cocktail tastes like a YooHoo! The place is tiny, and the last few times I have been there the bartender was also our server. His name was Joel, and he was awesome. The owner checked on us too, and made sure we liked everything. If you're a sushi fan, you should check this place out. It has become borderline obsession for my roommate and I!
(5)smacksmackgulp K.
Wanted to try their sushi for Sunday Wine Down, but nowhere on their website did it say that they don't have sushi Sunday nights, and only serve drinks, and a very very limited menu on Sunday nights (e.g. a couple sandwiches, maybe an appetizer selection or two). Their drinks were fine. Service was also fine...considering we were the only ones in the place. It did feel like he was hovering though...like waiting for us to leave so he could leave. Please amend your website so that you let patrons know that you don't serve sushi on Sundays, especially when sushi is such a large portion of your menu.
(2)Chris H.
Really awesome place. Ask for Joel, the best bartender ever. Plenty of bar selections with mexican coke... very cool. The sushi is surprisingly good. This has become one of my favorite little hole in the walls. Winter is best because their AC often breaks down in the summer.
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