Ekiben vs. Kraken Sushi & Beyond: Which North Center Japanese Spot Actually Delivers?

 Here’s how it usually goes: you’re hungry in North Center, you’ve got a craving for something Japanese, but suddenly you’re stumped. Do you go for the grab-and-go comfort of rice bowls and bento, or lean into a full-blown sushi spectacle with drinks and a patio? This neighborhood now boasts *two* heavy hitters on opposite sides of the spectrum—Ekiben and Kraken Sushi & Beyond—and picking between them isn’t as straightforward as it looks. Let’s break it down, with zero brochure-speak. ## Ekiben – Japanese Kitchen: The Grab-and-Go Godsend  Walk into Ekiben and you’re met with the sight of those impossibly neat railway bento boxes lined up behind the counter, straight out of a Tokyo train station. The whole operation is streamlined: cooked rice bowls (*donburi*), glossy onigiri stuffed with actual flavor (think salmon or spicy tuna, not mystery mayo), and not a flashy sushi platter in sight. This isn’t a spot trying to impress with neon lights or infinite sushi permutations. It’s weekday lunch territory—affordable, unfussy, and reliably filling. If the urge hits for salmon over rice and an ice-cold barley tea, this is the move. Locals have raved about the Tokyo Don’s freshness, and the lunch onigiri combo might be the most wallet-friendly way to load up on real-deal Japanese comfort food in a five-mile radius. Pro-tip: It’s made for takeout, but the small dining nook works if you happen to get stuck in a rainstorm or just want to wolf down a bowl while doomscrolling. [Click here for more information on Ekiben.](https://links.bestofchicago.directory/ekiben) <div class="bg-slate-50 border border-slate-200 rounded-lg p-6 my-8 list-optin-container"> <div class="mb-4"> <h3 class="text-xl font-bold text-slate-900 mb-1">Join Chicago’s Foodie VIP List</h3> <p class="text-slate-600">Get insider access to chef’s tables, secret menus, and VIP-only deals—like last week’s BOGO on filet mignon at one of the most popular restaurants in River North. 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This is where Western Avenue does date nights, birthday dinners, and just-because splurges. Chef Sekson and his team don’t care too much about sticking strictly to tradition—half the thrill is what pops up on their “Beyond” section. The sushi? Always solid, with fish flown in on the regular and some rolls tall enough to require a game plan. What actually sets Kraken apart is its full-on embrace of vegans and adventurous eaters. If you haven’t tried a Mighty Mushroom roll or one of their plant-based “Perfect Sunday” creations, you’re missing out on sushi creativity Chicago rarely sees. And the Black Cod Bento is that rare thing—a dish that looks too pretty to eat but is gone in about five minutes anyway. When summer hits, the patio becomes a hotspot. Is it sometimes a little louder and trendier than expected? Sure. But nobody’s going home hungry.+ [Click here for more information on Kraken Sushi & Beyond.](https://links.bestofchicago.directory/kraken-sushi) ## The Showdown: When to Choose Which ### For the Purists: Ekiben Purists and lunch-hour loners, rejoice. Ekiben’s bento and donburi are no-nonsense, hearty, and deeply comforting. If the idea of standing in line for 20 minutes for a dragon roll with cream cheese makes you roll your eyes, this is your new Tuesday staple. ### For the Experience-Hunters: Kraken If part of the fun is ordering something you can’t pronounce and discovering a new favorite, Kraken is your playground. Add in a genuinely creative vegan-friendly lineup and a full bar, and you’ve got a place where everyone leaves happy—even that one friend who’s suddenly doing Whole30. ### Dates & Groups Need a spot to impress? Kraken for sure. With happy hour deals (get there by 6pm on a weekday), cocktail specials, and an atmosphere that never feels dead, it’s as much about the vibe as the food. Need to refuel solo, quick, or on your lunch break? Ekiben cranks out consistently tasty comfort, fast. ## Bottom Line: Which One Deserves Your Dinner Plans? No matter which side you land on, North Center’s got something special now. If you want the “daily life in Tokyo” experience—hearty bento, cooked bowls, stuff that fills you up but doesn’t empty your wallet—Ekiben is a gem. If it’s a night out, group gathering, or a proper splurge (especially for adventurous or plant-based eaters), Kraken wins every time. Honestly? Try both. Just not in the same night—unless you’re really hungry.