Can’t get your fill of top sushi? Stop by May’s Sushi Bar and Grill for the only all-you-can-eat sushi in town.
Whether you are a sushi novice or regular, May’s extensive menu of mouthwatering appetizers and handmade rolls has something to offer everyone. And due to a recent change in management, you can get your sushi fix seven days-a-week, even on Christmas Day.
The restaurant, which is located at 1800 Soquel Avenue in Santa Cruz next to Walgreens, is decorated with dangling Japanese lanterns and lush plants, creating a cozy, rustic atmosphere reminiscent of a rural Japanese village. Diners have a choice of sitting at one of the ten private booths or at the sushi bar. If you sit at the bar, one of the friendly chefs, including the owner, Danny, will most likely engage in conversation with you. A large television is installed above the bar and the chefs are known to take customer requests on what to show. Usually, it is National Geographic during the day and UFC in the evening.
Now on to the food! Treat yourself to crowd-pleasing appetizers like the Heart Attack (four pieces of spicy tuna, cream cheese, avocado, and jalapeno covered in crunch pieces, and tempura). Or start your meal with a steaming, satisfying cup of Miso soup, which comes complimentary with the Bento Box specials and entrees.
May’s new owners started the all-you-can-eat with unlimited fresh Nigiri and sushi rolls for less than $25.
If you’re craving something less filling, try the popular May’s Roll, a stinging mix of spicy tuna, avocado, and jalapeno topped with delicious seared tuna and jalapeno. Or, the creamy Energy Roll, a deep-fried blend of spicy tuna and albacore with a zing of cream cheese and fresh avocado. Also popular are the Bento Box specials, which come with a mix of appetizers and entrees.
My personal favorites are the baked rolls, including the Baked Lobster Roll and California Roll smothered in baked lobster and zesty masago (fish roe).
Want to try something off the menu? The Chef’s Special Pasta is an inventive blend of scallops, calamari, mussels, shrimp, and crab mixed in a traditional tomato-based sauce.
Don’t forget the drinks. Accompany your meal with your choice of sake, beer, or wine. Hot sake is my traditional go-to tipple but the cold sakes are a close second. May’s also offers a variety of non-alcoholic drinks. Their soothing Gen-Mei Green Tea is a classic blend of brown rice, popcorn, and tea leaves.
May’s Sushi Bar & Grill has Happy Hour all day Sunday and from 2-4 p.m. and 8 p.m. to close Monday through Saturday. Happy Hour gets you 50 percent off all alcoholic drinks.
Sushi photo courtesy of Shutterstock.
