While wandering through the lively historic downtown district of Boulder, Colorado, I came across Hapa Sushi, a cozy sushi spot that grabbed my attention. The outdoor patio was nearly full even at 4pm on a weekday, a sure sign of good food. Starving after a day of exploring, I decided to stop in and check it out.
The interior was laid out like any other sushi bar I’ve been to, but the quality and taste of their sushi set them apart. I chose to sit at the sushi bar inside and look over their menu.
As it turns out, the reason the place was busy outdoors was because of their Happy Hour prices. Their Happy Hour runs from 2:30pm – 5:30pm daily and I was just in time! Having the hefty appetite from driving all day was sure to be cured here at Hapa Sushi.
First item up, and my favorite, the Ginger Pork Gyoza which is a pork based potsticker served with a spicy soy sauce. These are what first attracted me to the restaurant. I noticed a few people out on the patio with these on their table and they looked very good so that was what sealed the deal for me. Priced $3.50 (normally $6) for a full order of five is a great deal. I could easily have made a meal out of just ordering these back to back.
The next item up for me was the waiter’s choice of the Colorado Style Hamachi. This Yellowtail Sashimi was served with fresh jalapeños, yuzu soy and cilantro. Garnished with a couple of cucumber slices and some shredded daikon. The Colorado Style Hamachi was exceptionally good, making it a close second among my favorites. Despite being Hispanic, I removed the jalapeños, but the hint of jalapeño juice left on the fish added a nice, subtle spice without being overwhelming. This was the most expensive item I ordered today at $8.75 (normally $16.50), and it was worth every penny.
Crispy Seared Ahi Tuna encrusted with with crushed Japanese rice crackers, seared and served with Asian slaw and a sweet chili sauce. I think the Ahi Tuna was good but the crushed Japanese rice crackers took it to another level. I had never had them before and was pleasantly surprised by how well they complemented the tuna.
The sushi chefs were incredible, quickly preparing each order with impressive speed. The wait time for food was minimal, and the presentation was spot on, showcasing their skill and attention to detail. The food and its well thought-out presentation was incredibly photogenic.
Shumai, steam shrimp dumplings. Another good small item to enjoy. Not quite as good as the Ginger Pork Gyoza but still tasteful.
The Thai Style Chicken Skewers were probably my least favorite item. These skewers, marinated with Thai seasonings and grilled over an open flame, didn’t quite impress me as much as the other dishes. I would likely skip this choice next time I’m here.
As I mentioned earlier, I was starving when I visited Hapa Sushi, and their happy hour menu did not disappoint. All five dishes I ordered, plus a soft drink, cost me just $28—normally, this meal would have been $53. Talk about a bargain! No wonder the restaurant had a packed patio at 4 p.m. on a weekday.
If you ever find yourself in Boulder, CO craving an amazing sushi experience, I highly recommend checking out Hapa Sushi during their Happy Hour. My only regret is not opting for a seat outside on the patio. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.