Eat This Now: Crunchy Roll at Concept 23

With reasonable prices and quality sushi, you can’t go wrong. // Photo by Sophia Lail.

To some, eating seafood in the most central state of the contiguous United States is… well, a choice. Some of us, though, are adventurous and will risk it all for good sushi. To my risk takers, I have a spot just for you!

Let me be clear: This establishment is no risk, all reward. 

Located on a street coined as ‘Little Topeka’ (ouch) in Lawrence, Concept 23 sits unassuming next to a Little Caesars. As people fly down this busy street, many might not know that some of the best sushi you can get in the Midwest is in their vicinity. 

Formerly known as Sushi Station, this new Japanese Cajun fusion restaurant is all encompassing, serving fish boils as well as high-quality nigiri. Although I have yet to try their cajun menu, I’m proud to call myself a regular here, stopping by once or twice a week to get their classic crunchy roll.

The crunchy roll contains snow crab and avocado topped with spicy mayo, eel sauce, and tempura flakes. A classic roll that they just do so well. This bad boy will only run you $6.95.

I paired it with their crab rangoon, which contained real snow crab and cream cheese paired with a homemade duck sauce. A classic crab rangoon, but again, the quality. No ‘krab’ in this joint.

The thing that keeps me coming back? The quality. It reflects the quality of sushi that you’d get on the coasts. Their presentation is immaculate, with the sushi being served on a traditional geta. The seafood, despite its far and wide travels, tastes incredibly fresh. The rice is cooked perfectly, and the overall composition of their rolls reflects the restaurant’s high standards for quality. 

After two rolls and some crab rangoon, I was satisfied, with a check only amounting to around $16.50. There’s not much else to say, you truly can’t go wrong here. Concept 23 never disappoints, with attentive service, quality rolls, and some of the best-priced sushi you can find in the Midwest.

Concept 23 is located at 1606 W 23rd St, Lawrence, KS 66046.