Kanpai - Bend Oregon

Kanpai

I know that Kanpai has taken a back seat to deep in the minds of many Bendites and I can totally understand why. In my opinion, there is not a great Japanese restaurant in Bend yet and we're still not there. In the past, Kanpai had horrible customer service and I was one of those that received horrid service on my first visit.

But since we love Japanese food we find ourselves going back from time to time....mainly for happy hour. It has been a long time since we received sub par service. In fact, we've really enjoyed the service, portions, and quality at Kanpai in the last year.

We still order off the specials menu and try to stick to happy hour since it's still rather spendy. I doubt you're going to ever find a Sushiland in Bend with how much seafood costs to ship in. I would rent out space above a Sushiland if they ever came to Bend. Mmmm I think I'll drive to Ptown this weekend.



Kanpai
990 NW Newport Ave.
Bend, OR 97701541-388-4636
http://www.kanpai-bend.com/

Kanpai Sushi and Sake Bar

Kanpai

It's not often that I get out to eat sushi in this town being that there is only one acceptable restaurant in town and it's expensive. Kanpai had a bad reputation for the wait staff and the sushi chefs being extremely rude. Customer service in general used to be horrible. The last couple times that I've been to Kanpai have been the opposite. The service has been quite good.

I'm sure everyone has their horror stories from Kanpai. I know my first time going there I almost walked out without paying. But, like I said, I've been satisfied the last couple times.

On the last visit I started off with Hot Sake. That's right I said HOT Sake. You can keep your fancy pants cold sake with the high prices and your "knowledge" of "traditional" sake. I like the cheap stuff and served hot.

Now I don't know my fancy wine's and I don't know one cold sake from the other. I know what I like and what I like gets me tossed and feels good in by big belly. I don't drink enough cold sake (or sake in general) to know one from the other. Kanpai should do a sampler and maybe I'd try em out. Until then, I'll stick with my hot sake and be plenty happy.


When I do go to Kanpai I try to get there early and during the week to take advantage of their Happy Hour Menu. Unfortunately, I have zero self control especially when I think I'm getting a deal so I still spend way too much.

The photo above and below are the only two I was able to get before it got too dark for me to take photos without using the flash. I'm lying, I took these with my cell and it doesn't have flash.


The tempura at Kanpai is good but has a really really light batter. I like a little heavier mix but it's still pretty good and you get a large selection of vegetables.

We also had the Hamachi Kama (I'm not going to pretend to say the definition but I'm pretty sure it's the cheek) which is insanely good. Get it!

And of course we had some nigiri. All good stuff but man, that bill took a toll on the old wallet. Fortunately the left overs provided enough for lunch the following day.

Anyway, if you have a chance to swing by Kanpai for some sushi or sake or both (my choice), I recommend it. Yes Shannon, I'm going to try Shoji's eventually. If you haven't been back to Kanpai since your bad experience (also Shannon, I think your post was the last one I've read where you had terrible service) I think you might be pleasantly surprised by their improvement.

Kanpai Sushi and Sake Bar
990 NW Newport Ave.
Bend, OR 97701
541-388-4636
http://www.kanpai-bend.com/