AFBA Happy Hour at Pacific Rim Sushi & Yakitori Lounge

Once a month the Austin Food Blogger Alliance gathers for a group happy hour sponsored by restaurants in our great city. The February 2016 #AFBAHH included one of my favorite food groups, sushi! Co-owner Benny Leung and his team kindly opened their doors to our group and introduced us to their fresh sushi, savory yakitori, tantalizing appetizers and refreshing cocktails. 

The most exciting moment of the evening was Benny\’s demo of the newest dishes at Pacific Rim, Japanese hot rock. Guests have their choice of a variety of meats, seafood and veggies that sizzles to perfection table side. From duck breast, Wagyu beef, lamb, Japanese eggplant to scallops the hot rock options are endless. A trio of delightful sauces to include ginger, citrusy ponzu and tangy BBQ compliment the hot rock items exquisitely.

 Yakitori is in Pacific Rim\’s namesake and a customer favorite. Similar to the new hot rock customers can choose from a large variety of yakitori options that suite most diets. Carnivores, pescetarians and vegans alike may indulge on these bamboo skewers to their delight. Tip: stop by on Tuesday nights for $1 & $3 Tuesdays which include $1 skewers.

If you have dined at Maiko downtown you are aware of how amazing their decadent saké mac-n-cheese is. Well get excited, Pacific Rim Sushi & Yakitori Lounge serves that very same dish! The perfectly cooked noodles, rich gooey cheese topped with sesame seeds is a must try and was one of the top bites according to our group.

One of my favorite dishes is the tuna & avocado nachos. This vibrantly flavored & gorgeously plated dish has sushi grade tuna with creamy avocado topped with tobiko and served with crisp wontons. 

We also tried a few other scrumptious items like spicy sushi rolls and tender gyoza served with ponzu. In addition they have a nice selection of $5 happy hour drinks to include the popular saké sangria.

Thank you kindly Benny, the team at Pacific Rim Sushi & Yakitori Lounge and Linda at AFBA who organizes these wonderful happy hours!