Downtown Bend just got hooked up. Huge.

I just had my first dining experience at 5 Spice, Wall Street’s newest eatery, and had to come straight to the office to write about it.

When I arrived, I was expecting a new sushi joint. I love me some sushi and as I live on the Westside, I was stoked to find another place to hit up close to home. I was in for a surprise, though… It turned out to be much, much more.

I walked in the door and through the blue velvet curtain to be greeted by the awaiting hostess. She was all smiles and sat me right away. I chose to sit at the sushi bar in the back of the restaurant so I could watch the chefs in action. Within a couple minutes my drink order had been taken and my server was off to the kitchen to place my order. These guys were on the ball.

As I waited for the first of my choices to arrive, I took a minute to take in the sights. 5 Spice’s decor resembles that of its predecessor, Deep, which I think is a great move. There have been some additions to give the space its own identity, but they left the beautiful woodwork, bars, and the ceiling water feature that creates an atmosphere that enhances the dining adventure.

I should mention that I got to 5 Spice at about 5:30pm. Just in time to order during Happy Hour. Everything on the Happy Hour menu is $5. I’m about to rattle off everything I ordered from the special menu, and when I’m done I’ll remind you that they were each only $5. Here we go.

I started with a Philly Roll. Perfection. Smoked salmon, avocado, cucumber, and the smoothest cream cheese, wrapped in rice. A little soy sauce, and I couldn’t get enough. I killed that plate in about 3 minutes.

My next three choices arrived in succession. This is when I figured out that 5 Spice is more than just hot new sushi bar. On my way in I saw the sign. It said “Fusion & Sushi Bar.” Now I get it.

5 Spice Tenderloin Satay. Filet Mignon Lollipop. And my favorite… Mini Crab Cakes with Tropical Fruit Salsa. The steak choices were spot on. The filet was soft, tender and banging with flavor. The tenderloin was exceptional. The marbled mashed potatoes will turn into your new favorite steak accompaniment.

The Mini Crab Cakes were on point. Each are two inches round with a light breading covering the fresh crab. The cakes are topped with a tropical salsa of mango, kiwi, and some other sweet fruit from a paradise island I just can’t remember right now. They were amazing, too!

Just as I was wrapping up my Asian Fusion conquest with the final bites of the Seafood Dumplings, the sushi chef had one more surprise for me. This was a biggie.

He presented me with an off-the-cuff creation that put me into a seafood coma. I know for sure there was Tuna, avocado, tomato, chives, all wrapped up in rice, which was then wrapped in a thin slice of fresh salmon. There was more, but it’s hard to remember anything when you’re eating everything. I can tell you I loved it. That’s really all that matters.

I can see that this place is going to make it. It’s worthy of making it. Remember what I said earlier? $5! Each of those were $5! If you order from the regular menu, apps are $5-10, entrees range $15-26, and sushi runs $8-12.

They have a nice wine offering and a sizeable sake menu. Something they’re also going to find themselves known for is their specialty drinks. Very creative menu using quality spirits. Bar manager Eric Jahn (pronounced Yon) has been studying the science of mixology for years, gaining a ton of knowledge during his time serving it up on the East Coast. Not to mention you’re only looking at $6-8 a pop for his concoctions.

I’m telling you. You’ve got to check out 5 Spice the next time your downtown. I’m sure you’ll love it like I do. Happy Hour menu is served everyday from 4pm to 6pm, Sunday to Thursday from 9pm to close, Friday and Saturday 10pm to close.

821 Wall Street, Downtown Bend. 541.323.2328

Read more stories like this: Bend Insider, Restaurant Reviews

Tags: 5, bar, bend, downtown, five, fusion, japanese, spice, street, sushi, wall