It’s no secret that the culinary scene in the Sugar Land area is fairly limited.
The list of dining options consists of one-note restaurant chains, over-priced fine dining in Town Center and restaurants that fall just short of hitting their mark. However, there is hope for Sugar Land — that hope can be found at the corner of Austin Parkway and Highway 6.
Depending on how long someone has lived in the area, they might refer to the location as “where other-failed-restaurant used to be” — but soon, people will know it as where Keeper’s is.
For most people like myself, sushi is a serious addiction that cannot be done in moderation, but rather indulged. Unfortunately, this runs the sushi connoisseur upwards of $50. I am aware of sushi happy hours, but the time to enjoy sushi and sake from 3-6 p.m. has long been replaced with work and being a father.
Hearing about Keeper’s’ concept of a reverse happy hour — which gives access to low-priced but high-quality sushi and alcohol past my son’s bedtime — is enough to make the later crowd feel like the first people to discover fire.
The reverse happy hour works just like any other, but it’s offered from 9-11 p.m. instead. Sushi pieces, rolls and platters are laid out in groups of flat prices ranging from $1.50-$8, which helps you keep track of what you are spending.
The sushi chefs are fast and efficient, especially if you are sitting at the bar — there is almost no wait from when you place your order to enjoying bite after bite of fresh seafood and vinegar rice. The prices may be reduced, the quality and portions stay the same, which is proof enough that Keeper’s knows how to keep the customers happy.
The high-quality sushi is practically flying at you, the bartender is left in the dust. Even with a dining room less than 25 percent full, the wait for two of the same cocktails was a solid 15 minutes. Even with that being said, the selection of drinks was very impressive — especially with $2 domestic beers.
Sugar Land foodies should keep an eye out for more places like Keeper’s outside of Town Center — those that serve great food and won’t bust your budget before you get a chance to order an appetizer. Though the only serious strike against Keeper’s is a bartender with no sense of urgency, remember that a happy hour at a bar is for cocktails and a happy hour at a sushi bar is for sushi.