They don't call it Sunday Funday for nothing. Kubo's Sushi Bar & Grill in Rice Village offers up excellent sushi plates, bento boxes and seafood appetizers every day of the week, but the best time to enjoy these Japanese bites is Sunday, when Happy Hour is offered from the minute Kubo's opens at noon until it closes at 9 p.m. That's our kind of Happy Hour.

No need to wait until "after 5 p.m." to enjoy a happy hour deal here. Pair the drink specials ranging from $5 and $8 sake, and $4 house wines, to $2 off all signature martinis and draft beers,with a variety of appetizers, nigiri and sushi rolls.

Hot appetizers include shrimp tempura, crab cakes, fried calamri and chicken tatsutage for $5, plus soft shell crab tempura and fried oysters for 50 cents more. Three oysters are coated in a thick batter, softer than tempura; the greasy, crispy outer shell surrounding the firm and chewy oyster is excellent on its own, but when dunked in the thick Katsu sauce, it's a million times better. This dark brown condiment is like a Japanese barbecue sauce as it is made from applesauce, onion, tomato paste, soy sauce and carrots. One plate of fried oysters is small enough for one person, but just the right size if you plan to savor in more happy hour items, like fresh nigiri.

The sampler plate of tuna nigiri includes three pieces, each seasoned differently (black pepper, spicy and plain). Start with the black pepper tuna and gently dip it in soy sauce to awaken your palate. Next, eat the fresh, plain tuna piece to give your taste buds a break before popping the spicy tuna nigiri into your mouth -- it definitely has a kick.

Of course, if you're still a little hungry, throw in a classic Kubo's Roll with shrimp tempura and spicy mayo for $6, or another $5 appetizer plate of fried calamari or crab cakes. Take full advantage of this Sunday deal and make a meal out of it; whatever you order, it'll make your stomach and your wallet happy.