I walked by last night around 7:00 and they were open and serving.  They only had 2 or 3 tables being used total, so they were not busy.

I'd like to hear a review too.  I'm particularly excited about the hibachi side.

Here's the DNT Review.

We went there with friends last night for dinner. It was fun, but Hanabi is my first love. The Hibachi grill area was a party scene, but the idea of catching food in our mouths didn't appeal to us, so we sat on the quieter side of the restaurant -- which is quite cozy and pleasant. Mr. Claire said his hibachi chicken dinner was good, and really enjoyed the sushi he ordered. I had a Naruto roll and shared a hibachi shrimp side order. Loved the Naruto roll and the presentation was gimmicky but also pretty. Shrimp was also good. Small but reasonably priced sake list. As we were leaving, a couple was eating the "Love Boat" sushi dinner and said the sushi was quite fresh and delectable.

I liked my food, and would go back, if I am inclined to go over the hill anyway,  but I prefer Hanabi, it seems less gimmicky, the prices are about the same, and one thing I love about Hanabi is that I have developed relationships with the people who work there. I love that we go in, and Emika orders from the kitchen and the bar the two items we  *always* order: hamachi carpaccio and the sake we like. Osaka's staff was competent and friendly, but there is no attempt to develop a relationship.

And I am a big fan of downtown, and prefer to spend my dollars there, rather than a restaurant that makes me feel as if I am in the suburbs.

Does anyone have pictures of the Chef's special rolls? Preferably the cooked? I'm taking my boyfriend there as a surprise and want to order something that gives him that "wow" factor. I've seen pictures of a couple raw rolls and they looked awesome.

My husband and 3-year-old son went to this restaurant last night. With a slight hesitation of bringing a 3 year old my guard was up. When you first walk in you are pleasantly suprised with the decor and friendly hostess. With your choice of the Hibachi side or the sushi side I was quick with my response (maybe the atmosphere will lighten my son's crabby mood). It was an awesome experience! The food was amazing and my 3 year old was so intrigued with the food being made in front of his eyes, not to mention the Banana flavored smoothy we ordered. A+++ for the inviting ambiance, the amazing staff and extraodinary food.

Speaking of Osaka reviews. The person who plagiarized the review originally posted about Hanabi on Urbanspoon that I pasted below isn't doing Osaka any favors by pulling this kind of crap. It makes me think less of Osaka's owner and employees, b/c it sounds like it's someone closely associated with that restaurant did this. "Mak" also wrote a negative review of Hanabi on Urbanspoon.
 
 FROM URBANSPOON:
HANABI REVIEW -- 
 
Great Dining in Duluth
***** by Melissa Swor ***** (1 review)
**May 27, 2010 - Really likes it **
The service at Hanabi has been the best service in town as of late. Unfortunately my cooking skills are limited so I eat out 6-7 times a week. Normally I voice my opinion by which restaurants I frequent and how I tip. However, the service and food quality at Hanabi has consistently (over 20 visits) been top quality. I am amazed at the comments listed about the servers. They sound like petty and personal attacks against the very same waitress I specifically request. The staff has helped me to create a fabulous spicy crab sushi dish and a pineapple dessert that are not on the menu but remain mine and my guests favorites. The owners are low key and humble yet prove every week their commitment to perfection. When a mistake is made, they go out of their way to fix it and deserve high praise. The staff works very hard to please even the most difficult customers. I strongly recommend this restaurant.
 
FROM URBANSPOON:
OSAKA REVIEW --
 
I LIKE IT
by Mak (3 reviews)
** April 08, 2011 - Likes it **
The service at osaka sushi hibachi steak house has been the best service in town as of late.Unfortunately my cooking skills are limited so I eat out 6-7 times a week. Normally I voice my opinion by which restaurants I frequent and how I tip.
**However, the service and food quality at Hanabi has consistently (over 20 visits) been top quality.**
I am amazed at the comments listed about the servers. They sound like petty and personal attacks against the very same waitress I specifically request. The staff has helped me to create a fabulous spicy crab sushi dish and a pineapple dessert that are not on the menu but remain mine and my guests favorites. The owners are low key and humble yet prove every week their commitment to perfection. When a mistake is made, they go out of their way to fix it and deserve high praise. The staff works very hard to please even the most difficult customers. I strongly recommend this restaurant.

haha now thats funny