Spicy 9 Sushi Bar & Asian Restaurant

Hello, North Carolina food explorers! If you're strolling down Chapel Hill's iconic Franklin Street and a craving for exceptional sushi or diverse Asian flavors strikes, you absolutely need to discover Spicy 9 Sushi Bar & Asian Restaurant. This vibrant establishment has become a popular destination for locals, offering a broad menu that extends beyond just sushi to include beloved hibachi dishes, flavorful noodles, and other Asian delights.

Spicy 9 isn't just another restaurant; it’s a lively hub known for its inviting atmosphere and a commitment to serving up fresh, delicious food. Many in our community, even those who've "drove past here 900 times," have finally ventured in and regretted not doing so sooner. Whether you're a student looking for a great deal, a family seeking a varied menu, or a couple enjoying a night out, Spicy 9 aims to provide a satisfying and memorable dining experience right here in the heart of Chapel Hill.

Spicy 9 Sushi Bar & Asian Restaurant is perfectly situated at 140 W Franklin St #150, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA. This address places it directly on West Franklin Street, the bustling main artery of Chapel Hill, renowned for its vibrant dining and entertainment scene. Being in such a central location makes it highly accessible for students of UNC, residents of Chapel Hill, and visitors from surrounding North Carolina towns like Carrboro and Durham.

While parking downtown, particularly on Franklin Street, "isn't exactly a picnic," there are various public parking decks and street parking options available nearby, albeit requiring a bit of searching at peak times. However, the prime location means it's easily walkable from many parts of downtown Chapel Hill and the UNC campus. Its accessibility is a key factor in its popularity, allowing many locals to easily enjoy a spontaneous meal or planned outing.

Spicy 9 Sushi Bar & Asian Restaurant boasts an extensive and diverse menu that caters to a wide array of palates, specializing in Japanese and Pan-Asian cuisine.

• Comprehensive Sushi & Sashimi Selection: A standout feature, offering a vast array of sushi rolls (including popular ones like California, Ultimate Salmon, Spicy Tuna, and unique Chef's Special Rolls), nigiri, and sashimi. Customers praise the fresh quality of the sushi.

• Hibachi Dishes: Enjoy hibachi-style entrees with choices of chicken, steak, and other proteins, served with accompanying sides. Customers have enjoyed their hibachi steak.

• Noodle Dishes: A wide range of noodle options, including popular choices like Chicken Lo Mein (praised as "quite delicious" by a customer), Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, Pad See Ew, and various Ramen bowls (Pork, Miso, Wonton, Tofu Veggie).

• Asian Entrees: Beyond Japanese specialties, the menu includes popular Asian dishes such as General Tso's Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Orange Chicken, Teriyaki options, Thai Spicy Basil, and Thai Cashew Nuts.

• Poke Bowls: Customizable poke bowls are available, like the salmon poke bowl with sushi rice, which has received positive feedback.

• Appetizers: A full selection of appetizers to start your meal, including Spring Rolls, Gyoza Dumplings (fried or steamed), Crab Wontons, Edamame, Pot Stickers, Salt & Pepper Calamari, and unique items like Spicy Tuna Crackers and Sexy Shrimp.

• Beverage & Bar Service: Spicy 9 offers a full bar with a selection of beer, wine, liquor, and sake, along with specific drink specials throughout the week (e.g., $2.50 Drafts on Monday, 50% off Bottled Sakes on Tuesday, $5 Mai Tais on Friday).

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in a "nice atmosphere" that's welcoming and vibrant.

• Takeout & Delivery: Offers convenient online ordering for pickup and delivery through their website and platforms like DoorDash and Takeout Central.

• Catering: Provides catering services for various events, with a dedicated catering menu for larger groups.

Spicy 9 Sushi Bar & Asian Restaurant distinguishes itself with several key features that make it a favorite among North Carolina locals:

• Diverse and Extensive Menu: Spicy 9 offers an impressive range of Asian dishes, from classic sushi and sashimi to hibachi, various noodle dishes (Lo Mein, Pad Thai, Ramen), and popular Chinese and Thai entrees. This wide selection caters to diverse tastes within a single establishment.

• Fresh and Delicious Food: Customers consistently praise the quality and taste of the food. The sushi is noted for being fresh, and dishes like chicken lo mein and hibachi steak have been described as "quite delicious" and thoroughly enjoyed.

• Lively and Welcoming Atmosphere: The restaurant offers a "nice atmosphere" that contributes to a pleasant dining experience. It's often described as vibrant and inviting, appealing to both students and community members.

• Student-Friendly Environment and Discounts: Located near UNC's campus, Spicy 9 is a popular spot for students. They explicitly offer a 15% student discount with a valid ID, making it an accessible option for those on a budget.

• Value for Money: The restaurant is known for providing good value, with some customers suggesting it offers the "best bang for your buck" for excellent sushi.

• Drink Specials: Daily drink specials add an extra incentive for evening diners, making it a good spot for a casual drink with friends or before a night out.

While generally positive, it's worth noting some specific feedback:

• Inconsistent Drink Quality: One review mentioned that some mixed drinks tasted "like laundry detergent and dish soap," suggesting variability in beverage preparation.

• Mandatory Gratuity: For larger tables (e.g., groups of 5), a mandatory gratuity charge is applied, which some customers might not initially realize.

• Food Coloring: One customer noted the food was "a bit different in coloring than some other places," though this did not detract from the taste. This might be a visual difference rather than a quality issue.

Spicy 9 Sushi Bar & Asian Restaurant is known for its attractive promotions, making it a popular choice for value-conscious diners in North Carolina.

• Student Discount: Students receive a generous 15% discount on their order with a valid student ID. For online orders, they can use the code "ONECARD."

• Rewards Program: Spicy 9 offers a loyalty program where customers earn 1 point for every $1 spent and receive a $5 discount for every 50 points redeemed. There's also a 25-point signup bonus.

• Lunch Specials: They have a $6.95 lunch special for Sesame/Orange/General Tso's Chicken, available Monday-Friday, providing an affordable midday meal.

• Daily Drink Specials:

  • Monday: $2.50 Drafts & Craft beers
  • Tuesday: 50% off Bottled Sakes and Saketinis
  • Wednesday: 50% Wine Glasses
  • Thursday: $1.50 PBR and $3 Sake Bombs
  • Friday: $5 Mai Tais and $3 Sake Bombs
  • Saturday: $5 Margaritas and $3 Sake Bombs
  • Sunday: $10 Beer Pitchers and $5 Mimosas

• Free Delivery Offer: Use code "SPICY" for free delivery on Takeout Central orders.

• Benefit Nights/Events: Spicy 9 partners with organizations for "Benefit Nights" on specific weekdays, donating 15% of pre-tax and pre-tip receipts to the organization, an excellent way for local groups to fundraise.

These ongoing promotions make Spicy 9 a very appealing option for regulars, students, and groups looking for good food at a reasonable price in Chapel Hill.

Ready to experience the vibrant flavors of Spicy 9 Sushi Bar & Asian Restaurant? Here’s how you can connect with them:

• Address: 140 W Franklin St #150, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA

• Phone: (919) 420-3193

• Website: www.spicy9chapelhill.com

Operating Hours:

• Monday - Saturday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM

• Sunday: 12:00 PM - 10:00 PM

For large parties of 12 or more, it is recommended to email manager@spicynine.com.

For residents of Chapel Hill and the wider North Carolina community, Spicy 9 Sushi Bar & Asian Restaurant stands out as a highly suitable and often-preferred dining destination. Its prime location on West Franklin Street makes it incredibly accessible, especially for the large student population, who benefit from dedicated discounts. But its appeal extends far beyond campus, drawing in families and local professionals with its broad menu that successfully blends a sushi bar with a full Asian restaurant.

The restaurant's core strength lies in its ability to deliver "great" and fresh sushi, alongside "quite delicious" and satisfying hibachi and noodle dishes like chicken lo mein. This versatility ensures that whether you're a sushi connoisseur or prefer cooked Asian fare, there's something to love. The "nice atmosphere," coupled with a wide array of daily drink specials and a rewarding loyalty program, enhances the overall value and experience. While parking in downtown Chapel Hill can be a challenge, the quality of food, the vibrant ambiance, and the consistent positive feedback on key dishes make Spicy 9 a compelling choice. It's a place where North Carolinians can consistently find delicious Asian cuisine, solidifying its place as a true local favorite.

Spicy 9 Sushi Bar & Asian Restaurant

140 W Franklin St #150, Chapel Hill, NC 27516, USA