Sushi Blues Cafe

For North Carolina locals seeking a lively spot with a fantastic deal on sushi, Sushi Blues Cafe in downtown Raleigh offers a unique and memorable experience. Situated on the vibrant Glenwood Avenue, this sushi restaurant stands out not only for its extensive menu of rolls but also for its famous Buy One Get One (BOGO) sushi offer, making it an incredibly popular choice for those looking for great value without sacrificing a fun atmosphere. It’s a place where the love for sushi meets a relaxed, musical vibe, creating a go-to destination for a casual yet exciting dining outing in the heart of the city.

Sushi Blues Cafe is more than just a place to grab a quick bite; it's designed to be an experience. With its "fun, musical aesthetic" and plenty of seating options, both indoors and out, it's the perfect setting for a relaxed meal with friends or a lively evening out. While some may note that the flavors can be a "little bland" at times, the overall consensus is that the value, especially with the BOGO deal, makes it "worth it." For North Carolinians in search of an affordable, enjoyable, and conveniently located sushi spot in Raleigh, Sushi Blues Cafe offers a compelling reason to visit.

Sushi Blues Cafe is ideally located at 301 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603, USA. This address places it squarely in the bustling Glenwood South district of downtown Raleigh, a vibrant hub known for its diverse restaurants, bars, and entertainment options. Its prominent position on Glenwood Avenue makes it an easily recognizable and accessible spot for locals across Raleigh and the greater Triangle area in North Carolina.

Accessibility in a busy downtown area can sometimes be a concern, but Sushi Blues Cafe offers solutions. While street parking might be limited, it is confirmed that "parking entrance is off Lane Street" and they "validate 2 hours of free parking for our guests," which is a significant convenience. Furthermore, for those utilizing public transport, the "R-Line bus stops in front of Hibernian, which is located next to us," making it easily reachable without a car. The restaurant also provides "plenty of seating inside and outside," offering flexibility for diners to choose their preferred ambiance. This combination of a prime downtown location, validated parking, and public transport access ensures that Sushi Blues Cafe is a highly convenient and welcoming destination for all North Carolina locals.

Sushi Blues Cafe provides a comprehensive range of services designed to enhance the dining experience, focusing on both sushi and a full bar, all within a vibrant setting.

• Dine-In Service: Enjoy your meal in a "fun atmosphere with unique rolls" and a "musical aesthetic." There's "plenty of seating inside and outside," providing options for various preferences. Service is generally "good," with staff able to seat guests quickly even during busy times.

• Takeout: For those who prefer to enjoy their sushi at home or on the go, takeout is available. Their full menu can be ordered for pickup.

• Extensive Sushi Menu: Sushi Blues Cafe offers a vast selection of sushi, including:

  • Specialty Rolls: A wide array of unique rolls with creative names (e.g., Speakeasy, Big Count Basie Roll, Bob Marley, Bradley Chubb, Carmen, Carter Finley, Clapton, Cullen Jones, Dave Doeren, David Thompson, Fire N Ice, Footloose, Galifianakis, Guns N Roses, Jimmy V, Marilyn Monroe, Naruto Maki, Ny Ny, Payton Wilson, Philip Rivers, Rat Pack, Ring of Fire, Rolling Stones, Steven Tyler, Sweet Home Alabama, The Marine, Thomas Brothers, Tj Warren, Torry Holt, Wes Moore, Wolfpack, Yellow Brick Road, Yellow Submarine, Yummy). These rolls often feature various proteins, vegetables, and sauces, with many "hot" (spicy) options available.

  • Makimono Rolls: Classic rolls like California, Tuna, Eel, Salmon Skin, Spicy Tuna, and a range of vegetarian rolls (Avocado/Cilantro, Cucumber, Veg Roll, Spicy Veg Roll).

  • Nigiri & Sashimi: Available by the piece or in combinations (e.g., Sushi App, Sashimi App, Sushi Mori, Salmon Heaven, Tuna Heaven).

  • Hand Rolls (Temaki): Options like Salmon, White Fish, Eel, Tuna, Spicy Tuna, Salmon Skin, Veggie, and Spicy Veggie.

• Full Bar & Drink Menu: They feature a "fully stocked bar" offering a "wide selection of import and domestic beers," a "great wine list," and "featured cocktails." This makes it an ideal spot for enjoying drinks with your meal.

• Japanese & Asian Entrees: Beyond sushi, the menu includes a variety of cooked dishes such as:

  • Teriyaki: Chicken, Shrimp, Steak, Salmon, Scallop.

  • Tempura: Chicken, Shrimp, Vegetables.

  • Grilled & Pan-Seared: Grilled Tuna Steak, Grilled Salmon, Spicy Chicken, Grilled Steak, Yaki-Niku, Shaken Beef.

  • Katsu: Chicken and Pork Katsu.

  • Donburi (Rice Bowls): Katsu-Don, Oyako-Don, Chashu Rice Bowl, Chicken Rice Bowl, Tofu Rice Bowl.

  • Stir-Fries: Various protein and veggie options.

  • Noodles: Yakisoba, Nabeyaki Udon, and even Pho.

• Appetizers & Sides: A selection of starters including Crab Rangoon, Miso Soup, House Salad, Seaweed Salad, Edamame, Gyoza, and more.

• Desserts: Sweet treats like Ice Cream Tempura and Banana Tempura with ice cream.

• Catering: They offer off-site catering services for events of any size. Customers can contact Quy Duong to discuss details.

Sushi Blues Cafe distinguishes itself in the Raleigh dining scene with several notable features and highlights that draw in locals and contribute to its unique charm:

• Consistent Buy One Get One (BOGO) Sushi Rolls: This is by far the biggest draw and a key highlight. The "BOGO sushi rolls special ALL DAY EVERYDAY" means diners can get "2 rolls for $15," offering incredible value. This deal makes higher-priced specialty rolls much more accessible and allows for sampling a wider variety.

• Vibrant and Fun Atmosphere: Customers consistently describe the restaurant as having a "fun atmosphere with unique rolls" and a "musical aesthetic." This lively and engaging environment makes for a more entertaining dining experience than a traditional sushi spot.

• Unique and Creative Roll Names: The menu features an array of specialty rolls with playful, often music-themed names (e.g., "Speakeasy," "Bob Marley," "Rolling Stones," "Jimmy V," "Marilyn Monroe"). This adds a quirky and memorable element to ordering.

• Plenty of Seating (Indoor and Outdoor): The availability of "plenty of seating inside and outside" provides flexibility for diners, whether they prefer the lively indoor ambiance or a more relaxed al fresco experience, especially appealing during pleasant North Carolina weather.

• Efficient Service: Customers report "good service" and that staff are "able to seat the 2 of us immediately at 7:30pm on a Friday," indicating efficiency even during peak hours. The staff are also noted for being "happy" and thanking customers for dining.

• Extensive Menu Beyond Sushi: While sushi is the main attraction, the menu also offers a wide array of Japanese and Asian entrees, including various Teriyaki dishes, Tempura, Donburi, Stir-Fries, and even Pho. This ensures that non-sushi lovers or those seeking different flavors also have plenty of options.

• Full Bar with Diverse Drink Selection: The presence of a "fully stocked bar" with a "wide selection of import and domestic beers," a "great wine list," and "featured cocktails" enhances the dining experience, making it a good spot for happy hour or an evening out.

• Validated Parking in Downtown: Offering "2 hours of free parking" in downtown Raleigh is a significant perk, alleviating a common concern for urban diners.

Sushi Blues Cafe is widely known for its consistent and value-driven promotions, making it a popular choice for locals in Raleigh.

• Buy One Get One Free (BOGO) Sushi Rolls: This is their signature and most prominent offer, available "ALL DAY EVERYDAY" for dine-in. Customers consistently highlight this deal, noting that it makes specialty rolls incredibly affordable, often allowing two rolls for around $15. It's important to note that the roll of higher value is charged, and the lesser value roll is free. They also state that they "do not split checks by items but are able to do separate payments," which is helpful for groups.

• Weekday Lunch Specials: While the provided reviews emphasize the BOGO, their online menu indicates that they offer a separate Lunch Specials menu available Monday-Saturday from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM, and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. These specials feature various sushi combos, tempura, yakisoba, soups, salads, and entrees at reduced prices (e.g., Sushi Mori combo for $14, Chicken Teriyaki for $14).

• Happy Hour: Though not explicitly mentioned in the provided reviews for sushi, some general information about Raleigh restaurants indicates that establishments in Glenwood South often have happy hour specials on drinks. It's advisable to check their website or inquire directly for any specific drink or appetizer happy hour deals at the bar.

• Kids Meals: The menu includes Kids Meals (served with a drink & hand-cut fries) for $11, covering various options like Butter Pasta, Grilled Cheese, Hot Dog, Chicken Tenders, Cheesy Pasta, Fish Sticks, and Sliders, making it family-friendly.

For the most current details on these promotions and any new offers, North Carolina locals are encouraged to check Sushi Blues Cafe's official website or call them directly. The consistent BOGO deal, in particular, remains a strong draw, providing excellent value for a fun sushi experience in downtown Raleigh.

Ready to experience the lively atmosphere and fantastic BOGO sushi deals at Sushi Blues Cafe? Here’s how you can get in touch:

Address: 301 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603, USA

Phone: (919) 664-8061

Whether you're looking to inquire about menu items, confirm hours, or simply plan your next visit, a quick call to their friendly staff will provide all the information you need.

For North Carolina locals, particularly those in the vibrant city of Raleigh, Sushi Blues Cafe on Glenwood Avenue offers a compelling and highly suitable dining experience. It perfectly blends affordability, variety, and a unique atmosphere, making it a go-to spot for a wide range of occasions.

The most significant draw, and a major reason for its local appeal, is the consistent Buy One Get One (BOGO) sushi rolls deal. In a competitive dining landscape, getting "2 rolls for $15" is an exceptional value that allows diners to enjoy high-quality sushi without breaking the bank. This affordability, combined with generous portions, ensures a satisfying meal for everyone, from students to families to groups of friends looking for a fun night out. It enables locals to explore a wider variety of their "unique rolls" and find new favorites.

Beyond the excellent value, Sushi Blues Cafe provides a vibrant and engaging atmosphere. Its "fun, musical aesthetic" and "plenty of seating inside and outside" create a lively backdrop for dining. This isn't just a place to eat; it's a place to socialize, enjoy the energy of downtown Raleigh, and have a good time. The friendly and efficient service, as noted by customers, further enhances this experience, ensuring prompt seating and attentive care even on busy nights.

Finally, its prime location in the heart of downtown Raleigh's Glenwood South district, coupled with convenient validated parking, makes it incredibly accessible for anyone in the area. The extensive menu, offering everything from classic sushi to specialty rolls and a variety of cooked Japanese entrees, ensures there's something for every palate. For North Carolinians seeking a fun, affordable, and consistently good sushi experience with a great vibe, Sushi Blues Cafe is an ideal choice and a cherished part of Raleigh's local dining scene.

Sushi Blues Cafe

301 Glenwood Ave, Raleigh, NC 27603, USA