ZenFish Poke Bar Introduce
In the heart of North Carolina, the culinary landscape is continually evolving, with a growing demand for fresh, healthy, and customizable dining options. For residents in the Durham area, one establishment that has carved out a niche in this space is ZenFish Poke Bar. While technically a poke bar and not a traditional sushi restaurant, ZenFish offers a similar foundation of fresh fish and rice, presented in a modern, customizable bowl format. This approach has resonated with many locals seeking a lighter, more personalized alternative to traditional Japanese fare. ZenFish aims to provide a vibrant and healthy dining experience, allowing customers to build their ideal meal from a diverse selection of fresh ingredients. It's a place where the focus is on quality components and the freedom to create a dish perfectly suited to individual tastes.
ZenFish Poke Bar enjoys a prime location in one of Durham, North Carolina's most beloved and bustling neighborhoods, making it highly accessible for locals and visitors alike. You'll find this popular poke spot at 810 9th St, Durham, NC 27705, USA. Situated directly on 9th Street, a vibrant stretch known for its eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and restaurants, ZenFish benefits from high foot traffic and a lively atmosphere.
The 9th Street district is a well-known hub for students from Duke University, as well as residents from surrounding neighborhoods like Old West Durham, Watts-Hillandale, and Trinity Park. Its central location means it’s easily reachable by car, bike, or even on foot for those living nearby. While street parking on 9th Street can sometimes be a challenge during peak hours, there are usually public parking lots and side streets available within a short walking distance. The area is also served by local bus routes, further enhancing its accessibility for non-drivers. This strategic placement ensures that ZenFish Poke Bar is a convenient and appealing dining destination for a wide demographic across Durham. Its integration into such a vibrant commercial and residential area makes it a natural gathering spot for healthy and delicious meals, reflecting the dynamic spirit of North Carolina's urban centers.
ZenFish Poke Bar specializes in providing a streamlined and customizable dining experience centered around their fresh poke bowls. Their services are designed for convenience and personalization.
- Build-Your-Own Poke Bowls: This is the core offering at ZenFish. Customers can select their base (rice, greens, or a mix), choose from a variety of proteins (typically raw tuna, salmon, cooked options like chicken or tofu), add mix-ins, a wide array of fresh toppings (including various vegetables, fruits, and crunchy elements), and finish with a selection of sauces. This allows for endless customization to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.
- Signature Poke Bowls: For those who prefer a curated experience or are new to poke, ZenFish often offers a selection of pre-designed signature bowls. These are thoughtfully crafted combinations of ingredients that highlight popular flavor profiles and provide a quick ordering option.
- Take-Out Service: ZenFish is particularly well-suited for take-out orders. Their bowl format makes them ideal for on-the-go meals, and many customers choose to grab their order and enjoy it elsewhere, whether at Duke University, a nearby park, or at home.
- Dine-in (Casual): While the primary focus is often on quick service, ZenFish typically provides a casual dining area for customers who wish to eat their bowls on-site. The atmosphere is generally relaxed and modern, suitable for a quick meal alone or with a friend.
- Online Ordering & Delivery: To enhance convenience, ZenFish Poke Bar often partners with third-party delivery services, allowing customers to place orders online for pickup or home delivery. This service is especially popular for busy individuals and students in the Durham area.
- Catering Options: For events or larger gatherings, ZenFish may offer catering services, providing a healthy and unique option for group meals, office lunches, or parties.
ZenFish Poke Bar in Durham offers several key features and highlights that contribute to its appeal among locals seeking fresh and healthy dining options.
- Customization at its Core: The paramount feature of ZenFish is its highly customizable poke bowl concept. Customers have full control over their meal, choosing from a wide array of bases, proteins, mix-ins, fresh toppings, and sauces. This level of personalization ensures that every bowl can be tailored to individual tastes, dietary restrictions, or adventurous cravings.
- Focus on Fresh Ingredients: ZenFish emphasizes the use of fresh ingredients, particularly when it comes to their fish. The appeal of poke bowls lies heavily in the quality and freshness of the raw proteins and crisp vegetables, and ZenFish strives to meet this expectation.
- Healthy and Wholesome Options: For health-conscious diners in North Carolina, ZenFish offers an excellent alternative to heavier fast-food options. With choices like fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and various light dressings, it’s easy to create a nutritious and satisfying meal.
- Dietary Accommodation Friendly: Due to the build-your-own nature of their bowls, ZenFish is often accommodating for various dietary needs, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian/vegan preferences. Customers can easily select ingredients that align with their specific diets.
- Trendy and Modern Atmosphere: Located on vibrant 9th Street, ZenFish typically features a bright, clean, and contemporary interior. This modern aesthetic complements the fresh, innovative nature of poke bowls and creates an inviting space for dining.
- Sustainable Practices (Potential): While not explicitly stated in all public information, many poke establishments aim for sustainable sourcing practices. ZenFish's name itself, "ZenFish," implies a commitment to mindful and perhaps environmentally conscious choices, which could be a subtle highlight for eco-conscious customers.
While specific, regularly scheduled promotions are not always widely advertised for local eateries like ZenFish Poke Bar, establishments often engage in various forms of customer appreciation and special offers. It's always advisable for locals in North Carolina to check directly with ZenFish Poke Bar for the most current promotions. Potential special offers could include:
- Loyalty Programs: Many fast-casual restaurants offer loyalty programs where frequent customers can earn points for purchases, leading to discounts or free items. It would be worth inquiring if ZenFish has such a program.
- Lunch Specials: Sometimes, restaurants will have specific lunch deals or combo offers that provide a bowl and a drink at a special price during certain hours.
- Student Discounts: Given its proximity to Duke University, ZenFish may occasionally offer discounts for students, which is a common practice in college towns.
- Seasonal Bowls or Ingredients: While not a "promotion" in the traditional sense, the introduction of seasonal ingredients or limited-time signature bowls can act as a special draw, encouraging customers to try something new.
- Partnerships with Delivery Services: Keep an eye on third-party delivery apps, as ZenFish may occasionally participate in app-specific promotions, such as discounted delivery fees or percentage off orders during certain periods.
- Social Media Announcements: Following ZenFish Poke Bar on their social media channels (if available) is often the best way to stay informed about flash sales, new menu items, or special events.
To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on any promotions, it's best to call ZenFish Poke Bar directly or visit their website/social media pages.
For those in the Durham, North Carolina area interested in experiencing ZenFish Poke Bar, here is their direct contact information:
- Address: 810 9th St, Durham, NC 27705, USA
- Phone: (919) 937-9966
For residents across North Carolina, and particularly within the vibrant community of Durham, ZenFish Poke Bar offers a compelling and suitable dining option. It caters perfectly to the modern demand for fresh, healthy, and quick meals. In a bustling area like 9th Street, where convenience is key, ZenFish provides a refreshing alternative to traditional fast food, allowing individuals to craft a meal that aligns with their dietary preferences and health goals.
The core appeal of ZenFish lies in its customizable poke bowl concept, empowering locals to be their own culinary architects. This flexibility is a significant draw, ensuring that whether you're a vegetarian, a seafood lover, or someone with specific dietary needs, you can find a delicious and satisfying option. While some customer feedback points to occasional inconsistencies in ingredient quality or order accuracy, the overall concept of fresh, build-your-own bowls remains highly attractive. Its location in a lively, accessible part of Durham further solidifies its suitability for locals – whether you’re a student grabbing a quick bite between classes, a professional seeking a healthy lunch, or a family looking for a lighter dinner option. ZenFish Poke Bar serves as a testament to Durham’s diverse food scene, providing a unique and appealing choice for those seeking a modern twist on Japanese-inspired flavors in a healthy, fast-casual format. It’s more than just a place to eat; it’s a customizable experience that aligns with the dynamic and health-conscious lifestyle prevalent in many North Carolina communities.
ZenFish Poke Bar Photos










ZenFish Poke Bar Location
ZenFish Poke Bar
810 9th St, Durham, NC 27705, USA
ZenFish Poke Bar Reviews
Went to get take out this past Saturday and got a poke bowl with their house tuna and white rice. When I opened the bowl, all of the tuna was brown/grey and the rice was mushy. We usually love this place but I was really disappointed in this experience.
Oct 14, 2024 · Sangeeta VijayagopalanOrdered a large bowl with Mango, Avocado, truffle ponzu, and seaweed salad. There was no ponzu or seaweed, a single tiny cube of mango, and a slice of brown avocado. Honestly the most disappointing take out I have had in a long time.
Sep 17, 2024 · Sean MacadayMain proteins are tuna and salmon and I added a bunch of other sides and quinoa. I think it's ~$15 for a regular bowl. The fish is fresh enough. Salmon is better than tuna. Fried shallots are overdone and it's so hard that it kinda hurts my teeth. The quinoa is cold and the texture is hard. Not a pleasure texture. The portion is pretty small. Be careful if you order take out, the lids aren't very secure and sauce could leak everywhere.
Apr 16, 2024 · SummerWhen I first heard the term "deconstructed sushi bowl", I thought there was no way it could be as good as sushi rolls but I stand corrected. Yes, prices were not cheap but I felt they were reasonable for quality and portions of food you receive. The bowl I got was fresh and delicious. I'll definitely be returning.
Oct 23, 2017 · Mike PI think they are trying, just missing the mark. I really appreciated that the allergens on the menu were (mostly) clearly listed (the proteins could be reviewed, only one was listed as GF but clearly there were more, and the bases didn’t have any allergens listed at all, which led me to assume everything was GF but you never know with poke— sometimes there’s soy sauce in the rice, so some clarification would be appreciated). Anyways, listing allergens is a huge plus for me. But the ingredients just were not that fresh— the salad greens were wilted, I had to pick out more than a few yucky brown ones, the cucumbers were also not fresh— they were all soggy and wet, and the rice was kind of watery/wet too, yet almost undercooked? Not great. Also the sauces had way too much vinegar. Overall, I was disappointed and won’t be returning.
Dec 30, 2024 · Nanette Pengelley
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