01/06/09

Very good food, love the caricatures!

by malcomtucker

The food is good. Shrimp and grits! yum. The bugers are top notch. And I loved the caricatures of the coaches and players! Phil Ford, Dean Smith, and Lenny Rosenbluth! And Alexander Julian and Andy Griffith. Lots of fun!

01/05/08

Publike atmosphere, okay food.

by caliko

Spanky?s has a cozy pub feel; it?s a place to chill with your friends at the end of the night. However, it?s likely transformed by that time into a swirling mass of Greeks from UNC Chapel Hill, so you?d best stop by after work for some drinks instead if you are not one of those swirling masses. The only detractions from the pub feel were some rather ugly caricatures of past UNC coaches and players on the wall.

The menu is mainly sandwiches and burgers but there are some entrees and specials if you?re in the mood. The fare is dressed up some with ingredients such as gorgonzola cheese instead of American on a burger or two.

We started with the Jamaican Jerrk wings on special. They were very flavorful but light on spice. In comparison with other ?jerrk? seasonings, I?ve had much worse. My main course was a helping of Thai Soba Noodle Salad. The dressing was very tasty but so heavy that it weighed down the salad itself. The dish would probably be better served without a topping of the dry, bland chicken teriyaki strips.

My husband had the BBQ Pulled Pork sandwich and it was very dry indeed. To be fair, neither of us are fans of the North Carolina style of BBQ nor did this sandwich change that.

To sum up, Spanky's is good for a relaxing dinner but the food is nothing to write home about.

• Pros: Pub atmosphere, fast in and out
• Cons: Food wasn't that great but better than a Mickey D's.

From families to frat boys, everyone will feel at home at this Franklin Street staple.

by Contributor

In Short
This Chapel Hill institution is a favorite among tourists and locals alike. Red brick walls, hardwood floors and a tiled entryway give the place an old-fashioned soda fountain feel. You'll find traditional American fare with a few twists on the menu. Start off with French onion soup or try the baked brie served with French bread. Entrees range from Southern favorites like shrimp and grits to Italian sausage and mozzarella lasagna.

10/12/05

Best Shrimp N' Grits

by eirinnaigne

In North Carolina, more specifically, the Triangle, Shrimp n' Grits seem to be a popular food. Spanky's has this dish down to magnifique. If Shrimp n' Grits don't appear to you, however, there is also a menu that offers a wide variety of foods for the meat or veggie lover. Try their French Onion soup with Caramelized Onions, their array of excellent exotic salads, or the SUPER DUPER North Carolina style barbecue sandwich...whatever you choose, you palate is sure to thank you!!

• Pros: Good Food, Good Service, Excellent Choices
• Cons: Not arranged 4 groups, bar evades floor spac, Pay 2 Park

05/23/05

A Franklin Street Favorite

by allybu2001

Spanky's is my favorite place to lunch in Chapel Hill! The staff are friendly, the food is always good, and the prices are reasonable. The ambience is great--everything is clean and the big windows allow for people watching at the corner of Franklin and Columbia. It's also great for weekday lunching--I am always in and out in less than an hour!

• Pros: Good food, Great service, Low prices
• Cons: Waits possible

07/09/03

A must-see while in Chapel Hill

by carolinashan

Spanky's, situated at one of the busiest intersections in Chapel Hill and adjacent to the UNC campus, is a favorite among students, alumni and visitors alike.

Great ambience, good food, friendly service and a fantastic view of Franklin Street all make this restaurant a necessary stop for anyone, whether you live in the Triangle or are just passing through!

• Pros: Reasonable prices, Great View, Friendly Service
• Cons: Distant Parking