Spicy J’s is the Szechuan-style Chinese restaurant located in the former Dai Bai Dang location in front of Edwards theater in the River Park Shopping Center.
Full disclosure: Dai Bai Dang held a special place in my heart for years, ever since its opening. It’s even where my engagement unfolded! However, in its later years, I couldn’t help but notice a decline in portion sizes and an uptick in prices, coupled with a slight dip in dish quality. Sadly, it lost its appeal for my family and friends.
During the lockdown phase of Covid, with only take-out options available, we decided to try Spicy J’s, encouraged by the fact it was under local ownership. We were eager to support local businesses, and thankfully, everything we ordered did not disappoint. Having dined in a few times recently, I can confidently say Spicy J’s is outstanding. If you haven’t yet dined there, I think it’s time you did.
Owned by Jason Lin/Lin’s Restaurant Group — a name behind the rapid growth and success of establishments like J’s Hot Pot, Hino Oishi at Campus Pointe, and Ramen Hayashi — Spicy J’s brings something different to the dining scene.
For those wary of spicy food, fear not. Spicy J’s offers a menu rich with non-spicy, yet utterly delicious, options. And for the spice enthusiasts, you’re in for a treat as well. The restaurant skillfully caters to varied palates with two distinct menus: the ‘classic’ one, celebrating Chinese-American favorites, and the traditional Szechuan-style menu, each offering with a wide array of dishes. From multiple protein options, including seafood and tofu, to an expansive selection of noodle dishes, and appetizers, there’s something for everyone.
Their bar menu offers refreshing and tasty cocktails featuring fresh, light, and fruit-infused drinks. My husband enjoyed a Banana Old Fashioned and I was drawn to a lychee-infused spicy take on a margarita.
The customer service at Spicy J’s has been very good each time I’ve visited and one of my favorite things about the restaurant is their portion sizes. Their prices feel reasonable for very large, freshly prepared meals that not only come with salad or soup, but rice as well. (Their salad dressing is so, so good!)
On our most recent visit, my husband and I ordered 2 main courses, garlic green beans (amazing – you must get them!) and we each had a generously sized cocktail. There was enough food left over for us each to have a hearty lunch the next day as well – and all of this was $80. By today’s restaurant standards, we felt that price was very reasonable for the quantity and quality of the food and the level of service provided, and we’re really looking forward to returning.
If you haven’t experienced Spicy J’s yet, or it’s been some time since your last visit, consider this a nudge to make a change – your taste buds will thank you!
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