Mulberry Street Lane is unassuming to the untrained eye. But the narrow alleyway is steeped in history. At the Downtown Grill, diners can sit at the booth where Greg Allman proposed to Cher. Somewhere over there, rock and roll star Little Richard was arrested for soliciting a male prostitute. But the pathway is also home to one of Macon’s most interesting eateries — Ninja Japanese Sushi and Hibachi Steakhouse.

Open since 2011, Ninja serves up sushi, sashimi, rolls and hibachi fare to hungry Maconites. Justin and I were able to enjoy a relaxing lunch at this tucked-away local gem.

THE GOOD:

T.N.T. Roll:

Surrounded by rice and seaweed, the inside was a well-mixed paste of spicy mayonnaise, yellowtail tuna, red snapper and crab. The roll’s taste was complex as it changed from light and delicate to spicy. It wasn’t a hard or slow burn, just a little nip of hot. I was impressed.

Hibachi Chicken meal:

I’m used to tough, overly soy-sauced chicken breast chunks with overcooked, buttery vegetables and day old noodles. But that didn’t happen at Ninja. The chicken was sweet but not overly salted. The noodles were fresh. I found myself eating the zucchini out of the vegetables, and I don’t even like zucchini.

THE QUESTIONABLE:

Layout:

It was after most of the lunch crowd rolled through — so there was a lull in the traffic — but at rush hour the place felt like it could lose its intimacy and elbow room.

THE BAD:

Cleanliness

There were no more than 10 people in the place, but the tables near us were dirty when we sat down and dirty when we left. Someone should have gotten to that long before they did. I’m not sure if the staff was shorthanded, but still, this is no excuse.

Ninja Japanese Sushi and Hibachi Steakhouse is located at 575 Mulberry Street Ln.

It is open Monday through Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5-9 p.m.

Fridays it is open from 10:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. and 5-10 p.m.

On Saturdays, Ninja is open from 5-10 p.m.

If you would like to call in advance to reserve a table or inquire about menu options, dial 478-238-6331.

JUSTIN: 3/5

NICK: 3.5/5