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Mr Noodle
Master Critic Review
Mr Noodle
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Mr Noodle is a long-running Westwood Village counter-service spot where a sprawling Thai-leaning menu covers everything from pad thai to Asian noodle soups. Its PHO (beef or chicken) sits alongside Thai boat noodles, tom kha noodles, and other brothy bowls that have fueled generations of UCLA students looking for a fast, filling meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
PHO (BEEF OR CHICKEN), Thai Boat Noodles, Tom Kha Noodles (Chicken or Shrimp)
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Huge Thai-influenced noodle menu with a dedicated pho option steps from UCLA.
Who should go: Students and locals wanting big bowls on a budget.
When to visit: Afternoons or early evenings before peak student crowds.
What to order: PHO (BEEF OR CHICKEN), Thai Boat Noodles, Tom Kha Noodles.
Insider tip: Portions are large, so consider sharing sides or noodles.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Broxton and Gayley is your best bet; spots turn over often but tighten in the evenings. The nearby Broxton public garage usually has availability.
Dress code: Casual and campus-friendly — hoodies, workout gear, and everyday wear all fit in.
Noise level: Moderate during peak student hours; still manageable for conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on student traffic, but usually fast since it’s counter-service.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even during the lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple veggie-forward noodle soups, stir-fries, and appetizers are available.
Vegan options: Limited but possible — some soups and stir-fries can be made without meat or fish sauce if requested.
Gluten-free options: Some rice noodle dishes are naturally gluten-free, but no dedicated prep area exists.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for casual, low-pressure dining — it’s fast, inexpensive, and functional, not romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with quick turnover, and tables open up regularly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy noodles or rice dishes; seating is simple and there are no special amenities for very young children.
Best For
Better for: Huge variety of noodle soups and Thai-influenced bowls at student-friendly prices with quick service.
Skip if: You want traditional pho depth or a more focused Vietnamese menu — nearby specialists deliver a purer broth experience.