0 Followers
NoodleBird
Master Critic Review
NoodleBird
8.4
From the James Beard-recognized team behind Fat Rice, this fast-casual concept brings Macanese street food and Cantonese influences to Logan Square. Live-fire charcoal chicken, handmade rice noodles, and legendary egg custard tarts deliver bold flavors in a counter-service setting with an open kitchen view.
Must-Try Dishes:
Charcoal Grilled Chicken, Pork & Ginger Dumplings, Egg Custard Tarts
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: James Beard-recognized pedigree bringing Macanese street food traditions to Chicago
Who should go: Adventurous eaters seeking elevated Asian fusion
When to visit: Saturday brunch for full experience with Bird Bird bakery next door
What to order: Half Charcoal Chicken, Pork & Ginger Dumplings, Egg Tarts
Insider tip: Order at the kiosk and watch the open kitchen—the charcoal grill action is part of the show
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only—can be scarce on Diversey Ave, especially evenings. No dedicated lot. Consider rideshare or the nearby 73 Armitage bus.
Dress code: Come as you are. Counter-service casual—think Logan Square neighborhood vibes. Jeans, sneakers, whatever.
Noise level: Moderate—open kitchen adds energy but conversation flows easily. Not a quiet date spot, but you won't be shouting.
Weekend wait: 10-20 min for seating (only 25 seats inside). Kiosk ordering is quick once seated.
Weekday lunch: Not applicable—opens at 4pm Wed-Fri. Weekend brunch (Sat/Sun from 11am) rarely has waits.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent—smoked tofu curry, chili peanut noodles, corn fritters, spicy eggplant, full vegan dinner package available
Vegan options: Strong options—over 50% of menu marked vegan/GF. Dedicated Vegan Dinner for Two package. Handmade rice noodles are naturally vegan.
Gluten-free options: Outstanding—rice noodles are house-made and GF, menu clearly labeled. Staff very knowledgeable. Not a dedicated facility but highly accommodating.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, with the right expectations. The open kitchen charcoal grill action creates natural conversation starters, and sharing plates like dumplings and egg tarts keeps things interactive. Just know it's counter-service casual, not white-tablecloth romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes—it's fast-casual with kiosk ordering. Only 25 seats inside plus patio, so peak Saturday dinner (6-8pm) might mean a short wait. Weekday evenings and Sunday afternoons are reliable walk-in territory.
Is it kid-friendly? Very. Kids menu available, fast counter service means no long waits, the open kitchen is entertainment, and mild options like coconut rice and mac noodles with 'cheese' sauce work for picky eaters. High chairs available.
Best For
Better for: Adventurous Asian flavors without fine-dining prices or pretense. The Macanese angle (Portuguese-Chinese fusion) is unique to Chicago. Gluten-free diners have more exciting options here than almost anywhere in the city.
Skip if: You want full-service dining with tableside attention, or need a quiet, intimate atmosphere. Also skip if you're craving traditional Cantonese—this is creative fusion, not dim sum.