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Penny's Noodle Shop
Master Critic Review
Penny's Noodle Shop
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Penny's Noodle Shop has been serving Thai-inspired noodle bowls, curries, and spring rolls to Lakeview since the early 1990s, with most dishes landing comfortably in cheap-eats territory. The menu skews big on comforting broths and stir-fries, making it a reliable stop for quick, filling meals before or after Wrigley.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Thai, Hot Pepper Noodle, Thai Spring Rolls
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Long-running noodle house where big bowls of Thai comfort food stay under typical neighborhood dinner prices.
Who should go: Noodle seekers wanting a fast, filling pre- or post-game meal.
When to visit: Weeknights or early pre-game evenings for shorter waits.
What to order: Pad Thai, Hot Pepper Noodle, Thai Spring Rolls.
Insider tip: Delivery portions are substantial; one noodle bowl plus an appetizer can easily stretch to two meals.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Belmont and nearby side streets; metered spots turn over fairly often but can be tight around Cubs game times.
Dress code: Casual — everyday attire, jeans and hoodies totally fine.
Noise level: Moderate — generally easy to hold a conversation, with occasional spikes during pre- and post-game rushes.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes on typical weekends; expect longer waits on Cubs home game nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a brief 5–10 minute queue.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — many noodle and curry dishes can be ordered with tofu and no meat.
Vegan options: Possible with modifications — ask to omit fish sauce, egg, and dairy; staff is accustomed to requests.
Gluten-free options: Limited — some curries and rice dishes may work, but sauces and noodles commonly contain gluten; confirm dish-by-dish.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure meals than a formal first date — it’s quick, affordable, and comfortable, but more functional than atmospheric.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only and tables turn quickly; arrive a bit earlier than peak times on game days to avoid a queue.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — relaxed counter-service vibe, fast food delivery, and shareable noodle bowls work well for families; best for school-age kids and up.
Best For
Better for: Budget-friendly, filling noodle bowls and quick meals before or after Wrigley — generous portions at lower prices than many sit-down Thai spots nearby.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale ambiance, craft cocktails, or highly regional Thai cooking — choose a more formal restaurant instead.