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The Noodle Vietnamese & Thai Cuisine
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
The Noodle Vietnamese & Thai Cuisine
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Set just off the main Chinatown drag, The Noodle is a casual counter-service spot best known for large bowls of pho backed by a small roster of Thai curries and tom yum. It’s used more as an everyday noodle stop than a destination, with steady takeout traffic and value-focused pricing for students and neighborhood regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Beef Noodle Soup, Red Curry with Rice, Tom Yum Soup
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Everyday Chinatown noodle house where pho and approachable Thai curries share the menu.
Who should go: Budget-minded diners craving comforting pho and simple Thai plates.
When to visit: Weekday lunches and early dinners for the calmest service.
What to order: Pho Beef Noodle Soup, Red Curry with Rice, Tom Yum Soup.
Insider tip: Ask for Thai dishes a notch spicier than default if you like heat.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the surrounding Chinatown blocks; availability varies and can be limited during peak dinner hours and weekends
Dress code: Casual — everyday attire, jeans and sweaters/hoodies are fully appropriate
Noise level: Low to moderate — generally quiet enough for conversation, with slightly more activity during meal rushes
Weekend wait: Short waits possible during peak windows, typically 10–20 minutes
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, tables available or quick turnover
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options available — several noodle soups and Thai dishes can be made vegetarian on request
Vegan options: Limited — a few dishes may be customized, but broth and sauces often contain animal products
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free protocols; some rice-based dishes may be lower-gluten but cross-contact is likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for low-key, casual meals than for a formal date — it’s a simple counter-service space focused on value and comfort food rather than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only, and most guests order and sit without needing a reservation, with brief waits only during peak weekend dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — relaxed, informal setting with approachable noodle and rice dishes; best for school-age kids comfortable in a casual dining environment.
Best For
Better for: Large, affordable bowls of pho and simple Thai comfort dishes when you want a quick, filling, low-cost meal near Chinatown
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale Thai dining, regional specialty menus, or a destination-level ambiance and service experience
The Noodle Vietnamese & Thai Cuisine
8.6
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A long-running Chinatown standby, The Noodle turns out big bowls of pho, bun bo hue, and other Vietnamese staples alongside a broad Thai menu. Locals rely on it for dependable broth, generous portions, and late-day comfort when you want Vietnamese without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho beef noodle soup, Bun Bo Hue, Grilled pork banh mi
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: High-volume Chinatown pho house known for rich broths and big portions.
Who should go: Pho-focused diners wanting a reliable Chinatown standby.
When to visit: Weekday lunches or early dinners to avoid peak crowds.
What to order: Beef pho, Bun Bo Hue, grilled pork banh mi.
Insider tip: Ask for extra herbs and lime on the side if you like tweaking your broth.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking and nearby paid neighborhood lots; street parking can be competitive during weekend meal times.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sweaters, and everyday wear are fully appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is generally comfortable, but it can get livelier during peak dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes at peak hours; short waits are common for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a brief 5–10 minute pause during the lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several tofu, vegetable stir-fries, and meat-free noodle soups are available.
Vegan options: Limited — some vegetable dishes can be made vegan; confirm fish sauce and broth ingredients with staff.
Gluten-free options: Partial — rice noodles and some soups are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce and marinades may contain gluten; ask before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, low-pressure dates — it’s relaxed, affordable, and comfort-food focused, but not ideal if you’re looking for a quiet or romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily walk-in friendly; expect short waits during busy dinner periods, especially on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly menu, spacious seating, and shareable portions; best suited for school-age kids and up.
Best For
Better for: Large, comforting pho bowls, generous portions, and a reliable standby experience when you want familiar Vietnamese flavors in Chinatown.
Skip if: You’re seeking upscale atmosphere, specialty regional Vietnamese cooking, or a quiet, intimate dining room.
The Noodle Vietnamese & Thai Cuisine
8.2
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
On the Wentworth corridor, The Noodle runs a casual dining room where steak-and-meatball pho, large bowls of broth, and Vietnamese standards share space with Thai curries. It’s a sit-down option that balances big portions with a broad menu for mixed groups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak & Meatball Pho, House Special Pho, Special Banh Mi
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 6.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A Chinatown staple where pho bowls come oversized and the menu covers both Vietnamese and Thai cravings.
Who should go: Groups wanting pho plus broader Southeast Asian options.
When to visit: Weekday lunches or early dinners for easier seating.
What to order: Steak & Meatball Pho, House Special Pho, Special Banh Mi.
Insider tip: Share a banh mi alongside pho if you want to test both kitchen strengths in one visit.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Wentworth and nearby side streets; availability can be tight during peak Chinatown dining hours and weekends.
Dress code: Casual — everyday attire is fine; most diners come in jeans and comfortable clothing.
Noise level: Moderate — conversations are possible, but it can get lively during busy meal periods.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait of 20–40 minutes during peak hours, especially for larger groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, with seating available most of the time.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several noodle soups, rice dishes, and stir-fries can be prepared vegetarian on request.
Vegan options: Limited — a few dishes may be adaptable, but broth and sauces often contain animal products; ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Some rice-based dishes may work for gluten-sensitive diners, but there is no dedicated gluten-free prep or cross-contact control.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-key meal than a romantic first date — the focus is hearty portions and comfort food rather than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s primarily walk-in friendly, though during busy weekend evenings you may need to wait or be flexible with table size.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly with large tables, shareable portions, and plenty of mild options; high chairs or boosters may be available but are not guaranteed.
Best For
Better for: Large, filling pho bowls and a broad Vietnamese-plus-Thai menu that works well for mixed-preference groups and casual family meals.
Skip if: You’re looking for specialty pho, strictly traditional Vietnamese menus, or a quieter, ambiance-driven dining experience.