Noodles & Company

Against all good judgment after my wife and I quit going to Noodles a few years ago because their priorities became more about the stockholders and less about the experience, I wondered into the Noodles in Normal on a Friday night just after school got back into session in January. HUGE mistake on my part. Nothing has changed. Dirty. Food not at all what it once was and service that no longer sets itself apart from the other options out there. I knew better but did it anyway. Hopefully this experience helps me stick to my vow to stay a long noodle away from what once was a great concept!

Love this place! Close to the campus and always crowded but still manages to attract people. Food is awesome and service is really good. Love the pasta and noodle spread. Try pad thai if you like the tangy flavor. The garlic bread is out of this world!

I like this place for convenience but I really can’t justify giving it more than 3 stars since the value aspect isn’t there. maybe I should be punished financially for being too lazy to cook some pasta with boxed wine and herbs (all very, very cheap things!)

Um nasty nasty. I feel like I went to a Noodles 5 – 10 years ago and it was decent but this is like Red Lobster for pasta.

Take this as a one off for right now. I’ve dined here a dozen times. Pad Thai with tofu and Lime wedges is my dish of choice. Usually the offering is tasty and cooked well. Well not this time. The dish was not mixed well or fresh to the taste. I was an early patron and I swear this was cooked the day before. The Rice Krispie treat is usually an excellent treat as well. This one was rock hard and very dry. I asked for extra lime and it seemed like I was pulling teeth. I got two small wedges that barely contained juice. I’ll go back again because it is usually better.

Seriously?
The salad was 9 $ with MUSHY apples and soggy spinach.
The pasta and meatballs was like Chef Boyardee and so gross.
Overpriced, and not good.

I usually love noddles and company but this location is probably the worst I’ve had. I always get Japanese Pan Noodles with Tofu. Every time I get this dish, the tofu is so overdone it is inedible. Not to mention they never give me enough noodles. I order a regular and I always get less, always. I usually love noodles and company but I’m never going to this location again.

Tried Wisconsin Mac and cheese with Parmesan chicken yummy. Fast service and low cost. Will be back.

I think I have finally found a dish that I like here — the Japanese Pan Noodles with beef. I’ve been somewhat underwhelmed at previous visits in other locations when I have tried other dishes. The pan noodles are my new go to here.
This location is in an area between Illinois Wesleyan and Illinois State that appears to be in the process of rejuvenation. There are several new apt. complexes catering to students nearby. It shares a building with a Potbelly Sandwiches (but with separate entrances). Both are obviously student hangouts.

If you’re looking to eat noodles in the company of others, you might consider checking this place out.
You’ll order at a cashier stand (like you would with fast food), but instead of waiting for the food to be plopped down on your tray, they’ll give you a number and bring the food to your table when it’s ready. If, in looking up at the menu, you realize that you aren’t really in the mood for noodles (why did I come here? you’re now thinking), you can order one of their tasty hot sandwiches. Or walk next door to Potbelly’s.
While waiting for your food delivery, kill time at the new fangled Coke machines with the touch screen and all the made-​up flavors, like «Coke-​Zero Orange.»
There’s an outdoor patio where you can eat, right next to Main Street. Not sure if that appeals to you. It doesn’t appeal to me.
When you’re finished, the person patrolling the area will clear the table for you. I can only assume that this person will provide company as well if you’re eating alone.
Most dishes are around $ 8. If you’re looking for Pad Thai, pay the extra $ 2 and order carry out from Thai House.

This chain is a good place to go eat when you want something different around school. The service is normally good even though the place is always busy.

This is a chain place, but for a chain place it’s pretty good. They offer a variety of… wait for it… noodle dishes. These range from mac ‘n cheese to stroganoff to Italian themed and Asian themed dishes. They also offer a few salads. Overall the food is very tasty and fresh. As a nice touch, most noodle dishes come in two sizes, so if you want only a small portion of pasta (are you nuts?), you have that option. Another cool thing about this place is that they have one of those mix and match soda fountains in which you can make a variety of flavored sodas. Some of them are good, others aren’t that hot, but since you choose which flavor goes with which soda, you can’t blame anyone but yourself if you don’t like the outcome (you can always dump your soda out and make a new one if this is the case). This place is right next to campus and can be busy on a weekend night, and they also offer carry-​out.

I visited the restaurant for the first time and loved it. I had the asian pan noodle dish and it was yummy with a kick! Also got a rice krispy bar, which was wonderful.
They were really busy so I thought I would be waiting awhile and they were actually really fast. I noticed that the staff was very efficient and very friendly.
Will be returning and can’t wait to try the buttered noodles next. :)

Im a fan of the menu at Noodles and Co. I usually get the Penne Rosa with feta cheese and a side of flatbread. This location is very close to the ISU campus and has outdoor seating, something that I love.

Apparently noodles does not care about the environment as they do not accept electronic coupons. Also turns out it is 2011. Thanks a lot GM. PS — watch out for «human» hair in yo noodles. Son.

Noodles & Company is another family favorite. This is great for choice for vegetarians. I like to get beef with my noodles. The location in conveniently located close to the ISU campus. They also offer takeout which is great. The have a drink selection similar to the noon-​coffee selection at Starbucks. The flatbread and cookies help round out the meal.

Pretty much what the name claims… They have noodles. It’s kind of a fast food noodle place where you order and then they bring it to the table so don’t go expecting fine dining.
At the same time the food is always hot, it’s always fast and it’s always good and you can’t beat that.
My particular favorite is egg noodles with a parmesan crusted chicken breast added. They have beer and wine and of course self serve soda and iced tea.
If you can’t finish your meal they even have a nice little box you can put your leftovers in to take home with you.