I would argue there is nothing quite like the steamy goodness of a heaping plate of noodles. Fortunately, Evanston is chock-full of places that deliver just that — whether Asian or Italian, spicy or sweet, there is a dish out there to satisfy the carb and comfort food cravings of just about anyone. So if finals have got you down, go ahead and give your pencil a rest. Instead, pick up your fork and celebrate National Noodle Month. Here’s where to do it:
Zoba Noodle Bar
Location: 1565 Sherman Ave, Evanston IL 60201
Hours of operation: Mon-Thurs: 11am-9:30pm, Fri: 11am-10pm, Sat: 12pm-10pm, Sun: 12pm-9pm
Photo by Lily Allen
Zoba is a fun, easy place to get your noodle fix. Located on nearby Sherman Ave, the restaurant is bright and spacious. The only thing better than its delicious noodle selection and reasonable prices is the fact that it’s BYOB. Try their Zo’s Crazy Noodle, a spicy, veggie-filled dish topped with egg and fresh basil.
Photo by Lily Allen
Joy Yee’s Noodle Kitchen
Location: 521 Davis St, Evanston IL 60201
Hours of operation: Mon-Thurs: 11:30am-10pm, Fri-Sat: 11:30am-10:30pm, Sun: 12pm-10pm
Photo by Lily Allen
I couldn’t resist throwing this one in here, because if there is one thing Joy Yee’s has, it’s a wide selection. Aside from a number of massive noodle dishes in just about every flavor and style, they also have a tempting offering of noodle soups (in full-color photos, no less!) Try their won ton & beef brisket noodle soup.
Photo by Lily Allen
Cozy Noodles & Rice
Location: 1018 Davis St, Evanston IL 60201
Hours of operation: Mon-Thurs: 11:30am-9:30pm, Fri-Sat: 11:30am-10pm, Sun: 4pm-9:30pm
Photo by Lily Allen
This place is quite literally the coziest noodle shop I’ve been to. The decor is quirky and comfortable, the staff is friendly and the noodles are just are comforting as home. You really just can’t go wrong. My favorite is the shrimp pad thai.
Photo by Lily Allen
Noodles & Co.
Location: 930 Church St, Evanston IL 60201
Hours of operation: Mon-Sun: 10:30am-10pm
Photo by Lily Allen
If there is any place that is bound to have good noodles, it is a company that has made it their sole business. Although it’s a franchise, its menu features noodles in many different cuisines — everything from the pesto cavatappi to the Indonesian peanut sauté is delicious. Plus, they have small and regular-sized portions depending on how hungry you are. The Japanese pan noodles, loaded with your choice of meat in a sweet Asian sauce, are always a great choice.
Photo by Lily Allen