Joy’s Noodles & Rice
3257 N. Broadway

The Basics

Where you’ll find it: On a busy section of Broadway in the Lakeview neighborhood, just north of Belmont. (773) 327-8330 or www.joysnoodlesandrice.com.

When it’s open: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Reservations: Reservations are accepted. It’s usually busy, but rarely do you have to wait for a table if you walk in.

What you’ve heard: Joy’s isn’t a restaurant that is well advertised, but it doesn't need to be. Word of mouth gets around. If you know anyone who has lived in the city for a decent amount of time, they’ve probably heard of, if not been to Joy’s. ... It’s a relaxing, very clean, cozy atmosphere with a full menu and good prices.

Visual Aids

First impressions: Joy’s and its sister restaurant, Noodles in the Pot, were both recently remodeled. There’s Thai décor on the walls, but clouded by the contemporary vibe. ... The lively, tile-walled dining room had its large patio-style windows open to the street on the warm night we were there.

The atmosphere: Very laid-back and casual. You will see all types there, from people dining alone, dates or a group of friends laughing away. People make the night romantic with a bottle of wine in a secluded booth, or you will see a loud group of people with their six-packs of beer on the table. ... The thing about Joy’s is that it’s always clean, the staff is friendly and there is great people-watching. ... It is a very casual and comfortable establishment where everyone appears to feel welcome and enjoy themselves.

The Experience

At your service: We were seated instantly and given the choice of a booth or table. Within a minute, we had glasses of water and wine glasses. We ordered our appetizers and received them in five minutes, and our entrées about 10 minutes later. They constantly filled our water glasses and did not rush us to leave despite finishing around closing time. They also were very prompt in cleaning our finished plates and giving us the check. ... The service is wonderful. They are friendly, attentive and responsive. If you are a regular customer, they recognize you and remember your food and drink choices. … Two words: quick and efficient.

Get your drink on: The drink options are easy: BYOB, need I say more? There is a liquor store within a block in case you need something. Joy’s does offer soda, tea and bubble teas. … We brought two bottles of wine, and that, coupled by a reasonably priced menu, is where you really can’t go wrong.

Menu variety and prices: There are a variety of things to choose from at Joy’s, starting with multiple noodle, rice and curry dishes. ... Prices are SO CHEAP for how much you get and the quality of the food. Lunch specials are especially affordable, as they include a small appetizer plate. … All of the dishes are presented well and with generous portions. … Every single item on the menu is reasonably priced, from appetizers to main courses. The average price of a meal is $6.50, and appetizers are priced around $3.00-$5.00. It’s a pretty extensive menu, yet simple.

Description of what you did decide on: As an appetizer, I ordered the chicken satay with peanut sauce. They give you six generous pieces of white meat chicken marinated in a curry and a side of peanut sauce to dip the chicken in. As my main course, I ordered the coconut chicken curry, which consists of golden noodles and white-meat chicken pieces submersed in a bowl of a coconut curry sauce with crunchy noodles, green onions and cilantro on top. … I have my definite favorites on the menu and typically order Pad Kee Mao or Thai Rice Sticks with tofu. Some dishes are listed as spicy, but I typically order additional spice in mine. Their chicken satay appetizer is really good with peanut sauce, and there is enough for a main course. … We also had the crab rangoon which was delicious. The main dish, for me, included Thai Rice Sticks with tofu, despite my attempts to “try something new.” I can’t seem to deviate from my favorite dish. The portions are very filling, oftentimes leading to a doggy bag to take home or your stomach being way too full! ... I went for the Pad See Eiw, which is stir-fried wide rice noodles with egg, broccoli and sweet soy sauce, and I got it with chicken. I asked for crispy noodles, and it was served hot and fresh and oh so tasty.

Something that caught your eye: I’m always eyeing what other people are eating at Joy’s because I’m one of those people who sticks to her few dishes and rarely branches out to try new things. … It is a very welcoming environment. People feel comfortable eating alone, with friends or with large parties. ... The waitstaff works as a team and never stops moving.

What you’ll tell your friends: You will not find another Thai restaurant with food as good as Joy’s. It’s great for all occasions. You will not be disappointed. … In my opinion, this would make a great place to have dinner with friends, a first date, or somewhere to take your parents without breaking your wallet. … I had limited experience with Thai food prior to moving to Chicago, and it is now my favorite food. I tell everyone who states they have never had or don’t like Thai food to give Joy’s a try. It has changed a lot of people’s opinions. Now, most people request Joy’s when we go out to eat. I never argue. … When friends come into town, we always go to one of the locations, and I let them know they will soon be tasting the best Thai food ever! The staff knows me by now, most likely a result of my weekly presence, and they snatch the menu out of my hand, knowing exactly what I’ll be ordering.

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