Noodles & Company

Everyone,

My own imposed rules for any Chain Restaurant review:

1. Must visit at least three times.  Two of which must be distinctly different formats; i.e. one weekday night and one weekend night.
2. Since the food should be the same everywhere, with the exception of regional items, the food category will only be judged on the quality of the expected food (i.e. temperature, consistency, and amount).
3. Ratings are based on a 10 point scale with 5 being average, which does not mean bad.  What a score of 5 means is that the category meets expectations for that establishments format.

Thanks.

Noodles and Company - Elgin

Location/Layout - 5.5/10:  Conveniently located on the Northeast corner of Bowes and Randall Road, adjacent to the Menards in Elgin.  The interior has a modern design and is very spacious.  The eating area is typically neatly kept as is the fountain area and counter.  Noodles and Company also offers al fresco dining during certain times of year directly in front of the restaurant.  The issues with the interior are that the tables are starting to have the Formica wear out which makes them feel sticky.  Additionally, there is always two log jambs that occur at this particular Noodles and Company.  First, is the fact that the very short order line starts immediately upon entering from the western facing main door.  The second back up occurs because Noodles now offers one of the new single, thousand flavor, Coke fountains which bewilders people like it is written in Latin and causes kids to make mad scientist concoctions that take upwards of 10 minutes to complete.  Unfortunately, the fountain is next to the order counter making the back ups at times horrendous.      

Service - 5/10: Service at the counter is usually efficient on the Noodles end.  Although some people stare at the order board like it is one of those 3D pictures from the mall.  Orders are almost always correct and are brought to your table, although we have had the number system fail us and confuse the delivery person on a couple of occasions.    

Food - 6.5/10: The food at this location is always hot and fresh.  In general this is more upscale quick service and is prepared on demand with tasty ingredients.  The combinations offer a great amount of variety and the addition of several salad, soup, and even sandwich options has created a very rounded product offering.  The individual protein options leave something to be desired in taste, texture, and quality when compared to the veggies and noodles.  Additionally, they do not always compliment the bowls very well and are a costly add on.  Pricing overall is very reasonable, with the exception of the proteins and some side items, and I feel that bread or something along side they noodles should be included and not charged extra.

Overall Experience - 6/10:  Noodles is a very good quick service option.  They offer above average fair, including libations for those looking to indulge, with a freshness that you can taste and see.  All this can be had at reasonable prices in a decent and clean environment.

We've been frequenting this location for at least the last 8 years and we've never been disappointed.

Many delicious dishes -- even the simplest buttered noodles are phenomenal!

It's one of our favorite places to eat --- and the fancy Coca Cola machine is an added bonus! My kids love picking out what flavor Coke or Lemonade they want to accompany their noodle dish.

The service is always friendly and fast. Looking forward to being a customer for many more years to come!

This place is excellent. Great food. The manager was highly accommodating to my needs for a gluten-free dish. It was customizable. Definitely G-friendly. :)