Joy's Noodles & Rice
Graham · 162 Google reviewsJoy's Noodles & Rice — straightforward thai in Lakeview. Nothing about this place is trying to impress you, and that's the point. Well-priced, BYOB. Javier Prieto: "Food is incredible, portions are perfect and the ambient is Great" [$, patio]
What 616 diners keep saying
What 616 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“It is always a treat to visit Joy's, and today we enjoyed the panang noodles. That dish has an almost perfect blend of heat that dances on the tongue beautifully. The sauteed chicken texture contrasts the crispy noodles, with the layer of carrots adding more to the complexity of the dish. As always the Rama Special is amazing. Service was outstanding for it's attention to details and anticipating requests. It's a great place that hits all the right marks. On another return visit, Ifind Joy's even stronger, with the kitchen making the menu items particularly flavorful. You can taste the freshness in the dishes, like the tender chicken in the Rama Special. That dish also features broccoli spears that fit well with the sauce that makes this item easy to recommend. Don't miss the Ginger Chicken, which brings together various flavors and spices with finesse. Few places have appetizer platters like the one here, where all the items are worth trying again separately or in combination. Plus the service is a model. The staff has amazing attention and is never obtrusive. Other restaurants should take lessons from the way Joy's staff makes its service as appealing as the menu. Joy's Noodle Shop is a fixture in Lakeview. It is a well-know and respected place for Thai and Thai-inspired dishes, and its' status as BYOB establishment makes it a popular place. The food is nicely done and consistent between visits. The kitchen does not play with recipes to make adjustments that alter the result. The Rama Special (a wonderful chicken dish with broccoli and a rich peanut sauce) might vary depending on the quality of the broccoli, but its constant good taste makes it a dish to recommend. LIkewise, the Panang Noodles are amazing: large, crisp noodles and chicken, with a red curry, an appealing choice for many. It's possible to substitute tofu or shrimp in this and most dishes, sometimes with a slight upcharge. One soup stands apart, the Tom Ka. This coconut-based soup includes large, delicious mushrooms, sliced onions, and chicken or tofu -- either protein is fine. The dash of paprika adds the heat and the appeal of this remarkable soup. Golden Noodles, Cashew Chicken, and other selections all have their appeal, and it's worth returning to Joy's to try a different item each time or to bring friends, so that you can share some of the flavors Joy's has to offer. Appetizers are outstanding. Start with the combination platter, which can be shared by two or three. If you are alone, that combination platter can be a meal in itself. Service is good and quite attentive. The space is large and comfortable, without the closely-set tables often found in some parts of Lakeview and elsewhere in the north end.”
“Amazing!!!!! This is the first place I ever tried thai food over 25 years ago and still tastes amazing!!!!”
“Scrumptious. So good. I would suggest the pineapple fried rice because it’s absolutely the best I’ve had in Lakeview. Restaurant is cute too.”
“Joy's Noodles & Rice was such a blast, but wow, I was stunned by how nice the interior was! Unfortunately, the photos I took don’t capture that. The interior is masterfully designed and so spacious. Their coconut chicken curry and green curry were both amazing! Not all places do this, but Joy's Noodles did, and I’m so glad—they offer a combo appetizer option, so we were able to get wontons, crab rangoon, and tofu all together in a big batch.”
“Loved it! Food is great portion for the price, and the people in there are super friendly!”
“I recommended the pad thai or pad kee mao and ask for the chili sauce bottle. The chili sauce is amazing to add. The portions at the restaurant are huge. The service is always friendly as well. I love when the patio is open.”
“Helpful servers, delicious food, generous portions. We will definitely be back.”
“With lots of traveling we have not found anything like our favorites from Joys. First tried it in ‘96 (yes 19-96) and our favorites still just as good. We were in town for work and made sure we stopped by.”
“I got the pad see ew with chicken. I really liked it. My friend got the pad Thai, tasted a bit odd. Large servings, and nice service.”
“Solid place for a quick meal. Food is tasty, well prepared and you can taste fresh ingredients. Probably not the spot for special occasions but for a casual dinner with friends it’s a solid spot.”
“A bit pricey but that's reflected on the portion size. The taste is acceptable but not even close to being great. I had a Pad Kee Mao. The noodles were not wide and flat and the sauce was not spicy.”
“Joy's isn't what I remember it to be, or maybe the issue is that it hasn't changed in all these years. The food is just alright and prices okay for what you get but with so many other options in the area, that's just not enough anymore. Also, the service could have been better. The staff forgot to give us plates and utensils, which happens, but getting their attention was very difficult and the restaurant wasn't even that crowded when we were there. I think this is one of those places where if you've been going for years and live in the area you go just because of the nostalgia but for someone like myself that hasn't been back in probably a decade it just doesn't hold up.”
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