What Noodles & Company is and how to order

Noodles & Company is a fast-casual restaurant chain where you order at a counter, pay, and then pick up your food at a separate counter or window. You don't sit down to order like at a full-service restaurant, and staff don't bring food to your table. The menu focuses on noodle dishes, rice bowls, and salads from different cuisines — Japanese ramen, Chinese lo mein, Thai pad thai, Italian pasta, and American comfort noodles are all on the same menu.

When you walk in, you'll see a line at the ordering counter. You look at the menu boards above or on a printed menu, decide what you want, and tell the cashier your order. You can customize most dishes — add protein, change the spice level, swap vegetables, or request sauces on the side. You pay at that same counter, either with cash or card. Then you step aside and wait for your number to be called, or watch the pickup area. Your food comes out in a few minutes, usually in a disposable container.

You can also order ahead through the Noodles & Company app or website for pickup at a specific time, or order for delivery through third-party apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats. Ordering ahead means less time waiting in line, though the food is prepared fresh when you arrive or at the time you requested.

Key Takeaways

  • You order and pay at a counter, then pick up your food when your number is called — there is no table service.
  • Most dishes can be customized with different proteins, vegetables, spice levels, and sauce options.
  • You can order ahead through the Noodles & Company app or website to skip the line at the counter.
  • Noodles & Company accepts cash and card, and you can also order through delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats.
  • Prices vary by location and dish, but most entrees fall in the $9 to $14 range before tax and tip.

Understanding the menu and what each section offers

The menu is organized by cuisine type rather than by dish category. Noodle dishes make up the bulk of the menu and include items like Japanese Ramen, Chinese Lo Mein, Thai Pad Thai, and Italian Pasta. Each comes with a base protein (usually chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu) and vegetables. You can upgrade the protein to a premium option like steak or add extra protein for an additional charge.

Rice bowls are a second main category. These are similar to noodle dishes but served over rice instead. Popular options include Japanese Teriyaki, Thai Green Curry, and Korean Beef Bibimbap. Like noodle dishes, you can customize the protein and vegetables.

Salads are available as a lighter option. These come with a base of greens, protein, and toppings, with dressing on the side. Sides and appetizers include edamame, pot stickers, spring rolls, and fries. Beverages include soft drinks, iced tea, lemonade, and sometimes beer or wine depending on the location. Desserts are limited and usually include cookies or brownies.

Most locations also offer seasonal or limited-time items that rotate throughout the year. Check the menu board or app to see what's currently available at your location.

How to customize your order

When you order, the cashier will ask you to choose your protein and any customizations. For noodle and rice bowl dishes, you typically select from options like grilled chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu. Some locations offer additional proteins like steak or salmon for an upcharge. You can also request double protein if you want more.

You can modify vegetables — add or remove specific items, or request extra of something you like. You can ask for the sauce on the side instead of mixed in, request a different spice level (mild, medium, hot), or ask for no sauce at all. Some dishes come with nuts or seeds; you can request these removed if you have allergies or preferences.

Dietary restrictions are common at Noodles & Company. You can request gluten-free noodles at most locations (usually for an upcharge), ask for dairy-free options, or request vegetarian or vegan preparations. Tell the cashier about your restrictions when you order so they can note it on your ticket and alert the kitchen.

Pricing and what affects the cost

Noodle and rice bowl entrees are the main items and typically range from around $9 to $14 before tax, depending on your location and the specific dish. The base price usually includes a standard protein like chicken. If you upgrade to a premium protein like steak or shrimp, or add extra protein, you'll pay an additional charge — usually $2 to $4 more.

Sides like edamame, pot stickers, or spring rolls typically cost $4 to $6. Salads are usually priced similarly to noodle dishes, around $10 to $13. Beverages range from $2 to $4 depending on size. Desserts are typically $3 to $5.

Prices vary by location — restaurants in urban areas or high-cost regions may charge more than those in suburban or rural areas. Some locations offer lunch specials or combo deals that bundle an entree with a side and drink at a discount. Check your local Noodles & Company's pricing, or look at the menu on their website or app for your specific location.

Paying and tipping at the counter

When you reach the ordering counter, you'll pay before your food is prepared. Noodles & Company accepts all major credit and debit cards, as well as cash. If you're paying with a card, the cashier will either hand you a card reader or swipe your card at the register.

After you pay, you'll be asked if you want to add a tip. The screen or receipt will show options like 15%, 18%, 20%, or a custom amount. Tipping is optional, but it's customary at counter-service restaurants. Some people tip a smaller percentage (10-15%) at fast-casual restaurants than they would at full-service restaurants, while others don't tip at all. The choice is yours.

If you ordered ahead through the app or website, you typically pay when you place the order online. You can add a tip at that time or sometimes add or adjust the tip when you pick up your order.

Pickup and what to expect when your food is ready

After you pay, you'll receive a number or a receipt with a number on it. You'll be told to wait for your number to be called. Some locations have a digital display board that shows which number is ready; others will call out numbers verbally. When your number is called, go to the pickup counter or window and give them your number or receipt.

Your food will be handed to you in a disposable container with a lid. Check that your order is correct — the container should have a label with your order details. If you ordered any sides or drinks, those will be included. Napkins, utensils, and condiments are usually available at a self-service station near the pickup area, or you can ask the staff for them.

If you ordered ahead, the timing works the same way. You'll arrive at your scheduled pickup time, give your name or order number, and your food will be ready to hand over. If you're a few minutes late, your food may still be ready, but if you're significantly late, it may have been set aside or remade.

Dietary information and allergen concerns

Noodles & Company publishes nutritional information and allergen details for all menu items on their website and app. You can look up calories, sodium, protein, and other nutrients for each dish. This information is useful if you're tracking your diet or have specific nutritional goals.

If you have food allergies, tell the staff when you order. Common allergens at Noodles & Company include peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, and shellfish. The kitchen can prepare dishes to avoid cross-contact with allergens, but they share equipment and prep areas, so there is always some risk of cross-contamination. If you have a severe allergy, ask to speak with a manager about how the kitchen handles allergen requests.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available on the menu. Many noodle and rice bowl dishes can be made with tofu instead of meat, and you can request no animal products in sauces or broths. Check the menu or ask staff which dishes are naturally vegetarian or can be made that way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I modify my order after I've paid?

It depends on how far along your order is. If your food hasn't started cooking yet, you may be able to catch the staff and make a change. If cooking has already begun, it's usually too late. If you ordered ahead through the app, you can sometimes cancel and reorder before your pickup time, but this varies by location.

Do I need to read the app to order?

No. You can order in person at the counter, or you can order through the website on a computer or phone browser. The app is optional and mainly offers convenience — you can save favorite orders, see your location's menu, and order ahead for pickup.

What if I don't like my food after I pick it up?

Most Noodles & Company locations will remake your dish or offer a refund if you're not satisfied. Bring your receipt and the food back to the counter and explain the issue. The staff will usually handle it on the spot without much hassle.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes. Tofu is available as a protein option on most noodle and rice bowl dishes, and you can request no animal products in the sauce or broth. Many salads can also be made vegetarian. Check the menu or ask staff which specific dishes are vegetarian or vegan.

How long does it usually take to get my food?

If you order at the counter, expect to wait 5 to 10 minutes for your food to be prepared. If you order ahead through the app, your food is usually ready within the timeframe you selected, often 15 to 30 minutes after you place the order. During busy times, waits may be longer.