Noodles & Company

I recently decided to try out this 'new-to-town' franchise and see what it had to offer. I was lucky enough to head there for the opening and was pleasantly surprised before I even ordered. The wait staff is friendly and easily answered my questions. Going so far as to recommend their favorites as well. Being my first trip, I decided that there would be no gain without intestinal pain and went for the Wisconsin Mac & Cheese. It's a little extra but I also added braised beef and a rice krispie treat triangle because squares are so yesterday!

Score (based on 5 stars):

Friendliness: *****

Cleanliness: ****

Tastiness: *****

Affordable: ****

Overall: ****1/2

Friendliness:

Everyone there is VERY friendly. I'm ultra-picky and never once got an exasperated sigh over my anti-veggie agenda. They also have recommendations if you're not sure what to get and are more then willing to tell you all the specials and deals they do without making you feel like they're smashing it into your face.

Cleanliness:

Keep in mind this place just opened, but it's very clean. My only gripe was that tables seem to take a bit to get bussed, which is something the people there do fully. So expect a delay on a clean table during a busy day. On the plus side these same bus-happy folk will often offer to refill your drink or grab you any needed silverware or napkins.

Tastiness:

OM NOM NOM! The Mac & Cheese was nice and hearty, with the beef it had a nice rounded flavor. It had a moderate amount of cream sauce that worked out beautifully with the amount of noodles so you didn't find yourself swimming in sauce. I think you can skip the added protein though, this dish is good enough on its own.

The Rice Krispie Treat was also amazing (you'd think it hard to mess up such a thing but trust me I've tasted some nasty ones). I watched them make some from what I could see of the back kitchen so they make them fresh!

You can customize what you order as well. I went back the next day to get the Pesto Cavatappi and nixed the veggies. I couldn't stop eating it!

Affordable:

While I classify this in the 'Fast Food Affordable' side of things, it can get pricey if you like a lot of meat or veggies and whether or not you want a certain beverage. Still my total with a dessert and drink was only around 12 dollars so it's not too bad. If you have no qualms leaving the meat on the cow and the extra veggies back by said cow, the large bowls only cost you 5.50 and a drink is only 1.50 making it pretty affordable.

In short, this is a great little gem for fast lunches and tasty dinners. If you're a car-less student it's going to be hard to stop in since this location is out in Coralville by the mall, but they do have a plethora of To-Go options including the option to call ahead and pick it up curbside. I recommend trying everything this place has to offer because so far everything I have had has been very delicious!