Q Noodle House

Would I go again? Absolutely!

Overall score: 7 out of 10

Q Noodle House is a must go! Their lunch specials are unbeatable and the food is fantastic.  They specialize in Thai noodle dishes (including soup entrees), but also have a few great rice dishes that easily rival the legendary E-San, which is diagonally across the street.  Not surprisingly, the restaurant opened in September 2011, and the owner reports business has tripled in the last month.  If you're nearby, you must try this new addition to the downtown Thai family.

Here are my impressions:

First, the good stuff:

• The food!  I've been to Q Noodle several times, trying different dishes each time.  I was pleasantly surprised each time. 
• Atmosphere.  The atmosphere is warm and inviting and light background conversation allows for private conversation that isn't drowned in so much noise that you can't hear your lunch date.
• Price.  You can't beat the price for lunch at a sit-down restaurant.  Hands down.  Assuming prices remain the same, Q Noodle will continue its repeat business.
• Speed.  From the time you walk into the restaurant until you walk out, only 30 minutes have passed, even when every table is full.  Stay longer if you like, but if you're looking for a quick luncheon, you'll find it at Q Noodle.
• Location.  Q Noodle is located right off the waterfront, one and a half blocks north of the 1st and Oak max stop in downtown Portland.  
• The owner doesn't micro-manage his staff.  The owner appears periodically in the restaurant, but doesn't hover over his staff to ensure compliance with policy.  Additionally, these employees are not new to the Thai restaurant business, so their confidence in themselves and their product bring life to a two-dimensional menu.  The employees generally seem happy to serve, and that kind of attitude comes from the top.

A few improvements: 

• The restaurant is a little too dim and will likely need additional light in the gray Oregon winters; 
• The tables are slightly outdated.  A tablecloth on the dark wood table could bring a whole new look to the restaurant decor.  Otherwise, the simplicity of the decor is very appreciated in my otherwise fast-paced world.  
• Nutrition information on the website would be a welcome addition.

Prices:

The lunch prices at Q Noodle are the absolute best in town for a sit-down restaurant and the food is great. Currently, lunch for two is $13.00 plus tip.

Insider tip:

Click here and check-in on Facebook for special deals (currently, a free lunch appetizer).

Basic info:

Address: 116 SW Pine, Portland, OR 97204

Telephone: 503-274-0233

Website: www.qnoodlehouse.com

Facebook: Click here

Hours: Monday-Friday 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.; Saturday 9:00 p.m. - 3:00 a.m.

Menu: Click here for the main menu and click here for the menu of rice dishes 

Nutrition info is not listed on the website.