Lulu's Thai Noodle Shop

How does one approach the subject of noodle nirvana? Susan and I are huge fans of Asian cuisine in general and Thai food in particular. I'm specifically the noodle whore and Susan is a rice girl. Thankfully Lulu's Thai Noodle Shop nails them both. I'm not sure what started my fixation with noodles (pasta, dumplings, gnocchi, etc.) but I am constantly on the lookout for noodle joints to try.

Lulu's simply does it for us. Admittedly, this is a regular lunch spot for me so I go with more frequency than Susan, but we make a point on going when we have days off together. The space manages to be hip, funky, divey and somewhat elegant all at once. This is one of the very few places where I've never had a cocktail, but they have a full bar and are known for their evening hipster/drinking crowd.

It's the food at Lulu's that is the draw for us. In addition to being a noodle whore, I'm somewhat of a chili head, not freakishly so, but I like the hot stuff. Susan does not and regularly admonishes me for what she considers self-abuse. This is another area where Lulu's hits the mark. Perusing their menu you will note that many of their dishes are notated as spicy, but you also get to determine the level of heat you want (mild, medium, hot, or blazing). The menu is VERY extensive, possibly the widest selection of Thai specialties in town as well as a good showing of Chinese standards for the less adventurous. Here are a few outstanding examples; Pad Thai, Rainbow Peanut Noodles, Khun Ma Pad Thai, Drunken Noodles, Panaeng Curry, Ma Po Noodles,Thai Sesame Noodles. The Wok Specialties and Curries ask for your choice of proteins. I usually get, and highly recommend, the pork but all are excellent in whatever combination you prefer. The appetizers are pretty standard Thai/Chinese fare but are stellar examples in their own right. Another area where Lulus' excels is their soups; Chinese Roasted BBQ Pork,Tom Yum Soup, Tom Kha Gai Soup. Steaming bowls of rich, homey deliciousness that are perfect for a winter day or providing that potent brow sweat to cool you off from the inside on the hottest days of summer.

Lulu's Thai Noodle Shop is usually packed at lunch, but if you miss one of those sweet spot lulls, I recommend enduring the generally short wait to be seated. You should know, I usually refuse to wait anywhere, but Lulu's is one one of those places that is actually worth it.