Penny's Noodle Shop

11/26/07

Best Thai Ever. In My Life. Seriously.

by lifeserial at Citysearch

I'm not sure if I'd had a lot of Thai food before I had Penny's. What I do know is that I've had a lot of Thai food since Penny's--and nothing has compared. Nothing. Penny's does everything right. From the affordable menu to the fast, friendly service, it can't be beat. For me, the Pad Se Ew dish is legendary. I have so many fond college memories of snagging a table with friends and co-workers, opening a bottle of wine from across the street, and leaving so full that I might burst. Penny's is small and charming. There are a few locations in Chicago, but this one is my most favorite. Please go, and go again, and go again, and go again. Do it. For me.

• Pros: Food, Service
• Cons: Only in Chicago

09/25/06

Great For Inexpensive Date!!

by carebear16 at Citysearch

I love this place it has great food and at great prices. It is byob and there is no corkage fee, so perfect for an inexpensive date. They offer mild dishes too super spicy, my favorites our the bbq pork and the spicy chicken basil. The food portion size is large, you can probably even share the entrees.

• Pros: Prices, Food, BYOB

08/13/06

Solid, but unspectacular

by markaralls at Citysearch

We got takeout from Penny's based on the advice of some friends. The pad thai was ok but it didn't have really rich flavors, nor did it actually taste like Pad Thai. My wife had the wonton soup which was good but also lack rich flavors. Compared to Chen's, which is just down the street (and more expensive), Penny's was unimpressive. However, given the price it was pretty good.

02/27/06

Bold, Asian flavors and bargain prices make this neighborhood joint hot with the locals.

by Robyn Galbos at Citysearch

The Scene
Warm wood tones and the zippy aroma of ginger and curry greet you as you step into the dining room. There's a small waiting area by the door, though the line of hip, young locals waiting for a seat often spills out onto the sidewalk. The staff moves people in and out in a friendly, efficient way.

The Food
The menu easily surfs through several Asian cultures with selections that are pleasing to American palates. Start with the delicately flavored Vietnamese spring rolls served with rich, nutty mustard sauce; but eat carefully as they're loosely rolled and easily fall apart. You'll want to get two servings of the golden, crisp Japanese gyoza--there are only four delicious morsels per order. Fragrant red curry with coconut milk deliciously coats basmati rice, with chunks of red bell pepper adding color. Wide and chewy hot pepper noodles make for a hearty dish with a nippy after-bite.

• Pros: InexpensiveTakeout
• Cons: Parking

01/10/06

Good Overall

by blancavela1976 at Citysearch

I've been eating at Penny's for years. It's a great way to introduce people to Thai cuisine. Cheap, fun, and quick. The food is very good, especially Gyoza and Chicken Satay. One of my favorites is hot pepper noodle with chicken and long tofu. The tofu soaks up the spice. You can also order your food extra spicy.

11/18/05

Cheap food, no flavor

by gxb95 at Citysearch

It's cheap and fast. However, the food lacks flavor. Probably the worst Pad Thai I've ever had. Cozy Noodles & Rice has much better food at the same low prices.

• Pros: Inexpensive
• Cons: Tasteless food

09/01/05

Not Good

by ark1838 at Citysearch

Food is not true authentic, Chicago has hundreds of thai places, skip this place.

• Pros: Cheap
• Cons: Not very good, Bland

08/11/05

LOVE IT!

by valerierae at Citysearch

I've been eating at Penny's for years now, and love it every time! I take my grandmother in the afternoons when parking isn't a problem. We love the Chinese Greens appetizer, and both get the Beef Lad Nar with 1/2 watercress and 1/2 broccoli. Everything tastes great, the food is always hot and fast, the people are always friendly! Definitely worth the commute from the 'burbs!

• Pros: tasty!, fun, inexpensive

09/10/04

Disappointing

by ukmatt78 at Citysearch

The food was not good. I started out with the vegetable rolls, which were by far...the greasiest egg rolls that I have ever eaten...anywhere. Then I had the sliced chicken noodles. The chicken was dry, the noodles were flavorless, the food was just plain not good.

• Pros: cheap, location
• Cons: , food, food

05/13/04

DKB

by itsdale at Citysearch

Penny's is amazing - quality food. I have never been disappointed and I have been there at least once a week. On Sunday mornings you can get in and out in minutes. It;s so nice that even the owner talks to you while you're waiting. Great place!

• Pros: Healthy, Qality, Reasonable