Thursday, April 30, 2009
Drunken Noodle offers cheap eats
From the owners of the Thai Orchid and Leela Thai, David Scheer and Thamrong Decchawuth (better known as “Chef Keng”), comes a new, inexpensive downtown eatery.
The Drunken Noodle, recently opened at 623 NP Ave in Fargo, seeks to offer a casual dining experience, at a price students can afford.
Given the proprietors’ track record, one would expect good things from this place, and it doesn’t disappoint.
While the décor is minimal (Scheer said they’re thinking of ways to fill their empty space), it delivers where it counts with good food, fast service and an inviting atmosphere.
Aside from its lower price point (everything is under $7), The Drunken Noodle further differentiates itself from its bigger cousins in that it isn’t strictly a Thai restaurant.
With menu options including Asian, Italian and classic Americana-style noodle dishes, as well as a small selection of soups and appetizers, patrons of all tastes should have no problem finding something to suit their palette. If you’re not feeling adventurous, Scheer said their macaroni and cheese is the best in town.
As a first-time diner, I chose their namesake dish, the drunken noodles. I figured it would be a safe bet, and I played my cards right; while I found the dish slightly spicy, it was delicious and well prepared.
Consisting of wide egg noodles with tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, hot basil, bell peppers, onions, garlic and jalapenos, it was both flavorful and filling without feeling overly filling.
While I ordered mine with tofu, you can also opt for chicken, beef or shrimp, which I have faith are equally delectable.
The Drunken Noodle, located at 623 NP Ave Fargo, opened April 13.
Photo taken by Ben Sailer / The Advocate
Aside from college kids, the Drunken Noodle also aims to pull in the weekend bar rush. While they aren’t encouraging excessive alcohol consumption, drunken noodles have historically been eaten while drinking to settle the stomach.
The restaurant is open until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights to cater to those leaving the bars after last call, looking for someplace to go. Anyone who has been down Broadway on any given weekend knows that’s a large market.
There is certainly room for more affordable eating options downtown, and the Drunken Noodle fills that niche well. Its convenient location and casual feel make it an excellent place to meet up with friends, offering an alternative to the usual bars and coffee shops at a price point that fits a college budget.
Sailer can be reached at