The Scoop: Though this neighborhood noodle joint boasts other locations in Midtown and College Pa...

The Scoop: Though this neighborhood noodle joint boasts other locations in Midtown and College Park, the menu at Noodle Decatur keeps the neighbors in mind. In other words, more tofu, more vegan-friendly dishes, and an effort to keep ingredients as fresh and healthy as possible for Decatur Village people and other locals in search of scrumptious Asian fare. If your gullet is calling for something more robust than steamed veggies and fresh fish, don't worry: there's plenty of hearty Asian fusion dishes to fill you up with yum. But remember, all that healthiness would leave you extra room for sippin' on some of Noodle's tasty sangria, right? We thought so. Priorities.

Noodle's menu is a serious upgrade from your basic noodle house fare, including whole-fried yellowtail fish, steamed organic tofu with house-made ponzu sauce, and fresh, steamed mahi-mahi. Any and all vegetarians of Decatur are free to indulge, too, thanks to options like a yummy new grilled eggplant dish and a big, hearty bowl of stir-fry with eight (count 'em!) different veggies. Owner Lenny is also eager to show off the yummy sangria, Noodle-style, with sake, plum wine, blood oranges, and pears. Enjoy a whole pitcher with your lunch, and you might want to take the rest of the day off.

Along with the delicious menu and mouthwatering pitchers of sangria, one thing about Noodle will always be the same: the truly neighborhood feel of it. It's remarkable that a place can have both A). a fancy 1.5 pound yellowtail fish served whole, and B). a completely laid-back vibe. Noodle has these things and more -- much more. Like that sangria. But also like the atmosphere, which is just casual enough for the 'hood but loungey enough to make those fancy cocktails seem right at home. Lenny's enthusiasm for serving his customers is one of Noodle's most renowned and beloved qualities in the neighborhood. Even if you're not one of the loyal regulars at this neighborhood joint, you'll feel like one from the second you step in the door. Especially after a few of those sangrias or a couple bottles of the delicious Hitachino Nest beer, which is quite a crisp way to wash down that famous Crunch Beef. While parking in Decatur can be tricky, know that the metered parking is free after 6 p.m., leaving you plenty of time to nibble on that Japanese cucumber salad and sip on more of Lenny's signature sangria.

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Menu Highlights Rolls and Dumplings Sampler, $12
Thai Mahi-Mahi, $13
Crunch Beef, $12
8-Vegetable Stir Fry, $8-9
Vietnamese Cold Noodle Salad, $9

Hours Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday: 12 p.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday: 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.