Cozy Noodles & Rice

Do you like robots? Want curry in a hurry? Ever wondered what it would be like to use Pez dispensers as wallpaper?

If the answer is yes, then you should make plans to schlep to Cozy Noodles & Rice. With a kitschy, vintage decor and a coterie of classic Thai dishes on the menu, this restaurant certainly puts the "D" in cognitive Dissonance.

Upon entering, you are greeted with a dining room that is busier than Obama's team of economic advisers. In an offbeat cross between a '70s diner and a five-and-dime store, the walls are jam-packed with retro signs and the shelves are lined with all manner of wind-up cars, plastic rockets and robots. A grinning, life-sized model of Elvis stands in the corner, crooning into a microphone and pointing directly at you. Be careful not to kick the jewel-studded tables, whose bases are made from sewing machines and have some moving parts.

The menu offers all the standard Thai options and dishes are well-executed. You can choose from a variety of noodle stir-fries, curries, and stir fry dishes with rice. It is easy to make dishes vegetarian with the substitution of tofu and exclusion of fish sauce. I tried the Tom Kar soup, which offered a flavorful, coconut broth laced with lime, galangal, straw mushrooms, tomato and tofu. Rather than decide between a noodle dish and a curry, I ordered the Noodles Panang. This arrived with a generous portion of curry in a deep dish over pieces of crispy, wide rice noodles. The curry was rich and studded with red bell pepper, straw mushrooms, carrot flowers and basil leaves. As I ate, the crunch of the noodles softened and gave way to an unctuous chewiness.

Cozy Noodles is an inexpensive option in Wrigleyville with an eclectic atmosphere and solid food. Currently, they are even offering a "Buy 1, Get 1 Free" deal on entrees; just print out the coupon from their website. The service staff was attentive and very friendly, particularly when I needed help in bringing a cake to dinner. Reservations aren't necessary, but will allow you to bypass a potentially long wait on busy weekend nights. The restaurant is BYOB and does not have a corkage fee.

Cozy Noodles & Rice
3456 N. Sheffield
(773) 327-0100

Comments

[orangejeans]

I love Cozy Noodles. I seriously have taken people there just for the tom kar. I recommend the pad thai mix that's not on the menu with crispy noodles and soft noodles.