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Szechuan Noodle Bowl

4 star rating
based on 86 reviews

Category: Chinese  [Edit]

Neighborhood: International District
420 8th Ave S
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 623-4198
Hours:

Tue-Sun. 11:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Good for Groups:
Yes
Accepts Credit Cards:
No
Parking:
Street
Attire:
Casual
Price Range:
$
Good for Kids:
Yes
Takes Reservations:
No
Delivery:
No
Take-out:
Yes
Waiter Service:
Yes
Wheelchair Accessible:
Yes
Outdoor Seating:
No
Good for:
Lunch
Alcohol:
None

86 reviews for Szechuan Noodle Bowl

Review Highlights   

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"The green onion pancakes and spicy won-tons are both excellent." (in 28 reviews)
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"Aside from all that, they make some excellent dumplings." (in 56 reviews)
user photo
"if you like a kick, get the spicy beef noodle soup." (in 6 reviews)
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Sort by: Yelp Sort | Date | Rating | Elites'
Photo of Helena H.

Elite '09

65

109

Helena H.

New York, NY

4 star rating
11/23/2009

Browsed for cheap food thru Yelp, saw pretty good review and Noodle soup sounds good when you're COLD AND WET DURING RAIN SEASON.

Before i came in the restaurant there was a sign that said "NO CREDIT CARD, CASH ONLY". So I had to the bank before I went Inside.
Got the cash, went inside, small restaurant with one waitress and one old lady serving and pouring water into the cup. (about 1 large table that can fit 10 people and the rest is 10 tables of 2-4 seats in each).

Menu was dropped, gave us 2 minutes, old lady gave us tea.  Order the famous "GREEN ONION PANCAKE" (which is also called scallion pancakes.  Famous Szechuan dumpling, beef noodle soup.

 Pancake came in, pretty thick, fried and crispy on the outside, about 2-4 layer of dough with scallions.  Not bad for the price.
- Noodle soup came after, Thick noodles with veggies and beef.  Descent portion, filling, and warms your body.
- Szechuan Dumpling, Yummy Yummy, but think doug that I don't like..  Sauce taste good.

After all that, it came out less than 20 bucks and a warm filling Tummy!.

I would recommend for vegetarians too, or people who like noodle soups.  Dumplings are ok.

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Photo of mireille w.

 

3

9

mireille w.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
11/17/2009

Here is my order (vegetarian/vegan)
green onion pancake
veggie dumplings/potstickers in spicy sauce
veggie noodle soup (contains only bok choi and fat noodles in slightly peanutty broth, good with chili sauce)
boiled paenuts (anise?)
Used to be $15, serves 3. The price went up slightly i think, but still more than your money's worth!

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Photo of Meghan S.

 

0

12

Meghan S.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
11/9/2009

GREEN ONION PANCAKE!  

That is really all I need to say.

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Photo of Laura B.

 

0

93

Laura B.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
10/23/2009

Absolutely fantastic. The green onion pancake was perfect and the szechuan beef noodle soup was really tasty. The soup bowls are definitely big enough to split if you share an appetizer. Service was fast and friendly.  I'm surprised it was so empty on a Sunday afternoon.  

It is cash only so be sure to bring enough.  But everything is really cheap so you won't need a lot of green.  Green onion pancake, potstickers and a big bowl of soup feeds 2 and costs under $20 (before tip, of course).  

I love this place and will definitely be back very soon!

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Photo of Matt c.

 

0

7

Matt c.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
9/19/2009

I find it hard to believe that all these people love this restaurant because every time I go there, the joint is empty. I really don't mind, because I don't have to wait long to get some of the best green onion pancakes in Seattle. Oh man, and the chicken soup with noodles has converted me from a long time Pho consumer. The beauty of this restaurant is that everything is very simple. The flavors are not complex.

I talked to one of the cooks once, and the broth is made from water, chicken and ginger. BAM. Perfection in three ingredients.

Do you know how many ingredients there are in Pho broth? And then you have to spice it up with five condiments, basil and sprouts? Don't get me wrong, I love my Pho....but BAM! Three ingredients and they have the best broth in Seattle. There, I said it. BEST BROTH IN SEATTLE.

And the dumplings are the shit. Pork and napa cabbage with hot and spicy sauce...every time.

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Photo of Robert S.

 

43

324

Robert S.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
9/10/2009

OK so I have been watching the Reviews here for a while now

and I finally sent my Baby a hey lets checks this place out note, so last night he was like what time are you getting home from work

I said about 5 am why?  I want to check out the noodle place you sent me the note about, OK cool we can do that

So I got a nap in and off we went for lunch today, now I love me some some Pho and I see the reviews saying this is better than Pho?  

is it better ? I don't know about that ....it is damn good in its own way, the Base for the soup it totally different, I got the Szechuan Beef Soup or the Hot Soup as they kept calling it, and it was hot I broke out a sweat, but in a good way it has nice chunks of beef, nice and tender like they had been cut off a Pot Roast, nice big pieces of baby Bok Choy, green onions and lots of hot peppers chunks floating in the broth, the best part to me was the Udon Noodles tastes like they were freshly made

they give every table a pot of Tea, I really liked that but if you want water you have to ask for it, they also have coke in a can and diet coke

I also ordered some Pork and Chive Won Tons, I really like them totally different from most places and they came out after the soup as they are made up fresh, this is not a appetiser to share type deal here these can be a meal in there self, you get a steaming plate of won tons and some dip, of course they gave us both plates so we could share them,
I think they were just right with the dip my partner wanted the pork seasoned more but hey we can't all love everything as it is

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Photo of Faith Y.

Elite '09

45

83

Faith Y.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
8/14/2009 2 photos

I think this place just made pho a distant memory. Yeah, I said it. I don't even care that I don't get a complimentary cream puff here.

For the first time ever, I had a noodle soup that consisted entirely of spicy Szechuan Beef Tendon and LOVED it! Healthy pieces of baby bok choy nestle on top of chunks of meat and hand cut slippery noodles in a dark brown broth that packs a hearty punch. They can cater to any level of spiciness from Weakling to Hades Status (Disclaimer: not the actual names, you know they go by stars).

Their appetizers were way too "appetizing" (har dee har har) to overlook so I sampled the seaweed which was divinely reminiscent of whence it came - a little salty, a little ocean-y, Mmmm. And the pork & chive dumplings? You knew some love went into them. They actually came out after the noodle soups since they're hand rolled and come served with a sour, tangy sauce - I had to take mine home since I was so stuffed!

I've already made a mental note of what to try next: green onion pancakes and the chicken noodle soup. It's operations like Yelp! that get these little places noticed so they'll never disappear for lack of business. You'll just have to take your place behind me in line.

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Photo of Leslie P.

 

0

47

Leslie P.

Tacoma, WA

3 star rating
9/9/2009

Ordered a spicy beef noodle soup and a brown beef noodle soup. The chunks of beef were pretty tasty. However, the thick noodles were too soft since they were probably pre-cooked. The soup had a little sour taste which is really different from others I had before. I also ordered their spicy wontons which aren't that spicy and also had a little sour taste in it. Overall the food isn't that bad. Portions are perfect for me but a little small for my husband.

It's a small place that accepts cash only so make sure you bring some cash. Their prices are cheaper than similar restaurants. I would go again but probably try something else like their homemade dumplings.

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Photo of Janny W.

Elite '09

7

76

Janny W.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
8/12/2009 1 photo

I'm going to start with a confession. I am not really a fan of noodle-soups. *GASP!*

However, I do like Szechuan Noodle Bowl's bean-thread vermicelli noodle soup very much. The crystal clear noodles come in a flavorful clear broth with chunks of beef and baby bok-choy. The namesake noodle bowl isn't bad either--which features thick-cut noodles in a spicy broth, but I just can't ever finish one. My friends and I also always have to have the green onion pancakes, which are THICK and crispy. Yum!

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Photo of Zlata Z.

 

2

9

Zlata Z.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
8/14/2009 1 photo

This place was recommended to me for their homemade dumplings. First time I went there I tried won ton with noodle soup. The won tons were the best I've ever had but noodles were a little bland. Next time I've ordered pork dumplings and green onion pancake. The meal was so delicious it was hard to put down chopsticks. The portions are big (10 pieces per portion) so it's a good idea to share.

One minor inconvenience: they don't take credit cards, so make sure you have enough cash before you order:)

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Photo of Chris F.

 

5

6

Chris F.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
10/11/2009

5 stars for great food at a low price. Loved: the brown sauce pork noodle, the vegetable dumplings (I strongly prefer them over the meat ones), the ground chicken noodle soup, the potstickers, and the green onion pancakes. Also like: the pig ears, the cold noodles, and the various spicy noodle soups (don't usually order them since they're a bit spicy for me). If you're lucky, you'll go when the older women are making dumplings on one of the tables. Yes, the service is pretty barebones, it's cash only, and parking can be difficult, but the value here is unbeatable.

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Photo of Vivian L.

 

0

6

Vivian L.

Roseville, CA

5 star rating
10/6/2009

About 10 years ago my family was visiting family friends in Seattle and we went to the Szechuan Noodle Bowl for dinner - I remember it being authentic and delicious - with the best Spicy Beef Noodle Soup I've ever had.

My Dad, Sister and I were in Seattle over the summer and my dad remembered eating at this place. We couldn't remember the name, but luckily I had YELP on my phone and typed in Noodles in Seattle and this was the 1st place to pop up - after reading reviews we knew it was the right place.

YAY - it was the right place, we all ordered Spicy Beef Noodle Soup and some hot Won Tons - it was PHENOMENAL. It's exactly as we remembered it and perfect for our road trip. My dad is originally from Taiwan and he said the food was absolutely authentic. The noodles are made in the shop - fresh, as is the broth, won tons, probably everything.

We made friends with the owners and were so greatful that even in this economy they are able to stay open.

The prices are absolutely decent, I don't think they take credit card, but nto suprising. The 3 of us had noodles and hot won tons and I think it was only around $22 - NOT BAD! as our tummies were filled and beyond satisfied :)

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Photo of Piao Piao L.

 

0

38

Piao Piao L.

Lake Forest Park, WA

3 star rating
9/21/2009

Simple restaurant which basically does what it says-- noodle.  Menu is only a handful of noodle dishes plus a couple other small dishes.  Very basic fare.  The noodles are obviously the highlight-- home made and pretty good.  Also cheap.  I had to order the green onion pancakes after the raves, but was kind of ho-hum about them.  No credit cards so I had to run to the nearest ATM a few blocks away.  I see a lot of 5-star reviews here and find myself wondering about that.  I mean, it was simple, good, and cheap, but...  really?

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Photo of Kristine H.

Elite '09

14

65

Kristine H.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
5/18/2009 2 photos

My review will be swift.

Their soup was absolutely perfect on a recently rainy day in Seattle.  We ducked inside to find an empty restaurant filled with a pair of chattering waitresses working on balls of flour.  

We were ushered to a table and handed menus.  We placed our order and received our meal quickly.  Two large bowls of steaming broth full of noodles and wontons (photographs provided) - it was the perfect thing for the cold climes outside.

If you are looking for a fancy place, skip this place.  We found it clean and uncluttered.  It reminded me of an auntie's kitchen, nothing elaborate.  If you are looking for good inexpensive fare, check them out.  Our bill was $12 and some change.

(photographs provided)

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Photo of Yiling W.

Elite '09

25

291

Yiling W.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
4/19/2009

Delicious spicy beef noodle soup! Also, they do good handmade dumplings (the wrappers appear to be from scratch too) and green onion pancakes. Service for lunch was very fast, but make sure to bring cash because they're cash only. Don't forget to grab some coffee afterward to ward off your food coma. This place is a little out of the way from the I.D. epicenter that is Uwajimaya, but it's worth the (small) trouble to go find it, and there's nothing like a good spicy beef noodle soup on a chilly day to warm the heart.

For vegetarians: there were also vegetarian dumplings that my friend had, and green onion pancakes were also an option, along with a few other things on their menu that were vegetarian (unless cooked with meat broth, but you'd have to ask about that part).

P.S. Don't forget to check out the (amateur photographer?) framed photos of toy horses on the north wall of the restaurant. Teehee.

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Photo of Eric T.

 

1

17

Eric T.

Bellevue, WA

4 star rating
8/18/2009

It was around 1215PM  today and only two tables occupied and I was wondering if there was a problem with the food. Thought since I was there I might as well put in a good effort.  

Took the table by the door because it had the fan next to it and it felt cool. Promptly I was provided a menu and a glass of water. Was not offered tea (the next group of three were offered tea). Took my cue from those who posted here: ordered green onion pancake and since I prefer chicken rather than beef I ordered the shredded chicken soup.

A few minutes later the pancake arrived....yummy. 5 out of 5 stars. Then followed by my soup. 4 out of 5 stars. The broth was clear and light, really nice. Noodles were more like udon noodles. Not sure what to expect but it was great tasting. In my mind I was expecting like wonton noodle or rice noodle...not udon. But it is their recipe and they decide on what to serve with...and it was good.

Three more groups showed up and then we almost had a full house. Everyone received tea but I did not.

Finished every single drop of the soup and pancake. Call me glutton. Total bill was less than $10. Very well worth the 15 mile drive for a taste of good soup.

However, the water tasted funny. Not crystal clear and 'sweet' as is typical Seattle water. Something musky.

Overall, I would go back for the green onion pancake and maybe give it a try with the beef noodle or the wonton...next trip.

Highly recommend the place.

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Photo of Ka T.

 

0

19

Ka T.

Bellevue, WA

4 star rating
5/3/2009

I read. I went. I ate, and I love.
I felt this place deserves justice from "bad reviews".

Here are the common things I see about people who does not like Szechuan Noodle Bowl:

"Their noodle all tastes the same."
Well then don't order 4 different noodle dishes, because they'll all taste the same! I think the main problem is people don't order it "spicy".  Seriously people, this is a Szechuan noodle place, the food SHOULD be spicy, if it isn't spicy, it isn't Szechuan!

"I don't like this type of noodle, I like Cantonese egg noodle better."
While this is clearly personal preference, there is something to appreciate about the noodle has a unique texture; it is chewy and actually feels dough like - the style of fresh home-made noodle. Many people are used to certain texture and are comfortable with how certain food is (like how many bites to chew certain food), that's fine.  Just don't go and say that they doing the noodles wrong. It is what it is.

Aside from all that, they make some excellent dumplings.  I've never seen that type of half-wrapped style of dumplings ever, and my, they are so crispy on the bottom.  This place is a mom and pop place, so do not expect high class service. The parking can be really difficult, and the sitting is limited. If you complaint the menu being limited to noodles and dumplings, well... do you expect great pizza from Taco Bell?  I didn't think so.  When it comes to the noodles and dumplings, I'm a fan.

Here's my complaint though, "Cash only, really?!?!"

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Photo of Alice L.

 

14

100

Alice L.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
3/24/2009

OMG i cannot believe I haven't reviewed this place yet!!! Maybe I was subconsciously trying to keep it my own tasty little secret :P

This place has the closest beef noodle soup as I remember in Taiwan. It's SO tasty! I suspect they make their own noodles too. During down times, you can see the ladies making their own dumplings as well.

I usually have the spicy beef noodle and some cold plates... everything else is really tasty as well, so go forth and explore! You won't choose wrong :)

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Photo of Drew D.

 

0

1

Drew D.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
8/25/2009

It's easy to get overwhelmed by the options in the International District but don't bypass this humble looking noodle house.  First and foremost I must praise the price.  I simply can't enjoy eating if I can't afford it but here is a place where a group can eat well and pay a little more than $5 each.  The dishes aren't fancy or colorful but the namesake noodles are thick and sublime and all of the items on the menu are worth a try.  Great dumplings, pancakes and of course spicy noodle soup (the spicy broth is spicy so don't go dumping in the chili sauce without tasting it and letting the slow heat to permeate your mouth).  Remember to bring cash because the nearest ATM is $3 charging Bank of America 4 or 5 blocks away.  On a sidenote, someone in the ID could make a lot of money by putting an ATM in their bar, store or on the street.

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Photo of Tom D.

 

15

45

Tom D.

Brighton, CO

5 star rating
4/26/2009

It's like eating at my aunt's house.

This place is such a hole in the wall. I was reluctant to try it for a while, but I'm SO GLAD I did. I have not been able to find a place that serves better Chinese Beef Soup! The noodles are as long as my arm, I don't know for sure, but they gotta be handmade.

On several occasions the ladies here set up a wonton table and all gather to roll out and fill the dumplings... it reminds me of my aunties all gathering together to stuff dumplings and gossip. The menu is pretty short so I've tried nearly everything now. I LOVE IT ALL!

Now I live in Denver. The only place I've found here serves everything outa a package. You don't know how good you got it! This place is great. If I ever get back to Seattle... this is my first stop!  Muckleshoot will be my second. lol.

Pros
GREAT FOOD
Cheap prices
Cozy place... (aka hole in wall)

Cons
Parking!!! God Damn ID!!!
I don't think they accept Credit Cards (maybe they changed that)

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Photo of John D.

 

1

9

John D.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
3/31/2009

The green onion pancakes and spicy won-tons are both excellent. It's cheap, delicious, filling and quick. What else can you ask for?

Go here!

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Photo of Chen Y.

 

0

26

Chen Y.

Bellevue, WA

4 star rating
8/8/2009

I love thier vegetarian spinach & tofu dumplings with spicy sauce.  They also have a vegetable noodle soup that I haven't tried yet.  Am glad there is a handmade dumpling place that also caters to vegetarians.

My mom had beef with rice yesterday & it smelled good (I used to eat meat).  She said that the texture of the beef was perfect.

I think the quality can vary a little, depending on visit.  Last week when I went, it seemed better quality & more fresh than when I went yesterday.  It was still pretty good, though.

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Photo of Veronica S.

Elite '09

72

101

Veronica S.

Seattle, WA

3 star rating
12/10/2008

Don't get me wrong. It was good to find a decent, piping hot and spicy bowl of Szechuan style beef noodle soup. The noodles are hearty (much better than the skinny Cantonese noodles at Mike's) and nicely done. The all-tendon version definitely wins points from me. But there's just something missing from the broth. It's hot and quite spicy, but there's not much depth to it. I'm thinking there's not enough star anise? We also got an order of green onion pancakes. It was ok.

I wouldn't say no to this place, but my hunt for a really excellent bowl of beef noodle soup continues in and around Seattle.

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Photo of Phil S.

 

0

7

Phil S.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
1/10/2009

I went here for the cold sesame noodles (w/chicken) and the green onion pancake which a friend recommended.  I loved it! I watched a lady hand make the dumplings on a table next to me so the next time I come back I think I've gotta try some of them.  People were eating them up right and left.
The place is small and doesn't have many tables but I think if you don't arrive during rush hour seating isn't a problem.

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Photo of BR C.

 

0

7

BR C.

Seattle, WA

2 star rating
10/3/2009

The noodle soup and pork-chive dumpling were average but the pancake was good.

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Photo of Rosalind B.

 

2

12

Rosalind B.

Seattle, WA

1 star rating
2/18/2009

Thank god my lunchmate had ordered before and knew to get green onion pancakes, otherwise I would have STARVED!

The beef noodle bowl ..one of the first things on the list --was NASTY! The udon noodles were fine, the bok choy was well-cooked, the broth ...decent. But it was the beef that grossed me out so much it made the whole dish unappetizing! It was SO fatty--I mean the ring of fat around it was ORANGE --ICK!

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Photo of Kimberley D.

Elite '09

190

494

Kimberley D.

Seattle, WA

3 star rating
2/2/2009

Tasty and cheap. I don't eat meat so I can't comment on the meaty options, but I concur with the other reviewers that the green onion pancake and veggie wontons are good.

I didn't find it quite as delicious or amazing as the other reviewers, though... I'd definitely stop by if I were in the neighborhood, but don't consider this a can't-miss spot. Maybe it's better for the carnivores though...

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Photo of Lily S.

Elite '09

57

343

Lily S.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
12/3/2008

I didn't know this place even existed, but thanks to my friend Leo, I found out it did!  
I was the big spender last nite and paid for 4 people...a whopping $24...oooooh.

And everything we ate was so freaking good.  Veggie noodle soup, cold sesame noodles, rice & veggies, and of course the green onion pancake...oh WTF??  That thing was awesome.

I think this place might be our new standby before hitting Salon of Shame.

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Photo of Sarah S.

Elite '09

48

210

Sarah S.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
11/25/2008

Coworkers and I decided to use our "slush fund" to buy ourselves a cheap lunch at Szechuan Noodle Bowl on this cold, rainy, and relatively miserable Tuesday. We wanted to make sure we tried all the highlights, so we ordered:

1 green onion pancake ($3)
2 orders of tofu/vegetarian dumplings- hot and spicy ($5.95ish)
1 order of regular vegetarian dumpling
1 bowl of wonton soup ($4)

We ate it all, loved every bite, and the only thing we would do differently is to make sure we order ONLY the spicy hot dumplings, and not the regulars, 'cause the sauce is so delish.

We're adding this place into our regular out-to-lunch rotation.

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Photo of Scott O.

Elite '09

22

66

Scott O.

Bellevue, WA

3 star rating
11/9/2008

Went for the first time recently, and while the food was good I'm not yet convinced this place is as great as everyone says.

I ordered the hot & spicy dumplings (pork filling) as well as the Den Den mein.  The steamed dumplings were just not all that - they hardly qualify as spicy, and the filling wasn't that flavorful.  They were definitely fresh - two women were rolling dough and stuffing dumplings at a side table.  There were a number of tables with fried dumplings which looked absolutely delicious, though.

Den Den mein is a simple dish with noodles & a soy-sesame peanut sauce.  The sauce was OK, but I found the noodles too thick & too soft for my taste.  I suspect they make their noodles by hand..

This place should be a hit for me - the food seems authentic, everything is made by hand, it's low-cost, and the service is cheerful.  So why don't I love it on first visit?  I could say flavor, or dough consistency, or that I've found there are better (for me) options in the vicinity.  For now I'm going to chalk it up to what I ordered and will plan for a second trip to update this review.

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Photo of Sonia C.

Elite '09

133

438

Sonia C.

New York, NY

5 star rating
12/9/2008

Hot, slurpy, homemade noodles with tender chunks of beef and tendon accompanied by steaming plates of homemade dumplings and freshly fried crispy green onion pancakes.

I think that their potstickers are a little weird because they fold them like enchiladas, but to each their own.

Their Szechuan spicy soup base is too much for me, but their clear soup base is just as delicious.  There's a lot of MSG in both, as I was drinking water all night long.  Oh well, that's the price you pay when you leave nothing in your bowl.

Cash only.  Really cheap.

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Photo of Monte C.

Elite '09

267

162

Monte C.

Seattle, WA

4 star rating
9/9/2008

been a huge fan of this place forever.  this one goes back along with Canton Wonton House and Sandies.  Love the dumpling, and hand made noodles here, both are hard to match especially in the same restaurant.  Often over looked because of its neighbor Green Leaf :(

Service = As expected
Ambiance = a bit more effort couldn't hurt, decently clean for ID
Food = Awesome hand made noodle and dumpling.  go for the pot sticker
Crowd = Asian duh!
Favorite = Dumpling!
Worst = None!
Price = $
Final Say = Great grub at a great price!

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Photo of Stephen M.

 

2

59

Stephen M.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
8/30/2008

Two visits, both of which were excellent.  Fresh made noodles, made in the dining area when not full, by nice Chinese moms!

Clean, basic decor- but to have my wife love the noodles when she isn't normally a fan is amazing!  Love the spicy beef noodles, veggie dumplings, and classic noodles!  Also, the beef in the soup was quite nice, like my moms pot roast chinese style!  Also, their free hot tea is actually good.

Two can eat here for $20 and be totally full and happy!

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Photo of Yee F.

 

4

4

Yee F.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
1/16/2009

If I'm ever in the mood for a bowl of authentic-tasting beef noodle soup, Szechuan Noodle Bowl is the place I go to get my fix!  The noodles are delightfully thick and hearty, the broth is rich, dark, and flavorful, and the 1/2 beef, 1/2 tendon mix just melts in your mouth like butter on a hot knife.  Make sure to ask for some diced pickled vegetables on the side to give your dish a little extra tang!

They also make the best green-onion pancakes in Seattle, hands down.  Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside - the thick, hearty pancake is the perfect appetizer to your beef/tendon noodle soup on a cold day.

Gotta love the ambience, too.  Pictures of fake plastic horses on the wall, a lady making dumplings on the table close to the refrigerators...how can you better capture the spirit of home cookin' than that??

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Photo of Sean C.

Elite '09

213

197

Sean C.

Bellevue, WA

4 star rating
3/24/2008

I'd heard so many great things regarding the ~10 table inexpensive hole-in-the-wall Szechuan Noodle Bowl and wanted to go there for so long that I wanted to fall hopelessly, madly in love with it and not care about the horrendous parking situation, the odd decor choice of horse pictures, the faucet in the men's bathroom that unleashed a tsunami in the sink or the worthlessness of plastic that led part of our group to go on a hunt for an ATM while we waited 10 minutes for a table.

The green onion pancake ($3) was a solid and safe icebreaker - lightly fried comfort food goodness.
The hand-made dumplings with spicy sauce ($5.75 for 10) were a good flirt that didn't come on too strong and clearly indicated preparation - not too oily, not too thick, and not too spicy.
The Szechuan beef noodle soup ($5.75) was substantive, spicy but still suitable for most tastes and full of soft, tender beef and noodles - definitely the best I've had in the Seattle area.

At the end of the meal though, while satiated, I was not mindlessly in the throes of food passion. In fact, I couldn't help but think that while I would be here frequently if it were more convenient, Cafe Ori's Szechuan beef noodle soup was about the same price and almost as good and the difference wasn't worth it.

Making a comparison to another restaurant before our tryst was even over means that while I'd give it another chance, I just don't think I'm emotionally ready for a 5-star commitment.

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23

142

Erin K.

Gig Harbor, WA

4 star rating
11/1/2008

My agoraphobic Chinese fiance has declared the 45-minute drive "totally worth it" for the soup and dumplings here.
Agreed.  The dumplings are ah-mazing, and were being hand-rolled by two women at the table next to us.  They were also rolling out the big, fat soup noodles that were oh-so-delicious in the wonton and szechuan beef soups.  Man oh man, are these noodles perfect.
Tried the green onion pancakes and found them a tad greasy but still good.  We will be back, again and again in the months to come for the soup that warms from the inside out.
Be warned: CASH ONLY.

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59

242

Jessica Y.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
3/23/2008 2 photos

When you see women hand-forming dumplings in the corner, that should be a pretty serious tip-off that you're in for something good.

The dumplings were near perfect - soft and fragrant with a nice spicy sauce. I got to sample the szechuan beef noodle soup, which wasn't as spicy as I had expected but still had a nice deep flavor. The green onion pancake was the best I've ever had. It was crisp and light, without being greasy or overpowered by onion. Everything had a very homemade feel to it, especially the noodles which are effing fantastic.

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Elite '09

207

234

Jason C.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
4/4/2008

It delighted me to a near inappropriate level to find reviews out on the Szechuan Noodle Bowl. Having been a loyal patron since I was a child, this place holds a special place in my heart. My Stomach. No, my stomach is not in my heart but fellow foodies would agree that following both is basically following the same thing.

It's small, not always clean, and usually smells like old flour. These things and the Chinese magazines at the entrance are all reasons to believe that this place is legit. The beef noodle soup is off the charts. The portions are hearty and the soup is crafted from years of careful trial and error. Being a pot sticker connoisseur, I highly recommend them. The dipping sauce they provide will blow your mind. But you won't really have a mind to blow because the beef noodle soup would have already blown it away. It's just that good.

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Elite '09

318

530

Nina N.

Seattle, WA

5 star rating
1/25/2008

So I went there the other day with a friend of mine and thank god I did... it was delicious!!!!!!

The order-

- green onion pancake... was delicious... so good I went there today before I went to work and got two to go.. heehheh

- an order of vegetarian dumplings with hot and spicy sauce
- an order of regular dumplings with hot and spicy sauce.
- bean thread noodles with beef broth.... you know.. it was really nice of her to special order this for me, and i love love love clear vermicelli noodles....my favorite!!!!!!! it was good.. but I think I will just stick to the dumplings, and green onion pancake... maybe next time I will get noodles too.. oh holler!!!! lol...... do go.. but maybe not when I go .. so I can get a table......... hahhaha

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Elite '09

68

89

Won M.

WA

5 star rating
1/11/2008

This place has to be the best find of the year for me so far.  Thanks to Yelp.  They have it all: Affordable and delicious food, great service and clean restaurant.  Szechuan Noodle Bowl simply is a gem!  

Since I found out about this place last month, I have already been there three times.  I have had the Spicy Brown Beef Noodle Soup, Pork and Chives dumplings, Green Onion Pancake...I have to stop here for second.  Their Green Onion Pancake deserves more than just a pause.  It is so darn good.  It's plump, it's crispy AND chewy, it's flavorful, it is the best in town.  Yes, I said it.  I dare you to tell me a place that has better Green Onion Pancakes.  You HAVE to order this if you are here.  Thank you Green Onion Pancake, you complete me....

You know what's great about this place?  Other than the Pancakes, of course.  It's the simplicity of their dishes.  All their dishes have such simple and clean taste to them.  They may not be packed with colorful or in your face flavors but it is delicious by being simple and clean tasting.  I REALLY appreciate this place for that.  The dishes got very soothing and therapeutic qualities to them for some reason for me.  Also unlike a lot of Asian restaurants, they do not use excessive salt so you can really taste the food.  

The ladies in there are great.  They are very kind and friendly.  They will explain if you have any questions.  I love how they are always hand crafting the dumplings every time we go there.

TRY THE GREEN ONION PANCAKES!!!

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