Penny's Noodle Shop began with Penny, who left Bangkok for Chicago in 1977 carrying cooking skills passed down from her mother. She'd planned to finish college and go home to Thailand; she stayed instead, and opened this Wrigleyville diner that's been running ever since.
The menu keeps to stir-fries and noodle dishes with a choice of meat, made fresh and fast rather than fussed over. Regulars point to the mix of Thai dishes and ramen on the same menu, along with portions that don't leave anyone hungry.
It has the feel of a cozy hole-in-wall, with service diners describe as attentive and friendly. Penny's Noodle Shop has picked up outside recognition too, appearing on Robb Report's Best New Restaurants list in 2025 and The New York Times' Restaurant List in 2024.
The menu keeps to stir-fries and noodle dishes with a choice of meat, made fresh and fast rather than fussed over. Regulars point to the mix of Thai dishes and ramen on the same menu, along with portions that don't leave anyone hungry.
It has the feel of a cozy hole-in-wall, with service diners describe as attentive and friendly. Penny's Noodle Shop has picked up outside recognition too, appearing on Robb Report's Best New Restaurants list in 2025 and The New York Times' Restaurant List in 2024.