Noodle 501 has been my go-to spot for authentic noodle dishes, and I’m thrilled they’ve expanded their menu to include rice dishes too. The staff is genuinely friendly and attentive, and you can taste the difference that fresh, quality ingredients make in every bowl. Highly recommend for anyone craving delicious Asian / Thai cuisine!
Natalie Robinson
Jan 11, 2026
5
I’ve been ordering here for a while! I’ve also gone inside a few times! The place is super cute and friendly, bathrooms are clean. The waiters don’t pester you and it’s relaxing and cozy.
The ramen broth is amazing and rich, the portions that you get are amazing for the price, I find myself having little leftovers to enjoy the next day! Always have great vegetables and the meat isn’t fully the fatty parts! It’s truly 5/5.
The curry is also delicious, very creamy and perfectly spiced and again, amazing Portions. 5/5
The spring rolls 5/5
The Shrimp Shumai 5/5
The crab Rangoon 3.5/5
The gyoza dumplings 4/5
Anish Pinnamaraju
Jan 8, 2026
5
The perfect restaurant. Great spice, tasty noods, and minimal social interaction. My drunken noodles with veggies were perfectly cooked.
And that is not even mentioning the incredible 2010s radio hits that blessed my ears.
I would like to personally meet the owner of this restaurant so I can thank them for their contribution to the Durham community. I’m glad to have been born.
Bradston Henry
Dec 29, 2025
3
Noodle 501 has been a favorite spot for me and my wife since we discovered it a few years ago.
Unfortunately, I have to leave this not so stellar review because our latest visit was somewhat of a bummer.
As expected, the food was great but the new in-dining experience was a true disappointment.
The seat yourself process was chaos and the order from the table via QR code was just not a great experience.
We came at a somewhat busy time with some people picking up orders, some people placing to-go orders from the kiosk and a mix of people waiting to be self-seated and it was rough.
There was no one at the front to check-in or seat us so it wasn't clear who was waiting to pick up, waiting on their to-go order, or waiting for a a table. Because of that we had to ask around amongst the people standing around to determine who was waiting on what.
After a somewhat confusing moment of trying to get seated, we had to order off the website via QR. And though it worked in general, I really didn't enjoy having to pull my card out and type all my info in at the table. That would have been bearable but because when you order as a table, you have to pay before the order is placed, if someone wants to order after the order is placed, you have to re-input all the info again if you want to order anything extra.
I just want to note, the food was just as AMAZING as it normally is but the new ordering and self-seating arrangement is not something I enjoyed at all.
Hoping the next time we come those elements are better streamlined or changed.
Troy W.
Dec 29, 2025
5
The food was great and the service was excellent. The gentleman who served us was very kind and gave excellent recommendations.
We got the Takoyaki, Drunken Noodles, Tonkatsu Ramen, and the Mango Sticky Rice.
All of it was delicious! Would recommend.
Jacob Eaves
Dec 19, 2025
3
The food is amazing. We’ve been here 3-4 times before this and it is one of our favorite Thai places. The pad see ew is excellent.
However, our most recent visit we discovered they no longer have wait staff. The only dine in option is ordering off a QR code menu and they tack on a mandatory 12% service charge. For dine in with no waiters. Someone brings your food out and then that’s it.
The tables are also awful. I’m 5’8 170 lbs, so not huge, and my legs can’t fit under the 2 person tables. If you are a large human you will hate the tables.
When we were leaving we noticed people arriving trying to find somewhere to sit because 4 tables had not been cleaned off and there were no clean tables available.
They also put a sign over the WiFi password that used to be that now reads “ask host for password”..well after you sit down there is no host, so that was funny
Management has made some “questionable” decisions and seem to be trying to make as much money as possible with no regard for customer experience with these recent changes.
Sherry Gray
Dec 17, 2025
3
The online ordering process was seamless, with great descriptions, and the order was ready on time. Plenty of parking and easy to access right off 501. I ordered fried tofu and drunken noodles with tofu. Portion size of both dishes were great. I debated on ordering the tofu appetizer, was glad to see the box had a vent hole. I tasted that in the car and knew immediately it was fried way too hard and there was not enough sauce provided. And the drunken noodles were also a disappointment - not enough vegetables/sauce and too much black pepper. (I do realize black pepper is a key component but this was excessive). But the tofu in that dish was stellar. When I have appointments in the Patterson Place area, I always order Thai. I believe I will go another mile or two down the road next time.
Dub Karriker
Nov 9, 2025
5
The food is excellent! Why don't more people eat here? It's tucked away in an awkward strip center off a main thoroughfare. You can't really see it from the road, so location doesn't help. The hours they are open are limited by local staffing challenges. But if you love pan-Asian noodle dishes, you won't find better in the Triangle. Do yourself a favor, fight through the challenges. You'll be rewarded with some of the best dishes in the area.
Jailyn Neville
Oct 10, 2025
5
Absolutely delicious pork wonton soup — ordered delivery while sick and it was perfect. I will get it multiple days in a row while I recover. Even warmed up well.
Kerissa Armstead
Sep 28, 2025
5
Soooooo good! We ordered pad Thai and udon drunken noodles. Both were delicious! The service was very friendly, helpful and the food came out quickly. The chocolate cake was very rich and fudgy too!
The medium was pretty spicy and the mild was a little spicy too, so beware ordering hot or very hot. 😆
Alex beste
Sep 23, 2025
5
Noodle 501 is fantastic! I’ve been many times and had several of the menu items. You really cannot go wrong ordering anything off the menu. Some favorites of mine are the duck ramen, pork wonton ramen, drunken noodles, and crab rangoon. You also get to choose how spicy you want your meal, which helps with variety on the menu. All that being said, it can take a while to get food when they’re busy. But the food is always hot and extremely so it’s worth the wait. Absolutely would recommend as a lunch or dinner spot!
HE Wu
Aug 31, 2025
5
The kimchi ramen soup is rich and flavorful, really great! I tried the medium spice level, and next time I’ll try a spicier one.
Anna M
Aug 20, 2025
3
I ordered on DoorDash so bumped it up a star since that could be a contributing factor but the vegan pad see ew I ordered came unsauced and pretty spicy for a level 2. It was just oil and chili flakes as a “sauce” it seems. The tofu was ok and the broccoli was good but it was confusing to say the least.
Shayla Holloway
Aug 16, 2025
5
The service, the food, just everything about this restaurant is amazing!!! I am new to the Durham area attending Duke and I needed a quick bite to eat with my parents. We actually stumbled upon the restaurant after going to FedEx to print something and decided to give it a shot. Thank God we did! From the minute we stepped in the owner greeted us and sat us almost immediately while offering helpful info, advice, and recommendations about the menu. You absolutely MUST get the Roti and Curry for the appetizer. Out of everything I have tried it is my favorite!! The Roti is so flaky and buttery, and the curry sauce??? To. Die. For. I’m not kidding. I also tried the Drunken Noodles and they are amazing! So flavorful and just overall a really great dish. They cut all the vegetables, pull all the noodles, and make the broth in-house and you can absolutely taste all of the care and work they put into their food. Overall, this restaurant is a must if you are in Durham, and absolutely strike up a conversation with the owner. He is so kind and hard working, and you can truly tell that he cares about the food, restaurant, and customers.
Eduardo Camarena
Jul 15, 2025
5
We ordered 3 dishes : Steamed veggie gyozas, drunken noodles (medium hot) and crab rangoons.
All three has a wholesome feel to them, especially the doughy portion of each dish.
The rangoons were crispy on the peaks and homie on the bottoms. The noodles were sooooo loving / loved / tender ❤️❤️❤️🥝 and the ahhhhhh!! the texture of the steamed gyozas were also suuuuper tender (like a baby sleeping cozily 😆)
The food came out promptly, fresh and hot (temperature wise).
I can't emphasize enough about the cozy feeling of our meal. You have to come and try it.
Da B
Jul 14, 2025
5
Ordered Drunken noodles with chicken and extra noodles, medium spice. Excellent flavor, medium spice is spicy for sure!
Brady B
May 26, 2025
5
This is the best Thai place I’ve tried in a long time. Thomas was very personable and his service was phenomenal! The beef noodle soup was so delish I could have licked the bowl. Will definitely be coming back here anytime I’m in town! Btw if you have a sweet tooth you have to try the blueberry cheesecake…you will not be disappointed!
Eric Mlcoch
May 23, 2025
5
My wife and I have enjoyed many excellent meals at Noodle 501. We had a late dinner tonight and I ordered the Duck Ramen while she dived into the Beef Soup. Both were phenomenal, the broth was authentic and the quality of protein/vegetables was spot on. Get the Thai tea and some dessert as well you won't be disappointed!
Phil Gilbert
May 16, 2025
5
Had a wonderful dine-in dinner experience. I came in a little later and I met at the co-owner who was working the front door. He made some awesome recommendations for things to try and everything was delicious. The spice level was perfect. Top notch. Highly recommended.
Brittany Elliott
May 14, 2025
5
First of all, I just have to give a huge shout out to Thomas!! He met me with a smile and the most positive attitude that he didn’t even realize I needed. I told him I was visiting but in all seriousness, my mom was unfortunately diagnosed with a rare cancer and she started chemo that week. Seeing how we drove hours to Durham, I just needed a great experience. He sold me on the Duck Ramen and I can honestly say it was some of the best ramen Iv’e ever had. He told me I would love it and he was absolutely right. Needless to say, I really appreciate his kindness and being a light in The midst a storm for me. This meant the world. Whenever I come back to Durham, I will most definitely stop in here for more amazing Duck Ramen. I know great people when I encounter them as I’m an empath, and he has a heart of gold. Ask for Thomas you guys!! PS: my mom loved the Ramen! -BEE AS IN HONEYBEE-
Auro R'G
May 14, 2025
5
This place is amazing! The staff and owner were all very nice and attentive. The menu had a nice variety of food available AND MANGO STICKY RICE!!! Food was amazing and yummy. Can't wait to come back and try the very hot spice. (Thai tea also great quality, highly recommend)
Abigail Estes
May 11, 2025
5
Delicious!! I got the drunken noodles (mild) and they were so yum. We met the owner and he was lovely and seemingly running the whole place. A great experience, great food, and if you’re a fan of spicy they have “death dust” for the extra kick you may be looking for! 10/10 will be back!
Jim Asper
May 9, 2025
5
We’ve been back here to eat multiple times and it’s been great every visit! Great noodle spot in the Durham area. Great service every time. The employees are amazing at recommending dishes if you’re unsure of what to get. The potstickers are a favorite of ours.
RobertsMom NC
Feb 8, 2025
5
Food was good. Staff was attentive. What was a bit off putting was all the “helpful” signage that also seemed a bit like a lot like “no”. It’s like they got so tired of customers unique requests that they put up a bunch of posters etc…
