Looking to sample the most popular noodles around town?
Hoodline crunched the numbers to find the best affordable noodle spots in Denver, using both Yelp data and our own secret sauce to produce a ranked list of the top spots to meet your needs for phở, pad thai and other slurp-worthy dishes.
1. J's Noodles Star Thai
Topping the list is J's Noodles Star Thai at 945 S. Federal Blvd., Suite E, on the city's southwest side. The casual Thai restaurant with a wide-ranging menu is the highest-rated low-priced noodle spot in Denver, boasting four stars out of 229 reviews on Yelp.
Stop by for the bean thread noodle salad with shrimp, chicken and spicy lime dressing, country pad thai, Bangkok noodles in yellow curry sauce and a seafood noodle soup in a rich, savory broth. Longtime customer Tim N. says, "I have been coming here for years now, and the quality never ceases to disappoint."
2. Pho Ok
Next up is Pho OK, situated at 890 S. Monaco Parkway, Unit 8. With four stars out of 196 reviews on Yelp, the Vietnamese eatery has proved to be a local favorite for those looking for a budget-friendly option.
The cozy spot features pan-fried flat noodles, vermicelli bowls, crispy fried noodles and phở with chicken, meatballs, steak, brisket or tripe. The house special phở comes with filet mignon, brisket and flank steak. Wash it all down with a smoothie or bubble tea in flavors like passion fruit, red bean and lavender milk.
3. Pho 38 and Noodle House
Tucked into a nondescript strip mall in Sunnyside, Pho 38 and Noodle House, located at 2915 W. 38th Ave., is another top choice. Yelpers give the affordable Vietnamese and Chinese spot four stars out of 176 reviews.
Popular for family-style feasts, try the eatery's phở, pad thai or one of the lo mein dishes. Yelp reviewer Peter S. has high praise for Pho 38, saying, "This is the best phở in Denver. ... The price is very reasonable for the portion you get, and the family that runs the place is very sweet."
4. Tony Pho
Another low-priced go-to is Tony Pho, a Vietnamese restaurant at 1002 S. Federal Blvd. that has earned four stars out of 76 Yelp reviews.
The eatery says on its website that it offers a modern spin on traditional Vietnamese flavors and provides diners with "the most memorable, fragrant, freshest and healthiest Vietnamese food at affordable prices in Denver." The primary focus is phở, with seafood, steak and chicken versions as well as smaller phở options for kids. For dessert, offerings include a green and red bean pudding, smoothies and bubble teas.
5. Pho Le
Finally, check out Pho Le, which has earned four stars out of 54 reviews on Yelp. Dig in at the Vietnamese spot, which is open until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, by heading over to 1195 S. Federal Blvd.
The noodle house specializes in phở but also offers hot pot and vegetarian options. On the menu, look for the beef soup with flank, Vietnamese sausage and pork blood over rice noodles; vermicelli with egg rolls; and a dry noodle bowl with vegetarian ham and tofu. Yelp reviewer Mellisa W. recommends stopping by for the weekday happy hour deals: "My friend and I got enough food to feed four people for about $20! Highly recommend!"
