Zhanglala Beef Noodles, a Lanzhou-style hand-pulled noodle chain, has opened its first U.S. franchise on the Delmar Loop, taking over the former PokeDoke space at 6316 Delmar Boulevard in University City. The roughly 3,000-square-foot spot opened April 24 and seats about 105, and a windowed noodle-making station lets diners watch cooks hand-pull fresh noodles to order.
Per Zhanglala Beef Noodles, the University City location lists hours (11 a.m.–9 p.m. Sun–Thu; 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Fri–Sat), a local phone number (314-932-7090) and online ordering. The site leans into classic descriptions, highlighting tender braised beef and handmade noodles, and underscores the chain’s focus on fresh, broth-forward bowls.
Menu, Size and Origins
As reported by St. Louis Magazine, Zhanglala specializes in Lanzhou-style beef noodle soups, offers about a dozen traditional noodle options and lets guests choose from six noodle widths. The magazine quotes general manager Chin Zhang saying the brand began in China and now has more than 200 locations overseas, including storefronts in Germany, and that the Delmar Loop restaurant is the brand’s first U.S. franchise. Chef Bomo Song has also localized the menu with additions such as chow mein, fried rice and big plate chicken, while keeping the spicy beef noodle as the signature dish.
What It Means For The Loop
The arrival of a global Lanzhou noodle brand adds another draw to the Loop’s dining scene and fills a sizable storefront on a busy University City corridor. Local listings such as the Delmar Loop business directory and delivery platforms show Zhanglala offering takeout and third-party delivery, which could help the location reach students and neighborhood diners looking for quick, hearty bowls.
