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Name: Joy’s Noodles & Rice
Address: 3257 N Broadway, Chicago, IL, 60657
Telephone: (773) 327-8330
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.89

Joy’s Noodles & Rice

3257 N Broadway, Chicago, IL, 60657

(773) 327-8330
Store is closed

Joy’s Noodles & Rice Menu

Starters

Baby Egg Rolls (6)

Chicken Satay

Spring Rolls

Khanom Jeeb (6)

Pot Stickers (5)

Thai Rolls

Vegetable Rolls

Fried Tofu (6)

Fried Shu Mai (6)

Crab Rangoon (6)

Fried Won Ton (6)

Super Combo (12)
Soups

Noodles Soup Special

Tom Yum Soup

Vegetable Tofu Soup

Shrimp Won Ton Soup

Tom Kha Soup
Salads

Cucumber Salad

Nam Tok (beef Salad)

Larb (chicken Salad)
Noodles

Pad Thai

Np Pad Thai

Pad See Eiw

Lard Na

Pad Woon Sen

Drunken Noodles

Mixed Vegetables

Pad Khee Mao

Bai-tong Noodles

Spicy Chili Noodles

Bangkok Noodles

Crazy Noodles

Thai Rice Stick

Golden Noodles

Prik Pao Noodles

Bamee Noodles

Dumpling Noodles

Garlic Chicken Noodles
Curry Dishes

Mandalay Noodles

Phuket Noodles

Panang Noodles

Green Curry

Chicken Coconut Curry
Rice Dishes

Beef And Broccoli

Chicken 'n Rice

Bbq Pork 'n Rice

Cashew Chicken

Garlic Sauce

Pad Prik

Spicy Basil Leaves

Rama Special

Ginger Chicken

Steamed Vegetables

Chicken Supreme

Fried Rice
Side Orders

Jasmine Rice

Peanut Sauce

Steamed Noodles

Steamed Vegetables
Beverages

Coke Diet Coke Sprite

Lemonade Gingerale Root Beer

Iced Tea

Thai Iced Tea

Thai Iced Coffee

Bubble Tea

Jasmine Tea Coffee
Desserts

Lychee Or Rambutan

Healthy Meal suggestions for Joy’s Noodles & Rice

Starters

Baby Egg Rolls (6) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Satay [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spring Rolls [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Khanom Jeeb (6) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pot Stickers (5) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Thai Rolls [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vegetable Rolls [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Tofu (6) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Shu Mai (6) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crab Rangoon (6) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Won Ton (6) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Super Combo (12) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Soups

Noodles Soup Special [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tom Yum Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Vegetable Tofu Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp Won Ton Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tom Kha Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Salads

Cucumber Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Nam Tok (beef Salad) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Larb (chicken Salad) [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Noodles

Pad Thai [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Np Pad Thai [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pad See Eiw [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lard Na [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pad Woon Sen [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Drunken Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mixed Vegetables [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pad Khee Mao [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bai-tong Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spicy Chili Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bangkok Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crazy Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Thai Rice Stick [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Golden Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Prik Pao Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bamee Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Dumpling Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Garlic Chicken Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Curry Dishes

Mandalay Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Phuket Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Panang Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Green Curry [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Coconut Curry [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Rice Dishes

Beef And Broccoli [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken 'n Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bbq Pork 'n Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cashew Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Garlic Sauce [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Pad Prik [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Spicy Basil Leaves [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Rama Special [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ginger Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steamed Vegetables [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken Supreme [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Side Orders

Jasmine Rice [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Peanut Sauce [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steamed Noodles [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Steamed Vegetables [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Beverages

Coke Diet Coke Sprite [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lemonade Gingerale Root Beer [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Iced Tea [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Thai Iced Tea [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Thai Iced Coffee [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bubble Tea [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Jasmine Tea Coffee [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Desserts

Lychee Or Rambutan [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Cassie M.

Discovered this place when I was hot and bedraggled after Pride... Despite crazy huge crowds, we were seated in about 5 minutes. Quick service, reasonable prices, great food. What's not to like?
(4)
Richard B.

Very good Phuket (spinach egg noodles), the appetizers are mostly good. Service is good and they are usually fast. If you need takeout, this is the place. Order online for discount. Can be busy.
(4)
David R.

Joy's is great!!! "Garlic Chicken Noodles" is an amazing dish. Service is always attentive and food has yet to disappoint.
(4)
Jon P.

Stopped by this place last night for a dinner with 6 other friends. It isn't the biggest place in the world, but they quickly accommodated our semi-large group by pulling together some tables. This place's decor seems a big odd for a Thai restaurant. It is very brightly lit, and very clean and sleek inside. I'm talking slate and stone everywhere. There is a huge piece of cloth art on one of the walls though. I've never seen so many sequins before... Very cool. On to the food. Typical enough Thai/Asian fare. We had some pad thai, bubble tea, and crab rangoon at the table as well as some more interesting dishes. Over all, pretty tasty. All the food was hot when served and it came very quick. Best all over, the price is right. At ~8/entrÃ©e, how can you go wrong?
(3)
Rick F.

Atmosphere: Hip Bathrooms: Clean Service: Inconsistent Price: Fair Food: Much better places for Thai food in the city! Great place to gather with friends! Food is so so! I've had more bad meals that good ones! I keep going cause it's convenient. With a little more attention to authentic Thai cuisine this place could really rock!
(2)
John A.

I have only eaten at Joys by way of carry-out, so this review is of their food as carry-out. Pros: So fast, they make Jimmy Johns look like some sort of slow moving ice formation. Seriously, I eat here ususally when I realise I have forgotten to eat and I don't have the patience to boil water and add rice, it is that fast. The food is reasonable priced. I have used the online ordering system several times and it has always been a charm. Cons: It isn't really a con, because the food isn't bad, but there is usually nothing that special about it. I am sure that it is much better when you dine in. When ever you order food "hot", it seems like they just add some chili paste in at the last minute and don't really worry about mixing it in.
(3)
Afthab B.

My first review :). Moved to the neighborhood 2 months back. Ordered a take out. Took less than 10 mins. Green curry was good nothing extra special. They din't have any other curry which was kinda strange for a thai restaurant. I prefer the near by Cozy noodles over this.
(3)
Megan G.

This is our go-to Thai place in Lakeview. In fact, we're so happy with Joy's that it has kept us from trying other Thai places in the city for the past few years. Let me tell you a story. Back in the early years of the millennium, I was a newcomer to Chicago, Lakeview, and the general world of living as an adult (working all day and spending what little dough I made at night). I embarked on a pad thai tasting project because I was broke, poor, and bored in my evenings. I was tipped off to Joy's by a coworker and haven't turned back. They have the best pad thai in the area (lots of peanutty noodles, a really tasty fried tofu- not too heavy, crispy outside, springy inside, and lots of freshness on top by way of sprouts, chopped green onion, and a lime wedge). The funny thing is, I rarely order their pad thai these days. Usually I get one of their several noodle or rice veggie dishes, all good. The BF is partial to their spicy basil dish or curries and we always get the veggie spring rolls and sometimes the crab rangoon. It's clean, friendly, and always a short wait to dine in-house and they have the fastest delivery I've ever seen. True, we live about 2 blocks away, but in past homestead locations, they delivered in under a 1/2 hour- sometimes in 10 minutes, I'm not kidding. Also BYOB and very reasonably priced. All that for an actual healthy meal- lots of fresh veggies included- lots of places skimp on the health factor- makes this our go-to every time. I've used their online option to order before but sometimes it doesn't work. But, still fast delivery either way.
(5)
Katie R.

I love their cucumber salad with passion. Noodles in the Pot (the sister to Joy's) is near my work and thus I have eaten a lot of food there as well. Joy's is pretty much the same. Even the atmosphere is similar. I love their garlic sauce with chicken (rice). I also like their Pad Thai and Pad See Eiuw quite a bit. Everything here usually has lovely chicken as well, rather than the gristle/gross pieces you sometimes get at not-so-nice restaurants. Do yourself a favor and make sure to get the cucumber salad.
(4)
Sarah S.

Just had my first experience at Joy's this past weekend and I was very pleased. My friends and I started with an order of the thai rolls. We thought they were going to be different than they were...weren't too fond of them. I had the Bai Tong Noodles as my dinner and that definitely made up for the mediocre appetizer!!! Whenever I get Thai food, I ALWAYS get Pad Thai, but this time I decided to branch out. Bai Tong is spanish noodles with egg, bean sprouts and peanuts. Thinking about how delicious they were makes me want to go back and get them again! My roommate had the garlic chicken. Though the name does say garlic, it was a bit overpowering. I don't think she would get that dish again.
(4)
Nick B.

So back to those Chicago reviews! I've been on a tofu-broccoli binge for sometime now. I was craving it last night. I've heard a lot of good things about Joy's for a long time now and the reviews on Yelp finally convinced me to stop by. I went last night with a friend and started with the spring rolls. I didn't read the description well because I was starving, but the spring rolls weren't fried or cooked. Which is fine, because it was a nice change of pace. Anyway, the rolls were stuffed with avocado, cucumber, cabbage, and some other veggies. To my surprise...they weren't vegan. So note to self. For dinner I went with the tofu broccoli (subbed out the beef) which came with plenty of tofu, broccoli, and a serving of rice. Food was great! It was a smaller portion which was a nice change for an Asian restaurant. Overall, food was good, price was on point, and service was satisfying. I can't say I was blown away by anything, but definitely worth my time and I will return.
(4)
Loren F.

Blah. I feel bad for Chicagoans if you think this is Thai. I don't often write bad reviews but this was just gross. Weak curry, cheap top ramen freeze dry style noodles and too much sweet coconut milk to water it down. Come to California where and try real Thai food. The service was good though, thus the extra star.
(2)
Kara C.

If you've got a craving for thai, Joy's is an awesome place to go. I got a recommendation to go here from a friend. The friend told me just about everything is good and he is right! My whole family went there and we tried each others dishes. YUM. I've tried... spring rolls pot stickers (with bomb peanut sauce) chicken coconut curry pad thai (not the best, but not awful) prik pao noodles (so good) garlic chicken noodles (also good!) pad khee mao (amazing) generous portions, great taste, inexpensive!
(5)
Ramya P.

Joy's is huge.... It has a large space so its great for large parties. And so, not very difficult to get a reservation on a Friday evening one hour before its time for dinner. Its BYOB which I really appreciate. The food is very good. Our party of 6 tried the crab rangoon, spring roll, spicy basil, pad khe mao, garlic sauce and the green curry. All of them were a hit and were sufficient.
(4)
Matt R.

I have been coming to Joy's Noodles & Rice since my second week in Chicago... nearly a decade ago and it's still an absolute favorite. Unlike most Thai restaurants in the city, the space is large, comfortable, stylish, and simply a great time. It's BYOB so definitely bring a couple nice bottles of wine or some good beer. In the warmer months, sit in the garden out back if there isn't a long wait. There usually isn't. As for the menu, it's difficult to go wrong. Everything is delicious and apparently very authentic according to friends who used to live in Thailand. The Pad Thai is the best I've had anywhere and I've recently been ordering the Pad Khee Mao whenever I go. Everything is cheap so be sure to get appetizers and soup if you are really hungry. (I generally order more than I expect to eat because everything here reheats really well the next day for lunch.) The Thai Rolls are amazing and I love the Fried Shu Mai. I have nothing but praise for Joy's. Check it out if you've never been. It's one of the easier restaurant choices in the city, especially on a budget.
(5)
Arlene A.

Walked in positively STARVING! Which brings up the very best thing about Joy's and the not so best. While I was glad that our server came over to get our appetizer order, it was irritating that he appeared to be in a rush to get us out. If the place was packed I wouldn't have a problem with this, but the place is pretty big and maybe filled 1/3 of the way. We asked about dessert, and he literally told us that we shouldn't. We were ordering dessert to be polite as he stared at us finishing our 1/2 glasses of wine. Really uncomfortable. On to the food - EXCELLENT! Everything was flavorful, the portions generous. I had a noodle dish (Pad Khee Mao) and my honey had the Panang Curry, with a Super Combo Appetizer to start. All good! Love the variety of sauces served with all the nibbles, totally up my alley. And while I wouldn't rush to eat here, they do deliver!
(3)
Andrey R.

Everytime I go there, it's always nice; good food and definitely affordable. Pad Thai with chicken and spring rolls are great! BYOB +
(4)
Heather B.

Super fast service and the Tom Yum soup was more chock full of tasty tidbits than I've ever seen. Unfortunately, the fried tofu appetizer demoted this place a whole star in my book.
(3)
Polwach W.

My friend and I went for lunch here as it gets a lot of good review. For Thai people, I could say that it's a total disappointment. I ordered Pad See Ew, my favorite Thai dish. Oh my... it's far too sweet. The taste is very mediocre. I have had better. We ordered Spring Roll as a side dish. Ok, it's very sweet too, but normally this dish should be sweet any way. My friend, she ordered Tom Kah. A soup that should be sour and slightly sweet. No surpise to us, it's sweet but not sour at all, not mentioning the wrong ingredient they put in; I think it was tomato. So, she asked for a lime to save the dish. They brought her a yellow lemon, saying that they have no lime. WTF, how could you call yourself a Thai restaurant if you don't even have the lime. The service is good though, but sadly we are not coming back again.
(2)
Jonathan C.

I have mixed views of this place (from my one visit). Pros: - we went with a part of 7 on a Sat. night and got seated within 10 minutes (which is nice). - the meals were $6-7 and a drinks are byob or only $2-3 for theirs Cons: - Green Curry was bland. I need spice, I need the authentic stuff. The Jalopenos and chili paste at the table were weak too. I do not like my food so Americanized that it no longer has heat. - All of our food came out at different times. My fiancee ordered 5-10 minutes after everyone else yet got her dish first. I We got our soup after the maincourses already came out. For the price I will try again, but I may need to specify I want more heat.
(2)
Shawn K.

I must admit after seeing the reviews on Yelp I was a little surprised with the whole experience. Maybe that was because I ordered take out instead of dine in food. The food was well prepared and the presentation even in the take out boxes was surprisingly nice. What I was disappointed in was the quantity of the food. For the amount it costs I would have expected to see bigger portions of rice and more sauce. It may have been an off day for them as well. When I got there I had to track down a waiter to get my pickup order. The place was not very full so this surprised me a bit. I will probably make one more attempt at some point. 360 reviews cant be wrong after all.
(3)
Josh L.

Drunken noodles are ok. Crab Won Tons are pretty great. Service is great and fast. Delivery is alright, some of the staff doesn't speak English so mistakes can be made. Dine-in is a great experience. They always hustle. The reason it gets 5 stars. The Bai Tong noodles. They are so good it hurts. Best Pad Tia in the city. I'm a buff and am easily unimpressed, but they have the answer.
(5)
Jacob Y.

This place serves some of the best Thai at VERY reasonable prices. The pad see ew is phenomenal...and I love their panang curry dishes. Careful on ordering the HOT version of the dishes...they mean HOT!
(5)
S K.

Overall pretty good Thai food. I love the pad thai here. It used to feel like this place had a huge vat of noodles that they would dish out plates in minutes because they were so busy. Over the past few years, it feels like they've done a much better job serving their noodles fresher or at least it appears that way. I always sweeten the noodles up with a little peanut sauce and add the hot sauce for some added flavor. It works. Cheap, consistent dishes makes this place a staple when I'm in Wrigleyville.
(3)
caroline e.

When the Bamee Noodles were placed in front of me, my first thought was, "ewee." It really did not look appetizing. However, I have to say that it was surprisingly good! Just the right amount of sweetness. I could have done without the fake crab, but the rest of the dish was delish. I also tasted the BF's Chicken Coconut Curry and have to say it was also really tasty. The staff is friendly, the booze is BYOB and the food is really good. Verdict: Joy's made me happy.
(4)
Kourtney L.

I pretty much peruse Colleen C's reviews whenever I'm in need of dinner delivered. On this occasion, I hadn't really eaten in two days (ugh, upper respiratory infection) and nothing sounded good. I picked at random and Joy's it was. My voice was that of an 80 year old smoker, if existent at all, at this time so the online ordering made me want to cry happy tears. It's my humble opinion that everywhere should have this. I ordered the chicken coconut curry and some soup. The food arrived a bit before the quoted time and piping hot. The soup wasn't really my thing but the chicken coconut curry was fan-freakin'-tastic! I really do believe that food had healing powers 'cause I began to feel a bit more human afterward. Thanks Joy's!
(5)
Monica P.

This is my go-to Thai restaurant. I no longer live in Chicago, but every time I return for a visit, I eat here. No questions. Good food, good prices, and BYOB. I usually go for the Thai rice stick (with beef), with the mini eggrolls. Joy brings me joy. :)
(5)
Chad O.

Although its BYOB. Still the best rice, service and taste for what money can buy. Must!!
(5)
Nicole M.

Joy's is wicked awesome. My girlfriend and I come here more than any other place. My favorite dishes are Bai Tong (spinach noodles), Pad See Ew, and Coconut Chicken Curry. The Tom Kha soup is also delicious. basically... JOYS RULES
(5)
Gary T.

Disagree with Jennie C who wrote a review a few days ago. I think the prices are excellent. Its nice without the pretentious attitude. Love it.
(5)
Lauren B.

Oh, Joy's. You are truly a Boystown gem. I've been more times than I'd like to admit, and yet, the food really isn't all that spectacular. (If you're looking to get some mind-blowing Thai...don't go here.) "Why do you keep going back then, dumb*ss?" you might ask. Several reasons: BYOB w/ no corkage fee. Economical menu. Generous portions. Lightening-speed service by very "fabulous" waitstaff. Great voyeuristic opportunities: the people-watching is great, both inside the restaurant and on Broadway. Lots of space, never a wait. It's certainly not a place where you'll enjoy a culinary masterpiece, but it's great for a cheap meal with friends. Bring that bottle o' wine or...that 40, and enJoy.
(3)
Risa P.

Oh Joys. You are delicious. For some reason, I prefer NITP but you get the same noodles. I want to sit outdoors here. The food is still awesome, and they really packed the vegetables in my dish, which was great. The noodles were great, and after a week of Passover, they were especially good. White wine goes well with these noodles. The service is fast, the prices are good. What more could you want?
(4)
Inna B.

Very, very solid Thai place. I usually get the chicken pad- thai or one of the curries. Joy's is cheap and BYOB. Good place to come with a large group of people.
(4)
Tobias C.

I quite like the waiter service here actually. They have the right balance of leaving you alone and asking you if you need anything. Ive been here three times and have been more than satisfied with the treatment and food I got here. I also haven't dealth with any crowds but Ive only gone here in the afternoon.
(5)
Elizabeth D.

Joys noodles makes me happy. I don't know when Thai food became my comfort food, but joys always succeeds in this mission. My go to dish for most Thai places is the pad see eiw. Joys has a great version of this (although admittedly not the absolute best I've ever had). But, they don't skimp on the broccoli or the sauce, and I'm typically able to make half of it my lunch for the next day, especially if ive also gotten an order of the delish shrop shumai (called Khanom Jeeb). Joy! Last night, my husband got their drunken noodles. I doubted if I'd be a fan, because that's one of the dishes I think most Thai places over season. But his was oh so yummy, made with fresh basil and all sorts of veggies. Food envy struck! Other times I've ordered the prik pao noodles and been really happy with that. Also, their Panang Currie sauce is oh so good, but watch out when you order. They fry their noodles. If you don't like the idea of dipping chips into curry and meat/tofu, ask them to replace the fried noodles with the thin rice noodles... then (to me at least) I don't feel like I'm eating chips for dinner. All in all, joys is great place for takeout or dine in. Yet give great portion sizes for reasonable amounts, and are byo. Don't bother going to some of the other Thai place down the street if you are craving good simple Thai.
(4)
mike l.

Wow, 60+ reviews, pretty popular place. For good reason. Joy's had pretty decent thai. Nothing spectacular, but definitely solid. More than the food, it's just a really enjoyable experience. the service is quick & they don't get all up in your shit every two minutes. Now that it's nice, they throw the doors open & it's just a nice vibe.
(4)
Yujin A.

A lot of my neighbors think this place is awesome, but I wasn't too impressed. It's not too bad either. It's just an OK Asian place. Their menu is pretty extensive and cheap. So I guess, the place is pretty good for the price.
(3)
a w.

Great prices for some really tasty food. I love going here anytime to get a very yummy and filling meal. Their Pad Thai is amazing and really a must-try. The only problem I have here is that it gets a bit crowded during lunch time...so the wait gets a bit long. Otherwise this place is great!
(4)
Rob L.

Nice little BYOB. Great that they can open the front windows on a nice day, tasty food, good prices, really good service, (drinks were refilled at the half way point!), I just have to say I wish their Tom Yum had a little more kick to it. and a little more flavor to it. Its been less than 24 hours and I want to go back!
(4)
Y G.

When I'm tired of cooking..I turn to Joy's. I love the noodles here and so many to try from too! Big portions for cheap, always have leftovers for the next meal. Great appetizers too and awesome Thai iced tea. I take all my friends here for brunch when they are in town after a long night of partying. Nothing satisfies hunger like noodles from Joy's.
(5)
Aztlan S.

If a restaurant's "look" is more important to you than the food it serves, this is the place for you. But if the quality and taste of the food is your primary concern, Joy's is very hit-and-miss. In the interest of full disclosure, I should warn you that my taste gravitates toward spicy food. (Like Spicy, try Thai!) The misses: First of all, they have committed the unforgivable crime of messing up (arguably) the most well-known Thai dish: Pad Thai. Their Pad Thai has a slight pinkish hue (as opposed to the more orangey/ beige colored variety you find at other places), I suspect Joy's drenches the noodles in red oil. I would rather go to Bamee just a few blocks up on Broadway. Another miss: Pad Khee Mao (stir fried wide rice noodles with carrot, tomato, etc.). It was lackluster, greasy, and, in all honesty, this dish is better suited for people with a bland palette. But Joy's definitely has some hits: the Phuket Noodles (stir fried spinach noodles [green, of course!] with curry, etc.) are positively delicious. The noodles and the curry are perfect together --slightly tangy with a spicy twist. Another hit: Spicy Chili Noodles (stir fried wide rice noodles with egg spiced with Thai chili sauce) are a spicy taste of heaven, spicy hot and delicious. The mediocre: The Tom Yum soup is too sweet for my taste. I would rather go elsewhere for Tom Yum.
(3)
Rachelle T.

I ordered take-out from here with a friend who raved that "Joy's is the best Thai food in the city" and while it was good I don't think it quite lived up to that rep. The tofu pad thai was decent (I'd give them 3 stars based on this alone) and the portion was very generous which was a plus b/c I got two meals out of it. The reason for the 4 star review is the crab rangoon I ordered as an app... it was awesome! I've tried a lot of takeout crab rangoon in the lakeview area and I think this was probably my favorite to date. I'd order it again since it was a good value and definitely filled me up!
(4)
Becca F.

This place was a standby when I lived in Lakeview. I love their Pad Thai with tofu. I dream about their pot stickers - and the sauce - YUM! My husband loves their Bamee Noodles. I always have to have bite. Their deliver is super fast, their prices are totally reasonable, and the portions are generous. If you can restrain yourself, there should be enough left over for lunch!
(5)
Ori B.

Decent curries (though never spicy enough). Clean and fast and very reasonable.
(3)
David S.

Good food at respectable prices. My meal only ran $7 and included a reasonable amount of veggies & chicken, which is definitely nice for the price. Drinks are good for Thai places - around $1-2 which is the usual at a place like this. I can't say that I thoroughly enjoyed the place but I've only tried one dish, so for a meal ~$10 with tip you can't go wrong with this.
(4)
Local G.

This place is pretty good. Its not stellar and its not horrible. The prices are reasonable as are most other Thai restaurants in the city. I've had a couple of negative experiences here. When I ordered the Pad Thai dish and Pad Se Ew dish on separate occasions, both seemed overly heavy on the fish sauce. It was so strong that I couldn't finish it. I tried to douse some soy sauce to kill the strong fish sauce taste, but no luck. Haven't been back since. The ambiance is nice and the wait staff is friendly. I might give this place a try again in the near future.
(3)
Mark R.

My wife and I have slowly sampled the takeout offerings of just about every asian noodle place in the north halsted/wrigleyville/broadway area, and Joy's is definitely our favorite. The portions are big (unlike Cozy's), the food is delicious (Penny's lacks flavor), and the prices are good (Chen's is a little pricey).
(5)
Molly G.

Best Pad Thai in town, I did not give them 5 stars only because something or someone in the kitchen changed, their tofu is different and it bums me out. Not that it's bad, just different, I liked the smaller pieces so much better. And Bubble Tea ... Mango flavor is outstanding!!!!!!
(4)
Emily D.

I love Joy's and have been enthusiastically eating their pad thai for about 7 years. It's the best in the city that I've had, and their lunch special is unbeatable. One serving is enough for three separate small meals for me, so it's a good buy no matter how you look at it.
(5)
Jamie J.

Love this place! Huge portions for fair price and yummy drinks!
(5)
Alan R.

Oh how I miss Joy's. When we used to live in lakeview, my wife and I went to Joy's about once every other week. It is a great local destination that gives a great product for the price. I really like their BBQ pork. They have very good Pad See Eiw and also great Thai Rolls. Not necessarily a destination restaurant, but a great place if you live in the city.
(4)
Lindsay N.

Holy Cow! Joy's is unbelievable. I LOVE it. Before you get chicken or shrimp, I would get the tofu. They have the best frickin tofu in the city! And, even though it's Americanized, get the crab rangoon. YUMMM
(5)
Ash J.

This place offers very affordable Thai cuisine...My wife and I order from this place at least twice a month...The spring rolls and the panang curry are EXCELLENT
(4)
Ted B.

I can say, without a doubt, that this is my favorite restaurant in Chicago. I have eaten here at least 250 times! Everything is fresh, hot, and really fast. I highly recommend the Beef Salad, Vegetable Rolls, Pad Woon Sen, Drunken Noodles, and Chicken Supreme. All are delicious! Plus, they deliver and it's always really fast.
(5)
Jacob K.

This was a lucky find for me as I was looking for someplace near the Brew and View (aka the Vic) on New years day. The atmosphere was great, the place was huge and almost completely packed. I really liked the french doors and the tapestries on the walls. So onto the food. The star of the show was the beef salad. it was refreshing with wonderful flavor and some real heat. We had green curry with chicken and rice which was very good and the coconut in the dish made it almost like dessert. The beef pad see eiw was also very good and plentiful although there could have been some more beef in it (it was mostly noodles with regular broccoli). The Thai rolls were good (much like Vietnamese spring rolls although there was fake crab in it. The service was probably some of the best I have experienced (more so than many fine dining establishments). The food came out fast and hot, the waiters were extremely attentive refilling water when the glasses were empty. If you are in the area it is definitely worth trying.
(4)
Tim H.

Mediocre food at a local favorite pretty much sums up the appeal of Joy's Noodles. Situated in the heart of Lakeview, the extent of its culinary options include curry, rice, and, as assumed, noodles. While the food is fairly average, the service is generally top rate. This includes the very pleasant tranny hostess (one would expect nothing less from Boystown) and attentive staff. All that being said, its a great place to meet for a BYOB meal where you are sure to see plenty of friends and acquaintances.
(3)
Jenn L.

Wonderful wonderful food! Prices are so reasonable and it's byob as well! This is one of my favorite spots. Esp the noodle soup and the crab rangoons!
(4)
Erin B.

I am ALWAYS ordering Joy's (seriously!) delivery. While I'm not a huge fan of Thai, I really love this place. Their prices are great, and they are very prompt both dining in, as well as delivery. I'm a huge fan of their cucumber salad and their shrimp shu-mai. Yum! They just renovated their facade (maybe even the whole restaurant come to think of it), and now they have collapsible window fronts so you can enjoy the breeze on nice days/nights.
(5)
jackie g.

great service, very good food, and amazing prices! we brought our own bottle of wine and as soon as we pulled it out we had wine glasses set on our table. i had enough leftovers to last me 2 more meals! not the BEST thai ive ever had, but pretty darn good!
(4)
David T.

Joys is a great fun bustling Thai restaurant in East Lakeview. I've been going there for years, even before moving to Chicago and have always enjoyed there food. They has a big expansion last year and when they re-opened their menu had changed and all their prices had gone up a dollar or so. However, their meals are still pretty cheap and filling. Only negative thing is that sometimes when they are busy they seem to rush you out. I will always recommend this as a fun cheap place to eat!
(4)
Mindy S.

Joy's has great thai food. I have never had a bad meal here. The pad thai and curry dishes are some of my favorites. Plus the portions are huge so there are always leftovers! The delivery always seems to be quick, but if you eat in don't forget your bottle of wine, as it's BYOB!
(4)
Jenny C.

The food here is really good. I've only gotten noodles dishes and I've loved every one I tried. The portions are huge, I end up with leftovers that last me for 2 more meals. Prices are good, especially for the amount of food you get. I am not as impressed with the service here though. It's strange because there will be like 5 different people (literally) providing service. Which gets a little annoying, b/c someone will ask to take my order when I've already ordered with someone else. Also, a lot of the waitstaff seem kinda cold and are borderline rude. I'd still go there for the food though!
(4)
Clayton J.

This place is amazing... I am a life long follower of their panang curry... it's amazing. These owners also own Noodles in the Pot in Lincoln Park, and they are also very good. The thing I like about this place is that they have a really chic dining area, and all the waiters are cool. Their lunch special is good, but you get less appetizer, so I always order the normal portion... because I'm all about the curry... this is a boystown staple, and I highly suggest eating here.
(5)
jennifer b.

hands-down the best thai in the city. get the drunken noodles with tofu - you won't regret it.
(5)
Shannon S.

Joy's had some of the best pad thai I have had in a while. It was a huge portion that lasted me about 4 meals. My friend and I also split the mini egg rolls. I have to say I wasn't a huge fan of those, but she really liked them. We got it delivered and it only took about 30 minutes. I noticed on their lunch menu they had some pretty good deals as well.
(4)
Tony M.

I call their food more 'tasy' thai, then authentic thai. Curry dishes are mild, i like them HOT. Great value, large portions.
(3)
Rachelle M.

When I moved in just around the corner this was the first place I ate at after a hard day of moving furniture and boxes. . . The food was excellent and the service friendly and fast ( a godsend for someone worn and impatient). Three years later I have since moved but still the Pad Thai is worth the effort to eat at what I consider the best Thai place in Chicago. The service is always fast and the portions huge, I love bringing friends from out of town here before we go out for the evening. I suggest the back patio during the warmer days for those who haven't discovered it yet, intimate and quiet.
(5)
Brandon B.

Hands down some of the best Thai food in the city for the price. I always get the chicken satay or tom kha soup and the pad wood sen. Portions are very generous and it's BYOB. I've known the wait staff to be a little pushy, but it's minor. Go here!
(4)
David R.

I dont really like thai food that much, but this place is really good. The phuket noodles=the bomb.
(5)
Chiara S.

WOW! You really steered me wrong with this one, Yelp... So my 'kind of' dude and I were really in the mood for some quick food and didn't want to go the Jade East route again (not that I would have minded but they have our usual orders down to a tee). We wanted to try something different so gave Joy's a try after so many positive Yelp reviews. BAD IDEA! It took an hour for the food to arrive (no big) and when it came, we couldn't figure out if we had actually gotten what we'd ordered. I ordered the Lard Na and got some freaky deeky ass breaded and fried (?) wide noodles that looked like they'd been previously shitted out. They were separated from the tough meat, mushy veggies, and over-salted sauce and the portions were small for the price. I could have made something far superior for a fraction of the cost in half of the amount of time - believe dat! My 'kind of' dude got some nasty Pad Khee Mao type entree (I think that was the name...) that had the same characteristics as the Lard Na. The food was totally mediocre, very small for the price (especially the soups) and made me seriously miss my Jade Chicken and broccoli :( DON'T GO HERE! For once in a very long time, I was seriously angered by my meal... boo!!! I felt so gypped!!
(1)
Erin H.

I love this place! This is my favorite Thai restaurant in Chicago. I get cravings for the Pad See Ewe on a weekly basis. Delivery is always under thirty minutes (I live close by).
(5)
Aubrey K.

Joy's has been of one of my favorite Thai places since living in Chicago for over five years. They are quick with delivery and have a big facility if you dine-in. I like that in the summer they have the open seating as well. Food is always consistently good. You cannot go wrong with any of the noodle and curry dishes which are 4 Stars all the way.
(5)
Joseph B.

the mrs and i went here for dinner around 8 on a friday night, the place was packed but we got a seat instantly. the service was fine and the food came out really quickly, the appetizer we ordered came out in about 2 minutes. overall the food was very impressive, the chicken pad thai was out of this world and i had the panang curry which was pretty tasty as well. the best part, the bill. an appetizer and two entrees came to 21 bucks before tip and we byob'd so this place made for a cheap and tasty meal. highly recommended.
(4)
Andrew L.

I brought my hot spicy date to this place because she lives close by. I also had it recommended to me by a coworker. One thing to note right away is that it is in Boy's Town so it was no surprise to us that the hostess was trans-gender and when we arrived, we were probably the only straight couple in the restaurant, so if you are offended by such things, fare thee warned. We, on the other hand, are not offended by the abovementioned and had a great time. The food is cheap and great!! I got the spicy basil thingy dish with chicken. It was so good that I had to sit down, which was lucky because I was already seated. My girlfriend doesn't remember what she got, but she remembers enjoying it grandly. I also was pleased because I eat the rest of it ;) We left with great... Joy? Lol, I'm too much!!!
(4)
Curt S.

My favorite place. Cheap, BYOB and excellent Curry. Plus you can order online and save 15%. The menu is roughly $8 per entree.
(5)
M P.

Joys is always a busy place to stop in for a bite, but the waiters will get to your table quickly. Their curries are amazing, but their pad thai and other noodle dishes are not as good as they used to be.
(3)
Sydney K.

This is a great noodle shop at great prices. It recently went through a renovation, and is now double the size (although they have yet to open up the entire space). They have lunch specials during the weekdays which are a steal. Joy's is also BYOB.
(4)
B. R.

This is the best Thai food that I have eaten since being in Chicago. The quality is great, the prices are right, and their delivery drivers are always prompt and courteous. Everything always tastes fresh. This is a great choice if you are having a movie night in.
(5)
amy k.

really like this place. the decor makes me feel something when i'm inside or just passing by. it's sooo clean and pretty. like it doesn't fit with the food. i love the crab rangoon and though the green curry wasn't what i needed, it was still good. great prices too. highly recommended.
(4)
Kristin A.

Excellent Thai food and CHEAP! My boyfriend despised thai food until I took him here. You can get two meals out of one because you'll have plenty of leftovers. Menu has great selection and I have yet to not like what I order. I have only dined in once, I usually get take-out. Either way is great!
(5)
J H.

Great noodle shop in Lakeview. The atmosphere is chic and the food is good. The price is excellent and its a great place to dine with friends and on casual dates. The BYOB rule makes this place a great neighborhood eatery.
(4)
Mark P.

Sub-standard Americanized Thai cuisine. Blech.
(1)
kath s.

I like this place. Good Asian food that's reasonably priced. All the dishes I've tried here, I liked. :D
(5)
G G.

Great Thai! They recently remodeled providing more seating. In the summer, the windows are open adding to the experience. I love their Pad Thai and the service is pleasant.
(4)
Stephanie M.

I like the open airy feel of this restaurant. The service was polite and prompt. THe food was reasonably priced and quite good. I ate a piece of jalapeno that was in my food and ended up drinking half my water, eating half a bowl or rice and chugging some of my then bf's coffee too! Very spicyyyy. Not that it wasnt good food...just don't overestimate your spicy food eating abilities ^_^.
(3)
brett m.

hands down, some of the best thai food in chicago. the cashew chicken is effing amazing. the staff is quite friendly, and the prices (wow) are nothing to shake a stick at. this is an amazing place to meet up with friends for dinner. joy's is a delightful, addictive little byob establishment, so get your rear up to boystown.
(5)
Julia B.

I got take out from Joy's last night and it was great! Sometimes Thai food makes me feel a little sick after I eat but this was perfect. I got the Drunken Noodles with Chicken. I thought it tasted awesome and they gave me a small cup of hot sauce which added some good flavor! We got two full meals for $14.
(5)
Asenath N.

One of my favorite Thai food places in the area. I been here many times and the food never disappoints. The flavoring of the food is mouth watering just thinking about it. The Pad ke mao is a top pick for me. The place is BYOB as well, which makes it even better. They have outside sitting in the summer. Is not the best service, so that's why I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5
(4)
Tiffany F.

Joy's is a great little spot!! We love our BYOB restaurants in Chicago. Joys has a nice atmosphere inside and they have a few seats outside on the sidewalk as well. The menu is expansive with lots of vegetarian options as well. The food came out super quickly and was fresh and really good. And no corkage fee for wine--major plus!!
(5)
Charlie K.

I've been to Joy's several times, as it was walking distance from my old condo in Lakeview. Always had a postiive experience and the food was consistently delicious. They have some of the best pad thai and pad see yew I've had from any Thai restaurant in the area. Food comes out very quickly and the wait staff is very attentive. Another major plus is that you can BYOB, so becomes a nice little happy hour amongst friends on a Friday evening. I've never had any issues wiith contamination or food poisoning here (which takes 24-hours to even become sick from real food poisoning), so don't let other reviews fool you. Check it out for yourself and see what good Thai tastes like - Best, Charlie
(5)
Courtney L.

I had shrimp pad thai and a thai iced tea ordered for pick up. It was ready when I arrived and still hot when I ate it. I gave 4/5 only because there is another thai restaurant I recently ate at whose shrimp pad thai was amazing and this dish was at that level. However I did enjoy and eat every bite. Staff is friendly and the restaurant is nice.
(4)
Emma W.

My favorite Pad Thai in the city! I order it probably every other week. Love love love their crab rangoon and baby egg rolls. My boyfriend swears by the fried tofu. Really, I've never had a bad experience here, whether it was dine-in, takeout, or delivery. I cannot get enough of this place.
(5)
Jasmine A.

This place just gave me terrible food poisoning. Almost immediately after my meal I felt sick and threw up in their bathroom. As i'm typing this I am lying down in my hotel room still sick. I'm an Asian-American from California and have had all types of Asian cuisine and Thai is my favorite but, I have never gotten sick. I had the tom ka coconut soup and the pad thai with the clear glass noodles. Everything was spiced well but there was no heat and everything was too sweet. I didn't really like it very much and didn't even finish any of my dishes. The service was ok. Not too friendly and just did the bare minimum. Take orders, bring out food, and bring the check. I told the manager what had happened and explained that maybe the sauces sitting outside (we ate outside) got contaminated somehow and were spoiled. He reassured me that they are changed out every day and that they are still good. I do appreciate that the manager sympathized with me but there was an explanation to everything I said and how it could no way be the restaurants fault since no one else has gotten sick. He tried to blame it on me saying that it's because I was traveling or because i'm not use to the spices. He also admitted that the restaurant isn't an authentic Thai restaurant with authentic Thai flavors. Whatever the case whatever I ate and however it was prepared did not sit well with me. I try to give all restaurants the benefit of the doubt as much as possible but everything about tonight was just not right.
(1)
Stephanie F.

Love this BYOB Thai spot! I love the baby egg rolls, the pot stickers, the crab rangoon, the pad thai, the pad khee mao noodles and the prik pao noodles.
(4)
Rachel T.

The Thai food here is a good. I tried the Golden Noodles with beef (made medium spicy). The beef and noodles were tasty but I still felt like some flavor was lacking. The whole dish sort of tasted one-note. I wish there were some crunch or a bold flavor in the dish. I tried the pad Thai and felt the same way. The back patio is cute for dinner and the place is BYOB. Service could have been better, a few of the waiters were unfriendly.
(3)
Ht L.

I grew up in Southern CA with "exceptional" Thai food all around me, so I am a very picky person when it comes to Thai food. That said; my family came out to visit and so I took them here for dinner, to check out the food. Overall, we were disappointed in the flavoring of our dishes (Shrimp Spring Rolls, Tom Yum Soup with Shrimp, Chicken Pad Thai, Green Curry with Beef, BBQ Pork & Rice, and Chicken Fried Rice). Don't get me wrong, everything was good, but just not "robust" with strong flavors. The service was decent, as we came around 4:30pm for an early dinner. And since it was still early, the restaurant was not totally pack yet - as I know it can get pretty busy between 5:30pm - 9:00pm. I like the fact that they do deliver and so when I have a strong craving for Thai food, I can dial up or go online to order. That being said; I would come here again for a quick Thai fix, but would consider trying some place else to find my "perfect" Thai restaurant. Not bad for this neighborhood, but not the best Chicago has to offer.
(3)
Real K.

This is NOT Thai food. I never understood the hype of this place other than it's a "see and be seen" emporium. Reasonable prices for what you get (if that's what you seek because you have to pay a camera ticket in 4 days) but chunks of chicken thrown on a plate is not "satay" either. My gay date from Schaumburg lead me to this place around the corner from my house. He had obviously been there many, many, many times before with other flight attendant co-workers/tricks and thought it was all the rage. 'Nuff said. I do thank him for the tour.of MY new neighborhood though. P.S. It's cheap and obviously people from Naperville or Iowa have never had anything but Rice-a-Roni or LaChoy oriental chop suey in a can either. And what's up with naming everything "Noodle" this/that in Chicago?
(2)
Leah C.

a great rediscovery... with the abundance of thai restaurants in chicago, we forgot all about this gem. great for takeout and dining in (good for kiddos too). love that i can get more than the typical pad thai and pad see ewe -- phuket noodles dish is yummers (spinach noodles with veggie goodness).
(5)
Jacob H.

Good food, bad service. A friend is vegetarian and his dish was delivered with chicken, simple mistake, it happens, but instead of apologizing the server grabbed the plate and walked away without saying a word. He returned about 20 minutes later, plops the plate down and walks away again, without saying a word. Eaten there many times in the past and never had service that bad before.
(3)
Taylor D.

Recently moved to the neighborhood and went for lunch. Environment: Nothing spectacular, nice inside, pleasant decorations. Food: Exceptional. Pad Thai is my favorite food and I have tried at from at least 15 different places in the past year. The ingredients are very fresh, the meat is high quality, portion size is reasonable, the sauce is on the sweet side. I will be ordering this dish again very soon. Service: Also Exceptional. Very kind and prompt. I enjoyed interacting with the servers. Overall: I will be going back very soon. They also do take out which is my Jawn.
(5)
Jay D.

Came here last night, it's a pretty consistent Thai restaurant. The staff is super attentive and the food came extremely fast. If you're in the area, definitely give it a try.
(4)
Tina C.

I love love love joy's. I live in lakeview and this is my go-to place for carry out. Joys makes fast and delicious food all day everyday! We always get the Bai tong noodles and the Thai rice stick but everything else we've tried at joys has always been delicious. Definitely a must try Thai place in lakeview especially if you live in the neighborhood.
(5)
Charlotte F.

I've probably been here a dozen times, but I haven't kept very good track of my orders, and this is definitely the kind of place where you need to remember good and bad and navigate the menu properly. I've tried crazy noodles, bahmee noodles, and pad woon sen and I can never remember which ones I promised to never order again. I suppose that means the experiences were not traumatic. The Pad See Ew here can be a little soggy, but they offer a Thai Rice Stick dish, which is essential Pad See Ew with thin rice noodles instead of the flat ones. Some of the noodle dishes are hit or miss, so if I'm craving specific flavors I have a really tough time choosing.. Chicken coconut curry is solid, as is the panang curry. Those are two of the stand-outs!
(4)
Erika C.

Really great, fresh tasting Thai food. Very affordable, nice patio. Great service. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Ben B.

Everybody freaks out about this place. I just thought it was average. I had the garlic chicken noodles ($9.25) and it was a plate with maybe 1/3 lb of chicken, then a heaping pile of bean sprouts and some ramen underneath. It was pleasant, but not mind-blowing. I've previously ordered things from Joy's that came out looking like a plate of snot. Joy's isn't a bad choice, there are just better options in Chicago.
(3)
Kyle D.

Overall: Casual Thai restaurant that delivers quality food with quality service and a good atmosphere. The good: Great prices, especially for lunch (specials). A lot of options on the menu. Good service and atmosphere. Once food was ordered it was brought quickly. Outdoor seating. Good portion sizes. The bad: The food is a little below my Thai standards. A bit too oily. The thai rolls were great though. Not spicy at all even though labeled as such. Atmosphere: 8/10 Service: 8/10 Food: 7/10
(4)
Jeremy L.

Joy's noodles is a joyous treat. (I'm sure I'm not the first one to say that of the 666 Joy's Yelp reviews - as of 4/30/15.) This review makes 667 and another joyful review of Joy's. I've only sat in the restaurant to eat once, but have ordered out from here dozens of times. When my friend Diana and I sit around her apartment in Lakeview and think of all the places we could go out to eat, by the time we talk about all our options -- we usually end up going with takeout -- our favorite Thai food place -- Joy's Noodles takeout. We normally order two dishes and share family style because you can never just pick one thing off the menu. Pad Thai, Crazy noodles, drunken noodles, mixed veggies are all so good. If it is your first time, get the Pad Thai. That will get you hooked. Also try a soup and a starter too! Happy eats, - Jeremy
(5)
Marco G.

When I was in the process of moving, I listed Joy's Noodles as a reason to move to Lakeview... and I don't regret it. Their Pad Thai and Pad See Ewe are solid options that never disappoint, but I must say, their Thai Coconut Curry is amazing! Love this place! Plus, it's BYOB.
(5)
Candace M.

I'm conflicted about Joy's. It's sometimes a 4 and sometimes a 3... you can definitely get some solid noodles here, and you'll always have leftovers. But there's nothing super special here, and the waitstaff isn't always so friendly or attentive. I like the base of the tom kha kai soup (the broth, the flavors), but I have to say that the "vegetable" option (instead of meat) is weird... under what circumstances would I want big chunks of tomato in my tom kha soup? Or thick raw carrot slices that you can't even bite? The only vegetables that should be in there are mushrooms and maybe broccoli and snap peas. The pad thai and pad see eiw are both entirely expected, and that's kind of what I want in my local BYOB Asian spot. Oh, and the thai iced tea with boba (you have to ask for it) is delicious. I've walked home in 15 degree weather, without gloves on, carrying this drink. A miserable experience for my fingers, no doubt, but completely worth it.
(4)
Jonasaurus R.

literally scammed! tried to order fried rice with more eggs instead of any meat. the person taking my order had a hard time understanding English. my total she said came out to be 8.xx (7.50+tax). when i got to the restaurant my total came out to be 12.32. Apparently the fried rice is only 7.50 if you order online and . however, the app I was using provided the menu and said order available only over the phone. also how does it make sense to charge me for eggs ($2) when i asked for in place of my meat option. and also not let me know theres a surcharge until i arrive for my pick up? when the staff saw me disgruntled with the situation after i told him that was not the total i got over the phone, he should have offered some sort of concession or resolution. but he didnt, and now im eating savory rice with eggs (no veggies or anything else) that costed me $12.32.
(1)
Chatzy F.

I have been going here since the 90's and today was the last time. Order Just chicken Pad Thai and it was horrible! They raised there prices and now put tons of cabbage into it. I took one bite and it was sooo spicy. Won't go back! Waste of money
(1)
Patrick L.

I was diagnosed with E. coli bacteria. Symptoms began the morning after I ate at Joys 5 weeks ago.
(1)
Keith P.

Food comes out quickly and is phenomenal. The Pad Thai is the best I've ever had, and the coconut chicken curry is right up there. My girlfriend and I usually eat later and, unlike most places, the staff didn't rush us out after 10. Friendly staff and BYOB makes it a great night out.
(5)
Erin M.

I have ordered both take out and dined in at Joy's. Both times the food was really good. It is BYOB without a corkage fee which definitely is a huge plus. The service while dining in was not the best I have had, our food did not come out at the same time. However, I will definitely keep coming back. Good food at an even better price.
(4)
Erin S.

The food is fantastic!!! When I called to place an order, it took a while to set up an account, but the guy who delivered our food actually walked to our door (vs calling so I could meet him --may have recorded the wrong phone number) made up for it after a day long of moving in from out of state. Amazing food!
(5)
L S.

Neighborhood staple. Never had an issue!
(5)
Lee R.

Solid Pad Thai and Tom Kha Gai soup at a good price. Def a good spot.
(4)
Joseph K.

Two stars for speedy service and consistency. I can always rely on Joy's Panang Curry to satisfy my late night Thai cravings. Another star for the reasonable prices and large portions. It's lacking two additional stars because, honestly, there are far better Thai restaurants in the city, with nicer atmospheres too. Joy's is definitely worth checking out but also won't be the final stop on your search for your favorite Thai spot in Chicago.
(3)
Mallory L.

Came here for a late lunch and it was surprisingly busy at a usual slower time during the day for most restaurants. I ordered the panang noodles which is usually a classic go to Thai dish and it was amazing. The portion size was bigger than expected and the coconut curry was so yummy. Monday through Friday they have special lunch deals so I'll make sure to come back and order some more crunchy noodles!
(4)
Allison F.

My go to quick noodle.rice shop in the neighborhood. Always get the cucumber salad (sometime the crab rangoons) and chicken fried rice. Service is blazingly fast, everybody that works there moves as if they are continuously fed red bull throughout their shift. Ambiance is okay, nothing special. Food is solid, if unspectacular. But great value, inexpensive and fast. Ooh, and it is BYOB if that is you thing. Big open windows weather permitting and nice (great people watching) sidewalk cafe. Supposed to be a patio in the back, but I have never seen it.
(4)
Kara B.

Came here recently after visiting many times. Our whole party felt sick after leaving... I probably will not be back.
(2)
Tony H.

Time after time I find that the food at Joy's is pretty so so. It's a fine enough place and I like the space itself, but there are so many other Thai restaurants to eat at that run of the mill Thai seems unnecessary. They could really amp up the flavors and I'd be much happier. Coconut milk with just a little curry in it isn't that exciting.
(2)
Shayna Y.

This place is solid for carry-out thai food. Do not go here if you have a strong gluten allergy (I only have an intolerance) as they didn't seem to know what I was talking about. Some of my favorite dishes are: Panang Curry (w/ rice), Spicy Basil Leaves, and Pad See Eiw. If you eat in, it is BYOB. A solid, casual thai joint.
(3)
Matt H.

After walking by this BYOB restaurant many times over the years, we finally ate at Joy's this week. I liked this place! Even though I found the staff to be a bit stiff when I was there, the place was clean and the service was very quick. I haven't eaten much Thai food during my lifetime but I found everything to be quite tasty. I ordered the Shrimp Won Ton soup for starters and felt very healthy eating it! :) I enjoyed the plentiful amounts of cabbage. I decided to try the Drunken Noodles for my entree and am very happy I did! Noodles were cooked perfectly, delicious pieces of chicken, and lots of carrots, snow peas and corn. The prices are very reasonable for the amount of food that you receive. We will return! xoxo
(4)
Lisa K.

I have been here a couple of times. The SO and I order plates and share. Both times we ordered the drunken noodles which I love. The first time we tried the coconut curry which was good as well as the chicken pad Thai. The service though was not on point the two times we've been unfortunately.
(4)
Rochelle O.

Joy's Noodles and Rice is one of those last resort restaurants when you're REALLY CRAVING Thai, but you're too lazy to go out of your way for BETTER Thai food. I went by myself and ordered one thing: the Pad Thai which was supposedly one of the more popular dishes there. I was disappointed the moment they placed the dish on the table because they had already mixed everything for me. THAT'S THE MOST SATISFYING PART, THE MIXING OF THE NOODLES AND SPROUTS AND PEANUTS AND ALL OF THE ABOVE!!! I also noticed the lemon wedge that was a substitute for what was supposed to be a lime... sigh... But for what it was, it was fine. I'll go back and try other things when I'm really craving Thai again.
(3)
William B.

I realize my last review was hardly a ringing endorsement, but I still fear it may have been a tad overenthusiastic. There's no papaya salad, even though that is half of the charm of the "nearby decent noodles" genre; the pad thai has no vegetables in it at all, not even scallions or shredded carrots; and honestly, I would rather they weren't BYOB. I'm still sure I'll come here plenty, but Sala Thai it ain't. [Updated to add, apparently I was wrong about whether I'd come here plenty -- over eight months since writing this review and I have not been back.]
(2)
Max B.

This my favorite Thai food in all of Chicago. Great customer service with very reasonable prices. $11 for large portion of carry out chicken pad thai. Great deal
(5)
Chris T.

So I've been hearing about this place from multiple people in the area that it's a staple food source for Lakeview, so I finally gave it a try. First off I was glad it was BYOB with no corkage fee - a big plus to me and my desire to drink for cheap. The outdoor seating is also a nice feature too. The food: I had the Chicken Supreme, my usual dish at any Thai place, and it was especially good here. I'd definitely order it again. The appetizers were all pretty standard. I've heard some stories about the waiters being a diva-ish, and you can definitely picture it when you look at them. I didn't have any problems, luckily, but I'd also say that while they're not the friendliest, they are efficient.
(4)
Emily M.

When we first moved to Chicago my boyfriend and I stumbled upon Joys while we were walking down Broadway and it quickly became our "go to" Thai spot in the neighborhood. Joys has been a staple in our diets over the last 4 years; on average we have gotten take out from Joys at least 1x a month and we couldn't have been happier living within walking distance to consistently good Thai food. Unfortunately, that has all changed in the last couple days. I am giving Joys 2 stars because there is no denying that they make decent Thai food. However, I am giving them 0 stars for the customer service I experienced today.... I tried to order take out on Saturday before heading out for the evening. After the woman on the phone took my order and my debit card information, she quoted me an hour for pick-up. Typically I am quoted 30-45 min for takeout so I ended up canceling the order with her on the phone and I grabbed bahn mi instead. 1 1/2 hours later, I received a phone call from a Joys' delivery man. He was at my old address delivering my canceled take out order. When I called the restaurant to inform them of the situation, the same woman got on the phone and assured me that she did not charge my debit card. It was annoying but no big deal. Come Wednesday, we decided to order take out from Joys (I am not kidding people- this food was a staple in our diets). I also logged onto my bank account to double check that I wasn't charged for the Saturday mishap, but indeed they had charged me $39.49 for the delivery of my canceled take out order (which I never received nor signed for). When I explained to the gentleman on the phone what had happened, he said he wasn't able to refund my card, but that he could credit us the $39.49 towards our take out order. He told me he would just need my credit card number...I told him that didn't make sense given he was crediting us for their mishap. He put me on hold for 5 min and gave the phone to the same woman who I spoke to on Saturday. She made me explain everything again (though she knew the whole story), and then told me that she had already credited my card back on Saturday. I explained that I was frustrated given she had told me that she had originally canceled my order, and then assured me that she never charged my debit card when I called Saturday. I asked how they could make that charge without a signature, to which she could not answer, AND she told me that there was no way she could credit me for my take out order tonight. I then asked if I could pick up a receipt to see that canceled transaction (I live a couple blocks away after all), to which she told me no, explaining that her manager would not allow this. I again explained how frustrating this whole experience was and she asked what I wanted her to do. I again explained a receipt of the canceled transaction or credit towards my take out order would do. She informed me (in a very condescending manner) that there was no way she could do either of those things and recommended I call my bank tomorrow. So yes, thanks for the advice. I will call my bank tomorrow and let them know that the $40 charge is incorrect and then I will call Cozy Noodles n' Rice because I think after 4 years its about time we try a new spot...
(2)
Megan P.

I moved to Lakeview a year ago and ordered Joys the day I moved in.. BEST decision ever. They are fast, great prices, and amazing food. Chicken Pad Thai out of this world. Beef Garlic Noodles I crave someday's because it is like nothing I have ever had. ALL the appetizers are the bomb.com I have nothing but great things to say about Joys.
(5)
Sergio J.

I should have known better to not go back to this place. I went in yesterday, and remembered why in 2010 I said I would never go back. I figured that after a few years of avoiding this place, that it would be worth the visit since they are still in business. Just like the previous times I got sick again. Every time I go here I get sick. And just like the last time, I had to re-order my drinks because they forgot I ordered drinks. I'm sorry I wasted my money at Joys, and it reminds me to never go back.
(1)
Sarah Y.

I had a crave-worthy garlic chicken noodles, which is egg noodles in a garlicy umami sauce with some chicken chunks. My boyfriend had the thai basil chicken, which was not very good. It was also chunks of chicken sauteed in veggies. We had both thought it was going to be ground chicken with better seasoning. The spring rolls and yom kha soup that we started with were good though. Everything was quite flavorful, even the disappointing thai basil chicken.
(4)
Patrick W.

My boyfriend and I arrived at Joy's around 9pm. The posted hours say they close at 10. The person who greeted said the kitchen closed in 10 minutes. We asked if it was okay if we still ate, he said it was fine. I had the chicken coconut curry. It was very good. The curry broth was nice, but could have been a little spicier. The fried noodles weren't my favorite. The boyfriend had Lard na. The noodles seem deep friend instead of pan fried which has happened a couple of places in Chicago. I had never had it actually deep fried anywhere else but Chicago. Not sure if that is normal. It was good though. The server was kind of rude and closed the windows by where we were sitting halfway through the meal. Sad. Food was good. Service. Ehhhh. Will go back but probably for take out.
(4)
George N.

After reading mixed reviews, we decided to try this place! After being shown our table the fastest service we received was a wine opener (sure, the most important item! Byob) It took about ten minutes to be greeted after being seated and know who our waitress was, even after making eye contact. The food was ok and the service subpar. No one asked how we were doing and had to ask several times for an extra napkin. If you want carry out, this is the place. It was packed with carry out orders and deliveries, which may have been why the service was lacking to seated patrons. Overall I would suggest not to waste your time or money here.
(2)
Randy P.

Joy's is and continues to be a favorite Asian joint in Chicago. Been frequenting since 2006 and always fresh, delicious, consistent, quality selections. If you want it, they got it! The Pad Thai, Curry Chicken, and everything else is amazing. Don't forget to BYOB for an added touch to your dining experience. If you haven't been here or are debating trying Joy's, GET THERE TODAY!
(5)
Ilana B.

Within 2 months of moving to this neighborhood this has become my go-to take out place! I love their dishes and how easy everything is. Great Thai, Fast, Reasonably Priced and just so darn delicious! Try the spinach noodles :) They're a great treat.
(5)
John M.

This a family favorite for Thai cuisine that has never disappointed. The food is probably 4.5 but I rounded up for consistency. Patio seating is fun on a summer eve but the inside seating is more comfortable when it's humid. All the standard fare is available and made with fresh ingredients. Their "spicy" is for American palates so don't be afraid to try those dishes. Tom Kha soup is excellent and big enough for two to share. Entree portions are also generous. Carry out is surprisingly quick and you get a 15% discount for ordering online. Noodle dishes, curries, rice plates: everything we've tried has been tasty and filling. Not quite as good as I've had in Bangkok but one of the best places for Thai in Chicago.
(5)
Katt C.

I don't think that the people that left great reviews for this place have experience with Thai food. This place has Thai food that has been prepared like cheap Chinese food. Greasy, bland, and just an extremely disappointing way to waste my money. Drunken noodles, panang curry, and egg rolls. Barely touched our food. What a shame.
(1)
Kristopher D.

Seriously the absolute BEST Pad Thai in Chicago. I find myself disappointed ordering Pad Thai pretty much everywhere else that I try.
(5)
Kelsey W.

This place is one of my go-to takeout places. It is delicious and delivers consistent food with a huge menu and great prices. I've dined in once or twice and have had good experiences with that too. My favorite dishes are the golden noodles and the pad woon sen. What's also great is that I can usually make an entree last for two meals (leftovers for lunch). As long as I live nearby, this will be a regular spot for me.
(4)
Norm J.

I went to Joy's Noodles & Rice with two friends and I wasn't too impressed. We all thought our dishes were just OK; nothing that would make us want to come back here. Also, the service was pretty poor. The waitress forgot to put my food order in and she never realized or apologized for her error. It was the runner who realized that I was sitting there with a look of hunger/annoyance on my face with no food in front of me. About 12 - 15 minutes after my friends got their food mine finally arrived. So yeah I won't be going back here.
(2)
Joni T.

I love Joy's! It is a neighborhood staple for me. It's BYOB (always a positive) and the service is fast. I've been here for dine-in, take-out and delivery ; the quality is always the same - amazing! Favorites include the tofu pad thai, the crab rangoon, spring rolls and panang noodles. So good!
(5)
Lindsay R.

Best pad Thai in Lakeview! Never disappointed and delivery is typically pretty quick!
(5)
Briordy M.

Awesome. Just moved to hood. Fast, great service. Nice ambience. Great food.
(5)
Lisa M.

This place is so good!!!! Best crab Rangoon!!! Make sure to try them!!
(5)
Betty Q.

Went with a group of 40! Yes, 40 people. The food was brought amazingly quick and was delicious. I had the bamee noodles with tofu and oh my god, it's good. I didn't even finish it, it could feed 2 people easily. The waitresses kept our glasses full and our requests were fufilled. All my friends bought Taro Bubble Tea and it was great. I bought a green tea and taro flavored one and it was also delicious. I'll be back Joy's!
(5)
Madeleine E.

We were hungry and in the neighborhood, so we came here because of the Yelp 4 star rating. Service was slow. Food was overly sweet and lacked depth of flavor. We ordered some standards: fried rice, pad thai, crab rangoon. The rangoons were frozen and reheated. We added a bunch of soy sauce and hot sauce to the fried rice. We left the sweet mushy pad thai for the trash. The water was good. The price was decent. I don't plan to return.
(2)
Tova M.

This is one of the worst thai restaurants I've ever been two. I've gone twice, the first time getting garlic chicken and the second the coconut curry. The first time, the food was disgusting, and I gave up trying to eat it a few bites in. Based on Yelp reviews, I decided to give the curry a chance. It is extremely bland, with no spice, and absolutely no vegetables (seriously - what is this??). Additionally, my curry was almost cold when I picked it up (10 mins after placing my order). I cannot recommend this place, and in fact recommend not going.
(1)
A. J.

This place is a great (& consistent) neighborhood Thai restaurant. Their pad see ew is always delicious, and I have been ordering it for YEARS. They always hit the proper noodle/egg/meat ratio right on the nose. Do they have an exhaustive menu? No, it's tightly edited, so if you have a super-favorite dish, check their menu before you go. The dessert list is just lychee or rambutan, no custard, no sticky rice & mango. What they do have is super-consistently executed and delicious, and service is more solid than many places I frequent. The wide-open storefront, cozy if simple decor with Thai touches, and sidewalk & back patios are icing on the cake.
(4)
Elise K.

Joy's rarely fails to please. The food is consistently fresh and tasty. (The good) In-restaurant service is quick, but you will have to wait about an hour for your delivery... Even if you live around the corner. (The bad) I love the tofu dishes - panang curry is a favorite. (More good, no ugly).
(4)
Rachel B.

Of the infinite Thai joints in the city, this place is my favorite. And I get around Cheap food, but delicious and not greasy. Also, BYOB with no uncorking fee. Recommend the Thai rolls to start- refreshing, clean and filling. I usually get an order to go and have them for lunch the next day. As for entrees, the curries are all good, but the pad Thai, golden noodles, and pad see ew are the best choices on the menu.
(5)
Dave O.

I have been going to Joy's for years, and not only is a nice, clean, friendly place to eat - but the food is very consistent and delicious! It may be a little more expensive than some other Thai restaurants, but it's worth it. (And - it's a great place to people watch!) I'd suggest going for the Tom Kha Khai Soup, Spring Rolls, Shrimp Shu Mai, Cashew Chickent, Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, Beef & Broccoli, or one of the Fried Rices. You pretty much cannot go wrong with Joy's! And did I mention that they are the fastest chefs in the city?!? Try it, taste it, thank me ;-)
(4)
John H.

My favorite BYOB in Chicago! Fresh food, great service and always a treat! The crab raccoon is delicate and the sauce is nice and light! Best I've ever had!
(5)
Dilaun W.

There are plenty closer Thai restaurants to my house but I choose this one over and over. The staff is friendly everytime I go in. It seats a lot of people and take out is fast. My abso favorite dish is chicken curry and I add pineapple. It is so yummy. Once when the temps were frigid I ordered joy's on grubhub and was so satisfied. Every friend who comes into town needs to eat a meal here. It's also BYOB.
(4)
Emily P.

They can't go wrong in my book. I love love their food. Their spring rolls are the very best!
(5)
Amanita M.

A group of my friends and I, six in all, met here for an early dinner, Tuesday 5pm. Excellent customer service, the hostess greeted and sat us down right away. There were only three other small groups in the restaurant at the time, so the noise level was low and service was prompt. For our appetizer we ordered the Chicken Satay and the Crab Rangoon. Our food came out right away, the Chicken Satay was moist and delicious, and the house peanut sauce was excellent, creamy, peanuty with just a little bit of heat. The Crab Rangoon was well prepared, light and crispy on the outside, with creamy flavorful crab stuffing inside. The sweet and sour sauce was also very well done. The appetizers were excellent... and whetted my appetite for the main course. Following the recommendation of many Yelpers, I ordered the Chicken Coconut Curry. I asked our waitress how spicy the dish was and she replied that it was 'medium spicy,' so I requested that my dish be made 'Extra-Spicy.' My friends ordered the Pad Thai with Tofu, Pad Thai with Beef, Drunken Noodles, Crazy Noodles, and the Mixed Vegetables dish. Less than five minutes after we placed our order, the waitress brought out all six of our dishes and served us. The plates were piled high with a huge mound of noodles and veggies, ect; my friends were all satisfied with their meals, although one suggested that the tofu was over cooked. My Chicken Coconut Curry had a nice subtle flavor, but was lukewarm at best. The 'broth' had absolutely no spiciness to it at all; to make it 'Extra-Spicy,' they just added a tablespoon of chili powder right on top the crispy golden noodles and topped it off with cilantro and onion. For the price, excellent customer service, and yummy appetizers, I would definitely give this place a second try. However, I would rather wait the time required to freshly prepare my food, than have reheated, pre-made food served promptly. I was disappointed.
(1)
Jen K.

It's close to where I live and it's my go-to Thai place. The service is always friendly and fast. I have tried quite a few things on the menu and out of the appetizers I've had, I like the crab rangoon the most. The cucumber salad is good and light. I like the pad thai but I like the pad see eiw too. Overall, I would definitely recommend it. It's a good price, good location, lots of seating. Check it out.
(4)
Hector A.

The food was good but the service was a little slow the staff seemed a bit distracted I guess cause it was almost closing time and had pick up and delivery orders still going out but the food is definitely good I ordered the cashew chicken with steamed rice it has pineapple some veggies chicken and cashews the sauce is tasty with the rice and the crab rangoons are small but delicious.
(4)
Rick T.

Joy's is probably the #1 reason that I regret moving from Lakeview to LIncoln Park. Let met think about this.... Yep. #1. Thai restaurants in Chicago are usually dives with atmospheres that rival Abu Ghraib. Joy's, though, is classy, comfortable, and clean. The food is always spot on: Perfectly prepared satay of all varieties with quite possibly the most spice-a-lishous basil leaves entree on record. There's a top secret little patio out back that's perfect for clandestine summertime dining. Now, the question that I've yet to answer: Are all of the servers here gay or are they just Thai? They're gay, right? But...well, maybe not. Hmm.
(5)
Stephanie M.

Favorite Thai place in Chicago. I recommend the pad thai, lard na, crag Rangoon, and mango bubble tea! All very delicious!
(5)
Imane O.

I had a dinner here with 2 friends, it was a nice dining area clean restaurant and good prices, the vegetables were fresh and good quality.the food taste good,I had a chicken supreme it was amazing but a little bit salty, my other friend had fried rice with chicken and noodles with chicken they all taste great,however the portions were smaller than usual Thai food ,and specially on the meat, even that we all know chicken is less expensive that was kind of disappointing. The service was not that great, it wasn't like wow us or anything but I don't mind,it was friendly and fast
(4)
Ben R.

Easily a five star place. First off the main point of a restaurant is the food & then the service. The food was presented well & was great! The servers were very attentive & attention to detail. They served the appetizer & did not bring food right in top of it. The handled our glasses from the bottom (fine dining detail), & were very personable. I ordered a bubble tea & that too was very good. Restaurant was very clean as well. Will be coming back very often.
(5)
Michelle W.

Had the Tofu Coconut Curry: delish!! Wonderful combination of sweet coconut with a kick of spice. Fun atmosphere, fast service. It's a must try!
(5)
Lindsay C.

My family really enjoys the food here, but I have to admit the service leaves a lot to be desired. Great for carry-out, but not so good for dining in.
(4)
Rachel N.

I'm actually surprised this place gets such high marks - it's completely adequate Thai, but it's also not particularly amazing - other than the fact that it is BYOB, which always adds a special flair to any dining option. Had the pleasure of wining and dining (read seducing, sorry I'm not sorry, Paul) Ms KDavis, one of my besties from growing up on the rough oak lined streets of the North Shore - we rolled in around 7p on a Sunday night and although the place was busy, we easily got a table outside - FYI, great Boystown people watching - otherwise, the inside is spacious and clean - well lit - totally pleasant - it can be a madhouse on the weekends though, so plan accordingly. Started with the vegetable rolls, which usually have julienned carrots, vermicelli, maybe some mint, etc - you know, the standards, wrapped in rice paper - but interestingly, this had canned pineapple in it rather than a plethora of veg - it was fine but not great - though the peanut sauce is terrific, as expected given that it's basically melted Skippy w/ a bit of sriracha. In the past I've hit the drunken noodles, which are basily and tasty - not greasy - this time I had the spicy basil leaves (shrooms, onions, peppers) - it was fine but w/o much heat - though the condiment on the table adds all the fire power you could ever want, and probably more. Other things I've had that are decent are the garlic sauce w/ tofu and the pad thai - it's not extraordinary, but it serves a purpose. PS - none of the soups are vegetarian except for vegetable tofu soup It's a little steep for the portions, but most entrees are in the $10-12 range, so it's not a splurge - you can easily do din for under $20/pp. Parking in the area is a massive bitch, so be prepared to circle. And circle. And then circle more until you finally decide that no one will really need a fire hydrant anyway so you just go for it and realize you're a terrible person. Not worth a special trip, but a good neighb standby. Service is fast and perfunctory.
(3)
Tammy M.

Ordered lard na tonight on Grub Hub and received the wrong noodles with the dish. Grub Hub called to let them know and they refused to send the right order or give a refund. Unacceptable. Will not be back. Been going here for 15 years. What a poor way to handle a mistake.
(1)
Claire M.

I must start out by saying that it is a damn shame I only recently discovered this place. I feel robbed of years of Thai-eating that I could've done here. I've been twice, no, thrice (?) - whatever - and every time it was absolutely delicious. The veggie rolls with peanut sauce are just to die for and the pad thai is fantastically moist and flavorful. It's perfect, in my opinion. It just works for my tastebuds. Service has been friendly each time too. The last time we were there was right after the pride parade they were packed so that wasn't as pleasant ambiance-wise as the other times but that was okay. The taste of the food more than made up for it. There are sooooooooo many other things on the menu I'm dying to try. And the place is HUGE! I think it's the largest Thai restaurant I've ever been in (aside from Palm's Thai in Los Angeles). My other usual haunts only have a handful of tables. We haven't eaten on the patio yet but I hear it's niiiiiice.
(5)
Giuliana M.

A delicious, well-located, no fees BYOB Thai restaurant! They have amazing pad Thai that is well priced! The atmosphere is also very nice. Great food, they only need to improve a bit on their customer service
(4)
Charlie C.

Joy's I miss you- I moved across the city and still think about you some lonely nights. When I first moved to Joy's hood, I knew I was in trouble. I have a few weaknesses in my life. Cheese and Thai are 2 of them. I knew I would be there all the time, and I was. I am not kidding, I lived less than 2 blocks away and would get their delivery on average 2x per week. Delivery- it was pathetic. I can say without a doubt that I have experienced over half of their menu... but I did a lot of damage there on Pad Thai (of course), Lard Na, Pad See Ew, and Bai Tong. Mmmm, what I wouldn't do for Bai tong this second. Ugh. Maybe its over rated and people have had bad experiences but I haven't. I am not saying that these guys are the most authentic Thai place in the city- I am not saying they are the best BYOB. I am saying the combination of price, expectations, consistency are awesome.
(4)
Robert Y.

I don't get it. Mediocre at best. Do yourself a favor and go across the street to Ping Pong. I can say the service is attentive and your beverage is always full.
(1)
David M.

We arrived on Sunday at about 12:30 with 27 people (and no reservation). They handled it extremely well, set us up in the side room and served us quickly and efficiently. The food was excellent as well.
(5)
Daniela A.

Went to Joy's for the second time in two years with my in-laws visiting from Italy. They both got the Pad Thai and really enjoyed it both times. I got the Basil Chicken the first time and remember regretting my choice. This time around I got the Basil Beef and enjoyed it much more. I very much appreciate that it is BYOB. I also found the service to be very fast yet attentive. The ambiance is warm and the space is nicely decorated in a way that is very traditionally Thai American. I can not say that it is my favorite Thai restaurant in the area, but I think it is a solid option for a fast, freshThai meal that is fairly priced and bountiful.
(3)
Brett C.

I order from here often, they have an amazing 15% off online orders for pickup deal. The golden noodles with bbq porn is awesome.
(4)
Caoils H.

My go to takeout place. Delivery is always super fast and food is so good. My favorites include mini egg rolls, chicken fried rice, coconut curry is so so so tasty, green curry really good and a fantastic Panang. To eat in it's BYOB so a really cheap dinner out. Highly recommended
(5)
Scarlett M.

I loved Thai iced tea! Don't pass it up. The service was great and the food was amazing. I had drunken noodles. Just do it. And crab rangoon. Sweet baby Jesus it's nice.
(5)
timbo d.

Twice I found the food mostly oily & bland, but tonight I was convinced by friends to give it another try. This time it was great... until10 minutes after the meal when the abdominal cramps started. I suspect some sort of food poisoning. I won't be returning.
(1)
Jody L.

I picked up take out from Joys yesterday. I ordered the chicken Thai Rice Stick and the pot stickers after checking out the menu here on yelp. So first thing I noticed is when I picked up my food to pay, it was a bit more expensive than the prices listed on the Yelp menu. Total was about $2 more. Not a big deal but worth mentioning. I haven't had much Thai food before so I went with something that looked pretty simple. The Thai Rice Stick was good, flavorful, sweet. There wasn't much broccoli but a lot of chicken, spinach and egg. The noodles were well cooked and we're not too mushy or hard. It was a bit greasy and I definitely couldn't eat it all. I would get this again but add some more broccoli or vegetables. The pot stickers were a crispy, a little greasy and the inside was a bit mushy but overall they were okay. It came with a sweet sesame dipping sauce that was good. I don't think I would get these again.. Overall pretty good take out.
(3)
Max B.

Joy's is one of the things holding me back from moving closer to the city. It hits all the right spots in terms of speed for takeout/delivery, is a clutch BYOB restaurant, and the food goodness to price ratio is one of the best I've seen. Do yourself a favor and get the Drunken or Golden Noodles
(5)
Anna D.

I love joys!! The Pad Woon Sen with shrimp is my absolute favorite. The food is consistently delicious and the service is great as well. I've never had to wait a hella long time even when it's really busy. This is my go-to place when my money is low but I want something delicious.
(5)
Lauren S.

We LOVE Joy's - service is always friendly, consistent and delicious. We've dined in over 10 times and had their delivery service as well, although the BYOB option makes dining in a great choice. Take out is always prompt as well. Never disappointed, and this continues to be one of our favorite restaurants in East Lakeview!
(5)
Richard C.

This food is fairly decent, but if you order in, don't let the delivery person leave until you check your bag. 3 times in a row they have left something out of the bag. Big bummer...you'd think that the first two times I complained that they would get it right. I guess maybe the 4th time will be the charm.
(3)
Ivana D.

Delicious and so cheap. BYOB is pretty standard for Chicago, but it's okay because there's a liquor store nearby that has prices that are not insane either. Every dish I've had has been delicious, the spicer the better! They will also bring you a side of the extra spice powder. Quite awesome. When I visit Chicago again in the future, I will come back.
(4)
Eliana C.

I had the Tom Kha soup, too much onion and coconut milk, not the best I've had. But the Pad See Ewe noodles were very good! Nice thick noodles, didn't skimp on the fried tofu and nice balance of fresh broccoli. Nice decor and good service, I'll def be back!
(4)
Josiah Y.

I would rather put a campfire out with my face than go to Joy's Noodles again. This place gets one star because the service I received when I last went was so abysmal that I wouldn't wish this horrible restaurant experience upon my worst enemies. My buddy and I went here, starving, after Jiu-Jitsu practice a few months ago. We were seated at about 9:00, an hour before they close. Pretty much everybody had checks dropped/paid on their table when we got there, and the only party left was big group (9 or 10 people) for a birthday that also had their check dropped. The restaurant stops service at 10PM. We were there before an hour stops. So service should be prompt, right? It seriously took about 10 minutes for our server to bring water to us. We picked out an appetizer and took a little more time to decide on what we wanted as far as entrÃ©es, but we wanted to place the order altogether. Our server rushed off after we gave him an appetizer order instead of asking if we were also ready to order the entrÃ©e. It took a while for our entrÃ©es to come out, which is funny when we were the only people left in the restaurant. The Mandalay curry was okay... It was lukewarm when it came out, meaning the server let our food sit on the line for God-knows-how-long before sending it out. The worst part was trying to get our table cleared and getting the check. My friend and I finished everything on the table at the end, and there was literally nothing on our plates or in our bowls. The only people left in the restaurant was the big party behind us. I looked over and saw all of the servers at the computers, and nobody was paying attention to my friend and me trying to get their attention for a table clear. I knew exactly what was going on because I've worked in restaurants. We were the last people in the restaurant, and our server only cared about completing his closing work. So I neatly stacked all of the dishes in one pile and we eye-raped all of the employees for at least 15 minutes to get a clear. Finally, I stood up, walked over in their general direction, and shouted, "Can somebody give us service? We've had our dirty dishes sitting there for 15 minutes!" A server rushed over and removed the dishes. Of course didn't ask if we want dessert because they probably already shut down everything in the kitchen. And then our server grabbed our check from the nearby terminal, WHICH HAD ALREADY BEEN PRINTED OUT AND WAS SITTING NEXT TO THE COMPUTER, and handed it to us. I'm not a dick or one of those difficult, needy people when I go to restaurants, but this experience was just abysmal. I told my friend that the server deserved no tip for giving no service, but being a pushover, my friend still tipped 20%. I am never going back again and regret all of the times I have ever eaten at this restaurant.
(1)
Laimis U.

my favorite Thai food place in Lake view area. Become my regular for take out or delivery. Love it.
(5)
Chelsi C.

The food is always good. Service is fast. Coconut curry chicken is my favorite.
(4)
Kelly S.

I just LOVE Joy's. Super fast, super hot food. I always leave stuffed and happy and my wallet isn't crying. They are also BYOB!!!!!! My favs are any of the curries. The Tom Yum soup is also good especially in cold weather.
(5)
Jason A.

Joy's drives me crazy as a bi polar thai experience. Half the time everything is great, half the time I'm furious. One day food shows up in 15 minutes after being told an hour, the next they even me out by making me wait an hour and half. If your order by the phone expect the order to be wrong, then expect being chastised by the woman taking orders as she "remembers everything and is never wrong." Order online to prevent these problems because they will not attempt to fix a order. The food is usually pretty consistent, and most things are good across the board. I gorged on Joy's when I first moved to the area, but too many bad experiences later and its really just a forgettable thai place in a very crowded nice. If they can solve the consistency issues, it could be top notch otherwise move on.
(3)
Michael P.

This was my first time here and enjoyed my overall experience. This is a BYOB just an FYI, luckily my friend knew it was, I didn't realize. Then menu has a good variety to choose from, I had the dumpling noodles and it was good. It could have been more flavorful but I added some soy sauce and it did the trick. Great prices, between two people for dinner with an appetizer the total came to $17 a person. The customer service leaves something to be desired but the food and price made up for it. They close at 10pm during the week, a little early from what one would expect in this neighborhood. Great place for good food and fast service. I would come here again.
(3)
Kate S.

I really wanted this place to be good, or at least adequate as it's in my neighborhood and would have been convenient. Nope. Ordered fried tofu which was as bland as could be followed by vegetable Pad Thai (my daughter) and Drunken Nooldes (me). Both were unmemorable to be kind. Where to start. The Drunken Noodles had carrots in large chunks and thin slices. The broccoli was barely cooked and too large to eat in a bite and we were only given forks (and "Chinese broccoli"? Looked like regular broccoli to me). Don't get me started on putting tomatoes in anything this time of year but lots of places do it so won't take points off for that. The sauce was thick, sweet, overwhelming and completely lacking in nuance. I tasted my daughter's pad thai and thought the same thing: just didn't taste like anything besides noodles and hoisin sauce. Thai Iced Coffee was also lacking in flavor. It was also pretty cold in the dining room and this was not one of our colder Chicago nights. Plates were also ice cold (although the food on them was hot). Dated interrior (dustry rose banquettes) didn't help nor did the heaping of food on the plate in a visually unappealing way. Just don't get the rave reviews. Maybe I ordered wrong but I see many people singing the praises of the Pad Thai so...
(2)
Michelle Z.

Loved the food. Servers were super friendly. Their menu is full of delicious treats; appetizers and courses. I go their constantly and is arguably one of my new faves. The interior is a bit sloppy and unattractive, but other than that no real complaints.
(4)
Matt V.

I went here with my boyfriend and I ordered the Pad Thai, he got the Pad See Eiw and we got the Vegetable rolls for an appetizer. Tons of my friends have been there and ranted and raved about it so I decided to check it out! Let me explain first, I have been to Thailand and had authentic Pad Thai... This place is definitely one of my favorites in the city! It did lack some flavor but overall everything tasted great! The vegetable rolls were out of this world and my boyfriend seemed to enjoy the Pad See Eiw which means a lot because he has never had Thai food. The service was great too! Nothing to complain about! Check it out and don't forget to bring a couple bottles of wine with you :)
(4)
Joonho Y.

Out of the countless Thai Places in the Area, I end up coming to Joys because it is Delicious, Affordable, and Quick. Even after I moved out of the Neighborhood, I still drop by for Lunch sometimes. Try the Beef Pad Thai: it tastes much Richer (Darker Sauce) than other places. The Spring Rolls are also very good. Hard to beat the Lunch Specials here!
(5)
Mike R.

Somehow this place slipped my radar, as I love Thai food. When we came, there weren't many people in there, but enough to have some sort of ambiance. My girlfriend is from near Thailand, so it was cool to hear her say the inside actually reminded her of home. It was also semi raining out, which added to the ambiance. For starters, we ordered the Tom Yum Soup (chicken), and the crab rangoons. Both were really good. I thought the Tom Yum had a great sourness to it that was a little better than other places I've been to, and the rangoons were bulging with goodness. We also ordered thai iced teas, which were of course great. For my entree, I had the Spicy Basil Leaves. Everything was really good, but it was easily the spiciest SBL dish I've ever had. I'm someone who can eat habenero almost no problem, but for some reason, this hit me. It went to my ears, which doesn't happen much. It sucked, and I had to order milk. The waiters seemed really confused, especially when I gulped down one glass of milk and ordered another. The dish though was good enough where I wanted to continue eating even after the hell in my ears had subsided. My girlfriends dish was good too (forgot what she got), although the chicken could have used a little more seasoning. Overall, the place was good. Not the best Thai I've had in Chicago, but still among the best in this city I've had. Recommended.
(4)
James G.

The food is tasty and cheap! You can grab a bottle of wine from the Walgreens nearby and bring it to dinner at Joy's without any corking fee. They also have online carry out which offers a 15 percent discount and the food is pretty much ready the moment you click send on the computer. Also the Green Tea Bubble tea is amazing.
(5)
Bria Y.

They have really fast service and great lunch specials during the week from 11am - 3 pm
(5)
Jason P.

Sometimes you need a break when In the heartland of deep dish pizzas, hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches. What better way than to eat some ethnic food, Thai cuisine at Joy's Noodles and Rice playing the part as the perfect alternative. The inside of Joy's somewhat resembles like it used to be an Italian restaurant with the stone walls and tiled floors. But then decorated on the walls, is an assortment of Thai murals such as the revered elephants and the Thai goddess. The layout is very roomy, where they could easily squeeze in a dozen or more tables into the establishment due to the sheer size consisting of two rooms and outdoor seating. After all the greasy eats, I was looking for something light, so I ordered the Nam Tok ($8.50), which consists of tender beef mixed with red onion, scallion, hot pepper, and tasty lime juice on a bed of lettuce. The beef had a very nice char to it and was impressive on its own. But when added to the pool of spicy lime juice, this dish was beyond my expectations. The lime juice had a lot of heat where it had me sweating, but not in a way where I had to grab anything carb or milk-related to cool my mouth down. It was an addictive spice that had me eating this dish to the very last piece. The lime juice was very strong, making my tongue almost numb from all the sourness, but several glasses of water helped to keep things balanced. Served on the side are quartered tomatoes, sliced cucumbers and julienne carrots to give this dish some crunchy texture and to help refresh my palate. The Pad See Eiw ($8.50) with choice of chicken, beef, tofu or vegetables (shrimp is an additional $2.00), was also very delicious. The stir-fried wide rice noodles were soft and slippery without being greasy nor did they clump together. It was served with egg and American broccoli in a sweet soy sauce. I initially had a minor gripe that this dish was served with American broccoli as it is usually served with the longer stalked Chinese version of broccoli, but this dish really worked. It had just the right amount of sweetness, complimented with tender and flavorful beef that actually absorbed the sweetness from this dish, and broccoli cooked just enough to maintain a crunch without the rawness factor. But again, I would have preferred the bitterness of Chinese broccoli to contrast against the sweetness of this dish. But regardless, it is sure to please many Pad See Eiw fans. Table service was exceptional. The waiter was very polite and every time my glass of water reached half full, he unobtrusively came over to refill my glass. And I have to say that I had at least 6-7 glasses from the spicy Nam Tok dish. Joy's Noodles and Rice definitely surprised and delighted me, surpassing many Thai restaurants that I've been to. Although the menu may not be extensive in traditional dishes, they do a great job to offer the most popular dishes and some lesser-known authentic dishes. Joy's wins two thumbs up in my book, and I would be hard-pressed on deciding whether to order the delicious Nam Tok again or trying their other dishes. Just thinking of the Nam Tok has my tastebuds salivating.
(4)
Eric B.

This place rocks. Super quick delivery. Chicken coconut curry. Panang curry. Amazing. Yum
(5)
Danory S.

Ordered thru GrubHub, Pad Thai & Thai Rolls. Pad Thai was okay, a bit colorless and lacking flavor. Thai Rolls were basically 2 spring rolls @ 5.50 seems a bit pricey. Requested extra Chili sauce thru GrubHub requests. Got 1 tiny container half full of chili sauce. Maybe Dine In is better...deliver is a bit disappointing.
(2)
Anja H.

Wonderful place. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, our staff was pleasant and patient, and the food is GREAT. Plus, you can eat well for an affordable price (We had leftovers). On every visit I've never had an exclusively "Thai" dish, since I'm not a huge fan, so I can't speak to its authenticity in that regard... but everything I've had is delicious. If you can, sit on the front or back patio!
(5)
Amber K.

Fast delivery, good food for the $ - love the spring rolls (they are not fried and very different and refreshing take).
(4)
Ken O.

Lakeview's staple - never can go wrong at Joy's! Prices are very reasonable especially for the lunch specials. Service and food always very good. The portions are very good size. I have never left Joy's hungry. The take out service is also great - never had a order messed. Two thumbs up! Great job.
(5)
Marissa V.

Been to Joy's a couple of times and it does have some great thai food. Unfortunately tonight my friends and I had some of the worst service I've ever experienced. Our waitress was incredibly rude, to the point that we felt uncomfortable. Not sure I'll be able to visit again.
(3)
Grace W.

Not recommend to ppl who look for authentic thai food.... the food here is too salty and sweet, but may be fine to some friends ;)
(2)
nancy r.

Cute, quaint little place that was mere blocks away from my friends place. The atmosphere is very homey but also has that contemporary feel to it. Its surrounded by other small businesses. Ordered their chicken curry and it was super flavorful. It definitely had a kick but not overwhelming that I couldn't finish. Not too oily and well cooked veggies that accompanied the dish. Service was excellent and if in the neighborhood would come back again.
(4)
Justin S.

Not too bad but the food was kind of bland. Good prices but I like noodles and company better! In the summer they open up the patio and you can sit outside or sit by the windows as they will open them.
(3)
Jessica N.

Joy's is one of my fav go-to Thai places in the city. Fast service, lots of space, also good for delivery. My go-to is always the Pad Kee Mao. Perfect blend of spicy and sweet! All of their noodle dishes are pretty solid. Their curries could use some improvement, but since 90% of the time I order the PKM I would reco it to anyone =D
(4)
Phuoc N.

3 star for food. 1 star for the shit talking from the servers. Yes, we understand Thai too. If it wasn't for the service charge, you'll get nothing.
(2)
Drew B.

I went here today for lunch, a table for one please. It was my first time going to Joy's and I had a great experience. I was greeted promptly and sat at a great table by the window. I looked over the menu, which is real simple and well organized, and decided to get the spinach noodle Pad Thai. The entree was great, perfect amount of peanuts and sprouts. The thing I liked the most, however, was the service. Very attentive without being pushy. I will be back.
(4)
Mandy K.

Great food. Great service when you actually go to the Restraunt and eat. But be warned when ordering online. Delivery Fee does not mean Tip. I JUST learned this the hard way. Luckily i had cash on me. But my delivery driver was very rude and kept saying "delivery fee is not a tip. You can call my boss and ask them." 1. If you hadn't been an asshole i would have gladly given the tip to you with a smile. 2. Tip is NOT required. It's a gratuity 4. How dare you assume How i pay my rent! ("I provide a service to you. You pay rent. You should be able to pay me a tip...") 5. You are rude.
(3)
Jelena Z.

I don't think I've ever stopped mid-meal to update a Yelp review, but it's absolute necessary. First, the soup: pho me, it's good. No, scratch that... tom kha me all day long! This is a generous serving of coconut-based broth rife with straw mushrooms, tomato, onions and your choice of protein (do get the big and beautiful chunks of tofu!) and dramatically spiced with galanga root, citrus leaves and fresh lime. Game-changer? Nah, this is a life-changer. SEE THESE CAPS? I'm screaming! The pad thai with beef will forever be my entree go-to. Coupled with the soup, I have two full meals for about $12 (when factoring in the 15% discount available on online delivery and to-go orders. Every time.). Joy's best trait? She's consistent as [expletive]. I've ordered delivery, picked up to-go and dined-in no less than two dozen times in the past 3.5 years and her record is flawless. BFFs!
(5)
Cristina G.

Pretty good food int he Lakeview area. The service was spot on, very attentive. The food variety is excellent and everything we ordered was cooked to perfection. This is a good place to take kids as well. My only objection with this restaurant is the BYOB thing which is apparently popular in Chicago. I like to have wine with my dinner and luckily there was a CVS on the corner that sold wine. Whew!
(4)
Justin B.

Do not try and customize an order. I tried this today, a disaster. The waitstaff said they asked and the kitchen was backed up and said no. Basically I wanted a pad se eww with no noodles extras broccoli. They ended up getting pissed I guess and did not give me the full plate of food. Oh well. I tried. There's many more thai places in lakeview. No loss.
(2)
Vanessa L.

What a delightful, adorable and downright delicious place. Came here for dinner before a night out in Boystown and after some pre-partying in our hotel room. Maybe we pre-partied too hard but that didn't stop us from bringing two more bottles of wine here (thank goodness for TGIF). The restaurant was super accommodating with our additional booze and brought us wine glasses and ice. The 8 of us feasted family style and ordered: BBQ pork pad woon sen, chicken pad thai, beef pad see ew, tofu pad see ew, beef panang noodle curry. The standouts were the BBQ pork pad woon sen (super delicious glass noodles with veggies and excellently prepared BBQ pork) and the beef panang noodles (beef in creamy, coconut curry sauce with crispy fried flat noodles!) I've never had panang curry prepared with crispy, fried noodles before and it was done really well. Our group had fun eating, drinking, and being loud. Service was great (they put up with our loud mess and even put up with our special requests for how the bill was going to be split up). The window is opened so it felt like we were dining outside in the open air - which is reeeallly nice but it also means that you might get bugs flying into your drinks. Nobody seemed to mind too much. We were having too much fun and eating too well to mind. I love this place.
(5)
Ehow C.

I got conflicting reviews about this restaurant between friends, so I had to settle it myself. The Thai Iced Tea was fine to start, but it got really watery really fast. The red tea was not that strong to begin with, which was probably the problem. We started with a Tom Kha, and it was satisfactory, with plenty of veggies, but a bit too much coconut milk for my taste. The chicken coconut curry had a very mild broth with noodles, which is okay if you drink the whole thing. Still nothing amazing, sadly. The Pad See Eiw with chicken was pretty good, although the sauce was maybe a little too sweet for me. Verdict: Okay, but in the long run, I'd rather make the trip to Tac Quick.
(3)
Annette J.

I miss the Pad See Ew here. Yes I do! When I was but a lowly grad school student staying up late nights with piles of reading on gender identity in my lap I would rely on delivery from Joy's to fuel my brain. Enter: the Pad See Ew. Huge noodles, a slightly sweet sauce, wonderfully sauteed beef and crisp, fresh broccoli. Oh, this is good stuff. Compound the tasty eats with the nostalgia of those late nights (who would think you would get nostalgic over studying but I'm an odd duck) and it just makes me love Joy's even more. Plus the online ordering is great when you're like me and get talking on the phone anxiety. When I was back in town over the weekend I made sure this was a stop on my culinary tour of Chicago. It was just as I remembered it although this time around I ate in house (love the street seating although it was rainy that day so we sat inside). Crazy fast service, almost to the point that you feel like maybe they just want you to get out of there, but I was hungry so I wasn't mad at it. Relatively cheap with huge portions that would easily last me two meals although I never could restrain myself from eating all the beef in that first sitting. Great appetizers, tasty Thai iced tea, and something for everyone with the noodles, rice, veggies and meat dishes. This is one tasty place that I truly miss.
(4)
Alicia C.

I live in the area so I have been there several times. This is probably one of the most overrated places in the neighborhood. Yes, it's BYOB but there are tons of other BYOB options in this area. Yes, it's cheap but for what you get, you overpaid. I keep giving this place chance after chance because I am close and I love Thai food but their food is a sorry excuse for Thai. We had noodles, stir-fries and all sorts of appetizers from there. The experiences have always been 1-2 stars. The food has always been too salty and greasy. And the service curt. In our most recent trip on a weekend about a couple of months ago, I ordered the curry noodle soup per the recommendation from our waiter. My dinner companion ordered a stir fried noodle dish. His noodle dish was drenched in soy sauce. The noodles were overcooked to the point of being mushed together. The Chinese vegetables that his dish came with yet managed to be undercooked. My noodles got drowned in what look like yellow curds of sour milk. No curry flavor. Just floating grease garbage on top of pre-chewed regurgitated noodles. After dropping about $25 for that disgusting crap, we decided that we would never return.
(1)
Lisa S.

Joy's is my go to for ordering in, so I can't really speak to the dining in experience. Best crab rangoon I've ever had (doesn't have all the extra fried batter). I also like their pad thai, it's a big serving so I usually get 2-3 meals out of it. Delivery is always prompt and they normally have a discount if you order online which makes up for the delivery fee. Love Joy's!!!!
(5)
Samantha E.

Well priced and decent Thai food. I came by with a friend after Market Days for a quick dinner. The staff was attenttive and quick to help us with everything. The food was standard Thai and I had no complaints aside from the fact that I wish it was spicier.
(3)
Sandie B.

Is there a better spring roll anywhere in the world? i can't imagine anything topping these sweet little cream-cheese filled nuggets of goodness. I have to be careful to not eat too many pieces before my super yum Pad See Ew comes. Oh, and bring your own wine. They'll happily give you glasses and a corkscrew--no charge. Thank you, Joy's, for years of Lakeview Thai deliciousness...
(5)
Alan K.

I enjoyed the fact that we could BYOB. However, the only problem with that is the BYOB curbed my appetite. I ordered the drunken noodles with chicken. For the price, they give ample portions. However, I thought the dish was okay. It seemed to be over saturated in sauces which probably is laden with salt. As a warning, this establishment does not seat incomplete parties so please make sure that everyone is there, or trust me, they will give up your table to someone else.
(3)
Tyler C.

My go-to Pad Thai take out place. Cheap, delicious, and a very generous portion. The crab rangoon are also a frequent purchase as well.
(4)
Alejandro T.

The place has great food and true to the Thai flavor, and it has a pretty neat atmosphere but I would rather order take out or delivery instead. The service is pretty fast but I couldn't shake the feeling I was being rushed through the meal and our server came off as rude. The meal itself was delicious, with the pad thai being one of the most famous dishes, but I had the chicken coconut curry, which was amazing. Their downfall are the portions which don't seem to be filling unless you are used to eating White Castle portions. The problem is not the lack of food, but the lack of sides, as their dishes don't come with a side of jasmin rice as other places do. Based on my 2 experiences there, I would go only if my friends really wanted to, otherwise, I rather have them deliver, or just order from another Thai place with bigger portions. Meh.
(3)
Madeline W.

I absolutely love Joys, it is my favorite Thai place in all of Chicago and I have tried a lot of different places. I order in all of the time and occasionally eat there. Some of my favorites are baby egg rolls, chicken coconut curry, spicy chili noodles, and pad woon sen.
(4)
Ben A.

This review is for delivery only. I ordered the coconut curry chicken and I have to say it's my favorite. Very tasty and fresh! I ordered spicy and it was definitely hot. The dish is well-balanced with noodles, chicken, and veggies. The broth is great!! One negative is the appetizer. I ordered fried shu mai and was disappointed. Tiny, tasteless morsels of nothing which cost $4.50. I'll stick to the coconut chicken curry.
(4)
Susan P.

Chicken satay was pretty good, spring rolls were okay but were obviously made much earlier and thrown into a fridge waiting for someone to order it (plate was cold). Spinach noodles were yummy, as well as my friend's curry spinach noodles. Price wasn't too bad and jasmine tea was good. Service also very good. Had some higher expectations for this place.. not sure why though!
(3)
Lindsay L.

I've have been here countless times and I wish I could say that I've tried more of the menu, but I stick with my signature dish. They have the best Pad See Eiw out there. To make this dish even better, add some fried tofu. A great way to start the meal is with an appetizer of Chicken Satay and Spring Rolls, but don't expect to finish this on your own. Portion sizes are very generous and the prices are extremely reasonable.To make things the deal even sweeter, Joy's Noodles & Rice is BYOB, so bring your own drinks and enjoy. Great atmosphere, cool decor and fast and friendly service. Can't wait to get home so I can have it again!
(5)
Brian M.

my favorite places for pad thai/pad see ew type dishes
(5)
Annie N.

Just like every other Thai place I've been to around LP/Lakeview area. I hate generalizing restaurants, but really, having been to Thailand and most of SE Asia, it's rather hard to find an authentic place around here. Nothing I've ever tried comes close to the food I had when I was in Thailand (which was full of flavor and out of this world). Having said that, Joy's was a good choice for a nice yet cheap dinner with my friend. The restaurant was spacious, and there was outdoor seating as well. We sat down right after we walked in, and since Joy's shares the same menu with Noodles in the Pots, I had no difficulty picking out something fast (since I was starving). Here's the truth: I think all of these places pretty much taste the same. The only 3 things I look for in my Thai noodles dishes are: (1) wide rice noodles - I love the texture and the chewiness of them, (2) Thai basil leaves - they're minty, and go particularly well with the sauces, and (3) a chilly pepper, which indicates that the dish is spicy (this, sadly, disappoints me every time, because the food is never spicy enough for me). I picked the Pad Khee Mao with tofu. My friend went with some sort of thin rice noodle, I think it was the Prik Pao Noodles. We also ordered a Crab Rangoon since I was starving and I didn't know how long it would take the food to come out. Fortunately, our noodles came out momentarily, but the crab rangoon was no where to be seen. Turned out the waiter forgot our appetizer. No biggie, we had more than enough noodles to fill us up. The food was fine, nothing outstanding, but pretty consistent. The portion was big, and someone can easily make 2 meals out of it. That someone is never me, but whatever. My friend didn't finish her dish, and was going to bring it home. However, my other friend came meet us and finish the food for her. So I guess 2 people can even share an order, but priced at 8-10 bucks/dish, you certainly don't have to. The waiters were fine. A little unfriendly for my taste. They clearly got a little annoyed in the end when my other friend came to meet us at the end of our meal and didn't order food - but I'm not sure why? We were there for less than an hour, and the place wasn't packed. She stopped by for 10 minutes, we paid and we left. Oh well, I won't be a regular here so it didn't bother me. I like it, and if I'm looking for something cheap/fast and decent in the area, I'll consider it, but I won't make a special trip here for it.
(3)
Abby F.

Very disappointed...I recently ordered carry-out for the first time from Joy's. The man on the phone was so rude I almost cancelled my order. Also, I called to make sure they knew I had a peanut allergy, I was assured on the phone my dish wouldn't contain any nuts. However, when it arrived it had ground peanuts mixed in. Needles to say, it wasn't even edible for me. Mine is also not the first review about lack of ingredient disclosure. Joy's is either going to cause people to be very sick, or worse.
(1)
Kathi F.

Joy's is a great restaurant when you need a fast and filling dinner. The portion sizes are large - my boyfriend and I can split one noodle plate and feel completely satisfied. The sidewalk seating is comfortable, the waiters are efficient, and the tea is delicious! I considered rating this only 4 stars due to the authenticity of the food choices, but it makes sense for this price level.
(5)
Linda SingaSong S.

To commence the final day of my exhausting 2 week Master Cleanse, I decided to celebrate it Thai-style with few of my gf's. It's a lot bigger than most Thai restaurants that I've been to, and on this busy Sunday night, the crowd was bustling with hipsters, couples, yuppies, and large parties. Service was prompt and my gf ordered a mango bubble tea and I started out with Tom Yum soup. I was a bit cautious & scared of consuming solid food after a 2 week hiatus. Oi... I can see why their bubble tea is $3. It's not the "fresh-fruit" bubble tea, it's the "mysterious mango powder" liquid concoction. We all tried drink & questioned whether the server got our order wrong. It tasted like a pina colada along w/ the consistency & color. He informed us that they don't use fresh fruit, and the mango flavor comes from a powder extract. How enticing... My Tom Yum soup came out later &.they put plenty of broccoli, corn, carrots...but taste wise, it wasn't fantastic. It was really salty and sour. For my first semi-solid meal, my tummy wasn't pleased. For our entrees, I ordered tofu crazy noodles, while gf's ordered tofu pad see ew and chicken pad thai. I liked how they cooked their tofu. Some thai places overcook their tofu's to a rubbery consistency, but it was crunchy & soft on the inside. Taste was what I expected from a crazy noodle dish. Nothing carrrazy. I'll probably go back to this spot coz of its cuteness & ambiance, but think I may have to go out of my comfort zone and order something wildly different. Maybe then... I'll give it +1 star. Til then..
(3)
Annie S.

I LOVE Thai food, therefore I have eaten at many Thai restaurants and this one is by far the best I have ever been too. The waiters are super nice and very attentive, you will never be left waiting for your food or your check at this place. The food comes very quick and is always amazing. I have had almost every dish from this place and I go about once a week. Order the crab rangoon, pad thai or pad see we They have two main rooms for seating, if you want it to be quieter ask to go in the second room to the right from where you enter. If you are on a date or want a cooler atmosphere, sit outsite in the back. There is also outdoor seating in front as well. BYOB, (without corkage fee) who doesn't love that? They also have wine openers you can use. They are also really good about splitting checks.
(5)
Vithida S.

Fusion Thai. The food is ok, the service is not that good. They are not attentive to Thai customers.
(2)
Vanitha S.

OK overall with good service. The portions are well-sized. Felt a little bit ill after the first time eating there and wasn't sure if it was me or the food, but another reviewer said she got sick too, so I guess sometimes their food is off. Love this place when the weather is nice and you can sit by the open floor to ceiling french doors. Beware those coupons that print on the backs of the receipts at Jewel...it's buy one get one free but you have to order a minimum of three dishes, which we weren't told until we ordered.
(2)
Derek B.

You can't beat their speed and prices. It's a very efficient staff, so it's a perfect place if you are in a hurry. I'm never IN LOVE with the food. It's always good, but I don't find myself thinking about like at other Thai places. There's nothing on this menu I crave. But again, great service, so it's a winner.
(4)
E P.

I have a soft spot for this place. I've been eating here for over 10 years and could eat here every day. It's not for every taste, I'm sure. But for me this is the ideal vegetarian meal: spring rolls (with cream cheese), garlic tofu with broccoli and Thai iced coffee.
(4)
Thais A.

Absolutely fantastic!!! I dined outside, and it was the most perfect atmosphere I could have asked for. The waitstaff is courteous and genuine. And the food, amazing! Portions were big, and the flavors hit all the right spots at the right time. It's BYOB! So make sure to bring a bottle, or two.
(5)
Mary T.

Great food and a lively atmosphere! My favorite dishes: Drunken Noodles with Beef...Mini Egg Rolls...Cucumber Salad. Bonus: Good "people watching" in the summer time :-)
(4)
Marc C.

Joy's is a nice atmosphere and a staple for the neighborhood. It seems to always be busy and with BYOB and reasonable prices, it is a good option for dates, or for a group that enjoys decent Thai food. I'm giving Joy's three stars because in all the times I have been there, the service has been excellent, but I have been consistently underwhelmed by the quality of the food. I have had excellent Thai food and poor excuses for Thai food, Joy's falls right in the middle. Consistently decent, but not excellent.
(3)
James K.

The food was very good, and I was impressed with the service. We arrived at 9:50, and their site says they close at 10:30. They were incredibly nice about us coming late. The food came out incredibly fast!!! The only reason they didn't get the 5th star was because the chicken (added to the spicy noodles) tasted reheated and more than a bit over cooked. Maybe is due to how fast the food comes out, but I would have rather waited an extra 5 minutes for the food and had it taste fresh. I will definitely be coming back.
(4)
Sarah D.

Nom nom nom. I love this place! I've been twice now, and tipsy both times. It's a good place to go with a group of people because it's BYOB, and I like the atmosphere. The decor is kinda dingy, but it just feels comfortable. My friends and I split the combo appetizer, decent, although I wouldn't order it again. I've had the Tom Yum soup, distinct flavor, reminds of me of B.O., but I think it's supposed to be that way. From now on, I know I'll order the stir fried wide rice noodle dishes. It's like Thai mac n' cheese and the perfect hangover food. They give huge portions, so I wouldn't necessarily recommend it before a night of drunken debauchery...you just won't get that drunk. The noodles don't appeal to the eye, but ohh do they the stomach. Service has been fine, and prices are right. A Lakeview must!
(4)
Mollie M.

I had a very unpleasant experience ordering on the phone for delivery. My phone call was 10 minutes long. Everytime I said something the employee was repeating it back to someone. They got my order wrong after verifying it with the manager. Upon arrival of my order, 15 minutes longer than they told me, my order was still wrong. It was the first time I've had a bad experience at Joy's, but this terrible experience ruined it for me. Too bad I still have a $75 dollar gift certificate.
(1)
Josh Y.

Joy's has quickly become my favorite Thai place in Lakeview. Their noodle dishes, such as Pad Khee Mao and Pad Thai are fairly authentic, very fresh, and taste delicious. The environment is great with a large dining room, an outside patio, and large doors they open in the summer if you want to sit inside but get some fresh air. It's BYOB (as are many thai places downtown), so that's always a plus. The one thing I would not recommend is their curry dishes. They are served with large, deep fried, rice noodles. This sounds good in theory, but you don't get nearly enough to soak up all the curry, which is really what you want. We asked for a bowl of rice, and were somewhat dismayed by being charged $2 for it... Would still go back for dine in or take out.
(3)
Sushma A.

BABY EGG ROLLS! Fried to perfection and very delicious. 5 things I love about Joy's: 1. Cheap 2. Large portions 3. Delicious 4. BYOB 5. Fast service
(5)
Jennie C.

Thai noodle dishes are comfort food for me, and I've tried quite a handful of Thai places in the city. Joy's was just ok. Prices were a tad higher than other Thai places, and the pad woon sen I ordered was waaaaay too salty. Service was friendly & efficient. Our water glasses were never empty.
(3)
Nichole M.

Your average decent thai restaurant. The itty bitty crab rangoons were very tasty and the pad thai with shrimp that I ordered was the usual for a thair restaurant, but the shrimp had zero flavor. I would go here again if it were someone else's idea, but I wouldn't be all excited and pumped to invite people to join me because it's just not quite at "oh so good" status. Service was...interesting. I have no idea who our server was because about 3 different servers waited on us. I don't like that, it weirds me out. Also, it was hot as hell in that place and that just makes eating unpleasant because you feel like you're having heat stroke, which makes one's appetite sort of disappear. However, I should note that it was very reasonably priced and it's byob with no corkage fee. A-ok, kind of, maybe, sort of good. That's how I feel about it.
(3)
Erika G.

This place is a solid three star joint. BYOB. My entree was awful, but stealing from my companions revealed delicious chow. SevenStar got the Basil Beef, which was very good. A nice size portion, delicious and fresh - the seasonings were yummy and savory. miniSevenStar hilariously ordered the Drunken Noodles which were also very good. A really generous portion, plenty for me to sneak frequent tastes. Beef, noodles and a few shredded vegetables. I got the Bama Noodles - pork with noodles. YUK. This dish illustrates why I don't crave Thai food very much - the sneaky sweetness that is in so many dishes. I like my meat SAVORY not sweet. Anyway. The other entrees were delicious enough that I don't need to hold my personal sweet aversion against this place. The appetizers we got - chicken satay, delicious, juicy, large pieces, and the spring rolls - plump, fresh and yummy with a big chunk of crab meat, were both wonderful. A pleasant interior - clean and airy, and now the windows are open! I'll be back again, I'll just order something else next time. And maybe ASK what's sweet and what is not so I can avoid for myself. Cheers!
(3)
Kristin S.

My husband and I have had dinner at Joy's several times now. The food and service are awesome. The back patio is great when the weather is nice and it's BYOB! Joy's is always my go-to for pad thai. I highly recommend this restaurant for high quality Thai food.
(4)
Mahsa T.

Affordable, fast, and delicious food--those are the three reasons why I love this place. I ordered the chicken pad thai and while it was delicious, my friend's PAD KHEE MAO (stir-fried wide rice noodles with basil leaves, carrots, green beans, baby corn, tomato and hot pepper) was phenomenal! That's what I'm ordering next time. I would also HIGHLY recommend the Thai rolls appetizer (shrimp, chicken, crabmeat and mint leaves wrapped in rice paper, served with sweet & sour peanut sauce)--fantastic! Service was prompt and friendly. This place is BYOB, so bring a bottle of wine or 6-pack of beer and enjoy some delicious Thai food.
(4)
Lisa M.

We used to order delivery 2-3 times a week from Joy's. Almost every time, they forget to put condiments in the bag, and generally spill the bubble teas all over the bag. When you call to let them know there is a problem, you are put on hold, while your food is getting cold. No one there speaks clear English, which I think they should if they are picking up the phone. It's extremely frustrating explaining any issue, and as the customer, I always feel like I'm wrong with them. They don't care if you're a loyal customer (seeing as how I've spent thousands of dollars with them in the last 7 years). I may order with them again because the food is pretty good, but it will have to be very simple orders, and no bubble teas!
(2)
S J.

Let's be honest, chicken fried rice isn't difficult to make, but you'll never find a place that can make cfr nearly as well! Also the rest of their menu is fantastic.
(5)
Shelby M.

I am obsessed with this place! It's soo affordable and the atmosphere is great plus great food! O ya byob too. My boyfriend and I walked to Lincoln park wanting to try something new last night...ended up coming back to our neighborhood and ordering joys!
(5)
Danielle S.

I lived right around the corner from Joy's and loved going here whenever possible. The staff is friendly, but from what I recall doesn't speak much English (which is just fine). The location is perfect (right in the heart of Boystown and Lakeview). Parking is a nightmare if you don't live around the area, but they also deliver. The front doors swing open in the summer, and it's such a great balance of indoor seating with outdoor activity. They also have a very cute back patio. I haven't eaten many different things here, but everything I have had has been worthy of a "I miss Joy's!!" every time my friends say they're going here.
(4)
Adriane P.

Very typical Thai food and affordable. The service is good. But it's entirely composed of tables and bright, not at all ideal for a romantic meal because there's not enough ambiance. I don't like tables very much in general, I feel too exposed or vulnerable. The "date" I went with is of the "forks on the left, knives in the back" character, so I could have used the added security provided by the seclusion of dimmer lighting and being tucked in a booth. But that's me. Maybe decent for a meal with a chum.
(2)
Jeff R.

We went back to Joy's for a quick and cheap meal Tuesday night. The food was tasty, as always, service quick and prices cheap. Erica went with the typical Pad Thai, and I ventured off the grid a little to try the thai basil leaf with chicken. We started with the vegetarian spring roll, served with warm, chunky peanut sauce that I could eat right from the spoon. I really enjoy the refreshing pineapple they put in the roll. The basil leaf dish is served with white rice and plenty of food. I enjoyed the flavors even with the mounds of mushrooms. The sauce was great with the rice and I really enjoyed the onions and peppers. I probably will stick with the noodles next time, but I wanted to explore the menu. Still one of my favorites in town, very hard to beat the value.
(5)
Annie D.

Chicagooo! [throwing up hands] I know you have better Thai than this. It was chilly and windy and the reviews of Joy's drew us in for lunch. The service? Awesome. The lunch deal? Awesome. The actual food? Not so awesome. At least not what we ordered. The boyfriend was starving, so he ordered the Thai rolls as an app, and then we both got the Pad Thai and crab rangoon for the $6.50 lunch special. The Thai rolls... nuh uh. I didn't mind the actual rolls, but neither of us cared for the sweet and sour peanut sauce that was generously poured on top of every bite. It made it taste like a syrupy dessert. The Pad Thai with chicken... another nuh uh. When I order Pad Thai, I look forward to a certain balance of flavors (savory, sour, sweet, citrusy, oniony, garlicky, salty, etc.). It was out of whack here and just overwhelmingly sweet. I'd love to give Joy's another try (almost 500 reviews and a 4-star average can't be wrong, right?) but I won't be ordering any of the same things I did this time. Maybe a little tom kha, a little curry or a little drunken noodle action instead?
(3)
Azad N.

Delicious and affordable thai food. Tried the coconut curry, the drunken noodles, and the baby spring rolls...they were all delicious. The service is friendly and the food comes out very quickly. What I love most about the place is the fact that all the dishes I tried were really light compared to the food I've had at most thai restaurants. They also give great portions, there was more than enough for me to pack some up and take it home. The decor is cute: it's kind of like post 2001 modern/updated building with all the touches of grandma's house like hanging flowers and cutesie signage around the restaurant. They also have a gorgeous patio that I'd like to try out one day.
(5)
Johnny T.

I don't know what I was expecting, but I don't think this was it. First off, Chicago is blessed to have many outstanding Thai restaurants. I don't know why this is, but I am happy about it. Because of this, competition is high and there is no room for average cuisine. Maybe it was an off day, but my food was decidedly average. I ordered of the (very economical) lunch menu: appetizer and entree for $6.50. I ordered the spring rolls and green curry with chicken. The spring rolls were...damp. They didn't taste very fresh and eating them was slightly laborious. I wasn't a fan. My curry smelled fantastic but tasted sort of bland. I don't know how that worked. For something that was so aromatic, I can't understand why smell didn't translate to taste. Satisfactory. Finally, I sipped on Plum bubble tea. I order my bubble tea without bubbles (I know...but those bubbles look like...don't make me write it), so I can't speak on them. It didn't taste very 'plumy.' In fact, it didn't taste like much. But, it was cold and refreshing. Satisfactory. But, again, in a city of outstanding Thai options, 'satisfactory' doesn't quite get it. I liked the layout of the restaurant. It's very airy without being aloof. This would be a great spot for a large lunch...if the food tasted better.
(3)
Andrea R.

I love Thai food. I love bubble tea. So I was filled with "joy" when my favorite Friday lunch gals (hi Colleen & Jelena!) suggested Joys. Once scoring a parking spot (not an easy task in this neighborhood) my stomach was growling. I followed Colleen C's lead (she usually knows best) and ordered a mango bubble tea. And then feeling slightly guilty about all the calories that are in that bubble tea (those bubbles may taste like air, but I've been told they are quite calorific) I opted for a spring roll appetizer followed by steam veggies. I know...boring! The bubble tea turned out to be a bit of a disappointment- the bubbles didn't quite explode in my mouth as expected....and instead were all clumped together in my straw. No fun! And the steamed veggies were a bit bland, but that's my fault for ordering them! Joys accidently put chicken in my veggies, but I was actually happy to see a bit of protein. I threw a bunch of hot sauce on it and had myself an A-OK meal. Next time I"ll skip their mediocre bubble tea and spend the calories on an order of their pad thai instead.
(3)
Mad I.

My former go to for Pad thai...lots of cabbage which I like. Mmmm
(4)
Katie K.

I really do not get these 4-5 star reviews, to each their own. I went here because it was my friend's favorite thai place, I really don't get why. My problem with the place is that the meat was incredibly dry. The rest of the dish was fine, but nothing to write home about. The meat was just so terrible, I don't quite get why, or how it has such great reviews. I mean, yes, prompt service, I guess maybe I had to high expectations.
(3)
Kyle H.

Joy's Noodles and Rice is great for Thai, Al Fresco dining, and it's BYOB! My dining partner and I are both currently seeking work, so their huge lunch specials menu was sweet recession relief! My coconut curry was $7 and came with a side, and the cucumber salad was fresh without being drowned in vinegar or some other dressing. The curry is billed as Hot, but it was only medium, which was perfect for me. We didn't order a dessert but a little bird told me Joy's has great bubble tea! Aww, I missed out! Loved the setting, loved the food, loved Joy's!
(4)
Natasha N.

AMAZING best pad thai I've ever had!
(5)
Christina M.

I've been coming here since probably around 2005. Today was probably one of the worst experience I've had ever. I gave three stars, because I believe the food is still good and I'm sure depending on the time you might get some decent costumer service. But today was just awful. I came in with my co workers for lunch and so we ordered from their lunch specials. With the lunch specials comes with an appetizer. I chose crab rangoon, and my other two co workers chose the baby egg rolls. Unfortunately the menu didn't specify that the egg rolls contained shrimp. My co worker is pretty allergic to shrimp. She started to eat the egg roll, and began to have her allergic reaction. That's when (after about 5 mins or so, because the waiter hardly came by to check on us) she finally got the attention of the waiter and asked if there was shrimp in it. Once he confirmed that there was, she ran to the Walgreens down the street. Mind you, we're on lunch so we already dont have that much time. By the time she got back she had to get her lunch wrapped up and save it for later. She informed the waitor that they should really have some warning or say what exactly is in the egg roll in case it happened again. She also told the waiter that she was really allergic. The waitor was just very stoic and had nothing to really say or even tried to apologize for the inconvience. We were pretty upset about it. I'd say dine in at your risk. I think it's hit or miss with the service really. My lunch food was still really good. Maybe take out or delivery only?
(3)
Colleen B.

I moved out of Joy's delivery zone a few years ago and have been trying to find a replacement since. Not going to happen. I walked past there tonight and got all wistful. I try to come in once in a while but man, do I miss living nearby. Pad thai forever.
(5)
Kelly F.

Joy's is the BEST! Delivery is FAST and the food is always super hot when it arrives.
(5)
C P.

First of all, the place is BYOB and doesn't charge a corking fee. They even bring you a canister with ice to keep your wine chilled. But more importantly, the food is delicious! The pad thai is absolutely fantastic and can easily feed two (smaller) people. It's also incredibly cheap. The appetizers are really small, but the entrees are huge and hearty! There are also a lot of vegetarian and even vegan options. It's a great place to start off a night of drinking in Boystown!
(5)
Jeffrey F.

Best fruit-based bubble tea in the US. Period. My wife and I are the hugest bubble tea fans, and we literally seek out bubble tea shops in EVERY city we visit! We've been to Guppy's Teahouse in LA, Saint Alps in NYC, Verde in Mountainview. But when it comes to fruit-blended bubble teas, none hold a candle to Joy Yee's. They use the freshest of fruits, the right blend of ingredients and the prices are cheap. $3-4 for most drinks and 24 oz.! My personal favorite is the mango papaya freeze with ice cream on top. In fact last time my wife and I were in Chicago for a weekend, we went to Joy Yee's FIVE TIMES.
(5)
Izzy N.

Ok I know that I am the duchess of joy's noodles per my check in's but it's over! Joy's you're DEAD TO ME. A long curly black hair on top of a salad? Do they not look at their salads before serving it? Does the server prance off looking elsewhere while walking to serve the salad and not notice this very noticeable curly strand of hair. I was sitting across the way and I even noticed it. The salad was thank the good Lord not for me. My coworker sent it back and there wasn't even an apology just an "oh, ok." like it's no big deal and not a shame. The Shame. You're not all that anyway. There's better Thai to be had in the city, people. And their crab rangoons are fucking disgusting.
(1)
Ngoc T.

ooooh la la. It's fancy inside! Didn't expect that, so I dressed up like a bum and felt a little intimidated. No big deal though :) Food was mediocre. Nothing special, it's exactly the same as anywhere, but just put on a heavier white plate and served on heavy-duty spoons. At least give me proper chop sticks, come on... I hate those wooden disposable ones. Pad see eiw was a little sweeter than I'd like. My friend got some curry beef. ehhh, glad I didn't order that. Otherwise I'd have given this place a 2 star. Her dish was disgusting, and the beef was soo chewy, it was cut in the biggest sized pieces and far too thick. Anyhow, I like the interior, a lot. I'd take my parents here for some noodles :)
(4)
Kristin R.

Joy's Noodles and Rice is my back up Thai place, when my go-to is closed, like on Mondays. They have a very solid panang curry. I usually order mine with the rice instead of their crispy wide noodles. I had tried these before and just was not a fan. I believe I found them too greasy. I really dislike their pad thai. It is highly disappointing. Apparently it is one of their most popular dishes, but honestly, if I were you, I'd steer clear. They recently annoyed me because I ordered off of grubhub and said that I would pay tip in cash, even though I charged the meal to my credit card. When the lady delivered, I had the cash in my hand ready to give her and before I even had the chance, she asked me about her tip. Um hello lady, tipping is a) discretionary and b) like did you really think I was going to NOT tip you? I'm not lame. And of course I'll tip anyone that delivers food to my front door. But don't ask for it! It's optional! Anyway, it's a pet peeve of mine obviously. I think Joy's is just OK. I've been to the actual restaurant before and they have a cute outdoor eating area.
(3)
Aaron B.

I was thinking four stars and then remembered the great lunch specials I am in love with. Cucumber salad or crab rangoon with Pad Thai, and good sized portions too, for only 6.00. This is a great Thai place right on broadway in lakeview. If you like to people watch they have sidewalk seating in the summer months and also have huge windows that open to the street so if you want to stop the melanoma from spreading you can sit in the shade and still have a great view of the street scene. The interior is a nice combination of slate and ceramic tiles and is very well done. Joy's and Ping Pong make this block of Broadway a great 'asian alleyway'. Joy's - I like it!
(5)
xena o.

I have dined in and ordered out at Joy's Noodles on Broadway since 1996. Has not changed - it is absolutely on the mark every time. I order tom kha, spring rolls, chicken satay, and green tea smoothie. The ambiance and the wait staff is equally as important as the food - all 3 excel.
(5)
Charles C.

Delicious. I had the chicken coconut curry and it was amazing. We had a group of 10 and they accommodated us with a same day reservation call. Service was great. The food was great. The BYOB is nice too, they brought us ice buckets for our wine and beer. Will be coming back and getting the chicken coconut curry again soon!
(4)
Vaidehi T.

Went to Joy's last weekend with a bunch of friends. It's a great place for groups - and it is BYOB, so that's an added bonus. The food was very delicious. The green curry in particular was a favorite at our table. My favorite was the Pad khee Mao, it was sweet, savory, tangy, spicy - fireworks in my mouth! It is a great place to come on cold winter nights to eat their comforting, spicy and hot food.
(4)
Keith T.

Out in a group looking for a place to have a celebratory birthday dinner, and every place we try is all booked up with hours-long waits. Enter our White Knight, Joy's Noodles and Rice. We called ahead and they had a table waiting for us by the time we arrived. The waiter was sweet and efficient, considering what a large and frazzled group we were by the time we sat down. I had the Crazy Noodles and they were delicious. They didn't alter my views of gastronomy as an artform or anything, but I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. Thank you, Joy's, for being there when we needed you.
(4)
Kristy K.

I don't really see what the hype is about. I have ordered from here a couple times now because it is literally two minutes form my apartment. Each time, I have been disappointed with the runniness and blandness of my curry dishes. Also, I am not a huge fan of placing noodles on top of a cucumber salad so they can get soggy and cucumbery tasting. I wish I loved this place considering how conveniently located it is. I just know there are better spots in the city. Plus, I take my curry dishes very seriously. No room for error.
(3)
Amy N.

We love this place. The food is delicious and FAST! Even delivery is fast. We have had food delivered within 15 minutes of of order placement. You gotta be careful though - when they say it is spicy, it is SPICY!
(5)
Colleen C.

First thing's first! If you live on the north side and need delivery, Jelena Z's list is TOPS: yelp.com/list/i-feel-theâ€¦ Seriously, it's basically what I look at if I ever need food to come to my house. Lucky me, she lives in relatively the same 'hood! Ok, so Joy's. Wow. Yes. This is what delivery of Thai food SHOULD be. After many disappointing attempts with other establishments (except SIam in Uptown), Joy's has skyrocketed to the top of the list! Top! 1. Online ordering, PRAISE the gods of Thai food. No jumbled miscommunication, super easy. Like, too easy. It almost makes me worried, but then I stuff some fresh crunchy spring rolls in my mouth, and I forget. 2. FAST. They quoted 60 minutes, it arrived in about 25-30. HOT. Steaming mofo hot, to my door. No making me come all the way into the lobby...the lady came right to me without begging or pleading, and therefore I didn't have to show my crazy hairstyle to my neighbors. Just to the delivery girl. Oh well, I'm sure they've seen worse. 3. They DELIVER bubble tea. OMG. Yes. I had the mango, but I think next time I'd opt for plum. Lots of bouncy balls. Love. 4. The food was simply lovely, the rama chicken all peanutty and flavorful with steamed brocolli, aforementioned spring rolls and 2 Diet Cokes. I don't do takeout because it annoys me, but Joy's nailed the formula...INDEED!
(5)
Laura D.

This was pretty good. We ordered delivery to watch the State of the Union address last night, and it was pretty satisfying! I got the pad khee mao with tofu, and it was good. It definitely could have come with more baby corn and more tofu, but the tofu was really well-cooked: crunchy yet squishy, the right balance. I loved the little hot sauce guys that came with the meal, and it was so scrumptious all together. All the peppers in there made the dish sing. I will be back!
(3)
Judy D.

I had pad see eiw and it was sooooooooo greasy and the noodles were so over cooked they were mushy. Gross food, sub-par service. Better food and service to be found else where. Gross. Greasy. Slop.
(1)
Greg D.

I rounded up to 4 here. I had the spicy basil leaves with beef. It was ok but I think I screwed up - I should have gotten the panang curry - my friend did and the few bites I had were awesome. We also split the crab rangoon (good) and the spring roles (I've had bland ones and these were definitely good!). For $50 we got 2 apps and 4 entrees. Mixed with the fact that it's BYOB, I'd go here again in a heart beat but order something different.
(4)
Sarah F.

This place is good for what it is. I will probably go there again because of the following: 1. It's right down the street*** 2. Seating is immediate 3. Wait staff is very attentive, quick. 4. The food is fine. It comes out RIGHT away. 5. BYOB (goes without saying) I am only giving it three stars because of the following: 1. There's nothing special about their dishes, from what I've had. The flavor is never amazing. It's good. Vegetables are fresh, meat taste good..just not amazing stuff happening in the kitchen. 2. The atmosphere doesn't charm me. Even though the staff is quite efficient, nothing really pulls me in.
(3)
Jennie T.

I don't particularly like Thai food very much, so I've only been here once (plus another time when my friend ordered takeouts) but Joy's does a pretty good job, I think. My friend and I got some soup and a plate each of some kind of noodles (I don't remember the names of them). I warned her that since we were at an Asian restaurant that spicy does indeed mean spicy, but of course she didn't listen and she added more Sriracha sauce on top of her spicy rice noodles. Moments later, she was in tears and she asked if there was milk. Because most Asians I know are lactose-intolerant (like myself), I was actually really surprised that they had milk! Good food, good times. I'd consider coming back here again (as much as I don't particular like Thai cuisine).
(4)
Tiffany L.

Mmmmmm...could it be? Could Joy's be my new favorite Thai deliver place!? I think it is! Hooray! The Panang curry, are you flippin' kidding me!? Strange and amazing and oh so tasty, those crispy fattening noodles, hell to the yeaaaaah. Their Pad Thai is superfantastic! My only two minor complaints, the Pad Sie Eiw was a bit too salty, but still very very good and the soup dumplings had a weird texture and it was overall flavorless. I'm in love...
(4)
Amy J.

What can I say? Joy's is a joy to order dinner from (snicker). I absolutely adore this place. Their pad thai is my favorite, and I order it at least once a week, and everything else I've tried on the menu is also excellent. The waiters (or maybe that's waitresses...I never can tell) are so friendly and always greet me with a smile. A great restaurant that's consistently yummy and has the best service. 'Nuff said.
(5)
Rachel O.

Great place! Super fast! Friendly service! Favorite dishes: coconut curry, crazy noodles, pad Thai!
(5)
Adoley J.

In a neighborhood full of awesome noodle restaurants this place is just OK. While the restaurant is clean and trendy and BYOB is a great deal the food is jut so so. We started out with the mini egg rolls and they were blah. I've had better from Trader Joe's frozen food section. I ordered the Pad Prik and again it was bland and just so so. Come here to have drinks and people watch but go somewhere else for good food.
(3)
Diana Z.

Good Thai food? Yes. Great Thai food? I wouldn't go that far. So this is how I feel about Thai food, it's pretty difficult to screw up. I've had 1 bad Thai experience (and that was in Hawaii, so don't worry Chicagoans, we're still safe as far as I know), so I have my Thai food bar set a certain level. Joys definitely met that standard, but I wouldn't say it exceeded it. I've had the pad thai there as well as the pad see ew, and they were both good. Now, if Joy's were the only Thai food place within a 6 block radius of my apartment, i'd be there every weekend, no doubt. But Thai food places are a dime a dozen here in Lakeview and there just happens to be one that I like better that's 1/2 block from my apartment. So unfortunately for Joy's, I'd have to pick Penny's every time.
(3)
Celeste C.

Joy's is my home away from home. They know my name. I wear my pajamas occasionally. It's everything I need in a restaurant. The service is super quick, the food always tastes fresh, and it's some of the best Pad Thai and Bai Tong I've ever had. One of my favorite places to dine.
(5)
Rocky G.

So I just moved to Chicago/Lakeview from San Diego and was in need of a good cheap Thai place to fill the void created by leaving California. I kept walking past Joy's and after reading the reviews decided to try it out for lunch. SOOO happy I did. The service was incredibly fast with out being overbearing. The spring roll apps were great and really refreshing. I ordered the Drunken Noodles with chicken and was happily surprised with not only how fast it came out but with the very generous serving size. Everything tasted great and I can't wait to go back and try the other delicious looking menu items I was spying at other tables. Oh and the fact that my whole meal with tip came out to just $10 was fabulous!
(4)
Chris C.

We went here for lunch after checking out the Lakeview Art Walk. The food was okay but the service...not so much. For my meal I had the Crab Rangoon and the Chicken Panang Curry. The Crab Rangoon was delicious. The Chicken Panang Curry was okay but nothing special. And for the price, I was hoping for a larger portion. I had also ordered a taro bubble tea but was told by the waitress that I had to wait. I was okay with it seeing that they were busy. But after seeing four other bubble tea orders come through I wanted mine. When we finally flagged down our waitress, they had run of tapioca balls. Major boo. Also, water wasn't always filled and I was pretty thirsty. If probably won't be back if I'm in the neighborhood. Thai Classic is not too far of a walk west but the food and service will probably be better.
(2)
Ashley C.

We needed to find a Vegetarian friendly place and a friend recommended this place since it's BYOB. We arrived there at 8 on a Friday night and it was fairly busy although we got a table right away. The waiter was prompt and friendly. We first tried the spring rolls which were quite yummy and the sauce was sweeter than other places. They definitely aren't my favorite spring rolls, but a quick start. We quickly devoured them as we pondered our menu choices. I ordered the Pad Thai (with chicken) as its my signature dish out. It was the most popular dish at the table and someone tried the Curry with Tofu and Spinach noodles. The food came quickly and everyone dug in. The Pad Thai was ok - I have had much better. The sauce on the noodles was on the bland side and it was pretty much noodles and chicken without the other yummy goodness really mixed in. The good thing was dinner was $14 with tip. However, everyone else at the table was impressed with the meal - the spinach noodles and tofu were a hit (that's why they'd get 3 and not 2 stars). The perks are that it is cheap, quick, and BYOB (w/o all the fees). The downside is the food is okay, and for it being a BYOB place I felt like the waiter "rushed" us. I would go other if others picked the spot, but I wouldn't choose to go there on my own.
(3)
Cassie S.

Great food, great prices, BYOB - what else is there to want? It's not the best thai food I've ever eaten, but it was pretty darn good. I had the spicy chili noodles and most people at my table had the pad thai - everyone liked their food. And at their prices, given the amount of food you get, it was outstanding (most places at that price point are pretty gross). We went for a friend's birthday and with 8 entrees and 4 appetizers we were still well under $100. Bonus points for letting us bring in our own cupcakes to :)
(4)
Melissa L.

First of all, the Coconut Chicken Curry is TO DIE FOR. Second of all, their Pad See Eiw is TO DIE FOR. Third of all, the Thai Rolls are TO DIE FOR. I live no more than one block away from Joy's so I can smell it all the time. I cannot count the times that visitors have commented on the delicious smell in the air - all due to Joy's. The servers are so kind and helpful. It is a BYOB, and they are quick to get the proper glassware and corkscrews and whatever to you as quick as possible. The food comes out in a split second. The price range is very low - in fact, I would be willing to pay four times the price for each of my favorite dishes because they are that amazing! The place is typically busy, expect some delays in seating - especially if your entire party is not present. They have a nice patio in back and one along Broadway - perfect for people watching. Excellent!!!
(5)
Robin C.

Great place for a casual quick lunch. The staff is always really fast, and it's pretty cheap here. The food is pretty good and I've never had a bad experience here.
(4)
Eeeee L.

We have been going here for over five years and wish we'd discovered it sooner. I can honestly say that it is consistently our favorite noodle shop in all of Chicago. I'd walk for miles to be rewarded with spring rolls and their amazing noodle and rice dishes. My brother-in-law begs to come here every time he's in town for a visit. And we've taken him to a zillion places...from upscale to dives. He always reserves at least one meal for Joy's. I'll let that speak for itself. Gift certificates from Joy's are our favorite gifts to each other. Thai food nerds? Yes, and proud of it.
(5)
Bri A.

I had high hopes for this place... I ordered baby egg rolls, cashew chicken and green curry with chicken and noodles through the website. They were offering 15% off, which apparently means leaving out the most important part of a rice dish! Other than not having the other half of my meal, the food was very good and cheap. I might give them another shot.
(3)
Sarah R.

This isn't the best Thai restaurant around. Actually, far from it. But for some reason it's my go-to place. I crave their particular Pad Thai and their Tom Kha soup is super delicious.
(4)
Diera H.

I have to go here at least once a month. Just for these: - Tom Kha w/ Chicken - Pad Thai w/ Beef - Chicken Coconut Curry
(5)
Jackson J.

We asked for fish sauce with chilli, which is a basic, basic, condiment for thai restaurants. The waiter, who is clearly thai, as were most of the wait staff that we saw, told us that they "are not an authentic thai restaurant, so we don't have that." "Do you have fresh chilli?" "No, we are no an authentic Thai restuarant, we don't have fresh chilli." ARE YOU KIDDING ME? what a crazy thing to say, even if it's true. We were surprised, and disappointed. The "spinach" noodles were not spinach and were so siluted by some kind of not-fresh curry power, everthing on the dish turned a pale yellow. The restaurant has gone down hill and, unforunately, it's off out list now.
(1)
Kelly C.

In the spirit of full disclosure I'm not a huge fan of Thai. But Joy's was pretty good and in fact I have gotten delivery from there after my first visit. I have a friend that loves Joy's and probably gets takeout once every couple weeks so before we went out one night I gave in and we went there. They are BYOB which is always a bonus. We started off with one of the rolls (Thai, Veggie? I can't remember what my friend ordered) which come with an excellent peanut sauce. Seriously I could eat that by itself! We also got crab rangoon...I thought these were okay nothing overly fantastic. For my entree I had the drunken noodles and was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it. I added some hot sauce to spice it up and it was great. A friend got the chicken salad and it was a whole lot spicier than she was anticipating. I had this delivered a few weeks after my original dining experience and thought the spice was perfect but I'm pretty sure my taste buds have been deadened by all the cayenne pepper I cook with. Moral of the rambling if you are sensitive to spice be aware this has some serious kick! The food is reasonably priced and with BYOB you can get a little tipsy and eat a bunch without going home broke. Like I said I'm not a huge Thai fan but if I ever get a random craving I'm likely to go or get delivery from here.
(4)
Molly L.

Wow where to begin? It's official ladies and gentlemen, I've found my favorite Thai place in all of Chicago- nay the WORLD! Seriously though Joys Noodles was a great dining experience from start to finish. The place is pretty big and has a very open setup, they accommodated a huge party in the next room without skipping beat. The service was quick and friendly, and very willing to provide reco's - rice dish mood? Noodle dish mood? Spicy? Just a tad spicy? Not sure your mood? Don't worry they'll have the perfect dish mind to suit your mood. We got two aps - the crab Rangoon and pot stickers, delicious and @ $4.00 each how can you beat that?! I went traditional and got the chicken pad thai - unbelievably good, when in doubt GET IT I don't even know what else to say. My boyfriend got #8 on the noodle menu w/ chicken, a spicy dish that had just the right amount of kick. Pros: 1: Friendly 2: FAST - we had our entree's within 15 minutes!!! 3. Best thai I've ever had 4. Cheap/ BYOB - enough said Cons: 1. Absolutely nothing. Win. win. win. win.
(5)
Karen C.

Joy's is the greatest Thai place in the Lakeview area... hands down. Everything is so affordable, BYOB, no corkage fee, and they have tons of seating (plus a great little outdoor area for the summer)... which means little to no wait time. I almost always get the Pad See Ewe or the Pad Thai, and both are so good! My favorite thing on the menu however is the vegetable roll appetizer... HOLY cow. these things are delicious. I live less than 2 blocks away, if you order online you save 15%, and by the time I click "submit", walk out the door and get to Joy's, my order is ready for pick-up. This is a quality I appreciate.
(5)
Peter M.

This is our go to Thai place even though we have to pass a handful of other places to get there. It's reasonably priced, BYOB and, most importantly, delicious! The service is friendly and very quick. If you needed to, you could be out of here in 30 minutes, although, they don't rush you. My usual order is basil beef but I've tried several other dishes and they've all been good.
(5)
Rachel L.

Yup, I fell for it and ate there more. My friends like the place, but after I got sick again from eating their food...I don't care how cheap the place is, my GI tract can't take it. Blech.
(1)
Kate W.

I don't like Thai. I just don't. Noodles and peanuts do not belong together. But people love Thai food! My friends love Thai food! So I go to Thai restaurants and order chicken and vegetables. Or pot stickers. I'm an adult. So when the friends wanted to go to Joy's I immediately checked Yelp to see what was good and what to avoid (although it seems you people just love Thai food, too). And it was very promising, many dishes that seemed right up my alley. We strolled in on a Sunday night and were seated right away. I pursued the menu, and a lot of it looked really good! I settled on the Drunken Noodles and I didn't have to be drunk to like them. Savory noodles with lots of fresh, steamed vegetables, and a portion big enough to take for lunch tomorrow, although I finished it all. Also, super affordable! With BYOB my meal wasn't even over $10.
(4)
Katie O.

I love Joy's! I love Joy's! I love Joy's! I honestly can't say it enough! Living right down the street, I often smell the delicious scents of Joy's Thai food wafting as I walk home from work - more than once I've succumbed to buying dinner there instead of cooking for myself. It's worth it every time. I've been going to this place for almost three years now and I have yet to have a bad experience. The food is great (try the Golden Noodles), the service is fast and friendly, and my pick-up is always ready in 15 minutes! If you haven't tried this place, you must put it on your list.
(5)
M W.

I'm really baffled by the glowing reviews on here. True, the service is pretty good, the space is nice, and the prices are low. The problem is, you get what you pay for. This is *not* good Thai food. I tried the cashew chicken, pad thai, tom gai soup, a curry dish, and a shrimp+veggies dish. The soup and curry were all right, but everything else was very subpar. I gave it two chances, but I will never return here again.
(2)
Alicia M.

The baby eggrolls are not just really, really cute but they're yummy too! I felt bad eating something so cute :) Hubby and I love this wonderful boystown spot. The outdoor seating is great for people watching. I couldnt believe the reasonable pricing of the food as well. The staff is totally friendly and I love how there is a tranny working there (a hot one at that!). It gives you a great boystown feel and you notice how all the establishments are embracing the culture of their 'hood :)
(4)
Becky P.

Came here with a tip from a fellow yelper, and boy am I glad I did! Bottle o wine in hand, we came on a Friday night and got a seat fast. Spring rolls were to die for (we had to order another one!), and my drunken noodles were great. I really can't wait to come back. Really reasonably priced, delish, AND BYOB???? Nice!
(5)
Christopher Q.

Been ordering from here over 10 years!! Wow. Great potstickers, great chicken coconut curry , parang curry.
(5)
Jeffrey P.

First of all, I should set the disclaimer that I am no expert on Thai food, I just play one on TV. That being said, this place was pretty good, but nothing about it was spectacular and everything seemed just a few steps away from great. The price is decent and we ordered pick-up which was ready fast, so that was great. I got the wonton soup and my friend got the noodle soup with chicken and neither had great flavor but both were...acceptable. We split the satay appetizer which had an interesting curry taste to it which was neither good nor bad but could be described as...acceptable. Then we split the pad thai noodles with shrimp. Definitely lacking in the shrimp department in that there were only 5 or 6, but the noodles were good, so the overall dish was, you guessed it...acceptable. All in all, I would call this place...acceptable. The best part about the entire experience was the incredible 3-point u-turn I did against several lanes of traffic in a busy 4 way intersection so I could pull up right in front of the place while my girl ran inside to get the food. When that is the best part of the meal, you know you are dining somewhere that is unacceptable!
(3)
Liz C.

Attention all Pad Thai lovers: try the Bai Tong Noodles they're DELICIOUS, I got mine with shrimp but to each their own, it'll be fabulous with anything. It's ok, branch out, try something new and get the Bai Tong. I mean for the love of Thai food, get the Bai Tong! Five stars for being BYOB on top of having awesome well-priced food.
(5)
Tara F.

Joy's is a little slice of heaven! It seems like lately we've been a bit lazy and are getting delivery over sitting down and having a meal. Either way the Spicy Chilli Noodles are out of this world. I can't seem to venture out and order anything else. Now whenever my friends are over we all get the same dish. Imagine a delicious wide noodle covered in spicy sauce dancing on your tongue. I seriously can't get enough of this place. It's actually feels like a guilty pleasure. Another item worth going for on its own are the pot stickers. The thick and rich seasame sauce (that is on the side) is like liquid gold. A friend of mine turned me on to this place after she disclosed it was her ongoing Sunday meal. She is a fan of the Pad Thai!
(5)
Kory K.

I ordered the Phuket Noodles (#20) with chicken, and there's no way to fully relay my disatisfaction. I cannot recall the last time I had a dish as bland as this in a Thai restaurant. The fact that the dish was labeled spicy on the menu only fueled the problem. While it's rare that I don't finish a meal, I could only force myself to eat about half of this before I couldn't stand it anymore. Sadly, the dish was rather reminiscent of one of Knorr's Asian Sides that can be purchase at one's grocery store. Finally, the service was rather lacking; only the absolute minimum was done. Given the large number of incredibly competent Thai restaurants nearby, I can't see a reason to ever return.
(1)
Erik M.

I love this place. I have so many great memories of drunk meals here with friends. For real though, this place is everything I could ever ask for. Delicious. Quick. Cheap. Friendly. BYOB. Down the street. Hot sauce and jalapenos on every table. omgggg. Bai Tong (#9) is the bomb. Joy's is the best. You'll point and laugh with your friends as you walk past Ping Pong and into Joy's.
(5)
Bobby S.

An OK place to have a quick bite, if you are on your break or need to leave quickly. The noodles that I've tried are pretty good, the crab ragoons are delicious and the baby egg rolls are out of this world! What I don't like about this place is : THE SERVICE!. I always feel rushed when I go there. It seems to me that you don't get one designated waiter when you go there and everyone is kinda waiting on you. I went it with a friend a few days back, they don't let you look at the menu, they ask you if you are ready to order right away!. 2 minutes later a different waiter comes and asks you the same thing! If you are not eating from your food you will get asked if you are done right away and the check dropped and never offered a dessert. To me, this is a Burger King with Thai on the menu. :)
(2)
Brent H.

We have eaten here a few times. Really like the takeout from this place. Great soups and good prices. We almost always order way too much food and have meals for days.
(4)
Timo R.

I really love that Lard Na...
(3)
S G.

Great pad thai and pad see.... something. Not sure, but it was delicious! Did not BYOB tonight, but I was eyeing my neighbor's six pack of 312 with envy. Great, helpful staff and very quick service!
(4)
Maryjane J.

Awesome. Great food, great atmosphere, hot, fast and affordable. Not enough good things can be said about Joys. Oh and BYOB too, which never hurts. :)
(5)
SimChicago S.

I've eaten at Joy's for years, sometimes it's good sometimes just eh but it's convenient and fairly inexpensive in a pinch. Tonight, though, warranted writing a review. After placing my order online, the food literally arrived within 15 minutes despite the restaurant being located 6 blocks from my location. Impressive except for he fact that both noodle dishes were room temperature, not warm... room temperature leading me to think they were not made fresh. When I called to inform them I was told that was the way the dishes was served. Absurd since I had ordered both dishes numerous times over the years and they always came hot or at least warm. 'oh. I'll let the kitchen know'. was the only response after spending $24 on food that was truly unappetizing. Lately, I've been ordering from Bamee just South of Joy's which is quite good. Think I'll continue.
(1)
Blythe D.

Joy's is a nice and very reasonably priced restaurant in the bustling Lakeview neighborhood. I've been here a few times and I've never had any complaints. Their BYOB policy is great since they're surrounded by corner/grocery stores where you can pick up a bottle of wine on your way in. Their pad thai is scrumptious! If you have a chance, ask to be seated on their back patio in the warmer months!
(4)
Bryan G.

I have not been able to try this "amazing" food because I've tried calling in an order and always get put in hold for 10+ min and they never pick back up. So the 2 stars is for the lack of service provided so far. Will update when they decide to finally take my carry out order
(2)
Kerry M.

So this was my go to Thai restaurant when I lived close by. This is probably one of the only places I frequented for lunch where I actually wish they would have taken longer to deliver the food. It felt like seconds from when I put my order in! That's not exactly something to criticize though. The food is good, they have tons of different options, and it's all in the low to mid price range. The portions are large, and if you ask nicely, they will make any dish wonderfully spicy for you! It's BYOB, which is a great plus, and they have a nice sized patio on Broadway, which makes for prime people watching when it's nice out. Also, any time I've ever ordered delivery, its never taken longer than 30 minutes from start to finish.
(4)
Sara P.

The noodles are pretty good here! They have a pretty good Panang curry, and that's a hard one to get right. I also enjoyed the pad thai, pad see eiw, and the pad khee mao has a kick of flavor. It can get a bit loud in the evening, but it's fun. Service can be a bit slow with refills on drinks, but there are a billion tables, so...I can understand. Overall, good place.
(4)
Deb B.

We were here on Friday, and it wasn't nearly as good as what we have had here before. None, of the 4 of us, finished half our our meals. The crab rangoon was excellent as an appetizer, and the best part of the meal. The beef that I had with the noodles was sour..and i couldn't eat more than a bite. Service was good, even on a busy night.
(3)
Dane K.

This is one of those places I went to YEARS and YEARS ago, had a boring experience, and never went back ... Until recently! I don't know if my tastes have changed or if their food has gotten better, but everything I tried was really good. I ordered a dumpling noodle soup. It was shrimp dumplings with BBQ pork, in a clear broth. Very tasty. service was good.. You can find coupons pretty easily, or go for a lunch special .. but their prices are reasonable to begin with (we were here on a weekend, most of those deals are weekday only anyway). you probably won't find anything too exotic on the menu here, but if you like straight-forward thai food that americans lean towards, this is a good choice.
(4)
Gwendolyn H.

Drunken Noodles. Slightly sweet but not in a fruity way. A touch of spice. Great veggies. Your choice of protein. And best of all... an amazing sauce not salted down with soy or cheap teriyaki, but one you can tell was made from scratch. I know they have many wonderful and flavorful dishes... but get the drunken noodles. So far they are the best in the city and are so amazing that I get a craving for them at least once a month. BYOB is great (especially without a corkage fee). The only downfall is they are very slowly raising their prices. You used to be able to go here and get an entree for $6... now its more like $8... but it's still worth it.
(5)
Laura O.

Please note: this review is written strictly from a delivery perspective. I've never actually dined-in at this place, but I've ordered delivery probably close to 30 times. It's my go-to spot for mouth-watering Thai food when I don't feel like cooking. The golden noodles with beef are spot on. Delivery can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour depending on meal times (but we did drunkenly beg them to hurry up last weekend, and they did).
(5)
Sarah P.

My first dining experience at Joy's was marginal at best. This has been on my list of places to try for a while now. Joy's is quite convenient since it is right off the Diversey brown line stop. The atmosphere is fine. The large front windows make this place inviting and there is a simplicity in the design and decor. The service here was good. Our server was friendly and prompt in taking our order. We started off with edamame, which was hot and lightly salted. I ordered a noodle dish with pork. The meat was so fatty I didn't eat it. The noodles were flavorful, but dry. Overall, I was disappointed with my meal. My friend ordered a chicken dish with noodles. The sauce made the dish more exciting and flavorful, but the chicken was tough. If I go back, I think I will have to stay away from the entrees with meat.
(2)
William R.

Good Food, BYOB is always nice :)
(3)
Richard B.

Baby eggrolls.... AMAZING..... Chicken garlic noodles... AMAZING.....Pad Thai..... AMAZING..... so good.... so fresh.... when I can get to Lakeview (in the daylight) I hit up their lunch special........ AMAZING !
(5)
Jessica C.

if i could give zero stars i would, the only reason they even get on is b/c my food came quickly. came in with some co workers for thier lunch specials. with your meal came an appetizer. so me and my co worker had the baby egg rolls. well normally im pretty sure if theres shrimp its says "SHRIMP EGGROLLS" etc etc. well wasnt until my co worker has her second one that she starts to have an allergic reaction and the waiter finally comes back and she asks if theres shrimp in there and he says shrimp and chicken. she had to fly down the block to buy some meds. by the time she came back she didnt have time to eat. needless to say not once had they checked our table after they gave us our meals. then she starts to tell the waiter you know you guys should have it listed that theres shrimp in the eggrolls b/c i didnt know and im allergic to shrimp. i kid you not! he paid her no mind. picked up our plates and walked away. she was ready to flip out on him. by far probably the worst service i've ever had. food was mediocre nothing that would lead me to come back here tho.
(1)
Ryan B.

Get the Pas See Eiw! Appetizer platter was average
(4)
becki s.

I just moved 'up' to Lakeview from Lincoln Park, and was SO happy to find a new favorite Thai place within quick walking distance. Joys is QUICK...i mean, you order, you look in your purse for chapstick and your plate is in front of you. However, their quick nature doesn't take away from taste. Everything I've had so far from here as been excellent. I recommend the Pad Se Ew...its AMAZING here. I've lived in the new place for 2 weeks, and Ive been here 3 times...yeah...its that good :)
(5)
Ryan L.

The prices and location are ok, but the food is pretty bland. The sauces even seemed watery to me. So, when they brought my dinner, it looked more like rubbery chicken in a very light brown soup like broth. I was also not impressed when I noticed they had a citation on the wall of unsanitary conditions found during routine inspection. Not very appetizing, Will not return
(2)
Josh G.

I vaguely remember eating at Joy's when I first moved to Chicago a few years ago and I never went back. I honestly can't remember why. I guess it just didn't stand out in my mind as being really fantastic or enjoyable. Or maybe I took a date there that went horribly wrong and I blocked it out? Possibly I ordered something that didn't agree with my tummy and the argument between food and said tummy caused a memory lapse? Well whatever happened, I made a return visit this weekend and my 5-star rating is based on one thing, and one thing only: Phuket Noodles w/ Beef. I might need a drool-guard for my keyboard as I'm typing this. They were just that good. I love Thai. I try new Thai places any chance I get and as I said, previously this place didn't stand out in my mind. But now when I'm craving Thai I think those delicious spinach noodles and seared slices of beef will immediately come to mind. And the fact that you can also order online and have it delivered is just plain genius.
(5)
Clara P.

This place is sooooooooooooo delish! I had the beef pad see ew for entree and some chicken something with a spicy peanut sauce... sorry for not getting the names right, but both were very delish! Although pad see ew is a simple dish the noodles themselves were great. A hot plate of this in the winter will surely warm the tummy up! It is a BYOB place and unfortunately we didn't know or even bother to find out til after the fact. Can't to go back!
(5)
Matthew M.

Easily one of my fav Thai places in town. I used to frequent this spot when I lived in the neighborhood, and I often took people from out of town here. In the summer the back patio is an amazing spot on a hot day. A great get away from the busy Broadway traffic. Get the Spring Rolls. They are the best I've had in Chicago.
(4)
Nichole P.

I love Joy's Noodles & Rice. Frequently, you can find me there for their awesome lunch special for $6-10. However, I have brought many out-of-town friends and family here to partake in a delicious noodle meal. Did I mention that this spot is BYOB too! There are so many great things on the menu, you really can not go wrong with an individual order. As always, I will list a few of my staple selections: pad tai, prik pao, crazy noodles and garlic chicken. Tom and I, both absolutely love the chicken coconut curry dish. It is so yummy and perfect. We really enjoy the dishes with tofu instead of chicken as well, so you might give that a try. The cucumber salad is so good and is served with all the curry dishes. Tom isn't the biggest fan, but I am a big fan. I will miss Joy's lots when I move to San Francisco, but hopefully I'll find a staple spot in the bay area. If you are ever in Lakeview, this restaurant is not to be missed. It is chill and quick and definitely delicious! A fabulous spot for lunch or dinner in great company.
(5)
Lori M.

Bai-tong noodles with tofu creep into my dreams at night. If only Joy's would deliver breakfast ! I also love their veggie rolls over any other thai shop in the city. Get the sticky rice with a side of sauteed greens and egg and suddenly you will be ranging from contentment and satisfaction to bliss and intense joy and happy tummy in between. Treat yourself to lychee and all your worries disappear. Thanks Joy for delivering so promptly 100% of the time and offering online ordering so I don't have to sit on hold while everyone else is calling you. Noodlegasm!!
(5)
Brook G.

We braved the bitter cold on New Year's Eve to try Joy's, and I must say it was worth it. I ordered the PAD KHEE MAO (yes, I had to copy and paste that from their website because, come on...who can actually remember the name of the Thai food they order?) But anyways, it was delicious. As were the spring rolls for apps. Yum yum. Big portions for a great price. What I thought was really excellent, though, was the service. The staff was very attentive and friendly. We will definitely be back. Oh Joy!
(4)
Tal C.

Super fast delivery, and the chicken coconut curry is amazing.
(4)
Stu R.

They have my favorite shrimp pad thai in chi. Love the venue, quirky and genuinely friendly staff, This has been a consistent favorite for me for years.
(5)
Allen G.

Great Thai food, nice ambiance, inexpensive! Don't stare at the girl/boy waiter!
(5)
Gretta H.

Although I have not been looking, I have yet to find a Thai place I like more than this spot. It has all the makings of the perfect inpromto dinner out: great fast service, great food, huge portions, cheap prices, huge space, and BYOB. As I've mentioned before, I used to live nearby and there is nothing more lovely than sitting outside at one of these little restaurants on Broadway. The staff is so sweet and accomodating. The pad-thai is competative. I don't know what else I have to say. It's perfect on all levels. Wait until Spring so you can sit outside.
(5)
james j.

Been there twice, and both times was impressed by the level of service and the food. Portion sizes were nice and the food was piping hot, I will say that the execution of the food is fairly thai-generic but at least you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Quynh-An P.

The boyfriend, our friend, and I came here after walking around the Lincoln Park Conservatory. We were pretty hungry and tired from our walk, so it was a nice break for us. While it was in the midst of lunch time and was already pretty full, we were taken into the back section of the restaurant were there were still a few tables open. Good sign to see it pretty full on a Saturday afternoon...also great that they have a lot of space to seat everyone. I ordered my standard, pad see ew with tofu. The boyfriend got the pad kee mow with tofu and our friend got the green curry with tofu (we were on a weird tofu kick or something). The food came out surprisingly fast. I really enjoyed my pad see ew and thought the flavors were great. There was a lot of food on my plate too, and I couldn't finish everything either. The boyfriend's pad kee mow was also really tasty filled with green beans, carrots, baby corn, and lots of basil. YUM! Our friend finished her green curry, so I can only imagine how delicious that was too! Overall, this is a really great place to stop by and grab a meal at an affordable price. I was bummed that they didn't have their lunch specials on the weekends though...it would have been nice to possibly get less food and pay less, since I don't eat any more or less on weekdays/weekends.
(4)
Cyndi F.

joys by far is the best thai food on the Northside!! I always get the coconut curry and spring rolls. The spring rolls are amazing. The staff is great, Lex is our #1 server always!! We love that it is BYOB with no corking fee!! I moved from the neighborhood and always go back to get my favorites.... Mmmm, the best!!!!
(5)
Patrick G.

Joy's offers decent, basic Thai-style food for a reasonable and appropriate price. The portions are large and satisfying. They offer all the staples of Thai cuisine and having had numerous dishes, they are done well. My favorites are the Crab Rangoon, Pad Thai, and Lardna. The spring rolls weren't my favorite but everything else was good. The service is pleasant and prompt. For what it is, Joy's is great for the price.
(4)
Don H.

Once upon a time this was the usual joint for a group of friends and mine. But this one particular night we decided to do a reunion dinner. The evening was beautiful so we decided to enjoy the outdoor patio out back. You're facing the backside of many apartments, but it's pleasant and the lighting isn't distracting. If outdoors isn't your thing, just enjoy the indoors. They redid it a few years ago and it's very comfortable. Service was a mixed bag tonight, but the food and speed of delivery was excellent. We enjoyed appetizers which came out 5 minutes after we ordered and the entrees came about 10 minutes later. And, as usual, they were cooked perfectly. The BYO is an excellent treat and you can always follow up dinner with a nice walk around Lake View.
(4)
Tim S.

I have 2 really great experiences to share about Joy's..... My first is eating at their restaurant on Broadway. I sat outside. The food was really good. I ordered the BBQ pork and rice. Sounds mainstream but came out authentic. The service was great, too. Side note, some guy sat in the outdoor seating area without a shirt. Firstly, who does that anymore or ever for that matter - would you walk into Sparks Steakhouse like that...or even a Friday's - don't care how fit you are, it's just not appropriate? Secondly, I was pleased to see the waitor ask the fellow to put a shirt on. My second experience (because I was craving the food) was delivery. It is so easy and online. It took half the time the receipt stated and the meal was prepared and tasted as if I was eating at the restaurant. Thusly, I've created a profile with Joy's and plan on being a regular. I'm certainly not an afficionado when it comes to pan-Asian food. I rely on what tastes great and how attentive the staff is to providing a good experience. Well, for both, and TWO times - in the restaurant and delivery, I was very pleasantly pleased.
(4)
Nicolas H.

I really liked the spring rolls; the sauce was different and the addition of avocado was nice as well. The panang noodles were great as well, however if you let them sit too long they get soggy and lose their crunch. The service was not the best though and they were a little ridiculous when it came to discussing the bill...
(3)
Ellie F.

I've only been to Joy's for dinner once, mostly we come for lunch. I'm relatively boring and get the pad thai or pad see ewe (both are perfectly fine). The real draw though, is the lunch special...entree plus an appetizer for super cheap. I'm always up for spring rolls that come with a special!
(4)
amanda y.

let me rave about this place: joy's is my favorite thai restaurant in lakeview for so many reasons. the first reason is that, regardless of the task, they are exceedingly fast in everything that they do here. i've had both delivery (although i live a stones throw away) and dined in at joy's. they are faster than a rodeo fast talker. you want water? got it. you need a new napkin? DON'T BOTHER ASKING. THEY ALREADY KNOW ALL YOUR WANTS AND NEEDS. it's true. the service is great here. i love it. in addition to the rapid fire service, i love the prices and the food here. there's a lunch special for ~6 or 7 american dollars. you get a soup or salad or appetizer and an entree. you'll definitely have enough to take home to enjoy on your lonely night watching what not to wear with your cat (i know i always do). my favorite thing salad is the cucumber salad. they keep it simple and don't go crazy trying to do any sort of weird fusion. the crab rangoon and spring rolls are also very good and warm. my favorite entree here is the pad see ew. the noodles are so giantic. they aren't ever under cooked or overcooked. the other thing about eating here is the BYOB-ness. this place is truly BYOB, and they don't charge a rip off corking fee. the last thing: the androgynous looking waiters and waitresses. i'm not sure if a hiring requirement here is that you must have an extremely short asymmetrical hair cut, have a good tan and be waifishly thin, but all of the astute employees here at joys have very very similar looks. i like it. boy-girl-boy-girl-duck-duck-goose, whatever! they're so lightning fast speeding around the restaurant, that it's hard to establish a relationship with a single mistress or mistro. OH WOW, i LOVE JOYS! just perfect, just pure joy. get it for delivery or dine in with the he-shes.
(5)
Antonio M.

My favorite Thai food in the city. The combination they use for their Spring Rolls is excellent, and the Phuket Noodles are delicious and not commonly found at most Thai restaurants. The decor is typical for an affordable Thai restaurant. I only wish it had a larger loading zone on those nights when take-out is the way I go. Recommended.
(4)
Jul N.

Ok. Went to Joy's again. Even though I think I preferred what I had had the time before (green curry), the coconut chicken curry was still quite satisfying and the crab rangoons were pretty fab. That and Joy's dining space just feels really comfortable to me. Joy's, you win as best thai restaurant in Lakeview, at least for now... =)
(5)
James Michael S.

Good service, patio seating, food came out in literally 5 minutes. Had the pad prik, some what bland but I still ate the whole thing. BYOB!
(3)
Kevin G.

Really torn between three and four stars here. I gave it four because I'm nice but I have to say it is a far second from Siam Rice in the Loop which I frequent weekly. The green curry was ok - I've had better. The Pad Thai is pretty standard. The dumplings appetizer is decent.
(4)
Olivia L.

I read reviews of Joy's on Yelp and was very excited to try it when I first moved to Lakeview. The first time, I was impressed with the quality of ingredients and the clean, more modern interior of the restaurant on Broadway. However, I got panang curry that was less than stellar. Served on the fried wide egg noodles (it seems like a lot of places serve curry on these, and they are by far my least favourite!), and the flavours did not come out well. The thai iced tea was also much too sweet. I figured it must have been a fluke and decided to try again, and ended up getting the Chicken Coconut Curry. After that, I was completely sold. The CCC is so delicious. Light and fragrant, with delicious sweet curry. The vegetable rolls are amazing, so fresh and bright, with pineapple included, which I love. I have tried a few of the other dishes, some of which were excellent (Ginger Chicken) and some were not so great (pad thai was eggy, jungle curry, I believe...unbearably spicy). Joy's really seems to do what they do well excellently, and what they don't do so well tends to fail. At any rate, it's still my fave spot by far. Staff is SO nice, so professional, and so friendly here. Everyone speaks very clearly, which makes phone ordering much easier. They also have THE FASTEST DELIVERY...EVER...ANYWHERE. While they generally take about 20 minutes (despite being quoted about 45), I once ordered and no joke, 10 minutes later the guy was at my building. I think since I've taken to ordering from them 1-2 times a week, they've set up a remote shop in my building. :) I've taken to brining all of my friends here when they're in the 'hood, which has presented a bit of a problem for me. After they visit, it becomes their favourite neighborhood spot too, so I'm left with little diversity when it comes to dining out in my neighborhood. Thankfully for me, having to eat at Joy's is not a bad problem to have.
(5)
Katie S.

Solid Thai food, online ordering available and fast delivery. They charge a delivery fee, which I think is BS, but seems like everyone here does it. The service in the restaurant can be a little cold, but it's efficient, which is nice. I definitely recommend the chicken pad thai and crab rangoon.
(4)
Tony A.

Great place to have a quick dinner and the quality of the food is pretty good at an inexpensive price compared to some of the other Thai places in the neighborhood. That being said, don't go if you want to sit down and have an actual conversation with someone, being there is like being on a factory line. They get you in quickly and try to get you out as soon as possible. I would give more stars, but they leave no time to actually sit and enjoy as they hover about and place the check on the table when you are not even finished.
(3)
Joey M.

Joy's lunch specials are amazing. You get a bigger than what you usually get for lunch serving of one of about twenty dishes, along with spring rolls OR crab rangoons for $6.50-$7.50. I give it five stars just as a lunch place. Everyone's already mentioned it but it sure is worth noting that there is NO corkage fee if you feel like bringing something. There are always a few tables outside on Broadway during the nice weather months. But again, go to Joy's for Lunch. Nowhere else in the area can compare.
(5)
Rique C.

I LOVE this place; the staff here must recognize me by now, because for the past two years I've come at least once a month. Sometimes twice. eek. Their service is super fast, even on busy nights we usually don't wait longer than 5 minutes for our food. . My favorites are the vegetable rolls, Prik Pao, and BaiTong noodles. I'm not a fan of the wide noodles, but those are good as well, along with all their curries. Pretty cheap food, large portions (usually have some to take home), AND it's BYOB... definitely my go-to restaurant.
(5)
Brandon T.

Great, inexpensive Thai food. Go to take out place as they can have your order up in under 10 minutes even with a full house. Never had a problem with the exception of ordering one chicken dish and one beef once and getting both chicken. Although who knows, maybe they were just concerned about my health.
(4)
Zuzzi E.

During my five day trip, I ate here twice. It's BYOB without a corkage fee, so bring a bottle of wine! The veggies seemed fresh, but the tofu is gross. It's pre-fried and packaged. Other than the tofu, I was really happy with both noodle dishes I tried. For the price, it's really a great value.
(3)
Julia D.

Kitties, sunshine, hearts and rainbows, I love Joy's. Another fab find in my neighborhood. The food is inexpensive and yummy. Good selection of things. I almost always get the golden noodles, but the other things I've tried haven't disappointed. BYOB with no corkage fee, which is a plus. They even let us BYO fifth of vodka (We're classy, whatever. At least we're fun.). I've been many times and will undoubtedly be back many more. Go, Joy's, go! The service is fairly quick. I always seem to have the same server who I cannot hear for the life of me. Oh well. It's a restaurant, I know what to do.
(4)
Lea L.

My favorite place besides (noodles in the pot which is the same) to get pad thai. Also good portion and fast delivery. BYOB if you dine in, which is always nice.
(4)
Jacqui R.

It's possible that I'm obsessed with Joy's. It's part convenience and it's part deliciousness. I've only ever ordered delivery from here. But it's always been incredibly quick, within about 20 to 30 minutes. The food arrives warm and fresh. I almost always get the pad thai, steamed veggies with tofu, and spring rolls. They are all incredibly flavorful with the perfection texture and proportion of ingredients. Most of the Thai food in Chi hasn't lived up to my expectations. (I've actually eaten in Thailand.) But while Joy's isn't the best I've ever had, it's certainly among the best I've had in Chicago.
(4)
P S.

Lovely lunch specials, I must say. Arriving at the same time as two other complete parties, I stepped aside allowing them to sit first, respecting the sign that said everyone had to be present in my party in order to be seated. To my surprise, a server sat me anyway. As I waited for my dining companions to arrive, I looked through the menu only slightly, failing to flip the whole thing over to the back page where the lunch specials were listed. When my friends sat down, they showed me where to look and behold! An appetizer and a full sized panang tofu for only $7! Score. Delicious if not standard (which is not to say bad, at all) panang sauce served only with tofu chunks over crispy wide noodles. I'd only ever had it with rice and truthfully, prefer it more that way. The spring rolls were small and the bulk of the space inside taken up with avocado, but for $7 they whet my appetite just fine thanks. The service was minimal and friendly, the interior is really lovely and the food was quite good. I'm saving my fifth star for a return visit and another shot at a few other dishes I'd like to try - but there will certainly BE a return. Nicely done, Joy.
(4)
Kristin S.

BYOB and great, HUGE portions! I went here with a group of friends and everything was great! The menu is a little different than some standard Thai in the city (the spring rolls had cream cheeese and avocado in them), but delicious all the same. I tried a friend's pad thai after they proclaimed it the best they'd had and it was very very good. I really don't like to order pad thai at restaurants unless I know it's good. I like to be more adventurous, but I'll be getting that next time. We had the cucumber salad as well which was huge compared to others I've gotten for only $2.50. It was a great appetizer to share as were the spring rolls (though a little heavier than a traditional spring roll). My boyfriend ordered the pad prik noodles which were spicy and delicious with lots of veggies. I had the panang curry noodles which were very good, but didn't agree with me after eating almost the whole plate. It was basically just the protein (I had tofu which was nice and lightly fried), the curry sauce, some wilted basil and the crispy noodles. Not very healthy, I'll admit, but very good. The best part was that they had wine glasses, bottle openers and great service for a BYOB place. It's not the cheapest Thai, but for the amount you get and the service, I'll definitely be here again.
(5)
Lyssa P.

BYOB. Cheap. Good Thai food. Huge portions. Win Win I would be in serious trouble if I lived closer. Yet I really wish I lived closer. Recommend sitting on the back patio if the weather is nice, there's shade trees and string lights, it's a great summer dinner spot. The #12, Crazy Noodles, is by far my favorite. I order it way too often and should really branch out and try other dishes. Also recommend their Spring Rolls, the sauce is really yummy.
(5)
Nathan B.

Love this place. May not be authentic. But it's authentically Joy's. Nobody does it like them. I do have the hardest time ordering online. Does anyone else have this problem? The order never goes through.
(4)
Annie G.

My boss ordered lunch from Joy's for me and my co-worker one day. I wasn't really in the mood for Thai food, but Joy's definitely put me in the mood for Thai food and kept me there for several days after. The only problem is that no other Thai restaurant makes Pad Thai like Joy's. I'm in love. The spring rolls came with cream cheese, which is a dairy-lovers dream. They just melted in my mouth. I was pretty upset that I had to share them with my co-worker.
(5)
Katarina X.

I confess to writing a review solely so I can find the delivery phone number faster, easier and with less "Was THIS the place?". I have not actually been inside here, only devoured the delicious takeout goodness! Yes please: Spicy Coconut Curry chicken. I am told the baby egg rolls were also quite tasty, but I blinked and nothing was left but a meager couple of crumbs and a pleasant smell. D@mn friends trying to get me from a size four to a size two.... I'll show them and order twice as much next time. Which is within the next fifteen minutes. More Please! (And by that I mean Joy's food, not the all-too-swiftly developing J.Lo booty).
(4)
Josh R.

LOVED IT! Everything I saw on the menu was $8.50 or less. Portion size was awesome, well over what I was expecting. AND THEY DON'T OVER COOK THEIR TOFU!!!!!!!!! We got the tofu appitizer and it was perfect. Nice crispy seared outside, yummy warm creamy inside. Walked past the kitchen on the way to the bathroom, and both were impeccably clean which always makes my a happy panda. The chili condiments on the table were super flavorful but not all fire which is also a big one in my books. All the sauces we tried were great actually. Not overpowering, not all processed and artificial tasting. Lovely and fresh. Servers were on our drinks like white on rice ( ennnh....get it?) and very helpful with describing some of the dishes for my uber picky eater of a wife (love you baby, but its true and you know it). We sat outside but the inside was very open, clean and not turbo loud (decor and music) like most of my oriental dinning experiences. Go, go now, trust me.
(5)
Julia R.

for a place with such great reviews, i'm pretty disappointed. :/ we ordered delivery from here one night when we didn't feel like cooking or going anywhere. I had pad see eiw which is my favorite thai dish and i found it to be fairly bland. also had some crab rangoon which were good but the side of sweet and sour sauce was also relatively bland. my friend seemed to like her food ok but we were both generally unimpressed. i usually will try anything twice to see if it was a fluke but meh...i think i'll pass.
(2)
Emily W.

All of our 4 dishes & 2 apps were great! Quick service, cute gays and my water glass was never empty - sounds like a great spot to me!
(5)
Tom B.

If you're looking for quick, affordable, and consistently delicious Thai in Lake View, Joy's is hands-down the best option. Certainly there are other great Thai places in Lake View, but Joy's is the only one that I and all my friends are always pleased with. The staff is really friendly, the atmosphere is comfortable, and the outdoor seating is great. Joy's was my standby place when I lived in Lake View and it's totally worth a trip from almost anywhere in the city.
(5)
Jacques M.

I've got to go ahead and bump them up to 4 Stars. I'm semi hooked on their Spicy Chili Noodles, which I order about twice a month. Delivery is always on time and my order is always correct! Good job guys!
(4)
John G.

A great place you can go to again and again!
(4)
Leah P.

To me, this place is the Butterfly (in Wicker Park) of Boystown. Cheap, delicious and BYOB. No corking fee for wine. No pretentious waiters. And big portions of delicious Thai food. I ordered the Pad See Eiw with Tofu and it was just as good, if not better, than any other thai food I've had in the city! I do have to mention this. Our waiter looked like he should be in an Asian boy band. Did that influence my review at all? Maybe...but I would have loved the food either way.
(5)
Sarah L.

My, my, my... I think I found my new favorite Thai restaurant! All of their noodle dishes sound soooooo good. I had the sticky Thai noodles with chicken (I'm not 100% of the name of the dish) but it was damn delish! My friend had the garlic chicken noodles and those were OK. Just a tad bit too salty and had a lot of garlic. The mini egg rolls were so cute and yummy! I loved the dipping sauce, sweet and tangy. I love the inside of this place and how the front windows open up to the sidewalk patio. They also have a back patio and it's very quaint back there. We ate in the back and it was like eating in someones back yard. They have lights strung across the patio overhead. Very classy :) I can't wait to go back to Joy's!
(5)
Maggie R.

This place was OK. Not horrible, not the best ever. I'd recommend it to someone visiting and staying in the area, but wouldn't recommend anyone go out of their way to eat here. Moderately priced. Noodle dish portions are huge. Spring rolls with avocado and cream cheese are kind of weird tasting. Side of peanut sauce comes in a huge dish.
(3)
Mel A.

Great lunch specials! BYOB Chicken Pad Thai is great with a hearty/robust flavor. Consistent portion/flavor on all 3 visits. Boyfriend was pleased with his spicy dish the first visit... but it did not taste the same on other visits. I do not remember the name of his dish. Staff was very friendly the first 2 visits. Our 3rd visit we sat inside and it may have been our servers first day working. There was a definite language barrier and she appeared very nervous to the point of dropping food on the floor. Hopefully she is doing better;-) Overall I like Joy's and we will return.
(4)
Kate P.

Bon Appetite! I hadn't ordered from Joy's in a while, and then last night my roomate and I decided Thai was in order. She really likes the Thai rice stick with chicken. I really like their spicier dishes. So I decided to order the spicy cashew chicken. It was delicious in it's spiciness. It was so spicy that I didn't even have to use the red sauce to pump up the power. Cheers to Joy! I will be ordering again soon.
(4)
Z D.

consistently good; always fresh
(4)
topic d.

This place is the Best!! I love this place.The best Thai in the city! The see ew beef,spicy.And the Pad Thai is great.Thats what I always order.The mini Chicken Eggrolls are so tasty! The place has a great decor,Large dining rooms,So getting a table is not a problem.I highly recommend this place to everyone. go check it out!
(5)
Kevin D.

I'd eaten here once a while ago and enjoyed the Pad Thai, but had Take away and It was ok, but nothing special and the pot stickers and the tom kha kai soup were disgusting.
(2)
Aaron P.

This place is a great spot for good, cheap Thai food! I would suggest it for dinner or even a late night snack! The pad Thai is excellent! I really have nothing bad to say about this place.
(4)
Lee S.

The Pad Thai was rather bland and lifeless and no heat. The coconut curry with chicken (ordered mild) just felt like it was missing something... salt maybe? There was no salt or pepper on the table so I couldn't give it a try. Their version of mild is my medium BUT they did reduce it from their normal. It matters alot to me if the kitchen responds to requests. The chicken in the dish was cooked perfectly. The cucumber salad was a nice break when the heat got to be too much for me. The overall meal was ...ok. The waiter was less than enthused to be there... but his service was timely and accurate. Joy's is a good place to people watch while having some lower priced food that isn't McDonalds or packed by your mom.
(3)
Michael S.

Simply, of the half-dozen Thai joints I've sampled in the city, Joy Noodle is the best. Top dishes include the rama special with chicken (love the peanut sauce; it's thicker than at most Thai places, and the best I've had) and the coconut curry dish. As for appetizers, the crab rangoon (which I'm normally not a huge fan of) is crisp, creamy and delicious. The mini-egg rolls also are quite tasty. If you want to experience the delectable peanut sauce but opt for a different dish than the rama, try the chicken satay appetizer. The atmosphere is also quite good; relatively quiet and laid back, with excellent service and outdoor seating both on the sidewalk on Broadway and a cute patio in the back. And it's hard to beat the Lakeview neighborhood. I highly recommend this place.
(5)
Gina R.

I love Joy's. I love the tom yum soup. I love the delicious pad see ew that arrives at the table steaming hot. I love the excellent service. I love that I can get out of here for around $10, and with enough leftovers for lunch the next day. This neighborhood has endless choices, but I return again and again to Joy's.
(5)
Kara C.

Words cannot describe how much I love Joy's. I probably eat there 3-4 times a month. I've dined in, carried out and ordered delivery. I've brought family and friends there. I may even consider naming my unborn child, Joy. The bai-tong noodles and cashew chicken are my favorite dishes, but you really can't go wrong here. The wait staff is attentive, the food is served quickly and I've never felt rushed. My mom once had the server wrap up her leftovers when the server accidentally dropped her plate. She apologized and had the kitchen do a 1/2 dish rush order. It was great! There is no corkage fee, so bring your wine and enjoy! It's a wonderful place to sit with friends. The backyard patio is my favorite spot when it's nice out. My friend (and big fan of Joy's) recently moved to Germany. She came home for a visit and the first place she wanted to return to was Joy's! Enough said.
(5)
Laura S.

It's been made clear to me that my first experience with brusque waitstaff was just a fluke. I've visited a number of times since, and have nothing negative to say; food and service have been spot-on. I haven't sampled that much of the menu, but what I have eaten, they've done very well. Joy's, I stand corrected.
(4)
Allen R.

Very good Thai food. I've both eaten-in and had delivery here, which was mega fast. Just about everything is good here, so I'm not going to single out any dish. The wide rice noodle dishes are all pretty good, if you like Asian noodle dishes similar to traditional lo mein. Always lots of cute Boystown studs to look at, too! Sidewalk dining available during the warm months.
(4)
Jessica M.

Yeah, I like Joys. I've been here a couple of times and have definitely not been disappointed. The food is great and comes out ridiculously fast. The spring rolls are a great, light starter. The last time I was here I had the Ginger Chicken, without the Chicken. Just a big pile of vegetables. That was pretty good. And the mango bubble tea!! OMG, that was just a little slice of heaven for me. That was my dessert. It's more of a mango cream slushy with tapioca pearls. Mine was delicious but my friend said her tapioca pearls were not all the way cooked. It's BYOB with no corkage fee. In the summer, it's nice to sit outside. Seems to get a little busy on Saturday nights, but the wait is not long at all. We've come here with a large group and had no problems getting a table fairly quickly.
(4)
Leah P.

I have been eating at Joys consistently for about 4 years now, and it is still one of my favorites. I always get the cashew chicken and spring rolls, and I always have enough leftovers for another meal. I think the BYOB aspect is great and makes the dining experience even more inexpensive and enjoyable. Great place to take visiting family and friends or go for a cheap date. Be warned though, don't go close to closing time especially if you want to eat slowly or enjoy a bottle of wine. They are not shy about letting you know they want you OUT asap. There is no hiding their annoyance of your presence.
(5)
Lindsay A.

Recipe for a perfect Sunday: Taking Dog to Montrose dog beach, then sitting outside at Joys afterward with a tired dog laying at my feet, splitting a sixer of 312 with the boy, and ordering up some noodley goodness. The boyfriend ordered #21, only because it said it was their most popular Curry. It was very interesting, creamy red curry sauce and the wide noodles were fried. The chicken was very tender, and I was sort of jealous of his (alright, I was really jealous of his.) I ordered the Baymee Noodles, which were ramen noodles with Crab (although I think it was Krab) Pork and a shirmp gyoza. Mine was just OK - I wouldn't order it again, and I wouldn't suggest it. It definitely wasn't BAD, but everyone elses food that was being delivered looked much more tasty. The staff was really nice, and they all really liked my dog (a big plus for dog owners!), but I mean how could you not... a snoozy black lab puppy? Give me a break. Dog's a heartbreaker.
(3)
Reese F.

We just visited Joy's Noodles on Sunday for lunch. Joy's offers a great menu of Thai dishes at very reasonable prices. My soup was $4 and most the entrees were under $7. (Also, soda refills are free...a very good thing for anyone with a lazy afternoon Diet Coke habit.) We were seated in a booth immediately and the service was incredibly prompt. My glass never reached 1/2 full. This is a great place for a cheap, filling and quick lunch. Also, they have a backyard patio, which I look forward to checking out during the warmer months.
(4)
Audrey S.

Ok, caveat, I really like the food. But the online ordering system is constantly not working, which was one of the major conveniences this place offered. It's really annoying and every time we call in they say "oh, it's fine - we're getting other people's orders." Hmmm, curious since we'll try on 3 computers and a cell phone and it never works for us. The delivery guys are also loud and obnoxious. One time the delivery guy showed up with a friend who was playing a guitar. Seriously! Not appropriate at all in our condo building.
(2)
Sang H.

Joy's is a BYOB thai restaurant and I cannot say much for the food because I have honestly not tried too much Thai food, but from what I've had, it was a great meal with great friends for cheap due to the BYOB status.
(4)
Mike K.

I am not a Thai food fan. Nope.So I wasn't looking forward to spending my NYE dinner at a crowded and super warm Thai spot. And I can't say I was disappointed, as I order the crab rangoon and it was minature sized. No,no no that just won't work. I also ordered some noodle and chicken dish andmy meal( minus the broccoli) that was suppose to be made with soy sause, They must have forgotten that part in the kitchen. It was a filling meal and pretty good...cant go wrong with chicken and noodles. I would definitely order it again. Overall, id give it a thumbs up.
(3)
Michael P.

I was on my way to get sushi with a friend last night but when we got there, there was a wait to get it and suddenly we were both really aware of what we were wearing. I had on a baseball cap and athletic clothes and he was wearing something similar and this place, while casual, deserves a little more than what we were bringing. So we ended up going to Joy's and we spoke so little once food started arriving cuz it was really good. I had the curry chicken and he had the ginger chicken. The idea was to save some for lunch the next day but I practically licked my bowl clean. I considered stopping there on the way home for more but I've got to stick to chicken and broccoli for the next few days. As soon as I can go back...I'm there!
(4)
Chaviva G.

My 16-year-old brother is in from Nebraska, and having absolutely no sense of "ethnic food" beyond chain restaurants and cafeteria goodies, I have taken it upon myself to stuff him full of unique foods. Thus, here we have, a "he said"/"she said" review. Enjoy. Topic: The restaurant is full of gay couples. He said: What? I didn't see any gay couples as far as I know. She said: The couple in the booth behind us were making out, but it didn't phaze me. There were plenty of seemingly straight people. Anyhow, the more gays, the merrier. Topic: The decor. He said: It was interesting. The art by the booths was beautiful but the art on the bathroom doors was kind of unusual. She said: It was sort of art deco-y, with an Asian twist. Very nice. Topic: The service. He said: It was great, cuz they always came right away. Even the one who wasn't serving us was always around asking if we needed something. She said: Aside from the mustache on the female waitress, the service was stellar. They were prompt and friendly. Topic: The food. He said: Good, other than the red peppers being extremely spicy, though peppers are supposed to be spicy. (He had the cashew chicken.) Your's was good, but I don't really like curry. Apparently. She said: I had the Coconut Curry Chicken, and I thought it was delicious. I could only eat half of the bowl, so I have leftovers, which is exciting. Likewise, the little brother's cashews were yummy. It came out fast, hot, and delicious. Topic: Would you go back? He said: Yes. She said: Yes, of course. It was incredibly cheap and the service was very prompt. I've never been in and out of a place having sat down to eat as quick as this.
(4)
Jonathan T.

Over time this became a favorite spot in Lakeview. Very reasonably priced for the quality and portion sizes, and it's BYOB. There's patio seating when the weather permits and they also throw open all the front windows.
(4)
Liz L.

The first time I ever went here I was in my car with my friend and we were deciding on what to eat and I said I would really like Rice or Noodles....ok not 2 seconds later he and I both saw this restaurant... It was weird.... and we were totally dying of laughter in the car We went in and had a great quick meal...It is not my favourite Thai place in the city but it isn't bad either, I do like that I am a veggie and I can always find something to eat. The staff has always been nice and I would go back again :)
(3)
Liesel F.

Personally, I think Joys is the best Thai restaurant in Chicago. It's affordable, BYOB, and is their delivery tastes as good as when you dine-in. Also, it has the tastiest Pad Thai I've ever had.
(5)
Zack R.

I love me some Joy's! This place is nice and cheap for delicious Thai food and they are close to my apt, but that still doesn't stop me from ordering delivery. I have settled on the Chicken Pad Si Ew and they rarely ever dissapoint. In fact, I find that the meal tastes even better the next day reheated. I think it has something to do with all the awesomeness mixing together in the fridge. Also the delivery is fast. Also BYOB, and if you go get wine/grain alcohol/schlitz/whatever you drink with Thai, I don't judge, at the local Jewel on addison/broadway, they often have a coupon on the back of the receipt for a buy one get one free entree at Joy's.
(4)
Nicholas H.

Thumbs up for providing an affordable American dish, reminiscent of Asian flavors. Not to bash this place, because the STAFF here is AMAZINGLY NICE, and the food is really good but this is far from Asian....... its like saying that PF CHANGs is Asian. Yes, PF CHANGs is good, but as long as you realize the difference. ANYWAYS - go to JOY's - you'll have a great time. I always do!!!!
(4)
Katie P.

I used to live in Lakeview and went to Joy's A LOT. It was an introduction to me of Thai food in general. I always thought it was awesome. But, I've been away from the 'hood for awhile and went back to Joy's the other night. I feel like I was seeing the forest for the trees for the first time. Honestly, it was just okay. Here's why: From other Thai places I've been, the food always seems a little Thai-Disneyland to me. The curries are a little too rich and not as nuanced spice-wise. The appetizers are good but, again, they seemed dumbed-down a little bit. And it's pricey. I'd rather have a little more quality with a little less "ambiance" and a little less price than the other way around. And while we're here, let's talk about the ambiance. This restaurant has the weirdest set-up I've ever seen that often makes entering and leaving a project. Every time I've been there, I've walked half a lap around the restaurant to "get to the other side" where I'm seated at a table near the wall. As the dining room fills up, my table becomes enclosed by other diners so that, upon my decision to leave, I have to crawl and/or shimmy (and I HATE to shimmy after eating Thai) to get out. Good grief...yes I have a little to lose around the middle, but c'mon...there's a limit. I'm not going to say Joy's is bad, by any means. The food always tastes good. For the price, though, I think I can do better: I don't need golden Buddhas to enhance my meal if the food is done really well...that's all I'm sayin'.
(3)
Erin P.

Joy's is hands down my favorite moderately priced Thai food in the city. The Pad Thai is without a doubt the best I've had over countless take-out places in the city. If you decide to dine-in, BYOB with no cork fee. And a nice little outdoor space in the back. Great for groups.
(5)
Dave L.

Went here for the first time this weekend and loved it. Great green curry, BYOB, and super cheap. Really wanna try some other items next time I'm there. Definitely coming back!
(4)
S P.

Delicious spicy basil rice dish! This place is worth visiting for yummy thai food.
(5)
Michael B.

I am a sucker for Thai food. You make a good Pad Thai and Tom Kha Gai and I'm happy. Joy's makes me happy. Tom Kha Gai is my favorite soup, I enjoy it more than a white gringo from the countrylands of Ohio is supposed to. Joy's Tom Kha is perfectly balanced, not too heavy on the fish sauce, but not too sweet. The last thing I want in my tom kha is an overly sweetened broth. Joy's Tom Kha is probably the second best I've had (It is on par with Lemongrass' in Cleveland but trails behind Siam River's in North Miami Beach) The Pad Thai is delicious, although I use a substantial amount of their hot vinegar and sriracha to make things a bit more exciting. The noodles aren't mushy or sticky, and the portions are large (I wish they served it on a larger plate, I always end up with cabbage all over the table). I guess the food is good when my only real complaint is that I wish they served it with lime slices instead of lemon. It needs to be pointed out that the service here has been impeccable every time I have been here whether it be for dine-in or to go. The employees are always smiling and attentive. The fact that I never had to ask for more ice water is a minor detail often overlooked by other restaurants, but for me is a big deal, it means they are paying attention and truly care. Call me a tough sell, but I just have to reserve the final star for the one location that blows me away 100%. Call it the error of central tendency, but if I could give half stars, Joys would have one of them tacked on.
(4)
Carmen R.

Delicious, affordable, and BYOB!.....nothing more needs to be said.
(5)
Michelle S.

Dear Joy's, I really use to love you, but you lied to me about your vegetarian Tom Kar/Tom Yum soup being veggie stock based, and to a Vegetarian that is like a declaration of war. Really wrong! Also, your online system needs help. After waiting 3 hours one evening for my meal, because somehow my new address wouldn't read on your end of the system, but it did on mine?!!!! AND... the delivery driver went to the wrong address 3 times even though I told him that I was 5 miles from that.....I've decided that I cannot patronize your restaurant until you pull it together. The lighting in the restaurant is also quite abrasive! I will give you one compliment...it is nice that you have outdoor seating in the front and back. As a Vegetarian, I am now highly suspicious of your "vegetarian" options! You need to review your menu, and consider your customers! Tip=True Vegetarians do not Eat Fish, Poultry, or flesh of any kind! That includes any sort of sauce derived from the leftover bits.
(1)
Laura R.

I used to like this place until they served me a drink in a dirty cup (the straw and glass had lipstick on them). When I complained the waiter was obnoxious and rude. I was not wearing lipstick at the time, but he seemed to be accusing me of lying. We asked to speak to the manager and he refused to get him/her. Needless to say we left and will never go back.
(1)
Nicole L.

I love Joy's appetizers but every time I have a dinner entree, the same entree I order ever time I come, it has a different taste. I'm not sure if they have multiple chefs or new chef's but my first experience was the best and now they seem to be just average. They do however hands down win my vote for best crab rangoon. I could eat those everyday and they aren't over powered with filling or overly excessive with breading. I would come back to joys for their lunch prices and if I had a coupon or gift card. Not so much my first choice for dinner.
(3)
Damian C.

Just like Fergie says: "T-T-T-Tasty Tasty!"
(4)
Val B.

I always get the Rama Chicken (steamed broccoli, chicken, sticky rice, covered in peanut sauce). It's always perfect. The prices are reasonable (about $12 per person) and their Thai iced tea is perfection (but pricey at $2.50, no refills). Seating is prompt and they open the front windows/doors in the summer which is refreshing. Parking is a major hassle, though, seeing as it's street parking on a super busy street in Lakeview/Boystown. There are cute book shops and other random shops nearby so plan to peruse a little before or after Joy's!
(4)
KChicagoan S.

Helloooooo yellow chicken coconut curry!! This stuff is sooo good that I crave it! The crab rangoons are also pretty darn good - the dipping sauce is a little sweet and a little spicy. The service is fine but what really sets this place apart is the yum food and very fair pricing to match. I can eat until I'm full (and sometimes have leftovers) for under $9 - not too bad!
(4)
Lakshmi R.

My boyfriend and I like to check out new places within walking distance from our neighbourhood (read 1 mile - I limit the distance) We ended up @ Joy's coz we got coupon from Jewel and read pretty decent reviews of it from Yelp Chicago. Well thank you again! I loved the wall decoration using native fabric - so colorful and intricate; added life to a rather plain brick wall in such a simple fashion. The floor to ceiling windows are a nice plus. We got the spicy basil and pad prik noodles with tom kha soup. Best soup I have has in Chicago. The portions are also larger than other thai restaurants I have visited. As far as the entree goes, I have other favorites but I will definitely be walking the distance again for Joy's sometime soon.
(4)
Andrea G.

Joy's is great the food always comes super quick, I love that it is BYOB and very affordable. I have tried numerous things on the menu and everything is very good.
(5)
Clare T.

So, I moved away from Lakeview last year, and I really really miss Joy's. Unfortunately, it's not that close to easy public transit from my new digs. I have never ordered something here that I don't like, and with it being BYOB, you can't really beat the price of dinner. My husband and I could usually get an app, two entrees and cokes for about $20. It's a great place to go with a big group of people, or on a date. It's pretty casual, and they have outside seating in back. Joy's is a neighborhood gem!
(5)
RJ W.

Absolutely, positively the most disgusting thai food I have experienced. Trying to eat healthier, I ordered the Spring rolls. Their arrival was heralded with them slathered in a gelatinous, disgusting, sauce that absolutely drowned them. I scraped off the crap and I understood why they drowned them. They were obviously made earlier as they were dry.. yes dry.. and had the taste of cardboard. On to the cashew chicken. Again, just completely without flavor and a very small amount of chicken in a sauce that was free of any taste. And the amount of rice that was served with it was laughably small. I mean, come on, it is rice, not caviar.... no need to be so cheap with it. I do not understand the others that have given it high ratings. But in my experience, it is No. 101 of the top 100 thai restaurants in Chicago... Update..OK, so I just posted my review and went to read the others...and am even more ticked off...I ALSO SHARE with my fellow Yelpers that as soon as someone seems to put in a poor review, there is suddenly a 5 star review from an anonymous person with only 1 or 2 reviews... and that just pisses me off..
(1)
Tdub W.

I believe I got food poisoning from eating at this restaurant. I was the first diner for lunch. The chicken tasted funny. I got sick and threw up several times that night.
(1)
Elizabeth C.

Joy's is a nice, casual, inexpensive pan-Asian place within walking distance of my house. Is it the best, most authentic Thai in Chicago? No. But the service is good, they're BYOB, and in the summer, they open the floor-to-ceiling windows and let the glorious breeze blow in (which also facilitates excellent people-watching). It's one of those places that has take-out quality food, but is pleasant enough to actually dine in at. They're a lazy weeknight go-to.
(3)
Karen C.

The Pad See Ew was amazing! Best I've ever had. I had it with chicken and the chicken was a little dry. I would probably try a different meat next time. My cousin got Panang Noodles with tofu, with rice instead of noodles. It was good but didn't have much in there; just tofu and two pieces of tomato. I wouldn't order that next time.t This place is definitely affordable (my dish was $7.50) and my dish was excellent, so I would come here again! The service was good too.
(5)
Dani C.

Excellent place to go for a cheap but nice night out. My fianc and I go with a bottle of wine, and a buy one entre get one free coupon from Jewel (they come on the back of your receipt!). This is the cheapest nice night out we've been able to find! The food is good, and the ambiance is good, if you go in the spring/summer/fall, when you can sit out on the front or back patio. The inside feels a little too casual and cramped for my taste, but it's still a nice night out if you're able to snag an end table or a booth.
(3)
Britt C.

My biggest regret here is that I couldn't eat more. I had the green curry with tofu, which is always my true test of a place because so many restaurants screw it up, and it was excellent! The curry was well balanced between sweet coconut and spicy chile, and there was beautiful pieces of thai eggplant in abundance. The best part was the choice of noodles or rice with the dish. I do love curry with rice, but when noodles are an option, I just can't say no. And these noodles, thin rice noodles, were the perfect complement to this fantastic meal. As it turns out, I was so enraptured with my own meal that I didn't even need to taste anyone else's, which just may be a first for me. I can say, though, that we were all equally pleased by our meals. A wonderful bonus is the BYOB, so my gaggle of girls left with quite a nice buzz from the three bottles of wine we polished off, and not a penny poorer for paying for neither drink nor corkage fee. Total price for five pleasantly stuffed women: $46.00!! I must also say that the restaurant itself is gorgeous, with exposed brick and slate walls, with beautiful thai artwork hung throughout. I'm definitely going to be back very soon to sit on the back patio and try some more from their bountiful menu.
(5)
Mike G.

Service was quick and polite. Vegetable roll appetizer and green tea bubble tea we're other worldly. Exceptional warm peanut sauce with hint of chili superb. Entrees good value for money yet seasoning was rather uninspired. Had supreme chicken with chili paste. Where was the chili paste? It was marked on menu as a spicy dish but was rather bland.
(3)
Lauren S.

This place was delicious!! Super fast and very efficient! Not exactly the kind of place for a leisurely dinner, but excellent food and great atmosphere.
(4)
D S.

I've been here a couple times (for dinner), and I can safely say that Joy's has excellent food--the noodle dishes are superb. Additionally, the service is speedy, the prices more than fair. It's perfect for a quick meal on a Friday night. On the slightly down side, the floors were quite dirty and the atmosphere could probably benefit from a little sound absorption. Basically very good.
(4)
Jon E.

Solid joint. Steps from my place, fast and friendly service and solid dishes that feature rich sauces and fresh ingredients -- the basics to making good Thai. I had to downgrade my review after the last 3 meals I've had there however. The curry was a bit bland, and really kinda skimpy, and the fresh spring rolls were odd. But this place is still solid for lots of other dishes. Plus, this place is cheap! The combo appetizers are great if you have a naughty craving for fried goodness. They are all really light, with delicate fillings and no sogginess to be found anywhere. Its a BYOB, so if you want to have a more intimate moment over vino, or want to kick it up with some Tsing-has, remember to bring your own.
(3)
Michael O.

Good food, very reasonably priced, and a very attentive staff.
(4)
k m.

A family favorite. Spicy basil leaves with beef, pad Thai with tofu, green curry with chicken, chicken broccoli. Are are usuals. Kids 7 & 3 love it
(5)
Michael H.

It has been years since I lived in Chicago, but every time I return (and I mean EVERY time) I make sure Joy's is on the agenda. The chicken coconut curry is maybe the best combination of ingredients ever! And some of the best chicken satay of any Thai restaurant around. A summer afternoon in Chicago at Joy's, sitting back on the patio reading a book. Those were the good old days...
(5)
Will C.

Great atmosphere and prices! Delicious thai food and always great portions....def worth your money! YUM!
(5)
Theresa M.

never a disappointment!!!! great. cheap. friendly fun! BYOB!
(5)
Julia S.

Best way to judge a-dime-a-dozen thai: pad thai, and thai ice too. Both were above satisfactory.
(3)
janice m.

I went here for lunch today with a couple of friends. We sat outside and enjoyed a most yummy lunch. We started out with two appetizers, the combo platter and spring rolls. Kudos for all of them. The shrimp shumai was tender and delicate, not overpowering in flavor. The fried tofu was great. We ordered three different entrees and all came to the table steaming hot. The kitchen honored two special requests with no problems, and the food was tasty and filling. Their BBQ pork was one of the best I have had, not too chewy like some. the Thai iced tea was good as always, and service was impeccable. We plan on coming back to try it again.
(4)
Megan C.

My favorite noodles in Lakeview!
(4)
Yvonne C.

Okay, I've come here... 2-3 times now and the food was still not to my liking: greasy, overcooked, oily, tasteless. I ordered multiple dishes at each visit and didn't find anything I liked. Sorry... three strikes and you're out.
(1)
Milena M.

Noodle-icous! I had the Pad Si-Ew and it was amazing. The atmosphere is super friendly as well. We also tried the mini egg rolls which came with a yummy sauce. There was enough left over to bring home and I honestly couldn't wait to eat my seconds! A great place for a breezy Summer night.
(4)
Brian S.

One of 4,522 Thai restaurants in Lakeview. And one of the best. I've never eaten in, so I can't comment on service other than carry out (which is fine), but the food is fantastic. I usually order pad see eiw. The spring rolls and crab rangoon are solid appetizers. But here's the issue with this place that keeps it from getting 5 stars. Their food gives me -- and everyone I know who eats there (one of those bar conversations, you know what I mean -- gas. Two of my friends and I conducted a scientific experiment with Joy's. Twice, in a one week span, we had Joy's. Both times after the Joy's all of us had gas. Five other days and five other meals caused no gas. Coincidence? Of course not. So our conclusion is that Joy's causes your poop chute to become a toot chute. The above is true, but seriously ... Joy's is good, but not spectacular, so it gets 3 stars.
(3)
Amy S.

Joy's is definitely on the top of my list for inexpensive but really good thai food. And it's byob and they have a patio. What more can you ask for? I really like the curries and the drunken noodles! They are delicious! I have been here on several occassions and it's just a really nice casual restaurant where you can eat good food (and a lot of it) and not break your bank.
(4)
Bre-Ann R.

My cousin introduced me to Joy's. Since it's his favorite and it's a BYOB place. I ordered the chicken coconut curry, I usually always get this, but this is the first place I've had it with noodles instead of rice. It was interesting and now I'm a fan! The spring rolls were delicious!
(4)
Jenny N.

Best Thai in Chicago. Also, one of the cheapest/most reasonably priced places in Chicago. Their Rama Chicken is to die for. I've ordered take out from here tons of times as well as dined in. I prefer to dine here in the summer because of the outdoor seating. You can sit out front on Broadway and people watch or sit in their cute backyard garden area. Good for groups, byob without a corkage fee, and quick service. Have never had a disappointing experience here.
(5)
Phil Y.

Another 'white wash' Thai joint. No taste.
(1)
Briana J.

This Thai place is very friendly and very accepting of patrons who just want to sit and talk. My only experience here was a pleasant one. Our waitress was quite friendly...and when I asked her opinion about which of two dishes was the better choice, she actually answered. She did not respond with the typical....they are both good. I ended up ordering the pad woon seen. I was tasty. It was good and satisfying...not the best in the city but nothing to sneeze at. I normally do not indulge in crab rangoon but I tried it here. Not too shabby. But the best part of the evening was the company, hand down!
(4)
Adam P.

With Cozy Noodle only a few blocks from this place it is a mystery to me why anyone would ever go here. The food is not good, the atmosphere sucks, and when I went (twice actually because I decided to give it another try) the food was slow. Three of my friends say Joy's is one of their favorite places in Chicago, but as hard as I tried to like it, I found nothing that made me ever want to go back. It is hard for me to not recommend somewhere, but I do not recommend Joy's.
(1)
Ann M.

Good, reliable Joy's. On a recent visit, I had the delightfully simple cucumber salad, perfect on a warm night. I followed it with the panang curry with chicken. This is my regular dish at most Thai restaurants, when I'm not counting points, so I was interested to try Joy's take which featured fried rice noodles. Generally this is served with noodles that are boiled or steamed but these were crispy and chewy and really tasty. I liked the texture and enjoyed them with the rich curry sauce. Service was efficient and friendly - they even gave us separate checks without attitude. I think I need to stop by Joy's more often.
(3)
Danielle T.

Ordered in one night and after constantly receiving coupons from this place, decided to give in and try it. Our food was delivered within 20 minutes of ordering almost! It was absolutely delicious thai food, to my pleasant surprise this is a place I will continue to frequent!
(4)
Y. W.

I just got a delivery from them and this is my first time eating from this place. I ordered from Grubhub. Joy's staff or whoever, forgot the receipt that you sign when they come to your door...so the delivery guy had me sign a piece of paper. I hope I don't get charged twice. I ordered baby egg rolls and chicken pad see eiw. The eggrolls were just regular egg rolls, made smaller - not exactly the same as baby egg rolls. The Pad see eiw is not flavorful and the noodles are all stuck together. I won't eat from here again.
(1)
Laura C.

This place is super! BYOB, which I love, great outdoor patio in the back, inexpensive and delicious food with lots of choices. I gave it 4 stars because I have had it delivered and it takes a long time and isn't very warm when it arrives.
(4)
Melanie V.

Wow, $6 lunch special for tons of food! I was impressed. Plus, the crab rangoon 'sampler' came with three mini-crab rangoons. Great portions for lunch. I had the Pad Prik with tofu and it was delish. The service is super quick, too.
(4)
Jon S.

Joy's has been my favorite Thai restaurant for years, even when compared to other both local and national competition. The quality of the ingredients is outstanding-- always fresh. Delivery is fast and orders are filled accurately with almost zero errors. Prices are very reasonable considering the dedication to food preparation. This is a great place to dine in as well, and can easily accommodate larger parties with proper notice. As a vegetarian, there are a wide variety of tofu-based dishes with just the right level of spiciness. Outstanding Spring Rolls are among my favorites. Strongly recommended.
(5)
Tiny T.

I have been going to this place for years. I would give it 5 stars but will only give a 4 since the staff is very aloof. They shouldn't take their customers for granted and need to learn how to be more friendly.
(4)
Lawrence Y.

Checked out Joy's for the first time yesterday. The 'patio' seating is now open and it was really nice, especially on a day like yesterday. I had the BBQ Pork meal (which came drenched in garlic, mmm!) and came with steamed broccoli and a small portion of rice. Service was standard.
(3)
Sheau W.

Well, I love this place TONNESSSSS! I could come here everyday. The price is decent, the food is great except minus a star because their service is just so-so. I highly recommend the Phuket Noodle and their Fried Rice with shrimp, its super super super good. I come here at least once a week via pick up or delivery service. Also if the weather is good, there's outdoor seating :) LOVE IT!!!
(4)
Scott D.

Completely satisfied and happy is how I felt after both of my trips to Joy's. A great selection of noodles, curry's, and stir-fried dishes presented in a very unique way. I would say go for the curry, especially the coconut one they serve. It gives you a taste of all the aspects of Joy's kitchen that people like. Try a spring roll here too, don't be afraid it is not what you are used. Very soft, and fresh. A great wait-staff and decor, I would recommended going during warmer weather.
(5)
Morgan C.

Took my first trip here this weekend, and I was very impressed. Plenty of reviews, I know, but here's my 2 cents. It was early on a lovely Saturday evening, and the gf and I were able to snag a table outdoors no problem. Service was quick, and the food was even quicker... Right after we placed our order, I went to the washroom, and when I came back out, our Crab Rangoons were already on the table. Perfect two-bite size, with an excellent crispy edge to creamy filling ration (you how sometimes there's a teaspoon of filling with 3" of wonton?), and some of the best crab flavor I've come across... Entrees were out quickly, too, and just right. I got the Phucket Noodles and the gf got Pad Thai, both with tofu. She ordered "spicy," and boy, was it. Not that "here's some chili paste on the side" crap some places try. Mine was listed as spicy, and it had a nice kick, too. We ended up switching half way through because we both liked one another's dish so well. Portion size was excellent, too. Not overwhelmingly huge, just enough that you can fill up and leave a little on your plate. The taste could have gotten me to clean my plate, though, were my willpower not up to snuff... BYOB, which is also nice to keep the tab down.
(5)
Ashley P.

My noodles with fresh vegetables were most excellent in both taste and price. It's inexpensive and comes out quick and steaming hot. The service was less than expected, but I didn't come here to be waited on hand and foot. Come here for a casual, quick and tasty bowl of noodles.
(3)
Amy J.

My first time with takeout from Joys! I was at Caribou across the street and I kept looking at it. I had promised to bring a friend dinner when I came by, so I asked her how Joy's sounded (hoping she'd say good!) I ordered it online b/c you get a discount (hint hint). Then I said I'd pick it up... I stopped at the postal store real quick and our food was ready within 10 minutes. Awesome. 2 dishes and the spring rolls for $18.00! That's an affordable dinner. I should also mention that these portions are big as well. Neither of us came CLOSE to finishing our noodles, so we could definitely have split a dish. Got the Bai Tong Noodles and the Garlic Noodles (both with chicken) and the Spring Rolls. Everything was excellent, quick, and our order was completely correct.
(4)
Ray O.

Joy's is definitively a winner. Cheap, delicious and BYOB... enough said.
(4)
Karen E.

For years, this was my local thai place. I loved coming here because their food hit the spot every time I had a thai food craving.
(4)
Lindsay M.

Delicious. Love the alterna-wait staff. Great noodle dishes and rice dishes. Take out is snappy and yummy.
(4)
Eric S.

What's not to love about Joy's? There are no better noodles on the north side of Chicago. My Lakeview brethren know what I'm saying, Joy's does a lot of business in our 'hood. I'm obsessed with bai tong. I eat it once a week, it's that good. It's so good that I won't eat anything else from Joy's. In fact, when I tell my wife where I want to eat, I don't even say "Joy's." I just say "Bai tong, bai tong, bai tong" and it's on. There isn't much else I can add here that hasn't already been said. Love you, bai tong!
(5)
Robin C.

Unfreakingbelievable. The prices are so reasonable and the food is pure bliss. This is a regular, comfort food, delivery staple of our wee apartment. My favorite is the panang curry with chicken - it comes on the most amazing CRISPY, wide noodles. And it still tastes amazing when you have it delivered. Even if you didn't like curry, chicken or DELICIOUS crispy noodles (what's wrong with you) - this would still probably become your favorite meal. EVEN if you ordered the same meal - say - panang curry with chicken every other week for the past year and a half - you would not get tired of it. Not that I did that.
(5)
Jeff K.

Always good, fast and inexpensive. Great lunch special.. Good Pad Thai, Good Panang Noodles. Always fresh...always good service
(4)
Edie J.

I have eaten at Joy's many times. I like it, I feel safe with it. I also recommend it because it has a nice ambiance especially with the windows open. The service is reasonable if you are a nice person in general. The thai tea is delicious . . . hmm yum . . .
(4)
John M.

Just finished a dinner with dinner with friends here tonight and it was, as usual, superb. For the money and quality of food, you just can't miss here. We sat in the expanded portion of the restaurant in a bigger size booth and the windows were wide open to the street - what a refreshing view and environment. I ordered by favorite Phuket Noodles which are to die for. The others at the table all enjoyed their food as well. Service was fast and friendly - efficient. When the bill came, the price was reasonable, with tip about $14/person which is fair. Loved the experience. Try it and I think you will agree it is one of the better noodle places in the city.
(5)
Neha S.

I rarely venture to Lakeview for meals, but I have made a few special trips just for Joy's panang curry noodles. I haven't found another restaurant that makes this dish quite so amazing! The noodles are perfectly crispy and the flavor is delicious with a little bit of a kick. This is a great BYOB restaurant.
(4)
Chris M.

I'll be honest - I've never set foot in the actual restaurant. But I've ordered it for delivery many times and can say on the strength of the food that its my favorite Thai food - and one of my favorite foods overall - in Chicago. The Spicy Chili Noodles with beef is a fantastic dish, with the spice never blocking out the flavor of the noodles and beef. The Pad Thai is also a favorite (I prefer the Chicken over the Beef on that dish) and the Crab Rangoon is a good dish to order to make the minimum $10 delivery minimum.
(5)
Katya C.

I'll be honest here--I've had tastier Thai out of a box. From Jewel. That I made myself. I had the veggie version of the Bamboo noodles, and though I concur with some of my fellow yelpers on the service being friendly, fast, and the food fresh....WHAT is UP with BROWN SAUCE at this place?! Let me explain: Part 1: The Starter. I had just come from the gym, and after walking the nearly 2 miles with my gym bag to get here (the 36 Broadway bus apparently runs, like, 2X a day) I was famished. When the pot stickers came to the table, I inhaled them. But THE DIPPING SAUCE! Thick and salty. Tasted like someone had forgotten to add half the water the directions called for. Ever tried to make Campbell's soup when you were little and didn't know what the word "condensed" meant? Kinda like that. Part 2: The Bamboo Noodles. Fresh, al dente veggies were great in the dish, but the sauce was so bland that I ended up applying every spice available on the table. And it still wouldn't perk up. Now, I've had takeout from here before (some chicken noodle dish) and it was fine. My friend always gets the Garlic Chicken noodles and is happy. But sheesh. Stay away from the brown-sauced dishes. I haven't had such a disappointing meal in years.
(2)
Frank M.

The positives to start: it's cheap and clean. The "Crab" Rangoon was light and tasty. Not sure what mystery meat was included in this though, hence the quotation marks. The negatives: the curry my wife had contained absolutely no flavor of curry. In fact, it contained no flavor. No spice, no aroma, nothing. Bland. Noodles and chicken. Not sure if a vegetable was involved--we didn't discern any. My dish, the Banang Noodle, was the opposite. Too much aroma. The wrong aroma, unfortunately. The dish smelled of garbage. Soy helped a bit, but it was yuck. The BBQ Pork in this dish was tasteless. The "crab" was a mystery meat. I wouldn't waste money here, albeit the place is cheap.
(2)
Yogi B.

Joy's has nice, fresh ingredients--VERY tasty food which is easy on the pocket book! Lunches are ESPECIALLY cheap! I normally leave there for under $8 and that's with a $2 tip! Their lunch specials include a hearty portion of an entree and your choice of one of four appetizers! (The appetizer I normally opt for is their Thai Spring Roll, very fresh & yummy!) The "spicy" dishes are VERY mild (to my taste), so if you're a chili-file like me, you'll be disappointed (even if you ask for spicy), but the food is really flavorful. They have the ability to open the dining room to the outside with floor to ceiling glass panels/doors. It's really nice on a warm day to sit inside but feel like you're in an outdoor cafe. (Plus still have the AC to keep the humidity at bay. They also have a large outdoor seating area in the back of the restaurant. It's a little quieter out there on a busy night. This is a FAVORITE of mine for lunch! You can't go wrong for dinner either.
(4)
Shaun T.

Cheap, quick, and tasty thai. First of all, no it's not as good as Cozy, but on the other hand, their menu is larger and seems to offer wider variety. Their Panang curry over crispy rice noodles was very good, but lacked the certain sweetness inherent in coconut milk. It was a sweltering day when I arrived, but tempered by a brisk afternoon breeze, and they'd opened the main doors and front area of the restaurant, providing ample people-gazing and enjoyment of the weather without raw exposure. It's a really good atmosphere to sit back and relax with food and friends, though I was in a bit of a hurry, so couldn't partake in the latter. Sadly, I discovered this place too late, and have since moved to a new neighborhood a veritable league away, so I guess I'll have to base my entire rating on the one thing I ordered. On the plus side, they've solidified my opinion that persistence pays off. Now I have three excellent curry sources in the Chicago area!
(4)
CJ E.

Joys Is a staple of Lake-view. Very affordably price food, great for dinner and lunch. The lunch special provides an egg roll, and won tons. Everything on the menu is above par for the price. The wait staff is very nice, and the setting and atmosphere is pretty friendly. Would definitely recommend. As its BYOB, bring a bottle of wine, and have a good time.
(4)
Jenn L.

If you like bland, uninspiring, ultra-americanized Thai food, then step right up because you will LOVE Joy's. The noodles and curries are tasty, and I can see why people who love americanized Asian food/people who don't know any better really appreciate this place. I ordered the Red Curry, and made sure to tell the waiter, "I want it spicy please. As spicy as you can POSSIBLY MAKE IT." I understand that in an americanized place, VERY VERY F'IN SPICY = maybe medium. (Wimps.) But what I got was an overly sweet, mild, completely uninspiring dish.
(1)
Tina B.

Man, I love this place. It's a great place to go when you don't want to put a whole lot of effort in finding a place to eat. They've got some of the fastest service I've experienced. Food is tasty and consistent. I love when they weather is nice and they open the front doors! Great people watching here also. Their delivery/take-out is great too!
(4)
Stop H.

If you want great Thai food that is economical and fast this is the place. We take our friends here. Great staff and a lot of hot men there too!
(5)
Steven C.

Awesome deal on the food here.. I used to live across the street and would order online and get 10% off, then walk over and pick it up. I've ordered pad see ew one too many times from this place. But it's one of the better thai places for the price.. perhaps a little salty though-- I think there's another really good one on clark (PS BANGKOK) and if you can order the ice cream, you must do so there..
(4)
Adam L.

I've only been here once, mostly due to my seeming inability to cross Belmont in search of food, yet I remember it fondly. I had the pad thai and spring rolls, which were excellent. As long as you can do those right, I'm a happy customer, and I was a happy customer at Joy's. During the spring and summer they open the huge window doors and it makes the place so much brighter and great for a weekend lunch.
(4)
Kevin B.

3 words :: Coconut Chicken Curry Yum! I can't order anything else, though I would like to, because I love this dish so much! Prices are great, staff is ok and like another person on here said, people watching is great too here! I'll be back soon!
(4)
Kelly W.

Whenever I try to tell my friends about this place, they correct me. "You mean Joy Yee's Noodles." Nope! I mean "Joy's Noodles"!! This place has really, really good food. I have had my share of good and bad experiences ordering pad thai in the past. This place offered some of the best pad thai I've ever eaten! I was here a little over a year ago but my mouth is watering just thinking about their delicious dishes. The restaurant has a very friendly atmosphere and I really enjoyed my overall experience. My only gripe is that it is so far away from my apartment and parking in this area is a disaster. It makes it kind of difficult to enjoy this fare on a regular basis. However, writing this review has reminded of how much I love this place and I will have to make a return trip very soon!
(4)
Jeremy B.

I've been meaning to try Joys forever, since moving to lakeview and finally got around to trying it last night. Took literally 2 minutes to be seated from a server that was also playing hostess and taking to-go orders (she happened to by my server as well). She did a great job, everything came out promptly. Appetizers were out about 5-10 minutes after ordering them. Entrees were out about 15-20 minutes after ordering them. Huge portions, great price, spectacular taste, and BYOB. Joy's cant be beat!
(5)
cindy k.

It's BYOB. Their prices are phenomenal and service is always great. Not to mention, they have these lunch specials which are just superb and so plentiful that I usually have to bring some leftovers home with me. Try their pad thai with the glass vermicelli noodles. Yum!
(5)
Jason Vuong D.

Immediately went gu-gu-ga-ga over their beef salad as an appetizer. Well, the rest was history! I had the garlic chicken noodle (a little boring) and tasted my friends' chicken satay and soup. All were tasty and satisfying. The waiters could have been a little more patient with us I think but sometimes, all is forgiven when the food is good. Yeah mon!
(4)
Ron S.

This place has an interesting menu that is affordable. I saw this place on grubhub so I gave it a shot. I ordered the dumpling noodles along with the crab rangoon. The bbq beef and the shrimp dumplings were good it was just the noodles were lacking and was not a big fan of the broth. I enjoyed the crab rangoon however
(3)
Jeff J.

I have taken several friends to this place and successfully converted them to the Cult of Joy's. It's right down the street for me, so I pop in regularly. Whenever I have friends in town I take them, and when they return they insist we go back! The food is great and very reasonably priced. Great patio in the summer. Even the back patio is fun. Don't forget to bring a bottle of your favorite libation. I keep ordering the Cashew Chicken, but everything else I've tried has been great as well.
(5)
Carlos V.

Joy's (and their sister restaurant Noodles in the Pot) is easily the best Thai restaurant in Chicago. I have tried several of their noodle and rice dishes and have never encountered a bad meal. I highly recommend the "Baby Egg Roll" appetizer and the Spicy Basil Leaves, very good. The restaurant is always super clean and the staff is friendly. The only complaint I would have is that the wait staff can be a bit pushy and want to take your order as soon as you sit down. The food comes out really quick too and often times the meal and appetizer are ready at the same time. This can pose a problem if you are trying to relax and enjoy some wine (the place is BYOB) before dinner. We have solved this by ordering our appetizer first, and then ordering the meal after we are finished with the appetizer. The transgendered waitress is my fave. I love her dresses! I think she works at Ping Pong on Broadway as well.
(5)
Amanda Z.

I love, love, love Thai food, and this has quicky become my favorite. Eating in? The food is served fast, it's BYOB (who doesn't love that?!), and it's cheap! Ordering in? If you order online, you can get a 15% discount (at least temporarily), you can save your address info, and you get your order exactly like you want it! Great appetizers, good curry (I love the coconut curry)...all the noodle dishes are good (I love the Bamee Special and Pad Thai is excellent), and the rice dishes are good too (I love the Rama Special!)
(5)
Tom K.

Went here over the weekend and had a great time. the food was ok, i had the rama chicken and it was quite bland. good service and a great time.
(3)
Courtney B.

Awesome Thai food that always tastes great and is extremely affordable. I love love love Joys. The staff is friendly if you eat in or even if you get take out (which i do frequently). You can sit down, order and eat in under an hour. I recommend the Garlic Chicken or the veggie Pad Thai. Delicious!!! I order Joys at least twice a month and am never disappointed. In fact, I have gotten out of town guests hooked on Joys!
(5)
Tom L.

Great place to go to,especially when the weather is nice. Try to get a seat in the back patio and people watch as you sip the wine you brought from home, yes, it BYOB. We started with the shrimp spring rolls with peanut sauce which was pretty good. We had the chicken and beef pad tai, and the chicken curry which were all wonderful. Service was okay, and prices were very affordable.
(4)
Jay A.

Ok I finally went to this place at last.......I went to Joy's with my friend and it wasn't bad as I thought it would be :-) I had spinach noodle w/ beef which was too sweet to me but I think that why they provide soy source on the table, right. And just so you know some menus you can't even find in Thailand :-) it's chicago style thai food, I would say. That's why you barely see Thais come to this restaurant. Anyway, I think their chicken satay is pretty good and peanut sauce is awesome. My friend had chicken green curry w/ stream rice and she definitely loved it. Pro: VERY CHEAP in nice neighbourhood Con: Crowded in the evening, not so authentic Tip: Looking for "2nd entree free" coupon from back of Jewel's receipt near Addison. So you will save even more or tip them more :)
(4)
Joshua B.

Not much to add that hasn't already been stated. The Chicken Panang Curry is the cats meow, and BYOB with no fees is the icing on the cake. Oh yeah, good gyoza, whether fried or steamed.
(5)
Emma C.

Good Thai food, big portions, low prices, BYOB, great delivery for lazy nights... cant go wrong. I love going to Joys with friends. Its basic but filling.
(4)
Julio M.

My favorite Thai place I can't complain at all Make sure u order their most asked for dish of noodles What surprises me is how inexpensive they are
(5)
Eric S.

Good food. Reasonable prices. Good options. I like the drunken noodles w/ veggies. It's always a sure bet. Lunch specials are also a good deal.
(4)
Jeff O.

Great Thai joint. Roomy. Nicely remodeled. Consistently delicious food. Somewhat less than average food prices. Good wait staff. I take all my visiting friends and family to this place, because the experience is dependably good in every way. I get noodle dishes every time because they are just so yummy. The menu is not exotic, but full and still interesting. Restroom signs are entirely androgynous - they are paintings of a man and woman, but you must look very closely to tell the difference. Not any problem, but kind of stands out when you get used to the typical pants and dress pictographs. LOL Would definitely recommend it.
(5)
Merrill N.

Huge portions, inexpensive, and very good food. If parking in that area weren't so challenging, I would go here a lot more!
(5)
Isabella W.

4 stars. I love Joy's for the price, convenience, and BYOB-ness. 1 star short of 5 due to lack of distinction in many noodle dishes.. However, I've frequent there enough to know what their forte is. Apps: spring rolls (not the fried egg rolls) Drinks: Thai iced tea BYO (no corkage fee) Salad: Larb Gai Chicken Salad Soup: Tom Yum Noodles: Pad See Ew (with beef), Lard Na (fried wide noodles) with beef, Crazy Noodles, Golden Noodles, Mandalay (curry) noodles, Prik Pao (spicy) noodles You can choose chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu with each noodle selection, but I personally like the beef, which is tastier and "juicier" than the others.
(4)
Sarah F.

I don't think Joy's at all compares to places like Penny's, Thai Aroma, or Ping Pong, which are all pretty much in the same 'hood. I have had many dishes here, and all are so so, and sometimes lacking flavor. I would go for the apps, but not the entrees (spring rolls are good and so is fried tofu!). Having gone to Joy's many times, one thing I really haven't ever appreciated is the fact that the veggies they include in their dishes always seem to be VERY large pieces (not cut up enough/properly) and sometimes are close to raw. Possibly, that's they way they want it, and mean to do it...but I don't like it. I want a veggie in my noodles that still has a bite, but actually cooked. Also, I don't want HUGE veggies that I can't fit in my mouth and have to try and cut up with chopstix. Anyway, I do appreciate that they are BYOB and have a nice atmosphere (and love the latest expansion). The patio in the back IS great in the summer.
(2)
Annie S.

Yummy!!! amazing thai food. I have to say it is the best in the city. everything is reasonable priced and fast service. The chicken pad thai is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good. The restaurant is pretty big so you don't ever have to wait for a table = )
(5)
Tracy K.

Good, cheap, quick food. My pad khee mao was spicier than I was expecting, but that's a good thing. My mom enjoyed her golden noodles. I also enjoyed the pad thai that they accidentally brought to our table and then insisted that we keep. The service was quick, but seemed a little disorganized. They also never offered to give me change, i.e., basically disappeared with my money. Whatever though, its more a matter of being polite than squabbling over a dollar. I would come back if I was in the area, but I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here again.
(3)
Matt R.

In an area with a myriad of Noodles and Rice choices, Joy's stands out. The service is quick, the food is reliable and the prices leave you feeling satisfied with your night. There is lots of seating and it is rarely hard to find a table. Joy's is BYOB with no corkage fee, so don't forget the wine or beer! Great for groups, they will move tables together to accommodate your party.
(4)
A V.

The workers are nice and efficient. The place is very spacious, clean, and well-lit. But I was kinda disappointed with the food. The food was just average. My thai tea tasted like it was watered down. The dishes lacked a certain something. I can't quite put my finger on it...
(3)
Justin S.

Its good thai food, the price is right and the food is pretty on par. The pad thai....not even close to Fresh, which is still the best I've had. For this place go with the drunken noodle or the pad see eiw. I will be back, just not for the pad thai, that really hurt this place. Start with Fresh people.
(3)
James H.

This is one of my regular places for delicious carry-out. I love their Pad Thai but lately have been exploring other items on the menu (Thai Stick is great, too!). But Joy's has a large dining room and is great for eating in as well. I recently took my cousin who was visiting and he found vegetarian fare to his taste. Joy's ends up being a great value either in or out.
(4)
megan g.

Went here for the first time on Wednesday night for a friend's birthday. Enjoyed our bottle of wine that we got down the street with no corkage fee. I was really in the mood for something light and fresh and was a bit disappointed by the lack of salads but it's got rice and noodles in the name so who am I to complain! I had the cashew chicken (snow peas, pineapple, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and cashews!) I don't even like cashews or onions and I ate every last bite! It was filling but the sauce was light enough I didn't feel like I needed a shower afterwards. My friend had the green curry and it was really creamy and had a great coconut flavor to it. The outdoor area was just big enough to not feel too cramped and had great flowers all around it. The best part of all, 17 bucks for the two of us to eat and drink our BYOB wine. Not too shabby. Definitely plan on going back!
(4)
Tom A.

My short and sweet review: Joy's is clean, fast, good service and very tasty. The ideal time to visit is during lunch, where their specials ($8 for entree/app) are second to none. Almost every entree that I've had has been great, but I'd recommend the Chicken Coconut Curry, the Crazy Noodles and the Crab Rangoon. Additionally, it's a BYOB place, which greatly reduces the overall cost if you're looking to throw back a few with your meal! There's some free parking around the area, but it's easiest to take the bus or El. THE SCOOP: Appreciate Joy's for what it is - a quick, easy and cheap Asian restaurant - and you'll fall in love with it.
(5)
Johanna C.

I wanted to hate on this place, believe you me. It's in the middle of yuppie town and I find that yuppies have the blandest taste ever so they'd probably enjoy Joy's. The food is great. It's reasonably priced - about $5 - $8 for a regular dish. We had the Chicken & Shrimp Wontons as an appetizer. Not so good. Kinda bland for my taste. The service was pretty decent and the place was packed so I'm guessing everything is pretty fresh. Decent environment but when it's packed, you may find yourself sitting at a table really close to the next table so it's probably not a place to get romantic. The gem here for me is the Pad Woon Sen with chicken. Can't lie, I crave the food from here every now and again.
(3)
Gabe M.

I have to update this review as Joy's has become one of my go-to spots in Lakeview. I'm partial to the crab rangoon which is a great value for the quality. The spring roll or thai roll (not fried) are slightly healthier and top notch. My standard meal is the chicken pad Thai, quality is variable but it only varies from good to awesome. I started having them make it for me with the wide noodles. I should probably branch out but it makes me hungry just thinking of it. Great portion sizes. Take your choice of options: Delivery or pick up are reliable and fast. If you order your delivery/pick up online you get a discount. If you choose to dine in, the waitstaff is on point. I'll see you there, I'm in at least once a week.
(5)
Marshall V.

Joys is the best Thai food in Lakeview! I recently moved to the neighborhood, and discovered Joys. It is literally right around the corner from me, so I get takeout from their frequently. They make great crab rangoon, and pad see ew. I am surrounded by Thai , sushi, and Chinese restaurants, but all of my favorites happen to be on the same block. Ping Pong for Chinese, Wakamono for sushi, and Joys for Thai. Lakeview has a lot to offer but all of my favorites are on Broadway between Aldine and Buckingham. Joys has great outdoor seating in front and in back. Thank you Joys !
(5)
K C.

Wow what a nice place to eat with your friends before you go out. Fast Service and Great Price. BYOB restaurant too!
(5)
Arnab M.

I was here for dinner last night with a friend, and I swear, at every table, there were only gay men, in all shapes and sizes. Though a New Yorker, I'm still not used to the concentration of fab gays and only gays in Boystown. It's FABBBULOUS! Anywho, the waitstaff were flamboyantly awesome, we were seated quickly nad our orders taken. I had a delicious mango bubble tea, yummmmmy, and a shrimp dumpling noodle soup. The soup came with shredded pork on it, which is not something I expected or was aware of, but it didn't taste bad, which is good, but I'm not the biggest fan of pork, so I fished it out in what can only be described as a rather uncouth manner but oh well, I wasn't on date, so it's all good! Oh and can I just say, everything on the menu is less than $10, I can't really complain about it not being gourmet cuisine.
(3)
Justin S.

While not the most amazing Thai restaurant, it definitely hits the spot. The servers are super nice and really attentive. Totally recommend the golden noodle with either chicken or veggies...tho veggies are my personal favorite.
(4)
Hanabi R.

I was here with a group of 7 for a birthday. I came away a happy customer. We ordered a bunch of the standard stuff, but with that said, quality was well above average. We had pad see ew, pad thai, egg rolls, spring rolls, drunken noodles, and garlic chicken. Good points: Service, Food, Patio seating for large groups, BYOB Not so good: Parking - but it's no surprise on a Friday night in Boys Town
(4)
Matthew A.

I love coming to Joy's. For the last 2 years or so I have been there about once a month or so. They are usually really fast bringing your food and most of the dishes I have tried have been good. I prefer your standard Pad Thai, but occassionally I get a curry dish. They are usually busy at peak times, but smaller groups usually wait only a few minutes. Carry-out is always ready by the time you get there. This is not the super best thai food i have ever had, but if you are in the neighborhood and want thai, I would come here for sure.
(4)
Aaron V.

I have eaten a lot of Pad Thai and this place has the best! Order online and you get a discount so delivery is basically free. One of my top choices in Chicago.
(5)
Patrick G.

Hands down the best Peanut Sauce in the city. The Rama Special (chicken, broccoli, and rice covered in peanut sauce) with a Thai iced coffee is pure Joy to for me. (Sorry I couldn't resist.) But it seriously is one of my favorite places to eat in my neighborhood. The price is inexpensive and the service is very quick and polite. The atmosphere is very nice as well. It has a casual feel, a backyard porch area, and on nice summer days the the full length windows in front open up so that you can enjoy both the weather and a good meal.
(5)
Philip K.

Joy's is ::thee:: place to take out-of-town visitors if you want to wow them with the luxury of good Thai food, right in your neighborhood. I sometimes gripe about their slowly rising prices as they've expanded their physical size. Is Joy's going to lose that neighborhood feel as they continue to expand their business? Probably not. The service is good, although before they added their new extra dining space, we were sometimes hurried through our meal to make space for other customers. The dishes are consistently good across the menu. So challenge yourself the next time you visit--try something other than Pad Thai!
(4)
Amanda K.

Eww I can't believe the good review, the only thing that was good was the tea, I got this noodle thing that was disgusting, so I ended up only eating carrots. I t came with an appetizer and I got spring rolls, they were okay, the sauce on them that smothered them, was disgusting. ICK! There are many better restaurants in chicago, so spend your money elsewhere!
(1)
Brittany M.

This place is just ok. My friend and I went because we got a coupon - buy one entree, get one free. (Check the back of your Jewel Osco receipts, yelpers!). We started off with the appetizer sampler. The crab rangoon had way too much cream cheese and too little crab. The fried tofu was bland. We both had the pad thai, which was good, but not the best I've ever had. I may go back because I have more coupons, but Thai Classic on Clark is a lot better, and it's only two blocks away.
(2)
Andy H.

I've only eaten here twice, but I'm already recommending it to everyone. I got the Bai-Tong Noodles and was BLOWN AWAY with how great it tasted. On top of that, the service was as good as I've ever had at a restaurant. They were refilling my drink and clearing my plate before I could even think to ask. Not to mention, they're BYOB! Considering I just moved into an apartment nearby, I know I'll be spending plenty of time at Joy's.
(5)
Allyson C.

It appeared to be clean, was really cheap, and the service was good. These things are nice and all but when the food's no good I still have to give it 2 stars. The pad siew was bland and it had that soggy taste like the noodles had been soaked in water for days. Also the broccoli was brown in parts. My search for great Chicago Thai has to continue...
(2)
dadasda a.

The food is ok but just down the street there is another thai noodle place for cheaper and its much better. Joy's will try and scam you. Just try and use Joy's coupons. They arent useable. The stipulations on them make it so that they are useless. The are only useable certain days and certain lunch hours. It has to be over 20 dollars... which requires you to spend much more because lunch is cheaper, then you can only do it with 2 people. Dont even bother. Don't even both with Joy's Do not go to Joy's walk one block north and you will find a much better restaurant that doesn't try to trick you. I will never eat here again.
(1)
Amanda L.

My father in law's boyfriend is in love with this place, as is he. I personally don't see the obsession. It's okay food, for a very good price considering the neighborhood that it is in. In fact, if it wasn't so cheap, I wouldn't be able to justify having to pay for parking. But there is nothing served here that I can't get out in the 'burbs.
(3)
Victoria T.

Friends were here from California and I had heard that Joy's was the "best" Thai. We all decided this was better than our favorite Thai in California... which we thought was good! We loved the Panang, like everyone else. The bbq pork with ginger gravy was amazing, the wide noodle dish we had was good. Each dish had it's own unique flavor and were distinct from one another. The chicken was not "weird" like many other Thai restaurants and the tofu was really good too. The veggies were fresh and the flavors were just awesome. So glad this place is two blocks away... this is now our new fav.
(5)
Franny C.

One of my all-time favorite places for Thai. The food is so good that I can overlook the apathetic and aloof servers (service is still fast and efficient though). I'm sad I don't live walking-distance any more. I heart Joy's super big. Yes.
(4)
Stacy C.

Joy's had great, inexpensive thai food and a wonderful atmosphere. They have inside and outside seating. We sat outside and enjoyed the cucumber salad and then ordered pad thai. Both were outstanding. Would go back in a heartbeat!!!
(4)
Becky W.

I think Joy's is the best thai in chicago. I used to live next door and frequented it. But now I moved to the other side of town and am going through withdrawals. I like the thai fried rice, and they have quite possibly the best tofu pad thai on the planet. Also, the spring rolls are fabulous. I miss you Joy's!
(5)
Jeanette S.

We have eaten at Joy's multiple times. It initially started when I had my wisdom teeth out and all we could find were menu's for pizza around the house. My fiance and I absolutely love Joy's. The delivery is prompt, the order is always correct, and the food has always arrived hot. Another thing we really like is that you can order it w/o oil. It definitely helps keep it feeling "lighter" and not nearly as greasy. The portions are large, so you can have lunch the next day, or sometimes even get 3 meals out of it. The price is definitely right, and the location is really convenient for us. We have ordered multiple things from the menu and then only thing we have been disappointed with was one of the soups with shrimp in it, but unfortunately, I cannot remember which one. Apologies! Anyway, thumbs up for Joy's Noodles. We love it.
(4)
David S.

I think I was still under the effects of the previous night's "special" brownies when I went to Joy's, so take my review for what it's worth. Joy's seems to be quite a popular spot in Boystown. It's just a block away from the bars, and it's big place with a large outdoor patio in the back (definitely try to sit there if you can). The menu is pretty standard Thai, with a lot of noodle and rice dishes. We started with a couple of appetizers: chicken satay (pretty good), and some fried cream-cheese dumplings, the name of which I forget. Those were just okay (but then again, I'm not a huge fan of cream cheese), and beware: they were really hot (temperature-wise), and I burned my mouth real bad (two days later I could still feel it). For my entree, I ordered the special spicy Thai noodles (I think that's what they were called): nothing to write home about... I actually thought they were very average, and there was what appeared to be sriracha sauce on top: nothing against sriracha sauce, but when I read "special spicy noodles" I expected something more home made for the "spicy" part. So... not a bad place, but the food was a bit disappointing. I suppose I should probably give it another try, since I was there only once.
(3)
Jason G.

Have been here many times and it is always good. The portions are large for what you pay - we never walk away feeling hungry. I would refrain from the bubble tea though, just didn't taste right. Fried tofu is bland, but that's what the dipping sauce is for! I live up in Rogers Park and make special trips down to Lakeview to go to Joy's.
(4)
Katie G.

I'm not sure whether your food is good or not because I have eaten at your establishment 3 times and every time I have to dig through a mound of hair before I get to my food. And, there's nothing more disgusting than hair in my food. Take my advice: WEAR HAIR NETS/CAPS/I don't care...just keep it on your head and out of my food!
(1)
Nick D.

Came here for another date (something about casual Asian restaurants...) and left moderately underwhelmed...of the restaurant, not the date. We were seated immediately, served very quickly, and the casual atmosphere was very enjoyable. I can see also how it could be fun to go with a large group of people! Being a connoisseur of curry, I ordered the green chicken curry, always a dependable option. When it came out, it looked good and smelled good, but upon further inspection it was probably the most bland curry I had ever had. Waa waa. I really wanted to like it, believe me I did, but it was about as fun and exciting a dish as a wet blanket is to play with. Two things stick out to me as major pluses for Joy's: their bubble tea which I am now in love with, and their prices which are equally as lovable. The one big minus was the lackluster curry. Perhaps if I go back again I'll ask for more spice...and then hopefully can come back to yelp and tack on a few more stars.
(2)
Katie W.

OHMYGOD please order the panang curry, it will change your life! This is my favorite Thai restaurant in Chicago, everything I have tried is SO GOOD. Prices are beyond reasonable, service is consistent, what more could you ask for? If I'm able to go a week without having Joy's delivered, I have to pat myself on the back for my incredible self-restraint.
(5)
Daniel C.

Not a big fan of Joy's (NOT to be confused with Joy Yee's Pan Asian). The food here is pretty blah, nothing out of the ordinary. If you like Thai food, there are much better places such as Opart, Cozy, TAC Quick and Spoon.
(2)
Patti B.

I've only been here once, so there's a lot more on the menu I need to try out, but I'm pretty sure I'll be back for that. After Joy's was recommended by my boyfriend, his colleague, and our first apartment agent, I was looking forward to a good meal. The food came out fast and dishes were piled high. Pad see ewe was delicious (might just be up there with Cozy!) and the boyfriend's spinach noodles (forget the name) were yummy, though a little bit on the sweet side. For the price, Joy's is pretty darn great. It's good to venture into new neighborhoods. :)
(4)
Elizabeth J.

I'm a prolific thai-food eater, and I love this place. The spring roll, crab rangoon, and veggie roll appetizers are all great. The Panang curry is really great, too...I also often order the Mandalay noodles or the tom kha. Wonderful. The service is prompt, and the atmosphere is nice. It's not the ABSOLUTE BEST Thai place I've been, but the prices are completely reasonable and my roommate and I go here constantly.
(5)
Brittany A.

My boyfriend and I came across this place while we were walking around, so we stopped in for an early dinner/late lunch. It was pretty delicious and not too expensive. The service was very consistent and the portions were huge. However, I live pretty far north and wouldn't make my way down specifically for it. If you're in the area, it's definitely worth checking out.
(4)
Becca C.

Being a block away from my apartment, Joy's is my go-to Thai place in the neighborhood. Carry-out/Delivery are super fast--I've never waited more than 20 minutes. Dine in is nice especially because it's BYOB. Service is efficient and the food is always consistent. If you order online, there's always a discount (I think 10 or 15%). I've not really had anything I didn't like here, but my standbys are the Garlic Noodles, Cashew Chicken, Baby Egg rolls (my fave) and Chicken Satay. The fried rice and Pad Thai are just ok....the Wonton soup is really good and a really big portion.
(4)
Therron R.

Super delish! The food here at Joy's was low priced and tasted very fresh. They were very generous with the basil leaves, and service was extra friendly. We loved being able to walk right up and being seated as the front is open for the summer. Lots of seating is available, and good thing too so everyone can get a chance to enjoy a little Joy's in their life. LOL
(5)
Courtney L.

Simply put... one's life is better if Joy's food is in it! Joy's is affordable and provides consistently excellent food, applicable to carryout and while dining in. My absolute favorite dish is #10: Spicy Chili Noodle with Chicken. This is a great lunch place or for a quick bite in the evenings, not for someone looking for a romantic evening though.
(5)
Patty A.

Most of the time, Joy's is good. It is in my neighborhood, most of their entrees are under $10 but I've had Pad Thai that was not fresh. Not good Joys!
(3)
Cara B.

I have a love/hate relationship with Joy's. I had by far the worst experience while dinning there one night that I boycotted them for almost a year. It was when I had a craving for their fried tofu and spring rolls that I caved in. For being a block away from where I live I get tempted to go there with just the slightest thought of thai food. I still refuse to eat in there but I will do carry-out and delivery if the mood should strike.
(3)
Michael P.

Strong Thai menu, we love the garlic noodles, phuket curry noodles and chili noodles. Excellent value for the money, we like it as much for take out as eating in the restaurant. And the wait staff is colorful, friendly and at your service.
(4)
Sid B.

I tried the pad-thai as usual and it was good.... slightly on the greasy side though
(4)
Lindsay S.

Joy's is fantastic! Been going since i moved here. I've never had to wait and the service is fantastic. And who doesn't love BYOB? I love the food and crave it everytime I walk by on Broadway. Their ordering service is fantastic...I call it in on the train ride home, run by and pick it up 15 minutes later on the way home. Can't beat that! The atmosphere shows why I love living in that area, and this is definitley a neighborhood fav. It still cracks me up whenever I overhear a conversation of someone wanting to go try some thai and the first recommendation is always Joys!
(5)
Annie K.

Joy's Pad See Ew, along with some Prosecco is a perfect way to wind down from a long week! I haven't gotten to a point of putting them on speed-dial, but am close. I came to know them through Noodles In the Pot, a go-to place for girlfriends (and a cheap BYOB) off Clark Street, but it's great to have this so close in Lakeview. Their website has a decent interface too -- you could literally repeat your order if needed (and they offer a discount if you order online)... though that might be an overshare to say it's that easy to order the same thing every time. I digress. Fast service, lots of options, haven't found any other Thai that comes close.
(5)
Jenna H.

Joy's is GREAT! The soups are delicious & flavorful, and the pad thai is fantastic. The atmosphere is warm, inviting, lively, & for a close space the tables aren't right on top of each other. The service is friendly & efficient but not rushed. When the weather's nice they open the full-length doors that span the front of the restaurant for a nice semi-outdoor dining feel, without being exposed to the elements (i.e. bugs, oppressive humidity, etc). A neighborhood Thai BYOB with great service & even better food--what's not to love?!
(4)
P J.

A lot of my money has been spent at Joy's. I'm okay with that. This place is delicious and not expensive, the service is great, and the atmosphere is so much better than other Thai places. I absolutely love Joy's. I refer people here all the time, I bring people here (and I love nowhere near Boys Town). I was a huge fan of Noodles in the Pot, too. Go here. For reals. It's BYOB, casual, and has quick, efficient service.
(5)
Suzanne S.

I have ordered takeout from Joy's every week for years. Excellent food at great prices. You can't beat it!
(5)
Nancy S.

Wonderful Thai food. Top-notch! Good service & interesting interior. The Green Curry is to die for.
(5)
Chelsa P.

I love thai food and my favorite is Tom Kha soup, which they have a white version instead of reddish that I am used to, still good, but not my favorite. This place is always crowded which makes sense because it has other dishes that are very good. The Spring Rolls are very good and so is the Pad Thai, service is decent, I think I have only had one time when I had a problem.
(4)
Kevin E.

An easy Boystown spot. Great for groups, full menu, easy to please everyone.
(4)
Michael S.

There is nothing Thai about this place, save the waiters. Spicy dishes are bland and resemble frozen dishes from the supermarket more than a fresh complex Thai dish. Every dish I have ever eaten here has been over salted and bland. If you enjoy authentic Thai flavors, don't eat here, you will be disappointed.
(1)
Corey D.

Always good, always fast, and always super friendly! Best Thai in the gayborhood!
(5)
de s.

simple and tasty... just great
(4)
Danny G.

The best Thai in Lakeview, and contender for the best Thai in Chicago, me thinks. Have never been disappointed with any menu item, and I've tried most everything at this point. I frequently order carry out and have never had to wait more than the estimated time, which has never been more than 15 minutes. As for dining in, Joy's is perfect for when the weather allows dining a la fresco - there's a small quaint courtyard in the back, sidewalk seating outside, and the main seating is pretty much open air from the floor to ceiling windows. Service is excellent and fast, BYOB. All this, and the prices aren't any more expensive then other thai joints. Can't recommend Joy's enough!
(5)
Seth U.

Panang and Phuket curry noodle dishes are outstanding. All the prices are reasonable and they deliver quick. consistently great.
(4)
Blake H.

i have been here a few times. it is across the street from the caribou where i (pretend) to get my work done. i found out that i can order online 15 minutes before i walk home and it'll be there waiting for me. i am really glad i didn't know about this place when i was studying all the time because i would have eaten there on a daily basis. really cheap, totally decent food, and it couldn't be easier. haven't actually eaten in the dining room yet but it looks really cute. plus they have outdoor seating which is legit.
(3)
Missy M.

Enjoyable meal- I had the Bangkok Noodles. Yummy. Nothing much else to say though. Just another Thai place in Chicago where you can get a meal for under 10 bucks. (The plus side it is next to Unabridged Bookstore and He Who Eats Mud- which I love.)
(3)
Brett C.

Great, cheap, BYOB place. Food is tasty, service albeit somewhat hard to understand sometimes, fast and attentive. Great outdoor patio in the summer. Highly recommended.
(4)
Tracy W.

This place is my go to Thai place for delivery and and dine in. Everything I've had from here has been great. The spring rolls and Mandalay Chicken are my go to most times. Delicious!
(5)
Jessica S.

It's high time I wrote a review for this awesome place. Let's go in order: it's byob, the food is delicious (#9 with chicken, probably the best), it's ridiculously quick, it's inexpensive, and the service is awesome. I mean, this is really all you need to know. Just go here. I guess there is a ridiculous lunch special, so check that out if you are so fortunate to visit them during lunch hours. This places totally rules.
(5)
Kristen G.

Joy's is my favorite Thai food in the city. Its quick: sit down, delivery, take out. Will even deliver to Belmont Harbor to the boat i work on! I have never had anything bad from joy's. Plus its BYOB!
(5)
Christopher K.

Most everyone knows the Lakeview Thai institution that is Joy's Noodles and Rice and its reputation for great food, but I wanted to weigh in with my praise as well. Granted, I don't get much south of Fullerton, much west of Damen, nor much north of Foster, but Joy's is the best Thai I've found in Chicago. You get mass quantities of food for very reasonable prices and the quality is consistent. It's my go to Thai place for delivery and carry out, and it's dining room and patio set it apart from many hole-in-the-wall Thai places where you just want to get in and get out. Keep doing your thing Joy.
(5)
Akta D.

Went here with a friend and the first thing i noticed was the decor. The entire restaurant had a great Asian vibe to it. It wasn't the typical Thai restaurant decoration. There is so much seating that you know it's a good place. A back and front patio as well as 2 sections of tables. The food was perfect, except their definition and my definition of spicy is a little different. I know that when I go back I'll be try some of their curry.
(4)
Patrick W.

This place has been "on the list" to try for a while, but the opportunity never presented itself to go. Finally, my princess took the bull by the horns and took advantage of their discount for online orders. As a result of her generosity and resourcefulness, I had awesome shrimp fried rice waiting for me when I got home from a meeting. She's been under the weather and chose a light soup with thin noodles and slices of bbq pork. I didn't particularly care for it, but she did, and so I carefully negotiated a trade of my portion of soup for extra shrimp fried rice. The shrimp, by the way, are not those itty-bitty baby salad shrimp that are microscopic and typically found in shrimp fried rice. These were moderately sized, real shrimp that I'm guessing were prepared fresh and added to their very tasty fried rice. The gyoza were a nice appetizer, and served with a sweeter sauce than is usually served with them. I tasted the molasses right away, and as much as I like molasses, it overpowered the sauce as well as the flavor of the gyoza. The ensemble was still very good. I'm looking forward to finally dining in someday; the BYOB is always a nice touch for an inexpensive but nice night out.
(4)
Patrick n.

What else is there to say? cheap, quick, delicious, consistent, cheap... 2 can eat here for $20 and leave stuffed. we usually get the drunken noodles and a few small appetizers, but i've never ordered anything here and been disappointed.
(5)
Erin M.

On nights when I come home from work, too damn tired to even think about cooking I grab all my various take-out menus, sort through them and Joy's is often the one I choose. Admitedly, part of the reason is it's really close. But, if their food was crap chances are I'd pitch the menu and find another option (in Chicago, that's not exactly hard to do). I really like their Tom Yum soup (getting it with veggies is my favorite), and the Mandalay and Phuket noodles. And for the amount of food you get it's really reasonably priced. And the service is fast. I tend to love pot stickers, but Joy's just don't do it for me. Every couple months I try them again, thinking maybe they've magically improved, but they always taste kind of stale. And don't get your hopes up over the Dumpling Noodles. There's a lot of noodles in there, but not much in the way of dumplings. All in all, when you're in the mood for some slightly greasy Thai food, Joy's is a good place to go.
(4)
Ang R.

Really loved the spring roll here, including the sauce. Much better than others I've had around town. The pad thai was the only other thing I tried, and I also liked it quite well, though it was only tofu, so I can't speak to the dodginess of the meat. The person I was with said her garlic chicken (with rice) was tasty too, and as we're moving to the area soon, I'm sure we'll stop by for quick, tasty Thai eats.
(4)
JP J.

This is my go-to Thai restaurant, especially considering that it is just a few blocks away from where I live. Delivery is always good and the food gets to my door looking and tasting great. My typical order is crab rangoon and either the Crazy Noodles or the Golden Noodles. Dining in the restaurant is casual, but the interior is nice, the service is very attentive and swift, and I of course enjoy that it is BYOB. Great little spot!
(4)
Brad G.

Very fast and consistently great service. Good value for the quality and quantity of food. Great people watching in the summer too. A very solid choice for Thai in Lakeview.
(4)
Jen S.

Joy's (and Noodles in the Pot -- owned by same people) is my favorite Thai place in Chicago! The food is so delicious and the service is really fast. Everyone I've taken there has absolutely loved it. Joy's has a nicer decor than Noodles in the Pot and it's also way bigger. I really like all the windows in there, which they open when it's nice out and the outdoor seating in back is decent. Couple of sidenotes: It's BYOB and if you order online for either delivery or pick-up they discount your order 15%.
(5)
Kristen D.

Gotta love Joy's. I have to admit, my main reason for going here is because of the BYOB and NO corkage fee! What could be better?! Service is certainly nothing to write home about but food is good and cheap, plus with all the wine you'll be drinking, does it really matter how good the food is?!
(4)
Eme L.

Back when we lived in Chicago, Joy's was our tried and true go-to place. When you want something tasty and cheap, it always hits the spot. My favorites are the crazy noodles, the pad woo-sen, and the phuket noodles. No one does a better rendition - I've never actually seen the phuket noodles at another restaurant. The service is nice and friendly, and it's a great people watching spot when it's nice outside and the front windows are open.
(4)
Amanda H.

I live around the corner from Joys which is quite dangerous. I grab their chicken pad thai about once a week...the best in the neighborhood!
(5)
Peter D.

One of my friends once said that this place was an impressionistic view of Thai food, and I think he hit the nail on the head. If you like sweet, Americanized Thai food, this is a great place for you, but if you are looking for the real, light-your-mouth-on-fire thing go to Jitlada. The back garden is also very beautiful in the summer which makes this place worth going to just for that.
(3)
Olga S.

It's still one of my favorites for quick inexpensive food, but I think the quality went down and the prices went up a little after the renovation. Maybe it's just that the novelty wore off for me. My husband and I used to eat here at least once a week, but now it's probably no more than once in 2-3 months. In the summers they have a lovely patio in the back.
(4)
Bev h.

the only restaurant whose number i have saved in my phone. every dish i've tried has been perfection, though there is a special place in my heart/gut for the pad siew with tofu and the crab rangoon. their tofu is always done just right- a little crisp, tender in the middle, lots of flavor. the siew sauce is just the right amount of sweet. noodles delish! the crab rangoon is my favorite anywhere- i hate how so many places try to put onoin or celery in their rangoon and serve it with some crazy bright red sauce. or no sauce at all- just those packets of generic s&s. joys has mastered the art of rangooning(?!). they don't have any junk in em, just sweet cream cheese and crab in a light fried wrapping. the sauce is also delish, though i have no idea what's in it. it's just good s&s. the delivery is fast. the food is CHEAP and AMAZING. it's byob. the outdoor patio is great. servers are all business, and that's perfect when i've got a mouthful of tasty thai food and don't want to make small talk. i have nothing bad to say.
(5)
Robbie S.

Amazing!!! Fast and attentive tag-team service. Cheap and overly generous portioned food. Two people could share a $7 dish. Joys is also BYOB, so you can bring your own drinks if you'd like. They also have alfresco dining during the spring, summer and fall, which is quite delightful. If your in the mood for asian noodles, I highly recommend Joys! Always flavorful! Pouket Noodles, Crazy Noodles and baby egg-rolls are always my favorites. There were a few nights I trekked a couple miles in below zero snowy weather for some joys...totally necessary!
(5)
amanda i.

Dear Joy's, I want to write a nice review for you and give you lots of stars, but I just can't. At first, I thought this relationship might turn into something serious, something steady. You got me hooked with your Spicy Basil Leaf dish and your lovely Thai Rolls, but it was all downhill from there. When your steamed vegetable dish left something to be desired I just chalked it up to you having a lousy day - after all, we're all entitled to those. You made it up for it with your outdoor seating and people watching entertainment, and I let the whole incident slide. Recently, you've cut me deep - I cannot forgive the rubber band that I found in my Pad Thai, or the tasteless "green curry" that you served my boyfriend. Your MSG wielding ways are no longer adorable and delicious. I appreciate your good intentions, comping our entrees after the rubber band incident, but I feel that it is time for me to cut this off. After all it's truly a relationship of convenience, and we both deserve better than that. If you'd like to learn how to treat a woman right, venture a few blocks south to Bamee Noodles, where the curry is spicy, the food is made with care and the servers seem appreciative of the attention of a frequent customer. Best, Amanda
(2)
yakob j.

Four months living in Chicago, with all it's Thai food, and I was struggling to be impressed. That's until I got one good look of my Panang Curry Chicken @ Joys. Man was it some dish! I might not even bother to go anywhere else for Thai as long as i live here. The eight dollar meal makes this place super sweet, and for anybody who drinks, they have BYOB which makes it even better. I think i found my Thai sensation!
(4)
Jeremy C.

Great food. Cheap prices. This is a great local thai place to get some good food, people watch and enjoy a bottle of your own wine (BYOB).
(4)
R C.

Hands down, my favorite Thai restaurant in Chicago. Food and service are great, and the restaurant is located away from the shotty parts of Boystown. I recommend the fried rice and coconut curry. The iced coffee is WAY TOO sweet. I also did NOT appreciate being mistaken for a server just because I was also wearing a white shirt and being Asian.
(5)
Geovanny N.

I have never been afraid to try new things so when some of my co-workers came up with the suggestion of getting some Thai. I was all over it but since I never tried any Thai before I couldn't think of one place to go. Then one very wonderful woman came up with getting something at Joy's noodles & rice! I call my co-worker wonderful because this place turned out to be just that... WONDERFUL! Being a rookie to this Thai game I played it safe and got Pad Thai w/ Chicken! I could have sworn I saw the gates of heaven when I took my first bite! It is safe to say that I am a fan. Ever since trying Joy's that one faithful afternoon I have been going down the menu trying out something new every time I go there. I am also a HUGE fan of the Thai Rolls, Love It! Give it a try but be careful because you might get hooked!
(5)
Colleen S.

BYOB! Hooray for that! The food's great for dining in or take out/delivery. Service is quick, staff is polite but sometimes not real talkative. But I come here to eat not chat up the waitstaff. So who cares? I am a connoisseur of peanut sauce and I have to say this place loses one star for a less than stellar sauce. It's good but doesn't make me want to lick my plate or anything.
(4)
Evan W.

Joy's. At the end of my street. Affordable. Not so quaint when it's busy. Very accomodating...why you ask? I'll tell. I've had the Drunken Noodles, the Pad Thai, the Bamee Noodles, the Cashew Chicken, the woiks if you will...but the thing I love the most about Joy's are the appetizers. I kid you not, you could get your fill easily on the apps. We have the staple crab rangoon (which is still one of my fav's), but try the fried Shu-mai. Of course not speaking Thaiwanapanese (sorry to you PC mongers) I don't really know what it is, but it's in the form of a tater-tot and IT IS DELICIOUS. Maybe some kind of tofu, 'or maybe some kind of tofu that I've never even heard of (Frank the Tank twist).' I agree it's not too spicy-and I do like me some spice- but I have fun there. And they let a birthday girl of ours wear a chin-strap phallic while we took pictures...they were even laughing.
(4)
Kelly B.

Not only is Joy's food a great value - it tastes good too. It's a fun BYOB place with nice quick service. When people ask me where to pick up a quick Thai dinner and they're in the Neighborhood - I tell them Joy's. We have some friends in the neighborhood with 3 kids and they also go often - the kids and parents love it. Lots of choices to make everyone happy.
(4)
Whitney C.

I'll put it like this. If you can endured the terrible service then go for it. Honestly it says something for their food. Food is an A+ service is non existent. I love how when you walk into joys you always feel like your interrupting a business meeting or something. everyone stops and stares. then starts whispering to one another. and the glancing at the watches begins.They know nothing of customer service but their drunken noodles are extremely good.
(2)
David C.

I can't think of anything bad to say about this place. The food is an amazing value. I usually get the Rama Chicken. I love their peanut sauce. BYOB and low price for food usually are not found together except at this place. They recently expanded into the retail space next door so I assume business must be good. There's never a wait. The outdoor seating is fun for people watching along broadway. Service is attentive. The decor is nice, clean, and uncramped. They have coupons some times on the back of your jewel-osco receipt. Buy 1 entree, get the 2nd for half off or free.
(5)
Jennifer P.

Amazing! We came here because it had high reviews on yelp and it is close to where we live. We were not disappointed. For drinks we got Thai tea and taro bubble tea (yay boba!), both of which were good. However, the Thai tea was little strong for our tastes. We got the wontons for appetizers - delicious! The dipping sauce was outstanding, not too sweet or too spicy- perfect! The tom yam soup was also good. For our entres we got chicken coconut curry and lard na. The chicken coconut curry was very tasty- the curry was excellent and the chicken was perfect. The noodles in it were differen than we are used to, but still good. The Lard na was very good as well! The noodles were nice an crispy an the gravy was excellent because it wasn't too salty or watery. The broccoli in it was also good. AND we have enough leftovers for another meal and it was a very good price for Thai food. We will be back here a lot! ***EDIT*** Since writing the draft for this review, we went back to Joy's. We went out late last night for dinner (around 9:30) and walked all around and couldn't decide what to get. We ended up at Joy's at 9:53 or so and realized they were about to close. However, instead of acting upset that we had gotten there so close to closing or instead of saying "the kitchen's closed", they welcomed us in and told us to take are time. They were very fast and our food was out quick. It was again delicious and a very pleasant experience. This second trip to Joy's will definitely encourage us to go back in the future - great service and great food at a good price is hard to beat :-)
(5)
Gen H.

Wha??! I'd have to say I was shocked to hear a few poor reviews on Joy's. It's definitely a fav of mine! The BEST pad thai in town! One of the reasons I was so sad to move away from Boystown/Lakeview neighborhood was because I would be further away from the lingering aromas of Joy's that often led me to call for carry-out. The service is always fast whether dining in or out. Don't dismiss, do try!
(4)
Alain B.

Easily one of the best pad thai in Chicago. Green curry is very tasty too.
(5)
Meg S.

Just went to this restaurant tonight and it was a nice time. The service was sooo fast. Seriously.. like crazy fast. The food was good.. i was really wanting noodles but there are so many noodle items on the menu, i was confused. I tried asking the waiter on noodles but didn't get a clear response so i went without. No big deal. I ordered "chicken and rice" and it was decent.. the beef and broccoli was tasty.. you can BYOB so that's nice.. overall a good experience.
(3)
Y L.

Fast service, ok noodles (although the curry was a bit too sweet), but the food was not hot enough.
(3)
Meagan L.

Best Pad Se Ew I've ever had. Not too sweet and just the perfect amount of sauce. I will return.
(5)
Raymond M.

If you are looking for reasonable price range for Thai cuisine and Asian Fusion, this is your place. Joy never disappointed me. Everytime I order it was just perfect. I brought my friend from Houston and she just loved the dish she ordered.
(4)
LVgirl H.

Best cheap Thai food in Chicago. Don't really understand the Penny's people... way too much soy in their Pad Thai - tastes funky. I'm always happy at Joy's... I've tried some other places, just to see- and Joy's is definitely the one. Pad Thai- a staple- is terrific! Tom Yum soup- delicious (i get veggies with no cabbage) and it is filling to rim with awesome veggies with perfect flavors. Nam-Tok - (beef salad) is real good, nice spicy, very fresh/refreshing and I think a healthier choice. Being bad- all about the Beef Lard Na - They will send you the fried, crispy noodles in a seprate container so that they remain crispy for you. EnJOYS!
(5)
Brian M.

Great, consistent Thai food. BYOB and good lunch specials.
(4)
Charles M.

After lots of pressure from friends, I caved in and decided to give Joy's a second chance... but this time we actually ate at the restaurant. The service was quick and friendly. The food came out in a reasonable time-frame and was surprisingly very good. We had the dumpling noodles and spicy chili noodles, but tasty and hot. I'm not sure I'll take the risk on delivery again, but will be back for sure...
(4)
Giselle C.

I love the Pad See Eww and the baby egg rolls! If you order online (for take-out, delivery) they give you 15% off. The only thing is you have to be careful, sometimes when you order online they send the information to the wrong location (happened to me twice even though I double checked; they said it might have been a computer glitch- hopefully they fixed it)!
(4)
Leang E.

I have been to several Thai restaurants, and this is my favorite Thai restaurant by far. Whenever anyone suggests Thai food, I go here. Everything that I have eaten is excellent, even the Thai tea has the right amount of sweetness! I have had the baby egg rolls, crab rangoon, cucumber salad, thai rolls, spring rolls, tom yum soup, pad thai, pad se ew, drunken noodles, and phuket noodles. I'm sure there's more, but I can't remember it all I'm normally in a food coma by the time I've stopped eating. The portions are great for the price you pay.
(5)
lesley s.

This place was perfect for a quick/easygoing weeknight dinner after a long day. My friend lives nearby and chose Joy's for its prices and proximity, and I was really happy with her choice. We brought a bottle of wine, and started with the baby eggrolls, then she had the pad thai and I had the panang noodles. We were both very pleased with our meals and we were especially pleased with the speedy service! Our total came to about $15 per person including tip (plus the wine we brought) and we were completely stuffed when we walked out. I don't know that I'd make the hike up to Lakeview just for Joy's, but if you're craving Thai in this neighborhood, check it out.
(4)
Julian S.

The Tom Yum Soup was not very fresh at all (freshness is key for me). The pad see ew was very spicy (per my request) but fell a bit short of the expectations I had reading reviews prior. The prices were reasonable, and the wait staff was attentive however the ambiance was nothing special and lacked any whole in the wall charm that might have been its saving grace. I would be willing to eat here again if a group was set on it, but it is not a first choice in my book.
(3)
Daniel B.

I don't get why people like this place so much. It is cheap, yes, but the food is bad, in my opinion. If you like Thai food with loads of salt and MSG, this is the place for you.
(2)
Mike P.

I snuck up to Joy's on Saturday afternoon for a late, solo lunch. Quite good. Since it was my first time in the place, I did my litmus test and ordered chicken pad Thai. It was very tasty. The sauce was better than the sauce at my usual Thai place, Bamee, but I think I prefer the Pad sans cabbage, ala Bamee Noodle. Good quick service and pleasant atmosphere, despite the incipient Trixie behind me, reading out load the menu items to her party, ala Chris Farley Zagats skit from SNL. I love the Trixies and I don't judge, but when you make your dinner conversation too loud, you've crossed a line with me.
(4)
J C.

I remembering liking this place a lot
(3)
Debra M.

Everything that I have ever ordered from here, I have loved. I either order the Tofu Pad Thai or the Tofu Pad Prik as my entree and there is always enough for two meals. The Pot Stickers and Crab Rangoon are delicious and I have also tried the Spring Rolls and Cucumber Salad which were equally as good. If you want to try this place, I suggest going for lunch, which runs around $6. There delivery is always super quick!
(5)
Kieran C.

Craving some Thai food on a Friday night, my boyfriend and I decided to give this place a try. The food was pretty good, but a little bland in my opinion. The best thing we had was definitely the Tom Yum soup, which I do admit was very good. However, I was less than impressed by the green curry, or the drunken noodles. They were okay, but nothing to rave about. Maybe we just ordered the wrong dishes. The portions were huge and we ended up taking home almost half of it. As a suggestion: the food tasted much better after a whirl in the fridge. Oh, and the ice tea was amazing...
(3)
Kelly D.

Good food, seemed very fresh, not greasy or anything. Pretty patio in back.
(4)
Bill L.

I wish there was a Joy's in San Francisco...
(5)
Jennifer S.

Oh Joy's, I'm sorry to do this. You came so highly recommended by so many Yelpers as well as my hot date! People seem to love or hate you, and I definitely don't love you. Your service was disconnected and so fast that it worried me. Your patio was nice but a little squished. Your mini egg rolls were tasty, but the rest of your food was mediocre, bland, and suspiciously hot. I left you sorely disappointed and feeling full but unsatisfied. I'm not sure why people love you, but I won't be back.
(1)
Liza O.

I'm so happy that when I moved, I moved closer to Joy's. Inevitably during the week someone will mention Thai food, and by the end of the week I will have a craving for Joy's. It's not the most authentic Thai or Asian food I've had, but it's delicious. Big portions. Decent price (even better with that buy one get one half off coupon on the back of Jewel receipts!). Fast service. What more could you want? It's lovely in the summer when they open up the windows. I've sat on the patio a few times, but prefer sitting by the open windows. You get the same people watching, lovely weather feel, but without the direct sunlight giving you a sunburn. They also have pretty fast delivery and take out, and you can order online. (But I love them so much, they're in my phone's address book, so I can call on my drive home from work)
(5)
Samantha R.

Ordered delivery- it was fast, hot, and tasty. The price was right too. I'm definitely going there/ordering out again. There are so many things on the menu I want to try! Only thing is I wish there were leftovers- the portions weren't big enough for leftovers. Anyway, I highly recommend this place!
(4)
Jazz V.

Came here for lunch recently and shared the fresh spring rolls, chicken pad thai, cashew chicken, and beef pad siew with my lunch mates. The three of us love thai food, and we can get pretty picky about it. We have had our share of bad pad thai in the city. While it was not the best thai we've eaten, we all agreed that Joy's food was very good! Our dishes gave off a strong fish sauce smell, and whileit wasn't unpleasant, it was a bit overbearing for my tastes. The service was attentive and prompt. I would definitely eat here again!
(4)
Lauren S.

I love Joy's! With two small kids it isn't easy to go out. We probably hit up Joy's once a month. The service is excellent, portion size is large and tastes awesome! I highly recommend to families, especially because it's right across the street from Nettlehorst school which has an awesome playground for letting the little ones burn through some energy pre or post meal. Everything is delicious and parking is easy on Broadway. Try it!
(5)
Jeff A.

I am always happy at Joy's! Ate lunch there today! Had the 7 dollar lunch special... Phucket Noodles with chicken and Crab Rangoon.. It was all delicious, and what is more important is it always is, and for 7 bucks I was sitting out on broadway with a friend having very quick service with hot wonderful food! what more could I ask for? Ill keep it short and sweet you will not be disappointed!
(4)
Jennifer J.

3.5 stars. The bf, his sister and I went here based on the awesome reviews on yelp. I'm picky when it comes to Thai food but I really liked my pad thai here. I feel like that's a tough dish to get just perfect, but they came through. I followed recommendations on here that said to have the crab rangoons. They were a hit, but then again, I rarely meet one I don't like. Also had the cucumber appetizer/salad thing. It's your basic cucumbers in vinegar/sugar sauce, but yummy nonetheless. Bf got the chicken coconut curry dish that everyone recommends on here and he really enjoyed it. Can't remember what his sister got, but she really enjoyed it as well. Both have been to Thailand for extended visits so I believe their recommendations. All in all, a solid Thai place. I'll rank it up there with my other favorite Thai restaurant, Pho's on Lincoln. -Personally, I would stay away from Cozy and Pennys, but I've been burned by bad food/service at those places more than once so I'm a little jadded.
(4)
Lisa F.

I have been to Joy's Noodles way too often to admit to. It's walkable from my apartment, it's really affordable, it's byob and the food is delicious. The crab rangoon are addictive, I never go there without ordering them. I usually get either the chicken pad thai or the panang noodles, although I don't think you can really go wrong as friends have enjoyed many other dishes on the menu. Great spot for two or a large group, and love the patio in the summer.
(4)
Tiff H.

So...another day of noodles. It's cold again...what do I want? Stir fried noodles! On a lazy Sunday, I forewent my evening work out and decided to have dinner with a close friend. Still full from brunch, I still had a craving for greasy Asian noodles....since Penny's didn't deliver anything fatty to me yesterday. We ordered a wonton soup to share....it was pretty good, lots of greens which was awesome but the wantons were just ok. The broth was a bit bland. My noodles were really good...perfect for my greasy mood. I ordered the Golden Noodle with (fried) tofu. There were lots of veggies, and next time I order, I'll make sure that I get extra snow peas. A little under $15 with a 20% tip included. I'll be back.
(4)
Quality C.

THE GOOD: The service. The restaurant seemed clean. THE BAD: The food. Everything we ate tasted pre packaged, over fried, over cooked and oily. THE UGLY: The food was simply not authentic based on my 20 years of eating Thai food. The Pad Thai was tasteless, over cooked and oily. The fried wontons were uneatable. The spring rolls prepackaged. The Chicken Satay was oily. This was obvious from the taste and the cooking of the produce.
(2)
Andrea P.

Joy's is a great place for thai food in Lakeview. They have outdoor seating on the street side and they have a really cozy patio in the back. The atmosphere is really relaxed and everyone always seems to be having a great time! It's BYOB and they are very accommodating to large groups. The people range from Kids to seniors so the crowd is diverse. Although delicious, the food can get heavy so an alternative is the veggie meal stir fried in a garlic sauce, it's quite good and when they say veggies they really mean all veggies. It isn't a greasy plate at all and it is by far the healthiest meal on the menu. Enjoy!
(4)
Kwoky L.

To the Yelpers who have had better Thai food out of the frozen box from Jewel, I share your sentiments. The pad see ew can't be named any better. Eww. You can clearly tell that the restaurant is not sincere in trying to serve the best to their customers. The food is mediocre on two separate occasions; my pad see ew seemed like it was put together in a rush. Needless to say, I could hardly finish it. The service was not attentive and there was a severe lack of enthusiasm. Waiters were chatting in the back and only came over to ask how everything was with that do-i-have-to-do-this fake look. I only came because my friend loves this place but given a choice, I would go to some place else that cares more about the customers and the food that they are serving them.
(2)
Christopher A.

I absolutely LOVE Joy's Noodles. I tried Joy's for the first time a few months back and it was absoultely amazing. Everyone has told me that I've been missing out and now I know why. I had the Pad Thai with no peanuts and it was to die for (okay not really worth dying for but pretty damn good). The service is great, wait staff is super nice. It's always packed whenever I'm there but the wait time is not usually long at all. If you like Thai food and think you've had the best, try again. Joy's is top notch in my book.
(4)
Leanne A.

Lunch special is a great deal. Food is too sweet. Service is fine. That's all. EDIT: went in recently for hair...I mean lunch. Had a HUGE hair in my food. Long and black. I forgot to say "no hair". Gosh it must be my fault. And when I told the server I needed a minute to look at the menu, he disappeared for 10 minutes. I was alone. I turned to look at him a few times and he was just sitting at a table talking to his friend. Come on, man! I want my hair plate!
(2)
Andrew W.

My favorite dishes here include: Cashew Chicken Mandalay Noodles Crazy Noodles
(4)
Lisa H.

Love it!! Yummy food with plenty of seating, I've never had to wait more than 5 mins for a table. They also have some patio seating in the back with lights- very romantic and cool for summer. Lots of vegetarian choices too. This place would get five stars from me except that I did notice that they had a health code violation - nothing serious, since I've been here many times and only good things have happened.
(4)
Alex D.

This place has always been good to me. I've never had anything I didn't like at Joy's (my favorite is the Phuket Noodles (pronounced pooket)). Their crab rangoons are great, and I had a fried shrimp ball thing that was also excellent. They've got Boba tea which is pretty good. The prices at Joy's are great, too. Not much, if anything, over $8.00. It's also BYOB, which is part of what makes it such a great deal. It's not easy to leave a restaurant with with a bill under $24 for 3 people and still eat as well as you eat a Joy's. Every time I go, it's with a group of 5-7 people. Generally, there is no problem getting a seat. It's not too crowded, and is very clean.
(4)
Gareth D.

Like a number of Chicago's Thai place, I prefer the noodles over the rice and curry dishes here, but they do a serviceable job on the latter. Service is always friendly, and the sidewalk patio is definitely pleasant. Though they are all casual and serving up Asian cuisine, Joy's is more relaxed and slightly less see-and-be-seen than Henry's restaurants (Ping Pong and Wakamono) up the street. The entrees are all about $8 or so. Phad Thai here is good, as well as Pad See Eiw -- I like the latter with the thin yellow egg noodles if you want to mix it up and have something other than the more traditional rice sticks. If you get the green curry, I would suggest you go for spicy, as it's not overwhelmingly hot, and the coconut milk base tames the heat quite a bit. They do offer noodles with their curry dishes, like their sister restaurant Noodles in the Pot in LP, but I would definitely stick to the rice as it's the best way to take advantage of the spiced broth. I wish they had pork -- they do offer BBQ pork, but that doesn't pair well with much except perhaps fried rice (preferably Chinese-style) in my opinion. When combining meals for a group, it's nice to be able to go beyond the chicken and beef, and I find so often that chicken added to Thai food just ends up being pre-cooked (or at least par-cooked) and therefore a bit of a dry and flavorless addition. Though the patio is great, it's also a rather sizable restaurant; I am assuming they expanded from one storefront into two over the years. This makes it appropriate for all seasons. Delivery is quite slow compared to take-out.
(4)
Lisa H.

Decided to give Joy's another try, it's so close afterall and I had serious craving for Thai curried noodles! Went for the Mandalay Noodles and this time around, the curry was much better than the last curry I've had! The wide noodles were lightly crisped after steaming, the curry just a tad-too-spicy which is always necessary with Thai dishes, and yet creamy enough to seduce you into eating chopstick after chopstick full of noodles! Needless to say, my eyes were watery and my nose red after the meal! The veggies were fresh and I think the chefs read my mind, I had a mountain full of bamboo shoots!!!!!! yay!! Now that Joy's outdoor patios are setup, I will definitely be back for more wide noodles!! And in case you didn't know, you should DEFINITELY check-out their back patio. It's far more intimate, with plenty of seating minus the passerby traffic up front, and you are right behind the kitchen = fast service!!
(4)
Kristy C.

Pad Thai and pad see ewe are my faves! I was happy to see a great Thai place when I moved to the neighborhood... Especially moving from lp where I had easy access to oodles of noodles. Now I have 2 favorites :)
(5)
Susan R.

So bummed. I've eaten here before, albeit a year or two ago, but yesterday left me almost instantly sick upon eating the vegetable panang noodles. Service is great but that can't compensate for dealing with a "Dehli Belly" the entire day and night following a meal at Joy's.
(1)
Alex M.

I'm being generous with my 2 stars only because I have eaten here twice, but it's gotten worse. The first time I ate in, it's BYOB, so that's nice...but the food, damn do you have to be hungry to eat it. It's like a pile of uncooked meat, random veggies not even cut correctly and it's so sweet! I want my thai food to be spicy. Even when I asked for it to be spicy it wasn't. At all! The second time I got delivery. They were there within an hour, so that's fine, but they messed up my order! I ordered drunken noodles and I got something completely different. Also, their Tom Yum soup...not good. At all. I don't know what the rave is about?! Again, super sweet. Just don't eat here. Period.
(2)
Kim A.

Two bottles of wine and no where to go! Not the worse situation to find yourself in, but when you find your chosen BYOB closed and hungry... you needs eats, and you need them fast. Enter Joy's. We wandered down Broadway, and were lured in by smells and the idea of hot noodles. We started with the crab rangoon. Yeah, it's not "traditional" Asian food, but whatever, fried wontons stuffed with cream cheese and slathered in sweet and sour sauce. So good. Then a few noodle dishes arrive. Panang curry noodles, so good. Nice and spicy, thick coconutty curry, crispy noodles. YUM. My friend had the Pad see eiw. Good, not great. It's a good spot to go and catch up with a friend over wine and some cheap eats, for sure. If I'm ever in the area, I'll be sure to remember Joy's.
(3)
Heather C.

This is my favorite Thai restaurant ever. I don't live nearby anymore, and I miss it, dearly. Every time I went (which was frequent), I got the beef pad thai. It was just so good, I couldn't get anything else! Also, I love that they are BYOB, even though I usually did take out.
(5)
Dan C.

Love this place. A great neighborhood Thai place and some of the best Thai I have had. Certainly the place to go in the area. BYOB Inexpensive Great service Back patio is wonderful...quiet and serene Favorite things to order: Panang Curry, Green Curry, Lard Na.
(4)
Melinda K.

Great Pad Thai.... When I lived closer a couple of years ago, I would come in for Pad Thai at least once a week. The wait staff and servers are very friendly, and the food is delicious. It's not the best I've had, but pretty close to it.
(4)
Justin B.

Great food for a great price! This place is quick, friendly, always bustling with folks. They're also BYOB with no corking fee. I've taken people here on several occasions for low-key meals and have never had a complaint. People who enjoy Pad Thai will really enjoy Joy's version. It's just a bit on the sweet side, but not so much that it's gross. I've also enjoyed Lard Na, Pad Si Ew and several other dishes. The green curry is also pretty tasty. Best of all, two people can get an appetizer and an entree each for under $25. Whether it's delivery, pick up or dine in - if you enjoy Thai, you'll enjoy Joy's.
(4)
Julia B.

Decent, fast, convenient, but Joy's has never wowed me. Yet, they are pretty consistent and pretty good. The Pad Prik is one of my favorites and I have to agree with another Yelper that the beef entrees are much better than the chicken at Joy's. The only complaints I have is that you can't get their lunch specials to go and the crab rangoons are ridiculously small and not that great. To make-up for it, the baby eggrolls are delicious! A word of caution: Joy's "Spicy" Option is EXTREMELY spicy, whereas the medium option is just barely spicy. It was so spicy that I actually had to get a glass of milk; a rare occurrence for me as I usually love the most spicy Thai entrees. There is no good medium, although most normal people would probably agree that the Medium option is adequately spicy.
(3)
Jason M.

I ordered the bamee noodles lunch special, which comes with a small appetizer. The noodles were perfectly cooked, there was a generous amount of BBQ pork, plenty of bean sprouts, a couple fairly large pieces of crab leg, and some crushed peanuts. It tasted very good, the portion is quite satisfying, and at the same time the flavors are clean and nothing that would sit heavy. There was also no salty aftertaste whatsoever, which in my experience is very rare in Asian cuisine. The mini crab rangoon that came with was very tasty, and it included a delicious light golden dipping sauce. It was a Monday afternoon and the place was nearly empty. The waiter was prompt and kept my water full. BTW, I appreciate that the water glass is about 20 ounces so I didn't have to worry about running low. This was a completely positive experience and I'll be back soon.
(4)
Jeff B.

great food and large portions. Prices are great for the amount of food you get. Staff is very attentive.
(5)
Dustin G.

I like Joy's. I used to live just around the corner and I'd eat there often. I usually go for their appetizers, though. Some of their noodles dishes, such as pad thai, are good but others...aren't all that great. I still order from them occasionally but I stick to what I know will be good. If I try something new...it's usually just okay.
(4)
Kristy H.

A neighborhood fave. Star 1: Service. Quick and very friendly. Star 2: Food. Consistently delicious. I've tried nearly everything. Star 3: Price. Amazing value for the money. Two people can eat for less than $15. Star 4: BYOB. Hollerrzzzzz. Plus, they will give you a wine opener, proper wine glasses (red or white glasses) or open and pour your beer. Star 5: Atmosphere. Clean, modern-ish, plus they have a back patio that is lovely in warm weather.
(5)
Michael T.

I have two things to say: 1. Joy's rocks Pad See Ewe (i'm probaby spelling that incorrectly) 2. Joy's is appropriately named.
(4)
M W.

My favorite Thai restaurant in the city. Fresh, yummy and cheap ! Always been BYOB. Can't go wrong eating here.
(4)
Claudine G.

The huzzy and I came here for a late lunch - early dinner type of thing. He's been there once and it's my first time. I have to say that the overall experience both food and service was pretty good. We had the fried tofu for appetizer. Ehh, just like any regular fried tofu but the sauce is what got me! Slightly sweet and sour sauce mix with sliced green onions and sambal oelek. If only they would've given a little bit more sauce. I liked it. Then I ordered the Dumpling Noodles and the huzzy got Garlic Sauce with Chicken and Tofu. Honestly, I liked his food better than mine. Its probably one of the best Garlic Chicken I've ever had because it wasn't greasy at all and the sauce was seasoned just right with sprigs of green onion and cilantro and more fried garlic. The broccolis were cooked to perfection, crunchy not soggy. My Dumpling Noodle hit the spot, but I still managed to pick on my huzzy's plate. The BBQ pork was good, dumpling was just ok along with the broth and noodles. I occasionally added sriracha and their To-die-for pickled jalapenos. It made it tasty! One thing that will keep me coming back to this place is the pickled jalapenos. I almost ate the whole thing, but I didn't because I didn't want to look like a pig. The jalapenos were so fresh and crunchy and the vinegar gave it away with a good ZING!!! I loved it sooo much! Good experience and I'm really happy my huzzy took me there! We will definitely come back!
(4)
Steve T.

Ok, how have I not reviewed Joy's yet?!? Such a mystery... anywho, if you're looking for good, consistent and budget friendly Thai... look no further. I believe a list is in order: 1. BYO (most important part since I love me some wine) 2. Good food, consistent quality 2. Fast Service - you barely place your order and it's already on the table 3. Great for groups 4. Usually very little wait since there is so much seating 5. Fast delivery service 6. Very friendly staff Stop reading, go to Joy's!
(5)
Kenny T.

Everything here is decently priced and delicious. Never had a bad meal or service here. They're also very polite, even if you don't place a big order for delivery or pickup. This place has some of the best Thai cuisine I've had in the city and it has all the awesomeness of the fancy restaurants in the area with none of the catty, condescending behavior.
(5)
Santiago A.

It's easy to give a place 5-stars when everything you try is excellent. The mini springrolls here are the bomb. The pad thai and pad siew were both the bomb. The Bamee Noodles are tha bomb-ee. Seriously, it was absolutely delicious, and it might be my favorite dish here. This and 3 orders of the mini springrolls could be my last meal on earth and I wouldn't complain. Plus, it's BYOB with no corkage fee. Woo! If you like Thai food, then just go. You'll be glad you did.
(5)
Amy H.

I've been here twice now and had great experiences both times. The food is reasonably priced, the space is big and convenient for groups, and the food is reliably delicious. For both meals (bo-ring, I know) I ordered the Spicy Chili Noodles, which are served on a small bed of lettuce, mixed with a protein of your choice and coated with some sort of magical sauce. Other hugely compelling factors include the BYOB policy and adorable backyard garden/patio. Any place that lets me drink cheap wine outdoors and delivers great food is A+ in my book.
(4)
Gabe L.

I usually go to Noodles in the Pot, because it's closer, and this is same same but different. The food is cheap and authentic Thai (citation: I've been to Thailand twice), it's BYOB, but it's in a another hood with a little more foot traffic and a different crowd. The ambiance is great here! Always a good time. Best night here: We came from a Binny's wine tasting with our bottle of wine and ordered. One girl wasn't feeling well, so I went to walk her home. She hugged every passerby on the way there. In the meantime, this other girl was puking in the bathroom. By the time I get back, my food is already boxed to-go. Basically, half the people that ordered didn't even get to eat.
(4)
Nikki C.

This was my first restaurant experience since I had become a vegetarian over a week ago. i am already not a huge Asian food friendly person, but i am trying to be. I went with a group of friends and it took about ten minutes to be served, and we had already made reservations. It was super crowded, so i guess that was good, except it didn't seem like there was enough places to squeeze in big groups. It's BYOB which was great since my friends I brought four bottles of wine. We started off with spring rolls, fried tofu, and veggie rolls. Not too bad. I actually rather enjoyed the fried tofu. For the main dish I ventured out to try something new; Pad See Eiw with tofu. It was pretty great. The sauce wasn't too heavy, the noodles were cooked perfectly, and the tofu had a little crunch to it. Overall great first veg experience. The service after being seated was quick and the servers were friendly with the wine. I don't really think it's a first date sort of place but with the right crowd I'd come back,
(3)
Robert A.

I usually get delivery, but the dining room is good too. This is my favorite Thai place n lake view.
(4)
Elena S.

One of my favorite Asian food places in Chicago. Their baby egg rolls and fried rice are pretty hard to beat for me.
(4)
David A.

I rarely eat at the same restaurant twice while on vacation, but Joy's was so good I had to! The Pad Thai was the best I have ever had, the Pad Kee Mao fresh and delicious. Quick, friendly service. My iced tea was refilled many times. Outdoor dining was a treat. Lunch special is great value.
(4)
Sage J.

Good thai food and great atmosphere. I luckily got in while they were still offering the lunch menu. Most lunch menus offer smaller portions thats why is less expensive. Woah, was I impressed! I orderd the spicy basil chicken and not only was it a sizable portion but it was delicious.
(4)
Amy S.

We are from MN, but lived in Chicago about 12 years ago. Joy's Noodles is the one restaurant we can't wait to return to each year on our return trips to one of our favorite cities. Joy's Noodles is the best value in town, and delicious as well. We will be back every year.
(5)
A W.

When I lived in Lakeview, it never occurred to me that I should visit dining options on Broadway instead of Halsted or Clark. Boy, did I learn my lesson after visiting Joy's two weeks ago! The prices are reasonable and it's BYOB! I had the panang noodles, which were only $8 and so tasty. My only complaint is that the dish really is just panang curry flavor and deep-fried noodles. In the future I might not get this simply because it is not very healthy. I tried my friend's drunken noodle dish and boy was that delicious, as well as slightly healthier. We also had the thai rolls, which were quite tasty although slightly seafood-y for my taste. The service is friendly and fast, almost to a fault, but I don't care. I will be back to enjoy food the next time I am in Lakeview!
(4)
Lauren H.

I feel as though I got hustled by Joy's Noodles somehow. All this time, this place was just around the corner from me. I went. I enjoyed. I didn't write home about it. (To be fair, I don't actually write home about any restaurants I go to. In fact, I can't think of the last time I "wrote home" at all.) It just seemed average. Never blew me out of the water. Never tempted to spit something out. Just a nice happy, reliable medium. Then I move a few miles north, end up back there by chance one day and find out their Panang Noodles are quite possibly on my Top 5 list of Things I Could Eat For the Rest of My Life. On top of that, while their Green Tea bubble tea smoothies have also always been adequate in my eyes, it pure perfection on this trip. Somehow they managed to avoid the usual plague of bubble tea smoothies, which involves the tapioca balls kind of freezing and getting a slushy texture the longer they sit in the smoothie. I'm not even sure how they pulled this one off. I vote magic. Could this one visit have been pure luck, where all the stars and planets ruling Thai food came together in harmony above Joy's? It's possible. But I could actually see myself returning more now that I don't live so nearby. The Panang curry calls my name...
(4)
Rachel F.

This is my favorite Thai in the city. The food comes really fast. I only gave it 4 stars because sometimes the service is just ok, but the food is worth it. Its also cheap and has great serving sizes. Pad See Ewe: Best in the city!!! I get it with tofu. I had never had tofu before I had this dish for the first time and I don't eat tofu any other time; however, in this dish its delicious. Its also really good with chicken. The dish has wide egg noodles and a sweet soy sauce. Its light and so delicious!! I haven't found anything close to Joy's pad see ewe at any other Thai place in the city!!
(4)
Alexis H.

Man, I love me some Joy's, that's for darn sure. Joy's serves your typical American style Thai cuisine, and it's always quick, hot, and most important, delicious. You can't go wrong with the baby egg rolls or chicken satay appetizer, and I enjoy their Pad See Eiw. They are always willing to accommodate any special requests, and they do it with a smile. Is it super fancy? No, definitely not. But considering you can be in and out in less than 30 minutes and spend under $10 for an entree and appetizer, it doesn't get any better.
(5)
Lauren C.

Joy's is fantastic! Their lunch special is such a great deal and the food is delicious. My meal was hot and arrived in no time! The staff is really attentive and extremely polite, making for a great dining experience.
(5)
sarah o.

my bf and i went to joy's for the first time after a tiring day of chicago-wandering. the weather was perfect and we wanted to sit outside to enjoy it, regardless of the wait. we hardly waited 10 minutes to grab an outside seat, but staff was so nice and speedy and accomodating, you would have thought we'd waiting 30 minutes. we ordered bubble tea and our waitress suggested a different flavor - her choice was incredible! we sucked them down before our appetizers hit the table. everything was super speedy and came out freakishly fast - and delicious. our waitress checked on us a handful of times. fantastic. the end to a perfect date day.
(5)
Nancy R.

YUM - I love this place. Super good Thai rolls, the best I've had in the city. Grab your bottle of vino and head on over for some delish inexpensive dinning. I've been going to this favorite hot spot of mine for 9 years, can't imagine the city without it.
(4)
christine c.

pretty good, got the pad see ew as delivery. the delivery took forever so the food was kind of warm/cold but overall still pretty good compared to what i've had around here (silver spoon, baisi thai,...)
(4)
Sara B.

Food here never disappoints. The atmosphere is calm and it is a nice place to chill out and eat when you have had a hectic day. You also get % off when you order online...can't beat that!
(4)
Nathan K.

The seating was kind of cramped in their outdoor area, but whatever, the food rocked. I'm going to eat here over and over again. I got the coconut chicken curry, and I will get this again too. My wifes panang curry was fabulous too.
(5)
Jessica M.

I've been a long time fan of Joy's and I can honestly say that I've never had a bad meal there! Whether it's delivery, carryout, or dine in their meals are consistent and delicious. My favorites include the Green Curry, Golden Noodles, and Pad See Ew, though I've tried almost everything on the menu through the friends I've brought there and have enjoyed everything. Most of the dishes have lots of fresh veggies and add to that the fact that it's BYOB and cheap and trust me, you can't go wrong!
(5)
Joshua M.

Some good friends took us to this place and I'd have to say it was pretty good, and extremely reasonable. I don't eat a lot of Thai, but I'd give it a thumbs up for sure.
(4)
Julia T.

Food is great and fresh. Prices are reasonable, and best of all service is fast there is nothing worse than sitting and waiting in a restaurant forever to eat.
(4)
Laura D.

I ordered delivery from Joy's a few weeks ago.. I got the chicken coconut curry and vegetable rolls served with peanut sauce. I loved the chicken coconut curry flavor, but I hated the noodles!! The woman I placed my order with recommended the rice over noodles.. but I decided to give the noodles a try. Next time, I want to try it with rice - I think the combo would taste better but maybe that's just me! The vegetable rolls were wonderful, so fresh and flavorful. I will definitely order from here again :)
(4)
Julia W.

After spending three solid months in the back country of the Rockies, my brother finally returned from his NOLS course last night and we happily celebrated his graduation at Joy's. He loved his chicken satay so much that even when the chicken was gone, he was still eating straight spoonfuls of the peanut sauce. And this is not because he spent 3 months in the mountains eating god-knows-what. This is because Joy's rocks. I loooove Joy's. Before their renovation, my husband and I would eat here probably once a week. Once they closed a bit for renovation, we explored other options in the neighborhood. We don't frequent Joy's quite as often as before (we temper it with a little bit o' Ping Pong, Cozy, Thai Classic, etc.), but it's still one of my favorite joints in the 'hood. The food is way inexpensive and very, very tasty. The rangoons are good - not spectacular, but certainly good enough to be ordered every freakin' time I go to Joy's. At one point in my life, I went on a Joy's Chicken Coconut Curry bender, ordering it every single time we visited, sometimes twice a week... It's that good. I did branch out, though, and became close friends with the spicy green curry, the crazy noodles, drunken noodles, pad thai, spicy basil, and on and on... Joy's is a true neighborhood gem. And if you can stand the hell of Jewel down the street, you may just score one of the coveted "Buy One, Get One Entree" coupons on the back of your grocery receipt. That actually makes the buggy produce and painfully long lines at Jewel worth the trouble. 12/1/06 edit: The bender is back. I've had Joy's Chicken Coconut Curry three days in a row now and I have absolutely no regrets! 10/2/07 edit: I *finally* broke tradition and got the Phuket noodles instead of the CCC - and it is now my favorite thing at Joy's. SO GOOD!!
(5)
Joe V.

Love this place. Food is always good and fresh. Service is always excellent and fast. When the bill comes I am always amazed at how cheap it is!
(4)
Betsy S.

It's OK. I've had better Thai food, but the atmosphere is pleasant (love the brick walls and BYOB), and the staff are friendly. It's also a convenient source of take-out.
(3)
Aileen T.

To a broke and new to the city gal, Joy's was a godsend. The quality and service is on par with restaurants charging twice the price and I love the BYO! The lunch is fast, cheap and comes with extras. My favorite dishes are the beef basil leaves and chicken pad thai with extra veggies.
(5)
Christine M.

I love Joy's, especially when you can eat outside in the back. The service is always fast, portions large, SO cheap, and it's BYO. I love the Bai-Tong Noodles, most of the appetizers, the cucumber salad, along with many others...
(4)
J. O.

I think this is the fastest take out from a restaurant that I have ever experienced, so the 4 stars may be solely based on that. But I also LOVE LOVE the spicy thai noodles. The service is a little strange, the waiters are sort of aloof and float around. When I ordered there last week the waiter asked if I wanted my spicy thai noodles spicy. I think he may have just been messing with me. But, this is the only dish I have ever had here, and ever will have here, because I love it so much. Sometimes I get beef instead of chicken. That's about all the variation I need because I love it so much. Therefore, I can only vouch for this one dish, and I love it.
(4)
Erin V.

Delicious Thai food, an affordable and accommodating menu (don't want the crispy golden noodles? me neither. they'll make the switch for you!), BYOB, and a quaint back patio perfect for dining with some friends. Pad Thai, Mixed vegetables, Bangkok noodles, fried tofu, spring rolls... ahhh it's like a vegetarian's dream. Joy, whoever you are, I think I love you.
(5)
Steve D.

We come to Chicago every 3 months and one of our 'have to eat there stops' is Joy's. The food is so fresh and great tasting. Only problem is it sets the bar so high we have trouble finding other Thai restaurants that can meet these standards. So good, fresh and inexpensive with high quality ingredients.
(5)
Lark G.

Yesterday, the last day of Halsted Market Days, may have been the root of our problems. We sat outside around 6:00 p.m., we ordered beverages, an appetizer and two entrees. Four people sat down after we did and every single table was served before we even got our appetizer. We kept being told our food was coming. It did finally show up after a false alarm of someone else's food being delivered to our table. The food was delicious. I would have easily given Joy's Noodles & Rice a five star rating based on the food, but the service was lacking. Perhaps we will have a better experience next time.
(3)
Jaime W.

This is the sister restaurant to Lincoln Park's Noodles in the Pot. In general, a very solid Thai restaurant. Pros: The vegetables are always very fresh. Have never had any problems with delivery. The have my favorite Pad Thai. Cons: They only have fried tofu and I prefer fresh.
(4)
William R.

Good Food, BYOB is always nice :)
(3)
Asenath N.

One of my favorite Thai food places in the area. I been here many times and the food never disappoints. The flavoring of the food is mouth watering just thinking about it. The Pad ke mao is a top pick for me. The place is BYOB as well, which makes it even better. They have outside sitting in the summer. Is not the best service, so that's why I'm giving 4 stars instead of 5
(4)
Tiffany F.

Joy's is a great little spot!! We love our BYOB restaurants in Chicago. Joys has a nice atmosphere inside and they have a few seats outside on the sidewalk as well. The menu is expansive with lots of vegetarian options as well. The food came out super quickly and was fresh and really good. And no corkage fee for wine--major plus!!
(5)
Tony H.

Time after time I find that the food at Joy's is pretty so so. It's a fine enough place and I like the space itself, but there are so many other Thai restaurants to eat at that run of the mill Thai seems unnecessary. They could really amp up the flavors and I'd be much happier. Coconut milk with just a little curry in it isn't that exciting.
(2)
Courtney L.

I had shrimp pad thai and a thai iced tea ordered for pick up. It was ready when I arrived and still hot when I ate it. I gave 4/5 only because there is another thai restaurant I recently ate at whose shrimp pad thai was amazing and this dish was at that level. However I did enjoy and eat every bite. Staff is friendly and the restaurant is nice.
(4)
Emma W.

My favorite Pad Thai in the city! I order it probably every other week. Love love love their crab rangoon and baby egg rolls. My boyfriend swears by the fried tofu. Really, I've never had a bad experience here, whether it was dine-in, takeout, or delivery. I cannot get enough of this place.
(5)
Erin S.

The food is fantastic!!! When I called to place an order, it took a while to set up an account, but the guy who delivered our food actually walked to our door (vs calling so I could meet him --may have recorded the wrong phone number) made up for it after a day long of moving in from out of state. Amazing food!
(5)
L S.

Neighborhood staple. Never had an issue!
(5)
Mallory L.

Came here for a late lunch and it was surprisingly busy at a usual slower time during the day for most restaurants. I ordered the panang noodles which is usually a classic go to Thai dish and it was amazing. The portion size was bigger than expected and the coconut curry was so yummy. Monday through Friday they have special lunch deals so I'll make sure to come back and order some more crunchy noodles!
(4)
Allison F.

My go to quick noodle.rice shop in the neighborhood. Always get the cucumber salad (sometime the crab rangoons) and chicken fried rice. Service is blazingly fast, everybody that works there moves as if they are continuously fed red bull throughout their shift. Ambiance is okay, nothing special. Food is solid, if unspectacular. But great value, inexpensive and fast. Ooh, and it is BYOB if that is you thing. Big open windows weather permitting and nice (great people watching) sidewalk cafe. Supposed to be a patio in the back, but I have never seen it.
(4)
Kara B.

Came here recently after visiting many times. Our whole party felt sick after leaving... I probably will not be back.
(2)
Lee R.

Solid Pad Thai and Tom Kha Gai soup at a good price. Def a good spot.
(4)
Joseph K.

Two stars for speedy service and consistency. I can always rely on Joy's Panang Curry to satisfy my late night Thai cravings. Another star for the reasonable prices and large portions. It's lacking two additional stars because, honestly, there are far better Thai restaurants in the city, with nicer atmospheres too. Joy's is definitely worth checking out but also won't be the final stop on your search for your favorite Thai spot in Chicago.
(3)
Allen R.

Very good Thai food. I've both eaten-in and had delivery here, which was mega fast. Just about everything is good here, so I'm not going to single out any dish. The wide rice noodle dishes are all pretty good, if you like Asian noodle dishes similar to traditional lo mein. Always lots of cute Boystown studs to look at, too! Sidewalk dining available during the warm months.
(4)
Jessica M.

Yeah, I like Joys. I've been here a couple of times and have definitely not been disappointed. The food is great and comes out ridiculously fast. The spring rolls are a great, light starter. The last time I was here I had the Ginger Chicken, without the Chicken. Just a big pile of vegetables. That was pretty good. And the mango bubble tea!! OMG, that was just a little slice of heaven for me. That was my dessert. It's more of a mango cream slushy with tapioca pearls. Mine was delicious but my friend said her tapioca pearls were not all the way cooked. It's BYOB with no corkage fee. In the summer, it's nice to sit outside. Seems to get a little busy on Saturday nights, but the wait is not long at all. We've come here with a large group and had no problems getting a table fairly quickly.
(4)
Leah P.

I have been eating at Joys consistently for about 4 years now, and it is still one of my favorites. I always get the cashew chicken and spring rolls, and I always have enough leftovers for another meal. I think the BYOB aspect is great and makes the dining experience even more inexpensive and enjoyable. Great place to take visiting family and friends or go for a cheap date. Be warned though, don't go close to closing time especially if you want to eat slowly or enjoy a bottle of wine. They are not shy about letting you know they want you OUT asap. There is no hiding their annoyance of your presence.
(5)
Lindsay A.

Recipe for a perfect Sunday: Taking Dog to Montrose dog beach, then sitting outside at Joys afterward with a tired dog laying at my feet, splitting a sixer of 312 with the boy, and ordering up some noodley goodness. The boyfriend ordered #21, only because it said it was their most popular Curry. It was very interesting, creamy red curry sauce and the wide noodles were fried. The chicken was very tender, and I was sort of jealous of his (alright, I was really jealous of his.) I ordered the Baymee Noodles, which were ramen noodles with Crab (although I think it was Krab) Pork and a shirmp gyoza. Mine was just OK - I wouldn't order it again, and I wouldn't suggest it. It definitely wasn't BAD, but everyone elses food that was being delivered looked much more tasty. The staff was really nice, and they all really liked my dog (a big plus for dog owners!), but I mean how could you not... a snoozy black lab puppy? Give me a break. Dog's a heartbreaker.
(3)
Reese F.

We just visited Joy's Noodles on Sunday for lunch. Joy's offers a great menu of Thai dishes at very reasonable prices. My soup was $4 and most the entrees were under $7. (Also, soda refills are free...a very good thing for anyone with a lazy afternoon Diet Coke habit.) We were seated in a booth immediately and the service was incredibly prompt. My glass never reached 1/2 full. This is a great place for a cheap, filling and quick lunch. Also, they have a backyard patio, which I look forward to checking out during the warmer months.
(4)
Audrey S.

Ok, caveat, I really like the food. But the online ordering system is constantly not working, which was one of the major conveniences this place offered. It's really annoying and every time we call in they say "oh, it's fine - we're getting other people's orders." Hmmm, curious since we'll try on 3 computers and a cell phone and it never works for us. The delivery guys are also loud and obnoxious. One time the delivery guy showed up with a friend who was playing a guitar. Seriously! Not appropriate at all in our condo building.
(2)
Sang H.

Joy's is a BYOB thai restaurant and I cannot say much for the food because I have honestly not tried too much Thai food, but from what I've had, it was a great meal with great friends for cheap due to the BYOB status.
(4)
Mike K.

I am not a Thai food fan. Nope.So I wasn't looking forward to spending my NYE dinner at a crowded and super warm Thai spot. And I can't say I was disappointed, as I order the crab rangoon and it was minature sized. No,no no that just won't work. I also ordered some noodle and chicken dish andmy meal( minus the broccoli) that was suppose to be made with soy sause, They must have forgotten that part in the kitchen. It was a filling meal and pretty good...cant go wrong with chicken and noodles. I would definitely order it again. Overall, id give it a thumbs up.
(3)
Michael P.

I was on my way to get sushi with a friend last night but when we got there, there was a wait to get it and suddenly we were both really aware of what we were wearing. I had on a baseball cap and athletic clothes and he was wearing something similar and this place, while casual, deserves a little more than what we were bringing. So we ended up going to Joy's and we spoke so little once food started arriving cuz it was really good. I had the curry chicken and he had the ginger chicken. The idea was to save some for lunch the next day but I practically licked my bowl clean. I considered stopping there on the way home for more but I've got to stick to chicken and broccoli for the next few days. As soon as I can go back...I'm there!
(4)
Nicholas H.

Thumbs up for providing an affordable American dish, reminiscent of Asian flavors. Not to bash this place, because the STAFF here is AMAZINGLY NICE, and the food is really good but this is far from Asian....... its like saying that PF CHANGs is Asian. Yes, PF CHANGs is good, but as long as you realize the difference. ANYWAYS - go to JOY's - you'll have a great time. I always do!!!!
(4)
Nicole L.

I love Joy's appetizers but every time I have a dinner entree, the same entree I order ever time I come, it has a different taste. I'm not sure if they have multiple chefs or new chef's but my first experience was the best and now they seem to be just average. They do however hands down win my vote for best crab rangoon. I could eat those everyday and they aren't over powered with filling or overly excessive with breading. I would come back to joys for their lunch prices and if I had a coupon or gift card. Not so much my first choice for dinner.
(3)
Damian C.

Just like Fergie says: "T-T-T-Tasty Tasty!"
(4)
Chaviva G.

My 16-year-old brother is in from Nebraska, and having absolutely no sense of "ethnic food" beyond chain restaurants and cafeteria goodies, I have taken it upon myself to stuff him full of unique foods. Thus, here we have, a "he said"/"she said" review. Enjoy. Topic: The restaurant is full of gay couples. He said: What? I didn't see any gay couples as far as I know. She said: The couple in the booth behind us were making out, but it didn't phaze me. There were plenty of seemingly straight people. Anyhow, the more gays, the merrier. Topic: The decor. He said: It was interesting. The art by the booths was beautiful but the art on the bathroom doors was kind of unusual. She said: It was sort of art deco-y, with an Asian twist. Very nice. Topic: The service. He said: It was great, cuz they always came right away. Even the one who wasn't serving us was always around asking if we needed something. She said: Aside from the mustache on the female waitress, the service was stellar. They were prompt and friendly. Topic: The food. He said: Good, other than the red peppers being extremely spicy, though peppers are supposed to be spicy. (He had the cashew chicken.) Your's was good, but I don't really like curry. Apparently. She said: I had the Coconut Curry Chicken, and I thought it was delicious. I could only eat half of the bowl, so I have leftovers, which is exciting. Likewise, the little brother's cashews were yummy. It came out fast, hot, and delicious. Topic: Would you go back? He said: Yes. She said: Yes, of course. It was incredibly cheap and the service was very prompt. I've never been in and out of a place having sat down to eat as quick as this.
(4)
Jonathan T.

Over time this became a favorite spot in Lakeview. Very reasonably priced for the quality and portion sizes, and it's BYOB. There's patio seating when the weather permits and they also throw open all the front windows.
(4)
Liz L.

The first time I ever went here I was in my car with my friend and we were deciding on what to eat and I said I would really like Rice or Noodles....ok not 2 seconds later he and I both saw this restaurant... It was weird.... and we were totally dying of laughter in the car We went in and had a great quick meal...It is not my favourite Thai place in the city but it isn't bad either, I do like that I am a veggie and I can always find something to eat. The staff has always been nice and I would go back again :)
(3)
Liesel F.

Personally, I think Joys is the best Thai restaurant in Chicago. It's affordable, BYOB, and is their delivery tastes as good as when you dine-in. Also, it has the tastiest Pad Thai I've ever had.
(5)
Zack R.

I love me some Joy's! This place is nice and cheap for delicious Thai food and they are close to my apt, but that still doesn't stop me from ordering delivery. I have settled on the Chicken Pad Si Ew and they rarely ever dissapoint. In fact, I find that the meal tastes even better the next day reheated. I think it has something to do with all the awesomeness mixing together in the fridge. Also the delivery is fast. Also BYOB, and if you go get wine/grain alcohol/schlitz/whatever you drink with Thai, I don't judge, at the local Jewel on addison/broadway, they often have a coupon on the back of the receipt for a buy one get one free entree at Joy's.
(4)
Katie P.

I used to live in Lakeview and went to Joy's A LOT. It was an introduction to me of Thai food in general. I always thought it was awesome. But, I've been away from the 'hood for awhile and went back to Joy's the other night. I feel like I was seeing the forest for the trees for the first time. Honestly, it was just okay. Here's why: From other Thai places I've been, the food always seems a little Thai-Disneyland to me. The curries are a little too rich and not as nuanced spice-wise. The appetizers are good but, again, they seemed dumbed-down a little bit. And it's pricey. I'd rather have a little more quality with a little less "ambiance" and a little less price than the other way around. And while we're here, let's talk about the ambiance. This restaurant has the weirdest set-up I've ever seen that often makes entering and leaving a project. Every time I've been there, I've walked half a lap around the restaurant to "get to the other side" where I'm seated at a table near the wall. As the dining room fills up, my table becomes enclosed by other diners so that, upon my decision to leave, I have to crawl and/or shimmy (and I HATE to shimmy after eating Thai) to get out. Good grief...yes I have a little to lose around the middle, but c'mon...there's a limit. I'm not going to say Joy's is bad, by any means. The food always tastes good. For the price, though, I think I can do better: I don't need golden Buddhas to enhance my meal if the food is done really well...that's all I'm sayin'.
(3)
Erin P.

Joy's is hands down my favorite moderately priced Thai food in the city. The Pad Thai is without a doubt the best I've had over countless take-out places in the city. If you decide to dine-in, BYOB with no cork fee. And a nice little outdoor space in the back. Great for groups.
(5)
Dave L.

Went here for the first time this weekend and loved it. Great green curry, BYOB, and super cheap. Really wanna try some other items next time I'm there. Definitely coming back!
(4)
S P.

Delicious spicy basil rice dish! This place is worth visiting for yummy thai food.
(5)
Val B.

I always get the Rama Chicken (steamed broccoli, chicken, sticky rice, covered in peanut sauce). It's always perfect. The prices are reasonable (about $12 per person) and their Thai iced tea is perfection (but pricey at $2.50, no refills). Seating is prompt and they open the front windows/doors in the summer which is refreshing. Parking is a major hassle, though, seeing as it's street parking on a super busy street in Lakeview/Boystown. There are cute book shops and other random shops nearby so plan to peruse a little before or after Joy's!
(4)
KChicagoan S.

Helloooooo yellow chicken coconut curry!! This stuff is sooo good that I crave it! The crab rangoons are also pretty darn good - the dipping sauce is a little sweet and a little spicy. The service is fine but what really sets this place apart is the yum food and very fair pricing to match. I can eat until I'm full (and sometimes have leftovers) for under $9 - not too bad!
(4)
Michael B.

I am a sucker for Thai food. You make a good Pad Thai and Tom Kha Gai and I'm happy. Joy's makes me happy. Tom Kha Gai is my favorite soup, I enjoy it more than a white gringo from the countrylands of Ohio is supposed to. Joy's Tom Kha is perfectly balanced, not too heavy on the fish sauce, but not too sweet. The last thing I want in my tom kha is an overly sweetened broth. Joy's Tom Kha is probably the second best I've had (It is on par with Lemongrass' in Cleveland but trails behind Siam River's in North Miami Beach) The Pad Thai is delicious, although I use a substantial amount of their hot vinegar and sriracha to make things a bit more exciting. The noodles aren't mushy or sticky, and the portions are large (I wish they served it on a larger plate, I always end up with cabbage all over the table). I guess the food is good when my only real complaint is that I wish they served it with lime slices instead of lemon. It needs to be pointed out that the service here has been impeccable every time I have been here whether it be for dine-in or to go. The employees are always smiling and attentive. The fact that I never had to ask for more ice water is a minor detail often overlooked by other restaurants, but for me is a big deal, it means they are paying attention and truly care. Call me a tough sell, but I just have to reserve the final star for the one location that blows me away 100%. Call it the error of central tendency, but if I could give half stars, Joys would have one of them tacked on.
(4)
Carmen R.

Delicious, affordable, and BYOB!.....nothing more needs to be said.
(5)
Michelle S.

Dear Joy's, I really use to love you, but you lied to me about your vegetarian Tom Kar/Tom Yum soup being veggie stock based, and to a Vegetarian that is like a declaration of war. Really wrong! Also, your online system needs help. After waiting 3 hours one evening for my meal, because somehow my new address wouldn't read on your end of the system, but it did on mine?!!!! AND... the delivery driver went to the wrong address 3 times even though I told him that I was 5 miles from that.....I've decided that I cannot patronize your restaurant until you pull it together. The lighting in the restaurant is also quite abrasive! I will give you one compliment...it is nice that you have outdoor seating in the front and back. As a Vegetarian, I am now highly suspicious of your "vegetarian" options! You need to review your menu, and consider your customers! Tip=True Vegetarians do not Eat Fish, Poultry, or flesh of any kind! That includes any sort of sauce derived from the leftover bits.
(1)
Laura R.

I used to like this place until they served me a drink in a dirty cup (the straw and glass had lipstick on them). When I complained the waiter was obnoxious and rude. I was not wearing lipstick at the time, but he seemed to be accusing me of lying. We asked to speak to the manager and he refused to get him/her. Needless to say we left and will never go back.
(1)
Lakshmi R.

My boyfriend and I like to check out new places within walking distance from our neighbourhood (read 1 mile - I limit the distance) We ended up @ Joy's coz we got coupon from Jewel and read pretty decent reviews of it from Yelp Chicago. Well thank you again! I loved the wall decoration using native fabric - so colorful and intricate; added life to a rather plain brick wall in such a simple fashion. The floor to ceiling windows are a nice plus. We got the spicy basil and pad prik noodles with tom kha soup. Best soup I have has in Chicago. The portions are also larger than other thai restaurants I have visited. As far as the entree goes, I have other favorites but I will definitely be walking the distance again for Joy's sometime soon.
(4)
Andrea G.

Joy's is great the food always comes super quick, I love that it is BYOB and very affordable. I have tried numerous things on the menu and everything is very good.
(5)
Clare T.

So, I moved away from Lakeview last year, and I really really miss Joy's. Unfortunately, it's not that close to easy public transit from my new digs. I have never ordered something here that I don't like, and with it being BYOB, you can't really beat the price of dinner. My husband and I could usually get an app, two entrees and cokes for about $20. It's a great place to go with a big group of people, or on a date. It's pretty casual, and they have outside seating in back. Joy's is a neighborhood gem!
(5)
RJ W.

Absolutely, positively the most disgusting thai food I have experienced. Trying to eat healthier, I ordered the Spring rolls. Their arrival was heralded with them slathered in a gelatinous, disgusting, sauce that absolutely drowned them. I scraped off the crap and I understood why they drowned them. They were obviously made earlier as they were dry.. yes dry.. and had the taste of cardboard. On to the cashew chicken. Again, just completely without flavor and a very small amount of chicken in a sauce that was free of any taste. And the amount of rice that was served with it was laughably small. I mean, come on, it is rice, not caviar.... no need to be so cheap with it. I do not understand the others that have given it high ratings. But in my experience, it is No. 101 of the top 100 thai restaurants in Chicago... Update..OK, so I just posted my review and went to read the others...and am even more ticked off...I ALSO SHARE with my fellow Yelpers that as soon as someone seems to put in a poor review, there is suddenly a 5 star review from an anonymous person with only 1 or 2 reviews... and that just pisses me off..
(1)
Tdub W.

I believe I got food poisoning from eating at this restaurant. I was the first diner for lunch. The chicken tasted funny. I got sick and threw up several times that night.
(1)
Elizabeth C.

Joy's is a nice, casual, inexpensive pan-Asian place within walking distance of my house. Is it the best, most authentic Thai in Chicago? No. But the service is good, they're BYOB, and in the summer, they open the floor-to-ceiling windows and let the glorious breeze blow in (which also facilitates excellent people-watching). It's one of those places that has take-out quality food, but is pleasant enough to actually dine in at. They're a lazy weeknight go-to.
(3)
Karen C.

The Pad See Ew was amazing! Best I've ever had. I had it with chicken and the chicken was a little dry. I would probably try a different meat next time. My cousin got Panang Noodles with tofu, with rice instead of noodles. It was good but didn't have much in there; just tofu and two pieces of tomato. I wouldn't order that next time.t This place is definitely affordable (my dish was $7.50) and my dish was excellent, so I would come here again! The service was good too.
(5)
Dani C.

Excellent place to go for a cheap but nice night out. My fianc and I go with a bottle of wine, and a buy one entre get one free coupon from Jewel (they come on the back of your receipt!). This is the cheapest nice night out we've been able to find! The food is good, and the ambiance is good, if you go in the spring/summer/fall, when you can sit out on the front or back patio. The inside feels a little too casual and cramped for my taste, but it's still a nice night out if you're able to snag an end table or a booth.
(3)
Britt C.

My biggest regret here is that I couldn't eat more. I had the green curry with tofu, which is always my true test of a place because so many restaurants screw it up, and it was excellent! The curry was well balanced between sweet coconut and spicy chile, and there was beautiful pieces of thai eggplant in abundance. The best part was the choice of noodles or rice with the dish. I do love curry with rice, but when noodles are an option, I just can't say no. And these noodles, thin rice noodles, were the perfect complement to this fantastic meal. As it turns out, I was so enraptured with my own meal that I didn't even need to taste anyone else's, which just may be a first for me. I can say, though, that we were all equally pleased by our meals. A wonderful bonus is the BYOB, so my gaggle of girls left with quite a nice buzz from the three bottles of wine we polished off, and not a penny poorer for paying for neither drink nor corkage fee. Total price for five pleasantly stuffed women: $46.00!! I must also say that the restaurant itself is gorgeous, with exposed brick and slate walls, with beautiful thai artwork hung throughout. I'm definitely going to be back very soon to sit on the back patio and try some more from their bountiful menu.
(5)
Mike G.

Service was quick and polite. Vegetable roll appetizer and green tea bubble tea we're other worldly. Exceptional warm peanut sauce with hint of chili superb. Entrees good value for money yet seasoning was rather uninspired. Had supreme chicken with chili paste. Where was the chili paste? It was marked on menu as a spicy dish but was rather bland.
(3)
Nathan B.

Love this place. May not be authentic. But it's authentically Joy's. Nobody does it like them. I do have the hardest time ordering online. Does anyone else have this problem? The order never goes through.
(4)
Annie G.

My boss ordered lunch from Joy's for me and my co-worker one day. I wasn't really in the mood for Thai food, but Joy's definitely put me in the mood for Thai food and kept me there for several days after. The only problem is that no other Thai restaurant makes Pad Thai like Joy's. I'm in love. The spring rolls came with cream cheese, which is a dairy-lovers dream. They just melted in my mouth. I was pretty upset that I had to share them with my co-worker.
(5)
Katarina X.

I confess to writing a review solely so I can find the delivery phone number faster, easier and with less "Was THIS the place?". I have not actually been inside here, only devoured the delicious takeout goodness! Yes please: Spicy Coconut Curry chicken. I am told the baby egg rolls were also quite tasty, but I blinked and nothing was left but a meager couple of crumbs and a pleasant smell. D@mn friends trying to get me from a size four to a size two.... I'll show them and order twice as much next time. Which is within the next fifteen minutes. More Please! (And by that I mean Joy's food, not the all-too-swiftly developing J.Lo booty).
(4)
Josh R.

LOVED IT! Everything I saw on the menu was $8.50 or less. Portion size was awesome, well over what I was expecting. AND THEY DON'T OVER COOK THEIR TOFU!!!!!!!!! We got the tofu appitizer and it was perfect. Nice crispy seared outside, yummy warm creamy inside. Walked past the kitchen on the way to the bathroom, and both were impeccably clean which always makes my a happy panda. The chili condiments on the table were super flavorful but not all fire which is also a big one in my books. All the sauces we tried were great actually. Not overpowering, not all processed and artificial tasting. Lovely and fresh. Servers were on our drinks like white on rice ( ennnh....get it?) and very helpful with describing some of the dishes for my uber picky eater of a wife (love you baby, but its true and you know it). We sat outside but the inside was very open, clean and not turbo loud (decor and music) like most of my oriental dinning experiences. Go, go now, trust me.
(5)
Julia R.

for a place with such great reviews, i'm pretty disappointed. :/ we ordered delivery from here one night when we didn't feel like cooking or going anywhere. I had pad see eiw which is my favorite thai dish and i found it to be fairly bland. also had some crab rangoon which were good but the side of sweet and sour sauce was also relatively bland. my friend seemed to like her food ok but we were both generally unimpressed. i usually will try anything twice to see if it was a fluke but meh...i think i'll pass.
(2)
Emily W.

All of our 4 dishes & 2 apps were great! Quick service, cute gays and my water glass was never empty - sounds like a great spot to me!
(5)
Tom B.

If you're looking for quick, affordable, and consistently delicious Thai in Lake View, Joy's is hands-down the best option. Certainly there are other great Thai places in Lake View, but Joy's is the only one that I and all my friends are always pleased with. The staff is really friendly, the atmosphere is comfortable, and the outdoor seating is great. Joy's was my standby place when I lived in Lake View and it's totally worth a trip from almost anywhere in the city.
(5)
Jacques M.

I've got to go ahead and bump them up to 4 Stars. I'm semi hooked on their Spicy Chili Noodles, which I order about twice a month. Delivery is always on time and my order is always correct! Good job guys!
(4)
John G.

A great place you can go to again and again!
(4)
Leah P.

To me, this place is the Butterfly (in Wicker Park) of Boystown. Cheap, delicious and BYOB. No corking fee for wine. No pretentious waiters. And big portions of delicious Thai food. I ordered the Pad See Eiw with Tofu and it was just as good, if not better, than any other thai food I've had in the city! I do have to mention this. Our waiter looked like he should be in an Asian boy band. Did that influence my review at all? Maybe...but I would have loved the food either way.
(5)
D S.

I've been here a couple times (for dinner), and I can safely say that Joy's has excellent food--the noodle dishes are superb. Additionally, the service is speedy, the prices more than fair. It's perfect for a quick meal on a Friday night. On the slightly down side, the floors were quite dirty and the atmosphere could probably benefit from a little sound absorption. Basically very good.
(4)
Jon E.

Solid joint. Steps from my place, fast and friendly service and solid dishes that feature rich sauces and fresh ingredients -- the basics to making good Thai. I had to downgrade my review after the last 3 meals I've had there however. The curry was a bit bland, and really kinda skimpy, and the fresh spring rolls were odd. But this place is still solid for lots of other dishes. Plus, this place is cheap! The combo appetizers are great if you have a naughty craving for fried goodness. They are all really light, with delicate fillings and no sogginess to be found anywhere. Its a BYOB, so if you want to have a more intimate moment over vino, or want to kick it up with some Tsing-has, remember to bring your own.
(3)
Michael O.

Good food, very reasonably priced, and a very attentive staff.
(4)
k m.

A family favorite. Spicy basil leaves with beef, pad Thai with tofu, green curry with chicken, chicken broccoli. Are are usuals. Kids 7 & 3 love it
(5)
Michael H.

It has been years since I lived in Chicago, but every time I return (and I mean EVERY time) I make sure Joy's is on the agenda. The chicken coconut curry is maybe the best combination of ingredients ever! And some of the best chicken satay of any Thai restaurant around. A summer afternoon in Chicago at Joy's, sitting back on the patio reading a book. Those were the good old days...
(5)
Will C.

Great atmosphere and prices! Delicious thai food and always great portions....def worth your money! YUM!
(5)
Theresa M.

never a disappointment!!!! great. cheap. friendly fun! BYOB!
(5)
Julia S.

Best way to judge a-dime-a-dozen thai: pad thai, and thai ice too. Both were above satisfactory.
(3)
janice m.

I went here for lunch today with a couple of friends. We sat outside and enjoyed a most yummy lunch. We started out with two appetizers, the combo platter and spring rolls. Kudos for all of them. The shrimp shumai was tender and delicate, not overpowering in flavor. The fried tofu was great. We ordered three different entrees and all came to the table steaming hot. The kitchen honored two special requests with no problems, and the food was tasty and filling. Their BBQ pork was one of the best I have had, not too chewy like some. the Thai iced tea was good as always, and service was impeccable. We plan on coming back to try it again.
(4)
Megan C.

My favorite noodles in Lakeview!
(4)
Yvonne C.

Okay, I've come here... 2-3 times now and the food was still not to my liking: greasy, overcooked, oily, tasteless. I ordered multiple dishes at each visit and didn't find anything I liked. Sorry... three strikes and you're out.
(1)
Milena M.

Noodle-icous! I had the Pad Si-Ew and it was amazing. The atmosphere is super friendly as well. We also tried the mini egg rolls which came with a yummy sauce. There was enough left over to bring home and I honestly couldn't wait to eat my seconds! A great place for a breezy Summer night.
(4)
Brian S.

One of 4,522 Thai restaurants in Lakeview. And one of the best. I've never eaten in, so I can't comment on service other than carry out (which is fine), but the food is fantastic. I usually order pad see eiw. The spring rolls and crab rangoon are solid appetizers. But here's the issue with this place that keeps it from getting 5 stars. Their food gives me -- and everyone I know who eats there (one of those bar conversations, you know what I mean -- gas. Two of my friends and I conducted a scientific experiment with Joy's. Twice, in a one week span, we had Joy's. Both times after the Joy's all of us had gas. Five other days and five other meals caused no gas. Coincidence? Of course not. So our conclusion is that Joy's causes your poop chute to become a toot chute. The above is true, but seriously ... Joy's is good, but not spectacular, so it gets 3 stars.
(3)
Amy S.

Joy's is definitely on the top of my list for inexpensive but really good thai food. And it's byob and they have a patio. What more can you ask for? I really like the curries and the drunken noodles! They are delicious! I have been here on several occassions and it's just a really nice casual restaurant where you can eat good food (and a lot of it) and not break your bank.
(4)
Bre-Ann R.

My cousin introduced me to Joy's. Since it's his favorite and it's a BYOB place. I ordered the chicken coconut curry, I usually always get this, but this is the first place I've had it with noodles instead of rice. It was interesting and now I'm a fan! The spring rolls were delicious!
(4)
Jenny N.

Best Thai in Chicago. Also, one of the cheapest/most reasonably priced places in Chicago. Their Rama Chicken is to die for. I've ordered take out from here tons of times as well as dined in. I prefer to dine here in the summer because of the outdoor seating. You can sit out front on Broadway and people watch or sit in their cute backyard garden area. Good for groups, byob without a corkage fee, and quick service. Have never had a disappointing experience here.
(5)
Phil Y.

Another 'white wash' Thai joint. No taste.
(1)
Briana J.

This Thai place is very friendly and very accepting of patrons who just want to sit and talk. My only experience here was a pleasant one. Our waitress was quite friendly...and when I asked her opinion about which of two dishes was the better choice, she actually answered. She did not respond with the typical....they are both good. I ended up ordering the pad woon seen. I was tasty. It was good and satisfying...not the best in the city but nothing to sneeze at. I normally do not indulge in crab rangoon but I tried it here. Not too shabby. But the best part of the evening was the company, hand down!
(4)
Adam P.

With Cozy Noodle only a few blocks from this place it is a mystery to me why anyone would ever go here. The food is not good, the atmosphere sucks, and when I went (twice actually because I decided to give it another try) the food was slow. Three of my friends say Joy's is one of their favorite places in Chicago, but as hard as I tried to like it, I found nothing that made me ever want to go back. It is hard for me to not recommend somewhere, but I do not recommend Joy's.
(1)
Ann M.

Good, reliable Joy's. On a recent visit, I had the delightfully simple cucumber salad, perfect on a warm night. I followed it with the panang curry with chicken. This is my regular dish at most Thai restaurants, when I'm not counting points, so I was interested to try Joy's take which featured fried rice noodles. Generally this is served with noodles that are boiled or steamed but these were crispy and chewy and really tasty. I liked the texture and enjoyed them with the rich curry sauce. Service was efficient and friendly - they even gave us separate checks without attitude. I think I need to stop by Joy's more often.
(3)
Danielle T.

Ordered in one night and after constantly receiving coupons from this place, decided to give in and try it. Our food was delivered within 20 minutes of ordering almost! It was absolutely delicious thai food, to my pleasant surprise this is a place I will continue to frequent!
(4)
Y. W.

I just got a delivery from them and this is my first time eating from this place. I ordered from Grubhub. Joy's staff or whoever, forgot the receipt that you sign when they come to your door...so the delivery guy had me sign a piece of paper. I hope I don't get charged twice. I ordered baby egg rolls and chicken pad see eiw. The eggrolls were just regular egg rolls, made smaller - not exactly the same as baby egg rolls. The Pad see eiw is not flavorful and the noodles are all stuck together. I won't eat from here again.
(1)
Laura C.

This place is super! BYOB, which I love, great outdoor patio in the back, inexpensive and delicious food with lots of choices. I gave it 4 stars because I have had it delivered and it takes a long time and isn't very warm when it arrives.
(4)
Melanie V.

Wow, $6 lunch special for tons of food! I was impressed. Plus, the crab rangoon 'sampler' came with three mini-crab rangoons. Great portions for lunch. I had the Pad Prik with tofu and it was delish. The service is super quick, too.
(4)
Jon S.

Joy's has been my favorite Thai restaurant for years, even when compared to other both local and national competition. The quality of the ingredients is outstanding-- always fresh. Delivery is fast and orders are filled accurately with almost zero errors. Prices are very reasonable considering the dedication to food preparation. This is a great place to dine in as well, and can easily accommodate larger parties with proper notice. As a vegetarian, there are a wide variety of tofu-based dishes with just the right level of spiciness. Outstanding Spring Rolls are among my favorites. Strongly recommended.
(5)
Tiny T.

I have been going to this place for years. I would give it 5 stars but will only give a 4 since the staff is very aloof. They shouldn't take their customers for granted and need to learn how to be more friendly.
(4)
Lawrence Y.

Checked out Joy's for the first time yesterday. The 'patio' seating is now open and it was really nice, especially on a day like yesterday. I had the BBQ Pork meal (which came drenched in garlic, mmm!) and came with steamed broccoli and a small portion of rice. Service was standard.
(3)
Sheau W.

Well, I love this place TONNESSSSS! I could come here everyday. The price is decent, the food is great except minus a star because their service is just so-so. I highly recommend the Phuket Noodle and their Fried Rice with shrimp, its super super super good. I come here at least once a week via pick up or delivery service. Also if the weather is good, there's outdoor seating :) LOVE IT!!!
(4)
Scott D.

Completely satisfied and happy is how I felt after both of my trips to Joy's. A great selection of noodles, curry's, and stir-fried dishes presented in a very unique way. I would say go for the curry, especially the coconut one they serve. It gives you a taste of all the aspects of Joy's kitchen that people like. Try a spring roll here too, don't be afraid it is not what you are used. Very soft, and fresh. A great wait-staff and decor, I would recommended going during warmer weather.
(5)
Morgan C.

Took my first trip here this weekend, and I was very impressed. Plenty of reviews, I know, but here's my 2 cents. It was early on a lovely Saturday evening, and the gf and I were able to snag a table outdoors no problem. Service was quick, and the food was even quicker... Right after we placed our order, I went to the washroom, and when I came back out, our Crab Rangoons were already on the table. Perfect two-bite size, with an excellent crispy edge to creamy filling ration (you how sometimes there's a teaspoon of filling with 3" of wonton?), and some of the best crab flavor I've come across... Entrees were out quickly, too, and just right. I got the Phucket Noodles and the gf got Pad Thai, both with tofu. She ordered "spicy," and boy, was it. Not that "here's some chili paste on the side" crap some places try. Mine was listed as spicy, and it had a nice kick, too. We ended up switching half way through because we both liked one another's dish so well. Portion size was excellent, too. Not overwhelmingly huge, just enough that you can fill up and leave a little on your plate. The taste could have gotten me to clean my plate, though, were my willpower not up to snuff... BYOB, which is also nice to keep the tab down.
(5)
Ashley P.

My noodles with fresh vegetables were most excellent in both taste and price. It's inexpensive and comes out quick and steaming hot. The service was less than expected, but I didn't come here to be waited on hand and foot. Come here for a casual, quick and tasty bowl of noodles.
(3)
Amy J.

My first time with takeout from Joys! I was at Caribou across the street and I kept looking at it. I had promised to bring a friend dinner when I came by, so I asked her how Joy's sounded (hoping she'd say good!) I ordered it online b/c you get a discount (hint hint). Then I said I'd pick it up... I stopped at the postal store real quick and our food was ready within 10 minutes. Awesome. 2 dishes and the spring rolls for $18.00! That's an affordable dinner. I should also mention that these portions are big as well. Neither of us came CLOSE to finishing our noodles, so we could definitely have split a dish. Got the Bai Tong Noodles and the Garlic Noodles (both with chicken) and the Spring Rolls. Everything was excellent, quick, and our order was completely correct.
(4)
Ray O.

Joy's is definitively a winner. Cheap, delicious and BYOB... enough said.
(4)
Karen E.

For years, this was my local thai place. I loved coming here because their food hit the spot every time I had a thai food craving.
(4)
Lindsay M.

Delicious. Love the alterna-wait staff. Great noodle dishes and rice dishes. Take out is snappy and yummy.
(4)
Eric S.

What's not to love about Joy's? There are no better noodles on the north side of Chicago. My Lakeview brethren know what I'm saying, Joy's does a lot of business in our 'hood. I'm obsessed with bai tong. I eat it once a week, it's that good. It's so good that I won't eat anything else from Joy's. In fact, when I tell my wife where I want to eat, I don't even say "Joy's." I just say "Bai tong, bai tong, bai tong" and it's on. There isn't much else I can add here that hasn't already been said. Love you, bai tong!
(5)
Robin C.

Unfreakingbelievable. The prices are so reasonable and the food is pure bliss. This is a regular, comfort food, delivery staple of our wee apartment. My favorite is the panang curry with chicken - it comes on the most amazing CRISPY, wide noodles. And it still tastes amazing when you have it delivered. Even if you didn't like curry, chicken or DELICIOUS crispy noodles (what's wrong with you) - this would still probably become your favorite meal. EVEN if you ordered the same meal - say - panang curry with chicken every other week for the past year and a half - you would not get tired of it. Not that I did that.
(5)
Jeff K.

Always good, fast and inexpensive. Great lunch special.. Good Pad Thai, Good Panang Noodles. Always fresh...always good service
(4)
Edie J.

I have eaten at Joy's many times. I like it, I feel safe with it. I also recommend it because it has a nice ambiance especially with the windows open. The service is reasonable if you are a nice person in general. The thai tea is delicious . . . hmm yum . . .
(4)
John M.

Just finished a dinner with dinner with friends here tonight and it was, as usual, superb. For the money and quality of food, you just can't miss here. We sat in the expanded portion of the restaurant in a bigger size booth and the windows were wide open to the street - what a refreshing view and environment. I ordered by favorite Phuket Noodles which are to die for. The others at the table all enjoyed their food as well. Service was fast and friendly - efficient. When the bill came, the price was reasonable, with tip about $14/person which is fair. Loved the experience. Try it and I think you will agree it is one of the better noodle places in the city.
(5)
Lauren S.

This place was delicious!! Super fast and very efficient! Not exactly the kind of place for a leisurely dinner, but excellent food and great atmosphere.
(4)
Neha S.

I rarely venture to Lakeview for meals, but I have made a few special trips just for Joy's panang curry noodles. I haven't found another restaurant that makes this dish quite so amazing! The noodles are perfectly crispy and the flavor is delicious with a little bit of a kick. This is a great BYOB restaurant.
(4)
Shayna Y.

This place is solid for carry-out thai food. Do not go here if you have a strong gluten allergy (I only have an intolerance) as they didn't seem to know what I was talking about. Some of my favorite dishes are: Panang Curry (w/ rice), Spicy Basil Leaves, and Pad See Eiw. If you eat in, it is BYOB. A solid, casual thai joint.
(3)
Charlie K.

I've been to Joy's several times, as it was walking distance from my old condo in Lakeview. Always had a postiive experience and the food was consistently delicious. They have some of the best pad thai and pad see yew I've had from any Thai restaurant in the area. Food comes out very quickly and the wait staff is very attentive. Another major plus is that you can BYOB, so becomes a nice little happy hour amongst friends on a Friday evening. I've never had any issues wiith contamination or food poisoning here (which takes 24-hours to even become sick from real food poisoning), so don't let other reviews fool you. Check it out for yourself and see what good Thai tastes like - Best, Charlie
(5)
Jasmine A.

This place just gave me terrible food poisoning. Almost immediately after my meal I felt sick and threw up in their bathroom. As i'm typing this I am lying down in my hotel room still sick. I'm an Asian-American from California and have had all types of Asian cuisine and Thai is my favorite but, I have never gotten sick. I had the tom ka coconut soup and the pad thai with the clear glass noodles. Everything was spiced well but there was no heat and everything was too sweet. I didn't really like it very much and didn't even finish any of my dishes. The service was ok. Not too friendly and just did the bare minimum. Take orders, bring out food, and bring the check. I told the manager what had happened and explained that maybe the sauces sitting outside (we ate outside) got contaminated somehow and were spoiled. He reassured me that they are changed out every day and that they are still good. I do appreciate that the manager sympathized with me but there was an explanation to everything I said and how it could no way be the restaurants fault since no one else has gotten sick. He tried to blame it on me saying that it's because I was traveling or because i'm not use to the spices. He also admitted that the restaurant isn't an authentic Thai restaurant with authentic Thai flavors. Whatever the case whatever I ate and however it was prepared did not sit well with me. I try to give all restaurants the benefit of the doubt as much as possible but everything about tonight was just not right.
(1)
Stephanie F.

Love this BYOB Thai spot! I love the baby egg rolls, the pot stickers, the crab rangoon, the pad thai, the pad khee mao noodles and the prik pao noodles.
(4)
Rachel T.

The Thai food here is a good. I tried the Golden Noodles with beef (made medium spicy). The beef and noodles were tasty but I still felt like some flavor was lacking. The whole dish sort of tasted one-note. I wish there were some crunch or a bold flavor in the dish. I tried the pad Thai and felt the same way. The back patio is cute for dinner and the place is BYOB. Service could have been better, a few of the waiters were unfriendly.
(3)
Jay D.

Came here last night, it's a pretty consistent Thai restaurant. The staff is super attentive and the food came extremely fast. If you're in the area, definitely give it a try.
(4)
Tina C.

I love love love joy's. I live in lakeview and this is my go-to place for carry out. Joys makes fast and delicious food all day everyday! We always get the Bai tong noodles and the Thai rice stick but everything else we've tried at joys has always been delicious. Definitely a must try Thai place in lakeview especially if you live in the neighborhood.
(5)
Chris M.

I'll be honest - I've never set foot in the actual restaurant. But I've ordered it for delivery many times and can say on the strength of the food that its my favorite Thai food - and one of my favorite foods overall - in Chicago. The Spicy Chili Noodles with beef is a fantastic dish, with the spice never blocking out the flavor of the noodles and beef. The Pad Thai is also a favorite (I prefer the Chicken over the Beef on that dish) and the Crab Rangoon is a good dish to order to make the minimum $10 delivery minimum.
(5)
Katya C.

I'll be honest here--I've had tastier Thai out of a box. From Jewel. That I made myself. I had the veggie version of the Bamboo noodles, and though I concur with some of my fellow yelpers on the service being friendly, fast, and the food fresh....WHAT is UP with BROWN SAUCE at this place?! Let me explain: Part 1: The Starter. I had just come from the gym, and after walking the nearly 2 miles with my gym bag to get here (the 36 Broadway bus apparently runs, like, 2X a day) I was famished. When the pot stickers came to the table, I inhaled them. But THE DIPPING SAUCE! Thick and salty. Tasted like someone had forgotten to add half the water the directions called for. Ever tried to make Campbell's soup when you were little and didn't know what the word "condensed" meant? Kinda like that. Part 2: The Bamboo Noodles. Fresh, al dente veggies were great in the dish, but the sauce was so bland that I ended up applying every spice available on the table. And it still wouldn't perk up. Now, I've had takeout from here before (some chicken noodle dish) and it was fine. My friend always gets the Garlic Chicken noodles and is happy. But sheesh. Stay away from the brown-sauced dishes. I haven't had such a disappointing meal in years.
(2)
Frank M.

The positives to start: it's cheap and clean. The "Crab" Rangoon was light and tasty. Not sure what mystery meat was included in this though, hence the quotation marks. The negatives: the curry my wife had contained absolutely no flavor of curry. In fact, it contained no flavor. No spice, no aroma, nothing. Bland. Noodles and chicken. Not sure if a vegetable was involved--we didn't discern any. My dish, the Banang Noodle, was the opposite. Too much aroma. The wrong aroma, unfortunately. The dish smelled of garbage. Soy helped a bit, but it was yuck. The BBQ Pork in this dish was tasteless. The "crab" was a mystery meat. I wouldn't waste money here, albeit the place is cheap.
(2)
Yogi B.

Joy's has nice, fresh ingredients--VERY tasty food which is easy on the pocket book! Lunches are ESPECIALLY cheap! I normally leave there for under $8 and that's with a $2 tip! Their lunch specials include a hearty portion of an entree and your choice of one of four appetizers! (The appetizer I normally opt for is their Thai Spring Roll, very fresh & yummy!) The "spicy" dishes are VERY mild (to my taste), so if you're a chili-file like me, you'll be disappointed (even if you ask for spicy), but the food is really flavorful. They have the ability to open the dining room to the outside with floor to ceiling glass panels/doors. It's really nice on a warm day to sit inside but feel like you're in an outdoor cafe. (Plus still have the AC to keep the humidity at bay. They also have a large outdoor seating area in the back of the restaurant. It's a little quieter out there on a busy night. This is a FAVORITE of mine for lunch! You can't go wrong for dinner either.
(4)
Shaun T.

Cheap, quick, and tasty thai. First of all, no it's not as good as Cozy, but on the other hand, their menu is larger and seems to offer wider variety. Their Panang curry over crispy rice noodles was very good, but lacked the certain sweetness inherent in coconut milk. It was a sweltering day when I arrived, but tempered by a brisk afternoon breeze, and they'd opened the main doors and front area of the restaurant, providing ample people-gazing and enjoyment of the weather without raw exposure. It's a really good atmosphere to sit back and relax with food and friends, though I was in a bit of a hurry, so couldn't partake in the latter. Sadly, I discovered this place too late, and have since moved to a new neighborhood a veritable league away, so I guess I'll have to base my entire rating on the one thing I ordered. On the plus side, they've solidified my opinion that persistence pays off. Now I have three excellent curry sources in the Chicago area!
(4)
CJ E.

Joys Is a staple of Lake-view. Very affordably price food, great for dinner and lunch. The lunch special provides an egg roll, and won tons. Everything on the menu is above par for the price. The wait staff is very nice, and the setting and atmosphere is pretty friendly. Would definitely recommend. As its BYOB, bring a bottle of wine, and have a good time.
(4)
Jenn L.

If you like bland, uninspiring, ultra-americanized Thai food, then step right up because you will LOVE Joy's. The noodles and curries are tasty, and I can see why people who love americanized Asian food/people who don't know any better really appreciate this place. I ordered the Red Curry, and made sure to tell the waiter, "I want it spicy please. As spicy as you can POSSIBLY MAKE IT." I understand that in an americanized place, VERY VERY F'IN SPICY = maybe medium. (Wimps.) But what I got was an overly sweet, mild, completely uninspiring dish.
(1)
Tina B.

Man, I love this place. It's a great place to go when you don't want to put a whole lot of effort in finding a place to eat. They've got some of the fastest service I've experienced. Food is tasty and consistent. I love when they weather is nice and they open the front doors! Great people watching here also. Their delivery/take-out is great too!
(4)
Stop H.

If you want great Thai food that is economical and fast this is the place. We take our friends here. Great staff and a lot of hot men there too!
(5)
Steven C.

Awesome deal on the food here.. I used to live across the street and would order online and get 10% off, then walk over and pick it up. I've ordered pad see ew one too many times from this place. But it's one of the better thai places for the price.. perhaps a little salty though-- I think there's another really good one on clark (PS BANGKOK) and if you can order the ice cream, you must do so there..
(4)
Adam L.

I've only been here once, mostly due to my seeming inability to cross Belmont in search of food, yet I remember it fondly. I had the pad thai and spring rolls, which were excellent. As long as you can do those right, I'm a happy customer, and I was a happy customer at Joy's. During the spring and summer they open the huge window doors and it makes the place so much brighter and great for a weekend lunch.
(4)
Kevin B.

3 words :: Coconut Chicken Curry Yum! I can't order anything else, though I would like to, because I love this dish so much! Prices are great, staff is ok and like another person on here said, people watching is great too here! I'll be back soon!
(4)
Kelly W.

Whenever I try to tell my friends about this place, they correct me. "You mean Joy Yee's Noodles." Nope! I mean "Joy's Noodles"!! This place has really, really good food. I have had my share of good and bad experiences ordering pad thai in the past. This place offered some of the best pad thai I've ever eaten! I was here a little over a year ago but my mouth is watering just thinking about their delicious dishes. The restaurant has a very friendly atmosphere and I really enjoyed my overall experience. My only gripe is that it is so far away from my apartment and parking in this area is a disaster. It makes it kind of difficult to enjoy this fare on a regular basis. However, writing this review has reminded of how much I love this place and I will have to make a return trip very soon!
(4)
Jeremy B.

I've been meaning to try Joys forever, since moving to lakeview and finally got around to trying it last night. Took literally 2 minutes to be seated from a server that was also playing hostess and taking to-go orders (she happened to by my server as well). She did a great job, everything came out promptly. Appetizers were out about 5-10 minutes after ordering them. Entrees were out about 15-20 minutes after ordering them. Huge portions, great price, spectacular taste, and BYOB. Joy's cant be beat!
(5)
cindy k.

It's BYOB. Their prices are phenomenal and service is always great. Not to mention, they have these lunch specials which are just superb and so plentiful that I usually have to bring some leftovers home with me. Try their pad thai with the glass vermicelli noodles. Yum!
(5)
Jason Vuong D.

Immediately went gu-gu-ga-ga over their beef salad as an appetizer. Well, the rest was history! I had the garlic chicken noodle (a little boring) and tasted my friends' chicken satay and soup. All were tasty and satisfying. The waiters could have been a little more patient with us I think but sometimes, all is forgiven when the food is good. Yeah mon!
(4)
Ron S.

This place has an interesting menu that is affordable. I saw this place on grubhub so I gave it a shot. I ordered the dumpling noodles along with the crab rangoon. The bbq beef and the shrimp dumplings were good it was just the noodles were lacking and was not a big fan of the broth. I enjoyed the crab rangoon however
(3)
Jeff J.

I have taken several friends to this place and successfully converted them to the Cult of Joy's. It's right down the street for me, so I pop in regularly. Whenever I have friends in town I take them, and when they return they insist we go back! The food is great and very reasonably priced. Great patio in the summer. Even the back patio is fun. Don't forget to bring a bottle of your favorite libation. I keep ordering the Cashew Chicken, but everything else I've tried has been great as well.
(5)
Carlos V.

Joy's (and their sister restaurant Noodles in the Pot) is easily the best Thai restaurant in Chicago. I have tried several of their noodle and rice dishes and have never encountered a bad meal. I highly recommend the "Baby Egg Roll" appetizer and the Spicy Basil Leaves, very good. The restaurant is always super clean and the staff is friendly. The only complaint I would have is that the wait staff can be a bit pushy and want to take your order as soon as you sit down. The food comes out really quick too and often times the meal and appetizer are ready at the same time. This can pose a problem if you are trying to relax and enjoy some wine (the place is BYOB) before dinner. We have solved this by ordering our appetizer first, and then ordering the meal after we are finished with the appetizer. The transgendered waitress is my fave. I love her dresses! I think she works at Ping Pong on Broadway as well.
(5)
Amanda Z.

I love, love, love Thai food, and this has quicky become my favorite. Eating in? The food is served fast, it's BYOB (who doesn't love that?!), and it's cheap! Ordering in? If you order online, you can get a 15% discount (at least temporarily), you can save your address info, and you get your order exactly like you want it! Great appetizers, good curry (I love the coconut curry)...all the noodle dishes are good (I love the Bamee Special and Pad Thai is excellent), and the rice dishes are good too (I love the Rama Special!)
(5)
Tom K.

Went here over the weekend and had a great time. the food was ok, i had the rama chicken and it was quite bland. good service and a great time.
(3)
Courtney B.

Awesome Thai food that always tastes great and is extremely affordable. I love love love Joys. The staff is friendly if you eat in or even if you get take out (which i do frequently). You can sit down, order and eat in under an hour. I recommend the Garlic Chicken or the veggie Pad Thai. Delicious!!! I order Joys at least twice a month and am never disappointed. In fact, I have gotten out of town guests hooked on Joys!
(5)
Tom L.

Great place to go to,especially when the weather is nice. Try to get a seat in the back patio and people watch as you sip the wine you brought from home, yes, it BYOB. We started with the shrimp spring rolls with peanut sauce which was pretty good. We had the chicken and beef pad tai, and the chicken curry which were all wonderful. Service was okay, and prices were very affordable.
(4)
Jay A.

Ok I finally went to this place at last.......I went to Joy's with my friend and it wasn't bad as I thought it would be :-) I had spinach noodle w/ beef which was too sweet to me but I think that why they provide soy source on the table, right. And just so you know some menus you can't even find in Thailand :-) it's chicago style thai food, I would say. That's why you barely see Thais come to this restaurant. Anyway, I think their chicken satay is pretty good and peanut sauce is awesome. My friend had chicken green curry w/ stream rice and she definitely loved it. Pro: VERY CHEAP in nice neighbourhood Con: Crowded in the evening, not so authentic Tip: Looking for "2nd entree free" coupon from back of Jewel's receipt near Addison. So you will save even more or tip them more :)
(4)
Joshua B.

Not much to add that hasn't already been stated. The Chicken Panang Curry is the cats meow, and BYOB with no fees is the icing on the cake. Oh yeah, good gyoza, whether fried or steamed.
(5)
Emma C.

Good Thai food, big portions, low prices, BYOB, great delivery for lazy nights... cant go wrong. I love going to Joys with friends. Its basic but filling.
(4)
Julio M.

My favorite Thai place I can't complain at all Make sure u order their most asked for dish of noodles What surprises me is how inexpensive they are
(5)
Eric S.

Good food. Reasonable prices. Good options. I like the drunken noodles w/ veggies. It's always a sure bet. Lunch specials are also a good deal.
(4)
Jeff O.

Great Thai joint. Roomy. Nicely remodeled. Consistently delicious food. Somewhat less than average food prices. Good wait staff. I take all my visiting friends and family to this place, because the experience is dependably good in every way. I get noodle dishes every time because they are just so yummy. The menu is not exotic, but full and still interesting. Restroom signs are entirely androgynous - they are paintings of a man and woman, but you must look very closely to tell the difference. Not any problem, but kind of stands out when you get used to the typical pants and dress pictographs. LOL Would definitely recommend it.
(5)
Merrill N.

Huge portions, inexpensive, and very good food. If parking in that area weren't so challenging, I would go here a lot more!
(5)
Isabella W.

4 stars. I love Joy's for the price, convenience, and BYOB-ness. 1 star short of 5 due to lack of distinction in many noodle dishes.. However, I've frequent there enough to know what their forte is. Apps: spring rolls (not the fried egg rolls) Drinks: Thai iced tea BYO (no corkage fee) Salad: Larb Gai Chicken Salad Soup: Tom Yum Noodles: Pad See Ew (with beef), Lard Na (fried wide noodles) with beef, Crazy Noodles, Golden Noodles, Mandalay (curry) noodles, Prik Pao (spicy) noodles You can choose chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu with each noodle selection, but I personally like the beef, which is tastier and "juicier" than the others.
(4)
Sarah F.

I don't think Joy's at all compares to places like Penny's, Thai Aroma, or Ping Pong, which are all pretty much in the same 'hood. I have had many dishes here, and all are so so, and sometimes lacking flavor. I would go for the apps, but not the entrees (spring rolls are good and so is fried tofu!). Having gone to Joy's many times, one thing I really haven't ever appreciated is the fact that the veggies they include in their dishes always seem to be VERY large pieces (not cut up enough/properly) and sometimes are close to raw. Possibly, that's they way they want it, and mean to do it...but I don't like it. I want a veggie in my noodles that still has a bite, but actually cooked. Also, I don't want HUGE veggies that I can't fit in my mouth and have to try and cut up with chopstix. Anyway, I do appreciate that they are BYOB and have a nice atmosphere (and love the latest expansion). The patio in the back IS great in the summer.
(2)
Annie S.

Yummy!!! amazing thai food. I have to say it is the best in the city. everything is reasonable priced and fast service. The chicken pad thai is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good. The restaurant is pretty big so you don't ever have to wait for a table = )
(5)
Tracy K.

Good, cheap, quick food. My pad khee mao was spicier than I was expecting, but that's a good thing. My mom enjoyed her golden noodles. I also enjoyed the pad thai that they accidentally brought to our table and then insisted that we keep. The service was quick, but seemed a little disorganized. They also never offered to give me change, i.e., basically disappeared with my money. Whatever though, its more a matter of being polite than squabbling over a dollar. I would come back if I was in the area, but I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here again.
(3)
Matt R.

In an area with a myriad of Noodles and Rice choices, Joy's stands out. The service is quick, the food is reliable and the prices leave you feeling satisfied with your night. There is lots of seating and it is rarely hard to find a table. Joy's is BYOB with no corkage fee, so don't forget the wine or beer! Great for groups, they will move tables together to accommodate your party.
(4)
A V.

The workers are nice and efficient. The place is very spacious, clean, and well-lit. But I was kinda disappointed with the food. The food was just average. My thai tea tasted like it was watered down. The dishes lacked a certain something. I can't quite put my finger on it...
(3)
Jeremy C.

Great food. Cheap prices. This is a great local thai place to get some good food, people watch and enjoy a bottle of your own wine (BYOB).
(4)
R C.

Hands down, my favorite Thai restaurant in Chicago. Food and service are great, and the restaurant is located away from the shotty parts of Boystown. I recommend the fried rice and coconut curry. The iced coffee is WAY TOO sweet. I also did NOT appreciate being mistaken for a server just because I was also wearing a white shirt and being Asian.
(5)
Patrick W.

This place has been "on the list" to try for a while, but the opportunity never presented itself to go. Finally, my princess took the bull by the horns and took advantage of their discount for online orders. As a result of her generosity and resourcefulness, I had awesome shrimp fried rice waiting for me when I got home from a meeting. She's been under the weather and chose a light soup with thin noodles and slices of bbq pork. I didn't particularly care for it, but she did, and so I carefully negotiated a trade of my portion of soup for extra shrimp fried rice. The shrimp, by the way, are not those itty-bitty baby salad shrimp that are microscopic and typically found in shrimp fried rice. These were moderately sized, real shrimp that I'm guessing were prepared fresh and added to their very tasty fried rice. The gyoza were a nice appetizer, and served with a sweeter sauce than is usually served with them. I tasted the molasses right away, and as much as I like molasses, it overpowered the sauce as well as the flavor of the gyoza. The ensemble was still very good. I'm looking forward to finally dining in someday; the BYOB is always a nice touch for an inexpensive but nice night out.
(4)
Patrick n.

What else is there to say? cheap, quick, delicious, consistent, cheap... 2 can eat here for $20 and leave stuffed. we usually get the drunken noodles and a few small appetizers, but i've never ordered anything here and been disappointed.
(5)
Erin M.

On nights when I come home from work, too damn tired to even think about cooking I grab all my various take-out menus, sort through them and Joy's is often the one I choose. Admitedly, part of the reason is it's really close. But, if their food was crap chances are I'd pitch the menu and find another option (in Chicago, that's not exactly hard to do). I really like their Tom Yum soup (getting it with veggies is my favorite), and the Mandalay and Phuket noodles. And for the amount of food you get it's really reasonably priced. And the service is fast. I tend to love pot stickers, but Joy's just don't do it for me. Every couple months I try them again, thinking maybe they've magically improved, but they always taste kind of stale. And don't get your hopes up over the Dumpling Noodles. There's a lot of noodles in there, but not much in the way of dumplings. All in all, when you're in the mood for some slightly greasy Thai food, Joy's is a good place to go.
(4)
Peter D.

One of my friends once said that this place was an impressionistic view of Thai food, and I think he hit the nail on the head. If you like sweet, Americanized Thai food, this is a great place for you, but if you are looking for the real, light-your-mouth-on-fire thing go to Jitlada. The back garden is also very beautiful in the summer which makes this place worth going to just for that.
(3)
Olga S.

It's still one of my favorites for quick inexpensive food, but I think the quality went down and the prices went up a little after the renovation. Maybe it's just that the novelty wore off for me. My husband and I used to eat here at least once a week, but now it's probably no more than once in 2-3 months. In the summers they have a lovely patio in the back.
(4)
Bev h.

the only restaurant whose number i have saved in my phone. every dish i've tried has been perfection, though there is a special place in my heart/gut for the pad siew with tofu and the crab rangoon. their tofu is always done just right- a little crisp, tender in the middle, lots of flavor. the siew sauce is just the right amount of sweet. noodles delish! the crab rangoon is my favorite anywhere- i hate how so many places try to put onoin or celery in their rangoon and serve it with some crazy bright red sauce. or no sauce at all- just those packets of generic s&s. joys has mastered the art of rangooning(?!). they don't have any junk in em, just sweet cream cheese and crab in a light fried wrapping. the sauce is also delish, though i have no idea what's in it. it's just good s&s. the delivery is fast. the food is CHEAP and AMAZING. it's byob. the outdoor patio is great. servers are all business, and that's perfect when i've got a mouthful of tasty thai food and don't want to make small talk. i have nothing bad to say.
(5)
Robbie S.

Amazing!!! Fast and attentive tag-team service. Cheap and overly generous portioned food. Two people could share a $7 dish. Joys is also BYOB, so you can bring your own drinks if you'd like. They also have alfresco dining during the spring, summer and fall, which is quite delightful. If your in the mood for asian noodles, I highly recommend Joys! Always flavorful! Pouket Noodles, Crazy Noodles and baby egg-rolls are always my favorites. There were a few nights I trekked a couple miles in below zero snowy weather for some joys...totally necessary!
(5)
amanda i.

Dear Joy's, I want to write a nice review for you and give you lots of stars, but I just can't. At first, I thought this relationship might turn into something serious, something steady. You got me hooked with your Spicy Basil Leaf dish and your lovely Thai Rolls, but it was all downhill from there. When your steamed vegetable dish left something to be desired I just chalked it up to you having a lousy day - after all, we're all entitled to those. You made it up for it with your outdoor seating and people watching entertainment, and I let the whole incident slide. Recently, you've cut me deep - I cannot forgive the rubber band that I found in my Pad Thai, or the tasteless "green curry" that you served my boyfriend. Your MSG wielding ways are no longer adorable and delicious. I appreciate your good intentions, comping our entrees after the rubber band incident, but I feel that it is time for me to cut this off. After all it's truly a relationship of convenience, and we both deserve better than that. If you'd like to learn how to treat a woman right, venture a few blocks south to Bamee Noodles, where the curry is spicy, the food is made with care and the servers seem appreciative of the attention of a frequent customer. Best, Amanda
(2)
yakob j.

Four months living in Chicago, with all it's Thai food, and I was struggling to be impressed. That's until I got one good look of my Panang Curry Chicken @ Joys. Man was it some dish! I might not even bother to go anywhere else for Thai as long as i live here. The eight dollar meal makes this place super sweet, and for anybody who drinks, they have BYOB which makes it even better. I think i found my Thai sensation!
(4)
Geovanny N.

I have never been afraid to try new things so when some of my co-workers came up with the suggestion of getting some Thai. I was all over it but since I never tried any Thai before I couldn't think of one place to go. Then one very wonderful woman came up with getting something at Joy's noodles & rice! I call my co-worker wonderful because this place turned out to be just that... WONDERFUL! Being a rookie to this Thai game I played it safe and got Pad Thai w/ Chicken! I could have sworn I saw the gates of heaven when I took my first bite! It is safe to say that I am a fan. Ever since trying Joy's that one faithful afternoon I have been going down the menu trying out something new every time I go there. I am also a HUGE fan of the Thai Rolls, Love It! Give it a try but be careful because you might get hooked!
(5)
Colleen S.

BYOB! Hooray for that! The food's great for dining in or take out/delivery. Service is quick, staff is polite but sometimes not real talkative. But I come here to eat not chat up the waitstaff. So who cares? I am a connoisseur of peanut sauce and I have to say this place loses one star for a less than stellar sauce. It's good but doesn't make me want to lick my plate or anything.
(4)
Evan W.

Joy's. At the end of my street. Affordable. Not so quaint when it's busy. Very accomodating...why you ask? I'll tell. I've had the Drunken Noodles, the Pad Thai, the Bamee Noodles, the Cashew Chicken, the woiks if you will...but the thing I love the most about Joy's are the appetizers. I kid you not, you could get your fill easily on the apps. We have the staple crab rangoon (which is still one of my fav's), but try the fried Shu-mai. Of course not speaking Thaiwanapanese (sorry to you PC mongers) I don't really know what it is, but it's in the form of a tater-tot and IT IS DELICIOUS. Maybe some kind of tofu, 'or maybe some kind of tofu that I've never even heard of (Frank the Tank twist).' I agree it's not too spicy-and I do like me some spice- but I have fun there. And they let a birthday girl of ours wear a chin-strap phallic while we took pictures...they were even laughing.
(4)
Kelly B.

Not only is Joy's food a great value - it tastes good too. It's a fun BYOB place with nice quick service. When people ask me where to pick up a quick Thai dinner and they're in the Neighborhood - I tell them Joy's. We have some friends in the neighborhood with 3 kids and they also go often - the kids and parents love it. Lots of choices to make everyone happy.
(4)
Whitney C.

I'll put it like this. If you can endured the terrible service then go for it. Honestly it says something for their food. Food is an A+ service is non existent. I love how when you walk into joys you always feel like your interrupting a business meeting or something. everyone stops and stares. then starts whispering to one another. and the glancing at the watches begins.They know nothing of customer service but their drunken noodles are extremely good.
(2)
David C.

I can't think of anything bad to say about this place. The food is an amazing value. I usually get the Rama Chicken. I love their peanut sauce. BYOB and low price for food usually are not found together except at this place. They recently expanded into the retail space next door so I assume business must be good. There's never a wait. The outdoor seating is fun for people watching along broadway. Service is attentive. The decor is nice, clean, and uncramped. They have coupons some times on the back of your jewel-osco receipt. Buy 1 entree, get the 2nd for half off or free.
(5)
Jennifer P.

Amazing! We came here because it had high reviews on yelp and it is close to where we live. We were not disappointed. For drinks we got Thai tea and taro bubble tea (yay boba!), both of which were good. However, the Thai tea was little strong for our tastes. We got the wontons for appetizers - delicious! The dipping sauce was outstanding, not too sweet or too spicy- perfect! The tom yam soup was also good. For our entres we got chicken coconut curry and lard na. The chicken coconut curry was very tasty- the curry was excellent and the chicken was perfect. The noodles in it were differen than we are used to, but still good. The Lard na was very good as well! The noodles were nice an crispy an the gravy was excellent because it wasn't too salty or watery. The broccoli in it was also good. AND we have enough leftovers for another meal and it was a very good price for Thai food. We will be back here a lot! ***EDIT*** Since writing the draft for this review, we went back to Joy's. We went out late last night for dinner (around 9:30) and walked all around and couldn't decide what to get. We ended up at Joy's at 9:53 or so and realized they were about to close. However, instead of acting upset that we had gotten there so close to closing or instead of saying "the kitchen's closed", they welcomed us in and told us to take are time. They were very fast and our food was out quick. It was again delicious and a very pleasant experience. This second trip to Joy's will definitely encourage us to go back in the future - great service and great food at a good price is hard to beat :-)
(5)
Gen H.

Wha??! I'd have to say I was shocked to hear a few poor reviews on Joy's. It's definitely a fav of mine! The BEST pad thai in town! One of the reasons I was so sad to move away from Boystown/Lakeview neighborhood was because I would be further away from the lingering aromas of Joy's that often led me to call for carry-out. The service is always fast whether dining in or out. Don't dismiss, do try!
(4)
Alain B.

Easily one of the best pad thai in Chicago. Green curry is very tasty too.
(5)
Meg S.

Just went to this restaurant tonight and it was a nice time. The service was sooo fast. Seriously.. like crazy fast. The food was good.. i was really wanting noodles but there are so many noodle items on the menu, i was confused. I tried asking the waiter on noodles but didn't get a clear response so i went without. No big deal. I ordered "chicken and rice" and it was decent.. the beef and broccoli was tasty.. you can BYOB so that's nice.. overall a good experience.
(3)
Y L.

Fast service, ok noodles (although the curry was a bit too sweet), but the food was not hot enough.
(3)
Meagan L.

Best Pad Se Ew I've ever had. Not too sweet and just the perfect amount of sauce. I will return.
(5)
Raymond M.

If you are looking for reasonable price range for Thai cuisine and Asian Fusion, this is your place. Joy never disappointed me. Everytime I order it was just perfect. I brought my friend from Houston and she just loved the dish she ordered.
(4)
LVgirl H.

Best cheap Thai food in Chicago. Don't really understand the Penny's people... way too much soy in their Pad Thai - tastes funky. I'm always happy at Joy's... I've tried some other places, just to see- and Joy's is definitely the one. Pad Thai- a staple- is terrific! Tom Yum soup- delicious (i get veggies with no cabbage) and it is filling to rim with awesome veggies with perfect flavors. Nam-Tok - (beef salad) is real good, nice spicy, very fresh/refreshing and I think a healthier choice. Being bad- all about the Beef Lard Na - They will send you the fried, crispy noodles in a seprate container so that they remain crispy for you. EnJOYS!
(5)
Brian M.

Great, consistent Thai food. BYOB and good lunch specials.
(4)
Charles M.

After lots of pressure from friends, I caved in and decided to give Joy's a second chance... but this time we actually ate at the restaurant. The service was quick and friendly. The food came out in a reasonable time-frame and was surprisingly very good. We had the dumpling noodles and spicy chili noodles, but tasty and hot. I'm not sure I'll take the risk on delivery again, but will be back for sure...
(4)
Giselle C.

I love the Pad See Eww and the baby egg rolls! If you order online (for take-out, delivery) they give you 15% off. The only thing is you have to be careful, sometimes when you order online they send the information to the wrong location (happened to me twice even though I double checked; they said it might have been a computer glitch- hopefully they fixed it)!
(4)
Leang E.

I have been to several Thai restaurants, and this is my favorite Thai restaurant by far. Whenever anyone suggests Thai food, I go here. Everything that I have eaten is excellent, even the Thai tea has the right amount of sweetness! I have had the baby egg rolls, crab rangoon, cucumber salad, thai rolls, spring rolls, tom yum soup, pad thai, pad se ew, drunken noodles, and phuket noodles. I'm sure there's more, but I can't remember it all I'm normally in a food coma by the time I've stopped eating. The portions are great for the price you pay.
(5)
lesley s.

This place was perfect for a quick/easygoing weeknight dinner after a long day. My friend lives nearby and chose Joy's for its prices and proximity, and I was really happy with her choice. We brought a bottle of wine, and started with the baby eggrolls, then she had the pad thai and I had the panang noodles. We were both very pleased with our meals and we were especially pleased with the speedy service! Our total came to about $15 per person including tip (plus the wine we brought) and we were completely stuffed when we walked out. I don't know that I'd make the hike up to Lakeview just for Joy's, but if you're craving Thai in this neighborhood, check it out.
(4)
Julian S.

The Tom Yum Soup was not very fresh at all (freshness is key for me). The pad see ew was very spicy (per my request) but fell a bit short of the expectations I had reading reviews prior. The prices were reasonable, and the wait staff was attentive however the ambiance was nothing special and lacked any whole in the wall charm that might have been its saving grace. I would be willing to eat here again if a group was set on it, but it is not a first choice in my book.
(3)
Daniel B.

I don't get why people like this place so much. It is cheap, yes, but the food is bad, in my opinion. If you like Thai food with loads of salt and MSG, this is the place for you.
(2)
Mike P.

I snuck up to Joy's on Saturday afternoon for a late, solo lunch. Quite good. Since it was my first time in the place, I did my litmus test and ordered chicken pad Thai. It was very tasty. The sauce was better than the sauce at my usual Thai place, Bamee, but I think I prefer the Pad sans cabbage, ala Bamee Noodle. Good quick service and pleasant atmosphere, despite the incipient Trixie behind me, reading out load the menu items to her party, ala Chris Farley Zagats skit from SNL. I love the Trixies and I don't judge, but when you make your dinner conversation too loud, you've crossed a line with me.
(4)
J C.

I remembering liking this place a lot
(3)
Debra M.

Everything that I have ever ordered from here, I have loved. I either order the Tofu Pad Thai or the Tofu Pad Prik as my entree and there is always enough for two meals. The Pot Stickers and Crab Rangoon are delicious and I have also tried the Spring Rolls and Cucumber Salad which were equally as good. If you want to try this place, I suggest going for lunch, which runs around $6. There delivery is always super quick!
(5)
Kieran C.

Craving some Thai food on a Friday night, my boyfriend and I decided to give this place a try. The food was pretty good, but a little bland in my opinion. The best thing we had was definitely the Tom Yum soup, which I do admit was very good. However, I was less than impressed by the green curry, or the drunken noodles. They were okay, but nothing to rave about. Maybe we just ordered the wrong dishes. The portions were huge and we ended up taking home almost half of it. As a suggestion: the food tasted much better after a whirl in the fridge. Oh, and the ice tea was amazing...
(3)
Kelly D.

Good food, seemed very fresh, not greasy or anything. Pretty patio in back.
(4)
Bill L.

I wish there was a Joy's in San Francisco...
(5)
Jennifer S.

Oh Joy's, I'm sorry to do this. You came so highly recommended by so many Yelpers as well as my hot date! People seem to love or hate you, and I definitely don't love you. Your service was disconnected and so fast that it worried me. Your patio was nice but a little squished. Your mini egg rolls were tasty, but the rest of your food was mediocre, bland, and suspiciously hot. I left you sorely disappointed and feeling full but unsatisfied. I'm not sure why people love you, but I won't be back.
(1)
Liza O.

I'm so happy that when I moved, I moved closer to Joy's. Inevitably during the week someone will mention Thai food, and by the end of the week I will have a craving for Joy's. It's not the most authentic Thai or Asian food I've had, but it's delicious. Big portions. Decent price (even better with that buy one get one half off coupon on the back of Jewel receipts!). Fast service. What more could you want? It's lovely in the summer when they open up the windows. I've sat on the patio a few times, but prefer sitting by the open windows. You get the same people watching, lovely weather feel, but without the direct sunlight giving you a sunburn. They also have pretty fast delivery and take out, and you can order online. (But I love them so much, they're in my phone's address book, so I can call on my drive home from work)
(5)
Samantha R.

Ordered delivery- it was fast, hot, and tasty. The price was right too. I'm definitely going there/ordering out again. There are so many things on the menu I want to try! Only thing is I wish there were leftovers- the portions weren't big enough for leftovers. Anyway, I highly recommend this place!
(4)
Jazz V.

Came here for lunch recently and shared the fresh spring rolls, chicken pad thai, cashew chicken, and beef pad siew with my lunch mates. The three of us love thai food, and we can get pretty picky about it. We have had our share of bad pad thai in the city. While it was not the best thai we've eaten, we all agreed that Joy's food was very good! Our dishes gave off a strong fish sauce smell, and whileit wasn't unpleasant, it was a bit overbearing for my tastes. The service was attentive and prompt. I would definitely eat here again!
(4)
Johanna C.

I wanted to hate on this place, believe you me. It's in the middle of yuppie town and I find that yuppies have the blandest taste ever so they'd probably enjoy Joy's. The food is great. It's reasonably priced - about $5 - $8 for a regular dish. We had the Chicken & Shrimp Wontons as an appetizer. Not so good. Kinda bland for my taste. The service was pretty decent and the place was packed so I'm guessing everything is pretty fresh. Decent environment but when it's packed, you may find yourself sitting at a table really close to the next table so it's probably not a place to get romantic. The gem here for me is the Pad Woon Sen with chicken. Can't lie, I crave the food from here every now and again.
(3)
Gabe M.

I have to update this review as Joy's has become one of my go-to spots in Lakeview. I'm partial to the crab rangoon which is a great value for the quality. The spring roll or thai roll (not fried) are slightly healthier and top notch. My standard meal is the chicken pad Thai, quality is variable but it only varies from good to awesome. I started having them make it for me with the wide noodles. I should probably branch out but it makes me hungry just thinking of it. Great portion sizes. Take your choice of options: Delivery or pick up are reliable and fast. If you order your delivery/pick up online you get a discount. If you choose to dine in, the waitstaff is on point. I'll see you there, I'm in at least once a week.
(5)
Marshall V.

Joys is the best Thai food in Lakeview! I recently moved to the neighborhood, and discovered Joys. It is literally right around the corner from me, so I get takeout from their frequently. They make great crab rangoon, and pad see ew. I am surrounded by Thai , sushi, and Chinese restaurants, but all of my favorites happen to be on the same block. Ping Pong for Chinese, Wakamono for sushi, and Joys for Thai. Lakeview has a lot to offer but all of my favorites are on Broadway between Aldine and Buckingham. Joys has great outdoor seating in front and in back. Thank you Joys !
(5)
K C.

Wow what a nice place to eat with your friends before you go out. Fast Service and Great Price. BYOB restaurant too!
(5)
Arnab M.

I was here for dinner last night with a friend, and I swear, at every table, there were only gay men, in all shapes and sizes. Though a New Yorker, I'm still not used to the concentration of fab gays and only gays in Boystown. It's FABBBULOUS! Anywho, the waitstaff were flamboyantly awesome, we were seated quickly nad our orders taken. I had a delicious mango bubble tea, yummmmmy, and a shrimp dumpling noodle soup. The soup came with shredded pork on it, which is not something I expected or was aware of, but it didn't taste bad, which is good, but I'm not the biggest fan of pork, so I fished it out in what can only be described as a rather uncouth manner but oh well, I wasn't on date, so it's all good! Oh and can I just say, everything on the menu is less than $10, I can't really complain about it not being gourmet cuisine.
(3)
Justin S.

While not the most amazing Thai restaurant, it definitely hits the spot. The servers are super nice and really attentive. Totally recommend the golden noodle with either chicken or veggies...tho veggies are my personal favorite.
(4)
Hanabi R.

I was here with a group of 7 for a birthday. I came away a happy customer. We ordered a bunch of the standard stuff, but with that said, quality was well above average. We had pad see ew, pad thai, egg rolls, spring rolls, drunken noodles, and garlic chicken. Good points: Service, Food, Patio seating for large groups, BYOB Not so good: Parking - but it's no surprise on a Friday night in Boys Town
(4)
Matthew A.

I love coming to Joy's. For the last 2 years or so I have been there about once a month or so. They are usually really fast bringing your food and most of the dishes I have tried have been good. I prefer your standard Pad Thai, but occassionally I get a curry dish. They are usually busy at peak times, but smaller groups usually wait only a few minutes. Carry-out is always ready by the time you get there. This is not the super best thai food i have ever had, but if you are in the neighborhood and want thai, I would come here for sure.
(4)
Aaron V.

I have eaten a lot of Pad Thai and this place has the best! Order online and you get a discount so delivery is basically free. One of my top choices in Chicago.
(5)
Patrick G.

Hands down the best Peanut Sauce in the city. The Rama Special (chicken, broccoli, and rice covered in peanut sauce) with a Thai iced coffee is pure Joy to for me. (Sorry I couldn't resist.) But it seriously is one of my favorite places to eat in my neighborhood. The price is inexpensive and the service is very quick and polite. The atmosphere is very nice as well. It has a casual feel, a backyard porch area, and on nice summer days the the full length windows in front open up so that you can enjoy both the weather and a good meal.
(5)
Philip K.

Joy's is ::thee:: place to take out-of-town visitors if you want to wow them with the luxury of good Thai food, right in your neighborhood. I sometimes gripe about their slowly rising prices as they've expanded their physical size. Is Joy's going to lose that neighborhood feel as they continue to expand their business? Probably not. The service is good, although before they added their new extra dining space, we were sometimes hurried through our meal to make space for other customers. The dishes are consistently good across the menu. So challenge yourself the next time you visit--try something other than Pad Thai!
(4)
Amanda K.

Eww I can't believe the good review, the only thing that was good was the tea, I got this noodle thing that was disgusting, so I ended up only eating carrots. I t came with an appetizer and I got spring rolls, they were okay, the sauce on them that smothered them, was disgusting. ICK! There are many better restaurants in chicago, so spend your money elsewhere!
(1)
Brittany M.

This place is just ok. My friend and I went because we got a coupon - buy one entree, get one free. (Check the back of your Jewel Osco receipts, yelpers!). We started off with the appetizer sampler. The crab rangoon had way too much cream cheese and too little crab. The fried tofu was bland. We both had the pad thai, which was good, but not the best I've ever had. I may go back because I have more coupons, but Thai Classic on Clark is a lot better, and it's only two blocks away.
(2)
Andy H.

I've only eaten here twice, but I'm already recommending it to everyone. I got the Bai-Tong Noodles and was BLOWN AWAY with how great it tasted. On top of that, the service was as good as I've ever had at a restaurant. They were refilling my drink and clearing my plate before I could even think to ask. Not to mention, they're BYOB! Considering I just moved into an apartment nearby, I know I'll be spending plenty of time at Joy's.
(5)
Allyson C.

It appeared to be clean, was really cheap, and the service was good. These things are nice and all but when the food's no good I still have to give it 2 stars. The pad siew was bland and it had that soggy taste like the noodles had been soaked in water for days. Also the broccoli was brown in parts. My search for great Chicago Thai has to continue...
(2)
dadasda a.

The food is ok but just down the street there is another thai noodle place for cheaper and its much better. Joy's will try and scam you. Just try and use Joy's coupons. They arent useable. The stipulations on them make it so that they are useless. The are only useable certain days and certain lunch hours. It has to be over 20 dollars... which requires you to spend much more because lunch is cheaper, then you can only do it with 2 people. Dont even bother. Don't even both with Joy's Do not go to Joy's walk one block north and you will find a much better restaurant that doesn't try to trick you. I will never eat here again.
(1)
Amanda L.

My father in law's boyfriend is in love with this place, as is he. I personally don't see the obsession. It's okay food, for a very good price considering the neighborhood that it is in. In fact, if it wasn't so cheap, I wouldn't be able to justify having to pay for parking. But there is nothing served here that I can't get out in the 'burbs.
(3)
Victoria T.

Friends were here from California and I had heard that Joy's was the "best" Thai. We all decided this was better than our favorite Thai in California... which we thought was good! We loved the Panang, like everyone else. The bbq pork with ginger gravy was amazing, the wide noodle dish we had was good. Each dish had it's own unique flavor and were distinct from one another. The chicken was not "weird" like many other Thai restaurants and the tofu was really good too. The veggies were fresh and the flavors were just awesome. So glad this place is two blocks away... this is now our new fav.
(5)
Franny C.

One of my all-time favorite places for Thai. The food is so good that I can overlook the apathetic and aloof servers (service is still fast and efficient though). I'm sad I don't live walking-distance any more. I heart Joy's super big. Yes.
(4)
Stacy C.

Joy's had great, inexpensive thai food and a wonderful atmosphere. They have inside and outside seating. We sat outside and enjoyed the cucumber salad and then ordered pad thai. Both were outstanding. Would go back in a heartbeat!!!
(4)
Becky W.

I think Joy's is the best thai in chicago. I used to live next door and frequented it. But now I moved to the other side of town and am going through withdrawals. I like the thai fried rice, and they have quite possibly the best tofu pad thai on the planet. Also, the spring rolls are fabulous. I miss you Joy's!
(5)
Jeanette S.

We have eaten at Joy's multiple times. It initially started when I had my wisdom teeth out and all we could find were menu's for pizza around the house. My fiance and I absolutely love Joy's. The delivery is prompt, the order is always correct, and the food has always arrived hot. Another thing we really like is that you can order it w/o oil. It definitely helps keep it feeling "lighter" and not nearly as greasy. The portions are large, so you can have lunch the next day, or sometimes even get 3 meals out of it. The price is definitely right, and the location is really convenient for us. We have ordered multiple things from the menu and then only thing we have been disappointed with was one of the soups with shrimp in it, but unfortunately, I cannot remember which one. Apologies! Anyway, thumbs up for Joy's Noodles. We love it.
(4)
David S.

I think I was still under the effects of the previous night's "special" brownies when I went to Joy's, so take my review for what it's worth. Joy's seems to be quite a popular spot in Boystown. It's just a block away from the bars, and it's big place with a large outdoor patio in the back (definitely try to sit there if you can). The menu is pretty standard Thai, with a lot of noodle and rice dishes. We started with a couple of appetizers: chicken satay (pretty good), and some fried cream-cheese dumplings, the name of which I forget. Those were just okay (but then again, I'm not a huge fan of cream cheese), and beware: they were really hot (temperature-wise), and I burned my mouth real bad (two days later I could still feel it). For my entree, I ordered the special spicy Thai noodles (I think that's what they were called): nothing to write home about... I actually thought they were very average, and there was what appeared to be sriracha sauce on top: nothing against sriracha sauce, but when I read "special spicy noodles" I expected something more home made for the "spicy" part. So... not a bad place, but the food was a bit disappointing. I suppose I should probably give it another try, since I was there only once.
(3)
Jason G.

Have been here many times and it is always good. The portions are large for what you pay - we never walk away feeling hungry. I would refrain from the bubble tea though, just didn't taste right. Fried tofu is bland, but that's what the dipping sauce is for! I live up in Rogers Park and make special trips down to Lakeview to go to Joy's.
(4)
Katie G.

I'm not sure whether your food is good or not because I have eaten at your establishment 3 times and every time I have to dig through a mound of hair before I get to my food. And, there's nothing more disgusting than hair in my food. Take my advice: WEAR HAIR NETS/CAPS/I don't care...just keep it on your head and out of my food!
(1)
Nick D.

Came here for another date (something about casual Asian restaurants...) and left moderately underwhelmed...of the restaurant, not the date. We were seated immediately, served very quickly, and the casual atmosphere was very enjoyable. I can see also how it could be fun to go with a large group of people! Being a connoisseur of curry, I ordered the green chicken curry, always a dependable option. When it came out, it looked good and smelled good, but upon further inspection it was probably the most bland curry I had ever had. Waa waa. I really wanted to like it, believe me I did, but it was about as fun and exciting a dish as a wet blanket is to play with. Two things stick out to me as major pluses for Joy's: their bubble tea which I am now in love with, and their prices which are equally as lovable. The one big minus was the lackluster curry. Perhaps if I go back again I'll ask for more spice...and then hopefully can come back to yelp and tack on a few more stars.
(2)
Katie W.

OHMYGOD please order the panang curry, it will change your life! This is my favorite Thai restaurant in Chicago, everything I have tried is SO GOOD. Prices are beyond reasonable, service is consistent, what more could you ask for? If I'm able to go a week without having Joy's delivered, I have to pat myself on the back for my incredible self-restraint.
(5)
Daniel C.

Not a big fan of Joy's (NOT to be confused with Joy Yee's Pan Asian). The food here is pretty blah, nothing out of the ordinary. If you like Thai food, there are much better places such as Opart, Cozy, TAC Quick and Spoon.
(2)
Patti B.

I've only been here once, so there's a lot more on the menu I need to try out, but I'm pretty sure I'll be back for that. After Joy's was recommended by my boyfriend, his colleague, and our first apartment agent, I was looking forward to a good meal. The food came out fast and dishes were piled high. Pad see ewe was delicious (might just be up there with Cozy!) and the boyfriend's spinach noodles (forget the name) were yummy, though a little bit on the sweet side. For the price, Joy's is pretty darn great. It's good to venture into new neighborhoods. :)
(4)
Elizabeth J.

I'm a prolific thai-food eater, and I love this place. The spring roll, crab rangoon, and veggie roll appetizers are all great. The Panang curry is really great, too...I also often order the Mandalay noodles or the tom kha. Wonderful. The service is prompt, and the atmosphere is nice. It's not the ABSOLUTE BEST Thai place I've been, but the prices are completely reasonable and my roommate and I go here constantly.
(5)
Brittany A.

My boyfriend and I came across this place while we were walking around, so we stopped in for an early dinner/late lunch. It was pretty delicious and not too expensive. The service was very consistent and the portions were huge. However, I live pretty far north and wouldn't make my way down specifically for it. If you're in the area, it's definitely worth checking out.
(4)
Becca C.

Being a block away from my apartment, Joy's is my go-to Thai place in the neighborhood. Carry-out/Delivery are super fast--I've never waited more than 20 minutes. Dine in is nice especially because it's BYOB. Service is efficient and the food is always consistent. If you order online, there's always a discount (I think 10 or 15%). I've not really had anything I didn't like here, but my standbys are the Garlic Noodles, Cashew Chicken, Baby Egg rolls (my fave) and Chicken Satay. The fried rice and Pad Thai are just ok....the Wonton soup is really good and a really big portion.
(4)
Ang R.

Really loved the spring roll here, including the sauce. Much better than others I've had around town. The pad thai was the only other thing I tried, and I also liked it quite well, though it was only tofu, so I can't speak to the dodginess of the meat. The person I was with said her garlic chicken (with rice) was tasty too, and as we're moving to the area soon, I'm sure we'll stop by for quick, tasty Thai eats.
(4)
JP J.

This is my go-to Thai restaurant, especially considering that it is just a few blocks away from where I live. Delivery is always good and the food gets to my door looking and tasting great. My typical order is crab rangoon and either the Crazy Noodles or the Golden Noodles. Dining in the restaurant is casual, but the interior is nice, the service is very attentive and swift, and I of course enjoy that it is BYOB. Great little spot!
(4)
Justin S.

Its good thai food, the price is right and the food is pretty on par. The pad thai....not even close to Fresh, which is still the best I've had. For this place go with the drunken noodle or the pad see eiw. I will be back, just not for the pad thai, that really hurt this place. Start with Fresh people.
(3)
James H.

This is one of my regular places for delicious carry-out. I love their Pad Thai but lately have been exploring other items on the menu (Thai Stick is great, too!). But Joy's has a large dining room and is great for eating in as well. I recently took my cousin who was visiting and he found vegetarian fare to his taste. Joy's ends up being a great value either in or out.
(4)
Brad G.

Very fast and consistently great service. Good value for the quality and quantity of food. Great people watching in the summer too. A very solid choice for Thai in Lakeview.
(4)
Jen S.

Joy's (and Noodles in the Pot -- owned by same people) is my favorite Thai place in Chicago! The food is so delicious and the service is really fast. Everyone I've taken there has absolutely loved it. Joy's has a nicer decor than Noodles in the Pot and it's also way bigger. I really like all the windows in there, which they open when it's nice out and the outdoor seating in back is decent. Couple of sidenotes: It's BYOB and if you order online for either delivery or pick-up they discount your order 15%.
(5)
Kristen D.

Gotta love Joy's. I have to admit, my main reason for going here is because of the BYOB and NO corkage fee! What could be better?! Service is certainly nothing to write home about but food is good and cheap, plus with all the wine you'll be drinking, does it really matter how good the food is?!
(4)
Eme L.

Back when we lived in Chicago, Joy's was our tried and true go-to place. When you want something tasty and cheap, it always hits the spot. My favorites are the crazy noodles, the pad woo-sen, and the phuket noodles. No one does a better rendition - I've never actually seen the phuket noodles at another restaurant. The service is nice and friendly, and it's a great people watching spot when it's nice outside and the front windows are open.
(4)
Amanda H.

I live around the corner from Joys which is quite dangerous. I grab their chicken pad thai about once a week...the best in the neighborhood!
(5)
Therron R.

Super delish! The food here at Joy's was low priced and tasted very fresh. They were very generous with the basil leaves, and service was extra friendly. We loved being able to walk right up and being seated as the front is open for the summer. Lots of seating is available, and good thing too so everyone can get a chance to enjoy a little Joy's in their life. LOL
(5)
Courtney L.

Simply put... one's life is better if Joy's food is in it! Joy's is affordable and provides consistently excellent food, applicable to carryout and while dining in. My absolute favorite dish is #10: Spicy Chili Noodle with Chicken. This is a great lunch place or for a quick bite in the evenings, not for someone looking for a romantic evening though.
(5)
Patty A.

Most of the time, Joy's is good. It is in my neighborhood, most of their entrees are under $10 but I've had Pad Thai that was not fresh. Not good Joys!
(3)
Cara B.

I have a love/hate relationship with Joy's. I had by far the worst experience while dinning there one night that I boycotted them for almost a year. It was when I had a craving for their fried tofu and spring rolls that I caved in. For being a block away from where I live I get tempted to go there with just the slightest thought of thai food. I still refuse to eat in there but I will do carry-out and delivery if the mood should strike.
(3)
Michael P.

Strong Thai menu, we love the garlic noodles, phuket curry noodles and chili noodles. Excellent value for the money, we like it as much for take out as eating in the restaurant. And the wait staff is colorful, friendly and at your service.
(4)
Sid B.

I tried the pad-thai as usual and it was good.... slightly on the greasy side though
(4)
Lindsay S.

Joy's is fantastic! Been going since i moved here. I've never had to wait and the service is fantastic. And who doesn't love BYOB? I love the food and crave it everytime I walk by on Broadway. Their ordering service is fantastic...I call it in on the train ride home, run by and pick it up 15 minutes later on the way home. Can't beat that! The atmosphere shows why I love living in that area, and this is definitley a neighborhood fav. It still cracks me up whenever I overhear a conversation of someone wanting to go try some thai and the first recommendation is always Joys!
(5)
Annie K.

Joy's Pad See Ew, along with some Prosecco is a perfect way to wind down from a long week! I haven't gotten to a point of putting them on speed-dial, but am close. I came to know them through Noodles In the Pot, a go-to place for girlfriends (and a cheap BYOB) off Clark Street, but it's great to have this so close in Lakeview. Their website has a decent interface too -- you could literally repeat your order if needed (and they offer a discount if you order online)... though that might be an overshare to say it's that easy to order the same thing every time. I digress. Fast service, lots of options, haven't found any other Thai that comes close.
(5)
Jenna H.

Joy's is GREAT! The soups are delicious & flavorful, and the pad thai is fantastic. The atmosphere is warm, inviting, lively, & for a close space the tables aren't right on top of each other. The service is friendly & efficient but not rushed. When the weather's nice they open the full-length doors that span the front of the restaurant for a nice semi-outdoor dining feel, without being exposed to the elements (i.e. bugs, oppressive humidity, etc). A neighborhood Thai BYOB with great service & even better food--what's not to love?!
(4)
P J.

A lot of my money has been spent at Joy's. I'm okay with that. This place is delicious and not expensive, the service is great, and the atmosphere is so much better than other Thai places. I absolutely love Joy's. I refer people here all the time, I bring people here (and I love nowhere near Boys Town). I was a huge fan of Noodles in the Pot, too. Go here. For reals. It's BYOB, casual, and has quick, efficient service.
(5)
Suzanne S.

I have ordered takeout from Joy's every week for years. Excellent food at great prices. You can't beat it!
(5)
Nancy S.

Wonderful Thai food. Top-notch! Good service & interesting interior. The Green Curry is to die for.
(5)
Chelsa P.

I love thai food and my favorite is Tom Kha soup, which they have a white version instead of reddish that I am used to, still good, but not my favorite. This place is always crowded which makes sense because it has other dishes that are very good. The Spring Rolls are very good and so is the Pad Thai, service is decent, I think I have only had one time when I had a problem.
(4)
Kevin E.

An easy Boystown spot. Great for groups, full menu, easy to please everyone.
(4)
Michael S.

There is nothing Thai about this place, save the waiters. Spicy dishes are bland and resemble frozen dishes from the supermarket more than a fresh complex Thai dish. Every dish I have ever eaten here has been over salted and bland. If you enjoy authentic Thai flavors, don't eat here, you will be disappointed.
(1)
Corey D.

Always good, always fast, and always super friendly! Best Thai in the gayborhood!
(5)
de s.

simple and tasty... just great
(4)
Danny G.

The best Thai in Lakeview, and contender for the best Thai in Chicago, me thinks. Have never been disappointed with any menu item, and I've tried most everything at this point. I frequently order carry out and have never had to wait more than the estimated time, which has never been more than 15 minutes. As for dining in, Joy's is perfect for when the weather allows dining a la fresco - there's a small quaint courtyard in the back, sidewalk seating outside, and the main seating is pretty much open air from the floor to ceiling windows. Service is excellent and fast, BYOB. All this, and the prices aren't any more expensive then other thai joints. Can't recommend Joy's enough!
(5)
Seth U.

Panang and Phuket curry noodle dishes are outstanding. All the prices are reasonable and they deliver quick. consistently great.
(4)
Blake H.

i have been here a few times. it is across the street from the caribou where i (pretend) to get my work done. i found out that i can order online 15 minutes before i walk home and it'll be there waiting for me. i am really glad i didn't know about this place when i was studying all the time because i would have eaten there on a daily basis. really cheap, totally decent food, and it couldn't be easier. haven't actually eaten in the dining room yet but it looks really cute. plus they have outdoor seating which is legit.
(3)
Missy M.

Enjoyable meal- I had the Bangkok Noodles. Yummy. Nothing much else to say though. Just another Thai place in Chicago where you can get a meal for under 10 bucks. (The plus side it is next to Unabridged Bookstore and He Who Eats Mud- which I love.)
(3)
Brett C.

Great, cheap, BYOB place. Food is tasty, service albeit somewhat hard to understand sometimes, fast and attentive. Great outdoor patio in the summer. Highly recommended.
(4)
Betsy S.

It's OK. I've had better Thai food, but the atmosphere is pleasant (love the brick walls and BYOB), and the staff are friendly. It's also a convenient source of take-out.
(3)
Aileen T.

To a broke and new to the city gal, Joy's was a godsend. The quality and service is on par with restaurants charging twice the price and I love the BYO! The lunch is fast, cheap and comes with extras. My favorite dishes are the beef basil leaves and chicken pad thai with extra veggies.
(5)
Christine M.

I love Joy's, especially when you can eat outside in the back. The service is always fast, portions large, SO cheap, and it's BYO. I love the Bai-Tong Noodles, most of the appetizers, the cucumber salad, along with many others...
(4)
J. O.

I think this is the fastest take out from a restaurant that I have ever experienced, so the 4 stars may be solely based on that. But I also LOVE LOVE the spicy thai noodles. The service is a little strange, the waiters are sort of aloof and float around. When I ordered there last week the waiter asked if I wanted my spicy thai noodles spicy. I think he may have just been messing with me. But, this is the only dish I have ever had here, and ever will have here, because I love it so much. Sometimes I get beef instead of chicken. That's about all the variation I need because I love it so much. Therefore, I can only vouch for this one dish, and I love it.
(4)
Rachel F.

This is my favorite Thai in the city. The food comes really fast. I only gave it 4 stars because sometimes the service is just ok, but the food is worth it. Its also cheap and has great serving sizes. Pad See Ewe: Best in the city!!! I get it with tofu. I had never had tofu before I had this dish for the first time and I don't eat tofu any other time; however, in this dish its delicious. Its also really good with chicken. The dish has wide egg noodles and a sweet soy sauce. Its light and so delicious!! I haven't found anything close to Joy's pad see ewe at any other Thai place in the city!!
(4)
Alexis H.

Man, I love me some Joy's, that's for darn sure. Joy's serves your typical American style Thai cuisine, and it's always quick, hot, and most important, delicious. You can't go wrong with the baby egg rolls or chicken satay appetizer, and I enjoy their Pad See Eiw. They are always willing to accommodate any special requests, and they do it with a smile. Is it super fancy? No, definitely not. But considering you can be in and out in less than 30 minutes and spend under $10 for an entree and appetizer, it doesn't get any better.
(5)
Lauren C.

Joy's is fantastic! Their lunch special is such a great deal and the food is delicious. My meal was hot and arrived in no time! The staff is really attentive and extremely polite, making for a great dining experience.
(5)
sarah o.

my bf and i went to joy's for the first time after a tiring day of chicago-wandering. the weather was perfect and we wanted to sit outside to enjoy it, regardless of the wait. we hardly waited 10 minutes to grab an outside seat, but staff was so nice and speedy and accomodating, you would have thought we'd waiting 30 minutes. we ordered bubble tea and our waitress suggested a different flavor - her choice was incredible! we sucked them down before our appetizers hit the table. everything was super speedy and came out freakishly fast - and delicious. our waitress checked on us a handful of times. fantastic. the end to a perfect date day.
(5)
Nancy R.

YUM - I love this place. Super good Thai rolls, the best I've had in the city. Grab your bottle of vino and head on over for some delish inexpensive dinning. I've been going to this favorite hot spot of mine for 9 years, can't imagine the city without it.
(4)
christine c.

pretty good, got the pad see ew as delivery. the delivery took forever so the food was kind of warm/cold but overall still pretty good compared to what i've had around here (silver spoon, baisi thai,...)
(4)
Sara B.

Food here never disappoints. The atmosphere is calm and it is a nice place to chill out and eat when you have had a hectic day. You also get % off when you order online...can't beat that!
(4)
Nathan K.

The seating was kind of cramped in their outdoor area, but whatever, the food rocked. I'm going to eat here over and over again. I got the coconut chicken curry, and I will get this again too. My wifes panang curry was fabulous too.
(5)
Jessica M.

I've been a long time fan of Joy's and I can honestly say that I've never had a bad meal there! Whether it's delivery, carryout, or dine in their meals are consistent and delicious. My favorites include the Green Curry, Golden Noodles, and Pad See Ew, though I've tried almost everything on the menu through the friends I've brought there and have enjoyed everything. Most of the dishes have lots of fresh veggies and add to that the fact that it's BYOB and cheap and trust me, you can't go wrong!
(5)
Joshua M.

Some good friends took us to this place and I'd have to say it was pretty good, and extremely reasonable. I don't eat a lot of Thai, but I'd give it a thumbs up for sure.
(4)
Julia T.

Food is great and fresh. Prices are reasonable, and best of all service is fast there is nothing worse than sitting and waiting in a restaurant forever to eat.
(4)
Laura D.

I ordered delivery from Joy's a few weeks ago.. I got the chicken coconut curry and vegetable rolls served with peanut sauce. I loved the chicken coconut curry flavor, but I hated the noodles!! The woman I placed my order with recommended the rice over noodles.. but I decided to give the noodles a try. Next time, I want to try it with rice - I think the combo would taste better but maybe that's just me! The vegetable rolls were wonderful, so fresh and flavorful. I will definitely order from here again :)
(4)
Julia W.

After spending three solid months in the back country of the Rockies, my brother finally returned from his NOLS course last night and we happily celebrated his graduation at Joy's. He loved his chicken satay so much that even when the chicken was gone, he was still eating straight spoonfuls of the peanut sauce. And this is not because he spent 3 months in the mountains eating god-knows-what. This is because Joy's rocks. I loooove Joy's. Before their renovation, my husband and I would eat here probably once a week. Once they closed a bit for renovation, we explored other options in the neighborhood. We don't frequent Joy's quite as often as before (we temper it with a little bit o' Ping Pong, Cozy, Thai Classic, etc.), but it's still one of my favorite joints in the 'hood. The food is way inexpensive and very, very tasty. The rangoons are good - not spectacular, but certainly good enough to be ordered every freakin' time I go to Joy's. At one point in my life, I went on a Joy's Chicken Coconut Curry bender, ordering it every single time we visited, sometimes twice a week... It's that good. I did branch out, though, and became close friends with the spicy green curry, the crazy noodles, drunken noodles, pad thai, spicy basil, and on and on... Joy's is a true neighborhood gem. And if you can stand the hell of Jewel down the street, you may just score one of the coveted "Buy One, Get One Entree" coupons on the back of your grocery receipt. That actually makes the buggy produce and painfully long lines at Jewel worth the trouble. 12/1/06 edit: The bender is back. I've had Joy's Chicken Coconut Curry three days in a row now and I have absolutely no regrets! 10/2/07 edit: I *finally* broke tradition and got the Phuket noodles instead of the CCC - and it is now my favorite thing at Joy's. SO GOOD!!
(5)
Joe V.

Love this place. Food is always good and fresh. Service is always excellent and fast. When the bill comes I am always amazed at how cheap it is!
(4)
Ori B.

Decent curries (though never spicy enough). Clean and fast and very reasonable.
(3)
David S.

Good food at respectable prices. My meal only ran $7 and included a reasonable amount of veggies & chicken, which is definitely nice for the price. Drinks are good for Thai places - around $1-2 which is the usual at a place like this. I can't say that I thoroughly enjoyed the place but I've only tried one dish, so for a meal ~$10 with tip you can't go wrong with this.
(4)
Local G.

This place is pretty good. Its not stellar and its not horrible. The prices are reasonable as are most other Thai restaurants in the city. I've had a couple of negative experiences here. When I ordered the Pad Thai dish and Pad Se Ew dish on separate occasions, both seemed overly heavy on the fish sauce. It was so strong that I couldn't finish it. I tried to douse some soy sauce to kill the strong fish sauce taste, but no luck. Haven't been back since. The ambiance is nice and the wait staff is friendly. I might give this place a try again in the near future.
(3)
Mark R.

My wife and I have slowly sampled the takeout offerings of just about every asian noodle place in the north halsted/wrigleyville/broadway area, and Joy's is definitely our favorite. The portions are big (unlike Cozy's), the food is delicious (Penny's lacks flavor), and the prices are good (Chen's is a little pricey).
(5)
Molly G.

Best Pad Thai in town, I did not give them 5 stars only because something or someone in the kitchen changed, their tofu is different and it bums me out. Not that it's bad, just different, I liked the smaller pieces so much better. And Bubble Tea ... Mango flavor is outstanding!!!!!!
(4)
Emily D.

I love Joy's and have been enthusiastically eating their pad thai for about 7 years. It's the best in the city that I've had, and their lunch special is unbeatable. One serving is enough for three separate small meals for me, so it's a good buy no matter how you look at it.
(5)
Jamie J.

Love this place! Huge portions for fair price and yummy drinks!
(5)
Alan R.

Oh how I miss Joy's. When we used to live in lakeview, my wife and I went to Joy's about once every other week. It is a great local destination that gives a great product for the price. I really like their BBQ pork. They have very good Pad See Eiw and also great Thai Rolls. Not necessarily a destination restaurant, but a great place if you live in the city.
(4)
Lindsay N.

Holy Cow! Joy's is unbelievable. I LOVE it. Before you get chicken or shrimp, I would get the tofu. They have the best frickin tofu in the city! And, even though it's Americanized, get the crab rangoon. YUMMM
(5)
Ash J.

This place offers very affordable Thai cuisine...My wife and I order from this place at least twice a month...The spring rolls and the panang curry are EXCELLENT
(4)
Ted B.

I can say, without a doubt, that this is my favorite restaurant in Chicago. I have eaten here at least 250 times! Everything is fresh, hot, and really fast. I highly recommend the Beef Salad, Vegetable Rolls, Pad Woon Sen, Drunken Noodles, and Chicken Supreme. All are delicious! Plus, they deliver and it's always really fast.
(5)
Mindy S.

Joy's has great thai food. I have never had a bad meal here. The pad thai and curry dishes are some of my favorites. Plus the portions are huge so there are always leftovers! The delivery always seems to be quick, but if you eat in don't forget your bottle of wine, as it's BYOB!
(4)
Jacob K.

This was a lucky find for me as I was looking for someplace near the Brew and View (aka the Vic) on New years day. The atmosphere was great, the place was huge and almost completely packed. I really liked the french doors and the tapestries on the walls. So onto the food. The star of the show was the beef salad. it was refreshing with wonderful flavor and some real heat. We had green curry with chicken and rice which was very good and the coconut in the dish made it almost like dessert. The beef pad see eiw was also very good and plentiful although there could have been some more beef in it (it was mostly noodles with regular broccoli). The Thai rolls were good (much like Vietnamese spring rolls although there was fake crab in it. The service was probably some of the best I have experienced (more so than many fine dining establishments). The food came out fast and hot, the waiters were extremely attentive refilling water when the glasses were empty. If you are in the area it is definitely worth trying.
(4)
Tim H.

Mediocre food at a local favorite pretty much sums up the appeal of Joy's Noodles. Situated in the heart of Lakeview, the extent of its culinary options include curry, rice, and, as assumed, noodles. While the food is fairly average, the service is generally top rate. This includes the very pleasant tranny hostess (one would expect nothing less from Boystown) and attentive staff. All that being said, its a great place to meet for a BYOB meal where you are sure to see plenty of friends and acquaintances.
(3)
Jenn L.

Wonderful wonderful food! Prices are so reasonable and it's byob as well! This is one of my favorite spots. Esp the noodle soup and the crab rangoons!
(4)
Erin B.

I am ALWAYS ordering Joy's (seriously!) delivery. While I'm not a huge fan of Thai, I really love this place. Their prices are great, and they are very prompt both dining in, as well as delivery. I'm a huge fan of their cucumber salad and their shrimp shu-mai. Yum! They just renovated their facade (maybe even the whole restaurant come to think of it), and now they have collapsible window fronts so you can enjoy the breeze on nice days/nights.
(5)
jackie g.

great service, very good food, and amazing prices! we brought our own bottle of wine and as soon as we pulled it out we had wine glasses set on our table. i had enough leftovers to last me 2 more meals! not the BEST thai ive ever had, but pretty darn good!
(4)
David T.

Joys is a great fun bustling Thai restaurant in East Lakeview. I've been going there for years, even before moving to Chicago and have always enjoyed there food. They has a big expansion last year and when they re-opened their menu had changed and all their prices had gone up a dollar or so. However, their meals are still pretty cheap and filling. Only negative thing is that sometimes when they are busy they seem to rush you out. I will always recommend this as a fun cheap place to eat!
(4)
Jenny C.

The food here is really good. I've only gotten noodles dishes and I've loved every one I tried. The portions are huge, I end up with leftovers that last me for 2 more meals. Prices are good, especially for the amount of food you get. I am not as impressed with the service here though. It's strange because there will be like 5 different people (literally) providing service. Which gets a little annoying, b/c someone will ask to take my order when I've already ordered with someone else. Also, a lot of the waitstaff seem kinda cold and are borderline rude. I'd still go there for the food though!
(4)
Clayton J.

This place is amazing... I am a life long follower of their panang curry... it's amazing. These owners also own Noodles in the Pot in Lincoln Park, and they are also very good. The thing I like about this place is that they have a really chic dining area, and all the waiters are cool. Their lunch special is good, but you get less appetizer, so I always order the normal portion... because I'm all about the curry... this is a boystown staple, and I highly suggest eating here.
(5)
jennifer b.

hands-down the best thai in the city. get the drunken noodles with tofu - you won't regret it.
(5)
Shannon S.

Joy's had some of the best pad thai I have had in a while. It was a huge portion that lasted me about 4 meals. My friend and I also split the mini egg rolls. I have to say I wasn't a huge fan of those, but she really liked them. We got it delivered and it only took about 30 minutes. I noticed on their lunch menu they had some pretty good deals as well.
(4)
Tony M.

I call their food more 'tasy' thai, then authentic thai. Curry dishes are mild, i like them HOT. Great value, large portions.
(3)
Rachelle M.

When I moved in just around the corner this was the first place I ate at after a hard day of moving furniture and boxes. . . The food was excellent and the service friendly and fast ( a godsend for someone worn and impatient). Three years later I have since moved but still the Pad Thai is worth the effort to eat at what I consider the best Thai place in Chicago. The service is always fast and the portions huge, I love bringing friends from out of town here before we go out for the evening. I suggest the back patio during the warmer days for those who haven't discovered it yet, intimate and quiet.
(5)
Brandon B.

Hands down some of the best Thai food in the city for the price. I always get the chicken satay or tom kha soup and the pad wood sen. Portions are very generous and it's BYOB. I've known the wait staff to be a little pushy, but it's minor. Go here!
(4)
David R.

I dont really like thai food that much, but this place is really good. The phuket noodles=the bomb.
(5)
Chiara S.

WOW! You really steered me wrong with this one, Yelp... So my 'kind of' dude and I were really in the mood for some quick food and didn't want to go the Jade East route again (not that I would have minded but they have our usual orders down to a tee). We wanted to try something different so gave Joy's a try after so many positive Yelp reviews. BAD IDEA! It took an hour for the food to arrive (no big) and when it came, we couldn't figure out if we had actually gotten what we'd ordered. I ordered the Lard Na and got some freaky deeky ass breaded and fried (?) wide noodles that looked like they'd been previously shitted out. They were separated from the tough meat, mushy veggies, and over-salted sauce and the portions were small for the price. I could have made something far superior for a fraction of the cost in half of the amount of time - believe dat! My 'kind of' dude got some nasty Pad Khee Mao type entree (I think that was the name...) that had the same characteristics as the Lard Na. The food was totally mediocre, very small for the price (especially the soups) and made me seriously miss my Jade Chicken and broccoli :( DON'T GO HERE! For once in a very long time, I was seriously angered by my meal... boo!!! I felt so gypped!!
(1)
Erin H.

I love this place! This is my favorite Thai restaurant in Chicago. I get cravings for the Pad See Ewe on a weekly basis. Delivery is always under thirty minutes (I live close by).
(5)
Aubrey K.

Joy's has been of one of my favorite Thai places since living in Chicago for over five years. They are quick with delivery and have a big facility if you dine-in. I like that in the summer they have the open seating as well. Food is always consistently good. You cannot go wrong with any of the noodle and curry dishes which are 4 Stars all the way.
(5)
Joseph B.

the mrs and i went here for dinner around 8 on a friday night, the place was packed but we got a seat instantly. the service was fine and the food came out really quickly, the appetizer we ordered came out in about 2 minutes. overall the food was very impressive, the chicken pad thai was out of this world and i had the panang curry which was pretty tasty as well. the best part, the bill. an appetizer and two entrees came to 21 bucks before tip and we byob'd so this place made for a cheap and tasty meal. highly recommended.
(4)
Andrew L.

I brought my hot spicy date to this place because she lives close by. I also had it recommended to me by a coworker. One thing to note right away is that it is in Boy's Town so it was no surprise to us that the hostess was trans-gender and when we arrived, we were probably the only straight couple in the restaurant, so if you are offended by such things, fare thee warned. We, on the other hand, are not offended by the abovementioned and had a great time. The food is cheap and great!! I got the spicy basil thingy dish with chicken. It was so good that I had to sit down, which was lucky because I was already seated. My girlfriend doesn't remember what she got, but she remembers enjoying it grandly. I also was pleased because I eat the rest of it ;) We left with great... Joy? Lol, I'm too much!!!
(4)
Curt S.

My favorite place. Cheap, BYOB and excellent Curry. Plus you can order online and save 15%. The menu is roughly $8 per entree.
(5)
M P.

Joys is always a busy place to stop in for a bite, but the waiters will get to your table quickly. Their curries are amazing, but their pad thai and other noodle dishes are not as good as they used to be.
(3)
Sydney K.

This is a great noodle shop at great prices. It recently went through a renovation, and is now double the size (although they have yet to open up the entire space). They have lunch specials during the weekdays which are a steal. Joy's is also BYOB.
(4)
B. R.

This is the best Thai food that I have eaten since being in Chicago. The quality is great, the prices are right, and their delivery drivers are always prompt and courteous. Everything always tastes fresh. This is a great choice if you are having a movie night in.
(5)
amy k.

really like this place. the decor makes me feel something when i'm inside or just passing by. it's sooo clean and pretty. like it doesn't fit with the food. i love the crab rangoon and though the green curry wasn't what i needed, it was still good. great prices too. highly recommended.
(4)
Kristin A.

Excellent Thai food and CHEAP! My boyfriend despised thai food until I took him here. You can get two meals out of one because you'll have plenty of leftovers. Menu has great selection and I have yet to not like what I order. I have only dined in once, I usually get take-out. Either way is great!
(5)
J H.

Great noodle shop in Lakeview. The atmosphere is chic and the food is good. The price is excellent and its a great place to dine with friends and on casual dates. The BYOB rule makes this place a great neighborhood eatery.
(4)
Mark P.

Sub-standard Americanized Thai cuisine. Blech.
(1)
kath s.

I like this place. Good Asian food that's reasonably priced. All the dishes I've tried here, I liked. :D
(5)
G G.

Great Thai! They recently remodeled providing more seating. In the summer, the windows are open adding to the experience. I love their Pad Thai and the service is pleasant.
(4)
Stephanie M.

I like the open airy feel of this restaurant. The service was polite and prompt. THe food was reasonably priced and quite good. I ate a piece of jalapeno that was in my food and ended up drinking half my water, eating half a bowl or rice and chugging some of my then bf's coffee too! Very spicyyyy. Not that it wasnt good food...just don't overestimate your spicy food eating abilities ^_^.
(3)
brett m.

hands down, some of the best thai food in chicago. the cashew chicken is effing amazing. the staff is quite friendly, and the prices (wow) are nothing to shake a stick at. this is an amazing place to meet up with friends for dinner. joy's is a delightful, addictive little byob establishment, so get your rear up to boystown.
(5)
Julia B.

I got take out from Joy's last night and it was great! Sometimes Thai food makes me feel a little sick after I eat but this was perfect. I got the Drunken Noodles with Chicken. I thought it tasted awesome and they gave me a small cup of hot sauce which added some good flavor! We got two full meals for $14.
(5)
mike l.

Wow, 60+ reviews, pretty popular place. For good reason. Joy's had pretty decent thai. Nothing spectacular, but definitely solid. More than the food, it's just a really enjoyable experience. the service is quick & they don't get all up in your shit every two minutes. Now that it's nice, they throw the doors open & it's just a nice vibe.
(4)
Yujin A.

A lot of my neighbors think this place is awesome, but I wasn't too impressed. It's not too bad either. It's just an OK Asian place. Their menu is pretty extensive and cheap. So I guess, the place is pretty good for the price.
(3)
a w.

Great prices for some really tasty food. I love going here anytime to get a very yummy and filling meal. Their Pad Thai is amazing and really a must-try. The only problem I have here is that it gets a bit crowded during lunch time...so the wait gets a bit long. Otherwise this place is great!
(4)
Rob L.

Nice little BYOB. Great that they can open the front windows on a nice day, tasty food, good prices, really good service, (drinks were refilled at the half way point!), I just have to say I wish their Tom Yum had a little more kick to it. and a little more flavor to it. Its been less than 24 hours and I want to go back!
(4)
Y G.

When I'm tired of cooking..I turn to Joy's. I love the noodles here and so many to try from too! Big portions for cheap, always have leftovers for the next meal. Great appetizers too and awesome Thai iced tea. I take all my friends here for brunch when they are in town after a long night of partying. Nothing satisfies hunger like noodles from Joy's.
(5)
Chad O.

Although its BYOB. Still the best rice, service and taste for what money can buy. Must!!
(5)
Nicole M.

Joy's is wicked awesome. My girlfriend and I come here more than any other place. My favorite dishes are Bai Tong (spinach noodles), Pad See Ew, and Coconut Chicken Curry. The Tom Kha soup is also delicious. basically... JOYS RULES
(5)
Gary T.

Disagree with Jennie C who wrote a review a few days ago. I think the prices are excellent. Its nice without the pretentious attitude. Love it.
(5)
Aztlan S.

If a restaurant's "look" is more important to you than the food it serves, this is the place for you. But if the quality and taste of the food is your primary concern, Joy's is very hit-and-miss. In the interest of full disclosure, I should warn you that my taste gravitates toward spicy food. (Like Spicy, try Thai!) The misses: First of all, they have committed the unforgivable crime of messing up (arguably) the most well-known Thai dish: Pad Thai. Their Pad Thai has a slight pinkish hue (as opposed to the more orangey/ beige colored variety you find at other places), I suspect Joy's drenches the noodles in red oil. I would rather go to Bamee just a few blocks up on Broadway. Another miss: Pad Khee Mao (stir fried wide rice noodles with carrot, tomato, etc.). It was lackluster, greasy, and, in all honesty, this dish is better suited for people with a bland palette. But Joy's definitely has some hits: the Phuket Noodles (stir fried spinach noodles [green, of course!] with curry, etc.) are positively delicious. The noodles and the curry are perfect together --slightly tangy with a spicy twist. Another hit: Spicy Chili Noodles (stir fried wide rice noodles with egg spiced with Thai chili sauce) are a spicy taste of heaven, spicy hot and delicious. The mediocre: The Tom Yum soup is too sweet for my taste. I would rather go elsewhere for Tom Yum.
(3)
Rachelle T.

I ordered take-out from here with a friend who raved that "Joy's is the best Thai food in the city" and while it was good I don't think it quite lived up to that rep. The tofu pad thai was decent (I'd give them 3 stars based on this alone) and the portion was very generous which was a plus b/c I got two meals out of it. The reason for the 4 star review is the crab rangoon I ordered as an app... it was awesome! I've tried a lot of takeout crab rangoon in the lakeview area and I think this was probably my favorite to date. I'd order it again since it was a good value and definitely filled me up!
(4)
Becca F.

This place was a standby when I lived in Lakeview. I love their Pad Thai with tofu. I dream about their pot stickers - and the sauce - YUM! My husband loves their Bamee Noodles. I always have to have bite. Their deliver is super fast, their prices are totally reasonable, and the portions are generous. If you can restrain yourself, there should be enough left over for lunch!
(5)
Kourtney L.

I pretty much peruse Colleen C's reviews whenever I'm in need of dinner delivered. On this occasion, I hadn't really eaten in two days (ugh, upper respiratory infection) and nothing sounded good. I picked at random and Joy's it was. My voice was that of an 80 year old smoker, if existent at all, at this time so the online ordering made me want to cry happy tears. It's my humble opinion that everywhere should have this. I ordered the chicken coconut curry and some soup. The food arrived a bit before the quoted time and piping hot. The soup wasn't really my thing but the chicken coconut curry was fan-freakin'-tastic! I really do believe that food had healing powers 'cause I began to feel a bit more human afterward. Thanks Joy's!
(5)
Monica P.

This is my go-to Thai restaurant. I no longer live in Chicago, but every time I return for a visit, I eat here. No questions. Good food, good prices, and BYOB. I usually go for the Thai rice stick (with beef), with the mini eggrolls. Joy brings me joy. :)
(5)
Lauren B.

Oh, Joy's. You are truly a Boystown gem. I've been more times than I'd like to admit, and yet, the food really isn't all that spectacular. (If you're looking to get some mind-blowing Thai...don't go here.) "Why do you keep going back then, dumb*ss?" you might ask. Several reasons: BYOB w/ no corkage fee. Economical menu. Generous portions. Lightening-speed service by very "fabulous" waitstaff. Great voyeuristic opportunities: the people-watching is great, both inside the restaurant and on Broadway. Lots of space, never a wait. It's certainly not a place where you'll enjoy a culinary masterpiece, but it's great for a cheap meal with friends. Bring that bottle o' wine or...that 40, and enJoy.
(3)
Risa P.

Oh Joys. You are delicious. For some reason, I prefer NITP but you get the same noodles. I want to sit outdoors here. The food is still awesome, and they really packed the vegetables in my dish, which was great. The noodles were great, and after a week of Passover, they were especially good. White wine goes well with these noodles. The service is fast, the prices are good. What more could you want?
(4)
Inna B.

Very, very solid Thai place. I usually get the chicken pad- thai or one of the curries. Joy's is cheap and BYOB. Good place to come with a large group of people.
(4)
Tobias C.

I quite like the waiter service here actually. They have the right balance of leaving you alone and asking you if you need anything. Ive been here three times and have been more than satisfied with the treatment and food I got here. I also haven't dealth with any crowds but Ive only gone here in the afternoon.
(5)
Ht L.

I grew up in Southern CA with "exceptional" Thai food all around me, so I am a very picky person when it comes to Thai food. That said; my family came out to visit and so I took them here for dinner, to check out the food. Overall, we were disappointed in the flavoring of our dishes (Shrimp Spring Rolls, Tom Yum Soup with Shrimp, Chicken Pad Thai, Green Curry with Beef, BBQ Pork & Rice, and Chicken Fried Rice). Don't get me wrong, everything was good, but just not "robust" with strong flavors. The service was decent, as we came around 4:30pm for an early dinner. And since it was still early, the restaurant was not totally pack yet - as I know it can get pretty busy between 5:30pm - 9:00pm. I like the fact that they do deliver and so when I have a strong craving for Thai food, I can dial up or go online to order. That being said; I would come here again for a quick Thai fix, but would consider trying some place else to find my "perfect" Thai restaurant. Not bad for this neighborhood, but not the best Chicago has to offer.
(3)
Real K.

This is NOT Thai food. I never understood the hype of this place other than it's a "see and be seen" emporium. Reasonable prices for what you get (if that's what you seek because you have to pay a camera ticket in 4 days) but chunks of chicken thrown on a plate is not "satay" either. My gay date from Schaumburg lead me to this place around the corner from my house. He had obviously been there many, many, many times before with other flight attendant co-workers/tricks and thought it was all the rage. 'Nuff said. I do thank him for the tour.of MY new neighborhood though. P.S. It's cheap and obviously people from Naperville or Iowa have never had anything but Rice-a-Roni or LaChoy oriental chop suey in a can either. And what's up with naming everything "Noodle" this/that in Chicago?
(2)
Leah C.

a great rediscovery... with the abundance of thai restaurants in chicago, we forgot all about this gem. great for takeout and dining in (good for kiddos too). love that i can get more than the typical pad thai and pad see ewe -- phuket noodles dish is yummers (spinach noodles with veggie goodness).
(5)
Jacob H.

Good food, bad service. A friend is vegetarian and his dish was delivered with chicken, simple mistake, it happens, but instead of apologizing the server grabbed the plate and walked away without saying a word. He returned about 20 minutes later, plops the plate down and walks away again, without saying a word. Eaten there many times in the past and never had service that bad before.
(3)
Taylor D.

Recently moved to the neighborhood and went for lunch. Environment: Nothing spectacular, nice inside, pleasant decorations. Food: Exceptional. Pad Thai is my favorite food and I have tried at from at least 15 different places in the past year. The ingredients are very fresh, the meat is high quality, portion size is reasonable, the sauce is on the sweet side. I will be ordering this dish again very soon. Service: Also Exceptional. Very kind and prompt. I enjoyed interacting with the servers. Overall: I will be going back very soon. They also do take out which is my Jawn.
(5)
Charlotte F.

I've probably been here a dozen times, but I haven't kept very good track of my orders, and this is definitely the kind of place where you need to remember good and bad and navigate the menu properly. I've tried crazy noodles, bahmee noodles, and pad woon sen and I can never remember which ones I promised to never order again. I suppose that means the experiences were not traumatic. The Pad See Ew here can be a little soggy, but they offer a Thai Rice Stick dish, which is essential Pad See Ew with thin rice noodles instead of the flat ones. Some of the noodle dishes are hit or miss, so if I'm craving specific flavors I have a really tough time choosing.. Chicken coconut curry is solid, as is the panang curry. Those are two of the stand-outs!
(4)
Erika C.

Really great, fresh tasting Thai food. Very affordable, nice patio. Great service. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Ben B.

Everybody freaks out about this place. I just thought it was average. I had the garlic chicken noodles ($9.25) and it was a plate with maybe 1/3 lb of chicken, then a heaping pile of bean sprouts and some ramen underneath. It was pleasant, but not mind-blowing. I've previously ordered things from Joy's that came out looking like a plate of snot. Joy's isn't a bad choice, there are just better options in Chicago.
(3)
Kyle D.

Overall: Casual Thai restaurant that delivers quality food with quality service and a good atmosphere. The good: Great prices, especially for lunch (specials). A lot of options on the menu. Good service and atmosphere. Once food was ordered it was brought quickly. Outdoor seating. Good portion sizes. The bad: The food is a little below my Thai standards. A bit too oily. The thai rolls were great though. Not spicy at all even though labeled as such. Atmosphere: 8/10 Service: 8/10 Food: 7/10
(4)
Jeremy L.

Joy's noodles is a joyous treat. (I'm sure I'm not the first one to say that of the 666 Joy's Yelp reviews - as of 4/30/15.) This review makes 667 and another joyful review of Joy's. I've only sat in the restaurant to eat once, but have ordered out from here dozens of times. When my friend Diana and I sit around her apartment in Lakeview and think of all the places we could go out to eat, by the time we talk about all our options -- we usually end up going with takeout -- our favorite Thai food place -- Joy's Noodles takeout. We normally order two dishes and share family style because you can never just pick one thing off the menu. Pad Thai, Crazy noodles, drunken noodles, mixed veggies are all so good. If it is your first time, get the Pad Thai. That will get you hooked. Also try a soup and a starter too! Happy eats, - Jeremy
(5)
Marco G.

When I was in the process of moving, I listed Joy's Noodles as a reason to move to Lakeview... and I don't regret it. Their Pad Thai and Pad See Ewe are solid options that never disappoint, but I must say, their Thai Coconut Curry is amazing! Love this place! Plus, it's BYOB.
(5)
Candace M.

I'm conflicted about Joy's. It's sometimes a 4 and sometimes a 3... you can definitely get some solid noodles here, and you'll always have leftovers. But there's nothing super special here, and the waitstaff isn't always so friendly or attentive. I like the base of the tom kha kai soup (the broth, the flavors), but I have to say that the "vegetable" option (instead of meat) is weird... under what circumstances would I want big chunks of tomato in my tom kha soup? Or thick raw carrot slices that you can't even bite? The only vegetables that should be in there are mushrooms and maybe broccoli and snap peas. The pad thai and pad see eiw are both entirely expected, and that's kind of what I want in my local BYOB Asian spot. Oh, and the thai iced tea with boba (you have to ask for it) is delicious. I've walked home in 15 degree weather, without gloves on, carrying this drink. A miserable experience for my fingers, no doubt, but completely worth it.
(4)
Jonasaurus R.

literally scammed! tried to order fried rice with more eggs instead of any meat. the person taking my order had a hard time understanding English. my total she said came out to be 8.xx (7.50+tax). when i got to the restaurant my total came out to be 12.32. Apparently the fried rice is only 7.50 if you order online and . however, the app I was using provided the menu and said order available only over the phone. also how does it make sense to charge me for eggs ($2) when i asked for in place of my meat option. and also not let me know theres a surcharge until i arrive for my pick up? when the staff saw me disgruntled with the situation after i told him that was not the total i got over the phone, he should have offered some sort of concession or resolution. but he didnt, and now im eating savory rice with eggs (no veggies or anything else) that costed me $12.32.
(1)
Chatzy F.

I have been going here since the 90's and today was the last time. Order Just chicken Pad Thai and it was horrible! They raised there prices and now put tons of cabbage into it. I took one bite and it was sooo spicy. Won't go back! Waste of money
(1)
Patrick L.

I was diagnosed with E. coli bacteria. Symptoms began the morning after I ate at Joys 5 weeks ago.
(1)
Keith P.

Food comes out quickly and is phenomenal. The Pad Thai is the best I've ever had, and the coconut chicken curry is right up there. My girlfriend and I usually eat later and, unlike most places, the staff didn't rush us out after 10. Friendly staff and BYOB makes it a great night out.
(5)
Erin M.

I have ordered both take out and dined in at Joy's. Both times the food was really good. It is BYOB without a corkage fee which definitely is a huge plus. The service while dining in was not the best I have had, our food did not come out at the same time. However, I will definitely keep coming back. Good food at an even better price.
(4)
Matt H.

After walking by this BYOB restaurant many times over the years, we finally ate at Joy's this week. I liked this place! Even though I found the staff to be a bit stiff when I was there, the place was clean and the service was very quick. I haven't eaten much Thai food during my lifetime but I found everything to be quite tasty. I ordered the Shrimp Won Ton soup for starters and felt very healthy eating it! :) I enjoyed the plentiful amounts of cabbage. I decided to try the Drunken Noodles for my entree and am very happy I did! Noodles were cooked perfectly, delicious pieces of chicken, and lots of carrots, snow peas and corn. The prices are very reasonable for the amount of food that you receive. We will return! xoxo
(4)
Lisa K.

I have been here a couple of times. The SO and I order plates and share. Both times we ordered the drunken noodles which I love. The first time we tried the coconut curry which was good as well as the chicken pad Thai. The service though was not on point the two times we've been unfortunately.
(4)
Rochelle O.

Joy's Noodles and Rice is one of those last resort restaurants when you're REALLY CRAVING Thai, but you're too lazy to go out of your way for BETTER Thai food. I went by myself and ordered one thing: the Pad Thai which was supposedly one of the more popular dishes there. I was disappointed the moment they placed the dish on the table because they had already mixed everything for me. THAT'S THE MOST SATISFYING PART, THE MIXING OF THE NOODLES AND SPROUTS AND PEANUTS AND ALL OF THE ABOVE!!! I also noticed the lemon wedge that was a substitute for what was supposed to be a lime... sigh... But for what it was, it was fine. I'll go back and try other things when I'm really craving Thai again.
(3)
William B.

I realize my last review was hardly a ringing endorsement, but I still fear it may have been a tad overenthusiastic. There's no papaya salad, even though that is half of the charm of the "nearby decent noodles" genre; the pad thai has no vegetables in it at all, not even scallions or shredded carrots; and honestly, I would rather they weren't BYOB. I'm still sure I'll come here plenty, but Sala Thai it ain't. [Updated to add, apparently I was wrong about whether I'd come here plenty -- over eight months since writing this review and I have not been back.]
(2)
Max B.

This my favorite Thai food in all of Chicago. Great customer service with very reasonable prices. $11 for large portion of carry out chicken pad thai. Great deal
(5)
Chris T.

So I've been hearing about this place from multiple people in the area that it's a staple food source for Lakeview, so I finally gave it a try. First off I was glad it was BYOB with no corkage fee - a big plus to me and my desire to drink for cheap. The outdoor seating is also a nice feature too. The food: I had the Chicken Supreme, my usual dish at any Thai place, and it was especially good here. I'd definitely order it again. The appetizers were all pretty standard. I've heard some stories about the waiters being a diva-ish, and you can definitely picture it when you look at them. I didn't have any problems, luckily, but I'd also say that while they're not the friendliest, they are efficient.
(4)
Megan P.

I moved to Lakeview a year ago and ordered Joys the day I moved in.. BEST decision ever. They are fast, great prices, and amazing food. Chicken Pad Thai out of this world. Beef Garlic Noodles I crave someday's because it is like nothing I have ever had. ALL the appetizers are the bomb.com I have nothing but great things to say about Joys.
(5)
Sergio J.

I should have known better to not go back to this place. I went in yesterday, and remembered why in 2010 I said I would never go back. I figured that after a few years of avoiding this place, that it would be worth the visit since they are still in business. Just like the previous times I got sick again. Every time I go here I get sick. And just like the last time, I had to re-order my drinks because they forgot I ordered drinks. I'm sorry I wasted my money at Joys, and it reminds me to never go back.
(1)
Sarah Y.

I had a crave-worthy garlic chicken noodles, which is egg noodles in a garlicy umami sauce with some chicken chunks. My boyfriend had the thai basil chicken, which was not very good. It was also chunks of chicken sauteed in veggies. We had both thought it was going to be ground chicken with better seasoning. The spring rolls and yom kha soup that we started with were good though. Everything was quite flavorful, even the disappointing thai basil chicken.
(4)
Patrick W.

My boyfriend and I arrived at Joy's around 9pm. The posted hours say they close at 10. The person who greeted said the kitchen closed in 10 minutes. We asked if it was okay if we still ate, he said it was fine. I had the chicken coconut curry. It was very good. The curry broth was nice, but could have been a little spicier. The fried noodles weren't my favorite. The boyfriend had Lard na. The noodles seem deep friend instead of pan fried which has happened a couple of places in Chicago. I had never had it actually deep fried anywhere else but Chicago. Not sure if that is normal. It was good though. The server was kind of rude and closed the windows by where we were sitting halfway through the meal. Sad. Food was good. Service. Ehhhh. Will go back but probably for take out.
(4)
George N.

After reading mixed reviews, we decided to try this place! After being shown our table the fastest service we received was a wine opener (sure, the most important item! Byob) It took about ten minutes to be greeted after being seated and know who our waitress was, even after making eye contact. The food was ok and the service subpar. No one asked how we were doing and had to ask several times for an extra napkin. If you want carry out, this is the place. It was packed with carry out orders and deliveries, which may have been why the service was lacking to seated patrons. Overall I would suggest not to waste your time or money here.
(2)
Randy P.

Joy's is and continues to be a favorite Asian joint in Chicago. Been frequenting since 2006 and always fresh, delicious, consistent, quality selections. If you want it, they got it! The Pad Thai, Curry Chicken, and everything else is amazing. Don't forget to BYOB for an added touch to your dining experience. If you haven't been here or are debating trying Joy's, GET THERE TODAY!
(5)
Ilana B.

Within 2 months of moving to this neighborhood this has become my go-to take out place! I love their dishes and how easy everything is. Great Thai, Fast, Reasonably Priced and just so darn delicious! Try the spinach noodles :) They're a great treat.
(5)
John M.

This a family favorite for Thai cuisine that has never disappointed. The food is probably 4.5 but I rounded up for consistency. Patio seating is fun on a summer eve but the inside seating is more comfortable when it's humid. All the standard fare is available and made with fresh ingredients. Their "spicy" is for American palates so don't be afraid to try those dishes. Tom Kha soup is excellent and big enough for two to share. Entree portions are also generous. Carry out is surprisingly quick and you get a 15% discount for ordering online. Noodle dishes, curries, rice plates: everything we've tried has been tasty and filling. Not quite as good as I've had in Bangkok but one of the best places for Thai in Chicago.
(5)
Katt C.

I don't think that the people that left great reviews for this place have experience with Thai food. This place has Thai food that has been prepared like cheap Chinese food. Greasy, bland, and just an extremely disappointing way to waste my money. Drunken noodles, panang curry, and egg rolls. Barely touched our food. What a shame.
(1)
Kristopher D.

Seriously the absolute BEST Pad Thai in Chicago. I find myself disappointed ordering Pad Thai pretty much everywhere else that I try.
(5)
Kelsey W.

This place is one of my go-to takeout places. It is delicious and delivers consistent food with a huge menu and great prices. I've dined in once or twice and have had good experiences with that too. My favorite dishes are the golden noodles and the pad woon sen. What's also great is that I can usually make an entree last for two meals (leftovers for lunch). As long as I live nearby, this will be a regular spot for me.
(4)
Norm J.

I went to Joy's Noodles & Rice with two friends and I wasn't too impressed. We all thought our dishes were just OK; nothing that would make us want to come back here. Also, the service was pretty poor. The waitress forgot to put my food order in and she never realized or apologized for her error. It was the runner who realized that I was sitting there with a look of hunger/annoyance on my face with no food in front of me. About 12 - 15 minutes after my friends got their food mine finally arrived. So yeah I won't be going back here.
(2)
Joni T.

I love Joy's! It is a neighborhood staple for me. It's BYOB (always a positive) and the service is fast. I've been here for dine-in, take-out and delivery ; the quality is always the same - amazing! Favorites include the tofu pad thai, the crab rangoon, spring rolls and panang noodles. So good!
(5)
Lindsay R.

Best pad Thai in Lakeview! Never disappointed and delivery is typically pretty quick!
(5)
Briordy M.

Awesome. Just moved to hood. Fast, great service. Nice ambience. Great food.
(5)
Lisa M.

This place is so good!!!! Best crab Rangoon!!! Make sure to try them!!
(5)
Betty Q.

Went with a group of 40! Yes, 40 people. The food was brought amazingly quick and was delicious. I had the bamee noodles with tofu and oh my god, it's good. I didn't even finish it, it could feed 2 people easily. The waitresses kept our glasses full and our requests were fufilled. All my friends bought Taro Bubble Tea and it was great. I bought a green tea and taro flavored one and it was also delicious. I'll be back Joy's!
(5)
Madeleine E.

We were hungry and in the neighborhood, so we came here because of the Yelp 4 star rating. Service was slow. Food was overly sweet and lacked depth of flavor. We ordered some standards: fried rice, pad thai, crab rangoon. The rangoons were frozen and reheated. We added a bunch of soy sauce and hot sauce to the fried rice. We left the sweet mushy pad thai for the trash. The water was good. The price was decent. I don't plan to return.
(2)
Tova M.

This is one of the worst thai restaurants I've ever been two. I've gone twice, the first time getting garlic chicken and the second the coconut curry. The first time, the food was disgusting, and I gave up trying to eat it a few bites in. Based on Yelp reviews, I decided to give the curry a chance. It is extremely bland, with no spice, and absolutely no vegetables (seriously - what is this??). Additionally, my curry was almost cold when I picked it up (10 mins after placing my order). I cannot recommend this place, and in fact recommend not going.
(1)
A. J.

This place is a great (& consistent) neighborhood Thai restaurant. Their pad see ew is always delicious, and I have been ordering it for YEARS. They always hit the proper noodle/egg/meat ratio right on the nose. Do they have an exhaustive menu? No, it's tightly edited, so if you have a super-favorite dish, check their menu before you go. The dessert list is just lychee or rambutan, no custard, no sticky rice & mango. What they do have is super-consistently executed and delicious, and service is more solid than many places I frequent. The wide-open storefront, cozy if simple decor with Thai touches, and sidewalk & back patios are icing on the cake.
(4)
Elise K.

Joy's rarely fails to please. The food is consistently fresh and tasty. (The good) In-restaurant service is quick, but you will have to wait about an hour for your delivery... Even if you live around the corner. (The bad) I love the tofu dishes - panang curry is a favorite. (More good, no ugly).
(4)
Rachel B.

Of the infinite Thai joints in the city, this place is my favorite. And I get around Cheap food, but delicious and not greasy. Also, BYOB with no uncorking fee. Recommend the Thai rolls to start- refreshing, clean and filling. I usually get an order to go and have them for lunch the next day. As for entrees, the curries are all good, but the pad Thai, golden noodles, and pad see ew are the best choices on the menu.
(5)
Dave O.

I have been going to Joy's for years, and not only is a nice, clean, friendly place to eat - but the food is very consistent and delicious! It may be a little more expensive than some other Thai restaurants, but it's worth it. (And - it's a great place to people watch!) I'd suggest going for the Tom Kha Khai Soup, Spring Rolls, Shrimp Shu Mai, Cashew Chickent, Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, Beef & Broccoli, or one of the Fried Rices. You pretty much cannot go wrong with Joy's! And did I mention that they are the fastest chefs in the city?!? Try it, taste it, thank me ;-)
(4)
John H.

My favorite BYOB in Chicago! Fresh food, great service and always a treat! The crab raccoon is delicate and the sauce is nice and light! Best I've ever had!
(5)
Dilaun W.

There are plenty closer Thai restaurants to my house but I choose this one over and over. The staff is friendly everytime I go in. It seats a lot of people and take out is fast. My abso favorite dish is chicken curry and I add pineapple. It is so yummy. Once when the temps were frigid I ordered joy's on grubhub and was so satisfied. Every friend who comes into town needs to eat a meal here. It's also BYOB.
(4)
Emily P.

They can't go wrong in my book. I love love their food. Their spring rolls are the very best!
(5)
Amanita M.

A group of my friends and I, six in all, met here for an early dinner, Tuesday 5pm. Excellent customer service, the hostess greeted and sat us down right away. There were only three other small groups in the restaurant at the time, so the noise level was low and service was prompt. For our appetizer we ordered the Chicken Satay and the Crab Rangoon. Our food came out right away, the Chicken Satay was moist and delicious, and the house peanut sauce was excellent, creamy, peanuty with just a little bit of heat. The Crab Rangoon was well prepared, light and crispy on the outside, with creamy flavorful crab stuffing inside. The sweet and sour sauce was also very well done. The appetizers were excellent... and whetted my appetite for the main course. Following the recommendation of many Yelpers, I ordered the Chicken Coconut Curry. I asked our waitress how spicy the dish was and she replied that it was 'medium spicy,' so I requested that my dish be made 'Extra-Spicy.' My friends ordered the Pad Thai with Tofu, Pad Thai with Beef, Drunken Noodles, Crazy Noodles, and the Mixed Vegetables dish. Less than five minutes after we placed our order, the waitress brought out all six of our dishes and served us. The plates were piled high with a huge mound of noodles and veggies, ect; my friends were all satisfied with their meals, although one suggested that the tofu was over cooked. My Chicken Coconut Curry had a nice subtle flavor, but was lukewarm at best. The 'broth' had absolutely no spiciness to it at all; to make it 'Extra-Spicy,' they just added a tablespoon of chili powder right on top the crispy golden noodles and topped it off with cilantro and onion. For the price, excellent customer service, and yummy appetizers, I would definitely give this place a second try. However, I would rather wait the time required to freshly prepare my food, than have reheated, pre-made food served promptly. I was disappointed.
(1)
Jen K.

It's close to where I live and it's my go-to Thai place. The service is always friendly and fast. I have tried quite a few things on the menu and out of the appetizers I've had, I like the crab rangoon the most. The cucumber salad is good and light. I like the pad thai but I like the pad see eiw too. Overall, I would definitely recommend it. It's a good price, good location, lots of seating. Check it out.
(4)
Hector A.

The food was good but the service was a little slow the staff seemed a bit distracted I guess cause it was almost closing time and had pick up and delivery orders still going out but the food is definitely good I ordered the cashew chicken with steamed rice it has pineapple some veggies chicken and cashews the sauce is tasty with the rice and the crab rangoons are small but delicious.
(4)
Rick T.

Joy's is probably the #1 reason that I regret moving from Lakeview to LIncoln Park. Let met think about this.... Yep. #1. Thai restaurants in Chicago are usually dives with atmospheres that rival Abu Ghraib. Joy's, though, is classy, comfortable, and clean. The food is always spot on: Perfectly prepared satay of all varieties with quite possibly the most spice-a-lishous basil leaves entree on record. There's a top secret little patio out back that's perfect for clandestine summertime dining. Now, the question that I've yet to answer: Are all of the servers here gay or are they just Thai? They're gay, right? But...well, maybe not. Hmm.
(5)
Stephanie M.

Favorite Thai place in Chicago. I recommend the pad thai, lard na, crag Rangoon, and mango bubble tea! All very delicious!
(5)
Imane O.

I had a dinner here with 2 friends, it was a nice dining area clean restaurant and good prices, the vegetables were fresh and good quality.the food taste good,I had a chicken supreme it was amazing but a little bit salty, my other friend had fried rice with chicken and noodles with chicken they all taste great,however the portions were smaller than usual Thai food ,and specially on the meat, even that we all know chicken is less expensive that was kind of disappointing. The service was not that great, it wasn't like wow us or anything but I don't mind,it was friendly and fast
(4)
Daniela A.

Went to Joy's for the second time in two years with my in-laws visiting from Italy. They both got the Pad Thai and really enjoyed it both times. I got the Basil Chicken the first time and remember regretting my choice. This time around I got the Basil Beef and enjoyed it much more. I very much appreciate that it is BYOB. I also found the service to be very fast yet attentive. The ambiance is warm and the space is nicely decorated in a way that is very traditionally Thai American. I can not say that it is my favorite Thai restaurant in the area, but I think it is a solid option for a fast, freshThai meal that is fairly priced and bountiful.
(3)
Brett C.

I order from here often, they have an amazing 15% off online orders for pickup deal. The golden noodles with bbq porn is awesome.
(4)
Rachel N.

I'm actually surprised this place gets such high marks - it's completely adequate Thai, but it's also not particularly amazing - other than the fact that it is BYOB, which always adds a special flair to any dining option. Had the pleasure of wining and dining (read seducing, sorry I'm not sorry, Paul) Ms KDavis, one of my besties from growing up on the rough oak lined streets of the North Shore - we rolled in around 7p on a Sunday night and although the place was busy, we easily got a table outside - FYI, great Boystown people watching - otherwise, the inside is spacious and clean - well lit - totally pleasant - it can be a madhouse on the weekends though, so plan accordingly. Started with the vegetable rolls, which usually have julienned carrots, vermicelli, maybe some mint, etc - you know, the standards, wrapped in rice paper - but interestingly, this had canned pineapple in it rather than a plethora of veg - it was fine but not great - though the peanut sauce is terrific, as expected given that it's basically melted Skippy w/ a bit of sriracha. In the past I've hit the drunken noodles, which are basily and tasty - not greasy - this time I had the spicy basil leaves (shrooms, onions, peppers) - it was fine but w/o much heat - though the condiment on the table adds all the fire power you could ever want, and probably more. Other things I've had that are decent are the garlic sauce w/ tofu and the pad thai - it's not extraordinary, but it serves a purpose. PS - none of the soups are vegetarian except for vegetable tofu soup It's a little steep for the portions, but most entrees are in the $10-12 range, so it's not a splurge - you can easily do din for under $20/pp. Parking in the area is a massive bitch, so be prepared to circle. And circle. And then circle more until you finally decide that no one will really need a fire hydrant anyway so you just go for it and realize you're a terrible person. Not worth a special trip, but a good neighb standby. Service is fast and perfunctory.
(3)
Tammy M.

Ordered lard na tonight on Grub Hub and received the wrong noodles with the dish. Grub Hub called to let them know and they refused to send the right order or give a refund. Unacceptable. Will not be back. Been going here for 15 years. What a poor way to handle a mistake.
(1)
Claire M.

I must start out by saying that it is a damn shame I only recently discovered this place. I feel robbed of years of Thai-eating that I could've done here. I've been twice, no, thrice (?) - whatever - and every time it was absolutely delicious. The veggie rolls with peanut sauce are just to die for and the pad thai is fantastically moist and flavorful. It's perfect, in my opinion. It just works for my tastebuds. Service has been friendly each time too. The last time we were there was right after the pride parade they were packed so that wasn't as pleasant ambiance-wise as the other times but that was okay. The taste of the food more than made up for it. There are sooooooooo many other things on the menu I'm dying to try. And the place is HUGE! I think it's the largest Thai restaurant I've ever been in (aside from Palm's Thai in Los Angeles). My other usual haunts only have a handful of tables. We haven't eaten on the patio yet but I hear it's niiiiiice.
(5)
Giuliana M.

A delicious, well-located, no fees BYOB Thai restaurant! They have amazing pad Thai that is well priced! The atmosphere is also very nice. Great food, they only need to improve a bit on their customer service
(4)
Charlie C.

Joy's I miss you- I moved across the city and still think about you some lonely nights. When I first moved to Joy's hood, I knew I was in trouble. I have a few weaknesses in my life. Cheese and Thai are 2 of them. I knew I would be there all the time, and I was. I am not kidding, I lived less than 2 blocks away and would get their delivery on average 2x per week. Delivery- it was pathetic. I can say without a doubt that I have experienced over half of their menu... but I did a lot of damage there on Pad Thai (of course), Lard Na, Pad See Ew, and Bai Tong. Mmmm, what I wouldn't do for Bai tong this second. Ugh. Maybe its over rated and people have had bad experiences but I haven't. I am not saying that these guys are the most authentic Thai place in the city- I am not saying they are the best BYOB. I am saying the combination of price, expectations, consistency are awesome.
(4)
Caoils H.

My go to takeout place. Delivery is always super fast and food is so good. My favorites include mini egg rolls, chicken fried rice, coconut curry is so so so tasty, green curry really good and a fantastic Panang. To eat in it's BYOB so a really cheap dinner out. Highly recommended
(5)
Jody L.

I picked up take out from Joys yesterday. I ordered the chicken Thai Rice Stick and the pot stickers after checking out the menu here on yelp. So first thing I noticed is when I picked up my food to pay, it was a bit more expensive than the prices listed on the Yelp menu. Total was about $2 more. Not a big deal but worth mentioning. I haven't had much Thai food before so I went with something that looked pretty simple. The Thai Rice Stick was good, flavorful, sweet. There wasn't much broccoli but a lot of chicken, spinach and egg. The noodles were well cooked and we're not too mushy or hard. It was a bit greasy and I definitely couldn't eat it all. I would get this again but add some more broccoli or vegetables. The pot stickers were a crispy, a little greasy and the inside was a bit mushy but overall they were okay. It came with a sweet sesame dipping sauce that was good. I don't think I would get these again.. Overall pretty good take out.
(3)
Max B.

Joy's is one of the things holding me back from moving closer to the city. It hits all the right spots in terms of speed for takeout/delivery, is a clutch BYOB restaurant, and the food goodness to price ratio is one of the best I've seen. Do yourself a favor and get the Drunken or Golden Noodles
(5)
Anna D.

I love joys!! The Pad Woon Sen with shrimp is my absolute favorite. The food is consistently delicious and the service is great as well. I've never had to wait a hella long time even when it's really busy. This is my go-to place when my money is low but I want something delicious.
(5)
Lauren S.

We LOVE Joy's - service is always friendly, consistent and delicious. We've dined in over 10 times and had their delivery service as well, although the BYOB option makes dining in a great choice. Take out is always prompt as well. Never disappointed, and this continues to be one of our favorite restaurants in East Lakeview!
(5)
Emily M.

When we first moved to Chicago my boyfriend and I stumbled upon Joys while we were walking down Broadway and it quickly became our "go to" Thai spot in the neighborhood. Joys has been a staple in our diets over the last 4 years; on average we have gotten take out from Joys at least 1x a month and we couldn't have been happier living within walking distance to consistently good Thai food. Unfortunately, that has all changed in the last couple days. I am giving Joys 2 stars because there is no denying that they make decent Thai food. However, I am giving them 0 stars for the customer service I experienced today.... I tried to order take out on Saturday before heading out for the evening. After the woman on the phone took my order and my debit card information, she quoted me an hour for pick-up. Typically I am quoted 30-45 min for takeout so I ended up canceling the order with her on the phone and I grabbed bahn mi instead. 1 1/2 hours later, I received a phone call from a Joys' delivery man. He was at my old address delivering my canceled take out order. When I called the restaurant to inform them of the situation, the same woman got on the phone and assured me that she did not charge my debit card. It was annoying but no big deal. Come Wednesday, we decided to order take out from Joys (I am not kidding people- this food was a staple in our diets). I also logged onto my bank account to double check that I wasn't charged for the Saturday mishap, but indeed they had charged me $39.49 for the delivery of my canceled take out order (which I never received nor signed for). When I explained to the gentleman on the phone what had happened, he said he wasn't able to refund my card, but that he could credit us the $39.49 towards our take out order. He told me he would just need my credit card number...I told him that didn't make sense given he was crediting us for their mishap. He put me on hold for 5 min and gave the phone to the same woman who I spoke to on Saturday. She made me explain everything again (though she knew the whole story), and then told me that she had already credited my card back on Saturday. I explained that I was frustrated given she had told me that she had originally canceled my order, and then assured me that she never charged my debit card when I called Saturday. I asked how they could make that charge without a signature, to which she could not answer, AND she told me that there was no way she could credit me for my take out order tonight. I then asked if I could pick up a receipt to see that canceled transaction (I live a couple blocks away after all), to which she told me no, explaining that her manager would not allow this. I again explained how frustrating this whole experience was and she asked what I wanted her to do. I again explained a receipt of the canceled transaction or credit towards my take out order would do. She informed me (in a very condescending manner) that there was no way she could do either of those things and recommended I call my bank tomorrow. So yes, thanks for the advice. I will call my bank tomorrow and let them know that the $40 charge is incorrect and then I will call Cozy Noodles n' Rice because I think after 4 years its about time we try a new spot...
(2)
Robert Y.

I don't get it. Mediocre at best. Do yourself a favor and go across the street to Ping Pong. I can say the service is attentive and your beverage is always full.
(1)
David M.

We arrived on Sunday at about 12:30 with 27 people (and no reservation). They handled it extremely well, set us up in the side room and served us quickly and efficiently. The food was excellent as well.
(5)
Richard C.

This food is fairly decent, but if you order in, don't let the delivery person leave until you check your bag. 3 times in a row they have left something out of the bag. Big bummer...you'd think that the first two times I complained that they would get it right. I guess maybe the 4th time will be the charm.
(3)
Josiah Y.

I would rather put a campfire out with my face than go to Joy's Noodles again. This place gets one star because the service I received when I last went was so abysmal that I wouldn't wish this horrible restaurant experience upon my worst enemies. My buddy and I went here, starving, after Jiu-Jitsu practice a few months ago. We were seated at about 9:00, an hour before they close. Pretty much everybody had checks dropped/paid on their table when we got there, and the only party left was big group (9 or 10 people) for a birthday that also had their check dropped. The restaurant stops service at 10PM. We were there before an hour stops. So service should be prompt, right? It seriously took about 10 minutes for our server to bring water to us. We picked out an appetizer and took a little more time to decide on what we wanted as far as entrÃ©es, but we wanted to place the order altogether. Our server rushed off after we gave him an appetizer order instead of asking if we were also ready to order the entrÃ©e. It took a while for our entrÃ©es to come out, which is funny when we were the only people left in the restaurant. The Mandalay curry was okay... It was lukewarm when it came out, meaning the server let our food sit on the line for God-knows-how-long before sending it out. The worst part was trying to get our table cleared and getting the check. My friend and I finished everything on the table at the end, and there was literally nothing on our plates or in our bowls. The only people left in the restaurant was the big party behind us. I looked over and saw all of the servers at the computers, and nobody was paying attention to my friend and me trying to get their attention for a table clear. I knew exactly what was going on because I've worked in restaurants. We were the last people in the restaurant, and our server only cared about completing his closing work. So I neatly stacked all of the dishes in one pile and we eye-raped all of the employees for at least 15 minutes to get a clear. Finally, I stood up, walked over in their general direction, and shouted, "Can somebody give us service? We've had our dirty dishes sitting there for 15 minutes!" A server rushed over and removed the dishes. Of course didn't ask if we want dessert because they probably already shut down everything in the kitchen. And then our server grabbed our check from the nearby terminal, WHICH HAD ALREADY BEEN PRINTED OUT AND WAS SITTING NEXT TO THE COMPUTER, and handed it to us. I'm not a dick or one of those difficult, needy people when I go to restaurants, but this experience was just abysmal. I told my friend that the server deserved no tip for giving no service, but being a pushover, my friend still tipped 20%. I am never going back again and regret all of the times I have ever eaten at this restaurant.
(1)
Laimis U.

my favorite Thai food place in Lake view area. Become my regular for take out or delivery. Love it.
(5)
Chelsi C.

The food is always good. Service is fast. Coconut curry chicken is my favorite.
(4)
Kelly S.

I just LOVE Joy's. Super fast, super hot food. I always leave stuffed and happy and my wallet isn't crying. They are also BYOB!!!!!! My favs are any of the curries. The Tom Yum soup is also good especially in cold weather.
(5)
Ivana D.

Delicious and so cheap. BYOB is pretty standard for Chicago, but it's okay because there's a liquor store nearby that has prices that are not insane either. Every dish I've had has been delicious, the spicer the better! They will also bring you a side of the extra spice powder. Quite awesome. When I visit Chicago again in the future, I will come back.
(4)
Eliana C.

I had the Tom Kha soup, too much onion and coconut milk, not the best I've had. But the Pad See Ewe noodles were very good! Nice thick noodles, didn't skimp on the fried tofu and nice balance of fresh broccoli. Nice decor and good service, I'll def be back!
(4)
Jason A.

Joy's drives me crazy as a bi polar thai experience. Half the time everything is great, half the time I'm furious. One day food shows up in 15 minutes after being told an hour, the next they even me out by making me wait an hour and half. If your order by the phone expect the order to be wrong, then expect being chastised by the woman taking orders as she "remembers everything and is never wrong." Order online to prevent these problems because they will not attempt to fix a order. The food is usually pretty consistent, and most things are good across the board. I gorged on Joy's when I first moved to the area, but too many bad experiences later and its really just a forgettable thai place in a very crowded nice. If they can solve the consistency issues, it could be top notch otherwise move on.
(3)
Michael P.

This was my first time here and enjoyed my overall experience. This is a BYOB just an FYI, luckily my friend knew it was, I didn't realize. Then menu has a good variety to choose from, I had the dumpling noodles and it was good. It could have been more flavorful but I added some soy sauce and it did the trick. Great prices, between two people for dinner with an appetizer the total came to $17 a person. The customer service leaves something to be desired but the food and price made up for it. They close at 10pm during the week, a little early from what one would expect in this neighborhood. Great place for good food and fast service. I would come here again.
(3)
timbo d.

Twice I found the food mostly oily & bland, but tonight I was convinced by friends to give it another try. This time it was great... until10 minutes after the meal when the abdominal cramps started. I suspect some sort of food poisoning. I won't be returning.
(1)
Danory S.

Ordered thru GrubHub, Pad Thai & Thai Rolls. Pad Thai was okay, a bit colorless and lacking flavor. Thai Rolls were basically 2 spring rolls @ 5.50 seems a bit pricey. Requested extra Chili sauce thru GrubHub requests. Got 1 tiny container half full of chili sauce. Maybe Dine In is better...deliver is a bit disappointing.
(2)
Kate S.

I really wanted this place to be good, or at least adequate as it's in my neighborhood and would have been convenient. Nope. Ordered fried tofu which was as bland as could be followed by vegetable Pad Thai (my daughter) and Drunken Nooldes (me). Both were unmemorable to be kind. Where to start. The Drunken Noodles had carrots in large chunks and thin slices. The broccoli was barely cooked and too large to eat in a bite and we were only given forks (and "Chinese broccoli"? Looked like regular broccoli to me). Don't get me started on putting tomatoes in anything this time of year but lots of places do it so won't take points off for that. The sauce was thick, sweet, overwhelming and completely lacking in nuance. I tasted my daughter's pad thai and thought the same thing: just didn't taste like anything besides noodles and hoisin sauce. Thai Iced Coffee was also lacking in flavor. It was also pretty cold in the dining room and this was not one of our colder Chicago nights. Plates were also ice cold (although the food on them was hot). Dated interrior (dustry rose banquettes) didn't help nor did the heaping of food on the plate in a visually unappealing way. Just don't get the rave reviews. Maybe I ordered wrong but I see many people singing the praises of the Pad Thai so...
(2)
Michelle Z.

Loved the food. Servers were super friendly. Their menu is full of delicious treats; appetizers and courses. I go their constantly and is arguably one of my new faves. The interior is a bit sloppy and unattractive, but other than that no real complaints.
(4)
Matt V.

I went here with my boyfriend and I ordered the Pad Thai, he got the Pad See Eiw and we got the Vegetable rolls for an appetizer. Tons of my friends have been there and ranted and raved about it so I decided to check it out! Let me explain first, I have been to Thailand and had authentic Pad Thai... This place is definitely one of my favorites in the city! It did lack some flavor but overall everything tasted great! The vegetable rolls were out of this world and my boyfriend seemed to enjoy the Pad See Eiw which means a lot because he has never had Thai food. The service was great too! Nothing to complain about! Check it out and don't forget to bring a couple bottles of wine with you :)
(4)
Joonho Y.

Out of the countless Thai Places in the Area, I end up coming to Joys because it is Delicious, Affordable, and Quick. Even after I moved out of the Neighborhood, I still drop by for Lunch sometimes. Try the Beef Pad Thai: it tastes much Richer (Darker Sauce) than other places. The Spring Rolls are also very good. Hard to beat the Lunch Specials here!
(5)
Anja H.

Wonderful place. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, our staff was pleasant and patient, and the food is GREAT. Plus, you can eat well for an affordable price (We had leftovers). On every visit I've never had an exclusively "Thai" dish, since I'm not a huge fan, so I can't speak to its authenticity in that regard... but everything I've had is delicious. If you can, sit on the front or back patio!
(5)
Amber K.

Fast delivery, good food for the $ - love the spring rolls (they are not fried and very different and refreshing take).
(4)
Jason P.

Sometimes you need a break when In the heartland of deep dish pizzas, hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches. What better way than to eat some ethnic food, Thai cuisine at Joy's Noodles and Rice playing the part as the perfect alternative. The inside of Joy's somewhat resembles like it used to be an Italian restaurant with the stone walls and tiled floors. But then decorated on the walls, is an assortment of Thai murals such as the revered elephants and the Thai goddess. The layout is very roomy, where they could easily squeeze in a dozen or more tables into the establishment due to the sheer size consisting of two rooms and outdoor seating. After all the greasy eats, I was looking for something light, so I ordered the Nam Tok ($8.50), which consists of tender beef mixed with red onion, scallion, hot pepper, and tasty lime juice on a bed of lettuce. The beef had a very nice char to it and was impressive on its own. But when added to the pool of spicy lime juice, this dish was beyond my expectations. The lime juice had a lot of heat where it had me sweating, but not in a way where I had to grab anything carb or milk-related to cool my mouth down. It was an addictive spice that had me eating this dish to the very last piece. The lime juice was very strong, making my tongue almost numb from all the sourness, but several glasses of water helped to keep things balanced. Served on the side are quartered tomatoes, sliced cucumbers and julienne carrots to give this dish some crunchy texture and to help refresh my palate. The Pad See Eiw ($8.50) with choice of chicken, beef, tofu or vegetables (shrimp is an additional $2.00), was also very delicious. The stir-fried wide rice noodles were soft and slippery without being greasy nor did they clump together. It was served with egg and American broccoli in a sweet soy sauce. I initially had a minor gripe that this dish was served with American broccoli as it is usually served with the longer stalked Chinese version of broccoli, but this dish really worked. It had just the right amount of sweetness, complimented with tender and flavorful beef that actually absorbed the sweetness from this dish, and broccoli cooked just enough to maintain a crunch without the rawness factor. But again, I would have preferred the bitterness of Chinese broccoli to contrast against the sweetness of this dish. But regardless, it is sure to please many Pad See Eiw fans. Table service was exceptional. The waiter was very polite and every time my glass of water reached half full, he unobtrusively came over to refill my glass. And I have to say that I had at least 6-7 glasses from the spicy Nam Tok dish. Joy's Noodles and Rice definitely surprised and delighted me, surpassing many Thai restaurants that I've been to. Although the menu may not be extensive in traditional dishes, they do a great job to offer the most popular dishes and some lesser-known authentic dishes. Joy's wins two thumbs up in my book, and I would be hard-pressed on deciding whether to order the delicious Nam Tok again or trying their other dishes. Just thinking of the Nam Tok has my tastebuds salivating.
(4)
Eric B.

This place rocks. Super quick delivery. Chicken coconut curry. Panang curry. Amazing. Yum
(5)
Mike R.

Somehow this place slipped my radar, as I love Thai food. When we came, there weren't many people in there, but enough to have some sort of ambiance. My girlfriend is from near Thailand, so it was cool to hear her say the inside actually reminded her of home. It was also semi raining out, which added to the ambiance. For starters, we ordered the Tom Yum Soup (chicken), and the crab rangoons. Both were really good. I thought the Tom Yum had a great sourness to it that was a little better than other places I've been to, and the rangoons were bulging with goodness. We also ordered thai iced teas, which were of course great. For my entree, I had the Spicy Basil Leaves. Everything was really good, but it was easily the spiciest SBL dish I've ever had. I'm someone who can eat habenero almost no problem, but for some reason, this hit me. It went to my ears, which doesn't happen much. It sucked, and I had to order milk. The waiters seemed really confused, especially when I gulped down one glass of milk and ordered another. The dish though was good enough where I wanted to continue eating even after the hell in my ears had subsided. My girlfriends dish was good too (forgot what she got), although the chicken could have used a little more seasoning. Overall, the place was good. Not the best Thai I've had in Chicago, but still among the best in this city I've had. Recommended.
(4)
James G.

The food is tasty and cheap! You can grab a bottle of wine from the Walgreens nearby and bring it to dinner at Joy's without any corking fee. They also have online carry out which offers a 15 percent discount and the food is pretty much ready the moment you click send on the computer. Also the Green Tea Bubble tea is amazing.
(5)
Bria Y.

They have really fast service and great lunch specials during the week from 11am - 3 pm
(5)
Ben R.

Easily a five star place. First off the main point of a restaurant is the food & then the service. The food was presented well & was great! The servers were very attentive & attention to detail. They served the appetizer & did not bring food right in top of it. The handled our glasses from the bottom (fine dining detail), & were very personable. I ordered a bubble tea & that too was very good. Restaurant was very clean as well. Will be coming back very often.
(5)
Michelle W.

Had the Tofu Coconut Curry: delish!! Wonderful combination of sweet coconut with a kick of spice. Fun atmosphere, fast service. It's a must try!
(5)
Lindsay C.

My family really enjoys the food here, but I have to admit the service leaves a lot to be desired. Great for carry-out, but not so good for dining in.
(4)
Scarlett M.

I loved Thai iced tea! Don't pass it up. The service was great and the food was amazing. I had drunken noodles. Just do it. And crab rangoon. Sweet baby Jesus it's nice.
(5)
Ken O.

Lakeview's staple - never can go wrong at Joy's! Prices are very reasonable especially for the lunch specials. Service and food always very good. The portions are very good size. I have never left Joy's hungry. The take out service is also great - never had a order messed. Two thumbs up! Great job.
(5)
Marissa V.

Been to Joy's a couple of times and it does have some great thai food. Unfortunately tonight my friends and I had some of the worst service I've ever experienced. Our waitress was incredibly rude, to the point that we felt uncomfortable. Not sure I'll be able to visit again.
(3)
Grace W.

Not recommend to ppl who look for authentic thai food.... the food here is too salty and sweet, but may be fine to some friends ;)
(2)
nancy r.

Cute, quaint little place that was mere blocks away from my friends place. The atmosphere is very homey but also has that contemporary feel to it. Its surrounded by other small businesses. Ordered their chicken curry and it was super flavorful. It definitely had a kick but not overwhelming that I couldn't finish. Not too oily and well cooked veggies that accompanied the dish. Service was excellent and if in the neighborhood would come back again.
(4)
Justin S.

Not too bad but the food was kind of bland. Good prices but I like noodles and company better! In the summer they open up the patio and you can sit outside or sit by the windows as they will open them.
(3)
Alicia C.

I live in the area so I have been there several times. This is probably one of the most overrated places in the neighborhood. Yes, it's BYOB but there are tons of other BYOB options in this area. Yes, it's cheap but for what you get, you overpaid. I keep giving this place chance after chance because I am close and I love Thai food but their food is a sorry excuse for Thai. We had noodles, stir-fries and all sorts of appetizers from there. The experiences have always been 1-2 stars. The food has always been too salty and greasy. And the service curt. In our most recent trip on a weekend about a couple of months ago, I ordered the curry noodle soup per the recommendation from our waiter. My dinner companion ordered a stir fried noodle dish. His noodle dish was drenched in soy sauce. The noodles were overcooked to the point of being mushed together. The Chinese vegetables that his dish came with yet managed to be undercooked. My noodles got drowned in what look like yellow curds of sour milk. No curry flavor. Just floating grease garbage on top of pre-chewed regurgitated noodles. After dropping about $25 for that disgusting crap, we decided that we would never return.
(1)
Lisa S.

Joy's is my go to for ordering in, so I can't really speak to the dining in experience. Best crab rangoon I've ever had (doesn't have all the extra fried batter). I also like their pad thai, it's a big serving so I usually get 2-3 meals out of it. Delivery is always prompt and they normally have a discount if you order online which makes up for the delivery fee. Love Joy's!!!!
(5)
Samantha E.

Well priced and decent Thai food. I came by with a friend after Market Days for a quick dinner. The staff was attenttive and quick to help us with everything. The food was standard Thai and I had no complaints aside from the fact that I wish it was spicier.
(3)
Sandie B.

Is there a better spring roll anywhere in the world? i can't imagine anything topping these sweet little cream-cheese filled nuggets of goodness. I have to be careful to not eat too many pieces before my super yum Pad See Ew comes. Oh, and bring your own wine. They'll happily give you glasses and a corkscrew--no charge. Thank you, Joy's, for years of Lakeview Thai deliciousness...
(5)
Alan K.

I enjoyed the fact that we could BYOB. However, the only problem with that is the BYOB curbed my appetite. I ordered the drunken noodles with chicken. For the price, they give ample portions. However, I thought the dish was okay. It seemed to be over saturated in sauces which probably is laden with salt. As a warning, this establishment does not seat incomplete parties so please make sure that everyone is there, or trust me, they will give up your table to someone else.
(3)
Tyler C.

My go-to Pad Thai take out place. Cheap, delicious, and a very generous portion. The crab rangoon are also a frequent purchase as well.
(4)
Justin B.

Do not try and customize an order. I tried this today, a disaster. The waitstaff said they asked and the kitchen was backed up and said no. Basically I wanted a pad se eww with no noodles extras broccoli. They ended up getting pissed I guess and did not give me the full plate of food. Oh well. I tried. There's many more thai places in lakeview. No loss.
(2)
Alejandro T.

The place has great food and true to the Thai flavor, and it has a pretty neat atmosphere but I would rather order take out or delivery instead. The service is pretty fast but I couldn't shake the feeling I was being rushed through the meal and our server came off as rude. The meal itself was delicious, with the pad thai being one of the most famous dishes, but I had the chicken coconut curry, which was amazing. Their downfall are the portions which don't seem to be filling unless you are used to eating White Castle portions. The problem is not the lack of food, but the lack of sides, as their dishes don't come with a side of jasmin rice as other places do. Based on my 2 experiences there, I would go only if my friends really wanted to, otherwise, I rather have them deliver, or just order from another Thai place with bigger portions. Meh.
(3)
Madeline W.

I absolutely love Joys, it is my favorite Thai place in all of Chicago and I have tried a lot of different places. I order in all of the time and occasionally eat there. Some of my favorites are baby egg rolls, chicken coconut curry, spicy chili noodles, and pad woon sen.
(4)
Ben A.

This review is for delivery only. I ordered the coconut curry chicken and I have to say it's my favorite. Very tasty and fresh! I ordered spicy and it was definitely hot. The dish is well-balanced with noodles, chicken, and veggies. The broth is great!! One negative is the appetizer. I ordered fried shu mai and was disappointed. Tiny, tasteless morsels of nothing which cost $4.50. I'll stick to the coconut chicken curry.
(4)
Susan P.

Chicken satay was pretty good, spring rolls were okay but were obviously made much earlier and thrown into a fridge waiting for someone to order it (plate was cold). Spinach noodles were yummy, as well as my friend's curry spinach noodles. Price wasn't too bad and jasmine tea was good. Service also very good. Had some higher expectations for this place.. not sure why though!
(3)
Lindsay L.

I've have been here countless times and I wish I could say that I've tried more of the menu, but I stick with my signature dish. They have the best Pad See Eiw out there. To make this dish even better, add some fried tofu. A great way to start the meal is with an appetizer of Chicken Satay and Spring Rolls, but don't expect to finish this on your own. Portion sizes are very generous and the prices are extremely reasonable.To make things the deal even sweeter, Joy's Noodles & Rice is BYOB, so bring your own drinks and enjoy. Great atmosphere, cool decor and fast and friendly service. Can't wait to get home so I can have it again!
(5)
Brian M.

my favorite places for pad thai/pad see ew type dishes
(5)
E P.

I have a soft spot for this place. I've been eating here for over 10 years and could eat here every day. It's not for every taste, I'm sure. But for me this is the ideal vegetarian meal: spring rolls (with cream cheese), garlic tofu with broccoli and Thai iced coffee.
(4)
Thais A.

Absolutely fantastic!!! I dined outside, and it was the most perfect atmosphere I could have asked for. The waitstaff is courteous and genuine. And the food, amazing! Portions were big, and the flavors hit all the right spots at the right time. It's BYOB! So make sure to bring a bottle, or two.
(5)
Mary T.

Great food and a lively atmosphere! My favorite dishes: Drunken Noodles with Beef...Mini Egg Rolls...Cucumber Salad. Bonus: Good "people watching" in the summer time :-)
(4)
Marc C.

Joy's is a nice atmosphere and a staple for the neighborhood. It seems to always be busy and with BYOB and reasonable prices, it is a good option for dates, or for a group that enjoys decent Thai food. I'm giving Joy's three stars because in all the times I have been there, the service has been excellent, but I have been consistently underwhelmed by the quality of the food. I have had excellent Thai food and poor excuses for Thai food, Joy's falls right in the middle. Consistently decent, but not excellent.
(3)
Annie N.

Just like every other Thai place I've been to around LP/Lakeview area. I hate generalizing restaurants, but really, having been to Thailand and most of SE Asia, it's rather hard to find an authentic place around here. Nothing I've ever tried comes close to the food I had when I was in Thailand (which was full of flavor and out of this world). Having said that, Joy's was a good choice for a nice yet cheap dinner with my friend. The restaurant was spacious, and there was outdoor seating as well. We sat down right after we walked in, and since Joy's shares the same menu with Noodles in the Pots, I had no difficulty picking out something fast (since I was starving). Here's the truth: I think all of these places pretty much taste the same. The only 3 things I look for in my Thai noodles dishes are: (1) wide rice noodles - I love the texture and the chewiness of them, (2) Thai basil leaves - they're minty, and go particularly well with the sauces, and (3) a chilly pepper, which indicates that the dish is spicy (this, sadly, disappoints me every time, because the food is never spicy enough for me). I picked the Pad Khee Mao with tofu. My friend went with some sort of thin rice noodle, I think it was the Prik Pao Noodles. We also ordered a Crab Rangoon since I was starving and I didn't know how long it would take the food to come out. Fortunately, our noodles came out momentarily, but the crab rangoon was no where to be seen. Turned out the waiter forgot our appetizer. No biggie, we had more than enough noodles to fill us up. The food was fine, nothing outstanding, but pretty consistent. The portion was big, and someone can easily make 2 meals out of it. That someone is never me, but whatever. My friend didn't finish her dish, and was going to bring it home. However, my other friend came meet us and finish the food for her. So I guess 2 people can even share an order, but priced at 8-10 bucks/dish, you certainly don't have to. The waiters were fine. A little unfriendly for my taste. They clearly got a little annoyed in the end when my other friend came to meet us at the end of our meal and didn't order food - but I'm not sure why? We were there for less than an hour, and the place wasn't packed. She stopped by for 10 minutes, we paid and we left. Oh well, I won't be a regular here so it didn't bother me. I like it, and if I'm looking for something cheap/fast and decent in the area, I'll consider it, but I won't make a special trip here for it.
(3)
Abby F.

Very disappointed...I recently ordered carry-out for the first time from Joy's. The man on the phone was so rude I almost cancelled my order. Also, I called to make sure they knew I had a peanut allergy, I was assured on the phone my dish wouldn't contain any nuts. However, when it arrived it had ground peanuts mixed in. Needles to say, it wasn't even edible for me. Mine is also not the first review about lack of ingredient disclosure. Joy's is either going to cause people to be very sick, or worse.
(1)
Kathi F.

Joy's is a great restaurant when you need a fast and filling dinner. The portion sizes are large - my boyfriend and I can split one noodle plate and feel completely satisfied. The sidewalk seating is comfortable, the waiters are efficient, and the tea is delicious! I considered rating this only 4 stars due to the authenticity of the food choices, but it makes sense for this price level.
(5)
Linda SingaSong S.

To commence the final day of my exhausting 2 week Master Cleanse, I decided to celebrate it Thai-style with few of my gf's. It's a lot bigger than most Thai restaurants that I've been to, and on this busy Sunday night, the crowd was bustling with hipsters, couples, yuppies, and large parties. Service was prompt and my gf ordered a mango bubble tea and I started out with Tom Yum soup. I was a bit cautious & scared of consuming solid food after a 2 week hiatus. Oi... I can see why their bubble tea is $3. It's not the "fresh-fruit" bubble tea, it's the "mysterious mango powder" liquid concoction. We all tried drink & questioned whether the server got our order wrong. It tasted like a pina colada along w/ the consistency & color. He informed us that they don't use fresh fruit, and the mango flavor comes from a powder extract. How enticing... My Tom Yum soup came out later &.they put plenty of broccoli, corn, carrots...but taste wise, it wasn't fantastic. It was really salty and sour. For my first semi-solid meal, my tummy wasn't pleased. For our entrees, I ordered tofu crazy noodles, while gf's ordered tofu pad see ew and chicken pad thai. I liked how they cooked their tofu. Some thai places overcook their tofu's to a rubbery consistency, but it was crunchy & soft on the inside. Taste was what I expected from a crazy noodle dish. Nothing carrrazy. I'll probably go back to this spot coz of its cuteness & ambiance, but think I may have to go out of my comfort zone and order something wildly different. Maybe then... I'll give it +1 star. Til then..
(3)
Annie S.

I LOVE Thai food, therefore I have eaten at many Thai restaurants and this one is by far the best I have ever been too. The waiters are super nice and very attentive, you will never be left waiting for your food or your check at this place. The food comes very quick and is always amazing. I have had almost every dish from this place and I go about once a week. Order the crab rangoon, pad thai or pad see we They have two main rooms for seating, if you want it to be quieter ask to go in the second room to the right from where you enter. If you are on a date or want a cooler atmosphere, sit outsite in the back. There is also outdoor seating in front as well. BYOB, (without corkage fee) who doesn't love that? They also have wine openers you can use. They are also really good about splitting checks.
(5)
Vithida S.

Fusion Thai. The food is ok, the service is not that good. They are not attentive to Thai customers.
(2)
Vanitha S.

OK overall with good service. The portions are well-sized. Felt a little bit ill after the first time eating there and wasn't sure if it was me or the food, but another reviewer said she got sick too, so I guess sometimes their food is off. Love this place when the weather is nice and you can sit by the open floor to ceiling french doors. Beware those coupons that print on the backs of the receipts at Jewel...it's buy one get one free but you have to order a minimum of three dishes, which we weren't told until we ordered.
(2)
Derek B.

You can't beat their speed and prices. It's a very efficient staff, so it's a perfect place if you are in a hurry. I'm never IN LOVE with the food. It's always good, but I don't find myself thinking about like at other Thai places. There's nothing on this menu I crave. But again, great service, so it's a winner.
(4)
James K.

The food was very good, and I was impressed with the service. We arrived at 9:50, and their site says they close at 10:30. They were incredibly nice about us coming late. The food came out incredibly fast!!! The only reason they didn't get the 5th star was because the chicken (added to the spicy noodles) tasted reheated and more than a bit over cooked. Maybe is due to how fast the food comes out, but I would have rather waited an extra 5 minutes for the food and had it taste fresh. I will definitely be coming back.
(4)
Sarah D.

Nom nom nom. I love this place! I've been twice now, and tipsy both times. It's a good place to go with a group of people because it's BYOB, and I like the atmosphere. The decor is kinda dingy, but it just feels comfortable. My friends and I split the combo appetizer, decent, although I wouldn't order it again. I've had the Tom Yum soup, distinct flavor, reminds of me of B.O., but I think it's supposed to be that way. From now on, I know I'll order the stir fried wide rice noodle dishes. It's like Thai mac n' cheese and the perfect hangover food. They give huge portions, so I wouldn't necessarily recommend it before a night of drunken debauchery...you just won't get that drunk. The noodles don't appeal to the eye, but ohh do they the stomach. Service has been fine, and prices are right. A Lakeview must!
(4)
Mollie M.

I had a very unpleasant experience ordering on the phone for delivery. My phone call was 10 minutes long. Everytime I said something the employee was repeating it back to someone. They got my order wrong after verifying it with the manager. Upon arrival of my order, 15 minutes longer than they told me, my order was still wrong. It was the first time I've had a bad experience at Joy's, but this terrible experience ruined it for me. Too bad I still have a $75 dollar gift certificate.
(1)
Josh Y.

Joy's has quickly become my favorite Thai place in Lakeview. Their noodle dishes, such as Pad Khee Mao and Pad Thai are fairly authentic, very fresh, and taste delicious. The environment is great with a large dining room, an outside patio, and large doors they open in the summer if you want to sit inside but get some fresh air. It's BYOB (as are many thai places downtown), so that's always a plus. The one thing I would not recommend is their curry dishes. They are served with large, deep fried, rice noodles. This sounds good in theory, but you don't get nearly enough to soak up all the curry, which is really what you want. We asked for a bowl of rice, and were somewhat dismayed by being charged $2 for it... Would still go back for dine in or take out.
(3)
Sushma A.

BABY EGG ROLLS! Fried to perfection and very delicious. 5 things I love about Joy's: 1. Cheap 2. Large portions 3. Delicious 4. BYOB 5. Fast service
(5)
Jennie C.

Thai noodle dishes are comfort food for me, and I've tried quite a handful of Thai places in the city. Joy's was just ok. Prices were a tad higher than other Thai places, and the pad woon sen I ordered was waaaaay too salty. Service was friendly & efficient. Our water glasses were never empty.
(3)
Nichole M.

Your average decent thai restaurant. The itty bitty crab rangoons were very tasty and the pad thai with shrimp that I ordered was the usual for a thair restaurant, but the shrimp had zero flavor. I would go here again if it were someone else's idea, but I wouldn't be all excited and pumped to invite people to join me because it's just not quite at "oh so good" status. Service was...interesting. I have no idea who our server was because about 3 different servers waited on us. I don't like that, it weirds me out. Also, it was hot as hell in that place and that just makes eating unpleasant because you feel like you're having heat stroke, which makes one's appetite sort of disappear. However, I should note that it was very reasonably priced and it's byob with no corkage fee. A-ok, kind of, maybe, sort of good. That's how I feel about it.
(3)
Erika G.

This place is a solid three star joint. BYOB. My entree was awful, but stealing from my companions revealed delicious chow. SevenStar got the Basil Beef, which was very good. A nice size portion, delicious and fresh - the seasonings were yummy and savory. miniSevenStar hilariously ordered the Drunken Noodles which were also very good. A really generous portion, plenty for me to sneak frequent tastes. Beef, noodles and a few shredded vegetables. I got the Bama Noodles - pork with noodles. YUK. This dish illustrates why I don't crave Thai food very much - the sneaky sweetness that is in so many dishes. I like my meat SAVORY not sweet. Anyway. The other entrees were delicious enough that I don't need to hold my personal sweet aversion against this place. The appetizers we got - chicken satay, delicious, juicy, large pieces, and the spring rolls - plump, fresh and yummy with a big chunk of crab meat, were both wonderful. A pleasant interior - clean and airy, and now the windows are open! I'll be back again, I'll just order something else next time. And maybe ASK what's sweet and what is not so I can avoid for myself. Cheers!
(3)
Kristin S.

My husband and I have had dinner at Joy's several times now. The food and service are awesome. The back patio is great when the weather is nice and it's BYOB! Joy's is always my go-to for pad thai. I highly recommend this restaurant for high quality Thai food.
(4)
Mahsa T.

Affordable, fast, and delicious food--those are the three reasons why I love this place. I ordered the chicken pad thai and while it was delicious, my friend's PAD KHEE MAO (stir-fried wide rice noodles with basil leaves, carrots, green beans, baby corn, tomato and hot pepper) was phenomenal! That's what I'm ordering next time. I would also HIGHLY recommend the Thai rolls appetizer (shrimp, chicken, crabmeat and mint leaves wrapped in rice paper, served with sweet & sour peanut sauce)--fantastic! Service was prompt and friendly. This place is BYOB, so bring a bottle of wine or 6-pack of beer and enjoy some delicious Thai food.
(4)
Lisa M.

We used to order delivery 2-3 times a week from Joy's. Almost every time, they forget to put condiments in the bag, and generally spill the bubble teas all over the bag. When you call to let them know there is a problem, you are put on hold, while your food is getting cold. No one there speaks clear English, which I think they should if they are picking up the phone. It's extremely frustrating explaining any issue, and as the customer, I always feel like I'm wrong with them. They don't care if you're a loyal customer (seeing as how I've spent thousands of dollars with them in the last 7 years). I may order with them again because the food is pretty good, but it will have to be very simple orders, and no bubble teas!
(2)
S J.

Let's be honest, chicken fried rice isn't difficult to make, but you'll never find a place that can make cfr nearly as well! Also the rest of their menu is fantastic.
(5)
Shelby M.

I am obsessed with this place! It's soo affordable and the atmosphere is great plus great food! O ya byob too. My boyfriend and I walked to Lincoln park wanting to try something new last night...ended up coming back to our neighborhood and ordering joys!
(5)
Danielle S.

I lived right around the corner from Joy's and loved going here whenever possible. The staff is friendly, but from what I recall doesn't speak much English (which is just fine). The location is perfect (right in the heart of Boystown and Lakeview). Parking is a nightmare if you don't live around the area, but they also deliver. The front doors swing open in the summer, and it's such a great balance of indoor seating with outdoor activity. They also have a very cute back patio. I haven't eaten many different things here, but everything I have had has been worthy of a "I miss Joy's!!" every time my friends say they're going here.
(4)
Adriane P.

Very typical Thai food and affordable. The service is good. But it's entirely composed of tables and bright, not at all ideal for a romantic meal because there's not enough ambiance. I don't like tables very much in general, I feel too exposed or vulnerable. The "date" I went with is of the "forks on the left, knives in the back" character, so I could have used the added security provided by the seclusion of dimmer lighting and being tucked in a booth. But that's me. Maybe decent for a meal with a chum.
(2)
Jeff R.

We went back to Joy's for a quick and cheap meal Tuesday night. The food was tasty, as always, service quick and prices cheap. Erica went with the typical Pad Thai, and I ventured off the grid a little to try the thai basil leaf with chicken. We started with the vegetarian spring roll, served with warm, chunky peanut sauce that I could eat right from the spoon. I really enjoy the refreshing pineapple they put in the roll. The basil leaf dish is served with white rice and plenty of food. I enjoyed the flavors even with the mounds of mushrooms. The sauce was great with the rice and I really enjoyed the onions and peppers. I probably will stick with the noodles next time, but I wanted to explore the menu. Still one of my favorites in town, very hard to beat the value.
(5)
Annie D.

Chicagooo! [throwing up hands] I know you have better Thai than this. It was chilly and windy and the reviews of Joy's drew us in for lunch. The service? Awesome. The lunch deal? Awesome. The actual food? Not so awesome. At least not what we ordered. The boyfriend was starving, so he ordered the Thai rolls as an app, and then we both got the Pad Thai and crab rangoon for the $6.50 lunch special. The Thai rolls... nuh uh. I didn't mind the actual rolls, but neither of us cared for the sweet and sour peanut sauce that was generously poured on top of every bite. It made it taste like a syrupy dessert. The Pad Thai with chicken... another nuh uh. When I order Pad Thai, I look forward to a certain balance of flavors (savory, sour, sweet, citrusy, oniony, garlicky, salty, etc.). It was out of whack here and just overwhelmingly sweet. I'd love to give Joy's another try (almost 500 reviews and a 4-star average can't be wrong, right?) but I won't be ordering any of the same things I did this time. Maybe a little tom kha, a little curry or a little drunken noodle action instead?
(3)
Azad N.

Delicious and affordable thai food. Tried the coconut curry, the drunken noodles, and the baby spring rolls...they were all delicious. The service is friendly and the food comes out very quickly. What I love most about the place is the fact that all the dishes I tried were really light compared to the food I've had at most thai restaurants. They also give great portions, there was more than enough for me to pack some up and take it home. The decor is cute: it's kind of like post 2001 modern/updated building with all the touches of grandma's house like hanging flowers and cutesie signage around the restaurant. They also have a gorgeous patio that I'd like to try out one day.
(5)
Johnny T.

I don't know what I was expecting, but I don't think this was it. First off, Chicago is blessed to have many outstanding Thai restaurants. I don't know why this is, but I am happy about it. Because of this, competition is high and there is no room for average cuisine. Maybe it was an off day, but my food was decidedly average. I ordered of the (very economical) lunch menu: appetizer and entree for $6.50. I ordered the spring rolls and green curry with chicken. The spring rolls were...damp. They didn't taste very fresh and eating them was slightly laborious. I wasn't a fan. My curry smelled fantastic but tasted sort of bland. I don't know how that worked. For something that was so aromatic, I can't understand why smell didn't translate to taste. Satisfactory. Finally, I sipped on Plum bubble tea. I order my bubble tea without bubbles (I know...but those bubbles look like...don't make me write it), so I can't speak on them. It didn't taste very 'plumy.' In fact, it didn't taste like much. But, it was cold and refreshing. Satisfactory. But, again, in a city of outstanding Thai options, 'satisfactory' doesn't quite get it. I liked the layout of the restaurant. It's very airy without being aloof. This would be a great spot for a large lunch...if the food tasted better.
(3)
Andrea R.

I love Thai food. I love bubble tea. So I was filled with "joy" when my favorite Friday lunch gals (hi Colleen & Jelena!) suggested Joys. Once scoring a parking spot (not an easy task in this neighborhood) my stomach was growling. I followed Colleen C's lead (she usually knows best) and ordered a mango bubble tea. And then feeling slightly guilty about all the calories that are in that bubble tea (those bubbles may taste like air, but I've been told they are quite calorific) I opted for a spring roll appetizer followed by steam veggies. I know...boring! The bubble tea turned out to be a bit of a disappointment- the bubbles didn't quite explode in my mouth as expected....and instead were all clumped together in my straw. No fun! And the steamed veggies were a bit bland, but that's my fault for ordering them! Joys accidently put chicken in my veggies, but I was actually happy to see a bit of protein. I threw a bunch of hot sauce on it and had myself an A-OK meal. Next time I"ll skip their mediocre bubble tea and spend the calories on an order of their pad thai instead.
(3)
Mad I.

My former go to for Pad thai...lots of cabbage which I like. Mmmm
(4)
Katie K.

I really do not get these 4-5 star reviews, to each their own. I went here because it was my friend's favorite thai place, I really don't get why. My problem with the place is that the meat was incredibly dry. The rest of the dish was fine, but nothing to write home about. The meat was just so terrible, I don't quite get why, or how it has such great reviews. I mean, yes, prompt service, I guess maybe I had to high expectations.
(3)
Kyle H.

Joy's Noodles and Rice is great for Thai, Al Fresco dining, and it's BYOB! My dining partner and I are both currently seeking work, so their huge lunch specials menu was sweet recession relief! My coconut curry was $7 and came with a side, and the cucumber salad was fresh without being drowned in vinegar or some other dressing. The curry is billed as Hot, but it was only medium, which was perfect for me. We didn't order a dessert but a little bird told me Joy's has great bubble tea! Aww, I missed out! Loved the setting, loved the food, loved Joy's!
(4)
Natasha N.

AMAZING best pad thai I've ever had!
(5)
Celeste C.

Joy's is my home away from home. They know my name. I wear my pajamas occasionally. It's everything I need in a restaurant. The service is super quick, the food always tastes fresh, and it's some of the best Pad Thai and Bai Tong I've ever had. One of my favorite places to dine.
(5)
Christina M.

I've been coming here since probably around 2005. Today was probably one of the worst experience I've had ever. I gave three stars, because I believe the food is still good and I'm sure depending on the time you might get some decent costumer service. But today was just awful. I came in with my co workers for lunch and so we ordered from their lunch specials. With the lunch specials comes with an appetizer. I chose crab rangoon, and my other two co workers chose the baby egg rolls. Unfortunately the menu didn't specify that the egg rolls contained shrimp. My co worker is pretty allergic to shrimp. She started to eat the egg roll, and began to have her allergic reaction. That's when (after about 5 mins or so, because the waiter hardly came by to check on us) she finally got the attention of the waiter and asked if there was shrimp in it. Once he confirmed that there was, she ran to the Walgreens down the street. Mind you, we're on lunch so we already dont have that much time. By the time she got back she had to get her lunch wrapped up and save it for later. She informed the waitor that they should really have some warning or say what exactly is in the egg roll in case it happened again. She also told the waiter that she was really allergic. The waitor was just very stoic and had nothing to really say or even tried to apologize for the inconvience. We were pretty upset about it. I'd say dine in at your risk. I think it's hit or miss with the service really. My lunch food was still really good. Maybe take out or delivery only?
(3)
Jessica N.

Joy's is one of my fav go-to Thai places in the city. Fast service, lots of space, also good for delivery. My go-to is always the Pad Kee Mao. Perfect blend of spicy and sweet! All of their noodle dishes are pretty solid. Their curries could use some improvement, but since 90% of the time I order the PKM I would reco it to anyone =D
(4)
Phuoc N.

3 star for food. 1 star for the shit talking from the servers. Yes, we understand Thai too. If it wasn't for the service charge, you'll get nothing.
(2)
Drew B.

I went here today for lunch, a table for one please. It was my first time going to Joy's and I had a great experience. I was greeted promptly and sat at a great table by the window. I looked over the menu, which is real simple and well organized, and decided to get the spinach noodle Pad Thai. The entree was great, perfect amount of peanuts and sprouts. The thing I liked the most, however, was the service. Very attentive without being pushy. I will be back.
(4)
Mandy K.

Great food. Great service when you actually go to the Restraunt and eat. But be warned when ordering online. Delivery Fee does not mean Tip. I JUST learned this the hard way. Luckily i had cash on me. But my delivery driver was very rude and kept saying "delivery fee is not a tip. You can call my boss and ask them." 1. If you hadn't been an asshole i would have gladly given the tip to you with a smile. 2. Tip is NOT required. It's a gratuity 4. How dare you assume How i pay my rent! ("I provide a service to you. You pay rent. You should be able to pay me a tip...") 5. You are rude.
(3)
Jelena Z.

I don't think I've ever stopped mid-meal to update a Yelp review, but it's absolute necessary. First, the soup: pho me, it's good. No, scratch that... tom kha me all day long! This is a generous serving of coconut-based broth rife with straw mushrooms, tomato, onions and your choice of protein (do get the big and beautiful chunks of tofu!) and dramatically spiced with galanga root, citrus leaves and fresh lime. Game-changer? Nah, this is a life-changer. SEE THESE CAPS? I'm screaming! The pad thai with beef will forever be my entree go-to. Coupled with the soup, I have two full meals for about $12 (when factoring in the 15% discount available on online delivery and to-go orders. Every time.). Joy's best trait? She's consistent as [expletive]. I've ordered delivery, picked up to-go and dined-in no less than two dozen times in the past 3.5 years and her record is flawless. BFFs!
(5)
Cristina G.

Pretty good food int he Lakeview area. The service was spot on, very attentive. The food variety is excellent and everything we ordered was cooked to perfection. This is a good place to take kids as well. My only objection with this restaurant is the BYOB thing which is apparently popular in Chicago. I like to have wine with my dinner and luckily there was a CVS on the corner that sold wine. Whew!
(4)
Vanessa L.

What a delightful, adorable and downright delicious place. Came here for dinner before a night out in Boystown and after some pre-partying in our hotel room. Maybe we pre-partied too hard but that didn't stop us from bringing two more bottles of wine here (thank goodness for TGIF). The restaurant was super accommodating with our additional booze and brought us wine glasses and ice. The 8 of us feasted family style and ordered: BBQ pork pad woon sen, chicken pad thai, beef pad see ew, tofu pad see ew, beef panang noodle curry. The standouts were the BBQ pork pad woon sen (super delicious glass noodles with veggies and excellently prepared BBQ pork) and the beef panang noodles (beef in creamy, coconut curry sauce with crispy fried flat noodles!) I've never had panang curry prepared with crispy, fried noodles before and it was done really well. Our group had fun eating, drinking, and being loud. Service was great (they put up with our loud mess and even put up with our special requests for how the bill was going to be split up). The window is opened so it felt like we were dining outside in the open air - which is reeeallly nice but it also means that you might get bugs flying into your drinks. Nobody seemed to mind too much. We were having too much fun and eating too well to mind. I love this place.
(5)
Ehow C.

I got conflicting reviews about this restaurant between friends, so I had to settle it myself. The Thai Iced Tea was fine to start, but it got really watery really fast. The red tea was not that strong to begin with, which was probably the problem. We started with a Tom Kha, and it was satisfactory, with plenty of veggies, but a bit too much coconut milk for my taste. The chicken coconut curry had a very mild broth with noodles, which is okay if you drink the whole thing. Still nothing amazing, sadly. The Pad See Eiw with chicken was pretty good, although the sauce was maybe a little too sweet for me. Verdict: Okay, but in the long run, I'd rather make the trip to Tac Quick.
(3)
Annette J.

I miss the Pad See Ew here. Yes I do! When I was but a lowly grad school student staying up late nights with piles of reading on gender identity in my lap I would rely on delivery from Joy's to fuel my brain. Enter: the Pad See Ew. Huge noodles, a slightly sweet sauce, wonderfully sauteed beef and crisp, fresh broccoli. Oh, this is good stuff. Compound the tasty eats with the nostalgia of those late nights (who would think you would get nostalgic over studying but I'm an odd duck) and it just makes me love Joy's even more. Plus the online ordering is great when you're like me and get talking on the phone anxiety. When I was back in town over the weekend I made sure this was a stop on my culinary tour of Chicago. It was just as I remembered it although this time around I ate in house (love the street seating although it was rainy that day so we sat inside). Crazy fast service, almost to the point that you feel like maybe they just want you to get out of there, but I was hungry so I wasn't mad at it. Relatively cheap with huge portions that would easily last me two meals although I never could restrain myself from eating all the beef in that first sitting. Great appetizers, tasty Thai iced tea, and something for everyone with the noodles, rice, veggies and meat dishes. This is one tasty place that I truly miss.
(4)
Vaidehi T.

Went to Joy's last weekend with a bunch of friends. It's a great place for groups - and it is BYOB, so that's an added bonus. The food was very delicious. The green curry in particular was a favorite at our table. My favorite was the Pad khee Mao, it was sweet, savory, tangy, spicy - fireworks in my mouth! It is a great place to come on cold winter nights to eat their comforting, spicy and hot food.
(4)
Keith T.

Out in a group looking for a place to have a celebratory birthday dinner, and every place we try is all booked up with hours-long waits. Enter our White Knight, Joy's Noodles and Rice. We called ahead and they had a table waiting for us by the time we arrived. The waiter was sweet and efficient, considering what a large and frazzled group we were by the time we sat down. I had the Crazy Noodles and they were delicious. They didn't alter my views of gastronomy as an artform or anything, but I thoroughly enjoyed my meal. Thank you, Joy's, for being there when we needed you.
(4)
Kristy K.

I don't really see what the hype is about. I have ordered from here a couple times now because it is literally two minutes form my apartment. Each time, I have been disappointed with the runniness and blandness of my curry dishes. Also, I am not a huge fan of placing noodles on top of a cucumber salad so they can get soggy and cucumbery tasting. I wish I loved this place considering how conveniently located it is. I just know there are better spots in the city. Plus, I take my curry dishes very seriously. No room for error.
(3)
Amy N.

We love this place. The food is delicious and FAST! Even delivery is fast. We have had food delivered within 15 minutes of of order placement. You gotta be careful though - when they say it is spicy, it is SPICY!
(5)
Colleen C.

First thing's first! If you live on the north side and need delivery, Jelena Z's list is TOPS: yelp.com/list/i-feel-theâ€¦ Seriously, it's basically what I look at if I ever need food to come to my house. Lucky me, she lives in relatively the same 'hood! Ok, so Joy's. Wow. Yes. This is what delivery of Thai food SHOULD be. After many disappointing attempts with other establishments (except SIam in Uptown), Joy's has skyrocketed to the top of the list! Top! 1. Online ordering, PRAISE the gods of Thai food. No jumbled miscommunication, super easy. Like, too easy. It almost makes me worried, but then I stuff some fresh crunchy spring rolls in my mouth, and I forget. 2. FAST. They quoted 60 minutes, it arrived in about 25-30. HOT. Steaming mofo hot, to my door. No making me come all the way into the lobby...the lady came right to me without begging or pleading, and therefore I didn't have to show my crazy hairstyle to my neighbors. Just to the delivery girl. Oh well, I'm sure they've seen worse. 3. They DELIVER bubble tea. OMG. Yes. I had the mango, but I think next time I'd opt for plum. Lots of bouncy balls. Love. 4. The food was simply lovely, the rama chicken all peanutty and flavorful with steamed brocolli, aforementioned spring rolls and 2 Diet Cokes. I don't do takeout because it annoys me, but Joy's nailed the formula...INDEED!
(5)
Laura D.

This was pretty good. We ordered delivery to watch the State of the Union address last night, and it was pretty satisfying! I got the pad khee mao with tofu, and it was good. It definitely could have come with more baby corn and more tofu, but the tofu was really well-cooked: crunchy yet squishy, the right balance. I loved the little hot sauce guys that came with the meal, and it was so scrumptious all together. All the peppers in there made the dish sing. I will be back!
(3)
Judy D.

I had pad see eiw and it was sooooooooo greasy and the noodles were so over cooked they were mushy. Gross food, sub-par service. Better food and service to be found else where. Gross. Greasy. Slop.
(1)
Greg D.

I rounded up to 4 here. I had the spicy basil leaves with beef. It was ok but I think I screwed up - I should have gotten the panang curry - my friend did and the few bites I had were awesome. We also split the crab rangoon (good) and the spring roles (I've had bland ones and these were definitely good!). For $50 we got 2 apps and 4 entrees. Mixed with the fact that it's BYOB, I'd go here again in a heart beat but order something different.
(4)
Sarah F.

This place is good for what it is. I will probably go there again because of the following: 1. It's right down the street*** 2. Seating is immediate 3. Wait staff is very attentive, quick. 4. The food is fine. It comes out RIGHT away. 5. BYOB (goes without saying) I am only giving it three stars because of the following: 1. There's nothing special about their dishes, from what I've had. The flavor is never amazing. It's good. Vegetables are fresh, meat taste good..just not amazing stuff happening in the kitchen. 2. The atmosphere doesn't charm me. Even though the staff is quite efficient, nothing really pulls me in.
(3)
Jennie T.

I don't particularly like Thai food very much, so I've only been here once (plus another time when my friend ordered takeouts) but Joy's does a pretty good job, I think. My friend and I got some soup and a plate each of some kind of noodles (I don't remember the names of them). I warned her that since we were at an Asian restaurant that spicy does indeed mean spicy, but of course she didn't listen and she added more Sriracha sauce on top of her spicy rice noodles. Moments later, she was in tears and she asked if there was milk. Because most Asians I know are lactose-intolerant (like myself), I was actually really surprised that they had milk! Good food, good times. I'd consider coming back here again (as much as I don't particular like Thai cuisine).
(4)
Tiffany L.

Mmmmmm...could it be? Could Joy's be my new favorite Thai deliver place!? I think it is! Hooray! The Panang curry, are you flippin' kidding me!? Strange and amazing and oh so tasty, those crispy fattening noodles, hell to the yeaaaaah. Their Pad Thai is superfantastic! My only two minor complaints, the Pad Sie Eiw was a bit too salty, but still very very good and the soup dumplings had a weird texture and it was overall flavorless. I'm in love...
(4)
Amy J.

What can I say? Joy's is a joy to order dinner from (snicker). I absolutely adore this place. Their pad thai is my favorite, and I order it at least once a week, and everything else I've tried on the menu is also excellent. The waiters (or maybe that's waitresses...I never can tell) are so friendly and always greet me with a smile. A great restaurant that's consistently yummy and has the best service. 'Nuff said.
(5)
Rachel O.

Great place! Super fast! Friendly service! Favorite dishes: coconut curry, crazy noodles, pad Thai!
(5)
Adoley J.

In a neighborhood full of awesome noodle restaurants this place is just OK. While the restaurant is clean and trendy and BYOB is a great deal the food is jut so so. We started out with the mini egg rolls and they were blah. I've had better from Trader Joe's frozen food section. I ordered the Pad Prik and again it was bland and just so so. Come here to have drinks and people watch but go somewhere else for good food.
(3)
Diana Z.

Good Thai food? Yes. Great Thai food? I wouldn't go that far. So this is how I feel about Thai food, it's pretty difficult to screw up. I've had 1 bad Thai experience (and that was in Hawaii, so don't worry Chicagoans, we're still safe as far as I know), so I have my Thai food bar set a certain level. Joys definitely met that standard, but I wouldn't say it exceeded it. I've had the pad thai there as well as the pad see ew, and they were both good. Now, if Joy's were the only Thai food place within a 6 block radius of my apartment, i'd be there every weekend, no doubt. But Thai food places are a dime a dozen here in Lakeview and there just happens to be one that I like better that's 1/2 block from my apartment. So unfortunately for Joy's, I'd have to pick Penny's every time.
(3)
Rocky G.

So I just moved to Chicago/Lakeview from San Diego and was in need of a good cheap Thai place to fill the void created by leaving California. I kept walking past Joy's and after reading the reviews decided to try it out for lunch. SOOO happy I did. The service was incredibly fast with out being overbearing. The spring roll apps were great and really refreshing. I ordered the Drunken Noodles with chicken and was happily surprised with not only how fast it came out but with the very generous serving size. Everything tasted great and I can't wait to go back and try the other delicious looking menu items I was spying at other tables. Oh and the fact that my whole meal with tip came out to just $10 was fabulous!
(4)
Chris C.

We went here for lunch after checking out the Lakeview Art Walk. The food was okay but the service...not so much. For my meal I had the Crab Rangoon and the Chicken Panang Curry. The Crab Rangoon was delicious. The Chicken Panang Curry was okay but nothing special. And for the price, I was hoping for a larger portion. I had also ordered a taro bubble tea but was told by the waitress that I had to wait. I was okay with it seeing that they were busy. But after seeing four other bubble tea orders come through I wanted mine. When we finally flagged down our waitress, they had run of tapioca balls. Major boo. Also, water wasn't always filled and I was pretty thirsty. If probably won't be back if I'm in the neighborhood. Thai Classic is not too far of a walk west but the food and service will probably be better.
(2)
Ashley C.

We needed to find a Vegetarian friendly place and a friend recommended this place since it's BYOB. We arrived there at 8 on a Friday night and it was fairly busy although we got a table right away. The waiter was prompt and friendly. We first tried the spring rolls which were quite yummy and the sauce was sweeter than other places. They definitely aren't my favorite spring rolls, but a quick start. We quickly devoured them as we pondered our menu choices. I ordered the Pad Thai (with chicken) as its my signature dish out. It was the most popular dish at the table and someone tried the Curry with Tofu and Spinach noodles. The food came quickly and everyone dug in. The Pad Thai was ok - I have had much better. The sauce on the noodles was on the bland side and it was pretty much noodles and chicken without the other yummy goodness really mixed in. The good thing was dinner was $14 with tip. However, everyone else at the table was impressed with the meal - the spinach noodles and tofu were a hit (that's why they'd get 3 and not 2 stars). The perks are that it is cheap, quick, and BYOB (w/o all the fees). The downside is the food is okay, and for it being a BYOB place I felt like the waiter "rushed" us. I would go other if others picked the spot, but I wouldn't choose to go there on my own.
(3)
Cassie S.

Great food, great prices, BYOB - what else is there to want? It's not the best thai food I've ever eaten, but it was pretty darn good. I had the spicy chili noodles and most people at my table had the pad thai - everyone liked their food. And at their prices, given the amount of food you get, it was outstanding (most places at that price point are pretty gross). We went for a friend's birthday and with 8 entrees and 4 appetizers we were still well under $100. Bonus points for letting us bring in our own cupcakes to :)
(4)
Melissa L.

First of all, the Coconut Chicken Curry is TO DIE FOR. Second of all, their Pad See Eiw is TO DIE FOR. Third of all, the Thai Rolls are TO DIE FOR. I live no more than one block away from Joy's so I can smell it all the time. I cannot count the times that visitors have commented on the delicious smell in the air - all due to Joy's. The servers are so kind and helpful. It is a BYOB, and they are quick to get the proper glassware and corkscrews and whatever to you as quick as possible. The food comes out in a split second. The price range is very low - in fact, I would be willing to pay four times the price for each of my favorite dishes because they are that amazing! The place is typically busy, expect some delays in seating - especially if your entire party is not present. They have a nice patio in back and one along Broadway - perfect for people watching. Excellent!!!
(5)
Robin C.

Great place for a casual quick lunch. The staff is always really fast, and it's pretty cheap here. The food is pretty good and I've never had a bad experience here.
(4)
Eeeee L.

We have been going here for over five years and wish we'd discovered it sooner. I can honestly say that it is consistently our favorite noodle shop in all of Chicago. I'd walk for miles to be rewarded with spring rolls and their amazing noodle and rice dishes. My brother-in-law begs to come here every time he's in town for a visit. And we've taken him to a zillion places...from upscale to dives. He always reserves at least one meal for Joy's. I'll let that speak for itself. Gift certificates from Joy's are our favorite gifts to each other. Thai food nerds? Yes, and proud of it.
(5)
Bri A.

I had high hopes for this place... I ordered baby egg rolls, cashew chicken and green curry with chicken and noodles through the website. They were offering 15% off, which apparently means leaving out the most important part of a rice dish! Other than not having the other half of my meal, the food was very good and cheap. I might give them another shot.
(3)
Sarah R.

This isn't the best Thai restaurant around. Actually, far from it. But for some reason it's my go-to place. I crave their particular Pad Thai and their Tom Kha soup is super delicious.
(4)
Diera H.

I have to go here at least once a month. Just for these: - Tom Kha w/ Chicken - Pad Thai w/ Beef - Chicken Coconut Curry
(5)
Jackson J.

We asked for fish sauce with chilli, which is a basic, basic, condiment for thai restaurants. The waiter, who is clearly thai, as were most of the wait staff that we saw, told us that they "are not an authentic thai restaurant, so we don't have that." "Do you have fresh chilli?" "No, we are no an authentic Thai restuarant, we don't have fresh chilli." ARE YOU KIDDING ME? what a crazy thing to say, even if it's true. We were surprised, and disappointed. The "spinach" noodles were not spinach and were so siluted by some kind of not-fresh curry power, everthing on the dish turned a pale yellow. The restaurant has gone down hill and, unforunately, it's off out list now.
(1)
Kelly C.

In the spirit of full disclosure I'm not a huge fan of Thai. But Joy's was pretty good and in fact I have gotten delivery from there after my first visit. I have a friend that loves Joy's and probably gets takeout once every couple weeks so before we went out one night I gave in and we went there. They are BYOB which is always a bonus. We started off with one of the rolls (Thai, Veggie? I can't remember what my friend ordered) which come with an excellent peanut sauce. Seriously I could eat that by itself! We also got crab rangoon...I thought these were okay nothing overly fantastic. For my entree I had the drunken noodles and was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed it. I added some hot sauce to spice it up and it was great. A friend got the chicken salad and it was a whole lot spicier than she was anticipating. I had this delivered a few weeks after my original dining experience and thought the spice was perfect but I'm pretty sure my taste buds have been deadened by all the cayenne pepper I cook with. Moral of the rambling if you are sensitive to spice be aware this has some serious kick! The food is reasonably priced and with BYOB you can get a little tipsy and eat a bunch without going home broke. Like I said I'm not a huge Thai fan but if I ever get a random craving I'm likely to go or get delivery from here.
(4)
Molly L.

Wow where to begin? It's official ladies and gentlemen, I've found my favorite Thai place in all of Chicago- nay the WORLD! Seriously though Joys Noodles was a great dining experience from start to finish. The place is pretty big and has a very open setup, they accommodated a huge party in the next room without skipping beat. The service was quick and friendly, and very willing to provide reco's - rice dish mood? Noodle dish mood? Spicy? Just a tad spicy? Not sure your mood? Don't worry they'll have the perfect dish mind to suit your mood. We got two aps - the crab Rangoon and pot stickers, delicious and @ $4.00 each how can you beat that?! I went traditional and got the chicken pad thai - unbelievably good, when in doubt GET IT I don't even know what else to say. My boyfriend got #8 on the noodle menu w/ chicken, a spicy dish that had just the right amount of kick. Pros: 1: Friendly 2: FAST - we had our entree's within 15 minutes!!! 3. Best thai I've ever had 4. Cheap/ BYOB - enough said Cons: 1. Absolutely nothing. Win. win. win. win.
(5)
Karen C.

Joy's is the greatest Thai place in the Lakeview area... hands down. Everything is so affordable, BYOB, no corkage fee, and they have tons of seating (plus a great little outdoor area for the summer)... which means little to no wait time. I almost always get the Pad See Ewe or the Pad Thai, and both are so good! My favorite thing on the menu however is the vegetable roll appetizer... HOLY cow. these things are delicious. I live less than 2 blocks away, if you order online you save 15%, and by the time I click "submit", walk out the door and get to Joy's, my order is ready for pick-up. This is a quality I appreciate.
(5)
Peter M.

This is our go to Thai place even though we have to pass a handful of other places to get there. It's reasonably priced, BYOB and, most importantly, delicious! The service is friendly and very quick. If you needed to, you could be out of here in 30 minutes, although, they don't rush you. My usual order is basil beef but I've tried several other dishes and they've all been good.
(5)
Rachel L.

Yup, I fell for it and ate there more. My friends like the place, but after I got sick again from eating their food...I don't care how cheap the place is, my GI tract can't take it. Blech.
(1)
Kate W.

I don't like Thai. I just don't. Noodles and peanuts do not belong together. But people love Thai food! My friends love Thai food! So I go to Thai restaurants and order chicken and vegetables. Or pot stickers. I'm an adult. So when the friends wanted to go to Joy's I immediately checked Yelp to see what was good and what to avoid (although it seems you people just love Thai food, too). And it was very promising, many dishes that seemed right up my alley. We strolled in on a Sunday night and were seated right away. I pursued the menu, and a lot of it looked really good! I settled on the Drunken Noodles and I didn't have to be drunk to like them. Savory noodles with lots of fresh, steamed vegetables, and a portion big enough to take for lunch tomorrow, although I finished it all. Also, super affordable! With BYOB my meal wasn't even over $10.
(4)
Katie O.

I love Joy's! I love Joy's! I love Joy's! I honestly can't say it enough! Living right down the street, I often smell the delicious scents of Joy's Thai food wafting as I walk home from work - more than once I've succumbed to buying dinner there instead of cooking for myself. It's worth it every time. I've been going to this place for almost three years now and I have yet to have a bad experience. The food is great (try the Golden Noodles), the service is fast and friendly, and my pick-up is always ready in 15 minutes! If you haven't tried this place, you must put it on your list.
(5)
M W.

I'm really baffled by the glowing reviews on here. True, the service is pretty good, the space is nice, and the prices are low. The problem is, you get what you pay for. This is *not* good Thai food. I tried the cashew chicken, pad thai, tom gai soup, a curry dish, and a shrimp+veggies dish. The soup and curry were all right, but everything else was very subpar. I gave it two chances, but I will never return here again.
(2)
Alicia M.

The baby eggrolls are not just really, really cute but they're yummy too! I felt bad eating something so cute :) Hubby and I love this wonderful boystown spot. The outdoor seating is great for people watching. I couldnt believe the reasonable pricing of the food as well. The staff is totally friendly and I love how there is a tranny working there (a hot one at that!). It gives you a great boystown feel and you notice how all the establishments are embracing the culture of their 'hood :)
(4)
Becky P.

Came here with a tip from a fellow yelper, and boy am I glad I did! Bottle o wine in hand, we came on a Friday night and got a seat fast. Spring rolls were to die for (we had to order another one!), and my drunken noodles were great. I really can't wait to come back. Really reasonably priced, delish, AND BYOB???? Nice!
(5)
Christopher Q.

Been ordering from here over 10 years!! Wow. Great potstickers, great chicken coconut curry , parang curry.
(5)
Jeffrey P.

First of all, I should set the disclaimer that I am no expert on Thai food, I just play one on TV. That being said, this place was pretty good, but nothing about it was spectacular and everything seemed just a few steps away from great. The price is decent and we ordered pick-up which was ready fast, so that was great. I got the wonton soup and my friend got the noodle soup with chicken and neither had great flavor but both were...acceptable. We split the satay appetizer which had an interesting curry taste to it which was neither good nor bad but could be described as...acceptable. Then we split the pad thai noodles with shrimp. Definitely lacking in the shrimp department in that there were only 5 or 6, but the noodles were good, so the overall dish was, you guessed it...acceptable. All in all, I would call this place...acceptable. The best part about the entire experience was the incredible 3-point u-turn I did against several lanes of traffic in a busy 4 way intersection so I could pull up right in front of the place while my girl ran inside to get the food. When that is the best part of the meal, you know you are dining somewhere that is unacceptable!
(3)
Liz C.

Attention all Pad Thai lovers: try the Bai Tong Noodles they're DELICIOUS, I got mine with shrimp but to each their own, it'll be fabulous with anything. It's ok, branch out, try something new and get the Bai Tong. I mean for the love of Thai food, get the Bai Tong! Five stars for being BYOB on top of having awesome well-priced food.
(5)
Tara F.

Joy's is a little slice of heaven! It seems like lately we've been a bit lazy and are getting delivery over sitting down and having a meal. Either way the Spicy Chilli Noodles are out of this world. I can't seem to venture out and order anything else. Now whenever my friends are over we all get the same dish. Imagine a delicious wide noodle covered in spicy sauce dancing on your tongue. I seriously can't get enough of this place. It's actually feels like a guilty pleasure. Another item worth going for on its own are the pot stickers. The thick and rich seasame sauce (that is on the side) is like liquid gold. A friend of mine turned me on to this place after she disclosed it was her ongoing Sunday meal. She is a fan of the Pad Thai!
(5)
Kory K.

I ordered the Phuket Noodles (#20) with chicken, and there's no way to fully relay my disatisfaction. I cannot recall the last time I had a dish as bland as this in a Thai restaurant. The fact that the dish was labeled spicy on the menu only fueled the problem. While it's rare that I don't finish a meal, I could only force myself to eat about half of this before I couldn't stand it anymore. Sadly, the dish was rather reminiscent of one of Knorr's Asian Sides that can be purchase at one's grocery store. Finally, the service was rather lacking; only the absolute minimum was done. Given the large number of incredibly competent Thai restaurants nearby, I can't see a reason to ever return.
(1)
Erik M.

I love this place. I have so many great memories of drunk meals here with friends. For real though, this place is everything I could ever ask for. Delicious. Quick. Cheap. Friendly. BYOB. Down the street. Hot sauce and jalapenos on every table. omgggg. Bai Tong (#9) is the bomb. Joy's is the best. You'll point and laugh with your friends as you walk past Ping Pong and into Joy's.
(5)
Bobby S.

An OK place to have a quick bite, if you are on your break or need to leave quickly. The noodles that I've tried are pretty good, the crab ragoons are delicious and the baby egg rolls are out of this world! What I don't like about this place is : THE SERVICE!. I always feel rushed when I go there. It seems to me that you don't get one designated waiter when you go there and everyone is kinda waiting on you. I went it with a friend a few days back, they don't let you look at the menu, they ask you if you are ready to order right away!. 2 minutes later a different waiter comes and asks you the same thing! If you are not eating from your food you will get asked if you are done right away and the check dropped and never offered a dessert. To me, this is a Burger King with Thai on the menu. :)
(2)
Brent H.

We have eaten here a few times. Really like the takeout from this place. Great soups and good prices. We almost always order way too much food and have meals for days.
(4)
Timo R.

I really love that Lard Na...
(3)
S G.

Great pad thai and pad see.... something. Not sure, but it was delicious! Did not BYOB tonight, but I was eyeing my neighbor's six pack of 312 with envy. Great, helpful staff and very quick service!
(4)
SimChicago S.

I've eaten at Joy's for years, sometimes it's good sometimes just eh but it's convenient and fairly inexpensive in a pinch. Tonight, though, warranted writing a review. After placing my order online, the food literally arrived within 15 minutes despite the restaurant being located 6 blocks from my location. Impressive except for he fact that both noodle dishes were room temperature, not warm... room temperature leading me to think they were not made fresh. When I called to inform them I was told that was the way the dishes was served. Absurd since I had ordered both dishes numerous times over the years and they always came hot or at least warm. 'oh. I'll let the kitchen know'. was the only response after spending $24 on food that was truly unappetizing. Lately, I've been ordering from Bamee just South of Joy's which is quite good. Think I'll continue.
(1)
Blythe D.

Joy's is a nice and very reasonably priced restaurant in the bustling Lakeview neighborhood. I've been here a few times and I've never had any complaints. Their BYOB policy is great since they're surrounded by corner/grocery stores where you can pick up a bottle of wine on your way in. Their pad thai is scrumptious! If you have a chance, ask to be seated on their back patio in the warmer months!
(4)
Bryan G.

I have not been able to try this "amazing" food because I've tried calling in an order and always get put in hold for 10+ min and they never pick back up. So the 2 stars is for the lack of service provided so far. Will update when they decide to finally take my carry out order
(2)
Colleen B.

I moved out of Joy's delivery zone a few years ago and have been trying to find a replacement since. Not going to happen. I walked past there tonight and got all wistful. I try to come in once in a while but man, do I miss living nearby. Pad thai forever.
(5)
Kelly F.

Joy's is the BEST! Delivery is FAST and the food is always super hot when it arrives.
(5)
C P.

First of all, the place is BYOB and doesn't charge a corking fee. They even bring you a canister with ice to keep your wine chilled. But more importantly, the food is delicious! The pad thai is absolutely fantastic and can easily feed two (smaller) people. It's also incredibly cheap. The appetizers are really small, but the entrees are huge and hearty! There are also a lot of vegetarian and even vegan options. It's a great place to start off a night of drinking in Boystown!
(5)
Jeffrey F.

Best fruit-based bubble tea in the US. Period. My wife and I are the hugest bubble tea fans, and we literally seek out bubble tea shops in EVERY city we visit! We've been to Guppy's Teahouse in LA, Saint Alps in NYC, Verde in Mountainview. But when it comes to fruit-blended bubble teas, none hold a candle to Joy Yee's. They use the freshest of fruits, the right blend of ingredients and the prices are cheap. $3-4 for most drinks and 24 oz.! My personal favorite is the mango papaya freeze with ice cream on top. In fact last time my wife and I were in Chicago for a weekend, we went to Joy Yee's FIVE TIMES.
(5)
Izzy N.

Ok I know that I am the duchess of joy's noodles per my check in's but it's over! Joy's you're DEAD TO ME. A long curly black hair on top of a salad? Do they not look at their salads before serving it? Does the server prance off looking elsewhere while walking to serve the salad and not notice this very noticeable curly strand of hair. I was sitting across the way and I even noticed it. The salad was thank the good Lord not for me. My coworker sent it back and there wasn't even an apology just an "oh, ok." like it's no big deal and not a shame. The Shame. You're not all that anyway. There's better Thai to be had in the city, people. And their crab rangoons are fucking disgusting.
(1)
Ngoc T.

ooooh la la. It's fancy inside! Didn't expect that, so I dressed up like a bum and felt a little intimidated. No big deal though :) Food was mediocre. Nothing special, it's exactly the same as anywhere, but just put on a heavier white plate and served on heavy-duty spoons. At least give me proper chop sticks, come on... I hate those wooden disposable ones. Pad see eiw was a little sweeter than I'd like. My friend got some curry beef. ehhh, glad I didn't order that. Otherwise I'd have given this place a 2 star. Her dish was disgusting, and the beef was soo chewy, it was cut in the biggest sized pieces and far too thick. Anyhow, I like the interior, a lot. I'd take my parents here for some noodles :)
(4)
Kristin R.

Joy's Noodles and Rice is my back up Thai place, when my go-to is closed, like on Mondays. They have a very solid panang curry. I usually order mine with the rice instead of their crispy wide noodles. I had tried these before and just was not a fan. I believe I found them too greasy. I really dislike their pad thai. It is highly disappointing. Apparently it is one of their most popular dishes, but honestly, if I were you, I'd steer clear. They recently annoyed me because I ordered off of grubhub and said that I would pay tip in cash, even though I charged the meal to my credit card. When the lady delivered, I had the cash in my hand ready to give her and before I even had the chance, she asked me about her tip. Um hello lady, tipping is a) discretionary and b) like did you really think I was going to NOT tip you? I'm not lame. And of course I'll tip anyone that delivers food to my front door. But don't ask for it! It's optional! Anyway, it's a pet peeve of mine obviously. I think Joy's is just OK. I've been to the actual restaurant before and they have a cute outdoor eating area.
(3)
Aaron B.

I was thinking four stars and then remembered the great lunch specials I am in love with. Cucumber salad or crab rangoon with Pad Thai, and good sized portions too, for only 6.00. This is a great Thai place right on broadway in lakeview. If you like to people watch they have sidewalk seating in the summer months and also have huge windows that open to the street so if you want to stop the melanoma from spreading you can sit in the shade and still have a great view of the street scene. The interior is a nice combination of slate and ceramic tiles and is very well done. Joy's and Ping Pong make this block of Broadway a great 'asian alleyway'. Joy's - I like it!
(5)
xena o.

I have dined in and ordered out at Joy's Noodles on Broadway since 1996. Has not changed - it is absolutely on the mark every time. I order tom kha, spring rolls, chicken satay, and green tea smoothie. The ambiance and the wait staff is equally as important as the food - all 3 excel.
(5)
Charles C.

Delicious. I had the chicken coconut curry and it was amazing. We had a group of 10 and they accommodated us with a same day reservation call. Service was great. The food was great. The BYOB is nice too, they brought us ice buckets for our wine and beer. Will be coming back and getting the chicken coconut curry again soon!
(4)
Akta D.

Went here with a friend and the first thing i noticed was the decor. The entire restaurant had a great Asian vibe to it. It wasn't the typical Thai restaurant decoration. There is so much seating that you know it's a good place. A back and front patio as well as 2 sections of tables. The food was perfect, except their definition and my definition of spicy is a little different. I know that when I go back I'll be try some of their curry.
(4)
Christopher K.

Most everyone knows the Lakeview Thai institution that is Joy's Noodles and Rice and its reputation for great food, but I wanted to weigh in with my praise as well. Granted, I don't get much south of Fullerton, much west of Damen, nor much north of Foster, but Joy's is the best Thai I've found in Chicago. You get mass quantities of food for very reasonable prices and the quality is consistent. It's my go to Thai place for delivery and carry out, and it's dining room and patio set it apart from many hole-in-the-wall Thai places where you just want to get in and get out. Keep doing your thing Joy.
(5)
Tracy W.

This place is my go to Thai place for delivery and and dine in. Everything I've had from here has been great. The spring rolls and Mandalay Chicken are my go to most times. Delicious!
(5)
Jessica S.

It's high time I wrote a review for this awesome place. Let's go in order: it's byob, the food is delicious (#9 with chicken, probably the best), it's ridiculously quick, it's inexpensive, and the service is awesome. I mean, this is really all you need to know. Just go here. I guess there is a ridiculous lunch special, so check that out if you are so fortunate to visit them during lunch hours. This places totally rules.
(5)
Kristen G.

Joy's is my favorite Thai food in the city. Its quick: sit down, delivery, take out. Will even deliver to Belmont Harbor to the boat i work on! I have never had anything bad from joy's. Plus its BYOB!
(5)
Erin V.

Delicious Thai food, an affordable and accommodating menu (don't want the crispy golden noodles? me neither. they'll make the switch for you!), BYOB, and a quaint back patio perfect for dining with some friends. Pad Thai, Mixed vegetables, Bangkok noodles, fried tofu, spring rolls... ahhh it's like a vegetarian's dream. Joy, whoever you are, I think I love you.
(5)
Jennifer J.

3.5 stars. The bf, his sister and I went here based on the awesome reviews on yelp. I'm picky when it comes to Thai food but I really liked my pad thai here. I feel like that's a tough dish to get just perfect, but they came through. I followed recommendations on here that said to have the crab rangoons. They were a hit, but then again, I rarely meet one I don't like. Also had the cucumber appetizer/salad thing. It's your basic cucumbers in vinegar/sugar sauce, but yummy nonetheless. Bf got the chicken coconut curry dish that everyone recommends on here and he really enjoyed it. Can't remember what his sister got, but she really enjoyed it as well. Both have been to Thailand for extended visits so I believe their recommendations. All in all, a solid Thai place. I'll rank it up there with my other favorite Thai restaurant, Pho's on Lincoln. -Personally, I would stay away from Cozy and Pennys, but I've been burned by bad food/service at those places more than once so I'm a little jadded.
(4)
Lisa F.

I have been to Joy's Noodles way too often to admit to. It's walkable from my apartment, it's really affordable, it's byob and the food is delicious. The crab rangoon are addictive, I never go there without ordering them. I usually get either the chicken pad thai or the panang noodles, although I don't think you can really go wrong as friends have enjoyed many other dishes on the menu. Great spot for two or a large group, and love the patio in the summer.
(4)
Tiff H.

So...another day of noodles. It's cold again...what do I want? Stir fried noodles! On a lazy Sunday, I forewent my evening work out and decided to have dinner with a close friend. Still full from brunch, I still had a craving for greasy Asian noodles....since Penny's didn't deliver anything fatty to me yesterday. We ordered a wonton soup to share....it was pretty good, lots of greens which was awesome but the wantons were just ok. The broth was a bit bland. My noodles were really good...perfect for my greasy mood. I ordered the Golden Noodle with (fried) tofu. There were lots of veggies, and next time I order, I'll make sure that I get extra snow peas. A little under $15 with a 20% tip included. I'll be back.
(4)
Quality C.

THE GOOD: The service. The restaurant seemed clean. THE BAD: The food. Everything we ate tasted pre packaged, over fried, over cooked and oily. THE UGLY: The food was simply not authentic based on my 20 years of eating Thai food. The Pad Thai was tasteless, over cooked and oily. The fried wontons were uneatable. The spring rolls prepackaged. The Chicken Satay was oily. This was obvious from the taste and the cooking of the produce.
(2)
Andrea P.

Joy's is a great place for thai food in Lakeview. They have outdoor seating on the street side and they have a really cozy patio in the back. The atmosphere is really relaxed and everyone always seems to be having a great time! It's BYOB and they are very accommodating to large groups. The people range from Kids to seniors so the crowd is diverse. Although delicious, the food can get heavy so an alternative is the veggie meal stir fried in a garlic sauce, it's quite good and when they say veggies they really mean all veggies. It isn't a greasy plate at all and it is by far the healthiest meal on the menu. Enjoy!
(4)
Steve D.

We come to Chicago every 3 months and one of our 'have to eat there stops' is Joy's. The food is so fresh and great tasting. Only problem is it sets the bar so high we have trouble finding other Thai restaurants that can meet these standards. So good, fresh and inexpensive with high quality ingredients.
(5)
Lark G.

Yesterday, the last day of Halsted Market Days, may have been the root of our problems. We sat outside around 6:00 p.m., we ordered beverages, an appetizer and two entrees. Four people sat down after we did and every single table was served before we even got our appetizer. We kept being told our food was coming. It did finally show up after a false alarm of someone else's food being delivered to our table. The food was delicious. I would have easily given Joy's Noodles & Rice a five star rating based on the food, but the service was lacking. Perhaps we will have a better experience next time.
(3)
Kwoky L.

To the Yelpers who have had better Thai food out of the frozen box from Jewel, I share your sentiments. The pad see ew can't be named any better. Eww. You can clearly tell that the restaurant is not sincere in trying to serve the best to their customers. The food is mediocre on two separate occasions; my pad see ew seemed like it was put together in a rush. Needless to say, I could hardly finish it. The service was not attentive and there was a severe lack of enthusiasm. Waiters were chatting in the back and only came over to ask how everything was with that do-i-have-to-do-this fake look. I only came because my friend loves this place but given a choice, I would go to some place else that cares more about the customers and the food that they are serving them.
(2)
Christopher A.

I absolutely LOVE Joy's Noodles. I tried Joy's for the first time a few months back and it was absoultely amazing. Everyone has told me that I've been missing out and now I know why. I had the Pad Thai with no peanuts and it was to die for (okay not really worth dying for but pretty damn good). The service is great, wait staff is super nice. It's always packed whenever I'm there but the wait time is not usually long at all. If you like Thai food and think you've had the best, try again. Joy's is top notch in my book.
(4)
Leanne A.

Lunch special is a great deal. Food is too sweet. Service is fine. That's all. EDIT: went in recently for hair...I mean lunch. Had a HUGE hair in my food. Long and black. I forgot to say "no hair". Gosh it must be my fault. And when I told the server I needed a minute to look at the menu, he disappeared for 10 minutes. I was alone. I turned to look at him a few times and he was just sitting at a table talking to his friend. Come on, man! I want my hair plate!
(2)
Andrew W.

My favorite dishes here include: Cashew Chicken Mandalay Noodles Crazy Noodles
(4)
Sage J.

Good thai food and great atmosphere. I luckily got in while they were still offering the lunch menu. Most lunch menus offer smaller portions thats why is less expensive. Woah, was I impressed! I orderd the spicy basil chicken and not only was it a sizable portion but it was delicious.
(4)
Amy S.

We are from MN, but lived in Chicago about 12 years ago. Joy's Noodles is the one restaurant we can't wait to return to each year on our return trips to one of our favorite cities. Joy's Noodles is the best value in town, and delicious as well. We will be back every year.
(5)
Jaime W.

This is the sister restaurant to Lincoln Park's Noodles in the Pot. In general, a very solid Thai restaurant. Pros: The vegetables are always very fresh. Have never had any problems with delivery. The have my favorite Pad Thai. Cons: They only have fried tofu and I prefer fresh.
(4)
Gareth D.

Like a number of Chicago's Thai place, I prefer the noodles over the rice and curry dishes here, but they do a serviceable job on the latter. Service is always friendly, and the sidewalk patio is definitely pleasant. Though they are all casual and serving up Asian cuisine, Joy's is more relaxed and slightly less see-and-be-seen than Henry's restaurants (Ping Pong and Wakamono) up the street. The entrees are all about $8 or so. Phad Thai here is good, as well as Pad See Eiw -- I like the latter with the thin yellow egg noodles if you want to mix it up and have something other than the more traditional rice sticks. If you get the green curry, I would suggest you go for spicy, as it's not overwhelmingly hot, and the coconut milk base tames the heat quite a bit. They do offer noodles with their curry dishes, like their sister restaurant Noodles in the Pot in LP, but I would definitely stick to the rice as it's the best way to take advantage of the spiced broth. I wish they had pork -- they do offer BBQ pork, but that doesn't pair well with much except perhaps fried rice (preferably Chinese-style) in my opinion. When combining meals for a group, it's nice to be able to go beyond the chicken and beef, and I find so often that chicken added to Thai food just ends up being pre-cooked (or at least par-cooked) and therefore a bit of a dry and flavorless addition. Though the patio is great, it's also a rather sizable restaurant; I am assuming they expanded from one storefront into two over the years. This makes it appropriate for all seasons. Delivery is quite slow compared to take-out.
(4)
Lisa H.

Decided to give Joy's another try, it's so close afterall and I had serious craving for Thai curried noodles! Went for the Mandalay Noodles and this time around, the curry was much better than the last curry I've had! The wide noodles were lightly crisped after steaming, the curry just a tad-too-spicy which is always necessary with Thai dishes, and yet creamy enough to seduce you into eating chopstick after chopstick full of noodles! Needless to say, my eyes were watery and my nose red after the meal! The veggies were fresh and I think the chefs read my mind, I had a mountain full of bamboo shoots!!!!!! yay!! Now that Joy's outdoor patios are setup, I will definitely be back for more wide noodles!! And in case you didn't know, you should DEFINITELY check-out their back patio. It's far more intimate, with plenty of seating minus the passerby traffic up front, and you are right behind the kitchen = fast service!!
(4)
Kristy C.

Pad Thai and pad see ewe are my faves! I was happy to see a great Thai place when I moved to the neighborhood... Especially moving from lp where I had easy access to oodles of noodles. Now I have 2 favorites :)
(5)
Susan R.

So bummed. I've eaten here before, albeit a year or two ago, but yesterday left me almost instantly sick upon eating the vegetable panang noodles. Service is great but that can't compensate for dealing with a "Dehli Belly" the entire day and night following a meal at Joy's.
(1)
Alex M.

I'm being generous with my 2 stars only because I have eaten here twice, but it's gotten worse. The first time I ate in, it's BYOB, so that's nice...but the food, damn do you have to be hungry to eat it. It's like a pile of uncooked meat, random veggies not even cut correctly and it's so sweet! I want my thai food to be spicy. Even when I asked for it to be spicy it wasn't. At all! The second time I got delivery. They were there within an hour, so that's fine, but they messed up my order! I ordered drunken noodles and I got something completely different. Also, their Tom Yum soup...not good. At all. I don't know what the rave is about?! Again, super sweet. Just don't eat here. Period.
(2)
Kim A.

Two bottles of wine and no where to go! Not the worse situation to find yourself in, but when you find your chosen BYOB closed and hungry... you needs eats, and you need them fast. Enter Joy's. We wandered down Broadway, and were lured in by smells and the idea of hot noodles. We started with the crab rangoon. Yeah, it's not "traditional" Asian food, but whatever, fried wontons stuffed with cream cheese and slathered in sweet and sour sauce. So good. Then a few noodle dishes arrive. Panang curry noodles, so good. Nice and spicy, thick coconutty curry, crispy noodles. YUM. My friend had the Pad see eiw. Good, not great. It's a good spot to go and catch up with a friend over wine and some cheap eats, for sure. If I'm ever in the area, I'll be sure to remember Joy's.
(3)
Heather C.

This is my favorite Thai restaurant ever. I don't live nearby anymore, and I miss it, dearly. Every time I went (which was frequent), I got the beef pad thai. It was just so good, I couldn't get anything else! Also, I love that they are BYOB, even though I usually did take out.
(5)
Dan C.

Love this place. A great neighborhood Thai place and some of the best Thai I have had. Certainly the place to go in the area. BYOB Inexpensive Great service Back patio is wonderful...quiet and serene Favorite things to order: Panang Curry, Green Curry, Lard Na.
(4)
Melinda K.

Great Pad Thai.... When I lived closer a couple of years ago, I would come in for Pad Thai at least once a week. The wait staff and servers are very friendly, and the food is delicious. It's not the best I've had, but pretty close to it.
(4)
Justin B.

Great food for a great price! This place is quick, friendly, always bustling with folks. They're also BYOB with no corking fee. I've taken people here on several occasions for low-key meals and have never had a complaint. People who enjoy Pad Thai will really enjoy Joy's version. It's just a bit on the sweet side, but not so much that it's gross. I've also enjoyed Lard Na, Pad Si Ew and several other dishes. The green curry is also pretty tasty. Best of all, two people can get an appetizer and an entree each for under $25. Whether it's delivery, pick up or dine in - if you enjoy Thai, you'll enjoy Joy's.
(4)
Julia B.

Decent, fast, convenient, but Joy's has never wowed me. Yet, they are pretty consistent and pretty good. The Pad Prik is one of my favorites and I have to agree with another Yelper that the beef entrees are much better than the chicken at Joy's. The only complaints I have is that you can't get their lunch specials to go and the crab rangoons are ridiculously small and not that great. To make-up for it, the baby eggrolls are delicious! A word of caution: Joy's "Spicy" Option is EXTREMELY spicy, whereas the medium option is just barely spicy. It was so spicy that I actually had to get a glass of milk; a rare occurrence for me as I usually love the most spicy Thai entrees. There is no good medium, although most normal people would probably agree that the Medium option is adequately spicy.
(3)
Jason M.

I ordered the bamee noodles lunch special, which comes with a small appetizer. The noodles were perfectly cooked, there was a generous amount of BBQ pork, plenty of bean sprouts, a couple fairly large pieces of crab leg, and some crushed peanuts. It tasted very good, the portion is quite satisfying, and at the same time the flavors are clean and nothing that would sit heavy. There was also no salty aftertaste whatsoever, which in my experience is very rare in Asian cuisine. The mini crab rangoon that came with was very tasty, and it included a delicious light golden dipping sauce. It was a Monday afternoon and the place was nearly empty. The waiter was prompt and kept my water full. BTW, I appreciate that the water glass is about 20 ounces so I didn't have to worry about running low. This was a completely positive experience and I'll be back soon.
(4)
Jeff B.

great food and large portions. Prices are great for the amount of food you get. Staff is very attentive.
(5)
Dustin G.

I like Joy's. I used to live just around the corner and I'd eat there often. I usually go for their appetizers, though. Some of their noodles dishes, such as pad thai, are good but others...aren't all that great. I still order from them occasionally but I stick to what I know will be good. If I try something new...it's usually just okay.
(4)
Kristy H.

A neighborhood fave. Star 1: Service. Quick and very friendly. Star 2: Food. Consistently delicious. I've tried nearly everything. Star 3: Price. Amazing value for the money. Two people can eat for less than $15. Star 4: BYOB. Hollerrzzzzz. Plus, they will give you a wine opener, proper wine glasses (red or white glasses) or open and pour your beer. Star 5: Atmosphere. Clean, modern-ish, plus they have a back patio that is lovely in warm weather.
(5)
Michael T.

I have two things to say: 1. Joy's rocks Pad See Ewe (i'm probaby spelling that incorrectly) 2. Joy's is appropriately named.
(4)
M W.

My favorite Thai restaurant in the city. Fresh, yummy and cheap ! Always been BYOB. Can't go wrong eating here.
(4)
Claudine G.

The huzzy and I came here for a late lunch - early dinner type of thing. He's been there once and it's my first time. I have to say that the overall experience both food and service was pretty good. We had the fried tofu for appetizer. Ehh, just like any regular fried tofu but the sauce is what got me! Slightly sweet and sour sauce mix with sliced green onions and sambal oelek. If only they would've given a little bit more sauce. I liked it. Then I ordered the Dumpling Noodles and the huzzy got Garlic Sauce with Chicken and Tofu. Honestly, I liked his food better than mine. Its probably one of the best Garlic Chicken I've ever had because it wasn't greasy at all and the sauce was seasoned just right with sprigs of green onion and cilantro and more fried garlic. The broccolis were cooked to perfection, crunchy not soggy. My Dumpling Noodle hit the spot, but I still managed to pick on my huzzy's plate. The BBQ pork was good, dumpling was just ok along with the broth and noodles. I occasionally added sriracha and their To-die-for pickled jalapenos. It made it tasty! One thing that will keep me coming back to this place is the pickled jalapenos. I almost ate the whole thing, but I didn't because I didn't want to look like a pig. The jalapenos were so fresh and crunchy and the vinegar gave it away with a good ZING!!! I loved it sooo much! Good experience and I'm really happy my huzzy took me there! We will definitely come back!
(4)
Steve T.

Ok, how have I not reviewed Joy's yet?!? Such a mystery... anywho, if you're looking for good, consistent and budget friendly Thai... look no further. I believe a list is in order: 1. BYO (most important part since I love me some wine) 2. Good food, consistent quality 2. Fast Service - you barely place your order and it's already on the table 3. Great for groups 4. Usually very little wait since there is so much seating 5. Fast delivery service 6. Very friendly staff Stop reading, go to Joy's!
(5)
Kenny T.

Everything here is decently priced and delicious. Never had a bad meal or service here. They're also very polite, even if you don't place a big order for delivery or pickup. This place has some of the best Thai cuisine I've had in the city and it has all the awesomeness of the fancy restaurants in the area with none of the catty, condescending behavior.
(5)
Santiago A.

It's easy to give a place 5-stars when everything you try is excellent. The mini springrolls here are the bomb. The pad thai and pad siew were both the bomb. The Bamee Noodles are tha bomb-ee. Seriously, it was absolutely delicious, and it might be my favorite dish here. This and 3 orders of the mini springrolls could be my last meal on earth and I wouldn't complain. Plus, it's BYOB with no corkage fee. Woo! If you like Thai food, then just go. You'll be glad you did.
(5)
Amy H.

I've been here twice now and had great experiences both times. The food is reasonably priced, the space is big and convenient for groups, and the food is reliably delicious. For both meals (bo-ring, I know) I ordered the Spicy Chili Noodles, which are served on a small bed of lettuce, mixed with a protein of your choice and coated with some sort of magical sauce. Other hugely compelling factors include the BYOB policy and adorable backyard garden/patio. Any place that lets me drink cheap wine outdoors and delivers great food is A+ in my book.
(4)
Gabe L.

I usually go to Noodles in the Pot, because it's closer, and this is same same but different. The food is cheap and authentic Thai (citation: I've been to Thailand twice), it's BYOB, but it's in a another hood with a little more foot traffic and a different crowd. The ambiance is great here! Always a good time. Best night here: We came from a Binny's wine tasting with our bottle of wine and ordered. One girl wasn't feeling well, so I went to walk her home. She hugged every passerby on the way there. In the meantime, this other girl was puking in the bathroom. By the time I get back, my food is already boxed to-go. Basically, half the people that ordered didn't even get to eat.
(4)
Kerry M.

So this was my go to Thai restaurant when I lived close by. This is probably one of the only places I frequented for lunch where I actually wish they would have taken longer to deliver the food. It felt like seconds from when I put my order in! That's not exactly something to criticize though. The food is good, they have tons of different options, and it's all in the low to mid price range. The portions are large, and if you ask nicely, they will make any dish wonderfully spicy for you! It's BYOB, which is a great plus, and they have a nice sized patio on Broadway, which makes for prime people watching when it's nice out. Also, any time I've ever ordered delivery, its never taken longer than 30 minutes from start to finish.
(4)
Nikki C.

This was my first restaurant experience since I had become a vegetarian over a week ago. i am already not a huge Asian food friendly person, but i am trying to be. I went with a group of friends and it took about ten minutes to be served, and we had already made reservations. It was super crowded, so i guess that was good, except it didn't seem like there was enough places to squeeze in big groups. It's BYOB which was great since my friends I brought four bottles of wine. We started off with spring rolls, fried tofu, and veggie rolls. Not too bad. I actually rather enjoyed the fried tofu. For the main dish I ventured out to try something new; Pad See Eiw with tofu. It was pretty great. The sauce wasn't too heavy, the noodles were cooked perfectly, and the tofu had a little crunch to it. Overall great first veg experience. The service after being seated was quick and the servers were friendly with the wine. I don't really think it's a first date sort of place but with the right crowd I'd come back,
(3)
Robert A.

I usually get delivery, but the dining room is good too. This is my favorite Thai place n lake view.
(4)
Elena S.

One of my favorite Asian food places in Chicago. Their baby egg rolls and fried rice are pretty hard to beat for me.
(4)
David A.

I rarely eat at the same restaurant twice while on vacation, but Joy's was so good I had to! The Pad Thai was the best I have ever had, the Pad Kee Mao fresh and delicious. Quick, friendly service. My iced tea was refilled many times. Outdoor dining was a treat. Lunch special is great value.
(4)
Lauren S.

I love Joy's! With two small kids it isn't easy to go out. We probably hit up Joy's once a month. The service is excellent, portion size is large and tastes awesome! I highly recommend to families, especially because it's right across the street from Nettlehorst school which has an awesome playground for letting the little ones burn through some energy pre or post meal. Everything is delicious and parking is easy on Broadway. Try it!
(5)
A W.

When I lived in Lakeview, it never occurred to me that I should visit dining options on Broadway instead of Halsted or Clark. Boy, did I learn my lesson after visiting Joy's two weeks ago! The prices are reasonable and it's BYOB! I had the panang noodles, which were only $8 and so tasty. My only complaint is that the dish really is just panang curry flavor and deep-fried noodles. In the future I might not get this simply because it is not very healthy. I tried my friend's drunken noodle dish and boy was that delicious, as well as slightly healthier. We also had the thai rolls, which were quite tasty although slightly seafood-y for my taste. The service is friendly and fast, almost to a fault, but I don't care. I will be back to enjoy food the next time I am in Lakeview!
(4)
Lauren H.

I feel as though I got hustled by Joy's Noodles somehow. All this time, this place was just around the corner from me. I went. I enjoyed. I didn't write home about it. (To be fair, I don't actually write home about any restaurants I go to. In fact, I can't think of the last time I "wrote home" at all.) It just seemed average. Never blew me out of the water. Never tempted to spit something out. Just a nice happy, reliable medium. Then I move a few miles north, end up back there by chance one day and find out their Panang Noodles are quite possibly on my Top 5 list of Things I Could Eat For the Rest of My Life. On top of that, while their Green Tea bubble tea smoothies have also always been adequate in my eyes, it pure perfection on this trip. Somehow they managed to avoid the usual plague of bubble tea smoothies, which involves the tapioca balls kind of freezing and getting a slushy texture the longer they sit in the smoothie. I'm not even sure how they pulled this one off. I vote magic. Could this one visit have been pure luck, where all the stars and planets ruling Thai food came together in harmony above Joy's? It's possible. But I could actually see myself returning more now that I don't live so nearby. The Panang curry calls my name...
(4)
Jon P.

Stopped by this place last night for a dinner with 6 other friends. It isn't the biggest place in the world, but they quickly accommodated our semi-large group by pulling together some tables. This place's decor seems a big odd for a Thai restaurant. It is very brightly lit, and very clean and sleek inside. I'm talking slate and stone everywhere. There is a huge piece of cloth art on one of the walls though. I've never seen so many sequins before... Very cool. On to the food. Typical enough Thai/Asian fare. We had some pad thai, bubble tea, and crab rangoon at the table as well as some more interesting dishes. Over all, pretty tasty. All the food was hot when served and it came very quick. Best all over, the price is right. At ~8/entrÃ©e, how can you go wrong?
(3)
Rick F.

Atmosphere: Hip Bathrooms: Clean Service: Inconsistent Price: Fair Food: Much better places for Thai food in the city! Great place to gather with friends! Food is so so! I've had more bad meals that good ones! I keep going cause it's convenient. With a little more attention to authentic Thai cuisine this place could really rock!
(2)
Jeff A.

I am always happy at Joy's! Ate lunch there today! Had the 7 dollar lunch special... Phucket Noodles with chicken and Crab Rangoon.. It was all delicious, and what is more important is it always is, and for 7 bucks I was sitting out on broadway with a friend having very quick service with hot wonderful food! what more could I ask for? Ill keep it short and sweet you will not be disappointed!
(4)
Lisa H.

Love it!! Yummy food with plenty of seating, I've never had to wait more than 5 mins for a table. They also have some patio seating in the back with lights- very romantic and cool for summer. Lots of vegetarian choices too. This place would get five stars from me except that I did notice that they had a health code violation - nothing serious, since I've been here many times and only good things have happened.
(4)
Alex D.

This place has always been good to me. I've never had anything I didn't like at Joy's (my favorite is the Phuket Noodles (pronounced pooket)). Their crab rangoons are great, and I had a fried shrimp ball thing that was also excellent. They've got Boba tea which is pretty good. The prices at Joy's are great, too. Not much, if anything, over $8.00. It's also BYOB, which is part of what makes it such a great deal. It's not easy to leave a restaurant with with a bill under $24 for 3 people and still eat as well as you eat a Joy's. Every time I go, it's with a group of 5-7 people. Generally, there is no problem getting a seat. It's not too crowded, and is very clean.
(4)
Cassie M.

Discovered this place when I was hot and bedraggled after Pride... Despite crazy huge crowds, we were seated in about 5 minutes. Quick service, reasonable prices, great food. What's not to like?
(4)
Tom A.

My short and sweet review: Joy's is clean, fast, good service and very tasty. The ideal time to visit is during lunch, where their specials ($8 for entree/app) are second to none. Almost every entree that I've had has been great, but I'd recommend the Chicken Coconut Curry, the Crazy Noodles and the Crab Rangoon. Additionally, it's a BYOB place, which greatly reduces the overall cost if you're looking to throw back a few with your meal! There's some free parking around the area, but it's easiest to take the bus or El. THE SCOOP: Appreciate Joy's for what it is - a quick, easy and cheap Asian restaurant - and you'll fall in love with it.
(5)
John A.

I have only eaten at Joys by way of carry-out, so this review is of their food as carry-out. Pros: So fast, they make Jimmy Johns look like some sort of slow moving ice formation. Seriously, I eat here ususally when I realise I have forgotten to eat and I don't have the patience to boil water and add rice, it is that fast. The food is reasonable priced. I have used the online ordering system several times and it has always been a charm. Cons: It isn't really a con, because the food isn't bad, but there is usually nothing that special about it. I am sure that it is much better when you dine in. When ever you order food "hot", it seems like they just add some chili paste in at the last minute and don't really worry about mixing it in.
(3)
Afthab B.

My first review :). Moved to the neighborhood 2 months back. Ordered a take out. Took less than 10 mins. Green curry was good nothing extra special. They din't have any other curry which was kinda strange for a thai restaurant. I prefer the near by Cozy noodles over this.
(3)
Megan G.

This is our go-to Thai place in Lakeview. In fact, we're so happy with Joy's that it has kept us from trying other Thai places in the city for the past few years. Let me tell you a story. Back in the early years of the millennium, I was a newcomer to Chicago, Lakeview, and the general world of living as an adult (working all day and spending what little dough I made at night). I embarked on a pad thai tasting project because I was broke, poor, and bored in my evenings. I was tipped off to Joy's by a coworker and haven't turned back. They have the best pad thai in the area (lots of peanutty noodles, a really tasty fried tofu- not too heavy, crispy outside, springy inside, and lots of freshness on top by way of sprouts, chopped green onion, and a lime wedge). The funny thing is, I rarely order their pad thai these days. Usually I get one of their several noodle or rice veggie dishes, all good. The BF is partial to their spicy basil dish or curries and we always get the veggie spring rolls and sometimes the crab rangoon. It's clean, friendly, and always a short wait to dine in-house and they have the fastest delivery I've ever seen. True, we live about 2 blocks away, but in past homestead locations, they delivered in under a 1/2 hour- sometimes in 10 minutes, I'm not kidding. Also BYOB and very reasonably priced. All that for an actual healthy meal- lots of fresh veggies included- lots of places skimp on the health factor- makes this our go-to every time. I've used their online option to order before but sometimes it doesn't work. But, still fast delivery either way.
(5)
Katie R.

I love their cucumber salad with passion. Noodles in the Pot (the sister to Joy's) is near my work and thus I have eaten a lot of food there as well. Joy's is pretty much the same. Even the atmosphere is similar. I love their garlic sauce with chicken (rice). I also like their Pad Thai and Pad See Eiuw quite a bit. Everything here usually has lovely chicken as well, rather than the gristle/gross pieces you sometimes get at not-so-nice restaurants. Do yourself a favor and make sure to get the cucumber salad.
(4)
Sarah S.

Just had my first experience at Joy's this past weekend and I was very pleased. My friends and I started with an order of the thai rolls. We thought they were going to be different than they were...weren't too fond of them. I had the Bai Tong Noodles as my dinner and that definitely made up for the mediocre appetizer!!! Whenever I get Thai food, I ALWAYS get Pad Thai, but this time I decided to branch out. Bai Tong is spanish noodles with egg, bean sprouts and peanuts. Thinking about how delicious they were makes me want to go back and get them again! My roommate had the garlic chicken. Though the name does say garlic, it was a bit overpowering. I don't think she would get that dish again.
(4)
Nick B.

So back to those Chicago reviews! I've been on a tofu-broccoli binge for sometime now. I was craving it last night. I've heard a lot of good things about Joy's for a long time now and the reviews on Yelp finally convinced me to stop by. I went last night with a friend and started with the spring rolls. I didn't read the description well because I was starving, but the spring rolls weren't fried or cooked. Which is fine, because it was a nice change of pace. Anyway, the rolls were stuffed with avocado, cucumber, cabbage, and some other veggies. To my surprise...they weren't vegan. So note to self. For dinner I went with the tofu broccoli (subbed out the beef) which came with plenty of tofu, broccoli, and a serving of rice. Food was great! It was a smaller portion which was a nice change for an Asian restaurant. Overall, food was good, price was on point, and service was satisfying. I can't say I was blown away by anything, but definitely worth my time and I will return.
(4)
Loren F.

Blah. I feel bad for Chicagoans if you think this is Thai. I don't often write bad reviews but this was just gross. Weak curry, cheap top ramen freeze dry style noodles and too much sweet coconut milk to water it down. Come to California where and try real Thai food. The service was good though, thus the extra star.
(2)
Kara C.

If you've got a craving for thai, Joy's is an awesome place to go. I got a recommendation to go here from a friend. The friend told me just about everything is good and he is right! My whole family went there and we tried each others dishes. YUM. I've tried... spring rolls pot stickers (with bomb peanut sauce) chicken coconut curry pad thai (not the best, but not awful) prik pao noodles (so good) garlic chicken noodles (also good!) pad khee mao (amazing) generous portions, great taste, inexpensive!
(5)
Ramya P.

Joy's is huge.... It has a large space so its great for large parties. And so, not very difficult to get a reservation on a Friday evening one hour before its time for dinner. Its BYOB which I really appreciate. The food is very good. Our party of 6 tried the crab rangoon, spring roll, spicy basil, pad khe mao, garlic sauce and the green curry. All of them were a hit and were sufficient.
(4)
Matt R.

I have been coming to Joy's Noodles & Rice since my second week in Chicago... nearly a decade ago and it's still an absolute favorite. Unlike most Thai restaurants in the city, the space is large, comfortable, stylish, and simply a great time. It's BYOB so definitely bring a couple nice bottles of wine or some good beer. In the warmer months, sit in the garden out back if there isn't a long wait. There usually isn't. As for the menu, it's difficult to go wrong. Everything is delicious and apparently very authentic according to friends who used to live in Thailand. The Pad Thai is the best I've had anywhere and I've recently been ordering the Pad Khee Mao whenever I go. Everything is cheap so be sure to get appetizers and soup if you are really hungry. (I generally order more than I expect to eat because everything here reheats really well the next day for lunch.) The Thai Rolls are amazing and I love the Fried Shu Mai. I have nothing but praise for Joy's. Check it out if you've never been. It's one of the easier restaurant choices in the city, especially on a budget.
(5)
Arlene A.

Walked in positively STARVING! Which brings up the very best thing about Joy's and the not so best. While I was glad that our server came over to get our appetizer order, it was irritating that he appeared to be in a rush to get us out. If the place was packed I wouldn't have a problem with this, but the place is pretty big and maybe filled 1/3 of the way. We asked about dessert, and he literally told us that we shouldn't. We were ordering dessert to be polite as he stared at us finishing our 1/2 glasses of wine. Really uncomfortable. On to the food - EXCELLENT! Everything was flavorful, the portions generous. I had a noodle dish (Pad Khee Mao) and my honey had the Panang Curry, with a Super Combo Appetizer to start. All good! Love the variety of sauces served with all the nibbles, totally up my alley. And while I wouldn't rush to eat here, they do deliver!
(3)
Andrey R.

Everytime I go there, it's always nice; good food and definitely affordable. Pad Thai with chicken and spring rolls are great! BYOB +
(4)
Heather B.

Super fast service and the Tom Yum soup was more chock full of tasty tidbits than I've ever seen. Unfortunately, the fried tofu appetizer demoted this place a whole star in my book.
(3)
Polwach W.

My friend and I went for lunch here as it gets a lot of good review. For Thai people, I could say that it's a total disappointment. I ordered Pad See Ew, my favorite Thai dish. Oh my... it's far too sweet. The taste is very mediocre. I have had better. We ordered Spring Roll as a side dish. Ok, it's very sweet too, but normally this dish should be sweet any way. My friend, she ordered Tom Kah. A soup that should be sour and slightly sweet. No surpise to us, it's sweet but not sour at all, not mentioning the wrong ingredient they put in; I think it was tomato. So, she asked for a lime to save the dish. They brought her a yellow lemon, saying that they have no lime. WTF, how could you call yourself a Thai restaurant if you don't even have the lime. The service is good though, but sadly we are not coming back again.
(2)
Jonathan C.

I have mixed views of this place (from my one visit). Pros: - we went with a part of 7 on a Sat. night and got seated within 10 minutes (which is nice). - the meals were $6-7 and a drinks are byob or only $2-3 for theirs Cons: - Green Curry was bland. I need spice, I need the authentic stuff. The Jalopenos and chili paste at the table were weak too. I do not like my food so Americanized that it no longer has heat. - All of our food came out at different times. My fiancee ordered 5-10 minutes after everyone else yet got her dish first. I We got our soup after the maincourses already came out. For the price I will try again, but I may need to specify I want more heat.
(2)
Shawn K.

I must admit after seeing the reviews on Yelp I was a little surprised with the whole experience. Maybe that was because I ordered take out instead of dine in food. The food was well prepared and the presentation even in the take out boxes was surprisingly nice. What I was disappointed in was the quantity of the food. For the amount it costs I would have expected to see bigger portions of rice and more sauce. It may have been an off day for them as well. When I got there I had to track down a waiter to get my pickup order. The place was not very full so this surprised me a bit. I will probably make one more attempt at some point. 360 reviews cant be wrong after all.
(3)
Josh L.

Drunken noodles are ok. Crab Won Tons are pretty great. Service is great and fast. Delivery is alright, some of the staff doesn't speak English so mistakes can be made. Dine-in is a great experience. They always hustle. The reason it gets 5 stars. The Bai Tong noodles. They are so good it hurts. Best Pad Tia in the city. I'm a buff and am easily unimpressed, but they have the answer.
(5)
Jacob Y.

This place serves some of the best Thai at VERY reasonable prices. The pad see ew is phenomenal...and I love their panang curry dishes. Careful on ordering the HOT version of the dishes...they mean HOT!
(5)
S K.

Overall pretty good Thai food. I love the pad thai here. It used to feel like this place had a huge vat of noodles that they would dish out plates in minutes because they were so busy. Over the past few years, it feels like they've done a much better job serving their noodles fresher or at least it appears that way. I always sweeten the noodles up with a little peanut sauce and add the hot sauce for some added flavor. It works. Cheap, consistent dishes makes this place a staple when I'm in Wrigleyville.
(3)
caroline e.

When the Bamee Noodles were placed in front of me, my first thought was, "ewee." It really did not look appetizing. However, I have to say that it was surprisingly good! Just the right amount of sweetness. I could have done without the fake crab, but the rest of the dish was delish. I also tasted the BF's Chicken Coconut Curry and have to say it was also really tasty. The staff is friendly, the booze is BYOB and the food is really good. Verdict: Joy's made me happy.
(4)
Richard B.

Very good Phuket (spinach egg noodles), the appetizers are mostly good. Service is good and they are usually fast. If you need takeout, this is the place. Order online for discount. Can be busy.
(4)
David R.

Joy's is great!!! "Garlic Chicken Noodles" is an amazing dish. Service is always attentive and food has yet to disappoint.
(4)
megan g.

Went here for the first time on Wednesday night for a friend's birthday. Enjoyed our bottle of wine that we got down the street with no corkage fee. I was really in the mood for something light and fresh and was a bit disappointed by the lack of salads but it's got rice and noodles in the name so who am I to complain! I had the cashew chicken (snow peas, pineapple, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and cashews!) I don't even like cashews or onions and I ate every last bite! It was filling but the sauce was light enough I didn't feel like I needed a shower afterwards. My friend had the green curry and it was really creamy and had a great coconut flavor to it. The outdoor area was just big enough to not feel too cramped and had great flowers all around it. The best part of all, 17 bucks for the two of us to eat and drink our BYOB wine. Not too shabby. Definitely plan on going back!
(4)
Elizabeth D.

Joys noodles makes me happy. I don't know when Thai food became my comfort food, but joys always succeeds in this mission. My go to dish for most Thai places is the pad see eiw. Joys has a great version of this (although admittedly not the absolute best I've ever had). But, they don't skimp on the broccoli or the sauce, and I'm typically able to make half of it my lunch for the next day, especially if ive also gotten an order of the delish shrop shumai (called Khanom Jeeb). Joy! Last night, my husband got their drunken noodles. I doubted if I'd be a fan, because that's one of the dishes I think most Thai places over season. But his was oh so yummy, made with fresh basil and all sorts of veggies. Food envy struck! Other times I've ordered the prik pao noodles and been really happy with that. Also, their Panang Currie sauce is oh so good, but watch out when you order. They fry their noodles. If you don't like the idea of dipping chips into curry and meat/tofu, ask them to replace the fried noodles with the thin rice noodles... then (to me at least) I don't feel like I'm eating chips for dinner. All in all, joys is great place for takeout or dine in. Yet give great portion sizes for reasonable amounts, and are byo. Don't bother going to some of the other Thai place down the street if you are craving good simple Thai.
(4)
Sara P.

The noodles are pretty good here! They have a pretty good Panang curry, and that's a hard one to get right. I also enjoyed the pad thai, pad see eiw, and the pad khee mao has a kick of flavor. It can get a bit loud in the evening, but it's fun. Service can be a bit slow with refills on drinks, but there are a billion tables, so...I can understand. Overall, good place.
(4)
Deb B.

We were here on Friday, and it wasn't nearly as good as what we have had here before. None, of the 4 of us, finished half our our meals. The crab rangoon was excellent as an appetizer, and the best part of the meal. The beef that I had with the noodles was sour..and i couldn't eat more than a bite. Service was good, even on a busy night.
(3)
Maryjane J.

Awesome. Great food, great atmosphere, hot, fast and affordable. Not enough good things can be said about Joys. Oh and BYOB too, which never hurts. :)
(5)
Dane K.

This is one of those places I went to YEARS and YEARS ago, had a boring experience, and never went back ... Until recently! I don't know if my tastes have changed or if their food has gotten better, but everything I tried was really good. I ordered a dumpling noodle soup. It was shrimp dumplings with BBQ pork, in a clear broth. Very tasty. service was good.. You can find coupons pretty easily, or go for a lunch special .. but their prices are reasonable to begin with (we were here on a weekend, most of those deals are weekday only anyway). you probably won't find anything too exotic on the menu here, but if you like straight-forward thai food that americans lean towards, this is a good choice.
(4)
Gwendolyn H.

Drunken Noodles. Slightly sweet but not in a fruity way. A touch of spice. Great veggies. Your choice of protein. And best of all... an amazing sauce not salted down with soy or cheap teriyaki, but one you can tell was made from scratch. I know they have many wonderful and flavorful dishes... but get the drunken noodles. So far they are the best in the city and are so amazing that I get a craving for them at least once a month. BYOB is great (especially without a corkage fee). The only downfall is they are very slowly raising their prices. You used to be able to go here and get an entree for $6... now its more like $8... but it's still worth it.
(5)
Laura O.

Please note: this review is written strictly from a delivery perspective. I've never actually dined-in at this place, but I've ordered delivery probably close to 30 times. It's my go-to spot for mouth-watering Thai food when I don't feel like cooking. The golden noodles with beef are spot on. Delivery can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour depending on meal times (but we did drunkenly beg them to hurry up last weekend, and they did).
(5)
Sarah P.

My first dining experience at Joy's was marginal at best. This has been on my list of places to try for a while now. Joy's is quite convenient since it is right off the Diversey brown line stop. The atmosphere is fine. The large front windows make this place inviting and there is a simplicity in the design and decor. The service here was good. Our server was friendly and prompt in taking our order. We started off with edamame, which was hot and lightly salted. I ordered a noodle dish with pork. The meat was so fatty I didn't eat it. The noodles were flavorful, but dry. Overall, I was disappointed with my meal. My friend ordered a chicken dish with noodles. The sauce made the dish more exciting and flavorful, but the chicken was tough. If I go back, I think I will have to stay away from the entrees with meat.
(2)
Richard B.

Baby eggrolls.... AMAZING..... Chicken garlic noodles... AMAZING.....Pad Thai..... AMAZING..... so good.... so fresh.... when I can get to Lakeview (in the daylight) I hit up their lunch special........ AMAZING !
(5)
Jessica C.

if i could give zero stars i would, the only reason they even get on is b/c my food came quickly. came in with some co workers for thier lunch specials. with your meal came an appetizer. so me and my co worker had the baby egg rolls. well normally im pretty sure if theres shrimp its says "SHRIMP EGGROLLS" etc etc. well wasnt until my co worker has her second one that she starts to have an allergic reaction and the waiter finally comes back and she asks if theres shrimp in there and he says shrimp and chicken. she had to fly down the block to buy some meds. by the time she came back she didnt have time to eat. needless to say not once had they checked our table after they gave us our meals. then she starts to tell the waiter you know you guys should have it listed that theres shrimp in the eggrolls b/c i didnt know and im allergic to shrimp. i kid you not! he paid her no mind. picked up our plates and walked away. she was ready to flip out on him. by far probably the worst service i've ever had. food was mediocre nothing that would lead me to come back here tho.
(1)
Ryan B.

Get the Pas See Eiw! Appetizer platter was average
(4)
becki s.

I just moved 'up' to Lakeview from Lincoln Park, and was SO happy to find a new favorite Thai place within quick walking distance. Joys is QUICK...i mean, you order, you look in your purse for chapstick and your plate is in front of you. However, their quick nature doesn't take away from taste. Everything I've had so far from here as been excellent. I recommend the Pad Se Ew...its AMAZING here. I've lived in the new place for 2 weeks, and Ive been here 3 times...yeah...its that good :)
(5)
Ryan L.

The prices and location are ok, but the food is pretty bland. The sauces even seemed watery to me. So, when they brought my dinner, it looked more like rubbery chicken in a very light brown soup like broth. I was also not impressed when I noticed they had a citation on the wall of unsanitary conditions found during routine inspection. Not very appetizing, Will not return
(2)
Josh G.

I vaguely remember eating at Joy's when I first moved to Chicago a few years ago and I never went back. I honestly can't remember why. I guess it just didn't stand out in my mind as being really fantastic or enjoyable. Or maybe I took a date there that went horribly wrong and I blocked it out? Possibly I ordered something that didn't agree with my tummy and the argument between food and said tummy caused a memory lapse? Well whatever happened, I made a return visit this weekend and my 5-star rating is based on one thing, and one thing only: Phuket Noodles w/ Beef. I might need a drool-guard for my keyboard as I'm typing this. They were just that good. I love Thai. I try new Thai places any chance I get and as I said, previously this place didn't stand out in my mind. But now when I'm craving Thai I think those delicious spinach noodles and seared slices of beef will immediately come to mind. And the fact that you can also order online and have it delivered is just plain genius.
(5)
Clara P.

This place is sooooooooooooo delish! I had the beef pad see ew for entree and some chicken something with a spicy peanut sauce... sorry for not getting the names right, but both were very delish! Although pad see ew is a simple dish the noodles themselves were great. A hot plate of this in the winter will surely warm the tummy up! It is a BYOB place and unfortunately we didn't know or even bother to find out til after the fact. Can't to go back!
(5)
Matthew M.

Easily one of my fav Thai places in town. I used to frequent this spot when I lived in the neighborhood, and I often took people from out of town here. In the summer the back patio is an amazing spot on a hot day. A great get away from the busy Broadway traffic. Get the Spring Rolls. They are the best I've had in Chicago.
(4)
Nichole P.

I love Joy's Noodles & Rice. Frequently, you can find me there for their awesome lunch special for $6-10. However, I have brought many out-of-town friends and family here to partake in a delicious noodle meal. Did I mention that this spot is BYOB too! There are so many great things on the menu, you really can not go wrong with an individual order. As always, I will list a few of my staple selections: pad tai, prik pao, crazy noodles and garlic chicken. Tom and I, both absolutely love the chicken coconut curry dish. It is so yummy and perfect. We really enjoy the dishes with tofu instead of chicken as well, so you might give that a try. The cucumber salad is so good and is served with all the curry dishes. Tom isn't the biggest fan, but I am a big fan. I will miss Joy's lots when I move to San Francisco, but hopefully I'll find a staple spot in the bay area. If you are ever in Lakeview, this restaurant is not to be missed. It is chill and quick and definitely delicious! A fabulous spot for lunch or dinner in great company.
(5)
Lori M.

Bai-tong noodles with tofu creep into my dreams at night. If only Joy's would deliver breakfast ! I also love their veggie rolls over any other thai shop in the city. Get the sticky rice with a side of sauteed greens and egg and suddenly you will be ranging from contentment and satisfaction to bliss and intense joy and happy tummy in between. Treat yourself to lychee and all your worries disappear. Thanks Joy for delivering so promptly 100% of the time and offering online ordering so I don't have to sit on hold while everyone else is calling you. Noodlegasm!!
(5)
Brook G.

We braved the bitter cold on New Year's Eve to try Joy's, and I must say it was worth it. I ordered the PAD KHEE MAO (yes, I had to copy and paste that from their website because, come on...who can actually remember the name of the Thai food they order?) But anyways, it was delicious. As were the spring rolls for apps. Yum yum. Big portions for a great price. What I thought was really excellent, though, was the service. The staff was very attentive and friendly. We will definitely be back. Oh Joy!
(4)
Tal C.

Super fast delivery, and the chicken coconut curry is amazing.
(4)
Stu R.

They have my favorite shrimp pad thai in chi. Love the venue, quirky and genuinely friendly staff, This has been a consistent favorite for me for years.
(5)
Allen G.

Great Thai food, nice ambiance, inexpensive! Don't stare at the girl/boy waiter!
(5)
Gretta H.

Although I have not been looking, I have yet to find a Thai place I like more than this spot. It has all the makings of the perfect inpromto dinner out: great fast service, great food, huge portions, cheap prices, huge space, and BYOB. As I've mentioned before, I used to live nearby and there is nothing more lovely than sitting outside at one of these little restaurants on Broadway. The staff is so sweet and accomodating. The pad-thai is competative. I don't know what else I have to say. It's perfect on all levels. Wait until Spring so you can sit outside.
(5)
james j.

Been there twice, and both times was impressed by the level of service and the food. Portion sizes were nice and the food was piping hot, I will say that the execution of the food is fairly thai-generic but at least you won't be disappointed.
(4)
Quynh-An P.

The boyfriend, our friend, and I came here after walking around the Lincoln Park Conservatory. We were pretty hungry and tired from our walk, so it was a nice break for us. While it was in the midst of lunch time and was already pretty full, we were taken into the back section of the restaurant were there were still a few tables open. Good sign to see it pretty full on a Saturday afternoon...also great that they have a lot of space to seat everyone. I ordered my standard, pad see ew with tofu. The boyfriend got the pad kee mow with tofu and our friend got the green curry with tofu (we were on a weird tofu kick or something). The food came out surprisingly fast. I really enjoyed my pad see ew and thought the flavors were great. There was a lot of food on my plate too, and I couldn't finish everything either. The boyfriend's pad kee mow was also really tasty filled with green beans, carrots, baby corn, and lots of basil. YUM! Our friend finished her green curry, so I can only imagine how delicious that was too! Overall, this is a really great place to stop by and grab a meal at an affordable price. I was bummed that they didn't have their lunch specials on the weekends though...it would have been nice to possibly get less food and pay less, since I don't eat any more or less on weekdays/weekends.
(4)
Cyndi F.

joys by far is the best thai food on the Northside!! I always get the coconut curry and spring rolls. The spring rolls are amazing. The staff is great, Lex is our #1 server always!! We love that it is BYOB with no corking fee!! I moved from the neighborhood and always go back to get my favorites.... Mmmm, the best!!!!
(5)
Patrick G.

Joy's offers decent, basic Thai-style food for a reasonable and appropriate price. The portions are large and satisfying. They offer all the staples of Thai cuisine and having had numerous dishes, they are done well. My favorites are the Crab Rangoon, Pad Thai, and Lardna. The spring rolls weren't my favorite but everything else was good. The service is pleasant and prompt. For what it is, Joy's is great for the price.
(4)
Don H.

Once upon a time this was the usual joint for a group of friends and mine. But this one particular night we decided to do a reunion dinner. The evening was beautiful so we decided to enjoy the outdoor patio out back. You're facing the backside of many apartments, but it's pleasant and the lighting isn't distracting. If outdoors isn't your thing, just enjoy the indoors. They redid it a few years ago and it's very comfortable. Service was a mixed bag tonight, but the food and speed of delivery was excellent. We enjoyed appetizers which came out 5 minutes after we ordered and the entrees came about 10 minutes later. And, as usual, they were cooked perfectly. The BYO is an excellent treat and you can always follow up dinner with a nice walk around Lake View.
(4)
Tim S.

I have 2 really great experiences to share about Joy's..... My first is eating at their restaurant on Broadway. I sat outside. The food was really good. I ordered the BBQ pork and rice. Sounds mainstream but came out authentic. The service was great, too. Side note, some guy sat in the outdoor seating area without a shirt. Firstly, who does that anymore or ever for that matter - would you walk into Sparks Steakhouse like that...or even a Friday's - don't care how fit you are, it's just not appropriate? Secondly, I was pleased to see the waitor ask the fellow to put a shirt on. My second experience (because I was craving the food) was delivery. It is so easy and online. It took half the time the receipt stated and the meal was prepared and tasted as if I was eating at the restaurant. Thusly, I've created a profile with Joy's and plan on being a regular. I'm certainly not an afficionado when it comes to pan-Asian food. I rely on what tastes great and how attentive the staff is to providing a good experience. Well, for both, and TWO times - in the restaurant and delivery, I was very pleasantly pleased.
(4)
James Michael S.

Good service, patio seating, food came out in literally 5 minutes. Had the pad prik, some what bland but I still ate the whole thing. BYOB!
(3)
Kevin G.

Really torn between three and four stars here. I gave it four because I'm nice but I have to say it is a far second from Siam Rice in the Loop which I frequent weekly. The green curry was ok - I've had better. The Pad Thai is pretty standard. The dumplings appetizer is decent.
(4)
Nicolas H.

I really liked the spring rolls; the sauce was different and the addition of avocado was nice as well. The panang noodles were great as well, however if you let them sit too long they get soggy and lose their crunch. The service was not the best though and they were a little ridiculous when it came to discussing the bill...
(3)
amanda y.

let me rave about this place: joy's is my favorite thai restaurant in lakeview for so many reasons. the first reason is that, regardless of the task, they are exceedingly fast in everything that they do here. i've had both delivery (although i live a stones throw away) and dined in at joy's. they are faster than a rodeo fast talker. you want water? got it. you need a new napkin? DON'T BOTHER ASKING. THEY ALREADY KNOW ALL YOUR WANTS AND NEEDS. it's true. the service is great here. i love it. in addition to the rapid fire service, i love the prices and the food here. there's a lunch special for ~6 or 7 american dollars. you get a soup or salad or appetizer and an entree. you'll definitely have enough to take home to enjoy on your lonely night watching what not to wear with your cat (i know i always do). my favorite thing salad is the cucumber salad. they keep it simple and don't go crazy trying to do any sort of weird fusion. the crab rangoon and spring rolls are also very good and warm. my favorite entree here is the pad see ew. the noodles are so giantic. they aren't ever under cooked or overcooked. the other thing about eating here is the BYOB-ness. this place is truly BYOB, and they don't charge a rip off corking fee. the last thing: the androgynous looking waiters and waitresses. i'm not sure if a hiring requirement here is that you must have an extremely short asymmetrical hair cut, have a good tan and be waifishly thin, but all of the astute employees here at joys have very very similar looks. i like it. boy-girl-boy-girl-duck-duck-goose, whatever! they're so lightning fast speeding around the restaurant, that it's hard to establish a relationship with a single mistress or mistro. OH WOW, i LOVE JOYS! just perfect, just pure joy. get it for delivery or dine in with the he-shes.
(5)
Antonio M.

My favorite Thai food in the city. The combination they use for their Spring Rolls is excellent, and the Phuket Noodles are delicious and not commonly found at most Thai restaurants. The decor is typical for an affordable Thai restaurant. I only wish it had a larger loading zone on those nights when take-out is the way I go. Recommended.
(4)
Jul N.

Ok. Went to Joy's again. Even though I think I preferred what I had had the time before (green curry), the coconut chicken curry was still quite satisfying and the crab rangoons were pretty fab. That and Joy's dining space just feels really comfortable to me. Joy's, you win as best thai restaurant in Lakeview, at least for now... =)
(5)
Olivia L.

I read reviews of Joy's on Yelp and was very excited to try it when I first moved to Lakeview. The first time, I was impressed with the quality of ingredients and the clean, more modern interior of the restaurant on Broadway. However, I got panang curry that was less than stellar. Served on the fried wide egg noodles (it seems like a lot of places serve curry on these, and they are by far my least favourite!), and the flavours did not come out well. The thai iced tea was also much too sweet. I figured it must have been a fluke and decided to try again, and ended up getting the Chicken Coconut Curry. After that, I was completely sold. The CCC is so delicious. Light and fragrant, with delicious sweet curry. The vegetable rolls are amazing, so fresh and bright, with pineapple included, which I love. I have tried a few of the other dishes, some of which were excellent (Ginger Chicken) and some were not so great (pad thai was eggy, jungle curry, I believe...unbearably spicy). Joy's really seems to do what they do well excellently, and what they don't do so well tends to fail. At any rate, it's still my fave spot by far. Staff is SO nice, so professional, and so friendly here. Everyone speaks very clearly, which makes phone ordering much easier. They also have THE FASTEST DELIVERY...EVER...ANYWHERE. While they generally take about 20 minutes (despite being quoted about 45), I once ordered and no joke, 10 minutes later the guy was at my building. I think since I've taken to ordering from them 1-2 times a week, they've set up a remote shop in my building. :) I've taken to brining all of my friends here when they're in the 'hood, which has presented a bit of a problem for me. After they visit, it becomes their favourite neighborhood spot too, so I'm left with little diversity when it comes to dining out in my neighborhood. Thankfully for me, having to eat at Joy's is not a bad problem to have.
(5)
Katie S.

Solid Thai food, online ordering available and fast delivery. They charge a delivery fee, which I think is BS, but seems like everyone here does it. The service in the restaurant can be a little cold, but it's efficient, which is nice. I definitely recommend the chicken pad thai and crab rangoon.
(4)
Tony A.

Great place to have a quick dinner and the quality of the food is pretty good at an inexpensive price compared to some of the other Thai places in the neighborhood. That being said, don't go if you want to sit down and have an actual conversation with someone, being there is like being on a factory line. They get you in quickly and try to get you out as soon as possible. I would give more stars, but they leave no time to actually sit and enjoy as they hover about and place the check on the table when you are not even finished.
(3)
Joey M.

Joy's lunch specials are amazing. You get a bigger than what you usually get for lunch serving of one of about twenty dishes, along with spring rolls OR crab rangoons for $6.50-$7.50. I give it five stars just as a lunch place. Everyone's already mentioned it but it sure is worth noting that there is NO corkage fee if you feel like bringing something. There are always a few tables outside on Broadway during the nice weather months. But again, go to Joy's for Lunch. Nowhere else in the area can compare.
(5)
Ellie F.

I've only been to Joy's for dinner once, mostly we come for lunch. I'm relatively boring and get the pad thai or pad see ewe (both are perfectly fine). The real draw though, is the lunch special...entree plus an appetizer for super cheap. I'm always up for spring rolls that come with a special!
(4)
Rique C.

I LOVE this place; the staff here must recognize me by now, because for the past two years I've come at least once a month. Sometimes twice. eek. Their service is super fast, even on busy nights we usually don't wait longer than 5 minutes for our food. . My favorites are the vegetable rolls, Prik Pao, and BaiTong noodles. I'm not a fan of the wide noodles, but those are good as well, along with all their curries. Pretty cheap food, large portions (usually have some to take home), AND it's BYOB... definitely my go-to restaurant.
(5)
Brandon T.

Great, inexpensive Thai food. Go to take out place as they can have your order up in under 10 minutes even with a full house. Never had a problem with the exception of ordering one chicken dish and one beef once and getting both chicken. Although who knows, maybe they were just concerned about my health.
(4)
Zuzzi E.

During my five day trip, I ate here twice. It's BYOB without a corkage fee, so bring a bottle of wine! The veggies seemed fresh, but the tofu is gross. It's pre-fried and packaged. Other than the tofu, I was really happy with both noodle dishes I tried. For the price, it's really a great value.
(3)
Julia D.

Kitties, sunshine, hearts and rainbows, I love Joy's. Another fab find in my neighborhood. The food is inexpensive and yummy. Good selection of things. I almost always get the golden noodles, but the other things I've tried haven't disappointed. BYOB with no corkage fee, which is a plus. They even let us BYO fifth of vodka (We're classy, whatever. At least we're fun.). I've been many times and will undoubtedly be back many more. Go, Joy's, go! The service is fairly quick. I always seem to have the same server who I cannot hear for the life of me. Oh well. It's a restaurant, I know what to do.
(4)
Lea L.

My favorite place besides (noodles in the pot which is the same) to get pad thai. Also good portion and fast delivery. BYOB if you dine in, which is always nice.
(4)
Jacqui R.

It's possible that I'm obsessed with Joy's. It's part convenience and it's part deliciousness. I've only ever ordered delivery from here. But it's always been incredibly quick, within about 20 to 30 minutes. The food arrives warm and fresh. I almost always get the pad thai, steamed veggies with tofu, and spring rolls. They are all incredibly flavorful with the perfection texture and proportion of ingredients. Most of the Thai food in Chi hasn't lived up to my expectations. (I've actually eaten in Thailand.) But while Joy's isn't the best I've ever had, it's certainly among the best I've had in Chicago.
(4)
P S.

Lovely lunch specials, I must say. Arriving at the same time as two other complete parties, I stepped aside allowing them to sit first, respecting the sign that said everyone had to be present in my party in order to be seated. To my surprise, a server sat me anyway. As I waited for my dining companions to arrive, I looked through the menu only slightly, failing to flip the whole thing over to the back page where the lunch specials were listed. When my friends sat down, they showed me where to look and behold! An appetizer and a full sized panang tofu for only $7! Score. Delicious if not standard (which is not to say bad, at all) panang sauce served only with tofu chunks over crispy wide noodles. I'd only ever had it with rice and truthfully, prefer it more that way. The spring rolls were small and the bulk of the space inside taken up with avocado, but for $7 they whet my appetite just fine thanks. The service was minimal and friendly, the interior is really lovely and the food was quite good. I'm saving my fifth star for a return visit and another shot at a few other dishes I'd like to try - but there will certainly BE a return. Nicely done, Joy.
(4)
Kristin S.

BYOB and great, HUGE portions! I went here with a group of friends and everything was great! The menu is a little different than some standard Thai in the city (the spring rolls had cream cheeese and avocado in them), but delicious all the same. I tried a friend's pad thai after they proclaimed it the best they'd had and it was very very good. I really don't like to order pad thai at restaurants unless I know it's good. I like to be more adventurous, but I'll be getting that next time. We had the cucumber salad as well which was huge compared to others I've gotten for only $2.50. It was a great appetizer to share as were the spring rolls (though a little heavier than a traditional spring roll). My boyfriend ordered the pad prik noodles which were spicy and delicious with lots of veggies. I had the panang curry noodles which were very good, but didn't agree with me after eating almost the whole plate. It was basically just the protein (I had tofu which was nice and lightly fried), the curry sauce, some wilted basil and the crispy noodles. Not very healthy, I'll admit, but very good. The best part was that they had wine glasses, bottle openers and great service for a BYOB place. It's not the cheapest Thai, but for the amount you get and the service, I'll definitely be here again.
(5)
Lyssa P.

BYOB. Cheap. Good Thai food. Huge portions. Win Win I would be in serious trouble if I lived closer. Yet I really wish I lived closer. Recommend sitting on the back patio if the weather is nice, there's shade trees and string lights, it's a great summer dinner spot. The #12, Crazy Noodles, is by far my favorite. I order it way too often and should really branch out and try other dishes. Also recommend their Spring Rolls, the sauce is really yummy.
(5)
Sarah L.

My, my, my... I think I found my new favorite Thai restaurant! All of their noodle dishes sound soooooo good. I had the sticky Thai noodles with chicken (I'm not 100% of the name of the dish) but it was damn delish! My friend had the garlic chicken noodles and those were OK. Just a tad bit too salty and had a lot of garlic. The mini egg rolls were so cute and yummy! I loved the dipping sauce, sweet and tangy. I love the inside of this place and how the front windows open up to the sidewalk patio. They also have a back patio and it's very quaint back there. We ate in the back and it was like eating in someones back yard. They have lights strung across the patio overhead. Very classy :) I can't wait to go back to Joy's!
(5)
Maggie R.

This place was OK. Not horrible, not the best ever. I'd recommend it to someone visiting and staying in the area, but wouldn't recommend anyone go out of their way to eat here. Moderately priced. Noodle dish portions are huge. Spring rolls with avocado and cream cheese are kind of weird tasting. Side of peanut sauce comes in a huge dish.
(3)
Mel A.

Great lunch specials! BYOB Chicken Pad Thai is great with a hearty/robust flavor. Consistent portion/flavor on all 3 visits. Boyfriend was pleased with his spicy dish the first visit... but it did not taste the same on other visits. I do not remember the name of his dish. Staff was very friendly the first 2 visits. Our 3rd visit we sat inside and it may have been our servers first day working. There was a definite language barrier and she appeared very nervous to the point of dropping food on the floor. Hopefully she is doing better;-) Overall I like Joy's and we will return.
(4)
Kate P.

Bon Appetite! I hadn't ordered from Joy's in a while, and then last night my roomate and I decided Thai was in order. She really likes the Thai rice stick with chicken. I really like their spicier dishes. So I decided to order the spicy cashew chicken. It was delicious in it's spiciness. It was so spicy that I didn't even have to use the red sauce to pump up the power. Cheers to Joy! I will be ordering again soon.
(4)
Z D.

consistently good; always fresh
(4)
topic d.

This place is the Best!! I love this place.The best Thai in the city! The see ew beef,spicy.And the Pad Thai is great.Thats what I always order.The mini Chicken Eggrolls are so tasty! The place has a great decor,Large dining rooms,So getting a table is not a problem.I highly recommend this place to everyone. go check it out!
(5)
Kevin D.

I'd eaten here once a while ago and enjoyed the Pad Thai, but had Take away and It was ok, but nothing special and the pot stickers and the tom kha kai soup were disgusting.
(2)
Aaron P.

This place is a great spot for good, cheap Thai food! I would suggest it for dinner or even a late night snack! The pad Thai is excellent! I really have nothing bad to say about this place.
(4)
Lee S.

The Pad Thai was rather bland and lifeless and no heat. The coconut curry with chicken (ordered mild) just felt like it was missing something... salt maybe? There was no salt or pepper on the table so I couldn't give it a try. Their version of mild is my medium BUT they did reduce it from their normal. It matters alot to me if the kitchen responds to requests. The chicken in the dish was cooked perfectly. The cucumber salad was a nice break when the heat got to be too much for me. The overall meal was ...ok. The waiter was less than enthused to be there... but his service was timely and accurate. Joy's is a good place to people watch while having some lower priced food that isn't McDonalds or packed by your mom.
(3)
Michael S.

Simply, of the half-dozen Thai joints I've sampled in the city, Joy Noodle is the best. Top dishes include the rama special with chicken (love the peanut sauce; it's thicker than at most Thai places, and the best I've had) and the coconut curry dish. As for appetizers, the crab rangoon (which I'm normally not a huge fan of) is crisp, creamy and delicious. The mini-egg rolls also are quite tasty. If you want to experience the delectable peanut sauce but opt for a different dish than the rama, try the chicken satay appetizer. The atmosphere is also quite good; relatively quiet and laid back, with excellent service and outdoor seating both on the sidewalk on Broadway and a cute patio in the back. And it's hard to beat the Lakeview neighborhood. I highly recommend this place.
(5)
Gina R.

I love Joy's. I love the tom yum soup. I love the delicious pad see ew that arrives at the table steaming hot. I love the excellent service. I love that I can get out of here for around $10, and with enough leftovers for lunch the next day. This neighborhood has endless choices, but I return again and again to Joy's.
(5)
Kara C.

Words cannot describe how much I love Joy's. I probably eat there 3-4 times a month. I've dined in, carried out and ordered delivery. I've brought family and friends there. I may even consider naming my unborn child, Joy. The bai-tong noodles and cashew chicken are my favorite dishes, but you really can't go wrong here. The wait staff is attentive, the food is served quickly and I've never felt rushed. My mom once had the server wrap up her leftovers when the server accidentally dropped her plate. She apologized and had the kitchen do a 1/2 dish rush order. It was great! There is no corkage fee, so bring your wine and enjoy! It's a wonderful place to sit with friends. The backyard patio is my favorite spot when it's nice out. My friend (and big fan of Joy's) recently moved to Germany. She came home for a visit and the first place she wanted to return to was Joy's! Enough said.
(5)
Laura S.

It's been made clear to me that my first experience with brusque waitstaff was just a fluke. I've visited a number of times since, and have nothing negative to say; food and service have been spot-on. I haven't sampled that much of the menu, but what I have eaten, they've done very well. Joy's, I stand corrected.
(4)

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Address : 3257 N Broadway
Chicago, IL, 60657
Phone (773) 327-8330
Website https://www.joysnoodlesandrice.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 10

Specialities

Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No

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Joy’s Noodles & Rice

3257 N Broadway, Chicago, IL, 60657

Joy’s Noodles & Rice Menu

Starters

Soups

Salads

Noodles

Curry Dishes

Rice Dishes

Side Orders

Beverages

Desserts

Healthy Meal suggestions for Joy’s Noodles & Rice

Starters

Soups

Salads

Noodles

Curry Dishes

Rice Dishes

Side Orders

Beverages

Desserts

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