Asian Noodle Bar — Restaurant in Albuquerque

Tonight was our first and last time visiting Asian Noodle Bar.

I ordered a miso soup and the Tom Ka Noodle. The entree was under the specials list instead of the soup section. I’m very familiar with tom ka (sometimes spelled tom kha gai), and it’s a standard at all Thai restaurants and listed under their soup sections on the menu. The description of the dish read “Vermicelli noodle, sliced mushrooms and onions in coconut broth, flavored with chili lemongrass, lime juice and cilantro.” I figured this was an interesting fusion dish using the flavors of tom kha gai (soup) in a noodle dish (like pad Thai). Instead the entree was simply the soup, which I didn’t understand because it wasn’t listed under the soup section and didn’t have soup in the description. The name, in my mind, made me think it was a noodle dish. When I pointed out my confusion, the server was brusque and chastised me for ostensibly not knowing what tom kha is, even though I do. The entree itself was lackluster and unimaginative; it was definitely not “special”. If there was fast food version of tom kha gai, this dish is what I imagine it would taste like.

The miso came out at the same time as the entrees; I think the server forgot we had ordered it. It was very watery and oily, and had a cilantro taste; it was unlike any miso I’ve had before, and not in a good way. The service overall was very slow, which was odd since there was only one other patron dining there that wasn’t a family member who had camped out. The server clearly didn’t want to be there and never once cracked a smile or tried to be polite.

Skip Asian Noodle Bar if you have other options. It’s not worth the time, money, or calories. We...

I don't agree with the ambivalent comments here. As a local who has eaten at many "in" restaurants in San Francisco, NYC, LA, and Paris, I have a pretty demanding palette. I must say that I like Asian Noodle Bar. Every time I go, I order a new dish and have yet to be disappointed. Albuquerque is infested with chain restaurants, most of which sell lame flavor and artery clogging fare, so Asian Noodle Bar is a real gem. I go for lunch during the week and the service is friendly and prompt. They make delicious Thai and Vietnamese noodle bowls. The Chinese and Japanese dishes are good, but not as interesting. I avoid any of their soups with artificial crabmeat, but all other ingredients are great. Now, if you compare it to exotic restaurants like Green Door or noodle shops in Seattle or NYC I can understand that you might look down your nose a bit at this place. This is not nouveau cuisine, but it isn't trying to be. It is a simple noodle spot that is quite good and you won't pay $15 for a noodle...

Sweet family owned business. I went with my friends to eat here before Art Walk. They had a variety of asian dishes, ranging from East Asian (Japanese, Chinese) to Southeast Asian (Thai, Vietnamese). We ordered the Teriyaki Chow Mein (I think), Spicy Noodles and the Cold Soba. They suggested the Fire & Ice roll since our friend wasn’t eating much so we got that too. We were so surprised by how good the sushi roll was. The noodles also turned out being so delicious. My friend thought the Cold Soba might be her new favorite noodle dish. Every dish was perfectly cooked. Service was great. They were mindful to ask if any of us had allergies and offered to remake my Spicy Noodles if they were too spicy for me. The owners were super nice and friendly. Very down-to-earth people. Would definitely come back to eat here. I highly recommend anyone to give this...