You know that feeling when you're wandering around the Boise Towne Square area and your stomach starts doing that annoying growl? It's that specific "I want something warm but I don't want to wait an hour for a table" kind of hunger. Usually, that leads people straight to the front door of Noodles and Company Boise.
Specifically, the one at 535 N Milwaukee St.
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It’s tucked in right where all the chaos happens. Honestly, it’s a bit of a staple for anyone who’s spent a Saturday afternoon fighting for a parking spot at the mall. But here’s the thing: it’s not just a "mall food" spot. People have some pretty strong opinions about this place. Some folks swear by the Wisconsin Mac & Cheese, while others think the portions have gotten a little shy lately.
Let's get into what’s actually going on with this Boise location.
What’s Actually on the Menu Right Now?
If you haven't been in a while, the menu has shifted. They’ve moved beyond just "noodles in a bowl."
Lately, they’ve been leaning hard into these "Curated Duos" and protein-heavy bowls. You’ve basically got three worlds colliding here: American classics, Italian-ish pastas, and Asian-inspired stir-fries.
The Garlic Bacon Crunch Mac & Cheese is currently a big deal. It’s got those elbow noodles swimming in a creamy garlic cheddar sauce, but the "crunch" comes from crispy onions and bacon. It’s heavy. It’s salty. It’s exactly what you want when the Boise winter is hitting hard.
On the flip side, you have the Spicy Korean Steak Noodles. It’s ramen noodles in a Gochujang sauce. Is it authentic? Probably not. But does it hit that sweet-and-spicy craving at 2:00 PM on a Tuesday? Absolutely.
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- For the Veggie Crowd: They’ve got Zoodles (zucchini noodles) and Cauliflower noodles.
- The Mac & Cheese Cult: You can get it "Buffalo Chicken" style or "BBQ Pulled Pork" style.
- The "I’m Just Here for a Snack" People: The potstickers and cheesy garlic bread are the go-to side moves.
One thing that’s cool—and kind of rare for fast-casual—is the sheer amount of customization. You can swap proteins, nix the onions, or double the sauce. Most of the regulars in Boise seem to do the "Small Bowl + Side" combo just to keep things under fifteen bucks.
The Reality of the Boise Mall Location
Okay, let’s talk logistics. The Boise location at 535 N Milwaukee is open from 10:30 AM to 11:00 PM every single day. That’s late.
If you're looking for a quiet, romantic dinner, this isn't it. It's loud. It’s bright. It’s full of families and people who just finished a shift at the mall. The vibe is "contemporary casual," which is just code for "clean enough and fast."
Service here is generally pretty snappy. The staff is known for being friendly, which is a relief because Milwaukee Street can be a nightmare to navigate. You can walk in, order at the counter, and usually be eating within ten minutes.
But there's a catch.
Since 2024 and 2025, some customers have noticed that prices are creeping up while the bowls feel a little lighter. It’s the classic "shrinkflation" talk you hear everywhere. A regular order used to be a massive pile of food; now, some diners feel like they’re hunting for the steak in their Korean Beef bowl.
Delivery and the Grubhub/DoorDash Gamble
If you don't feel like driving to the mall area (and honestly, who does?), delivery is the main alternative. Noodles and Company Boise is all over the apps—Grubhub, DoorDash, Uber Eats.
Here is a pro-tip: order directly through their website or app.
Why? Because of the rewards. They have this three-tier system (Classic, Signature, Premier) where you earn points. If you’re a regular, those points actually turn into free entrées pretty quickly. Plus, the prices on third-party apps are almost always marked up.
A word of caution on delivery though: noodles are notoriously bad travelers. If your DoorDash driver takes the long way around Orchard Street, those Japanese Pan Noodles might arrive as one giant, sticky brick. If you’re ordering for delivery, the soups or the saucier Macs tend to hold up much better than the dry sautéed dishes.
Is it Worth the Hype?
It depends on what you're looking for. If you want a $30 handmade pasta dish, go to a bistro downtown.
But if you want a reliable bowl of Pesto Cavatappi or a Chicken Noodle Soup that actually tastes like it has real veggies in it, this spot works. It’s consistent. You know exactly what that Snoodle Doodle cookie is going to taste like every time.
The Boise location specifically gets points for cleanliness and a staff that doesn't look like they hate their lives, even during the Christmas rush.
Actionable Tips for Your Next Visit
If you're planning to head over to the Milwaukee location, keep these things in mind to get the most for your money:
1. Join the Rewards Program Before You Go
They usually give you a free regular entrée after your first $10 purchase just for signing up. If you're going with a friend, that's basically a BOGO deal right out of the gate.
2. Watch the "Small" vs. "Regular" Size
The price jump isn't huge, but the calorie count is. If you're not starving, the small bowl is usually plenty, especially if you add a protein like the parmesan-crusted chicken.
3. Customize the Heat
If you order something like the Penne Rosa and want more kick, ask for extra spice. They’re usually pretty generous with the red pepper flakes and sauce adjustments if you ask at the counter.
4. Check Your Bag
If you're doing takeout, check for your baguette or side salad before you leave the parking lot. With how busy that Milwaukee intersection gets, you don't want to have to drive back because they forgot your dressing.
5. Timing is Everything
Avoid the 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM lunch rush if you want to sit down. The place fills up with mall employees and shoppers, and finding a clean table can become a bit of a scavenger hunt.
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The Boise food scene is growing fast, with new fancy spots popping up every week. Yet, there’s something to be said for the reliability of a chain that just does noodles. It’s fast, it’s customizable, and it’s right there when you’re tired of shopping. Just keep an eye on your rewards points and maybe skip the delivery if you live more than ten minutes away.