Honestly, if you've lived in the Treasure Valley for more than a minute, you know the drill. You’re at the Boise Towne Square mall, your feet are killing you, and you just want something that isn't a greasy pretzel or a lukewarm burger. That’s usually when Noodles and Company Boise enters the chat. But here’s the thing: people have some pretty strong opinions about this place lately, and not all of them are about the Wisconsin Mac & Cheese.
There is a weird tension in the air right now. If you haven't been keeping up with the industry news, the chain is actually in the middle of a massive national shakeup. As of January 2026, the company is moving forward with plans to shutter dozens of underperforming locations across the country. Naturally, that has local fans in a bit of a panic. People are constantly checking to see if our Milwaukee Street spot or the Meridian branch on Eagle Road made the "cut list."
Is the Boise Location Actually Staying Open?
Right now, the Boise location at 535 N Milwaukee Street is still slinging pasta daily. It’s open from 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM most nights, which is basically the sweet spot for that "too tired to cook but too cheap for a steakhouse" vibe.
But you can't ignore the math. The company is closing 30 to 35 more restaurants this year after axing over 40 in 2025. It’s a survival tactic. They’re trying to trim the fat and focus on the stores that actually make money. The good news for us? The Boise-Meridian corridor is booming. This area usually has high enough traffic to keep these fast-casual staples afloat, unlike some of the ghost-town suburbs in the Midwest.
Still, the vibe inside has changed. You've probably noticed it. The prices aren't what they were five years ago. You’re looking at $12 to $15 for a bowl once you add protein. For a lot of people, that’s a tough pill to swallow for what is essentially "fancy fast food."
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The Great Menu Overhaul of 2025-2026
If you haven't been in a while, the menu looks different. Like, really different. They’ve revamped about two-thirds of it. They’re calling it a "turnaround," but some long-time fans are calling it a betrayal.
The biggest drama? The Alfredo. They swapped out the old MontAmoré sauce for a new version, and the internet basically imploded. Go on Reddit and you’ll find threads of people mourning the old sauce like a lost relative. They also swapped Penne for Rigatoni in the Rosa dish.
What’s actually worth ordering?
- Cajun Shrimp Fettuccine: This one is a sleeper hit. It’s got a legitimate kick and the shrimp don’t taste like rubber.
- Garlic Bacon Crunch Mac: This is for when you've had a truly terrible day. It’s heavy, it’s salty, and it has those crispy onions on top.
- Japanese Pan Noodles: The OG. If they ever get rid of this, Boise might actually riot. It’s the one dish that feels consistent no matter who is working the sauté station.
One thing that’s legit improved is the "Delicious Duos" deal. It’s basically their version of a pick-two. You get a small bowl and a side or salad for around $10-11. In this economy? That's probably the only way to eat there without feeling like you’re paying fine-dining prices for a plastic bowl.
The Customization Trap
Most people don't realize how much you can actually hack the menu. They’ve tried to streamline things to make the kitchen faster, but you can still swap any noodle for another. Want the Pesto sauce but on the wavy egg noodles? You can do that.
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The "Goodness Guarantee" is also a real thing. If your noodles are dry—which, let's be real, happens sometimes when the lunch rush hits—they’re supposed to replace it, no questions asked. Most people are too polite to say anything, but if you're paying $14 for a bowl of pasta, it shouldn't be a clump of dry starch.
Rewards, Apps, and Survival Skills
If you’re going to eat at Noodles and Company Boise and you aren't using the app, you’re basically throwing money away. I’m not even kidding. They do a BOGO or a free dessert offer almost every other week just to keep people coming through the doors during the restructuring.
The rewards program is tiered now:
- Classic: You get a free dessert on your birthday.
- Signature: You get a small entrée for your birthday.
- Premier: This is for the true addicts. You get a regular entrée for your birthday and points pile up fast.
The "Daily Perk" is another thing people miss. If you're a member, there’s usually a random discount waiting in your account that doesn't even show up on the main menu boards.
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Why We Still Go (Despite Everything)
Look, Boise has some incredible local pasta spots. We have Italian joints that will blow your mind. But sometimes you just need to be in and out in 15 minutes. You need a place where your kid will actually eat the buttered noodles while you eat something that resembles a vegetable.
That’s the niche this place fills. It’s predictable. Even with the closures and the menu changes, it’s a reliable backup plan. Just keep an eye on those Milwaukee Street hours—they’ve been known to shift depending on staffing, which is a struggle every Boise restaurant is feeling right now.
To get the most out of your next visit, check your app before you leave the house. There is almost always a $2 or $3 off coupon hiding in the "Offers" tab that they don't advertise. If the Milwaukee location is too packed during the Saturday mall rush, the Meridian store on Eagle Road is usually a bit more chilled out, though the parking lot is its own nightmare. Use the "Quick Pickup" shelves to avoid the line entirely; it's the only way to do lunch there on a weekday.