You know that feeling when you're starving after a massive shopping haul at Gurnee Mills, but you just can't stomach another greasy burger? Yeah, we've all been there.
Honestly, finding a reliable spot in Lake County that satisfies a picky toddler, a keto-obsessed gym rat, and a teenager who only eats carbs is kinda like a sport. That’s usually when Noodles and Company Gurnee IL enters the chat.
It’s tucked away at 6681 Grand Ave, right in that busy Stonebrook Commons area. It’s not just a place to grab a quick bowl of pasta; it’s basically the Swiss Army knife of fast-casual dining in the Gurnee area. Whether you're local or just passing through for Great America, there's a specific way to "win" at this location.
The Gurnee Location: More Than Just a Chain Spot
Most people assume every Noodles is the same. While the menu is consistent, the vibe at the Gurnee location tends to be a bit more high-energy because of the proximity to the mall and the theme park.
If you've visited during a summer weekend, you know the drill. It’s packed. But surprisingly, the staff here handles the "Six Flags rush" better than most. They’ve got a system.
Where to Find Them and When
You'll find them sitting conveniently near the intersection of Grand Avenue and Hunt Club Road.
- Address: 6681 Grand Ave, Gurnee, IL 60031
- Phone: (847) 406-5488
The hours are pretty standard, but they stay open late enough for those post-shopping cravings. Usually, they're slinging noodles from 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM most days, though Sunday usually wraps up an hour earlier at 9:00 PM.
Wait times? They vary. If you’re hitting them up at 12:15 PM on a Tuesday, you’re in and out. If it’s a Saturday night in July? Use the app. Seriously.
What’s Actually Worth Ordering (and What to Skip)
Let's get real for a second. Some dishes at Noodles & Company are legendary, and some are just... fine.
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If you’re going for the first time, or if you’ve been stuck in a Pesto Cavatappi rut for three years, it’s time to branch out. The Wisconsin Mac & Cheese is the undisputed heavyweight champion for a reason. It’s a blend of cheddar and Jack cheeses that hits that nostalgia button perfectly.
But if you want something with a bit more soul, the Japanese Pan Noodles are the sleeper hit. They caramelize the udon noodles in a sweet soy sauce with sprouts and black sesame seeds. It’s got that "wok-fired" taste that you wouldn't expect from a fast-casual joint.
The 2024-2025 Menu Overhaul
Noodles and Company recently went through a massive menu refresh. We're talking about a "no noodle left unturned" kind of vibe. They started using bigger rigatoni for the Rigatoni Rosa to hold more sauce.
They also leaned hard into "Chef-Curated" bowls. The Crispy Chicken Bacon Alfredo is basically a hug in a bowl, featuring 18-month aged Parmesan and MontAmoré cheese.
Dietary Hacks Most People Miss
One of the biggest misconceptions about Noodles and Company Gurnee IL is that it’s a total carb-trap.
If you're watching your macros or trying to stay gluten-conscious, this place is actually a goldmine. You’ve got the Zoodles (zucchini noodles) and the LEANguini, which has significantly fewer carbs and more protein than traditional pasta.
You can swap these into almost any dish.
Vegetarians? You’re set. You can sub tofu into the Spicy Korean Steak Noodles or just go for the Med Salad with its spicy yogurt dressing.
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The Gurnee team is generally pretty good about cross-contamination questions, but if you have a severe allergy, always tell the person at the register. Don’t just rely on the app notes.
The Secret to Not Waiting in Line
Look, Grand Avenue traffic is a nightmare. Everyone knows this.
If you’re planning to eat at the Gurnee location, the Noodles Rewards App is your best friend. Not because I’m a fan of more apps on my phone, but because the "Quick Pickup" shelf at this specific store is actually efficient.
You walk in, grab your bag from the shelf by the door, and walk out. No awkward standing around while people try to decide between a small or regular bowl of Penne Rosa.
Also, they do "Delicious Duos." For under 12 bucks, you can get a small bowl and a side (like the tomato ginger soup or a Caesar salad). It’s the best value on the menu if you can’t commit to just one flavor.
Why This Specific Spot Matters for Gurnee Locals
Gurnee isn't just a tourist trap; it's a community.
This location does a lot of local fundraising. You’ll often see "Noodle Nights" for local schools like Warren Township High or Gurnee District 56.
It’s one of those rare places where you can sit down for a "real" meal that doesn't take 90 minutes. It bridges the gap between the chaos of the drive-thru and the expense of a sit-down steakhouse.
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Delivery and Catering
If you're hosting a party or stuck at one of the nearby hotels (like Great Wolf Lodge), they do delivery through the usual suspects—DoorDash, UberEats, and Grubhub.
But here’s a pro tip: ordering directly through the Noodles website is usually cheaper. The third-party markups are real.
For big groups, their catering pans are actually a decent deal. They have a "Mac & Cheese" catering package that feeds about 10 people for roughly $60-$70. It’s way better than ordering 10 separate entrees.
Navigating the "Goodness Guarantee"
Ever ordered something and realized halfway through that you made a terrible mistake? Maybe you thought you liked spicy, but the Spicy Korean Steak was more than you bargained for.
Noodles has this thing called the Goodness Guarantee. If you don’t like your dish, they’ll swap it out for something else for free.
Hardly anyone actually uses this because they’re too polite, but the Gurnee staff is trained to handle it. If you hate it, just say something. Life is too short for bad pasta.
Final Practical Takeaways
If you're heading to Noodles and Company Gurnee IL soon, keep these things in mind:
- Parking is a bit tight: The lot in front of the store can get hairy during peak lunch hours. If it's full, park further back toward the other shops in Stonebrook Commons; it’s a short walk.
- The App is King: Earn points for free Rice Crispy treats. It sounds silly, but those treats are made in-house and they’re actually delicious.
- Check for Seasonal Specials: They often cycle in things like Chicken Artichoke & Asparagus Rigatoni that aren't on the permanent menu.
Next time you're stuck in Gurnee traffic and the "hanger" starts to set in, skip the fast food line. Head over to Grand Ave, grab a bowl of something hot, and maybe add a Snoodle Doodle cookie. You've earned it.
To get the best experience, download the Noodles app before you leave your house so your food is waiting on the pickup shelf the moment you arrive.