Miles, Meals & Magic
Joy Yee Noodle in Evanston is our forever comfort spot when the Asian food cravings kick in. They seriously have everything: beef pho, KBBQ ribs, beef and kimchi fried rice, beef cubes over tomato rice, sweet & sour chicken, salted pepper Japanese tofu… and the absolute champion of all champions: the salted fish and chicken fried rice. Nothing beats it.
Whether it’s just me and my husband or we roll in with a whole group, we always start with the truffle fries. Portions are solid, but we never leave without getting drinks. Their smoothies? Elite. Our go-to is the mango lychee with tapioca and lychee jelly, 10/10 every time.
We pretty much find ourselves here at least once a month. It’s just that kind of place. Casual, delicious, and always hits the spot.
… moreJonathan Lee
This Asian restaurant in downtown Evanston has a huge variety of dishes across many cuisines! Despite its name being Joy Yee Noodle, they serve far more than just noodle dishes. The food comes out very quickly, and the portions sizes are huge. I highly recommend ordering a variety of dishes and sharing them family style. We tried the beef chow fun, the sweet and sour chicken, the Malaysian seafood fried rice, and the walnut shrimp. Everything tasted freshly cooked and delicious. This place also probably has the largest boba menu you’ll ever see. Like their entrees, these boba sizes are massive. If you’re looking for a wide assortment of Asian dishes to try, come to Joy Yee!
… moreSophie
Joy Yee is an enigma- from the amazing food to the amazing drinks and the gigantic menu, I’m so impressed by the variety of options and the speedy and kind service here. The food is delicious and great quality, especially for the price. I will be back!
Our favorites were the beef chow fun, basil shrimp, and avocado smoothie.
… moreDiana M
Daily Northwestern just voted this place best Boba in Evanston so we had to try it. I took two fourth-grade boba connoisseurs along with me. We each ordered very different drinks and each agreed they were amazing. We had a brown sugar milk tea with brown sugar boba, a summer berry smoothie with tapioca, and a passion fruit green tea with mixed boba which was HUGE.
There were so many fun options that I haven’t seen at other boba places we’ve been like mini bobas and basil seeds.
We also had some vegetable fried rice to round out our afternoon snack and it was perfection and also huge!
As we were leaving we saw the staff with a huge pile of fresh green beans they were hand trimming to prep for tonight’s dinner service which was cool to see.
Do note that being a table-service restaurant, tables seem to be only for those ordering food (please correct me if I’m wrong!). So if you don’t want your Boba to-go, plan to order some food as well. We went between meals (around 3pm) so staff was happy with us just ordering some appetizers to share with our drinks at a table.
… moreLouise Cruz
One of the closest asian restaurant where I work. Lots of choices and they have kiosk for u to order. Fast service! Loved it! Food is authentic.. asian approved!
… moreAmy J
Great beverage options. The fruit combos are numerous and refreshing in the summer. As for food, generously portioned and priced well. I feel like food is catered to those not looking for authentic
Chinese cuisine. Nothing will blow your mind in terms of food, but a reasonable place to stop by to eat an informal meal. And I don’t think they are trying to be authentic. They got their formula to be a college town pan Asian place. Not a bad place, just set your expectations accordingly.
… moreChuck Hill
This place is a true gem. It’s very low key and not flashy at all. Gives off a fast food vibe to be honest. But they have the biggest menu selection I’ve ever seen at an Asian restaurant. Plus the speed of service was amazing. I highly recommend this place when in downtown Evanston.
… moreJesse Lee
The boba is pretty good with lots of choices. The food is good enough, but most of the sauces are too heavy handed, this restaurant is for north side not Asians or Asians that not willing to travel far for better quality.
… moreKoryG
Food is always ready on time! I usually get the lunch special that comes with a soup and egg roll or fried pot sticker. I love the chicken and noodles but the hot & sour soup sometimes is questionably thick.
… moreDara D.
What a gem… most impressive variety of boba teas I’ve ever seen and the menu is huge with tons of options. I ordered the garlic shrimp noodles and I highly recommend. The service is pretty quick and the portions are BIG so it’s well worth the price you pay. Everyone at our table was happy with their food and we all had plenty of leftovers to take home. Also restaurant and bathroom was clean and atmosphere is good for small or large groups.
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