Crazy Noodle is Crazy Good For Curry Noodles, Ramen, and More

Crazy Noodle is Crazy Good For Curry Noodles, Ramen, and More

Update 2020: Crazy Noodle in midtown Memphis offers noodles for very limited dine-in, takeout, to-go, and delivery through UberEats.

Crazy Noodle is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday (11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.) and open for dinner on Saturday and Sunday (4 p.m. - 9 p.m.).  Call ahead to confirm hours as policies may change frequently. And now...on to the noodles!


As a shameless noodle lover (in college, giving up noodles for Lent meant saying goodbye to nine half-opened boxes of various pastas), I'm thrilled that Memphis has a proper Asian noodle shop.

Crazy Noodle is just down the street from Overton Square next to the Kwik Chek and across from the Blue Monkey. For longtime Memphians, that's the former Umai space on Madison.

It's owned by Ji Choi, the sister of the woman who runs the Kwik Check, and features an expanded, Korean-inspired menu that goes beyond the Kwik Check's bibimbap, including ramen noodles, curry noodles, and delicious soups.

Soup from Crazy Noodle, Memphis, Tenn.

Crazy Noodle's menu isn't huge, but it's loaded with authentic soups, plated noodles and hot pots, plus salads and a cold soup or two. There are vegan and vegetarian options, too. My dinner date and I decided to order entirely too much food and split everything, which is my favorite way to order.

We started with an appetizer of Fish Jeon, a plate of five crispy-fried fish patties circled around a small bowl of mild chili sauce. For dinner we ordered Japchae curry noodles and a bowl of Yukgaejang beef noodle soup

The curry noodles are thin, ramen-style noodles that are served cold, plated next to, but not quite under, a spicy brown curry. The idea is that the curry sauce will warm the noodles up. The curry has diced potatoes, bell peppers, onions and chicken.

I really liked the Japchae noodles. They reminded me a little bit of Pad Thai in consistency. The soy-based sauce clings to the rice noodles, which are topped with mushrooms, peppers, onions, sweet potatoes and sesame seeds. The Japchae noodles aren't super spicy, but they've got a lot of flavor.

Curry noodle from Crazy Noodle, Memphis, Tenn.

The best part of the meal was by far the Yukgaejang noodles. What you need to know about this dish, is that it's a hot pot of happiness. The bowl comes with thin white noodles, diced bell peppers, tender mushrooms, potatoes, onions and ground beef in a spicy, red broth. The spice isn't outright—I ate a few bites before I realized that the soup has a lingering slow burn.

Inside Crazy Noodle, Memphis, Tenn.

Crazy Noodle's atmosphere is pretty casual. The kitchen is exposed, sushi-bar style, and you can watch the cooks work if you sit in the front room. The main dining room has a wall of colorful graffiti and the bathroom is wallpapered with pages from Asian newspapers.

Crazy Noodle is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday (11 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.) and open for dinner on Saturday and Sunday (4 p.m. - 9 p.m.).

Go There:

Crazy Noodle

2015 Madison
Memphis, TN 38104

(901) 272-0928

Comments Make Us Happy

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Sarah
A friend and I went to this resturant with high hopes, but ended up leaving disgruntled and still hungry. We waited for an hour without receiving our food-- when we asked how much longer it might be, the waiter told us we were two spots away from the cooks beginning to cook our dishes Sadly, I can only rate this restaurant on the service and not the food. Although the staff was extremely friendly, I think they need a more efficient cooking staff and/or warn people of the wait beforehand. Not sure I will be going back anytime soon.
January 11, 2012 1:51pm
Donnie Davidson
Hey thank you very much for the write up. We're still Ironing things out, and whiping the wait staff into shape. I'm glad you enjoyed yourself while there.. Noodles for Everyone!!
January 11, 2012 3:14pm
Donnie Davidson
On the hours fri-sat we're staying open till 11:00pm
January 11, 2012 3:26pm
Patrick
Every new restaurant is a little slow at first.  I've been eagerly awaiting the opening.  Can't wait to try it!
January 11, 2012 5:12pm
Danny
Fast, friendly service!  Awesome atmosphere!  Bike friendly too!
January 11, 2012 5:18pm
Arthur
We went tonight and we're told it's was at least an hour and a half wait for food. It being a school night we could not eat there. I was disappointed because I had been looking forward to noodles all day.
January 11, 2012 10:58pm
Don
I understand that that they have been very busy there and on opening day they were swamped.  Will be going there for my CRAZY NOODLES!
January 12, 2012 1:29am
Donnie Davidson
Like I said. We're still Ironing things out.It is a soft opening.Much Love,and apologies to anyone that Had to wait..
January 12, 2012 1:39am
Scott Banbury
I'm so glad that all that wood (and time) I put into Umai didn't get trashed. Thanks guys! 
January 12, 2012 12:57pm
Donnie Davidson
@Scott  you bet! thank you for building it!
January 12, 2012 2:22pm
Beth Newby
We went on opening day and it was great!  All new restaurants have kinks to work out.  My only suggestion would be to use vinyl tablecloths or change out tablecloths.  Noodles are pretty messy and I don't want to see someone else's goop on my table :)   I am sure they will get it together.  Great concept and food!   Support local restaurants!
January 12, 2012 2:34pm
BJMS
I have been anticipating the opening of Crazy Noodle for a long time and was extremely hungry when I placed my to go order.  Great food and atmosphere.   Perfect for Midtown. The Beef Noodles were amazing.  I had to wait 1 hour and 15 minutes on a to go order though.  I understand that the kitchen is small and appreciate the careful process I saw going into each dish.  Suggestion:  Provide to go menus and alert the customer of approximate wait time.  I will be returning to try each noodle dish of interest to me.  I will be calling in my order way in advance next time.  I agree support local restaurants.  
January 12, 2012 8:15pm
Donnie Davidson
vinyl tablecloths it is hehe
January 12, 2012 11:46pm
Tom Cooks
Vinyl tablecloths just stopped me wanting to go there.
January 14, 2012 11:16am
Donnie Davidson
@Tom it'snot set in stone yet..   ;-)
January 15, 2012 1:09am
Donnie Davidson
The phone Number at the Crazy Noodle is 901.272.0928  
January 15, 2012 1:11am
Stephanie
We went to the Crazy Noodle with high hopes as well and left saying we'd never go back. We sat for 10 minutes before anyone came over at all. My bad feeling at that point was all too right. We waited 45 minutes before receiving our appetizer, and by an hour and fifteen with no food in sight, we asked for our meal to go. We also had our toddler with us which was a huge mistake. Folks get big points (and tips) for realizing that little ones need their food (our appetizer) sooner than later, but our waiter was so oblivious it was unreal. I almost got up when he came over after 30 minutes to re-ask what we ordered. :(
January 16, 2012 9:44pm
Donnie Davidson
@Stephanie I remember you 3.By the time I had gotten there,you 3 were probably almost through the duration of your trip to the noodle. Wish it could havebeen better.Ifyou and you man find youselve's with a babysitter one night. PM me on Urbanspoon for a dinner for two on us..Or bring the baby.We love some kids....love ya's, Donnie...
January 18, 2012 1:02am