What's up with the downtown SOBA?

SOBA used to be one of my favorite lunch destinations and now with the loss of Super Burrito, Hans, and Kushinbo Kitchen, there are few affordable options for lunch downtown. But the last few times I've gone to lunch, the food has taken insanely long to make its way to our table.

The last two times the wife and I went there for lunch, once on a Saturday and once during the week, we sat for what seemed like forever waiting for our grub. The Saturday that we went seemed sort of busy with the tables nearly full but we were the only ones in line, found a table and then sat and sat. Just last week we went and the same thing happened. I made a note of the time especially because we had an appointment to get to in about 45 minutes.

We sat for 25 mintues after ordering and getting our beverages before the food got to our table. Does that sound like a long time for anyone else?

SOBA - Downtown Bend Oregon

SOBA Asian Bistro

I am a fan of SOBA especially the Downtown Bend location. Actually, I have only been to the downtown Bend location but I highly recommend it. They give generous portions and it's quite quick, when there isn't a huge line. Jess and Rose (who no longer work there as I update this post) are awesome, helpful, and friendly. I swear they are always working so you'll probably see them.

One of my favorite dishes is the Chicken Phad Thai.

I apologize for the to go box photo. I'll update the photo's the next time around. I normally will ask for extra peanut sauce which really makes a big difference. As I've said before, "George likes his chicken spicy" so I recommend getting some of that red sauce that's hot as balls. Some call it rooster sauce, some cock sauce, I just call it Asian hot sauce.

This phad thai is the best in Bend. Those suckers that sweat Toomies are just that, suckers. I like the Chicken Red Curry at Toomies, but their phad thai is like spaghetti with a peanut sauce and wayyyy too oily. Toomies does have some good stuff, don't get me wrong, I'm just bashing their oily peanut spaghetti.

If I don't get the phad thai, I also enjoy the Spicy Shrimp Noodle Soup. The soup comes with a ton of vegetables and I love the glass noodles. It was too hot today for soup.

The wife likes to mix it up which is normal. Today she went with the Tonkatsu with the Curry sauce. The photo doesn't do it justice, this dish is gooood. The crispy Tonkatsu (breaded and fried pork cutlet) mixed with a little curry sauce was a great combo. I know you can't see it but it's served over white rice.


SOBA Asian Bistro
945 NW Bond Street
Bend, OR 97701
Ph: 541.318.1535
http://www.eatsoba.com/

Other reviews of SOBA:

SOBA Crouching Tiger Hidden Noodle