From their famous noodles to bubble teas, here’s what you can expect to pay for a full meal at Joy Yee’s. If you have been searching for a Joy Yee’s Noodles Menu with Prices breakdown, you have landed in the right spot. This guide covers the most popular dishes, current price ranges, and smart ways to order without blowing your budget.
Joy Yee’s is a beloved staple in Chicago, specifically in Chinatown and Evanston. People line up for the massive portions, the fresh fruit drinks, and the sizzling plates of noodles. But menus change, and prices fluctuate, so it helps to know what you are getting into before you sit down.
Below, we break down the costs for appetizers, entrees, drinks, and desserts. We also give you a few tips on how to make the most of your visit, whether you are a first-timer or a regular.
Joy Yee’s Noodles Menu With Prices
Let’s get right to the numbers. The menu is huge, almost overwhelming at first glance. You will find Thai, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese influences all under one roof. The prices below reflect the average cost you can expect in 2024, but always check the menu at your specific location for the final price.
Generally, you are looking at spending between $10 and $20 per person for a filling meal. If you add a specialty drink, bump that up by another $6 to $9. The value is good because the portions are generous enough for two meals.
Appetizers And Small Plates
Starting with appetizers is a good move if you are sharing. The portions are perfect for the table, and the prices are reasonable for the quality.
- Spring Rolls (2 pieces): $4.50 – Crispy and served with a sweet chili sauce.
- Vegetable Potstickers (6 pieces): $6.95 – Pan-fried and slightly chewy.
- Chicken Satay (2 skewers): $7.50 – Grilled and served with peanut sauce.
- Edamame: $5.25 – Lightly salted and steamed.
- Crab Rangoon (6 pieces): $7.95 – Cream cheese and imitation crab in a crispy shell.
- Wonton Soup (small): $5.95 – A light broth with pork wontons.
These prices are pretty standard for the area. You won’t find many appetizers over the $8 mark, which makes it easy to try a few different things.
Signature Noodle Dishes
This is the main event. The noodle bowls are huge. They come with a choice of noodles, like lo mein, udon, or rice noodles. You also pick your protein, such as chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu. The sauces range from mild to spicy.
Here are the most popular noodle bowls and their price points.
- Chicken Lo Mein: $11.95 – A classic choice with vegetables.
- Beef Udon Noodle Soup: $13.50 – A warming broth with thick noodles.
- Shrimp Pad Thai: $14.95 – Sweet, tangy, and topped with peanuts.
- Vegetable Yakisoba: $10.95 – Stir-fried with a savory sauce.
- Spicy Korean Noodles with Pork: $13.25 – A kick of heat with gochujang.
- Seafood Chow Fun: $15.50 – Wide rice noodles with mixed seafood.
Keep in mind that the “house special” versions with multiple proteins will cost a bit more. Usually, you add about $2 to $3 for a combo of chicken and shrimp.
Rice Plates And Entrees
If you are not in the mood for noodles, the rice dishes are just as filling. They serve them with a generous scoop of steamed rice and a side of vegetables.
- Chicken Fried Rice: $11.50 – Simple and satisfying.
- Beef with Broccoli: $13.95 – A classic takeout favorite.
- General Tso’s Chicken: $13.50 – Sweet and slightly spicy.
- Mango Chicken: $14.25 – A fruity twist with fresh mango slices.
- Curry Chicken with Rice: $13.75 – Rich and creamy coconut curry.
- Vegetable Tofu Delight: $11.25 – A lighter option.
These dishes are heavy on the protein. You will often find more meat than rice, which is a nice change from other places.
Bubble Tea And Specialty Drinks
Joy Yee’s is famous for its fruit teas and smoothies. They use real fruit, which makes a huge difference. The drinks are large, often 24 ounces or more.
Here is what you can expect to pay for drinks.
- Classic Milk Tea with Boba: $6.25 – The standard choice.
- Mango Slush with Boba: $7.50 – Sweet and refreshing.
- Strawberry Banana Smoothie: $7.75 – Thick and creamy.
- Honeydew Milk Tea: $6.75 – A lighter, melon flavor.
- Fresh Lemonade: $5.95 – Simple and tart.
- Taro Bubble Tea: $6.50 – A popular purple option.
You can add extra boba, jelly, or pudding for about $0.75 per topping. The drinks are definitely a splurge, but they are large enough to last the whole meal and beyond.
Desserts And Sweet Treats
If you have room left, the desserts are worth a look. They offer a mix of Asian and Western style sweets.
- Mochi Ice Cream (2 pieces): $4.95 – Chewy rice dough with ice cream inside.
- Fried Banana with Honey: $5.50 – Warm and crispy.
- Mango Pudding: $4.75 – A light and jiggly dessert.
- Cheesecake (seasonal): $6.95 – Sometimes they have green tea or mango flavor.
Dessert prices are reasonable. You won’t break the bank if you want to end the meal on a sweet note.
Family Meals And Combos
If you are dining with a group, look for the family combo options. These are not always on the printed menu, so you might need to ask your server. They often bundle a few entrees with rice and drinks for a set price.
For example, a combo for two might include one noodle dish, one rice dish, and two drinks for around $35. This can save you a few dollars compared to ordering separately.
Ask about the “chef’s specials” as well. These are often listed on a separate board or a paper insert. They might be slightly more expensive, but they showcase seasonal ingredients.
How To Order Smart At Joy Yee’s
Ordering at Joy Yee’s can be a bit tricky because the menu is so long. Here is a simple step-by-step process to make it easier.
- Decide on your base: noodles, rice, or soup.
- Pick your protein: chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu.
- Choose your sauce or flavor profile: mild, spicy, teriyaki, or curry.
- Decide if you want a drink. If yes, order it with your meal so it comes out together.
- Consider sharing. The portions are large, so one dish can feed two light eaters.
This method helps you narrow down the choices quickly. You don’t have to read every single line of the menu.
Portion Sizes And Sharing
Be careful not to over order. A single noodle bowl is easily enough for one hungry person, but it could serve two if you also get an appetizer. The fried rice plates are also very generous.
If you are going with a friend, one strategy is to order one appetizer, one noodle dish, and one rice dish to share. Then, get a drink each. This gives you variety without wasting food.
Many people also take leftovers home. The boxes are sturdy, and the food reheats well the next day.
Vegetarian And Vegan Options
Joy Yee’s has a good selection for vegetarians. Tofu is a standard protein option, and many dishes can be made without meat. The vegetable fried rice and the tofu noodle bowls are safe bets.
For vegans, you need to be careful about the sauces. Some contain fish sauce or oyster sauce. Ask your server to make the dish vegan, and they can usually swap the sauce for a soy-based one.
The bubble teas can also be made with non-dairy milk, like almond or soy milk, for an extra $0.50.
Comparing Locations And Prices
Joy Yee’s has a few locations in the Chicago area. The main ones are in Chinatown and Evanston. Prices are generally the same across locations, but there can be small differences.
The Chinatown location is the original and tends to be the busiest. The Evanston location, near Northwestern University, is also popular. There is also a location in Naperville, which might have slightly higher prices due to the suburbs.
It is always a good idea to check the menu board outside the restaurant before you go in. That way, you know the exact prices for that day.
Delivery And Takeout Pricing
If you order through a third-party app like DoorDash or Uber Eats, the prices will be higher. These apps add a markup of about 15% to 20% on the menu items. You also have to pay delivery fees and tip the driver.
To save money, order takeout directly from the restaurant. You can call them or order through their website if they have one. This way, you pay the in-store price and just pick it up.
Takeout portions are the same as dine-in, so you still get a lot of food for the money.
Tips For First Timers
If you have never been to Joy Yee’s, here are a few quick tips to make your visit smoother.
- Bring cash or a card. They accept both, but sometimes there is a minimum for cards.
- Expect a wait on weekends. The line can stretch out the door, especially in Chinatown.
- Grab a number or put your name in. The host stand is right by the entrance.
- Look at the pictures on the menu. It helps to see what you are ordering.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations. The staff is usually helpful.
Following these simple steps will help you avoid any confusion.
Is The Price Worth It?
In short, yes. The quality of the ingredients is high. The produce is fresh, and the meats are cooked well. The portions are large, which makes the cost per meal quite low if you factor in leftovers.
Compared to other casual dining spots, Joy Yee’s is in a similar price range. You are paying for the experience and the sheer variety. It is not a cheap fast-food joint, but it is not a high-end steakhouse either. It sits comfortably in the middle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average price for a meal at Joy Yee’s?
You can expect to spend around $15 to $20 per person for an entree and a drink. If you share appetizers, the cost per person goes down slightly.
Are there any items under $10 on the Joy Yee’s menu?
Yes, you can find some appetizers and smaller side dishes under $10. The vegetarian noodle options sometimes fall just under the $11 mark, but most entrees are above $10.
Does Joy Yee’s have a separate lunch menu with lower prices?
Some locations offer a lunch special on weekdays. This usually includes a smaller portion of an entree with a side of soup or a drink for around $10 to $12. Ask your server about the lunch deals.
Are the bubble tea prices the same for takeout?
Yes, the drink prices are the same for dine-in and takeout. The only difference is if you use a third-party delivery app, which adds its own fees.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like my food?
Joy Yee’s has a standard satisfaction policy. If you have an issue with your meal, let your server know right away. They are usually willing to fix the problem or offer a replacement.
So there you have it. The menu is big, but the prices are fair for what you get. Bring a big appetite and maybe a friend to share with. Enjoy your meal.