Happy Stony Noodle in Elmhurst tantalizes with an eclectic mix of Taiwanese delights, from rich beef noodle soups to crispy stinky tofu, served in a cozy, no-frills setting.
"Decorated with black-and-white photos of agrarian scenes, this happy-go-lucky spot specializes in noodle soups, offered with a choice of noodles, many featuring beef and some spicy as hell. But the menu doesn’t stop there. Other offerings include sweet-potato french fries, chicken cutlets, oyster and radish pancakes, squid balls, and fluffy sweet buns drizzled with sweetened condensed milk." - John Tsung, Eater Staff
"This rollicking Elmhurst spot showcases the Taiwanese cuisine in its myriad variations, including beef stew and tendon with wide rice noodles, and pork and pickled cabbage rice cake. For the young ‘uns are modern dishes such as salt and pepper fried chicken nuggets and fried calamari; and, for the old folks, a menu of Taiwanese classics like oyster omelet (shown) and stinky tofu. The menu is all over the map, but everyone can agree as to the excellence of its three cup chicken, here called chicken with ginger and basil. Offal galore on the app menu. Order online." - Robert Sietsema, Eater Staff
"On its own, Happy Stony Noodle’s Taiwanese beef soup will ignite something deep inside your carnivore’s body. It’s made with beef neck, a ton of spinach, and smooth, ivory-colored noodles. But stir in some of the suan cai on the table and you’ll understand why the addition of the green fermented mustard condiment qualifies this dish for the hypothetical Now That’s What I Call Soup Volume 1. It’s a hit—one of the single best dishes you can eat in Elmhurst. " - will hartman, bryan kim, hannah albertine, neha talreja, willa moore
"On its own, Happy Stony Noodle’s Taiwanese beef soup will awaken your inner carnivore. It’s made with beef neck, a ton of spinach, and smooth, ivory-colored noodles. But add some of the green fermented mustard condiment on the table (suan cai), and you’ll understand why this sour, meaty broth party should qualify for the hypothetical Now That’s What I Call Soup Volume 1. This is one of the best single dishes you can eat in Elmhurst. photo credit: Noah Devereaux" - Hannah Albertine
"When I reviewed this place in 2017, I declared the pork roll to be the tastiest item on a menu loaded with Taiwanese small dishes intended to be enjoyed in concert with tea or a beer rather than as an appetizer or a main course (a list that sometimes overlaps with Cantonese dim sum, as seen with dishes like scallion pancakes, beef tripe, and steamed dumplings). Here, tofu skin is wrapped around seasoned ground pork and deep fried, greasy but delicious, and totally irresistible at this Elmhurst café just off Broadway." - Robert Sietsema
