Mike's Noodle House — Review by J. Kenji López-Alt
Not specified, United States — Hong Kong style noodle soup, congee
Mike's Noodle House is an old-school Hong Kong style noodle shop specializing in wonton noodles and congee with various protein options. The reviewer tried the wonton noodle soup with sweet kai and beef tendon on a local regular's recommendation and found the well-seasoned dark broth, bouncy noodles, and tender dumplings to be excellent.
What was great: Well-seasoned seafood and beef broth, bouncy noodles, tender sweet kai dumplings filled with pork and shrimp, gelatinous beef tendon cooked perfectly
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
Mike's Noodle House keeps things simple with just two main offerings: wonton noodles and congee, available with various protein additions. The reviewer ordered the wonton noodle soup with sweet kai and beef tendon, a recommendation from a 20-year regular customer. The dark, seafood and beef-forward broth was exceptionally well-seasoned and flavorful, forming the perfect base for the meal. The noodles themselves were thin, chewy, and bouncy, exactly what you'd expect from a traditional Hong Kong style noodle house. The sweet kai, described as larger dumplings compared to standard wontons, came wrapped in delicate thin wrappers that became beautifully tender when cooked. Inside each dumpling was a filling of pork, shrimp, and what appeared to be dark mushrooms, creating a complex and satisfying bite. The beef tendon was cooked to perfection, with the collagen rendered into a gelatinous, tender texture that added depth and richness to each spoonful of broth.
The Experience
The restaurant operates as a casual, no-frills establishment true to its old-school Hong Kong noodle shop roots. The reviewer arrived alone and was paired with another solo diner, a longtime regular customer who had been coming for over 20 years. This regular happily shared her recommendation for the best dish on the menu, creating a warm and welcoming community atmosphere despite the simple, straightforward setting.
Value & Pricing
No specific prices were mentioned in the review. However, it's worth noting that Mike's Noodle House operates on a cash-only basis, so diners should come prepared with physical currency.
Notable Moments
She told me she's been a regular here for over 20 years. And she recommended that I get the wonton noodle soup with the sweet kai and beef tendon. She was right on the money.
I love the way the collagen in beef tendon gets really nice and gelatinous and tender.
The Verdict
Mike's Noodle House is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Hong Kong style noodle soups and congee. This restaurant is best for diners who appreciate traditional, no-nonsense cooking and aren't afraid to try offal like beef tendon. The knowledgeable regulars and welcoming community make it feel like a hidden gem worth discovering, and the recommendations from long-time customers are worth heeding. Just remember to bring cash.