Empty Bowl Gourmet Noodle Bar

Jack May a month ago

Empty Bowl Gourmet Noodle Bar is an easy 5 stars. The Northern Thailand Curry Noodle, Khao Soi, is one of my favorite meals anywhere. The combination of tender chicken, egg noodles, curry, coconut milk broth, and crispy noodles on top is absolutely incredible. I honestly think it’s some of the best chicken and noodles on the planet. The food is always full of flavor, comforting, and consistently excellent. Definitely one of my favorite places in Santa Barbara.

MISHIKA GOEL 6 months ago

Khao soi is simply the best. The flavourful soup is complemented by perfectly cooked noodles. The tender and juicy chicken breast is a highlight, and the crispy noodles on top add the perfect finishing touch.

John Labella 8 months ago

The name of this sorry joint is apt. The food is empty of flavor. The kitchen does not bother to approximate the real Thai deal. I ordered the pho (not Thai - bahahaha - too sour, broth with no depth). The pad Thai: no balance, too sweet but lacking the tamarind, the nam plaa tamed for a farang. Ditto the salad. The salad had the advantage of good produce but it lacked the lime tang and lacked the balance of salty-sweet. The duck in buns lacked proper marinating; the meat itself was tough. And the service? Empty of efficiency and, worse, the folks at the front put on arch, passive-aggressive airs. The wait for the food was long. Very long. Caveat emptor: empty! Empty Bowl indeed. For Asian flavors, try Wabi Sabi instead: on-point flavor profiles.

Trang Nguyen-Vo Edited a month ago

I only ordered the Thai Beef Salad so the rating is only for the salad. The flavor was okay, but the portion was good. I would come back and try something else on the menu. Service was fast!

Mitchell Neller a year ago

The Empty Bowl has been one of my favorite spots for a long time. Whether it was grabbing lunch during work, dinner during my college days at Westmont, or just a casual lunch with friends, it has always been one of those go-to places that never disappoint. The food is consistently good, and the prices are fair for the quality and amount you get. The Drunken Noodle, Hangover Noodle, and Tom Yum Noodle are packed with flavor and the perfect amount of heat. You get a solid portion that usually leaves you feeling full, and if not, their dumplings, egg rolls, or even their seasonal wings are great add-ons to round out a satisfying meal. Their Thai tea is definitely on the sweeter side, maybe a bit too sweet at times, but it pairs perfectly with the spice from the noodles and helps balance everything out. It is one of those combos that just works. The place is always busy, with the staff moving fast in such a tight space, but they still manage to keep things flowing smoothly. And being in the Santa Barbara Public Market adds to the whole vibe. It is a fun, social area that is always clean and full of energy. If you have not been to The Empty Bowl yet, do yourself a favor and go. It is th