I'm officially updating my previous rating because MẹCha Noodle Bar has seriously stepped things up. For anyone wondering about the name, it's pronounced "Me-uh Chah" (not "Mek-ah") and translates to "Mother and Father"--which feels fitting given how much more "soul" the food has lately. A few years back, I felt like they were missing the mark on the essentials, specifically the phở broth and the nước nắm. If you know Vietnamese food, you know those are the dealbreakers. The great news is they've clearly dialed in the recipes. I've been coming back regularly now because the flavors are finally hitting those traditional notes that are so hard to find in this part of Connecticut. My typical order: * Phở Gà (Chicken) * Phở Tái (Rare beef) * Phở Bò Viên (Beef meatballs) * Chả Giò (Fried spring rolls) -- Absolute must-order. They do have a lot of non-traditional stuff like Bao, Handrolls, and a solid Spicy Miso Ramen, and while those are actually very good, I usually stick to the Vietnamese classics since they're doing them so well now. The atmosphere is also worth mentioning. It has a really cool, organic vibe with tons of wood accents. The ceiling is covered in hundreds of 2x4s that hang down like a weeping willow canopy--it's unique and looks great in person. Pro-Tips: * Parking: Don't even bother trying to find a spot on Bedford Street; it's a nightmare. Park in the lot around the back and just use the pedestrian passage to walk through the building. * The App: If you're doing takeout, use their mobile app. It's a lifesaver on the weekends when the dining room gets slammed. So glad to have a reliable phở spot in downtown Stamford again! read more

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stopped by Mecha Noodle Bar on my lunch break and ordered the pho ga, adding Thai chilis and bone marrow. the prices are definitely on the higher side compared to other local, more authentic pho spots. I actually went during restaurant week, but since I ordered it to go, I didn't get to take advantage of any of the promo pricing. the ambiance is always nice at Mecha, no matter the location. Even just popping in, you can feel that trendy, laid back vibe they're known for. This was my first time trying bone marrow with my. pho, and I'll admit I thought it came mixed into the broth. Instead, you have to scoop it out of the bone yourself, it reassures you that it's fresh, but I think I might've ordered it wrong. I'd probably go with marrow oil next time for a smoother experience. The pho itself felt clean and comforting, definitely one of those meals you can enjoy a little guilt free, especially if you're feeling under the weather. Overall, it's a good option, just a bit pricey for what it is. I'd be open to coming back, especially to dine in next time during a restaurant week if I have the time. read more

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I'm used to San Jose area Pho, where you can get a great authentic bowl of pho anywhere. East coast not so easy (much like Mexican). The Pho here is OK but it's a very loud hipster fusion place. I just want to finish my soup and get out of there. I don't like dining here. I wish there was good authentic quiet family owned vietnamese restaurant with the owner couple arguing, massive generous bowls of authentic pho, bun cha, and kids doing homework under a TV showing Vietnamese shows. :( read more

Been here so many times as this is my family's go-to place when they want noodles, that I can't believe I have never written a review. Best place around town for noodle soup. Hubby and son always get the pho noodle soups. Hubby typically gets the pho bo vien. He did recently tried the pho bo as I wanted the roasted bone marrow - he said the soup was more oily. Son loves the chicken one and can finish the entire bowl pretty much to himself! (He is 7 years old). Ramen wise, the tonkotsu 3.0 has the best and most flavour! Kale salad is really good as well! Service is great - my water is always getting refilled! Great place for drinks and happy hour but it does get quite loud! read more

Mecha Noodle Bar - Ramen Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

I honestly thought it would be overrated and overhyped, but it was very good all around. The interior was nice and our server was very helpful and offered good recommendations. The red chili wontons were amazing and I loved the spicy beef Ramen. The pho bo was soooo good and the 3 meats were all so tender read more

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The service was impeccable. The decor is awesome! The food... Wings 4 out of 5 (needs more seasoning) Pho tai 4 out of 5 the broth lacks depth of flavor but still really good. Mint limeade was on point. We sat at the bar and it was a good choice. The bartender we had was personable, kind and attentive! read more

Mecha Noodle Bar - Gluten free firecracker wings - Ramen Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

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I got takeout and I got the hakata style ramen and it came with the tiniest thinnest slices of pork I've ever seen. And a pork rine on top, 20$ for this is genuinely despicable. Mind you this is more a plate than a bowl. I'm shocked at how small this portion is. Especially when I've had it in the restaurant and it's way larger read more

Mecha Noodle Bar - Ramen Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

Came here to grab a quick bite with my family. I ordered the Tonkotsu Ramen and it was extremely salty, broth, eggs. It was really hard to finish. My mom also ordered the vegetarian ramen and hers was just as salty, if not worse. I don't think the portions or the flavors justify the price. I can see how people find it a hip "asian" place due to its decor and modern aesthetics but I won't go back. read more

Mecha Noodle Bar - Ramen Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

Been wanting to come to Mecha for the longest and finally got to try it out! So glad I did! We received amazing customer service and the food was so good! They also got a cool vibe going with the 90s hip hop playlist. Shoutout to whoever is in charge the music! For starters we ordered the KFC bao buns. They weren't bad but they also didn't blow us away. Next time I'll definitely try the pork belly. We also got the chili oil dumplings which came out a little underdone at first but our server was nice enough to have the kitchen make a fresh batch. Ramen was delicious and so were the drinks. Would i come again ? Absolutely! Will stay away from the pork dumplings next time read more

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Great food, have the bao, save room for dessert... or do what we did and don't save room. The food is delicious the decor is great and the staff is friendly. Props to our Server from Costa Rica on his first day. He was super friendly and attentive. read more

place still rocks. but there is a new dish on the menu that I feel compelled to review. It's the pork belly. It is very delicious. However, after eating the entire dish, I am extremely lethargic and I just wanna lie down and sleep whereas prior to lunch I was full of energy. Think people would've described me back then as vivacious read more

My husband and I both had the Pho Tai. It was delicious. Every one that worked there was lovely. The ambiance was nice (nothing fancy but clean). read more

Mecha Noodle Bar - Pho Tai - Ramen Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

Don't ever order take out here. One night the delivery was completely lost and it took them them almost two hours to conclude it was lost. They just refunded us with zero food. Second time for pickup it took over an hour from when we ordered and we got updates from staff that were completely false. read more

The lettuce that came with the appetizer was sandy (twice). Ramen was fine. When I asked if this happened frequently, the waiter said that most people don't eat the lettuce leafs. So, I guess the answer is that it's a typical occurrence. read more

The man + I had dinner here with relatives on a lovely late-September evening. There is limited outdoor seating (only 3 tables) and a little heater, but it was perfect. Our group of 4 tried several things - including edamame, rolls, bao buns, wings, fried rice, and ramen - all of which was really delicious. The edamame was a standout since it isn't just your standard salted fare. Mecha's version is seasoned with rosemary, sage, and garlic, making you wonder why on earth no one has ever thought to do that before. Truly delicious. The bao buns are a little more dense than the ones you find in Asia, but nonetheless yummy with some super savory flavors. I tried - and loved - both the smash burger bao and the shiitake bao. Both were delicious but I did feel the smash burger needed more of the bacon jam to punch it up a bit. The shiitake bao is a must try! Everyone in our group loved their meal but what was most impressive was the service and attitude of the staff, who truly worked as one team. We were taken care of by 4-5 different people who all assumed complete "ownership" of our experience. Not a single one of the servers made us feel like they were only there to take our order or only to refill our water or only to clear our plates, etc. Instead, they all worked seamlessly as a team to ensure our smallest needs were met. It was really impressive to watch. B O T T O M L I N E : Go! Quality, affordable food and great service! read more

The food was so good and the restaurant has a great vibe. The only issue we had was when we tried to order more noodles it was a really weird exchange where like five different servers came up to us to ask if we got the noodles or if we even ordered them. It took maybe 30 minutes for them to figure it out, add them to the bill and bring them over. Other than that, really delicious ramen and bao! read more

Mecha Noodle Bar - Ramen Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

Always fantastic service and food. They continue to innovate the ramen and bring new dishes. My favorite ramen place outside of my visits to Japan. read more

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I ordered the Kinoko Vegetarian Ramen and it was delicious. I love the broth. It had so much flavors. Ramen were cooked well. The add ons were extra money. I think I could've did without the tofu. The avocado and greens were a good addition. Each topping I got was $2 extra each. I didn't know the extra costs. I paid about $23. Pricey but the taste was worth it. read more

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So delicious The server was really cool I had the spicy beef ramen and the red oil dumplings and it was good af I spent all my money tho so now I can't even afford a sweet treat but it's ok food was worth it the ramen was wasn't too spicy and the dumplings r like sweet it's good read more

Mecha Noodle Bar - Spicy beef ramen - Ramen Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

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The Pho at the restaurant is always good but ordered take out last night and the steak in the Pho Sizzle was cooked well done. Was very tough and flavorless. Not sure how this could happen as they know it must be rare to med rare as it cooks in the broth. The meal with delivery charge came to $32 - this was so disappointed as I was expecting it to be same as the restaurant. I guess in the future I'll just have go there to eat - what a let down. read more

I always have an amazing kind of this Bar - the drinks are delicious and the food is even better. We love the KFC BAOs, pho sizzle and spicy miso !!! My bartender / server was Sergio'! Thank you for the food and drink recommendations read more

Mecha Noodle Bar - Ramen Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

I love this place. My first time coming was this past Saturday, omg their Pho is amazing!! Love love love. I've already eaten there three times since Saturday. ... absolutely love the ambiance and the food!! Definitely give it a try folks!!! read more

Good vibe, great ambiance and popular with the college crowd... but it feels like there could be better. It is a fusion of sorts. It's a hit and miss with service, because it all depends on who you get. It gets loud here, so get there early. read more

We enjoyed coming to Mecha whenever we want to eat ramen. I love their spicy miso, Boas, and fried dumplings. They are very quick with the service. read more

Mecha Noodle Bar - Family - Ramen Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

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You can never go wrong with Mecha, their food is amazing. The only couple of things is that you can't call to place an order, you *have* to do it online. The other thing is it's rather tight, leave your stroller at home lol. This location is spacier than the Norwalk one though! read more

I've been coming here for so many years. Consistently fantastic. If you're into this food definitely come here.

FIREEE . Just had their pho noodle and the broth was so flavorful! Hard to find authentic asian food in the area :). Nothing feels better than having a bowl of warm noodle soup in the winter. The place does get crowded so make sure to arrive a little bit early. We were only 2 so we sat at the bar. Service was fast and the girl who attended us was friendly. read more

Mecha Noodle Bar - Pho - Ramen Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

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Not for a family. Layout and service is geared towards seating 2 people at a time. Other than that the food is great and quick churn. Since they don't take reservations they are essentially pushing out families who don't want to (and kids can't) wait 30+ minutes every time. read more

Awful service. They don't take orders over the phone. All to go orders must be placed online, such an inconvenience in this area where people are always on the go. read more

Really chill place for some new age twist on Viet pho and ramen noodles. I enjoyed the vibes and the serving staff was fantastic when it came to taking the order and the food itself. My only issue was the hostess hanny who had just an attitude when it came to reseating us due to a preference. However our server Nick was the friendliest they could be from bussing all the way to just making sure that we were taken care of. I would only suggest to the owner to find a hostess that actually seems like they like people. read more

Mecha Noodle Bar - Ramen Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

Mecha is so good that I decided to come here two nights in a row. I was in the Stamford area and was looking for pho. Mecha popped up on Yelp as a noodle bar. I vaguely remembered it being mentioned in one of the instagram posts and it all came back to me now. I was giving Rich D such a hard time because he posted these photos of ramen and I didn't even get an invite. I happened to stumble upon this place anyway and of course we ended up getting ramen! Night 1: pho. This pho bo vien with the short rib is legit. Their broth is definitely spot on and I was thoroughly impressed with the quality ingredients brought forth upon me. Night 2: ramen. This is the night with the larger party (a reunion of sorts with old friends). We got a communal table early in the evening because there was a going to be a lot of eating and drinking. Their special is the arnold palmer which you can get spiked with your choice of alcohol. It comes in a slushie served in a tall glass. A refreshing drink on a hot day. Apparently if you order a loose canon you get a picture taken on a polaroid. I got their shoyu paitan special with chashu and togarashi oil (make sure you get this). The ramen is something to write home about and I was again thorough impressed two nights in a row that this place can do both cuisines in one restaurant without sacrificing quality. If you're still hungry be sure to ask for kaedama (refill) right before your bowl is empty. Also get the KFC buns. Those go great with your ramen. Service has been fantastic here. We pretty much cleared out the bar and stayed until closing. Sergio is a champ and made sure we were squared away. I ate too much and went home. I would 100% return here again in the future. read more

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Mecha was Meh. I've been before and loved the chicken ramen or maybe it was pho. The restaurant is too noisy for my liking, This time I ordered takeout. Hostess was polite and quick. After asking the hostess to recommend a spicy chicken noodle broth, She said it's not spicy but you can add chili sauce- the Shoyu Paitan Ramen. I was right there when it came out of the kitchen. Drove home & 15 mins later this was room temp. Broth was tasteless except for the massive amount of salt. Just gross. I added my own chicken bone broth to cut the salt. The chili sauce on the side helped a lot with the flavor. There were 4 small slices of chicken. Skimpy portion and cool temp food. read more

Mecha Noodle Bar - not generous - Ramen Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

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Great food, I will definitely be coming back. Service is great and ambience is perfect

Kids were craving noodles, so we stopped by for lunch. We started with edamame, which are served hot with herbs, toasted garlic, onions - delicious. We polished the bowl in no time. I got "authentic" pho with addition of an egg. The broth was delicious, very aromatic. Meatballs had somewhat a strange flavor for my taste, but overall, this was a very tasty dish. Excellent service, prompt, attentive, friendly. Overall, very good experience. Recommended. read more

Mecha Noodle Bar - Pho "authentic" - Ramen Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

Great food ! Vietnamese coffee was yummy ! Ramen soup was delicious. Highly recommended . Server was amazing ! read more

Mecha Noodle Bar - Ramen Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

Were in the area (stamford) and wanted a nice bowl of pho but was a bit hessitant bc this place looked like it had many other locations. We had a very wonderful waiter and he explained the menu very well. Menu is very simple which i liked. We ordered firecracker wings, red oil dumplings for appetizer and pho tai and tonkatsu ramen. OMG!! My fav was the firecracker wings!!! Super flavorful and def strong sichuan peppercorn numbing situation which was so freaking awesome!! Chicken was juicy and tender! I would come back to stamford just for this dish. The wonton was equally amazing! Very generous sized wontons and the sauce complemented the wontons really well and especially loved the fried shallots and garlic and fresh green onions and cilantro. Pho was pretty good, nice hot beefy soup with tender meat and generous portions of the rice noodles. Nothing to complain and solid. My least fav was the ramen. The soup was a little too strongly porky. Portion was a bit smaller than the pho. It was still decent but Im def a team pho! Overall i would def come back. Highly recommend!!! read more

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Fun atmosphere and great flavors! I've now been to two locations and they were both winners! It is easy and casual but absolutely delicious.

The food was ok but everything was very greasy. Did not taste authentic, just greasy.

Great service and amazing food. Restaurant is hard to find out the outside, but the inside is very vibrant. Perfect for a casual dinner or lunch. Will definitely come back. read more

Mecha Noodle Bar - Ramen - Ramen Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut

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This is my third time to this palace and yet they continue to amaze me with spot on service, mix up the appetizers in the menu to add specials and amazing food. The mushroom dumplings was something I never tried before and they turned out amazing and made me order an other of the same. The mushrooms were mushed, cooked in a delicious gravy and seasoned with arugula on top. Absolutely delicious! Besides this we ordered the pan fried chicken wings, bao and our usual ramen. Overall a super hit! read more

Mecha Noodle Bar - Mushroom Dumplings - Ramen Near Me - Stamford, Connecticut