Hot Pan Noodles & Dumplings (+ Gaming) - Joliet

jimswside wrote:Chinese food out around Joliet and further west has been disappointing for me. Just as easy to point the vehicle west from Martucky and be in Chinatown in an hour than risk trying many spots. I have had my eye on Hot Pan Noodles and Dumplings for about a year now, typically Friday night is taco night when we head out in Joliet, but we decided to give Hot Pan a shot. They tout housemade noodles and dumplings/potstickers and serve cheap beer. Sounded good...I definitely see a return trip or two to try some more of the items here, especially the pan fried noodles and some dumplings.

Nice call, this is the type of spot that makes all that seeking of the good ones worth it. When it comes to strip mall dining with the option of both beer and video gaming, it doesn't get any better. Trust me. I've been in and out of countless spots.


As we enter

Folks that have had the good fortune of dining at Katy's in Westmont would be comfortable here as it's somewhat similar although they have a much smaller menu. Handmade noodles and dumplings still being the focus. The gaming station is 21 and up as are the bar but kids are welcome at the tables. The place is run by a couple but on my visit it was only her. I took a seat at the bar and placed an order for some pan fried pork dumplings and an order of dan dan noodles. She made a mental note and went to work.


View at the bar

Order up after about 15 minutes of watching these beauties below being made.


Pork Dumplings

I've long been a big fan of pot stickers and these were made to my exact specifications when it comes to describing good ones. Well browned with a thin wrapping and almost crispy exterior with exploding bursts of big flavors inside. Then there's the noodles.


Dan Dan Noodles

I'm not going to pretend to know a whole lot about the dish. I've had it at places recommended on here ala Katy's. I thought this was as good if not better but I haven't had the dan dan from Katy's in a while. Was it an authentic bowl? I dont know what constitutes that but the handmade noodles were on point as were the perfectly cut pieces of meat inside. The broth was extra oily in a good way and full of spice. There weren't many bites where some of the grease didn't drip off a noodle and end up on my chin but that was ok as this was a hearty bowl of soup. Good enough to have people in Chinatown getting on a bus to go eat them and play games? I don't know but damn if I was ever in the area passing thru or in extended stay down there I'd be running here upon my release.


Damn Damn Good Noodles

Hot Pan Noodles & Dumplings
2302 Essington Rd
Joliet, IL 60435
(815) 254-6088

out of curiosity, where is the jimswside quote from?

and those noodles look good... i wonder why all the noodle places are in the west burbs and not the north burbs, where i would singlehandedly keep them in business.

dudefella wrote:out of curiosity, where is the jimswside quote from?

page (2) of the Joliet thread:

viewtopic.php?f=14&t=7664

nice photos Beef,

Da Beef wrote:Pork Dumplings

Da Beef, those pork dumplings almost make a trip to Joliet seem reasonable.

G Wiv wrote:

Da Beef wrote:Pork Dumplings

Da Beef, those pork dumplings almost make a trip to Joliet seem reasonable.

come for the dumplings and noodles then stick around for the Mexican food.

$1.50 bottles drew me and a buddy in for some pan fried dumplings and dan dan noodles on this past Friday - both were really good - 1st time having the Dan Dan noodles here and I liked them quite a bit - they packed some heat:



good to see them with a steady stream of customers.

Enjoyed some noodles and pan fried dumplings on the past 2 Friday nights, Hot Pan has been kind of a savior during this winter that will never end - Chicago quality noodles and dumplings without the drive. Wouldn't have to twist my arm to go back tonight..

Dan Dan was the star, love the noodles and silky hot broth.

Dan Dan with beef - thinking(knowing now) i need to order it so it has extra broth/oil like upthread:





Dumplings were good as always, pan fried noodles with pork was curious. Good pork,, etc, but no evidence that the noodles spent much time getting pan fried.