I used to appreciate chains because I can always go expecting a reliable meal, and thought I knew what to expect here. But this particular store needs work.
Was forced to eat here twice in one day by friends who love the drink machine (really? just syrup dropped into your typical drinks that make it taste even more artificial, but to each his own...). Got pan noodles - soggy, overly seasoned noodles. It was so salty I couldn't finish it. Had chicken noodle to go with it, and it came lukewarm and tasted strangely heavy in one spice that I couldn't identify.
Got penne rosa (my other usual staple here) and it was bland that time! The tomato bisque was okay though, but again was lukewarm for some reason. I would assume soups are made in bulk and spooned out as they're ordered, so are they simply not kept in proper containers?
I know not every noodles and co is bad, but there seems to be a lack of standardization. I don't think I'll be coming to this particular one anymore. Will simply go elsewhere next time in Oakland.