Noodles & Company is a restaurant I frequented when I lived in the DC area. I'd heard the lines have been horrendous since it's opened, so decided to go there with a friend on a Saturday afternoon.
There were just a handful of patrons there and no line--Yay! I ordered the Bankok Curry and my friend ordered the mac & cheese w/ meatballs. We had just enough time to get our fountain drinks (lots of options and machine is Japanese-style and kind of fun) when our food arrived. The server was pleasant and checked back with us a couple of times (also cleared away plates) which was a nice plus.
My dish was very good and although I ordered a "regular" it was on the small side for me. However, it offered just the right amount of spice, the vegetables were fresh, and rice noodles perfectly cooked. My friend reported that his mac & cheese was good (his portion was also a bit larger than mine, FYI) and looked like the cheese sauce looked like it was just the right consistency.
My dish, with a fountain drink (I opted not to get the shrimp on it), was about $7.50. As far as lunch prices go for downtown, it's a hair more expensive than a fast-food choice like Wendy's, but more healthful. If you have a heartier appetite you can opt for one of their trios. I'll definitely go back!