Pros:
Amazing food
Ample portion size
Great prices
Fast service
Relaxed atmosphere
Mehs:
BYOB (with corking charges)
Its in Shadyside (good luck with parking)
The spice index is a lie! (try at least 1 level higher than you think you can handle)
Cons:
No reservations
Entire party must be present before seating
Fills up quickly, hard to find a seat
No telephone (you have to show up for a take out order and wait)
Cash only
The whole "no reservation" thing is a bummer, but the food is so good that you pretty much forget about it once you start eating. We had the Sey Yew, Pad Thai, Street Noodles, one of the curries and the pork buns. Everything was delicious, especially the pork buns. Seriously, try the pork buns. They're life changing.
The only issue I had with the food was the spice index. The waiter explained that the 1-5 spice index was generally hotter than most places, and that ordering a 5 was crazy. One of us ordered a 5, and it was more or less like ordering a 7-8 at a regular Thai restaurant , which is a bit mild if you like spicy food. This was a little disappointing, but they had sriracha bottles and pepper flakes at the table, so it was no big deal.
Were it not for the hassle of actually getting to a seat, Noodlehead would deserve all 5 stars. You should still definitely try this place out, just be sure to come 30 minutes earlier than you normally would. It is, however, worth the wait.