2D Noodles, an Asian fusion restaurant, opened its first D.C. location in Tenleytown on May 28, creating a new spot for American University students.
The new restaurant is located on Wisconsin Avenue, replacing the former Starbucks between Guapo’s and Chick-fil-A. According to 2D’s website, the menu includes pho, ramen and dumplings with the option to dine-in, takeout or order online.
“Welcome to 2D Noodles — where Asian fusion noodles come to life,” the website reads.
The restaurant is the first two-dimensional restaurant in D.C., according to its Instagram, with comic book themed decor. If customers are dining in, they order at a kiosk and employees bring food to their table.
Luna Li, the manager and owner, said lots of students visited the first week but it has slowed down during the summer. She said there will be three locations in the D.C. area, with the one in Alexandria, Virginia, and another in Chinatown named under Yu Noodle.
Li said she has hired many AU students and is interested in hiring more. She also hopes AU students will choose 2D Noodles as their hangout spot.
“I want all the students to feel free to stop by after class or they have a party [and] they want to take a break,” Li said.
AU students who show their student ID to the front desk will receive 5% off every order, according to Li. If students order online, they can use the promotional code ‘AUSTUDENT’ to get the discount.
Alyssa Langmeyer, a master's student in the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Public Affairs, found out about employment opportunities at 2D Noodles from the sign in the window. With five years of restaurant experience and a need for a summer job, she applied and now works as a food runner and host.
Langmeyer said the most enjoyable part of her job is her co-workers, while the most challenging is handling customer complaints. When there are issues with the food, she said she offers a refund or makes something fresh because she “wants to make sure that people leave happy.”
Due to the heat, Langmeyer said some days have been slow, but the restaurant recently opened up a drink bar station for boba and tea, which has brought in high school and middle school students.
“But we’ve still been successful regardless, especially as the food is truly, really, really good,” Langmeyer said.
Li also said that they have allergen cards at the front door so customers with restrictions can check to see what items they can eat.
Similar to Li, Langmeyer said she also wants 2D Noodles to be a comfortable place for students to gather.
“We try and play some nice music and keep it a really welcoming, casual vibe,” Langmeyer said. “So [I’m] hoping that AU students find it a nice place to stop in to do some homework and eat some food.”
This article was edited by Gabrielle McNamee, Abigail Hatting and Walker Whalen. Copy editing done by Sabine Kanter-Huchting, Ariana Kavoossi and Emma Brown.
