Not So Fast: Beloved Strip Mall Thai Joint Granted Another Reprieve

Color us surprised, pleased and hungry! Contrary to plans — outlined in our article on December 31 — J's Noodles & New Thai (not to be confused with J's Noodle Star Thai on South Federal) received yet another reprieve from its landlord, and the woks are still sizzling on South Parker Road. According to its blog, the homey hole in the wall will be serving up savory Thai specialties until (at least) April 30.

"We were going to close at the end of January," says Judy Teawdeswan, who has operated the restaurant with husband Sammy Teawdeswan since 2010. "But then owner called and say we can stay through April."

J's Noodles & New Thai's space in the Aspen Commons strip mall, located at 1842 South Parker Road, had been slated for closure to allow neighboring Nazar International Market to expand its offerings, which include halal meats along with cheeses, olives, Turkish pastries and other delicacies. "We are waiting for the permits right now," says a manager who gave his name as Türker. "So it's up to the government. They say like inside of two months it will be done, and after that we are going to start the construction. So most likely inside of six months."

The wheels of bureaucracy can grind slowly, though, so it's possible that Denver-area diners may have yet a longer window to enjoy their favorite dishes at J's, including catfish nuggets in a red coconut curry, country-style pad thai made with fresh tamarind, and a mouthwatering tom kha soup.

Teawdeswan says that while J's Noodles still hopes an investor will step in and enable it to open in another location, there's no guarantee that the restaurant will live on beyond April. In the meantime, you'll find us slurping noodles and swigging Singha, enjoying every meal as if it's our last.

J's Noodles & New Thai is located at 1842 South Parker Road and is open from 3 to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, visit jnoodlesnewthai.blogspot.com.