Frank’s bbq & noodles — Restaurant in Irvine

I recently had the pleasure of trying the Cantonese roasted duck at Franks’s BBQ & noodles, and it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment the dish arrived at the table, it was clear that this was something special. The duck was perfectly roasted to a beautiful, golden-brown hue, with a crispy skin that crackled delightfully with each bite. The flavor was simply outstanding. The meat was tender, juicy, and infused with a rich blend of spices and aromatics that highlighted the traditional Cantonese preparation. Each bite was a harmonious balance of savory, sweet, and slightly smoky notes, making it impossible to resist. What truly set this dish apart was the meticulous attention to detail. The duck was marinated and air-dried to perfection, ensuring that the skin was crisp while the meat remained succulent. The accompanying plum sauce added a wonderful tangy sweetness that complemented the duck beautifully. The presentation was also top-notch, with the duck served in elegant slices that made it easy to share and enjoy. The portion size was generous, making it perfect for sharing with friends or family. Overall, the Cantonese roasted duck at Franks’s BBQ & noodles is a must-try for anyone who appreciates fine Chinese cuisine. It’s a dish that showcases the skill and artistry of the chefs, and it’s sure to leave a lasting impression. Highly...

Strolled in while nobody was there during soft open. Ordered one 2 item combo duck charsiu and one 3 item combo duck charsiu and white chicken.

Charsiu was fine. Duck was also decent but not that meaty tbh. Chicken also fine but not meaty, one of the places was literally just bones. Overall lots of bones, not too much meat.

Rice portion could be a bit more esp for the 3 item combo. Veggies a bit lacking in quantity. I’m seeing cucumbers in other reviews but mine didn’t have.

Also asked for extra sauces which was not received even though the manager clearly heard me. Definitely need more than one ginger sauce IMO per dish.

The kicker is price. Duck is additional $2 so I paid $44 after tax before tip. I wouldn’t say the value is all there considering the price and the dine-in photos look a bit better for some reason. For the time being, I don’t think I’ll be going back till they fine tune their dishes.

I think this plaza has a constant rotation of new shops because they never do well and it’s pretty obvious why that is. I’m also pretty sure this shop is just a new spin on the Chinese noodle shop that used to be...

A family of four, including two toddlers, was dining nearby. After they had already started eating, the wife asked if the chicken could be chopped more finely for the kids. The waitress took the bowl back, and the chef used the same knife and cutting board he’d been using for the rest of the BBQ dishes to cut up the chicken. That means whatever germs or saliva were on that family’s food probably ended up on the chicken, duck, and other dishes served to everyone else—including mine.

I sat there for a long time, debating whether I should eat it. But I was dining alone and didn’t feel like arguing with the restaurant staff.

I know this probably isn’t the grossest thing a restaurant could do, but seeing it with my own eyes made it hard to ignore. The food tasted good, but I just can’t get past what I saw. Dine at your own risk—I won’t...