Earls Kitchen + Bar — Restaurant in Plano

My friends and I recently had a very disappointing experience at Earl’s in Plano. It was supposed to be a celebratory night as our friend had just moved into his new apartment above the restaurant, and a group of six of us came in for drinks, appetizers, and dinner.

Unfortunately, the service and handling of the evening left a bad taste in my mouth. We started by ordering a round of drinks, followed by appetizers and our meals. Our appetizers came out after a very long wait, followed immediately by the entrées. So we did not have time to eat our appetizers prior to the meals. Everyone’s food was brought except for mine. After quite a delay, the server informed us that my steak had been burned and would take more time. Doubtful, I’m sure the order was not ever put in. While we waited for my plate, we ordered another round of drinks since we had to wait anyway. By the time my plate was finally served, everyone at the table had already finished their meals and sat with empty plates while I ate alone. This created a very awkward dining experience, and it was frustrating that the server did not check in on our table during this time and no empty plates were taken for the duration of our time there.

When my boyfriend asked about the situation, I would have expected at least my meal to be comped. Instead, the server said he would remove my drinks from the bill ($15 and $10.75 when my meal was $29.50). Not only did that not happen, but when my boyfriend and I received the check, all of our drinks were still included, and additional drinks from our friends’ orders were added onto our tab as well. Our subtotal (before tax) should have been $127.50, which with tax comes to $138.02. Instead, we were charged $166 — nearly $28 more than we should have paid.

This was not only extremely disappointing from a service standpoint but also concerning from a billing standpoint. My boyfriend didn’t tell our friends and just paid the bill as this was an all around embarrassing situation, and he didn’t want to cause more stress - especially since they were excited about their own drinks being removed. In reality nothing was “removed” but added to our ticket. We left feeling frustrated and let down, especially after what should have been a special and celebratory evening.

I truly hope management takes this feedback seriously, as our experience was far below what I would expect from a restaurant of Earl’s reputation. Sad that I used to come here after work and now I have a friend who lives above the restaurant, and I won’t be coming back.

Our order: Truffle fries 12.50 Steak + sushi 32.5 Steak frites 29.5 Lemon drop martini 15 Pino Grigio 10.75 Pino Grigio 10.75 Whiskey sour 16.50

Total 127.50 Plus 10.52 in tax Our total should have been: $138.02 We were charged $166

9/24/2025 Update: It has been nearly three weeks since my review posted and management still has not taken the...

When I walked in, I was immediately very excited about the food experience but very soon into the meal was vastly disappointed. I came here as a last minute change of plans for my girlfriend’s going away dinner. The atmosphere looked absolutely perfect and on point for such an important occasion so even though I was unable to do my usual “deep dive research” ahead of time, I was initially very pleased with the quick change of plans switch up. Unfortunately the food experience did not live up to the atmospheric experience. Our drink orders took much longer than necessary, basic wine and cocktails from the menu. I was looking forward to the lamb but soon after placing my order I was told they were out of lamb which was disappointing. I replaced it with Truffle Tortellini, in the description states “spinach, seasonal vegetables,” and I added blackened shrimp. My plate arrived with everyone else’s food, yet while my friend’s tortellini arrived steaming & hot, mine arrived cold and I had to immediately send it back. The vegetables & spinach? No where to be found. There was probably two whole mushrooms sliced up and one stick of asparagus in the entire entree. The tortellini itself was subpar & the blackened shrimp tasted bland and had no spice. Especially compared to my friend’s blackened chicken entree, mine completely lacked in all flavor. After leaving my meal unfinished, I ordered the chocolate cake and was very much looking forward to this savory goodness after a week of eating well & saving up for deliciousness. Only to be let down yet again by the waitress telling me that they were out of yet another item & I settled for key lime pie which was very similar to the entree in that I was disappointed yet again. So basically all my food choices were not available, I had to settle for items I neither really wanted nor enjoyed and was offered zero compensation from the restaurant for the aggravation of not having any of my food choices available. Basically I paid for a very pricey dinner for food options I settled for and was over all not satisfactory. If I wanted a dinner of alcoholic beverages I would’ve been fine because they also all arrived in an untimely fashion but at least wine doesn’t get cold from sitting out too long. So overall - I would only come here to meet friends for a half hour cocktail situation but...

We’ve visited before, but today might be the last time.

The only positive thing to give credit was the hostess at the main entry area, who was friendly and welcoming. (An opportunity to have mentioned their AC was out before we got seated)

Once we sat down inside, the opportunities started. It was a hot day today and while sitting I notice it’s very suffocating with no air flow and sweating. I asked our waiter who mentioned the AC was out and their hvac tech wasn’t available until monday. I understand the restaurant business and things happen, but a huge opportunity in terms of atmosphere and specially weekends having emergency hvac vendors which seems like a huge miss that will drastically impact guest experience. (Also an opportunity to compensate guests offering 50% off drinks or refreshments, portable units or at least apologetic)

We then placed our orders for drinks and food. Our waiter was VERY transactional, I’m sure for the employees it must also impact their attitude a bit moving around in and out the kitchen with the heat. He wasn’t rude and got us what we needed, but definitely not welcoming or didn’t seem caring as we’ve experienced before.

Last but not least, the food we ordered, I would say was mediocre at best. We ordered their premium burger not the classic one, and it was decent. (Felt like a fast food burger) we also ordered the steak & frites, I did order the smaller portion, but this was tiny, and while I ordered medium I received well well done.(congratulations) I honestly didn’t feel like sending things back, I didn’t talk to the waiter as he never asked about the food or how everything was and I am always afraid service will only worsen and or food will be handled. To top it off we also had fruit flies all over our drinks and food (assuming due to the heat and image attached, I couldn’t really capture a good image of them flying mid air)

The only other positive I saw within the kitchen crew, I overheard the chef or kitchen manager hyping up her Team during a Team huddle and everyone seemed engaged there in the kitchen area.

This is only feedback to help management. I won’t waste time making a scene or returning food. I paid the bill, as always tipped 20% despite the experience and mediocre service, then walked away, but hopefully this helps provide others a...