Frank'S Noodle House

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Portland’s vibrant culinary landscape, Frank’s Noodle House is a beloved institution specializing in authentic hand-pulled noodles (LaMian). Since its founding in 2008 by Frank Fong and Ying Jun Gao, Frank’s has captivated locals and visitors alike with its dedication to traditional Chinese noodle-making. Known for its interactive open kitchen, warm hospitality, and appearances on national platforms like Food Network's “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” Frank’s Noodle House offers a unique blend of craftsmanship, flavor, and cultural heritage (Frank’s Noodle House PDX, DDD Near Me, OregonLive). This detailed guide explores the restaurant’s history, menu highlights, visiting information, accessibility, and essential travel tips—everything you need to plan an unforgettable visit.

History and Evolution

Founding and Early Years (2008–2015)

Frank’s Noodle House was established in 2008 by Frank Fong and Ying Jun Gao, who introduced the art of Chinese hand-pulled noodles to Portland. The original location, set in a cozy converted house on Northeast Broadway, quickly gained a reputation for its fresh, skillfully prepared LaMian noodles. Drawing inspiration from Lanzhou, China, where this technique originated during the Qing Dynasty, the restaurant allowed diners to witness the noodle-pulling process firsthand (Frank’s Noodle House PDX, Wikipedia, Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Locations, Eater Portland).

Rise to Local and National Prominence

Frank’s Noodle House earned national attention after being featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” in 2013. Guy Fieri praised the restaurant’s “light and crunchy” noodles, sparking a surge in visitors eager to sample Portland’s best hand-pulled noodles (DDD Near Me). Local critics from Willamette Week and The Oregonian also lauded the restaurant, ranking it among the city’s top Chinese eateries and highlighting specialties like black bean noodles (Willamette Week, OregonLive).

Expansion and Menu Growth

To accommodate growing demand, Frank’s expanded with a larger Beaverton location in 2016, which introduced additional seating and broader menu offerings. The continued focus on hand-pulled noodles remained central, while new appetizers and regional Chinese dishes attracted a wider audience (Wikipedia, Frank’s Noodle House PDX).

Community Impact and Cultural Significance

Frank’s Noodle House has played a significant role in popularizing LaMian and Northwest Chinese cuisine in Portland. Its commitment to authenticity has inspired other local chefs, and its original Northeast Broadway spot is now considered a culinary landmark. In 2020, Frank’s was named Best Chinese Restaurant in Willamette Week’s readers’ poll, reflecting its enduring popularity (Willamette Week).

Recent Developments

A third location is set to open in Portland’s Pearl District at 122 NW 10th Avenue in summer 2025. This modern venue will blend traditional noodle-making with new menu items and is conveniently located near major cultural attractions (What Now Portland).

Visiting Information

Locations and Hours

• NE Broadway (Original): 822 NE Broadway St, Portland, OR 97232
  Hours: Mon–Sat 11:00 AM–9:00 PM; Sun Closed
• Beaverton: 2785 SW Cedar Hills Blvd, Beaverton, OR 97005
  Hours: Daily 11:00 AM–9:30 PM
• Pearl District (Opening Summer 2025): 122 NW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97209
  Hours: To be announced

Official Location Information

Reservations and Tickets

• No tickets required.
• Walk-in dining is standard; reservations are not generally accepted except for large groups. Wait times may be longer during peak hours and weekends.

Parking and Accessibility

• NE Broadway: Limited street parking and nearby paid lots; accessible by TriMet buses and MAX Light Rail.
• Beaverton: Ample on-site parking.
• Pearl District: Public parking and convenient access to public transportation.

All locations are wheelchair accessible, with step-free entrances and accessible restrooms.

Menu Highlights

Frank’s Noodle House is celebrated for its hand-pulled noodles, made fresh daily and available in a variety of dishes:

• Signature LaMian Noodles: Beef noodle soup, black bean noodles, stir-fried noodles with pork belly, vegetables, and Korean spices.
• Appetizers: Dumplings, kimchi, squid stir-fry.
• Chinese-American Favorites: Mongolian beef, orange chicken.
• Beaverton Specials: Biang biang noodles, Thai curry noodles, and more.
• Seasonal Specials: Rotating limited-time dishes that showcase regional flavors.

Vegetarian options are available; vegan and gluten-free choices are limited (OregonLive).

Visitor Experience

Ambience and Atmosphere

• NE Broadway: Cozy, home-like setting in a converted house, open kitchen for viewing noodle-pulling, seating for approximately 40 guests, and a warm, family-friendly environment.
• Beaverton: Modern, spacious layout with large windows and a relaxed vibe, suitable for families and groups.
• Outdoor Seating: Available seasonally at both locations.

Open Kitchen Noodle Demonstrations

Chefs hand-pull noodles in full view of diners, providing an interactive and educational experience. Staff are happy to answer questions about the process.

Cleanliness and Safety

High standards of cleanliness are maintained at all locations, including prompt table sanitation and well-kept restrooms. Enhanced cleaning protocols remain in place.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Frank’s Noodle House visiting hours?
A: NE Broadway: Mon–Sat 11 AM–9 PM; Beaverton: Daily 11 AM–9:30 PM; Pearl District: Hours TBA.

Q: Do I need tickets or reservations?
A: No tickets needed. Walk-ins welcome; reservations recommended for groups of six or more.

Q: Is parking available?
A: Yes. Limited at NE Broadway; ample at Beaverton; Pearl District has public parking.

Q: Is the restaurant wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, all locations are fully accessible.

Q: Can I watch noodle-making demonstrations?
A: Yes, noodle-pulling is visible from the dining area.

Q: Are there vegetarian or gluten-free options?
A: Vegetarian options are available; vegan and gluten-free are limited.

Q: Is the restaurant family-friendly?
A: Yes, with high chairs and group seating.

Q: When is the best time to visit?
A: Early lunch or late afternoon for shorter waits.

Visuals and Media

For images and virtual tours, visit the official Frank’s Noodle House website, or follow their Instagram page. Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” feature is available online (PDX Today).

Nearby Attractions

• Lloyd Center Mall: Near NE Broadway location.
• Powell’s City of Books & Portland Art Museum: Close to the upcoming Pearl District venue.
• Oregon Convention Center and Moda Center: Walking distance from NE Broadway.
• Public Transit: All locations are accessible by TriMet bus and MAX Light Rail.

Discover More

Ready to taste Portland’s best hand-pulled noodles? Plan your visit to Frank’s Noodle House and immerse yourself in a culinary journey. For the latest hours, menu updates, and special offers, download the Audiala app and follow Frank’s Noodle House on social media. Enhance your Portland adventure by exploring more dining guides and cultural attractions in the area!