Ark Chinese Restaurant

Ark Chinese Restaurant is located at 1405 Park St, Alameda, CA 94501, USA, and falls under the Chinese Restaurant category, providing a variety of Chinese culinary options for the Alameda community. They can be contacted at (510) 521-6862 or their mobile number +1 510-521-6862 for inquiries or to place orders for takeout or potential dine-in service. Customer reviews suggest an evolving menu with a mix of Northern Chinese and Cantonese dishes, offered at reasonable prices, though with some considerations regarding flavor intensity and ambiance.

One reviewer noted that the restaurant's name does not immediately indicate the specific type of Chinese food offered, initially speculating that it might have been a noodle-centric establishment focusing on Northern Chinese cuisine. However, they observed that new ownership seems to have brought in a cook capable of preparing Cantonese dishes as well. This has resulted in a more extensive menu with a wider array of selections available to diners, suggesting a broader appeal to different palates.

This same reviewer detailed their order, which included a "pan fried green onion pancake," "hand pulled beef noodle soup," "tomato beef chow mein," "beef stew noodles," and "sweet sour ribs." They found all the dishes to be "fairly good" overall. However, they also pointed out a significant characteristic of the food: "the flavors were quite intense...as in too much salt or too much sugar." This is an important consideration for potential customers, as the reviewer advises keeping this in mind and possibly requesting a reduction in salt and spices when placing an order. This suggests that while the dishes are generally tasty, they might be heavily seasoned.

A notable positive aspect highlighted in the reviews is the affordability of Ark Chinese Restaurant, especially for its location on Park Street in Alameda. The reviewer mentioned that entrees and dinner items generally cost around $15, which is considered quite reasonable for this area. This makes Ark Chinese Restaurant an attractive option for those looking for a budget-friendly meal without compromising on variety.

Regarding the ambiance, one reviewer described the decor as "ho-hum," suggesting a rather plain or unremarkable interior. They did note that the dining room was "certainly quiet," perhaps even "too quiet" during their visit, speculating it might have been due to the early hour. The reviewer offered suggestions for improvement, such as adding flowers or paintings to liven up the space and perhaps playing some K-pop music to create a more vibrant atmosphere. Despite the lack of exciting decor, they did commend the "wait staff" as being "friendly and helpful," indicating a positive aspect of the service provided.

Another reviewer echoed the sentiment that Ark Chinese Restaurant is a good option for those seeking an "inexpensive place to eat," particularly mentioning its convenience before seeing a movie or for those simply in the area. They humorously noted that "the food might assault your taste buds but the prices won't assault your wallet," reiterating the point about intense flavors being balanced by the reasonable cost.

Adding a different dimension to the feedback, a separate, concise review focused on a specific item: "Fried chicken." This reviewer was exceptionally enthusiastic, describing it as "SO CRUNCHY," claiming it was "somehow" three times crunchier than other fried chicken they had experienced. They gave it a rating of "A++++++" and expressed their intention to eat it again, indicating a standout dish that might be worth trying.

From these reviews, we can summarize the key features and considerations for Ark Chinese Restaurant:

• Evolving Menu: Offering a blend of potentially Northern Chinese noodle dishes and Cantonese cuisine, providing a wider selection.
• Intense Flavors: Dishes may be heavily seasoned with salt and sugar, requiring potential adjustment upon ordering.
• Reasonable Prices: Entrees and dinner items are generally around $15, considered inexpensive for the location.
• Plain Ambiance: The decor is described as unremarkable and the dining room can be quiet, potentially lacking atmosphere.
• Friendly and Helpful Wait Staff: Positive feedback regarding the service provided by the staff.
• Convenient Location: Situated on Park Street in Alameda, making it accessible for those in the area or heading to nearby attractions like a movie theater.
• Highly Praised Fried Chicken: Described as exceptionally crunchy and a standout dish.

The reviews offer insights into the environment (plain, quiet) and services (dine-in, takeout likely given the ordering of various dishes, friendly wait staff). There is no specific promotional information mentioned in the provided feedback. Local users interested in any special offers, discounts, or the full menu of Ark Chinese Restaurant are encouraged to contact the restaurant directly using the phone numbers provided.

For local users in Alameda, CA, Ark Chinese Restaurant presents an affordable dining option with an expanding menu that blends different styles of Chinese cuisine. The friendly service is a noted positive. However, potential customers should be aware of the possibility of intense flavors in the dishes and the rather plain ambiance of the dining area. The exceptionally crunchy fried chicken stands out as a highly recommended item. If budget-consciousness is a priority and one is willing to either request adjustments to seasoning or try specific dishes like the fried chicken, Ark Chinese Restaurant might be worth a visit.

To explore the full menu and perhaps inquire about the preparation of specific dishes or any current specials, local residents can contact Ark Chinese Restaurant at (510) 521-6862. The combination of reasonable prices and a growing menu could make it a worthwhile option for those in the Alameda area, particularly if dining on a budget is a key consideration.