Mini Drunken Noodle: Worth every circle around the block

Drunken Noodle isn't exactly a newcomer to the Fernandina food scene. They built a following through their food truck and earned solid reviews around the area before making the leap to a brick-and-mortar. Their home on South Eighth Street, right across from Aloha Bagel, was previously occupied by Area 51 Barbecue. A Korean BBQ spot best remembered for the alien statue that greeted you at the door. Drunken Noodle has since traded extraterrestrial kitsch for something a lot more down-to-earth.

If the "drunken" in the name was inspired by the chaos of that parking lot, it would make a lot of sense. Ever since Drunken Noodle opened, getting a spot has been a legitimate challenge. If you can't land one of the eight spaces out front, you're gonna have to hope there's a free spot on M.L.K. Jr. Street. The life hack here is to go around 4 o'clock. Drunken Noodle runs a split schedule. Open for lunch from 11 to 2:30, then closed for about an hour before reopening for dinner at 4. When I walked in, there was one other person, a DoorDasher picking up a to-go order, and then it was just me. A little awkward? Maybe. But I got front row parking.

Area 51 always felt a little stuffy inside. Drunken Noodle has fixed that. The space feels genuinely, enthusiastically Asian — and that's absolutely a compliment. It feels like you’re stepping into an Asian night market. It's immersive without being overwhelming. The back area is especially good — roomy, spacious, and filled with bold artwork. Given the building's unique layout, they've clearly worked with what they had and made it their own. The vibe when you walk in is immediately warm and inviting.

The menu is broader than you might expect. On the starters side you've got fried calamari, fried tofu, and Thai dumplings. From there, it opens up into a wide range of Asian soups — including pho — as well as rice bowls, curries, signature dishes, and sushi. For the more adventurous, there are specials like a crispy duck entree at $35. Protein add-ons are where things get especially fun. You can customize with pork belly, chashu pork, beef, chicken, shrimp, and more.

I started with the Thai dumplings, and they were delicious. The presentation alone — bean sprouts, careful plating — made them look almost too pretty to eat. The combination of ground pork, chicken, and shrimp inside was succulent, with green onions adding a crisp, satisfying crunch to each bite. The dipping sauce brought a tangy brightness that tied everything together. These were genuinely one of the best things I've eaten in recent memory. I could have easily put away 20 of them.

For my entree, I couldn't review Drunken Noodle without ordering the drunken noodles. It arrived in a deep bowl piled with beautifully prepped vegetables — bok choy and star-cut carrots taking center stage — with thin, tender slices of beef draped across the top. The noodles themselves are jumbo rice noodles in a dark, rich sauce that's aromatic and full of flavor. Combined with all those vegetables and the beef, it's a bowl that will leave you full.

I also ordered the beef basil rice bowl to go and tried it at home. If you have a thing for strong basil, this bowl is for you. The soft-boiled egg stirred into the rice, tender beef, and a full spread of vegetables made for a comforting meal. It held up well as a to-go order, which is always a plus.

Expect to pay roughly $17–$20 per plate, which is in line with what you'd pay anywhere on Amelia Island. Premium dishes like the crispy duck entree push higher. The portions are generous and the food is filling. I left satisfied at a price point I felt good about, and the friendly staff made the food all the more enjoyable.

The parking lot, though. It's bad. The limited spots out front mean that during peak hours, the restaurant likely never fills to its potential — which is a shame, because it deserves to be packed. But if you time it right, or call ahead for a to-go order, there's very little standing between you and some of the best Thai food on the island. Order the dumplings. Get the drunken noodles. Take a rice bowl home. You'll be planning your next visit before you've finished your first.