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Franco's Famous

4.2 (89 reviews)
Closed • Closed
Updated 3 months ago

Franco's Famous Photos

FRANCO'S FAMOUS ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Trendy
Classy
Good for groups

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Recommended Reviews - Franco's Famous

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Ground beef and shredded chicken enchiladas
Betty G.

We have been eating out so much this past week but kept on going to the same places we've been to before, so tonight decided to find a new location. We all agreed to visit this Franco's Famous. The restaurant was packed inside out when we arrived around dinner time. We were glad we came here because the foods was so good. The salsa for the chips was perfectly spicy. For dinner, I had the shredded chicken enchiladas, hubby had the chicken and ground beef enchiladas, and both dishes were delicious. My daughter had the shredded beef soft tacos and her husband had the two smash tacos and a grilled shrimp taco and they loved everything they ordered. We had a great meal tonight. We had America as our server and service was good. We will return.

Wally P.

Food is good. We go to Franco's in Aliso so we know the menu well. Service is terrible. Maybe it's just poor management because it's new. But compared to the Aliso location, the service at Ladera is awful. Walked in at 5 pm on Thursday. Half the dining room was empty, and most of tables were piled up with dirty dishes. Many tables had food and rice scattered on them and on the floors. Did they just finish feeding some livestock? Chips and salsa came quick, but no waiter for a good FIFTEEN minutes. We asked bus boys and the chip girl to get us a waitress but they ignored us. There was a young waitress gabbing with her friends next to our table. Despite our efforts to flag her down she would not leave the conversation with her friends. Maybe she was on break? Turns out that chatty girl was indeed our waitress. Not good. Our food came but she never checked on us. I had to flag down the chip girl to pay my bill. I can't place all the blame on this one poorly trained waitress. She was the only one we saw in the dining room. No manager. Just overall poor management. 3 stars for the food , but 1 failure star for horrible service. I live in Ladera and want all local businesses to survive. But I'm not coming back. I give the over/under of failure of this location at one year. Sorry. But I'll keep going back to the Aliso one.

Chips and salsa are perfect!
Samantha D.

We were stoked for a new Mexican restaurant in the neighborhood! We came here the first week or so it was open, ate on the patio, and the food was great. Even though it was a weekday, it was busy and the service was pretty slow, though. We came here again with my in-laws and had a rough experience. Came on a Sunday at 5:30, and it was busy, but we were told we could wait for a table outside and it would just be 15 minutes. After 20 minutes, they told us it would be "at least another 15 minutes because people are still eating". We decided to eat inside so we could get seated more quickly. The restaurant was really loud and the waiters bumped into our seats every single time they walked by because the tables were so close together. It took us over 30 minutes to get our drinks and over an hour to get our food. Our waitress explained several times that it was her first day and shared that they were told not to take food orders for a while because of how backed up the kitchen was. Looking around, several other tables were complaining about one thing or another. Honestly, the food and drinks are GREAT quality, but it seems like Franco's has some catching up to do when it comes to figuring out their processes. We're planning to get food to-go until all the bugs get worked out.

Menu
Tara H.

Great Taco Tuesday! $3 tacos for crunchy chicken, shredded beef, shredded chicken and potato. Margaritas and beer on special too! It was quite busy but staff were great and attentive. Upbeat atmosphere. Would love to come back and try off taco Tuesday specials. Rank of tacos: #1 being the best was shredded beef, #2 potato, #3 chicken, #4 ground beef. I'd typically be a chicken and ground beef fan but they had a spice in there that I didn't care for as much. Also, they don't have a super spicy salsa, only had El Yucateco hot sauce as an option. Super happy with that option but just to note! The "spice" was not due to spiciness, just particular spice in the seasoning.

Shrimp tostado
Renee T.

Came in a Friday night wasn't very busy not many servers were working. Ours was nice and we sat outside by the fireplace which was nice. Food was good I had the tostada and hubby had a few items but he raved over the Tijuana dog. Will be back and hope this restaurant lasts and continues to thrive!

Bob S.

First time here! The food was very fresh, savory, flavorful, and delicious. Also, the chips were super crunchy, crispy, and salty, and the salsa was perfectly served. Good service, and atmosphere with upbeat music, and I had an amazing wonderful first visit today.

Happy hour beer battered fish and grilled shrimp tacos!
Sade N.

Soup of the day: chicken tortilla Happy hour beer battered fish and grilled shrimp tacos Crispy taco dorados that are half off on taco Tuesday!

Michelle H.

Been waiting to try this place for a while. Pros Drinks are ok, I'd come back for maybe just drinks Cons Food is rough. My elote was watery and tasted like canned corn that wasn't drained poured into a bowl and sprinkled with Tahin. The shrimp taco was made with a stale tortilla and inedible. The kids menu is super limited so we ordered a Tijuana dog and just asked for them to leave everything off because it was for my two toddlers, but of course they had no problem leaving the spicy ketchup which made it in-edible. My husband had the chicken flautas and they were extremely dry. I'll be back for drinks, but definitely not food.

June 2025 Menu
Michele D.

First time at this place. This restaurant is almost 2 months old, and I'm so glad we checked this place out! The service was super friendly and stellar! The food... I ordered their Jalapeño bacon wrap with cream cheese as an appetizer. It came with this raspberry sauce that totally balances out the heat and your tastebuds! Extremely spicy!!! I had their Chili Relleno, as an entree, and it certainly didn't disappoint! It was wonderful! And for the grand finale..... I couldn't pass up their churros! Delicious! EVERYTHING served came hot out of the oven. Super fresh tasting! Their simple decor was aesthetically pleasing. Do come and try this place out! And be sure to welcome them to your neighborhood! Overall, another fantastic dining experience! You bet, I'm returning! I LOVED it! Cheers and Enjoy!!! Highly highly recommended!

Mike L.

Went here for Taco Tuesday and Happy Hour with some friends. We ordered quesadillas, tacos and margaritas all around. We were greeted and seated promptly. Our server was polite and gregarious. The food and drinks were delicious and the atmosphere was upbeat and lively. We had a great time and would definitely go back.

Chicken Fajitas
Daisy G.

Went to Franco's for the first time yesterday and had such a great experience! The drinks were strong, the food portions were huge and the food was very tasty! I could easily have shared the fajitas and would have still had plenty. I am looking forward to next trip to Franco's!

Smash Tacos!
Calley G.

This place is amazing! Really great tasting food, yummy drinks and good service. Perfect for special occasions or just grabbing a drink with friends. Love the outdoor seating areas too with fireside seating and a side cute bar. They do happy hour Tuesday thru Friday and brunch on Sundays! The tacos dorado are perfectly crispy and flavorful, the best is the potato taco and the ground beef. The flautas equally delicious and their guacamole is fresh and delicious. Tijuana dog is a fun option with tasty creamy sauce. Cheese enchiladas and the vegetarian refried beans are the best in this area! That homemade red enchilada sauce is perfect. The cheese quesadilla trio with guacamole and sour cream is the perfect size to share. Their bartenders craft the most delicious margaritas and drinks! Overall such a great place!

Nothing
Colleen G.

Listen Francos. I want to like you. I really do. You've got the food, the charm, the kind of rustic vibes that say, "We don't need the internet to survive." But guys. It's 2025. The world runs on AI, drones deliver my dog's probiotics, and my Tesla gets software updates in its sleep. Meanwhile, your restaurant's online presence is giving palm pilot. No website? No DoorDash? No visible menu ? Just get a $12 domain name and a DoorDash profile. Until then, I'll be emotionally supporting you from afar... on Yelp... because it's the only place I could find you.

Mango margarita

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5 months ago

Great food, service and accomodations for my fur baby. Will now be a family must. Plus great vibes. Go and enjoy

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7 months ago

Great Mexican food in Ladera Ranch. Nice location. I usually go to the one in Laguna Hills. Decided to try this spot.

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9 months ago

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6 months ago

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1 year ago

Waters with chips and salsa already at table- nice touch. Thank you. Menu options and pricing look good.

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8 months ago

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10 months ago

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1 year ago

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11 months ago

So glad to have this place in our backyard! Food is wonderful, people are kind, and you can't beat the vibe.

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11 months ago

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9 months ago

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

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11 months ago

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

Quality food; not overly fussy & always has bold flavors. Guacamole is great. Good for vegetarians too.

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5 months ago

This place is awesome. Taco Tuesday is a must!! Great drinks and food. They sometimes have music!!

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10 months ago

My server Payton was the best and the bartenders made delicious drinks. Love the vibes and will be back for sure!

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1 year ago

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10 months ago

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10 months ago

Great food and service. Cool vibes in there. Our server alyssa was really nice and helpful. We will be back!

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

We love Franco's Famous, great food, service, price and good vibes when there is live music. One of our local favs

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

Great food, great service and a beautiful restaurant. They were very accommodating to kids. Can't wait to go back!

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11 months ago

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10 months ago

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

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6 months ago

Came in with my family, food and service were amazing! A bunch of good deals will definitely be back

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1 year ago

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10 months ago

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

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1 year ago

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9 months ago

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1 year ago

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10 months ago

The food was great and drinks were better, will be back for both the atmosphere is great.

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11 months ago

Love their chips and salsa. Had their Chili Relleno and it was really good. Highly recommend their coconut margarita. I will be back.

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I've visited this restaurant multiple times, as I live walking distance. The food is just ok (there…read moreare much better Italian places close by) and the ownership is troubling (at best). He often argues with guests who disagree with him (personally) or dislike their food. The meals I have had there were not great and overpriced. I will skip eating here again. My last review was removed (due to it being one star - and the owner requesting it to be removed). The place is very cute, nice ambiance but unfortunately the food and the owner do not make it worth the price point. Sorry you cannot accept this is a real review from a real person who has been to your restaurant many times and force yelp to take down reviews so you can keep your 4 stars. In response to this post being about his politics: I don't give a sh*t about his personal voting habits. He's just an a**hole.

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Joe’s Italian Restaurant & Bar - I personally made a large pepperoni sausage pizza for friends of mine. They wanted it well done.

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Franco's Famous - wine_bars - Updated May 2026

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