Simon K.
Yelp
I was in the area, I needed a 'pho' like snack to entertain my cravings before doing some walking, I always remembered driving by this place, and now I was able to go in and try for myself to see what I thought about the experience, and I can say it was 'middle of the road' for my expectations. I know this place has been around for quite some time, I used to have friends live a block away, so I would always cross this place, and always wondered how good the Vietnamese food was in this little place. This time with my partner in tow, I had a chance to 'try' exactly what this place was about.
I wonder how much business this place really gets? Reason why I ask this question is the enforced 'minimum charge' per person rule, that is all over the walls and in the menu. Do people just sit around here and chill out for hours in a day? I think the minimum is $5.99, it does bug me as what if I am the only one hungry, and my guest is just tagging along? That just forces me to order food that will be 'doggy bagged' and not as fresh when I get home. Another thing, if you are mad busy, I can understand the tactics of this, but this also deters business away. Pho is a sit down, shove food down your throat, and get the 'F' out type meal, and unless your food is 'god' like, and the flavors are causing and orgasm in my mouth, and I'm dripping wet (from the mouth of course!) then by all means, charge me the minimum... for an experience like that... you might be able to double charge me and get away with it!
I ordered the vermicelli with spring rolls, and two types of cooked pork, and my partner had the Bun Bo Hue. My dish was not special, it hit the spot, but nothing to wave my arms around like a chicken and promote the place further. My partner's bowl had no pork knuckle in it (I thought Bun Bo Hue always had it) this one didn't, the noodles used were that of pho, and not the round noodles she was used to eating at every other joint, and the soup was different, not overly fire louded, with sweat dripping from your head, and you gasping for water, but it was subtle, and different.
The bill was more than shocking, as I have had my fair share of Vietnamese food, where the total with tip came up to over $20. Really? Yes, I had to shake my head, you do realize what your serving? Going back to that minimum charge per head thing.... most of the dishes are over the $5.99.... so I can say all of the dishes on the menu are overpriced. In some sense, I felt ripped off, at least it was a cold day, so the steam of my anger heated me up better than the plate of food. Be warned, the food is nothing special, but the price..... is 'extra' special!