Vivian C.
Yelp
Pandemic Review 2022 and my 2000th review
Pho Viets II took over that No. 1 Noodle House spot in Newton Center. And currently during covid they are offering takeout only.
They are a small 2 spot family run chain, with the original having moved down the street from the Allston Chinese market food court over to 1022 Commonwealth Ave in Brookline. When placing your order, be careful to be sure to select and head over to the correct location!
We picked up a few things to share.
Their grilled Vietnamese sandwiches are $7 (not spicy please) apiece, with added pate for a buck. The grilled beef bahn mi was parent approved!
The vegetables & tofu egg fried rice $12.85 was good, a good portion, and had plenty of firm crisp veggies. Chicken $4 or shrimp $5 could be easily added for a surcharge.
Their lemongrass protein comes on either rice as a rice plate (com dia) or on vermicelli as a bun, with various pork or chicken sharing one price point while other proteins such as beef on their own a bit higher up, with the vermicelli starting at $11.25, while the rice began at $11.50.
Fried spring roll(s) can be added to the meat and vermicelli (bun) bowls for $2, or alternatively, #49 offers a preset combo of spring roll for $12.30 with your choice of protein ($1 surcharge for beef only), so my guess is that the portion might be adjusted somewhat, so this may be the better option for the lighter weight diner.
Too bad the kitchen was backed up, but otherwise things were fine!
I didn't get to try their spring roll, but the grilled pork and beef on the rice and vermicelli and the fresh veggies with the fish sauce on the side (I added it myself!) were good here and made for rather refreshing a meal.
***
Their beef short ribs over rice looked good but were rather tough to chew for the most part. But it seemed to depend on the piece of meat, as at least one diner didn't have the same experience as me. Personally, we'll probably avoid this dish in the future.
Their shrimp lo mein was strongly flavored and came with a good mix of firm brightly colored vegetables. A decent choice when looking for cooked veggies, besides the salad side accompaniment that comes with their meat and vermicelli plates.
***
Been back in 2023. The Vietnamese subs are now $8, plus $1 for the pate. And the primary dishes we get here are $13.95 for the chicken leg rice plate, lemongrass pork with vermicelli, and the vegetable tofu egg fried rice.