I think it's strange that there is a minimum option of one star, when in reality-- I rather give this place nothing.
As a Vietnamese person, there is nothing more appetizing than a good, hot bowl of Pho. Atlantic Pho, being the location closest to me, has always been my go to option. The food has always been sub par, but like McDonald's to a home grilled burger, sometimes it could hit the spot.
My problem, however, has not to do with simply the food. As a Yelp user, it's important to rate a business not solely on it's product (which, deserves two stars at best) but also on it's customer service, and the establishment itself. This is where this location loses it all.
Firstly, the customer service is shallow, and distasteful. To the caucasion members that do not speak Vietnamese (you'd be surprised by how many do), it might seem like an "ok" experience. They will bring you your food on time, take your orders, and even smile warmly. However, the owner and his workers are very discriminating.
I've seen a number of African American, or Latin customers treated terribly. They would have their food taken out slowly, sometimes incorrectly, and even their drinks would take forever to be refilled. One could say that I'm thinking too much of these things, but thanks to my ability to speak their language, I know for a FACT that they are indeed, racist individuals.
I've heard them say things like "Let the N*gger wait, he probably won't pay for his meal anyway" or "Those dumb mexicans take too long to order". Those statements were the last I've heard from Atlantic Pho, and also marked my last visit there.
Racism and bad quality food aside, the establishment itself is absolutely horrifying. Just a year or so ago, the restaurant was shut down temporarily by the city due to the disgusting conditions of the kitchen. Rat feces were reportedly found everywhere, water was dripping from the ceiling, and apparently, large pots of "delicious" beef broth were left out overnight, where small pellets of fecal matter could be found. Pho? more like "F*CK"!
Now that it's reopened many people assume that the conditions have gotten better. After all, it's open, so that must mean it's clean, right?... Unfortunately no.
The Vietnamese community is a very tightly woven one. Everyone knows everyone. Those women that do your nails? Chances are they are best friends with that lady that sold you groceries the other day. I've been with the owner of Pho Atlantic, at a party just a few days ago. Over a few swigs of whiskey and vodka, he told a group of friends, myself included, that "The Americans are so easy to be fooled". You see, he claims that there is still the original problem (one does not simply get rid of rats in less than a week) of rats, and fecal matter. All he does is sweep it away each night, and put plastic wrap over the broth. So although it might be good enough for the health inspector, that should really prove to be worrisome for the customers that go there, or the families that feed their children those meals.
That encounter with him at that party was the very reason I not only STARTED a yelp account, but wrote this review. I would hate to see people eat at a restaurant that treats people so poorly, both racially, and through health. Not to mention, there is better Vietnamese food out there. Seriously people? read more