I struggled with where to start with this review and sat on it to find the most tactful way to share. So, the positive first I guess. You can tell it's local, fam owned, and staff were generally nice (when they happened to come around).
I should know better to try a new pho place when I frequent some really fire ones, but I was feeling like why not-its SOME decent reviews on Yelp right.
Sooo, walking in I felt overwhelmed (prob an understatement) at the decor. To eaches own, just a lot going on. Like a little would be cute, but whoa, what's the inspo here? I was also thrown off of the boba tea & coffee bar, which seemed to also be the priority feature of this biz. Cool if it is, but putting pho in the biz name, gives me a general expectation of the 'featured thing.' The staff seemed to be so overwhelmed (and it wasn't more than 7 tables filled at the time) that table service was far few and in between...I shouldn't have to go up to the counter (the coffee counter may I add) and ask for anything to be brought to my table. I'd read that in other reviews but thought anyone can have an off night, but no pretty sure it's just chaos always. That was also overwhelming to just keep seeing people running back and forth, yet not necessarily checking on tables.
Ugh the food..spring rolls (app) never came. Oh why not just ask you may be thinking..bc no one is around that works there. Pho comes out (about 40 mins after ordering), still no spring rolls, and I'm too in my feelings already and looking at my chicken pho like what is this in it...I still don't know but other places around RVA don't do these additions and chicken pho is like so basic. The greasy spring rolls finally came out, with an apology that someone else was supposed to bring them. Definitely paid for something i literally took a bite out of and said nah. I extract the things from the pho I don't like (never ever have had anything or any reason to do this before anywhere) and try to eat it, and meanwhile was already sad and planning where I would have my pho craving filled for my redo.
This won't it for me, and unfortunately it was a double no with service and food (not even talking about that decor anymore), but I may just be more of an experienced foodie who believes in amazing food and excellent service. Honestly as popular as the coffee and tea bar appeared, maybe it's the spot to solely go for that and bypass the food.
I definitely made a donation on dinner for this meal, and sadly ended up grabbing fast food on the way home. read more