Finally, I can say I have more than one good neighborhood restaurant. Pho 79 is a charming, family-owned restaurant. I've eaten there twice since they opened. On the first visit at 2pm, I felt a little pressure to decide quickly so I just pointed to the picture that looked best. There was one other customer when I arrived and then at least ten other people arrived after me. My first meal was Bun Thit Nuong Cha Gio (#31, rice noodles with grilled meat and spring rolls). I added some Hoisin and Siracha sauce to my bowl. When mixed altogether, it was just mouthful after mouthful of a lightly sweetened and spicey meat, rice noodles, and vegetable topped with peanuts. It's the first time I've eaten this Vietnamese dish (I've only ever had Pho) but I'm glad I branched out. Last but not least, the egg rolls were as good as when my mom and I make Lumpia (a Filipino egg roll that is highly addictive). The egg roll is one egg roll cut in half, which was just enough for me. My lunch that day cost $14.30 (not including tip) and it was a very filling meal, comparable in the amount of food (and cost) you'd get at say, Cava or Chopt. I probably could have saved half for later, but I was particularly hungry.
On my second trip, I went at 11:30am and was one of five other customers and then the restaurant filled up quickly as I waited and then ate my meal. Filled with confidence from my first meal, (I did a little research of their menu a head of time, a pic of the menu is available via Google) my second meal was Com Suon Trung (#25, rice with grilled pork chop and egg) and a side of Phan cha gio 2 cuon (#34, two pieces of spring rolls, had to get them again, so delicious as the first time and they come with a dipping sauce). The meal was delightful and filling. I was a little concerned about eating pork chops with chopsticks, but I just ended up using my fingers. I tried the Hoisin sauce on the rice with the restaurant's pepper sauce and gobbled it up. I hoped to try their coconut drink, but they didn't have any in stock yet. So I ended up trying the limeade which was refreshing, though it was too sweet for me (but likely perfect for most everyone else, I just like more acid less sweet). One of the owners (I think) asked me how I was enjoying it and so I let him know. It was nice to see a face of a business and be asked about their product. To me, that's part of a good customer service experience. My lunch this trip cost $25.00 (and I tipped a $10 for my two visits).
The restaurant offers people the flexibility to dine in or order takeaway. Though, if you dine in the waitstaff are efficient, attentive, and no-nonsense. One of them remembered me, which was nice. The floor manager is friendly and jumps in often to help keep things running smoothly. After my second meal, I really left feeling like I would probably have a good time at one of their family BBQs and the food would be as delicious as it usually is when I eat with my own family. This restaurant is on its way to being a go-to staple for people working in the area and I hope equally as successful with the neighborhood families (certainly, I will be there with mine in the future).
The decor and ambiance are inviting and clean. If you ever went to the previous restaurant, you'll notice that Pho 79 is very bright and welcoming in comparison. The door is fixed, the furniture is new, with smaller tables on the right as you come in--perfect for solo diners. The space just feels bigger and open. There was some music playing, but I didn't notice it being good or bad. It is quiet enough you can have a conversation, unlike most restaurants in DC.
One thing to note, if you tend to tip, pay in cash so you can tip. The first time I went there, I paid with my card and there was no way to tip. read more