I pen this review with a heavy heart, as I've watched a beloved local restaurant, Phoholic, tumble down a path of irreparable decline. I've been a loyal patron for years, finding solace in their bowls of pho, the steaming, fragrant broth cradling soft noodles and succulent meat. Alas, no more. The quality that was once the hallmark of Phoholic has drastically deteriorated, leaving me with no choice but to share this cautionary tale. The most egregious issue lies in the quality of the meat. Once upon a time, your seven-dollar bowl of pho would contain tender, sumptuous chunks of filet mignon. These delicate bites of beef were so soft, they'd practically melt in your mouth. But now? It seems like leftovers are being passed off as prime meat, resulting in a tough and chewy ordeal rather than an exquisite culinary experience. Moreover, the cost of a bowl of pho at Phoholic has doubled in recent times. It's disheartening that a meal that was once renowned for its affordability and quality has now become a grossly overpriced mishmash of subpar ingredients. When one considers the plummeting quality of meat being used, this price increase is not only shocking but downright insulting to long-time patrons like myself. For those of you seeking an alternative, I'd recommend Pho Lover. With similar pricing, they offer a better quality experience in every aspect. Their bowls of pho are brimming with tender, juicy beef brisket that evokes the delightful dining experience Phoholic once offered. The inclusion of Sriracha sauce adds to the flavor profile, giving their pho a satisfying heat that Phoholic's dishes sorely lack. Speaking of sauces, Phoholic seems to have replaced their condiments with cheaper alternatives from Vietnam. Now, I have nothing against international ingredients; they often bring an authenticity that elevates a dish. However, in this case, it's clear that the change was made to cut costs, not to enhance flavor. The result is a sauce that lacks depth, doing no favors for the already lackluster pho. What's worse, I've noted an increased use of MSG in Phoholic's dishes. MSG, when used sparingly, can enhance the flavor of a dish, but it seems that Phoholic is using it as a crutch to mask their cheap ingredients. This blatant disregard for the customer's palate and health is truly disheartening. It's a common tale--businesses gaining popularity and subsequently losing sight of what made them special. Phoholic has tragically succumbed to this pattern. They've abandoned their commitment to quality in favor of lower-cost ingredients, all while hiking up their prices. The story of Phoholic serves as a cautionary tale for restaurants everywhere: retaining the trust and loyalty of your customers should always be paramount. Sadly, Phoholic has lost mine. I can no longer recommend this establishment, not until they remember what made them beloved in the first place and strive to reclaim that glory. Until then, you'll find me at Pho Lover, savoring a bowl of their delectable beef brisket pho. read more

Phoholic: The Epitome of Exceptional Pho and Service When it comes to Vietnamese cuisine, one dish that stands out above the rest is pho. And when it comes to pho, there is one name that truly embodies excellence in both taste and service: Phoholic. Whether you are a pho enthusiast or a first-time visitor, Phoholic is the ultimate destination for an unforgettable dining experience. At Phoholic, the commitment to quality is evident in every aspect of their offerings. Let's start with the star of the show: the pho itself. Phoholic takes immense pride in crafting the most authentic and flavorful pho broth. Made from meticulously simmered beef bones, aromatic spices, and secret family recipes passed down through generations, their broth is a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the bustling streets of Vietnam. But what truly sets Phoholic apart is their dedication to using only the freshest ingredients. From the tender slices of beef to the vibrant assortment of herbs and vegetables, every component of their pho is carefully selected to ensure the highest quality. Each bowl of pho is a work of art, beautifully presented with an array of toppings that add both visual appeal and additional layers of taste. However, Phoholic's commitment to excellence extends beyond their pho. The service provided by their attentive and knowledgeable staff is second to none. From the moment you step through the door, you are greeted with genuine warmth and hospitality. The staff at Phoholic takes the time to understand your preferences, offering recommendations and accommodating any dietary restrictions or preferences you may have. Their dedication to customer satisfaction is unparalleled, ensuring that every visit is a memorable one. The inviting and comfortable ambiance of Phoholic further enhances the dining experience. The restaurant's tasteful decor, soft lighting, and soothing background music create a serene atmosphere that allows you to fully savor each and every bite of your pho. Whether you are looking for a cozy dinner with loved ones or a quick lunch break from a busy day, Phoholic provides a tranquil haven where you can indulge in the flavors of Vietnam. Moreover, Phoholic's commitment to service extends to their attention to detail and cleanliness. The restaurant adheres to the highest standards of hygiene, ensuring a safe and clean environment for all patrons. This dedication to maintaining a pristine establishment shows their unwavering commitment to the well-being of their customers. In conclusion, Phoholic reigns as the epitome of exceptional pho and service. Their devotion to creating the finest pho with the freshest ingredients, combined with their impeccable customer service and inviting ambiance, sets them apart from the rest. Whether you are seeking a comforting bowl of pho or an extraordinary dining experience, Phoholic is where your cravings will be satisfied, and your expectations will be exceeded. read more

PhoHolic is a gem for pho lovers in the Costa Mesa area, offering some of the best pho around. Located in South Coast Plaza's Collage Culinary Experience on the lower level, it's easy to find with plenty of parking outside. Just walk down the stairs, and you'll see the restaurant to the right. Visit: I visited on a Saturday night, and it was one of the few spots still open late (their kitchen closes at 9:45 pm). The atmosphere was lively, and I was eager to try the pho everyone raves about. Food: I ordered two bowls: the Steak and Brisket Pho ($14.50) and the Steak and Oxtail Pho ($15.50). Both came with a generous side of bean sprouts, sliced onions, sriracha, hoisin sauce, and a plate of basil, lime, and jalapeño. The pho bowls were huge, and the broth was mind-blowingly rich in flavor--truly some of the best I've had. I was stuffed by the end of the meal. While the brisket was my favorite, I found the oxtail a bit too gamey for my taste, but that's just a personal preference. Seating: The seating concept at PhoHolic is both interesting and efficient. Along with traditional individual tables and seats, they offer seating that surrounds the kitchen with blinders on all sides--perfect for those dining alone. It's a great setup that makes solo dining feel comfortable and private. Overall Experience: PhoHolic offers an incredible pho experience with a unique dining atmosphere. The rich broth and generous portions make it a must-visit for pho enthusiasts. I'll definitely be coming back! read more

This place has devastated me deeply. I was so excited for some happy pho time and this place had a convenient location, just in time for me to eat before starving at work for the next 8 hours. However, upon entering, I was met with nothing but misfortune. First of all, the hostess called me Tammy, I'm not sure where she derived "Tammy" from Mob Park. Next, when my pho was delivered, I was ready to rub my feet together in delight and munch down on the terrific pho that I had been long awaiting for. When I bit the meat, the excitement and smile I had previously contained within me had faded into oblivion. The meat was extremely rubbery and fatty. It felt like the strange mystery chicken you get at Mexican swap meats. This place is in the prestigious South Coast Plaza and I am not sure how they could not afford quality meat. I pushed the meat aside like I was paving the way for an olympic curling event because frankly I did not want to touch it nor even look at it. With the meat aside I decided to try the noodles and when I bit them I was saddened by the mush that had just contaminated my palette. The noodles are way too soft and if you were to throw it at the wall, I doubt they would even stick to it!!!!! The broth is also extremely devastating and dark. I feel extremely regretful and am still grieving over the long awaited experience I imagined. I still mourn over the excitement and joy I once felt about pho and I feel as though this place truly ruined pho for me pho ever. read more

I am writing to express my disappointment and dissatisfaction with the recent experience I had at this restaurant. As a loyal customer for nearly two years, I have always enjoyed the delicious pho and friendly service at Pho Holic. However, during my most recent visit on June 11, 2023, I encountered an issue that has left me feeling extremely dissatisfied. On that particular day, my son had fallen asleep in the car, and my wife and I decided to order pho to-go and eat it in the car. We placed an order for two bowls of pho, and upon receiving our order, we were disappointed to find that both bowls were cold. The broth, noodles, and meat were all noticeably cold, giving the impression that the food had been left sitting for an extended period. Given our previous positive experiences at Pho Holic, this incident came as a surprise and left us feeling sad and frustrated. The cold pho not only compromised the taste and quality of the meal, but it also affected our overall dining experience. As customers who have been loyal to the brand, we expect consistency in the quality of the food and service. read more

I drove all the way here expecting to dine in, only to find out the hours listed online are incorrect. The restaurant is currently closing at 10 PM, not the posted time. This should be updated immediately. It's frustrating to make the trip and look forward to a meal, only to be turned away because the information provided isn't accurate. I was told the owner is already aware, which makes it even more disappointing that it hasn't been corrected yet. I'm happy to update my review once the hours are fixed, but until then, this is something that needs attention. Accurate hours are a basic expectation. read more

It was my first time there and I was recommended a combination pho for all of us. An explained to me all the ingredients in there and how to pick the noodles. We went with the big flat fresh noodles. It was delicious. There was only one size and I couldn't finish it, but for the price of $14.50, it was really worth it. The waitress even offered to take a picture for our family, I love the food and the service here. She also recommended me the other locations of phoholic, westminster and stanton. I will definitely try the other two locations. read more

Extremely disappointed -- worst pho I've ever had. This was my first time coming here on a cold day, and I was really looking forward to a comforting, hot bowl of pho. Sadly, it was a huge letdown. The noodles were chalky, hard, and clearly undercooked, which completely ruined the dish. The broth didn't help either -- overall, it just wasn't enjoyable. I didn't even finish the meal and ended up leaving hungry. For a place that serves pho, this is unacceptable. I would not recommend this spot at all -- avoid it. read more

I went to this place during the weekend and as always it was really crowded. I can see how overwhelming it is for the workers here. The waitress An took us in and explained to us the types of noodles, how do Vietnamese people eat pho with the sauce and veggies. She was patient and attentive to us. In the end we got number 11 and 14 with a side of back ribs for togo. The portion was way bigger than we thought and for the price of less than $15 per bowl, it was totally worth it in Southcoast Plaza. read more

Me and my date were sat right away! As soon as we sat down another worker was asking me if I had any questions, because I was talking A LOT ABOUT what I wanted to eat. I was like omg the attention to detail is amazing !! I ordered a lychee iced tea, and the same guy gave me my tea and water right away!! that tea was also delish, one of the best i've had in a while. When our food came in I thought my portion was rlly huge I couldn't even finish it! Def would recommend read more

Receptionist is a mess. I wanted inside tables. But they crossed me off the list leaving me hanging without notifying me. When I discovered after waiting for 20 mins, the girl at the front said oh we accidentally crossed you off. No apology at all. The servers inside are also rude and don't want to answer my questions about the food they serve. Most importantly, I found a long hair inside my bowl of pho! Very gross. Unfortunately I will not recommend this place. read more

I recently had the pleasure of enjoying a bowl of Phở Tái at PhoHolic, and it was an exceptional service experience! This Phở Tái was a delightful and comforting dish, perfect for any time of the day. The rich, aromatic broth, tender beef, and fresh garnishes created a symphony of flavors and textures that left a lasting impression. Not to mention the ambience is great! Whether you're a pho aficionado or a first-time taster, this place is sure to please! read more