Pho LA

Lovin’ Phở LA! This place has dank flank phở. I have eaten a lot of phở in my day. Pretty much my go-​to food for hangovers in Austin and Dallas. I also got the chance to eat some crazy types of phở while backpacking through multiple cities in Vietnam. Ok so now, that I’ve established my phở judging credibility… lolol jk I would say that my personal standard of quality for phở would be how well the flank melts in your mouth and the broth. This flank. melts. in. your. mouth. Yummm! The broth is also not too greasy and is flavorful enough. I like the phở ga broth (chicken). You can order the chicken broth with a flank phở.
What sets Phở LA apart from the ever popular Phở Pasteur II across the street is how clean and bright it is inside. Another difference is that they take the time to pick out questionable looking mung beans, so the platter that comes with your phở always looks nice and fresh.
Prices are extremely reasonable and portions are generous. For Dallas phở, this place is AWESOME!

If I were a betting man (and I am) I will not bet on this place lasting much more. Every time I have lunch here this place is empty.
Like Jennifer R said the cleanliness of this place has improved ten-​folds — but that may be because of the low traffic. Maybe the robotic service has something to do with the empty tables. The staff may speak English but you’d be lucky to get more than five words out of your waitperson. I try to engage them with genero-​talk everytime I eat here but I fail.
It is a shame too, because the food is fresh and very flavorful. The menu is improved somewhat. More Starters and more desserts. I will keep coming here because I love the cuisine. I sure do hope the place survives.

I’ve been twice now and will definitely work Phở LA into my regular rotation… I’ve had the Bun Thit Nuong Cha Gio, Spring Rolls and Phở.
Bun Thit Nuong is my husband’s favorite so he loves all versions. I’m a bit pickier as I grew up on the stuff. I’m not a huge fan of their version as the cut of meat is stringy and fatty. They use iceberg lettuce and I like romaine. Basically – the quality just doesn’t seem there, but for $ 6.25 for a giant bowl in this economy, I guess I can’t blame them.
Spring Rolls — love spring rolls but these again, quality over quantity. My spring roll was all rice noodle and not enough veggies or protein.
Phở — this was decent bowl of Phở. Everyone raves about Phở Pasteur II across the street, but the msg used in their version is epic. After a bowl, I feel full of toxins and need to detox somehow. Phở LA’s version is good– I’m not saying it’s MSG free, but definitely not all they use for flavor… Only complaint is that it was served with the cooked brisket and not the normal ‘tai’ meat I ordered. I’ll come back for the Phở as it’s one of the better options in the area.
Did I mention how great the owners are? So, so friendly and super clean place. The second time around, it was much busier, but service was still fantastic.

Phở Saigon is now Phở L.A. The new owners have really done a good job of renovating the place. It is MUCH cleaner and more sleek. It is still quite casual, but does not give the ‘dive dining’ feel that it once did. I’m happy to see the dust and grime gone!
The food is also stepped up a notch from the previous owners. My Phở Ga (Vietnamese chicken noodle soup) was outstanding, and it is the perfect dish in this dreary weather. The fresh herbs looked ‘just picked’ without any dead spots on them. I asked for additional cilantro, and got a whole plant’s worth!
The spring rolls were also quite delish! At some places, they sit for a bit and the wrapper gets chewy. The ones at Phở L.A. tasted ‘made to order.’ The shrimp was also a good quality and didn’t have that ‘sitting around’ flavor that I occasionally remember from Saigon Phở.
The tea was even better. Not bitter or too strong like before. I actually had two glasses and didn’t add sweetener to either one. It was already perfect.
The new owners are REALLY trying hard with the service (it was horrible the last few months at Saigon Phở). The waitstaff speaks English and they are so attentive. I was in and out, with a 2 course meal, within 25 minutes during lunch. I was impressed by the quick and efficient service, but I did not ever feel rushed. I was impressed!
Right now, they are celebrating the Grand Opening by offering free egg rolls or spring rolls with each entrée purchase. Very nice! I saved $ 2.50 today with that deal!
I’m glad this place has reinvented itself in such an improved fashion!