Thanh Tam

2.5 stars.
In my continuing quest to hit up all the Phở places within walking distance of my abode, I found myself at Thanh Tam. It was pretty empty at 3pm on a Monday afternoon, so Vietnamese soap operas were being played and we were being somewhat ignored. Whatever. I just wanted my soup.
I ordered my go-​to Phở Tai, my partner in crime got the «beef stew.» Chinese doughnuts were on the menu — but alas they were out (and the guy taking our order was really rude when informing me about it, ugh). An unusually long wait later we had our food — my phở coming with fresh produce and cabbage instead of sprouts! Interesting, and an addition I liked since I’m not the biggest sprout fan. My broth and noodles were great, but the rare beef was anything but rare — and very thick/​chewy/​unpleasant to eat. CW’s beef stew tasted pretty much only fish sauce and chilies, nothing else. I tried several bites — of the surprisingly thick noodles, the really fatty brisket, and veg. Fish sauce. Fish sauce so overwhelming that our cats were unusually interested in us upon our return home.
Cards are accepted, which is nice. Overall — not the best for phở or soup. I might stop by for banh mi or other Vietnamese cuisine, but when it comes to phở i’ll stick with Phở Bac/​Viet.

Oh MAN!!! I’m just waiting for the price to go up b/​c there was a just a big write up in the paper about how awesome these places are. We go for the sandwiches @ 2.50 each, it’s kinda a hard price to beat. I get the tofu, and my fella always gets the pulled pork. I don’t know much about the rest of the restaurant, but I see that there is a little dance floor and what looks like a karaōke machine there… so whoo-hoo…YOU might be able to get your dance and sing going.
Thank you Thanh Tam and your affiliates (the Saigon Deli) for making delicious sandwiches that don’t kill me with the price.