Let's Pho PV Vietnamese Cuisine — Restaurant in Jalisco

This was our 6th visit this year (we live here), and we have always had a great experience both in terms of food and service. This time, however, there were issues from the start. We arrived with a friend visiting from another city in Mexico who wanted to go here for the 1st time. This was last Saturday evening, June 15, at 6 p.m. When we entered, the restaurant was very warm and stuffy with no AC or fans on. There was only 1 occupied table in the place, but the waiter wanted to seat us right next to the other couple. My wife, who is a native Spanish speaker, politely asked if we could sit somewhere else. The waiter's face clearly indicated annoyance, but he obliged. He did not offer to turn on the fan at our table, so I tried to put it on myself. He told me not to and that he would do it - like I was a child. We ordered our drinks, appetizers, and meals. He brought my beer, and I asked for a lime (limon verde). It took more than 5 minutes. He didn't smile once. We felt like he was annoyed having to wait on us. As the meal came to a close, I decided to pay with a card. He brought over the machine and asked about the tip. I said 15% in Spanish. It was very clear, and both my wife and our friend heard me. Waiter said OK. He never showed me the machine again, so I did not press any buttons (like for 15%). We left and went elsewhere for desert. When I got home, I checked the receipt, and he had charged me 20% for the tip. #1, we live here YEAR ROUND, so we support restaurants for the 4-5 months that no one visits. #2, we often tip 20 or 25%, but he did not deserve it. #3, I do not like like dishonesty or having money taken from me. Therefore, we will not return. I don't need to eat Vietnamese food. This is now the 2nd time this year I have been ripped off at tipping time. Last time was in May in Mismaloya. The waitress wrote 15% on the slip, but when I got home, I calculated it, and it was actually 22%! From now on, no more tip % anywhere. I will calculate the amount myself and either pay in cash or have the server show me the amount in pesos on the machine. Very disappointed and somewhat embarrassed since we had raved about the place to...

During my recent trip to Puerto Vallarta, I revisited Let's PHO for the second time. Had the pleasure of stumbling upon it back in August but this time here for the food review.

The experience began with a warm welcome from the courteous staff who ensured our comfort, adjusting our seating from outdoors to indoors and even providing an oscillating fan for a pleasant experience.

Shortly after, the handsome and talented Chef Charlie Huynh, owner of a string of fine dining restaurants, greeted us. He shared insights into his vision, making this his fourth establishment. With his charisma and skills in the kitchen I can see why he is making his place here a destination for great food.

Curious about recommendations, I asked for suggestions and we did not get steered wrong.

For starters I had the fried pork spring rolls. Came with two and a sweet dipping sauce. My friend got the fried crab cheese puffs. Presentation and taste were on point.

My beverage choice was a sober one – green tea, but the full bar and attentive staff cater to diverse preferences.

Next, I was treated to a soup that could stand alone as a complete meal. The Pho-Vietnamese noodle soup. Enhanced with bean sprouts, cilantro, and jalapenos on the side, it showcased noodles and chicken (or your choice of other protein) with an authentic and satisfying broth.

Moving on to the main course, I opted for the Rock and Roll Beef (Bo Luc Lac) a yummy dish, a flavorful ensemble of sautéed veggies and delicate, tender cubes of beef with a Vietnamese sauce served with fresh fluffy white rice. My friend got the same thing. Neither of us were disappointed. The portions were generous, leaving me too full for dessert.

The evening concluded with a conversation about returning and trying new dishes.

A pro tip: for a vibrant atmosphere, choose outdoor seating; for a more relaxed ambiance, opt for indoor seating. Let's PHO in Puerto Vallarta offers a diverse menu, great prices, and an overall memorable dining experience worth exploring on...

The spouse and I read about Chef Charlie Huynh and his new restaurant, Let’s Pho, in the summer 2025 issue of Out & About Puerto Vallarta magazine. We braved the muggy June weather for hot bowls of noodles.

ATMOSPHERE: It’s a sizable restaurant located on the north side of Lazaro Cardenas Park. Opt from sidewalk or indoor seating. The two a/c’s weren’t on, so it was an open air sauna kept a little cooler with fans on high.

MENU: Lengthy bar selections with a nice mix of Vietnamese dishes and desserts.

FOOD: Naked Wings (5 pcs.) We chose the tamarind flavor, which coated the wings in a sweet but overpowering flavor, seeds and all. Perhaps the garlic butter would’ve been a better choice.

Fried Pork Dumplings (4 pcs.) The ginger soy dipping sauce was the star of this mainstream but delish app.

Pho-Vietnamese Signature Noodle Soup I chose chicken in the large size which was a little more than I could finish. The broth was hot but not searing and was more on the savory end of the spectrum. A separate plate held bean sprouts, mint and cilantro for adding.

The spouse had the beef version but sent it back about a quarter way through as a small dead bug or roach surfaced as he was eating. The restaurant did redeem themselves by apologizing and not charging for it.

Vermicelli Bowl The spouse’s second choice, which he liked but didn’t love as it wasn’t what he wanted to eat, originally. The piece of barbecued chicken I tasted was very flavorful and made me wish I ordered a chicken dish. Maybe next time.

SERVICE: They were dead at 9:15 pm on a Saturday in June, so we practically had the whole place to ourselves.

We got sat quickly and the food came out similarly yet timed.

Our server was professional and checked on us throughout.

TIP: Cards accepted.

OVERALL: Good pho broth and nice...