PHOnatik Vietnamese Cuisine & Lounge — Restaurant in Alaska

TERRIBLE SERVICE.

Two stars only because the food is good, when you finally get it. We've been loyal customers for a while now so we are used to it being busy and taking a bit of time. We ate here Thursday night and will NEVER go back. It was busy and we didn't think anything about it because we have always had amazing service. This time was horrible. We were seated right in front of the register and waiters were walking by us left and right. We ordered our food when we ordered our drinks, I asked for a Sprite with lime. After a while our waiter brought our drinks and garnishes, I pointed out that I didn't have a lime in my soda and he told me to use the ones on the tray; We always use them in our food, so I asked for more; he said that he would bring some and never did. A table that was seated 10-15 minutes AFTER us got their food at the same time as us and ours was warm, but obviously not fresh and hot. My drink was below the top.of the ice when he brought our food and any good waiter would have refilled the drink; you pay for a drink and it comes with a free refill, so... Anyways, we finished eating and still never got a drink refill, the waiter who seated us walked by and checked on three tables right beside us, but never stopped to check on us even when he looked directly at me and I waved my hand for him to come over. Our waiter walked by us a couple times and I held my drink up to show him my cup was still empty. When we were obviously done eating (bowls, napkins, and chop sticks stacked up and just sitting there), our waiter walked by us several times to a table right behind ours and he looked down at our table every time and didn't stop or anything. We finally got the check and went to the counter to pay, a woman was the one who rung us out and she asked how it was. I told her, "It was not good at all." She rolled her eyes and didn't look up again, shoved the receipt over at my husband and said to have a good night. I bluntly told him, "Do not leave a tip, the service ruined everything all the way down to the food." Then we walked out.

Seriously, do not go here. Yeah, the food and prices are good, but if you want hot food and at least some service, don't bother...

I was recommended Phonatik for its amazing food, and it didn’t disappoint. It was one of my go-to spots when I'm here, the food is consistently great, though service can suffer on busy days, which is understandable. On my recent visit to Alaska, I tried to order takeout over the phone. The staff said wait times were long but that seating was available, so I rushed in as I was just across the street. Once there, I was told with an overly enthusiastic grin that it’d take over an hour for take-out, which again, understandable due to how busy it was in the restaurant, but it was not what I was trying to do, I was cut off from finishing my sentence, that I was trying to dine in because I called and was told the wait time. I got seated next to others who arrived after me. They received regular cups for water, but I was handed a disposable cup even though I could see the regular ones clearly available I was told they ran out. After I got the water and handed the menu and was what I perceived being rushed, I ordered and told the server that I recognize him from my last visit in Dec to let him know im paying just like anyone else and have been here before. The appetizer was delicious, and the Bánh mì tasted great but came out cold, like a brick as if purposefully set aside. I know this was the case because when asked how was the food I told the server it was cold and he walked away as if he wasn't trying to hear it because he knew. Meanwhile the plate for the people next to me was literally steaming hot. Towards the end I was asked "ill see you again next time?" And I just shaked my head no and the server walked away. I still left a good tip, but the experience was terrible and Ill never return. Their food remains top-tier, but the treatment I received left me feeling unwelcomed to dine alone, something ive done a long time and never felt any kind of way about it. All this to say this: Even on tough days, kindness matters. I hope no one else is...

My recent culinary expedition led me to Phonatik Vietnamese Restaurant, where traditional Vietnamese delicacies are served with a modern twist. The first thing you'll notice about Phonatik is the generous portion size of their soups. These are not just any soups; they're chock-full of meat, providing an enticing experience for those who appreciate hearty dishes.

The meat inside the soup was plentiful and made the soup a substantial meal in itself. Each spoonful brought a delightful chunk of meat, adding a robust and protein-rich dimension to the overall experience. However, in terms of taste, it was somewhat middling. While it wasn't disappointing, it didn't particularly stand out amongst other Vietnamese restaurants I've visited. This is something the restaurant could improve upon to make their culinary offerings more memorable.

Moving on to the egg rolls - a staple in any Vietnamese restaurant - I found them to be slightly overpriced considering their size. They were crispy and well-prepared, but the price point didn't quite match my expectations in terms of size. I believe a minor adjustment in the pricing or size of the egg rolls could significantly enhance the value for money, making them as enjoyable as they should be.

In summary, Phonatik Vietnamese Restaurant offers a diverse range of Vietnamese dishes with unique twists. While the taste of some offerings could use a bit more seasoning, the generous soup portions and abundant meat ensure a satisfying experience. And while the egg rolls were slightly on the expensive side, the overall dining experience was pleasant. If you're in the mood for a hearty Vietnamese meal and don't mind paying a little extra for smaller sides, Phonatik Vietnamese Restaurant is definitely...