the PHO — Restaurant in Apple Valley

Was craving pho while I was in the area, so I stopped by for a late lunch. I wasn't expecting too much for pho in Apple Valley, but considering the high reviews for an unclaimed restaurant, I thought the food would be decent. There are two Pho Belwood locations - one in Victorville and one in Apple Valley. They specialize mainly in pho, but also sell specialized dishes and drinks. The place was pretty empty when we arrived, but it quickly got busy - even around 2-3PM which was surprising.

Storefront is pretty big with a lot of tables and booths. The workers don't bother you much after you order, which is nice if you want to sit and chat or bring something to study - especially when business is a bit slower. There are a ton of powder/syrups lining the counter, so you know the drinks here are not authentic and artificial.

I decide to order #15 - which pretty much has a little of everything (flank, brisket, tendon, tripe, beef balls, rare steak). Medium is priced at $8.99, which isn't too bad at all (large is $2 more). Pho came with a ton of onions on top along with a plate of bean sprouts, lemon, mint leaves, and jalapenos. The broth was actually really good - I was surprised by how much flavor it had while not having too much oil or tasting of MSG. They gave a good amount of meat in the bowl as well - felt like I was able to keep eating meat until I finished the noodles. For $8.99, that was definitely a good bowl of pho - especially in the High Desert.

My friend decided to be spontaneous and order something that wasn't pho. I had a feeling the dish wouldn't be good - you're eating at a pho restaurant in an area that doesn't specialize in pho. And you decide to go off the menu ... what can you expect? He ordered the special pot fried rice (#26) for $11.99, expecting it to taste similar to the fried rice dishes we normally get at Thai places. Yea, no. This was probably the worst rice dish I've ever eaten - and I've eaten at a ton of Chinese restaurants. Not sure what rice was used or how they cooked it, but it lacked flavor and tasted dry. The toppings were random seafood and Chinese ingredients piled together and maybe stir-fried with the same sauce? Either way, it tasted really unappetizing. He barely finished the toppings and we actually just left the rice. It was that bad.

After you finish, you pay at the counter. It's cash only unless you don't mind a credit card service fee. The workers were nice, but super slow with the credit card machine.

tl;dr - Pho here was really good. But the rice dish was really bad. Have to give this place 3 stars despite us both enjoying the pho. I wouldn't mind returning, but we'd only order from the...

I have been here 2 times, never had problems, the service was awsome, I love the Pho here, up until today... I got Pho to go and I thought everything was already made, like it should be. When I came home, I opened the plastic cup of Pho and noticed the noodles and meat weren't inside. So I checked the other container and the noodles were there and some pink meat. I had no idea whatsoever that the meat was not cooked,for all I knew it was some kind of meat I have never tasted. No one in the restaurant told me that I had to cook the meat at home. I took a small piece, half a dime sized piece of raw meat, and chewed it, and spit it out. That's when I realized that it was meat not cooked, how the heck would I have known THAT was the meat that was suppose to go in my Pho?! Iwas not told that I was suppose to cook it at home, I have been to many Pho restaurants, and honestly this is the very first restaurant that sent me home with undone Pho noodles.

They at least could of told me to cook them, no, instead they just have me take it home and figure out myself. For one, I could get salmonella, and get them in trouble, because they should ALWAYS tell their customers to cook the meat if they are sending them with it to go. It was very disappointing that this happened, knowing that I was starting to love their food. But all I can say is be careful when taking their Pho to go, they send you home with the raw meat and noodles, and the soup with nothing in it. I was not pleased after this, and when I called, the lady tells me laughing,as if it is a joke, I could get sick because they did not tell me. So I honestly lost my trust in them,and they...

I will definitely be returning to eat at this establishment. I dined in and had a to-go order. Both were excellent. Service was top knotch. I was attended to quickly and the food came out fast. Loved the icy cold dishes/cups. Being stainless steel there was no going around any of it being dirty or having stains/finger prints/steaks/left over food. Icy cold water carafe was bought early to my table (great added touch). Shrimp spring rolls/peanut sauce were fantastic and tasty. You get 2 but they are huge (equivalent to 4 reg sized). Dont be intimidated by the peanut sauce. Its chunky and looks thick but its roasted flavor compliments the spring roll perfectly. The chicken pho was flavorful and filling. Filled with the traditional toppings, choice of noodles and chicken (excited to try the other meat/shrimp options available) . Bowl was good size. All condiments were clean and set on your table at time of order in individual sqeeze bottles (no labels so had to ask what was what) The to-go order was individually packed perfect. Not skimping on anything that my dine-in order had. Finally, the boba milk tea was on point served in a cute cup. Boba was soft and had a good ratio. Ice was nugget style so it was perfect for the boba straws. Flavor was great. Cost was a little over $25 per person but i came out full and satisfied. My husband was equally impressed with his to-go order he loved everything and cant wait to dine in soon. I'd say its a fair price considering the lack of good/clean tasting restaurants in the high...