Four Sisters Grill — Restaurant in Arlington

My recent experience with Four Sisters Grill in Clarendon, particularly through their delivery service, left much to be desired, and I feel compelled to share my observations. While delivery experiences may differ from dining in, the aspects that stood out during my interactions with Four Sisters Grill were unfortunately not positive.

The delivery service itself, while functional, lacked the elements that make the experience truly exceptional. The packaging was standard, and the delivery time was as expected, but there was a noticeable absence of any unique touches or attention to detail that might elevate the experience. It felt like a transaction rather than an extension of the dining experience.

Upon receiving the food, the first impression was marred by an unappealing smell. While I understand that the aromas of certain dishes can be strong, the intensity in this case was off-putting and detracted from the anticipation of enjoying the meal. The presence of a lingering and unpleasant smell could potentially be a concern related to the packaging or the way the food is prepared.

Additionally, reports of unclean toilets and kitchens are disconcerting. These are fundamental elements of any restaurant, whether for dine-in or delivery, and cleanliness in both areas is crucial for the overall satisfaction and safety of customers. Discovering issues in these aspects raises questions about the overall hygiene standards maintained by Four Sisters Grill.

It's essential for any establishment, especially in the competitive realm of food delivery, to prioritize not only the quality of the food but also the overall customer experience. Attention to cleanliness, both in the kitchen and restroom facilities, is paramount for building trust and ensuring a positive impression.

In conclusion, my experience with Four Sisters Grill's delivery service in Clarendon fell short of expectations. The lack of unique touches in the delivery experience, coupled with concerns about unpleasant smells and cleanliness issues, raises questions about the overall quality and standards of the establishment. Addressing these aspects could significantly improve the delivery service and contribute to a more positive perception...

I ordered two pho bowls and sodas online for pickup. Unfortunately, the Beef Pho Tai was incredibly bland. The menu description, “Pho Tai (Rice Noodle Soup with Beef),” makes me wonder if the parentheses were meant to highlight the dish's lack of flavor, as it tasted similar to unseasoned chicken noodle soup. In hindsight, I should have asked the restaurant for clarification, but I still question the intent behind the parentheses.

When I received the order, I noticed that the cilantro was mixed directly into the noodle bowl, separate from the broth container. I don't understand why the cilantro was included in the noodle bowl instead of being packaged in the garnish bag with other ingredients like basil, bean sprouts, and lime. This forces customers who prefer to avoid cilantro to pick it out manually. This is particularly frustrating as we had selected the option of no cilantro for one of the pho bowls. Why give the choice and not fulfill the customer's requests? Furthermore, the cilantro didn’t enhance the dish’s flavor; it was neither fresh nor flavorful.

The broth resembled watered-down chicken noodle soup, lacking the deep, rich, and complex flavors I am used to receiving when ordering pho. The beef round eye was the palest, chewiest, and most flavorless meat I have ever encountered in a pho bowl.

We received only one garnish bag for our two pho orders. While there was an appropriate amount of basil, bean sprouts, and two lime wedges, only two thin jalapeño slices were. I also hope that the produce and sauce packets are thoroughly cleaned, as it was concerning to find the sauce packets mixed in with the produce—quite unappetizing.

Despite adding all the ingredients from the garnish bag, my partner and I agreed that the dish did not improve in quality or flavor. Casual restaurants that serve beef pho typically charge between $10 and $15. However, Four Sisters Grill charges $13.95 for one bowl, which feels overpriced given the overall taste and quality of the meal.

Additionally, please clarify online and in the restaurant that your soft drinks are served from a soda fountain rather than in cans or bottles. This is especially important for takeout orders, as our sodas went flat after just...

If you think this will be the same as the Four Sisters Vietnamese Restaurant in Merrifield, "arguably the most sought-out Vietnamese eatery in the D.C. area" according to one article, you're wrong. This is a smaller, faster, more casual, Americanized version.

Hoa Lai, the executive chef of Four Sisters, envisioned a fast, casual version of the original Four Sisters restaurant, so it does live up to his vision. Four Sisters Grill only serves about 20 items, which is 1/10 the menu size of the Merrifield restaurant. Menu items include quick and simple food like banh mi sandwiches, vermicelli noodles and rice-based dishes (e.g. lemongrass chicken). Entrees range from $5-12 and are about $7-8 on average, so it's definitely budget priced.

I got a rice dish of shredded tofu and it was hardly extraordinary. The only pro of my dish was that they didn't skimp on the amount of rice and tofu. However, I thought the tofu was very dry, and what was with the random salad (lettuce and some tomatoes) next to it? Hardly authentic, but I guess that's what they were going for - quick, simple, Americanized Vietnamese food. My expectation was that it was a smaller version of the original Four Sisters, but it's been stripped of its authenticity and if you're looking for truly authentic Vietnamese food, look further down the road (preferably to Eden Center). However, if you are looking for a quick bite that's not too expensive, this place can probably satisfy...