Pho Thaison — Restaurant in Austin

I only rated this restaurant 1 star because I couldn't give it --5 stars.

I am new to the neighborhood and was searching for a place to eat one night after the gym. I knew it was a little late (9:10 PM) but I thought it would be plenty of time to get pho before they closed at 10:00 PM. I walked in and was completely underwhelmed by the interior of the restaurant but sat myself in a booth anyway.

The restaurant was about 30% full when I arrived. I waited for a solid ten minutes before someone brought me water and I was told my server would be over to help me shortly. I waited another 5 minutes until a large man with dirty hands waddled over to my table. He wiped his nose with his hand shorty before pulling out a notepad to take my order.

I order a cup of green tea (free refills!!) and he cut me off mid- sentence to tell me the kitchen would be closing soon so I should go ahead and put my order in as well. I hurriedly decided on food and spouted out beef pho.

My order was brought to my table in about 4 minutes which could be a testament to its freshness and quality. Before I even had silverware, my server had already slammed my check on the table without saying a word. He asked if "I could go ahead and pay the bill" mid-stride as he walked back by the table. At this point I am irritated to say the least.

I look at the bill and tell the waiter there was a mistake. He charged me for an entire pot of tea when I only ordered a cup. He said, we don't offer individual cups of hot tea. Only I remember seeing exactly that on the menu. I grab the nearest menu and point to it proving, with evidence, that they do, in fact, sell individual cups of tea. He rolls his eyes and walks off only to return with a corrected check that he throws on the table, and adds: "I really appreciate you coming so late." A statement, dripping in sarcasm.

Inedible pho paired with the server's all around disgusting attitude and behavior, got me to get up from my table and request a manager. With no manager or supervision anywhere in sight, I guess this guy is the face of their business?

I told the woman standing at the checkout counter that I would certainly not be returning to their "establishment" ever again.

If you like servers with no respect for their business or its customers, food that tastes like it has been simmering in a stagnant pool of rainwater in the Texas heat, then I would HIGHLY...

UPDATE: Down to one star. I went again against my better judgment. The rest of my tables food came out and I was left without food. After the others had almost finished their meal, I cancelled my order. I definitely will never be back.

ORIGINAL POST: I've been here twice and both times were okay. From what I read from the reviews, this is really just a good place for Pho. I wouldn't order anything else.

I placed a phone order and was quoted 10 minutes. When I showed up, the employees were friendly and I was directly to the cashier counter where I received my order. It was quick and painless to order.

Unfortunately, the food was pretty boring. I ordered the chicken pad thai. The chicken tasted REALLY low quality. It tasted like cheap-chinese-buffet-rubber-chicken. In addition, the majority of the noodles were pappardelle with some linguine mixed in. Seriously? There was a little sauce at the bottom of the plate and a bunch of cilantro on top. The cilantro wasn't cut. Just a bunch of cilantro with stems on top. No bean sprouts or peanuts were present.

I'm assuming they ran out of ingredients but they should prevent you from ordering the dish instead of serving it half finished.

The portion was generous but I didn't want to finish it.

After learning about Pho being their best dish, I thought I would give this place another chance but after writing this review, I'll take my...

The Pho was delicious served up in super sized portions sure to fill you up. On the same visit we tried the Pad Thai , which pretty much earned the restaurant the stars on it's own because it is the most delicious version of the dish I have ever had, as well as 3 of their Sushi rolls, all fresh and delicious (Thaison Dynamite, Dragon & Spicy Tuna). The over all look of the restaurant was clean and comfortable, the owner made you feel very welcome, the prices were very pleasing to the wallet and we found it to be very kid friendly. We will definitely be regulars at Pho Thaison Southpark meadows!

UPDATE: Had to vamp this place up to 3 stars because after visiting at least once a month since the review was written it has only gotten better. They always remember us and are now offering BahnMi. We couldn't ask for more in this local taste...