Phở Kitchen Bar & Grill — Restaurant in Boulder

update: I'm editing my review after I went to meet Steven, the owner, in person the very next day. I was blown away by his competency, professionalism, and graciousness. I said "I'm the one who wrote the bad review" and immediately, I was invited in and offered a seat to discuss it. He supported me, showing me the text exchanges of him reprimanding his waiter and even promised that the waiter would apologize to me. In restitution, I was offered a meal on him and a cool beverage for the road! From this experience I learned that Phở Kitchen Bar & Grill represents the warm spirit and inclusive culture of Boulder and the owner is determined to resolve any errors at once! Having been here 4-5 times, this one negative experience was made into a positive one thanks to Steven. Next time, I'll bring even more friends to eat here!

what happened: Imagine coming to a dinner with your friends that you have been scheduling for multiple weeks. Friends taking different classes and will likely go our separate ways after graduating in May so it is one of the only times we meet. The waiter comes to take our order and upon being asked about specials, starts giving a sarcastic attitude and raising his voice saying "ohhh you want something special huh, how about you pay double and we make it even more special, can you pay double, will you do that?" And then proceeds to mock me in front of my friends and loud enough that nearby tables are getting uncomfortable. Every time he passes by afterwards, keeps giving dirty looks. It stains the evening that my friends are also stunned at why would the waiter behave this way. When the check arrives which took forever, he comes to me last and cant help but make snide comments about "specials" and that he told the chef to make it "special", smiling like he spat in my food or worse, further adding that "ohh no I told the chef make it extra extra special for our customer..." then he paused and continued, "... he is Indian..." and fished for a reaction, and continued, "and he wants his dish to be special" air quoting special maliciously and demanding next time I come that they will make it special the more money I pay. This Asian waiter was being racist to me WHILE I paid the bill?! The entire ride back we just couldn't believe what this waiter's problem was or the staff and management that obviously took note and did nothing. Exceptionally unprofessional service, forgettable atmosphere, and at best...

I haven't tried many Vietnamese restaurants in my lifetime; however, living in Las Vegas, I got to experience one of the best Pho restaurants to date. Since that visit, I've learned to appreciate the aromatics and flavors that Pho provides which brings comfort to my soul. My daughter tried Pho Kitchen Bar and Grill for her first time in Oct 2023 while she was attending CU Boulder and I recall her telling me how great it was and that if I ever visited Boulder again, I'll have to try it. Well, that time had arrived and I got to try this restaurant on 23 Aug 2024 with my daughter and her roommate.

When I walked in the business, I was amazed at how modern the décor was; honestly, I didn't know what to expect...perhaps a more rustic (old) look to it considering the historical nature of this city? Regardless, I enjoyed the overall feel and look of this restaurant. The service was astonishing; the food came out so quickly and the employees were very friendly, efficient, and attentive.

We ordered the Combo Appetizer (w/Crab Cheese Wontons, Pork Egg Rolls, Fried Dumplings, and Rocket Shrimps); Goi Cuon (Shrimp and Char Siu Pork Spring Rolls); and three orders of the #13 Tai Nam Pho (Rare Steak and Brisket). Everything was spectacular and tasted very fresh. I really enjoyed how much bean sprouts were served with the Pho because I'm a huge fan of bean sprouts! The sauces that were available to add to our Pho were perfect and the majority of the appetizers were incredible. I will admit that the spring rolls weren't as good as the ones I had in my home city (my favorite contained grilled beef), but the one I had at this restaurant wasn't horrible either.

The prices were very reasonable/affordable. I mean quite frankly, I don't think I've ever experienced an outrageously expensive Pho restaurant in my life so this one appears to be within the price range of the majority of Pho restaurants in this country. If you haven't been here before, I highly recommend this restaurant to everyone. If you're reluctant to try this restaurant because it's extremely different from what you're accustomed to, then I suggest you find a friend/co-worker that has tried it and ask them to go with you. Otherwise, be adventurous and go visit immediately - you won't be...

My boyfriend and I walked in and were greeted with a gorgeous shrine at the door as well as employees that were absolutely wonderful throughout the entire experience! There were only 2 men working tonight but they did a fantastic job. They were very quick and kind - the food was out in 5 minutes and we were always met with a smile! Usually when food comes out fast, you would expect the quality to take a hit but that was not the case here. I truly believe this was the best food I have ever had in my entire life. I ordered the Beef Noodle Bowl (pictured left) with Lavender Milk Tea with Honey Boba while my boyfriend got the Rare Steak Pho (pictured right) and a Strawberry Limeade. We were eating out of each other's bowls and talked about nothing but how good the food was the ENTIRE time. I've never really liked Pho but I think I would be able to eat theirs every night for the rest of my life and never grow sick of it. My boyfriend lovingly commented "this food is better than any orgasm you've ever given me" and I can't say I disagree with him (he also agreed with me that not only would we be coming back regularly but also that the food was so good we don't think we can eat anywhere else without comparing it). The dishes were not only phenomenal for the prices but we also got plenty of it just by ordering the regular size! We have leftovers that will definitely be eaten within the next 12 hours. I highly recommend Pho Kitchen Bar & Grill to anyone looking for a high quality and beautiful Vietnamese restaurant (or anyone who's willing to listen in general). We got Andy's mints on the way out the door which rounded off our meal nicely.

For folks with autistic or neurodivergent kids, this place is wonderful! I am autistic myself and found the atmosphere to be the perfect amount of stimulating. The food stayed within my comfort zone while simultaneously expanding my tastes to more exciting and delicious food! We weren't hounded by the servers and we weren't ignored either (the perfect mix for my autistic and/or introverted adults out there).

Overall (tl/dr): 15/10 LGBTQ+ and extra needs friendly Will be coming back...