Pho 21 — Restaurant in Buena Park

I've been coming to Pho 21 regularly for a little over a year, and for good reason! Their food is absolutely phenomenal, and their service even more so.

Pho 21 is a quiet, medium sized establishment that stays operational until 2:00AM most days. Their last call is around 1:30AM for food, so last seating is somewhere around that time as well. I almost always come here for my late night dinners after work, and it always (I truly mean ALWAYS) hits the spot. I work at Disneyland, so sometimes I get off closer to 12:30-1:00AM. Yes, there are places open around Disney at that time, but I always make the extra 5-10 minute drive to come here because I like their food THAT much better.

I typically get their small pho with well done brisket. Their broth is so flavorful, without feeling too oily. I used to never eat the meat in pho soups just because they can be tough or very bland, but their brisket is actually really tender and flavorful! It also has a good amount of fat which makes it that much more tantalizing. My roommates really enjoy their fried rice as well!

The establishment is very clean and has a good number of tables both in the center, as well as along the walls. It makes for a great place for both intimate and larger parties! They usually have the radio playing at a moderate volume; I've never struggled to hear anyone in my party during conversation, so it makes really great ambient noise.

Pho 21 also has really amazing service. They always greet us when we walk in, and we are often seated immediately -- though, to be fair, I usually come rather late, but the times when I come in for lunch or an earlier dinner, they are quick to have us seated and offer us water/menus. Bonus, they also offer free wifi at their establishment (have you heard of any pho place offering free wifi?)! They totally do not have to do that, but it's just another example of above and beyond service (in my opinion). They also always say goodbye to us as we are leaving, and it's just always been a gesture that has touched me personally.

All in all, Pho 21 is one of my favorite go-to spots for pho. I love their staff, I love their food, and I love that they're open so late when everything in Buena Park feels like it closes at 9:00PM LOL! Highly recommend if anyone is in the area craving pho. I know I'll definitely be coming back...

I am absolutely embarrassed and horrified after bringing friends here. The first time I visited Pho 21 it was great. This previous time was completely opposite. I am beyond disgusted and disappointed. Where do I begin?

Well, to start, we entered and weren't greeted by anyone. We kind of just sat down at a table that appeared clean. Next, we were brought menus and water (in styrofoam cups). Our server quickly returned and rushed us to order, I suppose I was hopeful that this meant the service would be quick, I could not have been more wrong.

From there, we then waited a long time for food that is normally prepped and proportioned before opening. To break it down we ordered spring rolls (#1-A), 2 Pho Dac Biet (#4), 1 Fried Rice with beef (#33), and 3 Thai teas. These are all orders that we order at other pho places we've been to as a group and have never taken long at all.

The food finally came after about 25-30 minutes of waiting. People came in after us and got their food before us. How would I describe the food, in a word, TERRIBLE! The Thai teas were extremely milky as the ratio of tea to cream was nowhere near the correct balance. The spring rolls were warm and tasted fishy. Yes we did get shrimp spring rolls, but they shouldn't be as fishy as they were. The pho dac biet broth was greasy and oily, and quite frankly tasted like dishwater. The meat either was rubbery or crumbled as I tried to eat it. The fried rice was mushy, and the meat was soft, but not in a good way.

To conclude, as I said in the beginning, I am embarrassed and horrified. I will never be returning and I will never, nor would ever, recommend this place to anyone. I would however recommend...

VERY RUDE! I ordered my food an online order to go and when i arrived - no one was attending me until I asked one of the Korean ladies - I told her I was here for a pick up my order and she ignored me! Went behind the counter and asked me in a rude attitude tone “ Are you here to eat or order to go!” And I responded I already made an order and here to pick up my order. She looked at me up and down and confused. I felt discriminated and unwelcome by her look. She didn’t move or say anything - looked at me if i was crazy. Then I told her, “ I paid already- I made an online order to go!” . Then she started to look for my food and it was on a side table where all the to-go boxes were and not only did she not handed me the food , but checked the bag with my name and pointed for me to grab it myself. Worst service ever, and I been coming here for three years and never experienced something like this! Service is getting worse and worse if you’re not Korean or Caucasian. They need to teach their staff how to treat everyone equally and not racially discriminate . Food wise - I ordered pho brisket and they only gave me 4–5 small thin slices for a Large size with a tons of extra noodles …Not worth the price . Not coming back here. Find an authentic...