PHO XOM — Restaurant in Carrollton

Returned on 1/6/25. I ordered their beef rib pho. AMAZING! They also added a noise suppression cover for their blender as I previously mentioned in my first review. Wholeheartedly recommend Pho Spot. Original (first) review: Learned about this place from a Vietnamese member on Asian Grub DFW who gushed about Pho Spot's pho AND mentioned it was in Carrollton. Given that we live 30 mins west of Carrollton, going to some of the better pho spots in Garland on a whim isn't practical for us. So when I learned they're in Carrollton, I was happy to visit w/ my wife and friends.

The 4 of us visited on 12/12 and it was fairly empty---but within 30 mins, it was 3/4ths full. Good. We ordered different kinds of pho. I ordered the combo. It was great that the veggies included lemon grass, which is a sign of legitness for me. Also, the included cold Jasmine tea was really nice and refreshing. Refills are complimentary, so I got a second glass. Oh, not sure if they plan on expanding the menu, but the menu is limited to mainly pho, drinks, and appetizers. Not a big deal.

On my pho, wow. I'd have to agree with the reviewer that the pho here is excellent. The broth was outstanding. Not full of unskimmed scum, not oily, just all around delicious. Usually I'll put in some Sriracha and Hoisin if the broth sucks, but not this place. With the fresh vegetables, this hit the spot on that cold day.

We also ordered spring and fried spring rolls. Spring rolls are pretty much the same everywhere else, but this restaurant's spring rolls were pretty big and flavorful.

Atmosphere was nice, modern, and clean. You will have to self serve too: pick up food, bus your dishes and trays.

EDIT: They must've read to my review :) The management team bought a noise suppression cover for the blender.

We will return though! Who we perceived as the owner was super nice, friendly, and professional as was her staff....

Honest Review of Pho Spot

My boyfriend and I recently visited Pho Spot, and while the food and ambiance were great, the service was not it.

For context: We both worked as servers and managers for many different (Good and bad) resturants before.

Food: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ We ordered the Rib Pho and Pho Dac Biet. The portion sizes were generous, and the broth was flavorful. While I personally prefer Southern-style pho, their Northern-style pho was still enjoyable. Definitely a solid spot for a comforting bowl of pho.

Ambiance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The atmosphere was cozy and felt like a trendy little slice of Vietnam. It had a warm, inviting vibe that made the experience feel authentic and unique.

Service: ⭐☆☆☆☆ Unfortunately, the service was a major letdown. The ordering system was strange—you place your order at a kiosk, pick a table, and then the servers bring out your food. However, the servers were constantly confused about which table ordered what, which made the process inefficient. Servers were going table to table asking "Is this your order?" At that point, it would’ve been easier to have traditional table service so orders were properly assigned.

The female manager was excellent—kind and attentive (10/10 for her!)—but the rest of the staff was unprofessional. They were loudly chatting next to our table, disrupting our meal with random outbursts. Worst of all, after we had already paid and tipped, one of the servers rudely demanded that we clean up our table because they were "closing soon"—even though the restaurant still had an hour until closing time. If customers are expected to clean up, then why are we tipping?

Overall, Pho Spot has great food and ambiance, but the service needs serious improvement. If management can refine the ordering system and train the staff better, this place could be amazing. Until then, it’s a mixed bag.

Would I return? Maybe, but only...

Came in noon on a Thursday. The business started picking up in about 30 minutes of me being there.

Ordering was a breeze using the electronic kiosk. Menu is simple and perfect. Great ambiance and bits of nostalgic items from Vietnam decorating the interior. The sound of the blender does not bother me, even though Im generally the kind of guy who prefers quiet.

Food, I ordered the Signature pho with no extras being its my first time. Also had a marbled coffee. When my pho came out. The look of it is just how good pho looks in Vietnam. Not like the more mainstream pho joints around here. Just simple beauty to look at. Bean sprouts and herbs not in huge excessive portions neither.

The broth itself is very good. Lighter would work for me, but I can see that might come as a shock to what people are used to around here. The MSG level is not high. I am sensitive to MSG so I guess I’m a racist.

The brisket was perfect. Enough fat and not dry. The beaten beef slices tenderized perfectly and beautifully. Also and importantly not overcooked.

The noodles are great and fresh. Not rehydrated noodles found at most places.

I don’t eat hot, but I would hope that they have some real Thai chili sliced and fresh or some fermented and ready for someone else. Maybe even some vinegar for some adventure.

Price is fine at $15 for the signature pho with all the bells and whistles put into this dish at this place and at this nice location. Adequate portion for even a guy who can eat a lot but wants a decent lunch. Anymore food, then I’d be sleepy right after.

One thing this place really needs is a Hanoi woman in the kitchen yelling at someone. Loud enough to drown out the music for...