Pho Thanh & Cafe Inc — Restaurant in Coeur d'Alene

Disugsting. I should have learned from Kitchen Nightmares as flies greeted my husband and I on a recent summer evening. We saw the dumpsters outside with large bones scattered outside of the dumpsters, and it didn't look like a clean place. We proceeded because we were tired and hungry. People working there seemed surly like they didn't want to be there. I'm not sure the water glasses were even clean. It seemed like they just don't care. Vietnamese food is probably my favorite food and I've had great examples in Austin, TX, Albuquerque, NM Honolulu, HI and Portland, OR/Vancouver/Seattle, WA; even in misc airports I've had decent Vietnamese food. Ordered Fresh Spring Roll, Vermicelli With Lemon Grass Chili Chicken, Vermicelli with Char Broiled Slice Pork & Deep Fried Egg Roll. The Spring Rolls had almost no veggies in them, just noodles and shrimp/pork. My noodles were extremely over done, soggy, shape gone, just mush. They put any vegetables under the hot noodles/meat so it not only tasted gross, it was all cooked and soggy. The egg rolls were so over done and they cut them up but some just exploded because they were dry, they didn't taste good at all. There was ZERO Do Chua - pickled carrot and daikon. I love Nước Chấm but this didn't really register, but maybe it's because other flavors just tasted bad. Everything was cut very small. We paid and left without really eating our dishes because we didn't want to get sick or deal with it, we should not have ordered, all the signs were there that this was gross. You can see the pot, the trash, the rice? by the dumpsters, and it actually STINKS just getting out of the car in the...

What can I say besides WOW, this Vietnamese restaurant in Coeur d’Alene is an absolute gem that’s redefined my love for this cuisine! Tucked away in the heart of CDA, this spot delivers an unforgettable dining experience with flavors that hit all the right notes. The pho is a true standout; the broth is nothing short of phenomenal, rich, fragrant, and perfectly balanced with layers of depth that make every spoonful a delight. It’s the kind of soul-warming dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.

The wontons were slightly overcooked, but honestly, they still worked magic in the wonton soup, which was brimming with savory goodness and tied together beautifully. The spring rolls! An absolute revelation, amazing rice paper on the outside, bursting with fresh, vibrant fillings, and served with a dipping sauce that’s pure perfection. The chicken fried rice was another highlight, expertly prepared with just the right balance of flavors and textures, each grain infused with savory, wok-kissed goodness.

What sets this place apart is the attention to detail. Every herb was impeccably fresh, not a wilted leaf in sight, showcasing the care and passion poured into every dish. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, with a cozy vibe that makes you want to linger, and the staff’s genuine hospitality only adds to the experience. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary journey that leaves you planning your next visit before you’ve even finished. Hands-down, this is the go-to spot for Vietnamese food in Coeur d’Alene. Skip the usual haunts and make this your destination, it’s...

The HANDS DOWN BEST PHO from here to Seattle. I've been eating my share of pho across the Pacific Northwest and who would've guessed that this little mom & pop place in CDA has the BEST PHO and spring rolls ever? The meat is tender and not over done. The broth is complex and clear with a depth you wouldn't expect from such a simple dish. Many pho restaurants use iceberg lettuce and no basil in their spring rolls but Pho Thanh's doesn't skimp here and it makes a big difference. Romaine and Thai Basil make the spring rolls really flavorful. The peanut sauce is dark and thick, not watered down as in many places and its full of flavor too. The condiments on the table are good too, especially the garlic/chili sauce which can be kind of nasty in other restaurants. Yes, the place is a dive and service isn't particularly friendly (its a kind of gruff Vietnamese style rather than the over-the-top cheery American waitress style) but the food is so very good. My only warning is that once you start eating pho here, you will become addicted and other pho will pale in comparison. I have friends and family who would happily eat there every day...