Pho Tran — Restaurant in Ferndale

Pho, the traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, has gained international popularity for its rich, aromatic broth and fresh ingredients. Recently, I had the pleasure of dining at a local pho restaurant that far exceeded my expectations. From the moment I walked through the door to the final spoonful of broth, the experience was nothing short of exceptional. The quality of the food, the friendliness of the staff, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere made this restaurant truly unforgettable.

As I entered the restaurant, the scent of simmering broth and fresh herbs immediately awakened my appetite. The space was clean, cozy, and inviting, with soft lighting and tasteful Vietnamese decor that set a calm and pleasant tone. I was greeted right away by a smiling host who seated me quickly and handed me a menu filled with a wide variety of dishes—not only different types of pho, but also traditional appetizers, rice plates, and beverages.

The service throughout the meal was outstanding. The waitstaff were attentive without being overbearing, always ready to answer questions or make recommendations. My server was patient and helpful when I asked about the difference between rare beef pho and brisket pho, even suggesting I try a combination of both. My drink arrived within minutes, and the steaming bowl of pho followed shortly after. The speed and efficiency of the service impressed me, especially during a busy lunch hour.

But what truly stood out was the quality of the food. The pho was absolutely delicious—one of the best I’ve ever had. The broth was rich and flavorful, clearly made from bones and spices that had simmered for hours. The noodles were perfectly cooked, soft yet firm, and the beef was tender and juicy. Fresh basil, lime, bean sprouts, and jalapeños were served on the side, allowing me to customize the dish to my taste. Every bite was comforting, flavorful, and authentic.

What also made this experience memorable was the attention to detail. The utensils were clean, the portions were generous, and the prices were reasonable for such high-quality food. Even small things, like the server checking in to ask if I wanted more napkins or offering to pack my leftovers, added to the sense that the restaurant truly cared about its customers.

In conclusion, this pho restaurant left a lasting impression on me. It combined exceptional food with top-notch service and a comfortable atmosphere, making it the kind of place I would recommend to anyone. Whether you’re a longtime pho lover or someone trying it for the first time, this restaurant is sure to offer a satisfying and enjoyable...

This is probably lengthy and thorough enough to warrant being on AITA subReddit.

TLDR: ordered pho and bubble tea for dine-in, finished them, went to the restroom, ordered a soft drink after coming out, and promptly got yelled at to leave for staying too long "because" of COVID

I went in, sat down, and ordered some pho and bubble tea. After finishing, I went to the restroom to do my business while using my phone. After a while, I heard a knock on the door, assuming it was another customer who needed to use it. Then, I came out, sat back down, and asked the lady working there for a soft drink. She suddenly said that I could have one but MUST take it to go. I asked why, and she, as if annoyed, said something in a raised tone like: "The dine-in limit is half hour, and you have been here more than half hour!" I couldn't quite get any further explanation from her, but decided to cancel the drink. She rang me up to pay, and I was trying to ask her why she would kick me out so soon, considering 30 minutes is a rather short period of time. A male co-worker, probably co-owner as well, cut in and said, "No, it's because we think you [might?] have COVID. That's why I knocked on the bathroom door before." Plus, his tone seemed very defensive of her, rather than apologetic to me. So I paid and left, before having a chance to fully process what the heck happened.

A few things...

a) This occurred back in February 2022. Only two or three other customers were there when I arrived, and by the time I ordered a drink, there was pretty much only a lady ordering and waiting on take-out. I was sitting pretty far away from everybody else anyways, and according to CDC and coronavirus authorities whom I spoke with, close contact only counts if it lasts at least 15 minutes cumulative within a 24-hour period. Not to mention, I was wearing a mask.

b) Whether they actually had a 30-minute limit (which doesn't seem to be the case, since I Googled for results and asked other restaurants I've been to) or thought I had COVID specifically, I felt like they handled the situation very upsettingly. They could have informed me sooner (rather than waiting until I wanted to get a drink) and/or offered to call an ambulance. Part of me, in retrospect, wanted to dash or call the police.

c) This may be my anger talking, but from one or two of the other reviews I've read, I'd like to say that the lady who yelled at me was the one wearing glasses, but I'm not sure.

d) I am only giving some stars, because the service was decent up until...

This is not real pho broth..its just broth and not particularly good either ....I always hate leaving bad reviews but hopefully the owner sees this and adjusts. Pho broth must be made with beef bones, star anise, ginger, cinnamon, tiny bit of fish stock, and whole onions. This is the minimum ingredients. Some folks add rock sugar and cloves but its not necessary to get authentic taste. The ingredients must be simmered for at least 12 hours to extract the optimal flavor profile! This pho broth was terrible...it was clearly cut rate.... If your significant other isn't Vietnamese (Like mine) or if you aren't an experienced pho consumer this might be ok but if you are, you will certainly be disappointed. Pho is about balance. Chop sticks and spoon should be used in unison to create a mini pho bowl on the spoon...noodles, beef, vegetables, and broth all in one bite. When you are done nothing should be left except a little broth and tiny vegetables. This pho was overwhelmed with noodles...this cools the broth to fast, crowds the both, and ruins the dish. It is clear the owner doesn't understand the mechanics nor the tradition of the dish....this is unfortunate because he is really nice and seemed interested in the customers enjoyment but he kept asking the wrong question, "how is the beef?"...the correct question would be, "how...