Lobster & Pho — Restaurant in Independence

First time there and all I can say is, never again will I return. We ordered the spring rolls and what was served wasn't even what the description on the menu of ingredients wasnt in them. Then what killed me is they automatically add a 20% gratuity without letting it be known, and also for 2 people?. When questioned about it the response i got was there's a sign. Now let me explain my thoughts....a sign is big and is in view for people to see. Well there was one paper that says it by the bar and it wasn't even in a place anyone can see when being seated. I work in the service industry so I'm a very good tipper and I absolutely make sure every guest is well aware of charges they might not know about. I also always pay cash when tipping and have no problem tipping accordingly, plus some. I wasn't happy with any of the experience or the food. Over priced food that was nothing like the menu described, the server didn't even know how the food comes cause it was nothing like she said. Thank God we didn't order more potatoes or corn cause it was not the amount the server had said,, then forced to tip in a way I don't like to without being informed about their policy. I tried this place from the reviews and its nothing like I read. But to each their own. As Randy Jackson would say "That's a NO for me Dog",...

take out/carry out review

Today was our first time we decided to have our pho to go from here. I'm extremely disappointed in the lack of noodles and meat they provided for both our meals.

Seeing as my husband and I usually dine in, and have been there about half a dozen of times already, we are well versed in the portions. As a matter of fact, we rave to friends and family at how you're actually getting your money's worth, and you leave the resto full and highly satisfied. But apparently... not during a carry out order.

We both ordered a P1 - signature pho and we both got one, MAYBE two of the rare & well done steak, tripe, tendon, meatballs, and the noodle amount was laughable. They cut the noodles in little pieces to make it look there's more in volume; you can barely pick up the noodles with chop sticks. It's frustrating because we're usually biting off the noodles when dining in and right now, we can barely hold it.

It tastes good but the portions are way off. Needless to say, we will not be doing a carry out/take out...

This place is a must-try. A little hole-in-the-wall in a plaza. Walking in there felt like I was back in SoCal. A lot of their seafood is there, live. The women working there are super nice and very attentive. Our sodas just about never emptied.

The lobster roll is an extremely proper lobster roll. Only draw on that is the price, but tbf, it’s a very standard price for a lobster roll around here and it’s actually fresh lobster, so it’s a very minor draw.

Five-spice beef is a perfectly balanced dish. Sweet, savory, pickled daikon and carrot for a acid. Plenty rice. Even comes with a salad. You really get your money’s worth with this dish. I should eat this more often.

Their pho is actually spectacular. Had pho from all over and this would stand up to a lot of bowls that I’ve had. If you’re into a richer broth with your pho, this is your place. They don’t hold back on imparting that flavor. Every bit of meat that I had here was super tender. I definitely see myself coming to Lobster...