Pho Saigon — Restaurant in Jersey City

I haven’t had the chance to eat the food so I’ll be fair and direct, this is my second time visiting this location. I came once before on my way to the gym because I seen that they were in preparation to be open months prior, so the day I come and see a dinning area full of people I of course with interest walk in to inquire more of my interest. I asked if there’s a menu I could look over to view what is offered and immediately I basically get turned down and asked if I’m dining in which I communicated no but I was willing to but I would like a menu view what is offered. The energy was very focused on guest already being serviced and I do respect a business that puts their guests as a priority. The problem for me is that as an inquiring potential guest, new to your menu, restaurant, experience, ect, I should have also been met with the same welcoming warmth. (I was not) so I decided not to eat there that day. Today I walked from work, noticed they close at 10, and walked in. At 9:40, at the door it says “welcome please wait to be seated, thank you.” I waited, and after not being welcomed after some time I found my own way to the counter to inquire more about the menu because by this time I am hungry and would love to eat, I mean the food smells great. I get to the counter and immediately I’m given a bag of food and told “here is your order” lost and confused I asked “what order?” They keep telling me about an order pushing it in my face to take and I’m trying to find someone of higher authority to explain I’m here to dine in. And then they ask, “oh so you’re not a driver for delivery” smh no, no I am not a driver for delivery. What I am is a black man, a hard working, educated, hungry black man who actually runs and manages a 3million+ a year restaurant in Jersey City, born and raised, and just wanted to eat while still supporting local businesses here. But instead I got met with this weird energy like as if I was “the help” smh

This is my experience, this is my opinion, and I pray for the sake of this establishment that is like #4 in the last 2-3 years alone can make it with this type...

I was on take out line, which I did not know. The young lady asked three people ahead of me if they were all together and did they want to be seated-they weren’t. She walked away. A few moments later she returned and asked the four people behind me if they wanted to be seated - they didn’t. As she walked pass me, I said excuse me do you do take out and her reply was this is the take out line. I thanked her and wondered why she didn’t ask me if I wanted to be seated. Hmmm, ok. I placed my order: General Tso’s Chx & Kung Po Chx. Not being familiar with Vietnamese style versions of these Chinese dishes I was a bit disappointed when I opened the container. The peanuts were burnt in the Kung Po Chx but the sliced chx breast meat was tender, sauce savory. Mostly onions & scallions with only one or two thin pieces of red & green peppers. The burnt peanut taste took away from what I think would have gone down much better if they were not black and burnt. I am not unfamiliar with Vietnemese food - in NYC I frequented Saigon Grill and my go to dish was crispy fried red snapper with a most delicious sauce and sautéed string beans and sticky rice. I was disappointed to see the only fish offered was tilapia and fillet of flounder, I think. General Tso’s chx was so so. I will not get them again but will try something more traditional to Vietnamese cooking. The best part of my experience was the young lady who gave me my food. She was friendly, answered my questions about takeout menus and when they would be doing deliveries. She thanked me for coming. I will try again in the hopes I find something I can enjoy...

My experience at Pho Saigon in Jersey City was a mix of highs and lows. Conveniently located in my neighborhood, the restaurant boasts a clean atmosphere.

Starting with the food, the menu offers a decent selection of Vietnamese dishes. I have visited twice now, opting for different dishes each time. The pork chop with fried rice had incredible flavor. The bo luc lac, though I would have preferred the meat to be a little more cooked, was something I would consider ordering again. However, the crispy pan-fried noodles were not to my taste.

Service, though, was quite nice. The staff checked in every so often to ensure we were all set. However, my positive impression was marred by a significant issue with billing. When I finished dining, I checked the bill to ensure that all of the items I ordered were on there, but I did not take the time to calculate each line on my bill.

To my dismay later that evening, I discovered that I had been charged twice for my entrees instead of an upcharge for the modification to my meal. It was close to 10pm when I called, and was advised to come to the restaurant the next day. While the staff promptly rectified the error upon my bringing it to their attention, I was relieved and appreciated their swift correction.

Nevertheless, this billing mishap was an inconvenience that detracted from an otherwise smooth dining experience and makes me concerned about dining there again.

For an area lacking in many sit-down restaurants, I would recommend giving Pho Saigon a try if you have not already. However, my biggest recommendation is to pay close attention to the bill...