Alo Vietnam Restaurant & Bar — Restaurant in McNair

Slipping. BADLY! I wanted to like Alo today. I used to love Alo. Today they were completely dysfunctional. Went in today [9/9) and ordered an IPA and the Tuesday $10 Pho, in Vegetarian (I'm not a vegetarian, it's just that I ate most of a pound of meat last night (Yummm!!) and didn't need any more today!). I was served a Beef Pho (which normally I'd be all over because I am not a vegetarian). I sent it back and told the waiter (who in hindsight seems to suffer from what turns out to be an insurmountable language barrier) that I had asked him for the Vegetarian Pho. He seemed not to understand what vegetarian was; I think he asked me "White Pho?" but I'm not sure. In the past the Vegetarian Pho at Alo has had vegetables in it, broccoli,carrots, onions, maybe more. My Pho showed up with just noodles. At least I got the basil and sprouts garnish for it. At the end of my meal, when the waiter brought me a bill for someone else's tab, I asked for a Pork Banh Mi to go. He seemed to be telling me that I needed to pay the incorrect bill first (I refused). A few minutes later a ready-to-eat Banh Mi showed up on a plate. I reiterated that it was to be packed up to-go. When he brought me the to-go Banh Mi he presented me with the same wrong bill, with the Banh Me added to it. Since at this point it's total ($26) was about 'close enough' for me, I gave him my credit card. He brought me back a credit card receipt that had been run for $38. The order # (#28) and ticket # (#2016) were the same on both the bill and receipt. I don't know how $26 becomes ~$38. I did not tip. Owner of Alo: You are either allowing rampant incompetence at your establishment or this employee is scamming your customers for his own gain. Alo was empty. I do not see it remaining in business much longer. Again, I want to like Alo as much as I have in the past but today was...

Tucked away amongst the apartment complexes in Herndon is Alo Vietnam, a place so hidden, you might need a treasure map to find it. Feeling hungry for lunch, we stumbled upon this charming spot, and it was love at first slurp.

First impression? The open floor plan was so inviting, it practically hugged us. Honestly, this place is the cutest little eatery you could imagine. If restaurants could win beauty pageants, Alo Vietnam would be wearing the crown.

Now, let’s talk food. The lunch specials are just under $20 and come with a soda and a side. My dining partner opted for the Banh Mi special with fries. It looked so delicious that I almost considered switching plates when they weren't looking.

I chose the beef pho with meatballs for $15. Let me tell you, it was like a warm hug from your favorite grandma, but in soup form. The flavors were spot on, and the portion was generous enough to make me wish I’d worn my stretchy pants.

Alo Vietnam also offers happy hour and catering. So whether you’re looking to unwind after a long day or throw a party that will make your friends jealous, they’ve got you covered.

Special shoutout to Ana, our server, who was as delightful as the food and decor. Her pleasant demeanor made our dining experience even better. She’s the kind of server who makes you feel like you’re dining at a friend’s house—if your friend’s house had amazing Vietnamese food.

In summary, take a chance on this off-the-beaten-path spot. You won’t regret it. Your taste buds will be doing the happy dance, and you might just find your new favorite lunch spot. Trust me,...

I was very disappointed with my dining experience at this establishment. I ordered a sweet tea and instead of informing me that all they had available was unsweetened I was brought unsweetened and informed that was it and if I wanted sugar they could bring it to me, it came in a Parmesan shaker. Having looked at the menu beforehand I was aware that the calamari was recommended for dine in only so I assumed this meant they care about the foods quality and I thought it to be a sign that the calamari was hand breaded. that’s what I get for assuming. Once the plate arrived I could tell this was not hand breaded. Instead what was on my place was a remade version most likely procured from Sysco or US Food service which is the equivalent of cheap and funky bar food. I under 1 minute of the app being placed on my table along came the Entree, I ordered Chicken Pad Thai and it was a miserable excuse for Thailands national dish. The noodles were gummy and way to starchy and what the claimed to be chicken looked and tasted more like flavorless pork. I had 2 bites of calamari and 2 bites of my entree and I threw in the towel. I asked for my check and for once in my visit the response was drawn out I waited longer to pay the Tab then the total time I ate. I do not recommend this establishment, my visit left me far from impressed. My recommendation to the Management is take all the Pad Thai off the menu till you can get it right every time. Train your BOH staff to actually cook menu items not just pull frozen bits pout and deep...