Phan's Garden Restaurant — Restaurant in Milwaukee

Phan's Garden has been a local gem for decades. The exterior and interior has seen better days, the decor is all original from when they probably first opened. Don't expect any modern or sleek design, you're here for the food. The menu has Chinese and Vietnamese dishes. The Fried Dumplings here are the best, comparable if not better than ones you'd find in NYC's Chinatown. The Vietnamese staples like Pho, Banh Xeo, Banh Cuon and Spring Rolls are top notch. My absolute favorite dish is the B12A, Crispy Noodles with a Seafood Stir Fry over it.

Among the Chinese dishes, you can't go wrong with any of their fried rice dishes, their sweet and sour chicken has huge pieces of perfectly fried chicken. The fried rice here has hints of that smoky "wok hei" flavor, infused into food only by way of expert wok work. That's how you know it's legit.

Phan's Garden is also 100% in their consistency. We've been coming here for years and each time we visit, the food is made the same way every single time. The quality of their dishes remains intact despite the age of the business. Also, I don't blame them for automatically adding gratuity. Many places have the right to do that and it's usually because they've been stiffed a lot in the past - not because they are trying to be greedy. The workers here are the kindest, most gentle people. The gratuity fee is literally 15% of the bill which is the bare minimum you should be tipping for dine in anyways.

They've pivoted to use styrofoam cups for drinks, but still use real utensils and plates which seems odd to me. I think they should use real cups as well. The server will place your food on a nearby table to avoid contact so that you can pick it up and place it in front of you. Seeing that most of the staff here are also older in age, I'm glad they've found a way to adapt to...

Had to submit an updated review on this beloved restaurant. I hate to give it a 2 star review, but this restaurant has lost its charm.

I've been making a trip here, about once every other month and the quality of their food just keep decreasing. Not only that, but portions are much smaller now and prices have gone up. Inflation must be hurting them, but that shouldn't affect quality. Pho portions are small compared to other restaurants down the road.

Interior decor has remained the same for as long as I can remember since the 90's, covered in an odor I can only describe as sewer gas. Honestly, I the interior never bothered me because the quality of their dishes out shined the environment, but that was long ago. Mind you, the door remains locked on some trips I made during their business hours. Maybe because of crime? There's a sign on the door instructing you to call for someone to open the door, strange.

Phan still make the best Vietnamese rolls though. I probably won't be returning, but I...

Been coming here since... as far back as I can remember. I'd say on and off within 16 years.

In the past, my dad was always watching his sports here and he gets along with all the staff members and food service was excellent. Food and smoothies were too good.

Now my mom and I usually come to order some pho every now and then. I've been to many pho places within the 16 years. But I got to say, I've always have loved the meat, noodle, and broth in the pho they serve me everytime. The staff is still so sweet to us and always been friendly.

The only one thing I don't like about this restaurant is how outdated it looks now. Not one thing has changed there since me knowing of this place. Now it has cracked walls and looks like the ceilings are dirty. Same old red carpet and beat up furniture (rips in the booth chairs). The table cloths seemed like they've been the same ones from over the years.

Love the food, hate...