East Side Pho — Restaurant in Nashville-Davidson

I really wanted to love this place but service is huge for me! Should be treating every paying customer the same regardless of race but sadly this wasn’t my experience. I had called my order in ahead about 15 minutes prior to arrival. Once there, I noticed a single line with no difference for pick up or placing. I saw a lady who was walking food out to tables and tried getting her attention, she purposely tried to ignore me but I made it kind impossible to do so. Once she finally looked up to acknowledge me I let her know I had placed a phone order and was wondering how I could collect. She almost scolded me and rolled her eyes saying “I’m sure it’s not ready. By the time you get to the window it should be up.” I felt some way but still noded and thanked her. Once it was my turn at the window I said again, I have a phone order and the gentleman taking orders really saved this experience. He said they were packing my order and it should only be a few moments longer. Thanks to him I purchased a drink which I wasn’t going to do prior. I saw the same lady who snubbed me outside, finish packing my order and sit it down. No attempt to open the door and hand me my bag. However I watched her pass out food with a smile to multiple other guest all while I waited for my bag. The man taking orders finally noticed I was still waiting and handed me my food. This experience was not at all a good one. I’m such a lover of all Asian street foods and really wanted this to be a new spot but sadly I won’t ever be returning due to the rude and racist woman you have working there. I even left a 15% tip on take out! Did not deserve this...

I’m am leaving 1 star due to service. I ordered through UberEats and did not see an option to add the free garlic chili crisps, I called the restaurant to see if they can put some in the bag. After calling the restaurant 3 times and not getting an answer, I messaged my courier and asked him to pick up some while he was there. Because I really wanted the crisp and my courier had not texted back, I called the restaurant again, finally someone answered. I explained to the gentleman my wishes, I told him my name and he immediately responded that my order just left. While still on the phone with the employee, I received a message back from my courier saying that he will get the crisp for me, indicating that he has not gotten the food. I told the employee that it appears that the order may still be there, he said “ok let me double check for you” and hung up the phone. I then received a message from the courier saying that he tried to get them but the employee told him that they did not have any and that he already talked to me about it. I am highly upset and confused at his motive behind the crisp exclusion but I find it extremely weird and terrible customer service! I sounds small over the crisp but it’s the principle of the lies...

We were craving Pho and ESP was the closest. I was initially impressed with the smell and appearance, but the broth was underwhelming. I’m a huge Pho fan and I’m not sure if these guys are trying to put their own spin on Pho broth, but it didn’t have a rich flavor like traditional Pho broth, maybe they didn’t simmer long enough with enough ingredients… it tasted very watered down. All that being said, the beef had a good flavor and noodles were great. I had meatball as well, but again, I think they were trying to put their own spin on it. They didn’t taste like any Vietnamese meatballs I’ve ever had. They tasted like just rolled up ground pork, not much consistency or flavor.

All in all, the place is pretty cool and most people probably wouldn’t know the difference if they aren’t Pho-natics lol next time I’ll probably find an authentic...