Gia Lam II — Restaurant in New York

This is my favorite Pho Spot hands down. I've been to other Pho restaurants in Atlantic City, Boston and California and I can honestly say NONE OF THEM COMPARE TO GIA LAM! They are the most authentic, clean, well cooked, fresh ingredients and they are always nice to me. I am Latina (Puerto Rican/Dominican) and they never make me feel like I am not welcomed to eat their food, like many other restaurants on 8th Avenue do to me. I have been a frequent visitor pre pandemic for 5 years, and I am so happy to support them after Covid hit. They are equally as polite as ever and more attentive now for sure to all guidelines and making sure everyone is eating safe. The food is no different take out than it is during dine in, which is so important for me. I feel like someones Grandma is very proud of this restaurant and I am happy to support them until I'm old and can't any more! #SupporyGiaLam! My favorite dishes are the Pho soup of course! I am not a big fan of meat alot so I usually order just the Pho soup no meat. But my mother loves the beef brisket with it. I also love the beef stew w. Bread. It's a delicious stew served with Italian bread cut in slices and if you haven't tried it, you haven't lived! If you are Spanish and like Sancocho, then you'll love their beef stew! I also love their beef rolls with onion in the middle on vermicelli! It's so good! It's little beef brisket rolls (about 6 rolls) with onion in the center, over a bed of hot vermicelli and fresh lettuce, garnished with peanuts and scallions. Omg it's so delicious I'm making myself hungry writing this review. I know what I'm having for lunch tomorrow, lol. Also their grilled chicken is...

I used to go to this place all the time as a kid and the food was decent, at cheap prices with nice portions. But recently, my experience here has been horrible. This was THE worst restaurant experience I've ever had. The tables were dirty and sticky, and the portions were small. The spring rolls were ok, but the broth was just absolutely disgusting. However... the worst part of it all was the service. Before leaving, they checked our bill saying we didn't pay enough, however I clearly left enough for the bill for my table of 4 and a small tip despite the horrendous service. The waiter was asking me where the missing money was, saying tip was a mandatory 15%, and I had to pay it. We went back and forth for a bit and I was livid- they disrespected me constantly, stating I was uneducated and stupid. The waiter, another staff, as well as the boss, which I remember from childhood, were all ganging up on me, and I had to SERIOUSLY restrain myself. This is the last time I will EVER return back to this restaurant with absolutely repulsive staff and people. I had never been disrespected to this degree and would give this place 0 stars if I could!!!! DO NOT COME HERE!!!!!!! MANY OTHER...

I frequent this place with friends when I'm in the area. As with any pho place I judge them by their broth and noodles and their signature is what I usually order. If not, then I order the noodles with pork chop, that comes on the side.

Unlike a lot of pho establishments after Covid, the broth here remains the same- full of flavor and not watered down. They also give a lot of scallions and cilantro (which I love) and a slice of lemon to enhance the flavor of the soup. The noodles aren't overcooked and have a nice chew to them. The bean sprouts that you put into the soup are consistently fresh and adds a nice crunch to everything.

I also love their pork chop, also rich in lemongrass flavor. The only thing is that they only give one pork chop. Most places give at least 2.

Overall- a place I would come back to. The staff are friendly and very efficient. You get your food quickly- so while it can be a place you go to in order to catch up with friends or family, it can also be a place to get in and out of very...