Phở Bằng — Restaurant in New York

First and last time here, as I continue exploring all the Pho spots in the area.

The only reason I stayed to eat is because the company I was with wanted to try this spot for a while now. Had I been alone, I would have left after the 2nd (maybe 3rd issue I name in this multi-issue review)

Upon walking in we had a rude elderly man motion/point where we should sit while walking towards us. When we requested a new table because we didn't want be by the door. He tried to talk us out of it, then after seeing we were persistent, finally agreed with a "Sit wherever you want, I don't care". After seated we listened to and watched an obvious sick employee by the kitchen (at that round table in the back) continuously sneeze and cough as he wrapped/bagged up a large delivery order. We sat there for about 5-7 mins of this before a lady came limping over (looking as if she just woke up) touching/scratching her hair and finally offering us tea or water (which is usually immediate in most vietnamese restaurants). Then we sat there for another 5 mins before being approached for our order by the first guy (motion man), who at this point seemed like he didnt even want to serve us. I asked him what kind of chicken they had, white or dark meat? His response was "It's real chicken". So, I repeated "white or dark?". He replied "Brown."... Yet when it arrived, it was clearly white meat, with a golden roasted outside. It came on a saucer and you had to cut it yourself to add into your soup. First I've ever known of ordering Chicken Pho where you had to cut the meat and put it in yourself. Upon cutting it, I realized 1/3 of it was slightly pink on the inside. I didn't feel like sending it back so I cut around it and discarded what didn't seem fully cooked. No one checked on us throughout the meal to see of we needed anything at all. We finished eating in about 20 mins and sat there for another 20 before we just decided to pay and go... Overall, the most pleasant interaction/situation I had there was on the way out. The guy who rung me up...

Only come here if you bring exact change in cash for how much the meal will cost. Please note, this is rated "B" sanitation grade from NYC. This place is CASH ONLY.

While the pho is good (not spectacular or great) its a decent price around eight dollars for a bowl. Nothing great but about the market price for the neighborhood. The service is typical for a Pho place where the waiters take the order, bring the food, then you never see them again. The inside decor is of course horrible and the cleanliness is questionable... this restaurant has a B rating for health/sanitation, but the Pho is decent so you put up with it... there is about a 25% chance the entire place will smell like fish sauce when you eat.

The last couple times while checking out we have tried to pay a 15% tip for the meal (which is generous considering the service) and paid with cash, and the owner REFUSED to give money back. The people in our party paying would explain "I'd like $4 back" for example and the owner would say "no"... claiming that 15% is too small of a tip, and then would point to a chart he has at his disposal of what a "good tip" is. We were a bit flabbergasted when it first happened and ignored it, however it happened again a second time - in the exact same way with someone else paying.

Because of this we will never go here again, its just too dirty of a business practice, especially with so many great Pho places nearby. If we give you $40 and ask for $X amount back, you give that back... this is how that works. The silly part is that we were paying a decent tip but they just wanted more! So the stupid manager was penny pinching and because of this lost multiple customers who used to come...

I recently visited this Vietnamese restaurant, and was excited to try their "Cơm Sườn Bì Chả" (Rice with Grilled Pork Chop, Shredded Pork Skin, and Egg Meatloaf). Unfortunately, my experience was far from pleasant.

When my dish arrived, the first thing I noticed was the off-putting smell coming from the chả trứng (egg meatloaf). It had a distinct rotten odor that immediately raised concerns about its freshness. Hesitant to take a bite, I decided to notify the server about the issue.

The server returned with the same dish but a different piece of Chả trứng. Sadly, this second serving was no better. The foul smell persisted, indicating that it was not an isolated issue but a broader problem with their ingredients or food handling practices.

Despite my complaints, the restaurant still charged me for the dish. This lack of responsiveness and accountability was disappointing, as it showed a disregard for customer satisfaction and food quality.

Overall, my experience with the "Cơm Sườn Bì Chả" at this restaurant was highly unsatisfactory. The presence of rotten chả trứng, coupled with the inadequate response to my concerns, left a lasting negative impression. I hope the restaurant takes this feedback seriously and improves their food quality and customer service...