Boiling Pho — Restaurant in Pompton Lakes

We stopped in for lunch because online it said this place was open until 9pm. The restaurant was completely empty — so much so that I had to call out for someone to even come greet us. We were finally seated, but quickly noticed how hot and uncomfortable the dining area was (no AC running).

As we were eating, I started to feel uncomfortable because the server was staring at me from the kitchen — not just a glance, but an unbroken, almost intense stare that didn’t stop until I asked for a to-go box. When I mentioned it to my partner, that’s when he pointed out a tiny handwritten sign taped to a side window (not the front door, not the front window) saying they closed from 3–4:30. We had arrived around 2:20, and I still didn’t even notice the sign when we walked out. At no point did the server mention they were closing soon when asking if we wanted to dine in or take out.

To make matters worse, when it came time to pay, our bill was about $40. I handed over a $50 (the smallest bill I had), but the server told me she “didn’t have change.” There were no signs saying “cashless,” “no bills over $20,” or anything like that. In fact, they encourage cash payments by offering a discount. I offered smaller bills that didn’t cover the full total, and she just repeated that she had no change — leaving us stuck tipping nearly $10 for a meal we couldn’t even enjoy.

The food itself wasn’t bad, but the lack of transparency, the suffocating heat, the server’s intense staring, and the unprofessional handling of payment made this a very...

In a town full of excellent food options, this one takes the lead as my new favorite spot! The restaurant is cozy and welcoming, with plenty of seating. My husband and I split the vegetable spring rolls as an appetizer. The wrapping was crunchy, not at all greasy, and each roll was packed with fresh veggies. The dipping sauce was sweet with a punch of vinegar — so good! I ordered the spicy lemongrass beef phó and it was like nothing I’ve ever had before. I usually feel like broth is never spicy enough, but this proved to be the exception. The homemade chili oil and lemongrass were a match made in heaven; the spice level was perfect. The brisket was tender and flavorful, definitely a testament to slow cooking, the thin slices of beef were equally as tasty, and the meatballs added a dynamic texture. My husband ordered the phó house specialty soup with chicken and was equally as impressed. The portions were gratuitous and it was obvious that all of the ingredients were fresh. Chris was so kind and made sure everyone was enjoying their meal; we are definitely...

This was our second visit to The Boiling Pho since they first opened, and we couldn’t be happier with how far they’ve come. Now that they’ve had time to settle in, their flavors are truly shining!

We tried the Spicy Lemongrass Pho and were thrilled that they could substitute the beef with pork. The flavors were absolutely immaculate! The pork was incredibly tender, soaking up the rich, tasty broth like a sponge, it was perfection in every bite. The Seafood Combo Pho was just as delightful, with perfectly cooked scallops and a generous portion of fish meatballs.

A special shoutout to Chef Chris! He adds so much to the experience. He’s personable, attentive, and genuinely cares about ensuring everyone enjoys their meal. His warm, welcoming vibe makes this spot feel like oh so welcoming.

With the colder months ahead, The Boiling Pho is definitely where we’ll be heading to warm up and savor their delicious bowls of goodness. If you haven’t been yet, do yourself a favor and check out this cozy little gem, you...