Phở Oregon Restaurant — Restaurant in Portland

I changed my rating from 5 to 4 stars because this place wouldn't take me, a single walk-in on what I saw was a quiet night: a small handful of tables and NOT a busy floor, nor did they allow me to place an order to go well over 20 minutes from their posted closing time. I had just flown in to PDX and this used to be one of my pit stops on my way home until my last visit, described above. I guess they didn't want my business and was glad to take it elsewhere (I give Paitong Thai Cuisine props for that matter). The food here overall tastes good, but shame on them for shutting down a half hour before their posted business hours, which really seems like false advertising (or maybe they need to update their hours and lacked marketing resources). I'm really disappointed about my last visit and will consider venturing other Vietnamese restaurants as a priority over this one as this recent experience left me a bad impression.

Below is my original post...

Authentic Vietnamese food that comes pretty close to my mom's cooking. The restaurant itself has the feel of a true Vietnamese restaurant: the bright lighting and large ceramic floor tiling, the large party family tables with marble tops, a big fish tank by the checkout stand/register, and the signature lack of acoustics which makes the clatter of sound carry across the room and adds to the feel of a hustling & bustling restaurant. The menu is extensive but carry good options for vegetarians and carnivores alike. And I like that they carry Chè, a Vietnamese dessert soup pudding, which is often hard to find in other Vietnamese restaurants. I've had pho ga, pho tai, and pho nam on different occasions. And the nem nuong (grilled pork rolls) are really tasty & fresh tasting. I've taken a few friends out here in the past, and have also dined alone a handful of times. I splurged on this visit and ordered bun rieu (seafood noodle soup). Overall the dish tasted good - flavored broth, side of fresh herbs & bean sprouts is a must have staple, and was delighted to get a side of fermented shrimp paste which deepens the soup broth flavor. Only comment on this dish was the crab cake patty didn't taste fresh; it had a spongy texture signifying that this ingredient was previously frozen and thawed into flavorless chewy sponge cake. I've included a photo of my dish and look forward to...

Let me start out with the waiter. He must be the owners son because if he worked for me I'd smack his knuckles like uncle Nigel smacking the subscribe button. He had a total attitude. Swaggered around like a big lord on a small mountain. Was not engaging or pleasant, every movement he made dripped with haughtiness. He did his job, but there was absolutely nothing friendly or welcoming about him.

And now on to the actual meat of the review. The Beef broth noodle dish I got was wonderful. The meat was deeply flavored and fall apart tender. One of the best stew broths I've had in ages. The noodles were easily separated in the bowl. The Spring Rolls and the sauce were great, tight and well wrapped as a caterpillar in a cocoon. The veggie dish was not only plentiful, but colorful and the condiment tray was well stocked.

The decor was upscale Asian eighties, which is a perfect alternative for the Inner Portland upscale yuppie look. It looks, exactly like what it is. A place that not only caters to bumbling newcomers like myself, but a strong contingent of the Jade District. The menu reflects this historical demographic with a long and varied menu, much of which is, foreign to me. Coming here and slowly working through the menu would a daunting but delightful process.

The food is worth the punk attitude of the waiter, who really needs to remember that people there are either paying the bills or working to get the bills paid. He is almost a caricature of the young, can't be bothered, too good for this job, son of an owner, archetype.

I loved the fish by the way although the rock fountain out front seems to be the repository for...

🎖️ Best in the West 🎖️

This place is the truth. I don't hand out 5 star reviews easily. This place absolutely deserves it.

Let me start off by saying, I've been to Vietnam several times and have Vietnamese friends who recommended me this place, and I have to say, this is unquestionably the best phở I've had in the US. Without doubt.

Do yourself a favor and ask for the 'fatty oil' every single time you order phở. Anywhere. In VN they give it to you without asking because it's an expected essential. In the US the tradition is you ask for it. Do it. I'm serious. You will never again in your life go back to phở without it.

The broth they make here is authentically Vietnam-esque. The noodles are above average for what you can expect in the US, and the meat is very high quality. Everything is fresh. High quality ingredients all around, and expertly assembled.

The price is right, $12 for a regular or $12.50 for a large. It's a no brainer.

Everytime I go to Portland, this place is always a staple. If you are in Portland and looking for literally the best phở on the west coast, this is your place.

The service is very good, plenty of seating, nice atmosphere, and very clean inside. This is an authentic joint in every way. Portland has a great food culture and many great places to get a bite from, but this place is absolutely on the list of MUST HAVE. If you are in Portland and haven't eaten the phở here, you're doing yourself a...