Pho Xpress — Restaurant in Raleigh

Nice little space - I especially like the thick pine tables and bench seating. There is some outdoor seating - too shaded for a cool November day, but should be nice when it's warmer. This is an order-at-the-counter place, great when you want a quick lunch. The menu was a little confusing, since I'd picked out what I wanted from their website only to find out when I got there that they no longer have lunch combos. My wife and our friends tried pho (two rare beef with meatballs and 1 special), I ordered beef bánh mì, and we shared chicken and pork spring rolls.

The pho broth and meat were pretty good, perhaps slightly above average for Triangle area restaurants. The veggies were already in the broth when brought to the table, unlike the American standard of a side plate of Thai basil, bean sprouts, jalapenos. Saves a little time and table space, but I would prefer adding my own. Seemed like a lot less Thai basil than you normally get, but more cilantro, which is good for me! My friend that ordered the special says it definitely wasn't worth the extra $4.

The bánh mì itself (bánh mì means bread in Vietnamese) was outstanding, a little chewy with a crisp crust, but the filling was just so-so. The beef seemed unseasoned, the veggies on the sandwich a little skimpy, the veggies seemed just raw instead of pickled, and the mayo was a little too sweet. Not much flavor other than the bread, which was great. An additional disappointment is that they don't have the most common bánh mì filling of cold cuts and pate. Definitely one of the best bánh mì breads I've had here or in Vietnam (and my Vietnamese wife loved it, too), but the filling is a big letdown. Oddly, the bánh mì was accompanied on the plate by a miniature American-Chinese-style fried spring roll with duck sauce (blech) for dipping.

The spring rolls were large and homemade dipping sauce for the spring rolls was very good, but the meat inside was bland and the chicken dry. We all enjoyed them overall. We didn't try any drinks except for Thai iced tea, which was quite good.

Definitely worth a stop for a quick bite if you're in the area, but not worth going too far out of...

I am a critic for Vietamese food. This is one place I had not tried yet. I ordered from them 2 wks ago. I always order for pick up, so my reviews will be equal. I order the same thing Pho and an Avocado Bubble Tea. The guy was nice over the phone and said my order would be ready in 20. I got there in 25 min, had to wait in line. My Avocado Tea was not done. Out of 30+ Vietamese Restraurants, I was told I would had to pay extra for Hoisin Sauce ($1.00). I had to wait an additional 5 min for my Bubble Tea. Overall time was 37 minutes till I got back in my car. I was home in less than 10 min. Once home, the presentation was 4/10. The raw meat was touching the noodles. The extra noodles and meat I ordered were not in a separate container (I feel like I paid an extra $4.75 for nothing). The lime they gave me was so small I could barely squeeze it, but thankful I had a lime in the fridge. The broth was cold so it didn't cook the meat, had to microwave for 7 min. The Avocado Bubble Tea, I'm sorry but was horrible. The Boboa Balls were frozen. The shake was so sweet I could not drink it. I watched the lady make it and the amount of powder used was too much. My drink had the color of super green. Not the best experience in the world but at least the soup was edible. Will try again in 6...

I went to Pho Express on a rainy day in need of something warm to eat. I got the veg pho with tofu and I can say that I was pleasantly surprised! The staff was quite friendly and the service was quick. I really enjoyed the food. The broth was perfectly savory to compliment the thin noodles, actually the broth was the best part of the entire meal. Our bowls were HUGE so if you go in when you aren't exceptionally hungry you will have to get take away. The spring rolls were great too. The food I had gets an A+.

Pho Express did a great job building the atmosphere of their restaurant. As I said before I went in on a rainy and gloomy day and I was a bit tired so when I walked in I felt like I had stepped into a different world. The music, lighting, and interior design were calming and helped relax my mind. There are large wood tables and benches to match, greenery (might be fake, I didn't look), and very nice lighting fixtures hanging from the ceiling. Atmosphere gets an A+!

I have only been once and I plan to go back so I will give it a 4 star for now. I have to try other options on the menu first but I am sure I will be able to bump it up to a 5 star upon...