I love Pho, and to be honest I really don't know anyone who has tried this addictive Vietnamese dish that doesn’t share the same feelings, so it was only natural that when I saw an advertisement for Pho 777 at the national bowling stadium to give it a shot. The moment you get in the door you will be greeted to a dining room with your average Asian decor and a wide array of seating to fit just about any size party, but I warn you not to look too closely as you might take a glance into one of the dirtiest kitchens (that I found graciously opened up to the world through a door held open by an open container of Clorox) you may very well ever see. That being seen I was a little hesitant in ordering, but having made the trip downtown I wouldn’t want to waste my time getting there so I quietly looked away and placed my order, Spring rolls and a bowl of rare beef pho (Pho Thi). The Spring rolls were given to me about two minutes later suggesting that they may be pre-made, however it was quite irrelevant given the quality, looking at them you can tell the great quality of ingredients in these spring rolls, the shrimp were huge, the pork was plentiful, and the roll itself was still crisp and fresh as if in perfect proportion with the vegetables inside, truly these are one of, if not the, single greatest spring rolls you will ever find within the Reno/Sparks area, after enjoying these little jewels I was undoubtedly ready to put my fears aside from looking in the kitchen and ready for my Pho which came a little while after I finished the rolls. The bowl of Pho that was presented to me looked like your normal run of the mill Pho with one very noticeable exception, the clarity of the broth, what was called pho literally looked like beef, noodles and green onion in a bowl of hot water, but upon taste I noticed that...it wasn’t that far off, the broth was almost void of all but a salty finish, the beef and noodles were both of fair quality however good Pho is all about the quality of the broth, and that is something that the Pho at 777 lacks, so much so that it is probably the least enjoyable bowl of Pho in the city, which is truly a shame after the great quality of the spring roll. After flavoring the salt water soup with some table condiments I finished the noodles and beef, paid and the register and left disappointed. Spring rolls aside I found no reason to go back to Pho 777, the service was short and simi-sweet (two trips to drop off food, which is expected in a fast pace, cheap Vietnamese restaurant), the dining room was clean and spacious but the kitchen is filthy with dishes on the ground next to trash cans and open chemical containers holding doors, and the pho lacks flavor (other then the above mentioned salty finish) craftmanship, or care which is a shame considering how awesome there...
Read moreFirst time ever eating Vietnamese cuisine, but I had to try it because of all the good reviews I've read. The atmosphere is very casual and the employees are really welcoming, even to strangers. They made me feel at home, even though I was apprehensive at first.
I had no idea what to order as the menu was so extensive. So many choices. The wait staff were patient and helpful, offering suggestions based on my tastes. Other reviews were also helpful to make my decision on what to order.
I ordered the thin sliced beef and rice noodles, #7 Tai. I ordered the small bowl for $12.25. It might as well have been a large, because there was more than enough food. A side dish of fresh garnishment was also provided. It had fresh mint, sprouts, jalapeño peppers, and more.
I also requested the hot tea as it was only one dollar more. It turned out to be the star of the meal . I found the soup to excite my taste buds, as it was a new sensory experience. Even when I was feeling full, I continued to eat, searching for the source of the exquisite taste. But the simple tea was even more intriguing. I asked what kind of tea it was when I was paying my bill. It was Jasmine tea. The cashier offered to give me a cup to take with me and I quickly accepted.
The people who come here are a diverse group. It's in the heart of downtown Reno and well known by locals and tourists. The employees encouraged me to return, not in the future, but tomorrow! Great enthusiasm. I showed them the picture of the strawberry drink 🍷 shown in a recent review and they are very willing to make it for me.
I will be there again to try the appetizers that another table had ordered. I could see how good they looked. And the Jasmine...
Read moreMy family and I had the worst experience we've ever had at a restaurant in this place. Mid meal my brother found a cockroach floating in his soup! Yes, this was almost a month ago and we didn't want to make a fuss about it (the server took the plate away immediately before we could take a picture, but my friend had recorded a snapchat before he started eating where were actually able to see it later 😵) until they treated us so awfully after the incident suggesting we brought it in and telling us the manager had just left for vacation and wouldn't be back in two weeks nor coyld he be contacted. That same day my friend and I who had the soup started feeling bad and went to the doctor, sure enough we had a stomach infection and the restaurant has refused to pay for our bills which is all we've been asking for. I have video and photo evidence of the cockroach in the soup and I also found a cockroach in the bathroom and took video of it, I can't believe they're still denying they have this problem: if it made it to the plate u serve your customers, they're obviously everywhere! I am disgusted and very upset at the whole situation and how they handled it. I was never able to talk to the manager because he was either on vacation, too busy or just not around and no way to contact him ever. I'm seriously considering to sue the place....
Read more