Pho Hoang Express — Restaurant in San Diego

Pros: pretty good veggie pho and if you sit in the lit window area, it is a nice environment. (That's why this is not a 1 star review)

Cons: customer service from management. Management has a lot to learn about customer service. It is so unfortunate.

I was discriminated because I came alone and not wearing a business suit like many of their clients. I had just come from yoga and was very casual. So when I asked to be seated (at first they assumed I was getting something to go) they wanted to seat me at a 4-chair table that was in a darker, uglier section of the restaurant, near the entrance. Not appealing. So I asked politely if I could sit at a four chair table closer to the window, after all, I was going to be dining alone and I wanted to be in a nice environment, not stare at a dark corner. There were 2 tables right by the window available and only a couple parties In the entire section. I was early, it had not gotten busy yet. It was around 11:40am. The young man said 'no, because you are only 1 person, and we get very busy' to which I replied, it's a 4 chair table, just like the one you're seating me at, I would just like a nicer environment. He insisted.

At first I thought fine, I'll get something to go, but then realized; I lost my appetite. I left. They did not care.

Before rating them online, I decided to call the manager, and for him, the customer is wrong because they are very busy. Looks like they take for granted the blessing of being busy and having a lot of customers so someone like me doesn't count. He insisted that they were right. I told him it's sad that because I'm one person I'm treated like second class. He kept saying the table I wanted was bigger. I saw 4 chairs at that table and 4 chairs at the one I was getting seated at. Plus - why the blazes is he arguing with me about something so petty? I'm the customer and I want to sit in a nice place while I eat - yes - alone! I could be a food critic, a blogger with large following, or just a person that can use a nice dining experience.

It felt really weird to be discriminated. Hadn't happened in a long time for me. It reminded me that people like this do exist and should not be rewarded. Even if you do go because their food tastes good, remember the energy...

I recently had the pleasure of trying a dish called Filet Mignon Beef Steak Cubes with Fried Rice and Salad, and it left a lasting impression on me. Here’s a detailed review of my experience:

Flavor and Quality The dish was a masterful blend of flavors. The filet mignon beef steak cubes were perfectly seared on the outside, locking in a tender, juicy interior that practically melted in my mouth. Their rich, buttery flavor paired beautifully with the well-seasoned fried rice, which was light yet flavorful, carrying a subtle hint of smokiness. The freshness of the accompanying salad added a refreshing counterbalance, enhancing the overall depth of the dish without overwhelming it.

Texture and Composition One of the highlights was the contrast in textures. The crispy edges of the steak cubes provided a delightful crunch that complemented the soft, aromatic fried rice. Meanwhile, the salad offered a crisp and clean texture, making each bite a refreshing experience. The combination of these elements created a harmonious interplay, ensuring that every mouthful was dynamic and satisfying.

Presentation and Visual Appeal Visually, the dish was stunning. The steak cubes were artfully arranged over a generous serving of fried rice, with the vibrant colors of the salad adding a burst of freshness to the plate. The meticulous plating showcased not only the quality of the ingredients but also the chef's attention to detail, making the meal as much a feast for the eyes as for the taste buds.

Overall Experience The Filet Mignon Beef Steak Cubes with Fried Rice and Salad is a dish that successfully merges indulgence with balance. Whether you’re a fan of hearty meats or prefer a lighter, more varied palate experience, this dish offers something special for everyone. It’s a perfect example of how premium ingredients can be elevated by thoughtful preparation and presentation.

In summary, this dish stands out for its exceptional quality, well-balanced flavors, and pleasing textures. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy a sophisticated yet approachable...

My wife had been to this place once before with a friend of hers. She thought the food was good and so suggested that I try it out too. I'm very open to trying out new places, especially if my wife already likes it (she's the picky one). Anyways, we decided to go there for dinner one night.

We pulled up to the restaurant and was able to get a parking spot directly in front of the entrance. My wife entered first and was seated at a table away from the windows. When I entered and noticed that there were plenty of tables by the window, I asked if we could move to one of those tables. The waiter was happy to oblige; no problem there. I like window seats more.

So we ordered our food and started up a little conversation amongst ourselves. During the entire time I'm talking to her, I would often look out the window, at nothing in particular. Well, things were OK until a group of 3 waiters (1 female and 2 males) went to clear a table directly behind where we were sitting. My wife had her back to them. As they were cleaning and clearing the table, they struck up a conversation. At first I didn't notice much of it, until I overheard them mentioning a car in the parking lot; our car. Turns out, they were joking around about the car and the type of people that would drive such cars. I won't specifically mention what car I had out that night, but suffice it to say it was nothing more than your typical German luxury sedan. Anyways, it seemed as though they intentionally meant for us to hear what they were talking about. Being that I was able to look directly at them, I could tell at that point that they in fact were intentionally being rude! They had big grins and smirks on their faces, having a merry old time at their customers' expense.

It's too bad it turned out that way. Good food can't make up for poor poor...