Gao's Noodle House — Restaurant in Sparks

Came from outside of town highly craving pho, one of my favorite dishes, and while I've been to three or four different places back home, I never saw much difference in the quality or taste. Going to Gaos, I was excited to try a new place close to my fiance's family, but the pho was just weird, very lack luster and way too salty in the broth. There were too many noodles for the soup ratio and the meat was sub par. I had the beef and flank, and my flank was just very fatty. My fiancé mentioned that the breading on his Kung pao shrimp was super soggy, which I could attribute to the fact that right now the store is doing takeout only, which is great in some ways, but when it's fresh, it probably shouldn't be soggy. The same complaint came from my sister in law about her sweet and sour chicken, which tasted fine but was also insanely red, almost scary looking. My brother in law got the pan fried noodles and was not very happy with them, they were so fried that it hurt him to eat them. Overall dissatisfied with the food and a little dissapointed. I try very hard to keep an open mind and I would like to have hope that there are some wonderful things, as it is rated very well by others and I was hoping this was just a fluke. I would like to keep an open mind and go again to try different things, but not one of us was very happy. On the plus side, we all loved the Boba and were very happy...

Update: They're doing dine-in now. This is a modest neighborhood restaurant that mainly caters to takeout customers, the atmosphere is pleasant, not fancy. We came here yesterday evening, and there was no one in here. We spoke to the owner that there should be a sign that says they're open now for dine-in. The response was interesting - because they're short of help, they don't want to be overwhelmed by diners and the service and food suffer. That really shows they are after excellence. Being the only customers in the place, we got outstanding service. The owner/manager/server checked with us all through the meal. The food was amazing. The shrimp spring rolls were so fresh and delicious. The onion pancakes (a great improvement from last summer) are the best in northern Nevada, done the traditional way, the crepes being thin (unlike thicker versions around town) with just the right amount of crispiness. I had the salt and pepper fish - lots of fish enveloped in a light crispy batter with the traditional salt and sichuan peppercorns, with onions, scallions, and just enough jalapenos to give it the right kick. My husband ordered the shrimp curry - a generous amount of fresh-tasting shrimp, with onions, bell peppers and carrots, in just the right amount of yummilicious curry sauce. We were very pleased with our dining experience, and look forward to introducing this eatery to friends...

If you're a chow mein lover like I am, look no further. These noodles, unlike majority restaurant chow mein, were full of flavor, with perfect raitos of meat, veggie, and noodle, and an aroma that made me want to devour them. I'm a guy who can eat a lot, so I ordered two chicken chow meins. Let me tell you, their serving sizes are filling. No normal human could of ate two dishes. I've been to too many restraunts recently with mediocre service at best. Qian Qian the counter lady was phenomenal. She put in all the right of effort into helping me figure out if this shop was the right place to eat. I went in just after opening, which is take out hours, and not only did my food finish in 5 mintues, after asking if I could eat inside, she said go ahead. Further more, offering me extra sauces (spicy) and even brought me water without asking during take out only time. The prices are great, the food is fantastic, and the service...