Truc Lam Restaurant — Restaurant in St. Louis

This place is FILTHY!!! Tables looked like they hadn't been wiped in days. The condiments on the tables absolutely haven't been wiped clean in months! There was old dried up sauces dripping and oozing out of the bottle necks. Some condiments didn't even have lids on them! While waiting for my meal I attempted to open and taste the ONE bottle that did have a lid ...AND IT EXPLODED ALL OVER ME, MY PURSE, THE MENU AND THE TABLE!!! (Im pretty positive I know what that means)

The server offered no assistance whatsoever even tho I was the only diner. I should have left at that moment.

I ordered the SPECIAL BUM vermicelli with pork and shrimp. The shrimp was fresh and nicely grilled and the veggies were fresh.

Adversely, the 2 types of pork were definitely hanging around a bit too long, cooked to a second death I surmised. It was chewy and tough like beef jerkey smashed on a kabob stick and the other style pork looked like little hard, pork meatballs, both were overwhelmed with garlic and onion and had an unappetizing odor. Not edible. I had to give them back.

Looking back, I was a bit apprehensive about traveling unaccompanied the address of the eatery, but based on the reviews I checked out before my visit, It sounded like it was a busy, popular eatery and might be worth the adventure.

I WAS DEF WRONG ON...

this is the best vietnamese restaurant in st. louis, hands down. ive been coming here since it opened. ive never received anything less than exemplary service. the food is incredible. they have the best pho, the best bahn mi, the best bbq pork skewers, and the best prices. anyone who says otherwise is just stupid and not a credible source. i would highly recommend the pho sate for anyone who’s a fan of spicy food. ive read previous comments saying that this place is inauthentic. there is literally one cook, from what i’ve seen, and she’s a little old vietnamese lady. just disregard any negative review. from a long time customer, this place is my favorite restaurant in stl, hands down. meanie pham... you’re name is meanie for a...

We love this place. It has, hands down, the best pho in the city. Keep in mind it's not for everyone though.

This is not date night pho. Or taking your parents out pho. it is a hole in the wall of the highest caliber. You will find yourself surrounded by wood paneling and drop ceilings from the 80's. I've never seen the place full and silence seems to be a constant customer. The ambiance is a dated and dark but there is no place I would rather be while drinking house-made broth, chewing on perfectly chewy but tender noodles, and chatting in low tones after an impossibly long day.

Drop your pretentions at the (admittedly sketchy) door, they're only holding you back from a truly delicious...