Pho Huynh Hiep 6 - Kevin's Noodle House — Restaurant in Walnut Creek

11/6/17

This review deserved an update a long time ago. Our company used to work next door to Kevin's and now that we've moved to a different area, the thing I miss most about working on Main Street is walking over for amazing pho on cold (and even really hot) afternoons.

Their soup is (in my opinion) the best, most flavorful pho around this area. I usually go for the seafood with chicken broth, and lots of garnish on top. With a Thai iced tea on the side.Large portions and great prices. No wonder it is ALWAYS packed at lunch.

I miss you, Kevin's Noodle House!

6/18/12 - 3 star

I work nearby so I've been in a few times since they opened. The last time was 6/15/2012 and while it was nice because it was a late lunch and it wasn't crowded, it was the first time we ordered off of the main menu (non-soup). My fiance wasn't excited for soup in 100 degree weather so he ordered #41 - a combo meal with fried chicken wings, a pork chop, salad and rice. ($7.50)

Even the salad wasnt' very good. It came with a bowl of chicken broth on the side that was okay but the pork chop was almsot inedible. Very fatty - the flavor was terrific. The fried chicken should have been prepared the same way. It was the opposite. Nice pieces of meat with absolutely no flavor. Incredibly disappointing. He didn't eat more than a bite or two. The only thing I took home from his plate was the rice. And I hate wasting food.

I had a small bowl of seafood soup with egg noddles. ($5.25) The noodles were terrific but the soup was only okay this time. It had an off taste. I reheated it the next day and even though it could be unrelated, I was up sick all night long. It was the only thing I ate Saturday that my fiance didn't eat. I didn't call the health department since I had taken it home... but honestly it'll be a little while before I go back.

We had a soda ($1.25 for a can) and a Thai iced tea ($3) for a meal total of $18.40.

Note: I did not know that Thai iced tea was made with Half & Half. No wonder they are sooooo good.

12/16/11 - 5 stars

I have been watching construction of this restaurant and the VW dealership next door to it for the last year. They finally both opened last weekend and I braved the line for Pho (which was fast-moving, but still long at 1:00). Well-worth the wait! Every table was full (of course, it is still their grand opening period)... but I have a feeling it will remain busy as long as it's there. Pho is a noodle soup often with either a beef or chicken broth base, choice of meat and choice of noodle. I customized mine some and ordered a clear noodle with shrimp in a chicken broth. It was served very hot with jalapeno, lime, and cilantro on the side to add to increase aroma and taste. I requested basil as also, which I believe is typically served with beef broth, rather than cilantro. I like both.

I ordered the Large which would probably feed 3 people :) I always order the large when ordering Pho because I enjoy it leftover. I thought this broth had a little more flavor than the Pho place on Newell (the only other one in WC I am familiar with). Their table hot sauce and hot oil were delicious, though probably meant for an appetizer rather than the soup. The spring rolls on the table next to me looked awesome. (next time)

My large soup and a thai iced tea with pearls came to $11. Very reasonable! I'll definitely go back.

On a side note: I finished the broth and had some noodles left that I didn't want to waste so I bought a packet of Pho powder and made my own broth at home and added the noddles and my own veggies. ($3 packet at the Asian market on N. Main Street and made 10 cups of Pho broth). I may try making this at home again soon because I enjoyed all the...

This Kevin's Noodle House is the best! I have been eating my way through their menu. Depending on my mood, I have tried their rice plates, pho, noodle soups, and bun. When you order their rice plates, you will first get this delicious rich chicken broth with thinly slices of green onions, onions and cilantro. I highly recommend #47, 41, and 46. Their grilled or BBQ beef or pork and 5 spiced chicken is to die for. The grilled marks on the meats is a beautiful thing.

The wait staff is friendly and very attentive.I have eaten here with a friend and at times with 6 people. Service and speed of our meals being served was the same - fast and great.

Kevin also serves delicious Che and fresh fruit shakes besides Vietnamese Iced Coffee and Thai Iced Coffee. Overall, you will not be hungry after finishing your meal. Great size portions. Prices are really reasonable for the quality of food, service and the dining environment. They even have an outdoor dining area with umbrellas if you want to sit outside to eat. Sometimes, there is a wait for lunch and this place is busy during both the week (lots of office buildings in the area) and weekend (lots of families patronize).

Only negative is that Kevin's parking lot is tiny! Don't go up the hill and park at other businesses because they clearly mark with signs that they will tow your car. So, what you have left is metered street parking on N Main which can be dicey at times because it's really busy. There isn't a lot of parking close by...

Overview: Been here, and its affiliated restaurants in the chain, countless times. Never had a disappointing meal. Details below:

If you read my other reviews, you'll see that I am often critical of restaurants' numerous flaws, and rarely hand out good reviews. However, I can sincerely say that in the last decade of coming to Kevin's Noodle House locations all over the bay area, I have never had a disappointing meal. Food: The food, be it the standard order #1 extra large pho, or grilled pork rice plate, is always on point for authenticity, taste, quantity, and value. The food itself offers rich and deep flavors, and is presented in a very palatable fashion. The quality of the ingredients is amazing, surprisingly fresh, and is cooked expertly. When I review other Vietnamese restaurants, Kevin's Noodle House is the standard to which I compare others.

Price point: Extremely competitive pricing. Over the last 10 years their menu prices have been increasing a bit, but only a negligent amount for now. For the amount you pay, you get a very large portion of food that is guarenteed to fill you up.

Atmosphere: Well lit and clean atmosphere. Everything is kept organized and efficient. Spacious (Walnut Creek location).

Service staff: very friendly. Some do not speak English as well, so one might have difficulty with their accents, but overall service staff is on point, even when restaurant is at max capacity. Food comes out quickly...