Pho 79 — Restaurant in Washington

Finally, I can say I have more than one good neighborhood restaurant. Pho 79 is a charming, family-owned restaurant. I've eaten there twice since they opened. On the first visit at 2pm, I felt a little pressure to decide quickly so I just pointed to the picture that looked best. There was one other customer when I arrived and then at least ten other people arrived after me. My first meal was Bun Thit Nuong Cha Gio (#31, rice noodles with grilled meat and spring rolls). I added some Hoisin and Siracha sauce to my bowl. When mixed altogether, it was just mouthful after mouthful of a lightly sweetened and spicey meat, rice noodles, and vegetable topped with peanuts. It's the first time I've eaten this Vietnamese dish (I've only ever had Pho) but I'm glad I branched out. Last but not least, the egg rolls were as good as when my mom and I make Lumpia (a Filipino egg roll that is highly addictive). The egg roll is one egg roll cut in half, which was just enough for me. My lunch that day cost $14.30 (not including tip) and it was a very filling meal, comparable in the amount of food (and cost) you'd get at say, Cava or Chopt. I probably could have saved half for later, but I was particularly hungry.

On my second trip, I went at 11:30am and was one of five other customers and then the restaurant filled up quickly as I waited and then ate my meal. Filled with confidence from my first meal, (I did a little research of their menu a head of time, a pic of the menu is available via Google) my second meal was Com Suon Trung (#25, rice with grilled pork chop and egg) and a side of Phan cha gio 2 cuon (#34, two pieces of spring rolls, had to get them again, so delicious as the first time and they come with a dipping sauce). The meal was delightful and filling. I was a little concerned about eating pork chops with chopsticks, but I just ended up using my fingers. I tried the Hoisin sauce on the rice with the restaurant's pepper sauce and gobbled it up. I hoped to try their coconut drink, but they didn't have any in stock yet. So I ended up trying the limeade which was refreshing, though it was too sweet for me (but likely perfect for most everyone else, I just like more acid less sweet). One of the owners (I think) asked me how I was enjoying it and so I let him know. It was nice to see a face of a business and be asked about their product. To me, that's part of a good customer service experience. My lunch this trip cost $25.00 (and I tipped a $10 for my two visits).

The restaurant offers people the flexibility to dine in or order takeaway. Though, if you dine in the waitstaff are efficient, attentive, and no-nonsense. One of them remembered me, which was nice. The floor manager is friendly and jumps in often to help keep things running smoothly. After my second meal, I really left feeling like I would probably have a good time at one of their family BBQs and the food would be as delicious as it usually is when I eat with my own family. This restaurant is on its way to being a go-to staple for people working in the area and I hope equally as successful with the neighborhood families (certainly, I will be there with mine in the future).

The decor and ambiance are inviting and clean. If you ever went to the previous restaurant, you'll notice that Pho 79 is very bright and welcoming in comparison. The door is fixed, the furniture is new, with smaller tables on the right as you come in--perfect for solo diners. The space just feels bigger and open. There was some music playing, but I didn't notice it being good or bad. It is quiet enough you can have a conversation, unlike most restaurants in DC.

One thing to note, if you tend to tip, pay in cash so you can tip. The first time I went there, I paid with my card and there was...

Everything was fine till we order. The waiter (I believe the owner) took our order, a combination pho, a chicken vermicelli, a combination rice plate, a fired chicken over rice, 2 egg rolls, and a to go Thai tea with boba requested in to go cup. He requested to pay right away which was fine and I gave him the card. The bill was $59 something so I paid him, my bank notified me the charge. I didn’t pay attention on the bill to realize something was wrong. 5 minutes latter, he came back and said it did not go through which I show him my bank that the charge already took place. The lady behind the counter (which I believe his wife) kept refusing it that they didn’t charge regardless of what I was showing them the transaction. Well, I said it was ok. I would pay again and would dispute if they charged me twice. They came back with another check for $79 something (at that moment I realized it was something wrong with the bill). It seemed like they made a mistake on the first check, instead of telling us their mistake and asking us to fix the bill, they acted like the transaction didn’t go through. Theresa problem was my card and they have to recharge. That was not all. The Thai tea wasn’t in to go cup. The 2 egg rolls never came. When we almost finished our food and asked for the egg rolls, the waiter apologized and asked the kitchen to give it to us, but then his wife insisted that I had not ordered/paid for it, which I did order and the waiter did confirmed, but his wife was mad and kept insisting about the egg rolls. I told her I would pay for it. But to be honest, they were so messed up and really if I were her I would just give it to the customer as courtesy since they made the mistake. But they were really greedy insisting it. Bad business, bad customer service. I gave them $6 for the egg rolls on the way out and surprisingly his wife said “$5 is good enough”. What? You really wanted it so badly, so when I gave you $6 why you only take $5????? Keep that extra $1 so you can feel better making more profit. Bad service! Shame on you, shame on...

A Culinary Jewel for Pho in DC

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Embarking on a quest for the most soul-warming bowl of pho led me to Pho 79, a place that not only met my high expectations but exceeded them with flying colors. This hidden gem offers an ambiance that instantly makes you feel at home, enveloping you in the comforting aroma of their signature broth as you take your seat.Pho 79 serves what can only be described as a masterclass in pho preparation. Their broth is a clear standout, deeply flavorful with a richness that can only be achieved through hours of simmering to perfection. It carries whispers of star anise, cinnamon, and a secret blend of spices that leave you guessing with every spoonful.The rice noodles were perfectly cooked, providing a delightful texture that complemented the broth rather than competing with it. The slices of beef were tender and flavorful, melting effortlessly in your mouth. The addition of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges allowed for a customizable experience, catering to all taste preferences with a balance of freshness and spice.But it's not just the food that makes Pho 79 special; it's the warmth and hospitality of the staff. They greet you with genuine smiles and go out of their way to ensure your meal is nothing short of perfect.In summary, Pho 79 is more than just a dining establishment; it's a sanctuary for those in pursuit of the ultimate pho experience. Whether you're a seasoned pho lover or new to the dish, Pho 79 promises a memorable experience that will have you coming back for more. An absolute must-visit for anyone looking to indulge in the...