PhoWheels at The Water Park — Restaurant in Washington

I ordered the oxtail pho with tendon and extra noodles, and it was a huge disappointment. The first thing I noticed was the overpowering smell of anise and fennel, along with a dark brown broth. Authentic pho shouldn't have these characteristics—just check out any "authentic pho" video on YouTube to see what I mean.

The broth tasted like black licorice and was incredibly salty, to the point where I thought my jaw might lock up. It gave me a migraine after just a few bites. The oxtails and broth seemed to be rushed in a pressure cooker, which is not how real beef/oxtail pho is made. Proper pho takes about 10 hours to cook, should be cooled to remove fat, and then reheated, resulting in a light, almost clear broth.

For anyone looking for good pho in Arlington, Pho 75 on Wilson Blvd is the place to go. Pho Thom in College Park is another great option. I tried this place because I love pho, but I will never eat here again. It was a waste of $33.52, and I regret my purchase deeply. Adding to the disappointment, I waited for my order in a rainstorm, only to be let down. I should have driven over an hour to Viet Pearl instead. I'm so sad and...

I made it to DC for a work trip, and coming from Houston, I was not ready for the December cold, it hit hard. Feeling a bit under the weather, I decided to make the most of it and explore the local food scene. I saw this spot called Phowheels, and even though it was a 20 min walk from my hotel in Arlington, I couldn’t resist. I mean, you can’t visit a place and not try something local, right? The walk was rough, my nose was running, and the wind was relentless, but the promise of a steaming bowl of pho and some legendary eggrolls kept me going. When I got there, the stand was dead, but the guy working the counter? Absolute vibe. He was so friendly and energetic, it instantly lifted my spirits. He made me forget the cold and how crappy I felt for a moment. And let me tell you, the food was worth every shivering step. The pho was like a warm hug in a bowl, exactly what I needed on that chilly night. But the real star? Those massive eggrolls. Hands down, the best I’ve ever had. I’m not exaggerating when I say I’d walk an hour just to have them again. If you’re in the area, do yourself a favor and check it out. You...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at Phowheels, and it was truly an outstanding experience, particularly their Oxtail Pho.

The Oxtail Pho with oxtail broth was the star of the show. The oxtail was incredibly tender, literally falling off the bone, which is a sign of perfectly prepared meat. The broth was rich and deeply flavorful, providing the perfect base for this comforting dish. I also appreciated the generous array of pho add-ons provided, including fresh lime, jalapeños, a fork, and chopsticks, allowing for a personalized and authentic experience.

What truly elevated this visit, however, was the exceptional service from the owner. He was attentive, communicative, and incredibly understanding regarding a tipping situation where I didn't have cash on hand. When my food was ready, he not only brought it out promptly but also personally found me and called me by name to thank me, which was a remarkably warm and memorable touch.

The outdoor atmosphere was delightful. Despite the sun's warmth, the large, sturdy patio cantilevers provided ample shade, making for a comfortable dining...