I’ve been here a few times and it pains me to make this review, the pho is so tasty. The service is the confusing mix of curt and warm that always precedes delicious food. But this last visit I saw something I cannot unsee. The world must know.
I have lived in a developing nation. I am a traveler, and not a picky one. I have bounced around less than stellar hostels in Latin America, fielded the hole-in-the-ground toilets of less developed countries. Many crusty dive bar bathrooms have seen my relieved face on a late night.
When I entered the bathroom of this establishment, I almost regurgitated my delicious pho (with the works, I love tripe). Before even entering, the door handle was brown around the edges. “Okay,” I tell myself, “they haven’t wiped down the paint in a while. No big deal, I’ll be washing my hands anyways.” But what awaited me inside was so horrifying, so blood-curdling, I still haven’t forgotten it weeks later. The wall near the toilet was spattered with mysterious brown liquids. The area around the toilet handle had what I can only describe as brown streaky fingerprints around it, which were replicated around the inner door handle. The toilet was speckled with a variety of liquids. Everything had a base level of yellowish grime, including the public bidet (was not feeling brave enough to use it, if you were wondering).
I conducted my business atop layers of toilet paper, when I went to wash my hands, I realized there were no paper towels. Usually a minor inconvenience, but the suspicious colors around the faucet handle and door knob made me suspicious that touching them without a barrier would undo my attempts at hygiene. I used wads of toilet paper instead, but it was just the cherry on top.
I cannot return, and it makes me so sad because the pho is really very tasty. I beg you pho 888: please douse the bathrooms in bleach so I may return. I just cannot stop thinking about what else I may not be seeing that is in that state of hygiene.
I don’t think I took enough photos to capture it, but I hope I have painted a picture.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 4
monica ha
I am writing to express my disappointment with my recent visit. Several staff members were talking loudly in the back and ignored the fact that the tables had not been cleaned from previous customers. When my meal arrived, the egg roll was badly burnt. Although the owner agreed it shouldn't have been served, the replacement I was given was also burnt and covered in charred crumbs. It looked like used dirty oil that did not change and over used. The lack of attention to both cleanliness and food quality was very upsetting.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Keith Dearinger
I got a beef sandwich to go. 👍🙂
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jaclyn Hoffman
Pho Tao Bo Vien was fantastic. Great broth, large serving size. Friendly and fast service. Will definitely return!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brian Pelletier
Absolutely delicious and priced well. They can get really busy, but the staff hustles.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Robert Penner
Deliscous goat curry banh mi. Loved the outdoor seating, friendly staff, and quick service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
75
The thick noodle was great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Rowan F
Perfect vibe and probably the best Bun I've had in Chicago
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Matt O
Excellent Vietnamese restaurant in Chicago
Aidana Vivas
Although the food at this place is very good, the service and the atmosphere are terrible. The people never serve you, it can take up to 20 minutes to wait for your order and when you go to pick up orders, they don't give you a clear answer. They always tell you to wait and you can wait up to 20 minutes for your Uber Eats order to come out, very little empathy.
This restaurant smells,food is not fresh. I see many flys.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 3
Jeramee
First time and I'm literally obsessed!! 10/10 definitely recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Victoria Now
Authentic Vietnamese restaurant. Always delicious here. Very accommodating to requests. The pho broth is delicious. Best tofu spring rolls around. Clean restaurant too!
I’ve been here a few times and it pains me to make this review, the pho is so tasty. The service is the confusing mix of curt and warm that always precedes delicious food. But this last visit I saw something I cannot unsee. The world must know.
I have lived in a developing nation. I am a traveler, and not a picky one. I have bounced around less than stellar hostels in Latin America, fielded the hole-in-the-ground toilets of less developed countries. Many crusty dive bar bathrooms have seen my relieved face on a late night.
When I entered the bathroom of this establishment, I almost regurgitated my delicious pho (with the works, I love tripe). Before even entering, the door handle was brown around the edges. “Okay,” I tell myself, “they haven’t wiped down the paint in a while. No big deal, I’ll be washing my hands anyways.” But what awaited me inside was so horrifying, so blood-curdling, I still haven’t forgotten it weeks later. The wall near the toilet was spattered with mysterious brown liquids. The area around the toilet handle had what I can only describe as brown streaky fingerprints around it, which were replicated around the inner door handle. The toilet was speckled with a variety of liquids. Everything had a base level of yellowish grime, including the public bidet (was not feeling brave enough to use it, if you were wondering).
I conducted my business atop layers of toilet paper, when I went to wash my hands, I realized there were no paper towels. Usually a minor inconvenience, but the suspicious colors around the faucet handle and door knob made me suspicious that touching them without a barrier would undo my attempts at hygiene. I used wads of toilet paper instead, but it was just the cherry on top.
I cannot return, and it makes me so sad because the pho is really very tasty. I beg you pho 888: please douse the bathrooms in bleach so I may return. I just cannot stop thinking about what else I may not be seeing that is in that state of hygiene.
I don’t think I took enough photos to capture it, but I hope I have painted a picture.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 5
Service: 4
I am writing to express my disappointment with my recent visit. Several staff members were talking loudly in the back and ignored the fact that the tables had not been cleaned from previous customers. When my meal arrived, the egg roll was badly burnt. Although the owner agreed it shouldn't have been served, the replacement I was given was also burnt and covered in charred crumbs. It looked like used dirty oil that did not change and over used. The lack of attention to both cleanliness and food quality was very upsetting.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
I got a beef sandwich to go. 👍🙂
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Pho Tao Bo Vien was fantastic. Great broth, large serving size. Friendly and fast service. Will definitely return!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely delicious and priced well. They can get really busy, but the staff hustles.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Deliscous goat curry banh mi. Loved the outdoor seating, friendly staff, and quick service.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The thick noodle was great
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Perfect vibe and probably the best Bun I've had in Chicago
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent Vietnamese restaurant in Chicago
Although the food at this place is very good, the service and the atmosphere are terrible. The people never serve you, it can take up to 20 minutes to wait for your order and when you go to pick up orders, they don't give you a clear answer. They always tell you to wait and you can wait up to 20 minutes for your Uber Eats order to come out, very little empathy.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 4
Service: 1
Restaurantji Recommends
Delicious pho
Food: 5
I love Pho so much and this place is sooo good!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
This restaurant smells,food is not fresh. I see many flys.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 3
First time and I'm literally obsessed!! 10/10 definitely recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Authentic Vietnamese restaurant. Always delicious here. Very accommodating to requests. The pho broth is delicious. Best tofu spring rolls around. Clean restaurant too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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