Tan Lac Vien Vietnamese Bistro

I like this place but their portions are terrible. I order beef pho and they give you the serving of a toddlers meal. Disappointing because I need to find a new pho place

Best Vietnamese in Pittsburgh, hands down! And, we have tried them all. We really love this place.

I only gave atmosphere 3 stars because it is cold in there. Dress warmly. It is worth it! Update: They did a renovation and now it is well heated.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I ordered one $16 bowl of vegan pho. The dish was tasteless. I was sick the next few days. Not only that, but they charged my card an additional $100 that I didn't find out about until I checked my credit card statement. I wish I had googled the restaurant before eating there, because I would've seen the CBS article "Pittsburgh Vietnamese restaurant shut down after inspector finds imminent hazard, rodent droppings and roaches" published on November 11, 2024, and skipped it.

The server was friendly enough, but they were the one I handed my credit card to, so they must've been the one to run the fraudulent charge.

From the article:

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A Vietnamese restaurant was shut down by the Allegheny County Health Department after an inspector found rodent droppings, roaches and fluid "seeping" through the basement walls.

The health department shut down Tan Lac Vien on Murray Avenue in Squirrel Hill after an inspection on Thursday.

The inspector reportedly found a case of daikon radish with rodent droppings "on many, if not all, of the individual" vegetables. The inspector said the entire case was contaminated and thrown out. There were also rodent droppings in other areas like inside a fryer, behind pots, in a storage room and in the men's bathroom.

On top of the rodent droppings, an inspector said there were roaches throughout the basement, a problem that's exacerbated by "persistent water on the floor."

The report lists several other high-risk violations, which could lead directly to food-borne illness or injury, according to the health department.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 1

Service: 1

A very nice place with good music, service and very nice food they serve food in big portions and with good taste

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Stopped for a quick bite with friends. I had the dumpling appetizer and my friend had a soup type dish that I envied for not ordering it. I recommend trying this place if you're in the area.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 4

Service: 4

VEGAN OPTIONS, really good vegan options. support this unassuming all in the family run spot. folks are friendly, food comes out quick and large portions. several vegan options clearly labeled and they're amazing. we've tried several different dishes- VE4, VE5, currently ordering the vegan chow fun on repeat & hunny likes the pho! also the crispy vegan rolls and they make their curry noodles vegan on request.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Consumer Alert on 1.14 for: No cooling charts, temperature violations, no date marking, unsanitary conditions, rodent infestation, improper sanitizer concentration, no certified food manager at start of inspection, food stored on the floor, food stored in trash bags, structural issues, clutter present out the back door. This is after the closure below.

Ordered to close by board of health due to: Rodent droppings on vegetables, Improper temperature control, no datemarking, no handwashing observed, no soap at kitchen handsink, unsanitary conditions, including rodent droppings on a shelf containing bamboo skewers in the basement, fluids backing up onto the basement walls and on to the food prep floors, no grease trap, no mop sink, roach infestation throughout the basement including on a drinking glass, numerous rodent fecal matter all over electrical panels in the dining area, interior of the fryer, on and around cooking pots, in furnace and storage rooms, in the rest room and shelving in the basement, food stored on the floor, fly strap present, trash all around the waste area, butane burners used in the basement without ventilation or fire supression, clutter in the storage areas, open access to a crawlspace at the basement exterior.

Love this place. Great food and friendly service. Atmosphere wise it's nothing special but the best restaurants are often plain. The pho is terrific.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

Steak n Egg was phenomenon!!!!! Must Try!!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: MI Kho

The banh mi grilled pork (the hot one on skewers) is not only one of the best banh mi I've had, it's one of the best meals I've had. Flavors are out of this world. The dumplings and other sides are also tasty and reliable. You gotta come here!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The owners are always so kind and helpful. Tan Lac Vien has the best pho in Pittsburgh. This is one of my favorite places

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

TLV is my favorite restaurant. I often come here to dine in or order to take out. The food is really good. Staffs are friendly. 5 stars for

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I often come to TLV for lunch. The beef pho is really great. Reasonable price. Highly recommend TLV.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

The food is really delicious. Great service ^^

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great foods. Friendly environment. Highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5