This is a nice find on the NW side of Milwaukee. The building is brand new inside, and is huge. There are tons of TVs, and the restaurant has a very large bar. It's certainly different from most Asian restaurants. It's almost like a sports bar. The service was excellent, and everyone was very friendly. I went here for lunch, and got in and out in less than an hour. I had the egg rolls, and they were very good, and super crispy. I also had the drunken noodles, served on a scale of 3 for spiciness. They work on a scale of 1-4, with 1 being lame, and 4 being OMG. I'm guessing on 4s heat level, because the 3 had some major kick. It snuck up on me, but it was good. The drunken noodles were firm, and the flavor of the dish was unique (in a good way). My only complaint was that the dish could have used a little more meat. I won't deduct, because it's only their first week! It's a winner in my book....
Update Sept 2025. I can't believe I waited almost 3 years to return. The Sunday special was pho, and it didn't disappoint. It had great flavor, and was huge. The service was spot on, as well. I would highly recommend this joint!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Deborah Di Frances
It took about an hour to decide on the Crispy Roast Pork mainly because of the price. Since ordering I have to readdress this. Pork was moist and tender with nice crispiness. Generous portion. Oh so delicious! Will definitely be back. Also looks like a great sports bar lots of TV's!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Karl Kessler
Highly recommend going on Sunday for $10 PHO! Add ox tail to keep you strong đȘ
It's been my new chill Sunday tradition to enjoy some healthier soup! And any of the appetizers have been very good too. I also look forward to grabbing the event space some time since I've seen a couple parties back there.
I'm so glad I finally gave this place a chance. Despite hearing some community chatter and being wary of the 15% surcharge that was reportedly applied to all bills, I regret not trying this hidden gem sooner, especially since it's so close to home.
The meal itself was fantastic. The raw Larb and Pork Fried Rice were both outstanding dishesâperfectly prepared and bursting with flavor. The $10 Pho special was also an incredible value, though the beef was a bit tough. If the meat were sliced a little thinner, it would be absolutely perfect.
The dining environment was also impressive. It was clean and well-maintained, giving it a high-quality feel. The only minor negative was that the tabletops were a little sticky to the touch.
Overall, I highly recommend this restaurant. It appears the 15% upcharge is no longer applied to parties of four or fewer, which is a great bonus.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Joey Lopez
Automatic gratuity charge. When staff was asked, they said it wasn't distributed. This is a shady practice and should be more broadcasted at the establishment
Mrs. Pa
The food was served properly but the pho soup was on the sweeter side. They didn't give enough basil and lime. We had to ask for more so everyone could get a piece. There was no black pepper at our table and we had to ask for it too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Ashley Hartfield
Prices changed. Higher but less food given. Drinks sucks
Joshua Seidler
Red Curry is A+âŠStickeeeyyy!!!
Dan D
Came in for lunch today with a coworker. Had the chicken satay which was delicious and well seasoned. Friend had the volcano chicken that came out hot and crispy. Will be getting that at my next visit. Sauce was great and full of flavor. Staff was very attentive and friendly and took time to converse with us. Highly recommend this local restaurant. Happy to support and family owned business. Cheers!
Charlie
They're always sweet, kind, and attentive when I come in. Absolutely no wait to be seated and served with water first. I love the Pho and cucumber salad. I came in kinda tipsy mother's day and they hooked me right up. Felt so much better. I've had good Pho but so far Ox Cafe is the best.
I always bring all my friends here. It's a nice hangout spot and the staff there make it even better. I recommend the volcano chicken đ đ.
Kevin Kim
Food was great, the service was bad and had a set 15% gratuity. Hate to nitpick service, but other than giving the food, nothing else was really done. The plates + utensils were just stacked and left on the opposite side of the table. I asked for chopsticks and they forgot and were gone for 15+ minutes after(so I couldn't call them). They checked up on us once when we were almost done eating. We were literally the only customers in, so they weren't being overwhelmed... And they had a set 15% gratuity on it, I was leaning towards 12%. I usually tip 20%, but after every mistake I brought it lower to 12%. Having a forced 15% gratuity makes them have 0 incentive to give good service. I'd just do take out next time since the food was good.
PKD PDX
Absolutely fantastic !!!!!! Can't wait to go back -- Stopped in for lunch, and the LNY party just happened to be later that night. Came back for the party and had a blast!!
Mai Yang
My sisters and I drive all the way to Milwaukee from Chicago just to eat here. We usually come on a Sunday afternoon and it isnât too busy so the restaurant is nice and quiet. The food is always amazing, fresh, and delicious and with exceptional service. The portions are huge and well worth the money and drive. Our go-tos are the laab - either raw or cooked, papaya salad, and beef jerky. My only complaint is the bathroom doesnât have a changing station so if you have any littles, youâll have to change them on the hard ground of the bathroom.
Kid-friendliness: No diaper changing station in the menâs or womenâs restroom
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Som Tum Papaya Salad, Hmong Steak Jerky, Larb Salad
Va Vang
food was horrible...I ordered raw laab and the meat looked like it was days old. best thing I ate was the sticky rice. first and last time taking my family or anyone to eat there. seems like they cooked everything the day before and just warm it up to serve to customers
This is a nice find on the NW side of Milwaukee. The building is brand new inside, and is huge. There are tons of TVs, and the restaurant has a very large bar. It's certainly different from most Asian restaurants. It's almost like a sports bar. The service was excellent, and everyone was very friendly. I went here for lunch, and got in and out in less than an hour. I had the egg rolls, and they were very good, and super crispy. I also had the drunken noodles, served on a scale of 3 for spiciness. They work on a scale of 1-4, with 1 being lame, and 4 being OMG. I'm guessing on 4s heat level, because the 3 had some major kick. It snuck up on me, but it was good. The drunken noodles were firm, and the flavor of the dish was unique (in a good way). My only complaint was that the dish could have used a little more meat. I won't deduct, because it's only their first week! It's a winner in my book....
Update Sept 2025. I can't believe I waited almost 3 years to return. The Sunday special was pho, and it didn't disappoint. It had great flavor, and was huge. The service was spot on, as well. I would highly recommend this joint!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
It took about an hour to decide on the Crispy Roast Pork mainly because of the price. Since ordering I have to readdress this. Pork was moist and tender with nice crispiness. Generous portion. Oh so delicious! Will definitely be back. Also looks like a great sports bar lots of TV's!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Highly recommend going on Sunday for $10 PHO! Add ox tail to keep you strong đȘ
It's been my new chill Sunday tradition to enjoy some healthier soup! And any of the appetizers have been very good too.
I also look forward to grabbing the event space some time since I've seen a couple parties back there.
Overall lots of good vibes, and great food
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pho, Crab Rangoon 6, Fried Calamari
I'm so glad I finally gave this place a chance. Despite hearing some community chatter and being wary of the 15% surcharge that was reportedly applied to all bills, I regret not trying this hidden gem sooner, especially since it's so close to home.
The meal itself was fantastic. The raw Larb and Pork Fried Rice were both outstanding dishesâperfectly prepared and bursting with flavor. The $10 Pho special was also an incredible value, though the beef was a bit tough. If the meat were sliced a little thinner, it would be absolutely perfect.
The dining environment was also impressive. It was clean and well-maintained, giving it a high-quality feel. The only minor negative was that the tabletops were a little sticky to the touch.
Overall, I highly recommend this restaurant. It appears the 15% upcharge is no longer applied to parties of four or fewer, which is a great bonus.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Automatic gratuity charge. When staff was asked, they said it wasn't distributed. This is a shady practice and should be more broadcasted at the establishment
The food was served properly but the pho soup was on the sweeter side. They didn't give enough basil and lime. We had to ask for more so everyone could get a piece. There was no black pepper at our table and we had to ask for it too.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Prices changed. Higher but less food given. Drinks sucks
Red Curry is A+âŠStickeeeyyy!!!
Came in for lunch today with a coworker. Had the chicken satay which was delicious and well seasoned. Friend had the volcano chicken that came out hot and crispy. Will be getting that at my next visit. Sauce was great and full of flavor. Staff was very attentive and friendly and took time to converse with us. Highly recommend this local restaurant. Happy to support and family owned business. Cheers!
They're always sweet, kind, and attentive when I come in. Absolutely no wait to be seated and served with water first. I love the Pho and cucumber salad. I came in kinda tipsy mother's day and they hooked me right up. Felt so much better. I've had good Pho but so far Ox Cafe is the best.
Restaurantji Recommends
I always bring all my friends here. It's a nice hangout spot and the staff there make it even better. I recommend the volcano chicken đ đ.
Food was great, the service was bad and had a set 15% gratuity. Hate to nitpick service, but other than giving the food, nothing else was really done. The plates + utensils were just stacked and left on the opposite side of the table. I asked for chopsticks and they forgot and were gone for 15+ minutes after(so I couldn't call them). They checked up on us once when we were almost done eating. We were literally the only customers in, so they weren't being overwhelmed... And they had a set 15% gratuity on it, I was leaning towards 12%. I usually tip 20%, but after every mistake I brought it lower to 12%. Having a forced 15% gratuity makes them have 0 incentive to give good service. I'd just do take out next time since the food was good.
Absolutely fantastic !!!!!!
Can't wait to go back --
Stopped in for lunch, and the LNY party just happened to be later that night. Came back for the party and had a blast!!
My sisters and I drive all the way to Milwaukee from Chicago just to eat here. We usually come on a Sunday afternoon and it isnât too busy so the restaurant is nice and quiet. The food is always amazing, fresh, and delicious and with exceptional service. The portions are huge and well worth the money and drive. Our go-tos are the laab - either raw or cooked, papaya salad, and beef jerky. My only complaint is the bathroom doesnât have a changing station so if you have any littles, youâll have to change them on the hard ground of the bathroom.
Kid-friendliness: No diaper changing station in the menâs or womenâs restroom
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Som Tum Papaya Salad, Hmong Steak Jerky, Larb Salad
food was horrible...I ordered raw laab and the meat looked like it was days old. best thing I ate was the sticky rice. first and last time taking my family or anyone to eat there. seems like they cooked everything the day before and just warm it up to serve to customers
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 5
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