http://blogs.pitch.com/fatcity/2011/06/now_open_pho_hoa_vietnamese_re.php

The Old NE branch of this CA-based chain is now open.  Sounds like it might be hard to find - but the fact they serve banh mi (and have it on the actual menu) may be enough to make it a hit.  The owner also plans to open two locations in JoCo.  I would like to see a location in Westport.

Excellent news! This is just north of the Aldi's on Paseo, where I often go to pick up a couple of things over lunch.

A walk from my apartment. So excited!

Bit far to walk for me, but a relatively short bus ride. Or, you know, I could drive. Sigh. I'll probably drive.

You had me at Banh mi.

You had me...at banh mi.

I'm sure you guys know this already, but you can get bahn mi for really cheap at one of the many Vietnamese grocery stores in the River Market/NE area.

Also at the Vietnam Cafe in Columbus Park, although it's an off-menu item.

The Bahn mi was disappointing. I read on their website that they bake their own bread, but I thought the bread was all wrong. It was chewy and dense instead of crunchy and airy. I had a charbroiled pork bahn mi and it was $4.75. That's really expensive for a bahn mi. They are usually $3 or $3.50. The coffee was also expensive- $3.75.

The iced coffee came premixed from some sort of soda fountain and tasted like the kind that comes in a can from an Asian grocery. Our combo Pho was good, but their soup selection is really small- just pho.

Glad I tried the place, but nothing was outstanding and I will definately keep eating at Vietnam Cafe, one of my favorite places in town.

I hope people support this restaurant because the story of the owner is inspiring.

http://northeastnews.net/pages/?p=6137

I have eaten there twice and it is good.  I got it to go both times so I don't know how the service is but the people at the register were very nice and I ordered what they recommended both times.  Had the shaken beef and the pork and egg (can't remember what they call it).  Both were good, not great.  I think it is a bit over priced but was full both times.  Seems like for the same price you get more food at Vietnam Cafe.  Vietnam Cafe is about a meal and a half, I have eaten all of the meal here in one sitting.  Check it out, I hope they make it.  Its good to have clean options around here.

Checked it out last night w/ neighbors.

Started with the Shrimp Rangoon and fried egg rolls. There was some residual oil in the Rangoon, but the egg rolls were very good. Spring Rolls came next with a clear broth topped w/ scallions. (like Thai Place) Very tasty as well.
Ordered some fried sweet potato/shrimp appetizer too which was freakin awesome!
Had the Pork w/ egg and rice which disppeared quickly from the plate. 

We talked w/ Spike about the chain restaurant concept and he indicated that he tried the "corporate" recipes but customers found them too bitter so he tweaked the preparations of the meat and "revised" the recipes to his tastes and the response has been phenominal.

While the parking lot may be the best esthetic offering, inside its a different world - completely and literally. Spike is an excellent host, visiting most tables if he can, offering his take and advise on dishes and tastes. (he's got this schmooze thing down pat, and its authentic) His servers are helpful as well, despite a language gap - that didn't get in the way of our ordering at all.

I'm still not done checking this place out fully. That will require repeated visits, ordering various menu items that look extremely tasty! 


Sportster
...go hungry, you won't leave that way!!!

Currently, my favorite Vietnamese place is Pho KC in the east rivermarket off of Cherry.  Great pho!

Would love to see us land this chain:

KC already has a Red X.

(Ba Dum CHING)

Favorite restaurant name:  "Pho Kim Long"..........FYI Highlander, it's in Houston.

really expensive?   $4.75 v. $3.50?  The banh mi at Pho Hoa are really good.  

So you're saying $1.25 difference for quality meat instead of pate and headcheese (with crunchy, undercooked ears in it) isn't worth $1.25 extra?  

Not in my book.  I can go to the blvd and get a great burrito for $3.50 -- and I do from time to time -- but I get Chipotle more often and so do most people.  Think about it, a sub at Subway is $6 or $7 bucks and everything in it is off-the-truck-Sysco-bullshit.

This is very true! And thanks, I think, for the info... I always wondered what that crunchy  stuff was.

We ate here on Saturday after boxing class.  Was very good.  Owner came around and thanked people for coming in.  He saw someone he'd seen before and said "thanks for coming back" to that person and his companion and the person wound up saying "he's never been here before".  Slightly odd and less than gracious.

slightly off topic:  I love headcheese (also known as souse down south).  As I kid I ate it with crackers most often and still relish the crunchy, jellied, chewy goodness of it.

Finally got around to trying this place. Skipped the banh mi this visit in favor of trying the pho. It's really damn good. I was surprised at how much I liked it. Definitely stands up to Vietnam Cafe, although I'm not quite prepared to say it is better. Need a few more visits.

What's hot on Independence Avenue?



Wish more downtown businesses had that attitude!