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Pho 1 (Vietnamese cuisine)  $

 7.25
JaT Rating

5025 Stevens Creek Blvd, Santa Clara, 95051  (Directions)


408-249-1111


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Old Pho and Banh Mi sandwich place that is all business.


Reviewer: Jason
Total Reviews: 1040
Reviewed: 11/13/2006
Rating: 7
My photo gallery 		A bowl of pho was needed on this cloudy day. We pulled up to this old-have-seen-better days type of strip mall where apparently you can get your hair and nails done before or after you pho. I wont deny that I've had a manicure before, it was college, I was drunk, the girls took advantage, I vaguely remember makeup, a dress, manicure, high heels, and some halloween party. If that wasn't random enough, the next day my vietnamese friend brought me a hangover cure called pho.

I wasn't exactly hungover this afternoon but it was a bit chilly and I can't think of a better way to enjoy a warm bowl of meaty broth. We walked and grabbed a table in the corner and picked our dishes. Feeling I should unleash my kobayashi appetite, I ordered a bbq pork bahn mi and a medium bowl of rare steak and well done brisket.

bahn mi (picture 6 and 7) - The bread was semi-fresh tasting and had the typical veggie toppings, carrots, cucumbers, cilantro, daikons, and onions. The meat was a sweet bbq pork cut thinly and I could only wish for more meat. $2.25 is cheap and there's not much I should have to complain about. I would definitely order it again. I would estimate it took the waiter 2 minutes to bring the sandwich to the table. Now that is FAST SERVICE.

pho (picture 8) - the well done brisket tasted like leather and I had to remove ALL of it. The rare steak wasn't rare but cooked medium. I was surprised the meat didn't have too much fat but maintained a flavorful taste. The broth is pleasant and should be adequate for more hard-core pho eaters. I believe you have a choice of egg or rice noodles but went with the rice. It was rolled into a small ball at the bottom and had chewy texture. The medium is roughly $4.50 and is just enough for smaller eaters out there. If you're hungry, go for the large and order an appetizer.

The food is cheap and food respectable. Pho #1 might be a hole in the hall lookin' restaurant but their food safety rating passes with flying colors. I'd come back if I was in the area, who knows I need to get a haircut soon.
 


Reviewer: Terry
Total Reviews: 739
Reviewed: 11/8/2006
Rating: 7.5
My photo gallery 		I went here with a headache, and left without a headache. This soup has the magic elixir to cure hangovers and headaches. haha. The place itself looks very rundown and a bit sketchy. When Jason and I went here, we felt a bit uneasy - even after ordering.

I went with the veggie pho with vegetable broth. The portion size was a bit on the medium-small size, but that was OK, I wasn't feeling too well today. The soup was pretty tasty, though, and the noodles were chewy. Overall I suppose nothing much different than other Pho places, but still surprisingly good compared to what the place looks like. We thought it would be dead in here, but there was a steady stream of foot traffic in/out of there. Looks like quite a few local regulars and some noobs were there along with us.

I had to look up the restaurant food safety rating on this place upon returning to the office. And, you know what, it actually was among the better scorers on Jatbar. No major issues. Amazing. I was very happy to hear this. Prices are in line with the serving size.

I was almost considering going to an 8, but to be honest, the soup was no better than other Pho places. The safety rating is what really excites me.
 
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