Pho 89 Restaurant
Pho 89 Restaurant
Take-out: Yes
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Good for Kids: Yes
Good for Groups: Yes
Waiter Service: Yes
Price range.
$ Price range Under $10
3 reviews
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Pho 89's interior is pretty plain, and it wasn't packed when we walked in (around 7 PM on a Sunday). I only ordered a few goi cuon to go (had to catch a bus) which came out quickly, was thankfully inexpensive, but wasn't anything amazing tasting either. Luckily I wasn't a victim of food poisoning or strange grey meats.
I usually don't go after Vietnamese food in NYC because whenever I do, I'm almost always disappointed. Pho 89 has been around for awhile, so there MUST be something good about the place, though you'll have to ask a local (I'm still undecided). Try them if you're feeling brave!
Pros: nice and quiet-well sort of.
Cons: Pho wasn't temperature hot enough, atmosphere smelled of stagnant water.
Would I consider coming back here? Yes… it is close to my apartment.
Would I bring a friend here? No… this is my eat alone spot if that.
* The register lady has a nervous tendency of tapping her fingers when you pay her, a crappy attitude if you ask me… actually I'm changing this 2 stars to a one just for the attitude problem.
Pho 89 is located in a far off gritty corner of Chinatown, thus it gets very little attention from other reviewers. It is only a block away from foodie-favorite, Xi'an Famous Foods. It is also the lone Vietnamese Restaurant in the area and probably a 15 minute walk from the nearest Vietnamese competition.
Although there isn't much competition in the area, Pho 89 excels in my favorite dish "Com Thit Nuong", which is grilled pork chops over rice. I had recently had this dish with my father and he said, "man, is this rice GOOD!" My father is not someone who gives compliments easily, but I can see why the white rice earned kudos. It is soaked perfectly, nice and fluffy, without too much or too little moisture, just right. I've been to Pho 89 and never have they made a bad bowl of rice. My dad had even said that his co-workers at a Chinese restaurant said "A poorly-made bowl of rice can ruin even the best dish." This is so true and lucky for us the rice is sublime along with their grilled pork and grilled chicken, complete with tangy, lemongrass flavors to the taste and smell.
There are many other dishes to be had here. I've tried their bun vermicelli noodles which are excellent and can be paired with the same pork and chicken cutlets.
The dining room is quite large by Chinatown standards and you could usually find a seat. Service is friendly and fast. The best part of this restaurant for the Cheap Guy – and I am Cheap – are the prices. An entree is a low $4.75. You gotta love quality and low prices! I do, do you?