Pho Hot, 6306 San Fernando Rd., Glendale, CA 91201
Pho Hot is not in the Vietnamese part of town, but it’s still pretty decent. It was packed during lunch and I noticed a clipboard with names on it (a waiting list). The menu is pretty standard for a Vietnamese restaurant: appetizers, pho (regular, $8.25, large, $9.25), banh mi, rice dishes, vegetarian items, and beverages. While they have tripe and tendon, I’m pretty sure that they don’t have any dishes with pork blood. They didn’t have banh beo, banh cuon, or banh xeo.
The server was ready to take my order the moment I sat down. I’m sure they have lots of regulars who know the menu. Once the order was placed, the pho came out less than 5 minutes later. When you’re ready to leave, head to the cashier to pay. The servers only come to your table to take your order and bring your food. They were friendly though.
* #12 Pho Tai Gai (steak and tendon): I ordered a regular size. It wasn’t huge but it was filling enough for lunch. There was a decent amount of meat but the tendon pieces were tiny. They were generous with the rice noodles (thin, flat) and plate of fresh sprouts, basil, cilantro, jalapenos, and a wedge of lime. The broth smelled lovely, like beef, star anise and cinnamon after a long simmer…I did like the broth. The rare steak was white and overcooked though. The tendon pieces were soft but way too small.
* Banh mi with grilled pork ($4.50): I liked the softness of the bread and the fact that it wasn’t too bready. The sandwich was mostly pork and bread though – they barely put any carrots, daikon, or cilantro in it. The pork had a sweet Vietnamese marinade.
The place isn’t that small but they’ve crammed as many tables as possible inside, so there’s not much room. Condiments and utensils are kept at each table. It looks modern and clean. The acoustics were bad though. It was super loud during lunch. Credit cards are accepted. If you can’t find parking in the front, there are more spaces behind the building.
3 out of 5 stars
By Lolia S.