Tim S.
Yelp
I happened to see the reviews and ratings that Pho 79 gets, so I mentioned it to my friend and coworker, Jack earlier this week, and that we should go sometime. He said he's been there (without me) as per his review on December 18, 2012. And since he went there without me, he loses one star on the friend rating scale.
Today was (surprise) yet another dreary wet spring in Minnesota, so we thought it would be a perfect Pho day. Jack mentioned (as per his December review when he went without me) that there wasn't a lot of seating, so we decided to try and get there just before the lunch rush. We were the last ones to get a table right away, and everyone else behind us had to wait as diners slurped down their meals.
We both ordered the Spring Rolls, which consisted of pork & shrimp. The sauce wasn't a typical peanut sauce, but more of a Hoisin sauce. Still, it was tasty.
For our meals, we both ordered Pho, and Jack's Special larger Pho 79 bowl (Rare lean beef, well done flank, fat brisket, soft tendon, tripe and meat balls) was large enough to feed an army...or me. I opted for the Spicy Pho, which had everything but the tripe.
The value for this meal, as well as all the wonderful flavors make it worth the trip. Really. Why would you drop more money at that Clown's burger joint, when you get some fresh food for less than or about the same price?
Located in a strip mall on the border of a neighborhood and industry, it's easy to miss. But miss it you should not. Just remember to avoid the busy times or you'll have to wait. We were perplexed at people taking this to go, but given there's not a lot of seating area, I guess some Pho is better than none at all.
I'm glad Jack and I went to Pho 79 for lunch today. I guess he earned back that one star on the friend rating scale.