Paul (@nerdhat) and his coworker, Brevig, often go to Pho Tan Phat for lunch and Paul graciously agreed to review it for me. He even drew a picture! He gave it an overall 4 out of 5 stars. Enjoy!
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This is a tale of an interesting experience. Something someone such as I does on occasion is voyage during the day to places where food can be consumed. The two unsavory characters in question for this excursion are me and also my co worker, Michael Brevig: Upstanding Citizen.
Why did we go to this place an onlooker might query? The answer to this question and many others are shrouded in a murky bowl of savory soup. Delicious pho soup: the meat, the noodles, the broth, the onions, the seasonings, the chili sauce, mint leaves, and the hosin sauce. These are some delicious things when combined together.
The place we went to goes by the moniker Pho Tan Phat. It’s located north of Minneapolis, north of six ninety four. University avenue or Highway 47 depending on your point of view. Heard about it due to this utmost common discussion around the local programing cave.
“What are you planning for lunch today?”
“Holy fuck, I don’t know.”
“What about Pho?”
“Pho sounds fucking awesome.”
“Where should we go?”
“Lets try that place up on university again”
“Ok”
So we did. It’s the second time we’ve been there. I have to give a place a second chance. You know, so, if I have a good first impression then they’ve a chance to really sour my impression of the place. If they fuck it all up the first time and I go back then I guess it’s just because I’m a fool.
Bowl of pho, by Nerdhat
Review:
Interior – 4 of 5
Totally what you would hope for in a Pho dispensary. Brown ceiling tiles, same linoleum tables, a fish tank. Relatively large since space out in the ‘burbs is cheep. The kitchen’s in the back, not making too much noise or exuding any unpleasant smells. Maybe I’m odd but it’s exactly what I had hoped for and expected.
Spring rolls – 4 of 5
They were competent. It’s hard to mess these up. Delicious they were. Though on the second visit I got shredded pork rolls and I thought they were omega gross. I attribute this not to the fact that they were made poorly but more to the fact that I don’t think I like them much.
Broth – 4.5 of 5
Flavorful, thick, savory and good smell. Can’t complain was delicious with and without the hoisin or sriracha. Probably the strength of the pho.
Extras – 3 of 5
Thought the mint was a little withered, the sprouts were typical, and the jalapeno’s were fresh.
Meat – 3 of 5
The beef was dry, then tendon was pretty tough. The meatballs were good though.
Noodles – 3 of 5
The noodles stuck together in a big clump both times that I went there. Upstanding Citizen Michael Brevig suggested that they were precooked and were sitting out a while before they made the soup.
Service – 4 of 5
Basically all I could ask for, I don’t ask for much and they didn’t do anything that left a lasting impression on me. They directed me to my table without incident, processed my check and understood what I wanted to order, and got my order correct with minimal delay. That’s a solid 4 in my book.
Price – 4.5 of 5
Reasonable. I got a ‘small’ bowl of soup for $6 and Spring Rolls for $3. $11 + tip for a decent lunch that left me warm and full in the belly region.
Final Verdict – 4 of 5
I’d go back but wouldn’t go out of my way to get there. This might be a good place for lunch Pho in the future.
This is the view of a Nerdhat who’s been stuffed with Pho.
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Contact:
8197 University Avenue
Spring Lake Park, MN
763.784.3684
Spring Lake Park, MN
763.784.3684
Hours:
Tue-Sun: 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Closed Mondays
Tue-Sun: 10:00AM – 8:00PM
Closed Mondays