Pho 99

I know what you are all thinking…  “Pho 99 is still around?!?”  To answer your question, yes, but barely.  Over 12 years ago, I remember this place being my first Utah Pho experience.  Other than great homemade Pho, I really had a limited number of places in Utah where I could compare this place to at that time.  This was “the place” until the West Valley Pho boom occurred and raided the 3500 South and Redwood Road area.  The Pho has always been average, sometimes above average.  The owners were great, and still are.  A couple of years ago, in a “business move”, the owners closed down at their previous location on Redwood and about 4100 south and moved north past the  “boom” area.  In my opinion, it was a couple blocks TOO north.  They decided to combine a restaurant with an Asian grocery market.  From what I saw last week and the last couple years, it was not the best idea. I think they were ahead of their time.  I am not sure if the prices were not competitive or if it’s just the location, but the place looks like its struggling as the groceries are very limited now.

I walked into the restaurant side and there were a few West Valley police officers sitting there enjoying their meal.  The place was bare and probably had about ten tables.  For a Sunday night, that was expected.  As you walk in, you have a great view of the kitchen.  There was one flat screen TV with ESPN on and depending on where you sit, a great view into their “grocery” store.

I ordered the usual and the order came about ten minutes after the order.  The garnishes were average.  One sip of the soup and I was pleasantly surprised.  There was just enough meat, and the amount of noodles was just right. I didn’t have to reach for the fish sauce or ask for a flavor enhancer other than the chili sauce.   Pho 99 only has one-size of bowl for Pho.  I would rank the Pho as average.  I’m not sure if I would take a first date there due to the layout and décor (or lack of), but I would definitely do takeout.  I think if Pho 99 decided to move into the Pho Zone… they could give the other Pho restaurants a run for their money.  I think the grocery store/Pho restaurant combo was ahead of its time, but in a better location, it might do very well.

Pho 99 is still alive.  I think that restaurant is the life support for their grocery store.   For those that want to see a familiar face and pay homage to one of the “Originals”, this is where you need to go.  The Pho isn’t bad and the owner is still as nice as could be.  Also, if you don’t want to deal with the busy crowds, this is the place to be,

Rating:  **3 bowls of Pho out of 5 **

1)    Quality of broth:  3.5

2.)    Quality of meats: 3.0

3.)    Server: Courteous

4.)    Freshness of garnishes: 5

5.)    Size of bowl: 3.5

6.)    Restaurant cleanliness: 2.5

7.)    Overall dining experience: 3

8.)    Frequency of visit to restaurant:  Once every few years.

9.)    Plan on returning to restaurant:  yes, but to-go.

10)   Would I recommend this place to friend:  Yes.

11.)  White to Asian: 0 white 1 Asian, 1 Polynesian  (Dinner time)

12.)    Dish ordered:  Pho Dac Biet

13.)    Price: $6-$7

14.)    Time it took to receive food once ordered: 10 min

15.)    Menu selection: average