Pho-Ever

I’ve been a huge fan of Phoever for a few years now. But my last two visits in Encinitas location weren’t very pleasant and I’m not going back to this place.
Last time when I dined in, I ordered calamari, lettuce wrap and rare steak phở. The calamari was obviously double fried and wasn’t fresh. The lettuce for the lettuce wrap was old and the Phở broth was lukewarm so I had to sent it back to heat up.
This time I got the rare steak phở to go. When I came home and opened the food, I noticed that they forgot steak! It takes about 20 minutes round trip from where I live so I didn’t go back.
I’m really disappointed for this place especially because Phở is my favorite food. I’ve been recommending all my friends and coworkers to go to this place but I should take that back!!! NOT going back to Encinitas location again!

Phở-​Ever used to have premium beef w/​no fat for the #12 (rare beef), but seem to have moved to a lower cost meat — even the grandkids had complained about some of the gristle. You absolutely cannot beat the flavor of the broth, the noodles are great and they are very generous w/​the basil, jalapenos and bean sprouts. We always order the egg rolls which are very good. have also tried some of their non-​Phở dishes which are excellent as well. Service is always attentive. Just wish they would go to the better rare beef. Would be willing to pay more!

First Viet we’ve had since moving to CA. Very disappointing. Flavor lacking, and I think my Banh Mi was made with 2-​day-​old bread.

Place was legit. I wasn’t sure about phở from Encinitas but I was pleasantly surprised. I did a take out order. The people on the phone were very friendly. My order was ready when I arrived. The cashiers were very friendly and fast.
They also have a hot sauce and hoisin sauce station where you can pack as much as you want. When I got home and ate my phở I thought it was very delicious. The broth had a very good flavor and the chicken was good quality. The only thing that wasn’t good were the herb leaves, the looked like it was their last day, not very fresh looking. I only put in the ones that weren’t browned.
Id come back again!

When we lived in San Diego, we used to go to the original location in Vista. We happened to be in the area, and decided to try their new location in Encinitas. Most of the familiar faces we had in Vista migrated over here, and it was great seeing one of the owners again.
What we love about this place is the amount of flavor, quality and value. I’m not a fan of phở, but this is my wife’s favorite phở ever (no pun intended). They’ve added fresh noodles as an upgrade since we last ate here, and unlike adding guacamole for $ 3 at Chipotle, this $ 1 upgrade is well worth it. Thicker noodles compliment the light aromatic broth. I always order the 38, which consists of rice, salad and a hot cast iron skillet of cubed steak, onions and mushrooms. Tender, perfectly seasoned and seared steak pieces blanket the cow shaped cast iron skillet. It sizzles on the table in front of you. Be careful, it’s hot. We also tagged on their fried egg rolls, which may be the best egg rolls we’ve had (no lie). Also, their banh mi sandwiches are the best in the game, sorry K’s and other joints.
Come here and enjoy the food and the staff. I don’t often give out 5 stars, but this is well deserved.

The service was amazing! I had the seafood soup which had fish meatballs, imitation crab, octopus, the rest of my family ordered some kind of shrimp chips, egg rolls, and calamari which tasted awesome! Then we ordered macarons and tried to guess the flavors which might have been cheesecake, orange chocolate and I forgot the last one.
The quality of the food was great. The egg rolls are tasty and the calamari is very well breaded but I couldn’t eat one after the other because it would just have an oily taste on my tongue.

This place is awesome. I came there yesterday. The service and the food were amazing. i recommend this place everrrr

Solid phở which is a major score as I have yet to find a place in the Encinitas area that I would like to come back to. Forego the spring rolls, as they taste a liiiiiiittle off with the pork. Not quite sure why, but I won’t be getting those again.
Regular size was more than enough for me and although the rare steak pieces came with a little freezer burn on them, once I cooked them in the broth, then things tasted delightful.

I didn’t come to the actual restaurant, but was able to help myself to their trays of stir-​fried items at the Taste of Cardiff event this year. There were two trays of fried rice and two of the lo mein. This looked more like Chinese food to me, even though we do have similar dishes in our culture. Both dishes were okay tasting… there wasn’t anything spectacular about it. I wouldn’t mind trying more traditional dishes when I’m in the area though!

So terribly disappointed. My Phở are all blown up soggy and over boiled. They brought out BBQ Pork Chops when I ordered BBQ Pork stir fried Bun Thit Nuong style.
Second table due to Gnat infestation. I sprayed with essential oils, but there are too many to contend with…
They handed me the bill while watching me wave the bugs away from my children’s food. I am talking a family of 30 gnats. I told him I would pay for their second version of BBQ Pork. He then said he wasn’t going to charge me. I told him to charge me cause I was going to get the kids food to go. I couldn’t eat the Phở as the broth became mushy and thick.
Thank goodness there is a cupcake store next door at least.
Fail.

My family has been a Phoever «phở-​natic» since they opened their first location in vista years back. Now to see this beautiful shop they put together in Encinitas doing so well is amazing. Same lunch specials and same great taste as the original. In my opinion it’s a little bit better due in part to my family enjoying coca cola over pepsi
We venture out sometimes but we always get the same thing. My wife will get the chicken sandwich lunch special with 2 eggrolls and I go for the rare steak and tendon lunch special with one spring roll. Can’t beat this deal anywhere. Ends up being roughly $ 15 for us ($ 20 if you count tip.) You really can’t beat the prices here. The quality and quantity of grub here is out of this world! I love PHOEVER!!!

Ordered Phở #10 Tai Chin (rare steak and well done steak). When served there was no rare steak, it was already cooked. Well done steak was kind of tough/​chewy.
Mediocre/​substandard phở and didn’t really stand up to other phở places I have been to. They didn’t have culantro as a garnish which is something I’m typically used to adding to my phở.

Vietnamese restaurants my favorite restaurants and I have tried at least 50 of them. And all I have to say is this is the best phở is San Diego and you definitely have to try this place. The food is one of the best I’ve had and the service is excellent. They were very nice and served the food in perfect timing. Definitely recommend this place.

After a long drive from Joshua Tree, getting some phở was definitely a good idea!
We were seated right away and our orders were taken on the spot.
Our friend was a vegetarian and glad Phở-​Ever had vegetarian menu especially for phở!
Got the fully cooked phở without tripe and it was so delicious. I also asked for meatballs on it and they gladly included it.
The broth was good and not bland like some phở places I’ve been to.
The service was wonderful: different workers came to our table asking if we need any help.

Best Phở ever, delicious food and very friendly staff. You always feel welcome here :) not to mention chicken wings and spicy shrimp sooo yummy…

I dont understand the coments that say long wait my service was supper fast once my order was placed 5 min later my food was served i ordered 2 spring rolls 2 egroll large phở, lemonade and 3 bean pudding all was delicious

Recently popped in because I was hungry, happened to be passing by and it’s a new place… My random try is going to lead me to be a regular there –the food was delicious! So good I over-​ate haha.
I could tell the guys are new to running a business and they were slightly unorganized, but treated guests well — they’ll get the hang of things, get more smooth and I hope be very successful because the most important part –the meal, was perfect :)
I’ll be back to try more dishes! You should check it out too

Just finished eating lunch here and I’m tempted to call a flat bed truck to haul me away I’m so stuffed! I ordered the fresh spring rolls that I can only describe as about the size of two mini burritos. It came with a generous portion of peanut sauce adorned with sprinkles of chopped peanuts and green onions. Absolutely delicious. Then came my big bowl of Phở beef soup with noodles and a side of soy sprouts. This thing was huge. I ate it all. I just couldn’t stop it was so delicious. Hence me almost calling that flat bed truck to haul me home…
The service was not quick but not terribly slow either considering the place was busy. I sat at the counter. I tried ordering a beer but their license is still pending. Staff was very friendly.

I, too, love this place… The staff, the food, all good. Tonight, however, I ate the phở and then had a pretty severe reaction — thought I might be having a heart attack — my arms went numb!!! Luckily my friend knew to call the restaurant and ask about MSG… I’m so sad!!! It comes in the pre made (powder) broth. Glad that they admitted it, otherwise I would have gone to the ER. After about 20 minutes I was fine.
Dang it! I don’t want to hurt business, but it’s 2016– come on guys — we can’t eat this stuff! Good luck Phở Ever — I really hope you can find a way to forego the MSG, but until then… We’re out.

Great place for phở near the beach! Only downfall is that they don’t serve beer yet.

Phở Ever what can I say about your goodness. Came in because I was in the area and have been craving Phở for a while. Walked in and was promptly served I ordered a Large Combo special and have to say they have a great broth. I lived in Little Saigon for a couple years so I know good Phở from the bad and this one is great. It’s very clean inside and the restrooms are also well kept. They have a TV going with mostly sports on and music playing the background very nice atmosphere. Two thumbs up from me I know they have another location in Vista that I’d driven by many times but never had a chance to stop. If you find yourself far away from Little Saigon and looking for some great Phở look no further. I didn’t have any other items so can speak for the Phở and the Vietnamese coffee.

How I have only checked in here one time on Unilocal,I don’t know. I guess I’m too excited for my food to check in here the 3 – 4 days a week I pick up a #12 (rare steak phở) and a thai iced tea.
YUM. and YUM! and So many more yums. The spring rolls, the egg rolls, the plates, everything is extra delicious and I am thankful that this delightful gem is a 3 minute drive from my house (if I hit all the red lights).
Aside from the food, EVERY SINGLE PERSON employed here is nice. Phở Ever Wins at everything.

I am so happy that this location opened. Coming from South County area, North County was limited on Phở options (my go to aside from Ramen).
I love the Rare Steak Phở, Spring Rolls, Egg Rolls and the lemonade. I always have such a great experience with these items, I tend not to deviate.
The only down side is that they do get busy and the service suffers as a result. There is not a lot of waiting room when it is busy and it has been cold out. Just be aware. A couple of times the soup has been a little on the colder side and I have had to ask them to warm it up. However, most of the time, it is a terrific experience and I am in there at least once a week.

I ordered Spring rolls, Thai tea, and Vermicelli Noodles with Grilled Pork and egg rolls to-​go today around lunch time (1pm).
When I walked in, it was a full house with people eating and waiting to be seated. I think they should have one or two more employees because I only saw 2 main guys taking orders, cleaning and whatnot. Service seem a bit slow but it’s understandable since they were extremely busy.
Anyways I just finished eating my Vermecrlli noodles and it was fresh, and delicious. My mom had the spring rolls and she said that too was very fresh like it was made on the spot today. The Thai tea is also made fresh, not pre-​made unlike a lot of phở restaurants I’ve been to before. Overall, I loved everything and this is now my go-​to fave vietnamese food spot in Encinitas. I will come back for their phở since a customer was raving (saying a lot of good stuff) about it while I was waiting for my food.

Now this Phở place is rocking! Its newer (6 months now) and has a great vibe, décor and hey, when its so busy you have to wait or try to squeeze in «somewhere» that inofit self tells you something. I have had 4 different Phos — all great tasting and delicious. I plan to expand on the menu as well. I met Tam, the owner and as busy as they were (waiters running around like ants at a picnic), he took a moment to introduce himself and on return trips, makes a point to say hello. A true gentleman who is working very hard to make it work. Any day is a good Phở day. Mix in a little wet lol, or cold weather and you Tu will be plenty and Phở-​Ever happy you tried this place. Good day… :)

Phở ever is right, because your phở will take forever.
Taste– ****
Ambiance– ***
Service– **
Parking– *****
Came here on a Sunday night and the service was sooooooo slow, it took us 45 minutes to get Phở. I have never been to a phở restaurant and waited this long, if I weren’t so hungry and would have got up and walked away. The wait staff are all very young and seemingly inexperienced, seating the wrong customers, breaking things, forgetting to take orders. The lights in the restaurant also went out periodically that night, making the dining experience very interesting. The Phở was good, not the best in town. With the slow service we had to remind the server multiple times of utensils, condiments, missing orders etc. Probably will not be going back.

My love for Phở Ever’s 1^st location in Vista gave me high hopes for this spot as it filled a void of good Vietnamese Phở south of Oceanside down to Shallots in Sorrent (Le Bamou doesn’t count as it’s way too pricey and fusion with no real phở). Lots of people are opposed to coming North or even South to more authentic phở.
Tam did a bang up job working diligently to keep service, food and customer experiences über consistent. There is good reason why it’s never empty and rarely a wait ever. I waited a long time for this to open and came here a half dozen times before I decided to write this.
If you want something done right, sometimes you have to do it yourself. I’m sorry to say this but the staff, work ethic is a disservice to the great name and great food they put out. Service is inconsistent ranging from meh to bad with a good/​excellent sprinkled in. Décor is good, kind of predictable, clean, a little too stark, but ultimately not modern, just new. Prices are comparable and downright cheap compared to Le Bambou.
Com Bo Nuong is a good value, perfect rice, moist meat well marinated, not too much char. I ask for extra fish sauce for dipping to keep it traditional. Bo luc loc has filet mignon and is soft, beefy, but to me not worth the up charge. Fried rice is great seeing that beef is the same price as chicken and shrimp varieties. I like the Shrimp, but perhaps the rice is too light to be filling. Egg rolls are crisp, dense, flavorful. Spring rolls are tight, light and fresh, again ask for fish sauce to add to your peanut dipping sauce as you can barely taste it. Vermicelli is fresh, light and goes better with the bolder pork dishes versus fish, beef and chicken. Beef stew is hearty, but needs extra bread. Cari Ga is great over vermicelli noodles, the rice version is too predictable, but the noodles provide an unexpected surprise. Mi Hoanh Thanh is the gem of the meu, filling, fresh, not too bold, a bit of a secret if you ask me. Bun Bo Hue is a tad heavy on the shrimp paste, but I love the blood cubes and tendon, the broth is probably better for hangovers than people think phở is.
Their phở broth is still one of the best, rich, not thick or oily. The noodles are never bricked. No thumb in bowl syndrome, the steak is still filet mignon. The meatballs could be more herbally bright. They do kids sized for $ 5 which is actually nice for smaller eaters. Large is very filling, Medium is probably good for most people.

I’ve been going to the original one in Vista while they were still at their 100^th or so review (now probably 500?) so I know their food pretty well in terms of quality and consistency. I’d say this location is pretty new and still need a bit more time to adjust. Overall the food was good and they of course still use the filet mignon for their phở which is amazing! At the end of the day, I still prefer the Vista one due to the taste that I’m used to and the location being closer to home.
I remember some servers there who got transferred from the Vista location. They were all friendly and helpful. The restaurant is new so the décor is brand new and modern with a nice tile floor and comfortable booths.
Menu and prices are still the same.
We got the chicken wings, phở with spring rolls and the crispy combination noodles. The chicken wing flavor was amazing with crispy skin and juicy meat, and it’s even better with the deep-​fried scallions as garnish and extra flavor! The wings could be less oily though as you can see the leftover oil on the plate with the last chicken wing there. The phở soup was bomb, still, full of flavor and the filet mignon rare steak was so tender. The soup was not hot enough for me though and it took a bit longer than usual for the steak to cook because of that. The spring roll skin was fresh and chewy, but the rice noodles inside started to taste a bit dry. Overall it’s still a decent spring roll with the peanut sauce, but I wouldn’t say it’s amazing. Crispy combination noodles were very crispy and flavorful but a bit on the salty side. It’s still good though!
Overall, it’s still a better phở restaurant than many phở places around, especially in North County. But my honest opinion would be, for now, the Vista location still tastes better!

I keep wishing this place was better, but they seem to disappoint everything time. After giving them a few opportunities, I think it’s best to call it quits.
Today I decided to give them another shot tried their lemon pepper wings since they had good reviews on Unilocal.
I called to order to go and someone finally picked up after having the phone ring about five times or more, but then I was asked to be put on hold. They didn’t put me on hold properly, so I could hear them in the back talking about having to cancel an order. A minute or so later, I’m picked back up and I place my order. I’m informed to give them 20−25min since «this will take a while».
I arrive and pick up my order 25min later ($ 8.95 plus tax, came out to under $ 10). The customer service seemed lacking, so I was glad I took my order to go.
The wings were cooked decently, but they were sitting in a pool of their own oil. The lemon pepper sauce came on the side in a container that for some reason was placed upside down in my bag so it was leaking out. I did think the fried slivers of green onion on top was a nice touch though.
Overall, I think the wings would be okay if the presentation was better, but dealing with wings that have just been sitting in their own fry oil isn’t acceptable. 20+ minutes is more than enough time to fry the wings and let the excess oil come off before boxing them. I believe it’s time to stop giving this establishment money for mediocre dishes, which is a shame to say since I liked having a nearby Asian restaurant that I could go to while at work.

So I’m sitting here waiting for a menu, or a drink, or even a second acknowledgement that I’m here, other than the «take any open seat» I got when I first walked in about 14 minutes ago. And after trying to ESP one of 5 staff members over and not succeeding, out of boredom I decided to start a review WHILE I’m actually here. A LIVE review! Or as my friends down south say, EN VIVO! Food Survivorman style… So here goes…
When I first walked in, there were 2 other tables. At this point 3 other tables of indigenous Encini-​tites have come in after me and have been greeted, given menus and have successfully located a source of water. It is minute 16 and my ESP is clearly not working. Will have to discuss this with my support staff after this expedition is complete. I have heard word from locals that there has been a severe shortage of rainwater and water supplies are low. My chances of locating a fresh glass of ice cold water are diminishing by the minute and things are starting to look grim.
After having a nice chitchat session with the attractive young lady waitress, a young man has finally come over and asked if I had been helped yet to which I just shook my head and gave him a look of :/​. But I finally received a menu and I can now decide on wh…
«Ready to order?» Another staff member asks.
«Not yet,» I reply as I had just received the menu 3.4 seconds prior and have yet to see what the offerings of this feeding establishment were.
The menu seems standard. Phở, rice dishes, banh mi. The local Encini-​tites have been in great need of a Phở restaurant, as prior to this place there were none. I had heard stories of the locals trekking beyond the hills to Vista, San Marcos and even Mira Mesa in search of phở. But now they have found a phở source within their coastal suburban jungle. I am happy for these Encini-​tites.
I decided to try a #5 Phở tai nam gau. Rare steak, well done flank and brisket. The consumption of raw meat is sometimes a dangerous move, and especially in a coastal suburban jungle such as this, poorly prepared raw food can leave you with a really bad tunmy ache. But this is Food Survivorman. And I’m famished and can’t wait for meat to be cooked. I also ordered a chicken banh mi togo for my support staff to eat later.
The phở has finally arrived. It smells much like the phở of other suburban jungles I have ventured to before. But I do not see raw meat. I am too famished and it is now minute 26 and I haven’t the energy to raise concerns. The ice water has also come. It is icy. And watery. I may shed tears from joy, but i have fears of making my newly found ice water salty. This would cause dehydration and the need for more ice water.
A side dish of the usual sprouts and mint and jalapenos has found its way to the table. I see over at the end of the table there is sriracha and hoisin sauce. I pour a small amount of sriracha on the plate and attempt to do the same with the hoisin. None comes out. Is it empty? No. The bottle feels full. The cap has dried out and a crusted layer of hoisin sauce is stopping the river of hoisin sauce from flowing through. Was not aware that Encinitas had dam-​building beavers stopping rivers of sauces from flowing. I squeeze harder. Nothing. I am wearing the local apparel of a white tshirt and fear getting my shirt stained. With my renewed strength I pull off the cap and pour out hoisin sauce. A small victory. But a morale booster nonetheless.
I may finally begin eating my phở. With hidden excitement, I dig in.
It is passable as phở. Having spent many years living near the original Little Saigon of Westminster, I find myself often disappointed by phở restaurants in other suburban jungles. This one is ok. Not the best, but not the worst.
But their organization and service needs work. I have now received the bill and pull out the local currency of dollar bills. I leave a few extra as gratuity as is general courtesy in these parts. I wish I could leave more as I generally leave an excess of currency. But the service was lackluster and I leave the minimum required amount of 18% as not to be labeled a cheapskate by the locals.
I see my support crew coming to get me now. Well… Actually I just got up and left and walked to me car. May or may not come back… phở-​ever

Wazzzzzup?! Phở-​Ever opened its new location this summer on Encinitas Blvd & El Camino?!
All I gotta say about it is…
Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa­aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa­aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa­aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa­aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa­aaaaaaaaay!!!
LOVE their original location in Vista. So much so in fact that I was eating there twice a week. Alas, then my work commute became hella difficult (curse you United Airlines for discontinuing flights out of the Carlsbad airport) and I found myself continuously stuck on I-​5 traffic to and from the San Diego airport and I couldn’t make it back to North SD in time to eat at my favorite Vietnamese place before they closed each evening, SIGH.
So, when I saw the signs earlier this year that Phở-​Ever was opening a location closer to my house, well my taste buds started salivating and drool began dripping from my chin each time I drove by waiting for them to, open, open, open, (are you open yet?), open, waiting still, open…
And, then, BAM, they opened for biz, and the Soup and Spring Rolls Gods granted my prayers!
As far as quality, Phở-​Ever has got it DOWN! Why? Because when it comes to making a decent Phở broth, «Patience is a virtue, especially when tested.» It’s obvious they put loving time, care, and refinement into their beef (we’re talking filet mignon), chicken, seafood, and vegetarian broths. They are SO DELICIOUS! They also use the best quality meats, vegetables, and noodles. Their Large #1 Combination Phở is perfection personified because it’s tasty, not overly salty, full of fresh ingredients, and packed with flavor. As for their Spring Rolls, well, they really are THAT good. Whether it’s the Shrimp & Pork, Grilled Pork, BBQ Chicken or Beef, or Vegetarian rolls, each one is delightfully crunchy, savory, and not overly chewy.
So, what else to try here at Phở-​Ever that you won’t find in other nearby Asian eateries?
1. Lettuce Wraps– So Yummerific! Perfect for a light meal or shared appetizer. The fried shallots really add a brilliant dimension to this dish.
2. Mi Quang– My FAVORITE! You don’t see this dish on my Phở menus. It’s basically a combination of ingredients (shrimp, pork, vegetables) over egg noodles and rice crackers. You pour the broth over it prior to eating, stir and ENJOY! It’s not really a soup and not really a noodle dish, but something in between!
3. Banh Mi Bo Kho– Spicy simmered Beef Soup. If you like something deliciously caliente, well, this dish will warm you up from the inside out!
4. Bun Rue– Tomato, Chicken, & Crab Soup, with their own homemade Shrimp Cakes! Need I say more?!
What’s also cool is that you can eat really clean and cheap here. Their Vegetarian options are plentiful and varied. This weekend I’m in training so I opted for the Large Vegetarian Phở with Steamed Tofu, Vegetarian Springs Rolls, and a Vegetarian Sandwich (that I could pack for lunch tomorrow), all for about $ 20! Yay!
On a parting note, last weekend when we ate here, the owner came up to our table and warmly greeted us. He actually remembered me from all the times I ate at his Vista location! Nothing like building and growing your Foodie relationships, eh?!

I have been wanting to check out the location in Encinitas. I have been making trips to the location in Vista and it’s nice to now have them walking distance from my home.
I had a great experience. I stopped in for lunch with my brother and sister-​in-​law. We were able to get a seat right away although the restaurant was close to full at lunch hour. The staff was excellent promptly getting drink orders, delivering food and seeing we had everything we needed. I felt well cared for and enjoyed the sincere smiles.
I think the food here was slightly better than I have had in Vista. I got the Bun vermicelli bowl with barbecue pork and eggroll. It was delicious with lots of flavor and contrast. The greens were leafier than I have had at other restaurants which I really liked.
They now stand as my favorite Vietnamese restaurant in Encinitas and I will be back soon.

The food is excellent here and well above average for Phở.
I have eaten at their other location in Vista on Melrose for some time but this location is closer to me since I’m living West of El Camino Real now.
Only downside was that the service was way off. Waitress was def’ not on her A-​game. Food was slow to come out, she was forgetful for a few things we asked for. Outside of this, it would have been a 5-​star experience.
I will absolutely dine here again but ask for a different server than the one we had. Great food. Great prices. Nice location.
Some of the best Phở around!