Pho Bowl Dallas is part of Freddie Awards to New Orleans Binge Weekend Trip Report which covers:
After a mini pub crawl where I revisited my favorites from last time I was in Dallas (see Dallas, Texas: Food & Drink Party Guide), I was ready for a snack and a nap. I thought I recalled that there was a pho restaurant in the vicinity. Taking a left and another left out of Deep Ellum Brewery, my elephant memory was proven correct as I came across Pho Bowl.
Last time, it was closed. This time I would find out if that was destiny or just a restaurant that keeps typical business hours. Walking in, I was a bit skeptical. The place was very big, giving it the feel of an after hours fast food joint versus an intimate mom and pop pho experience.
Per custom, I ordered shrimp summer rolls and a bowl of pho tai.
Fat Summer Rolls
Deep Ellum is the land of spray paint and rebellion. The same is true of the summer rolls that came out as fat as egg rolls. The shrimp was not cut in half and the carrots were more, “what’s up doc” than cut thinly liked Cobb salad. The flavor was spot on as was the peanut sauce. Consistent with the rebel cause was the hot dog paper plate on which they were served.
Pho
I’ve been around the world and have had good summer rolls only to be disappointed by the main event (see Pho Saigon NYC: Only for the Spring Rolls). This place would not be a repetition of those experiences. That doesn’t mean it was perfect. Here’s what I found:
Spoon
Much like the summer roll plate, the plastic spoon was a nice touch.
Beef
Thinly cut and in adequate supply. Very nice.
Noodles
Nice and not bland. I would have like more.
Jalapeños
Fresh and crisp. Just the right spice.
Broth
This is what it’s all about. If the broth don’t fit, pho ain’t worth it. The broth was pretty good. My only complaint was a higher consistency of oil.
Music
To top it off, it was smooth hits from the quiet storm.
Overall
As you know, if the bowl is done, TPOL had his fun. Without Cochran rhymes, I will recommend Pho Bowl, especially when happy hour turns into hungry hour.
TPOL’s TIP: Pho Bowl is located at 2807 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226
Pho Bowl, huh? A groan worthy pun, but I have to give you continuing props for creativity on the whole pho thing.
Lol wait, were they trying to pun? I missed that
Well, the whole bowl as a football event thing, as well as the name similarity to the Pro Bowl. It makes it sound like some huge battle of the contenders. “The Delta Airlines We Hate Competition Bowl 2019”, or some such. I like it, anyway.
haha i think you’re reading too much into it.