An order of the beef ball pho with garnishes on the side
Hands down, Lemongrass Vietnamese Restaurant has to have THE best pho in town. Let me tell you, I’m a huge fan of pho. I’ve searched all throughout LA and have been to many different pho restaurants and Lemongrass has to be my number one pick for best pho in town. The catch, however, is that Lemongrass is in Eagle Rock (and is around the corner from Occidental College, my beloved alma mater) so yes, you’ll have to drive out across town for the best pho you’ll have in LA. However, the pho, along with the quick service and low prices, are good enough to drive any pho lover to Lemongrass.
I’ve been to Lemongrass routinely throughout the past year, and I’ve never had a bad experience at the restaurant. It’s always very clean and family friendly – I’ve never seen it so packed that I had to wait – in fact, I’ve always found immediate seating every time I’ve gone. There is a small counter seating section as well as table seating; the décor is simple, yet elegant. The service – or should I say lack thereof, is probably one of the negative aspects of this restaurant. The servers aren’t rude per say – but they literally just take your order and bring your food to the table – and that’s it. There’s no small talk, no making sure if everything is okay. The food, however, comes out quickly so I guess there isn’t much need for the servers past getting my food.
The menu is reasonably priced – everything, from the appetizers to the main dishes range around $7 - $9. Lemongrass offers an array of appetizers as well as vegetarian dishes. They offer pho, which is a Vietnamese noodle soup – with your choice of rare steak, beef balls, chicken or shrimp. Lemongrass also offers vermicelli, which are Vietnamese buns as well as Vietnamese-style sandwiches.
My favorite items to order are the beef ball pho and the spring rolls. The pho is amazing – the flavors of the dish really bring out the ingredients and even the aroma of the pho can get your mouth salivating. I’m not sure what it is – but compared to other pho restaurants, Lemongrass’ broth really brings out the dish and you can really taste the different flavors with each bite. The portions are large and you can be guaranteed a warm and full stomach when you leave. The spring rolls are also a good size – Lemongrass gives you 3 large spring rolls cut in half. The spring rolls are wrapped in rice paper and contain cilantro and shrimp; dipped in the peanut butter sauce the spring rolls are delectable as they are tasteful.
For a great bowl of pho, I’d journey over to Lemongrass, where the tables are clean and the pho is to die for. Everyone I’ve ever taken to Lemongrass agrees that it’s probably the best pho in town – from the broth to the size of the bowl to the aroma of the fumes – I’ve always had a great time at Lemongrass. Stop in for their lunch specials or a warm and quick dinner and then come back and tell me if it’s the best pho you’ve tasted.
Final Thoughts:
Overall: I’ve already mentioned it, but hands down my choice for best pho in town.
Atmosphere: clean and family friendly – I’ve never had to wait for a table
“mmmmm” factor (out of 5 m’s): mmmm
Hours: Mon - Thurs: 11am - 9pm
Fri - Sun: 11am - 10pm
Comments
Precisely which town is it that Lemongrass has the best pho of? Because if it's L.A. proper, it doesn't rank in the top ten, and if you count OC and the SGV, it doesn't crack the top 100. Lemongrass is a pleasant neighborhood restaurant, an inexpensive place to go on a Tuesday night when you don't feel like driving a few miles to its betters. Please don't raise expectations.
Dear condiment, thank you for your comment. I appreciate your opinions, but I believe the flavors of Lemongrass along with its inexpensive prices make it one of the best phos in LA (Eagle Rock is considered a part of LA). The flavors are undeniable and anyone I've ever taken here agrees it's a hearty and flavorful bowl. From your opinion it seems that Lemongrass was not the place for you - what pho restaurant would you recommend?
i would recommend pho so 1 next to the 99 ranch market in sepulveda. that's a legit place to go. the site i went to look at.... where are the asians? and those prices in general is ridiculously pricey for a bowl of pho or anything they might sell there like banh mi
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