I meant to leave a review after the first time we came to An Noodles, but life has a way of being complicated at times.
This review encompasses both visits so far.
My wife was scrolling through some videos and came across one highlighting this pho restaurant in La Mirada. It was only a hop and skip away, so we figured, why not? Let's check it out someday! Not Tuesdays though, closed on Tuesdays. Found out the hard way.
On a Friday evening, we decided to stop by about 7ish. It wasn't too busy at all. Located smack dab in the middle of a small plaza, there's plenty of parking. Every time we've passed by, it looks empty...as it did that day. The thing is, there is constant foot traffic. A lot of people were taking their orders to go! I've usually seen it the other way around, people eat in, they don't take the stuff to go. Must be that good.
There's a menu outside and I believe also plastered on the door, and then on the self serve ordering kiosk, and also on the t.v. screens on the wall. Then they have paper ones too. Leave a review for a bonus!!!
This may or may not be a promotional offering, but they offer free iced jasmine tea, one can of soda - I think only one, and pho noodle refills. I mean....I obviously didn't hear when I was told this before we went, so this was an Oooooooh Snap!!! moment.
The inside is spacious enough, with plenty of tables. You won't be bumping elbows, but you won't be yelling all the way across the block either. They have restrooms in the rear, and plenty of seating while waiting for your to-go orders.
The menu throws you off a bit with the headers for each section. I've never seen dish styles or types referred to as "formats." Reminds me of a certain movie scene.... "It's Strange." "Maybe, but who am I to judge?"
The Combination Pho and the House Special Pho are the same thing, and is well worth your money. If it still leaves you hungry, noodle refills are free. The broth in the pho was pretty tasty! We didn't feel the need to add any hoisin or sriracha.....that's when you know it's good! We knew we were going to come back.
We also ordered the spring rolls and at the recommendation of the employees, the Crispy Pork Belly Banh Mi. Their spring rolls are open ended, definitely not the norm, but this did not detract from the experience or flavor itself. The dipping sauce was that hoisin-type thick sauce, not nuoc mam. The Crispy Pork Belly though....could have been a little better. While the taste was good, it felt a little cold and chewy.
Checkout was fast and we were on the go! The entire time we were there, groups of people came and left and there was a good wait by the time we left at 8.
We tried to come back a week later on a Tuesday. Luckily no one was around to see the door pull.
A month after that first visit, and we come back....and yes they're open, woo hoo!!! Today, we ordered the same noodles and spring rolls....and yes...just as good!!!! Consistent!!!
We did decide to try the popcorn chicken.....good taste...but the portion size we got doesn't scream "I'm worth $8!!!!!" It wouldn't hurt to throw another breast/thigh piece in. Next time, we'll be back to try another dish!!! read more