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    Bacogai

    4.4 (390 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 9:00 PM

    Bacogai Reservations

    Order Bacogai Takeout or Delivery

    Bacogai Photos

    Business Info

    BACOGAI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Trendy
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Bacogai

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    Reviews With Photos

    Oxtail hot pot with adds ins
    Benny C.

    Super solid for Vietnamese inspired hot pot. I got the oxtail broth base and it left me breathless. It was filled with a ton of beefy flavor and sweet. I wish I could have that broth everyday! It comes with assorted vegetables such as mushrooms, pumpkin, and noodles. There were also a good amount of oxtails if I do say so myself. I tried my girlfriend's pork bone broth and that also had a ton of savory umami as well. It was borderline addicting! The noodles soaked up all the broth and flavors to the point where they were like sponges. Every strand of noodle was bursting with complete deliciousness. They were individual DIY style hot pots so you can order extra add ons as well. It reminded me of Tasty Pot or boiling point but more of a deconstructed version. Excellent place if you wanted to try Vietnamese hot pot!

    Mama Rose's Dungeness Crab Cha Gio
    Cynthia C.

    Best wings: fried I think without any batter, super crisp skin, juicy meat and flavorful sauce. Extra points for the fried garlic bits and sometimes they will have some herby like basil or cilantro - wish they would be more consistent with that. Haven't dined in yet, all DD orders. Enjoyed what I have gotten here so far. Smaller portions but they spend a lot of time with the food here, not greasy, some meats from Spain and Australia.

    Selina G.

    Great spot with a calm, quiet atmosphere and aesthetically designed interiors. The area around is also great for walking around after, to fight the food coma. The food was excellent across the board and hit exactly what I was craving, especially the lemongrass pork bánh hỏi. The green thai tea was perfectly balanced and not overly sweet. On top of that, the staff was very attentive and made the whole experience even better. Highly recommend!

    Inside of restaurant
    Jacqueline T.

    Recently revisited Bacogai for lunch. The last time we were here, we really enjoyed the hot pot, but this time we decided to try something different on their menu. We started off with a Vietnamese iced coffee ($6). The coffee was strong (just the way I like it) and slightly sweetened with condensed milk. We ordered the beef luc lac (shaking beef) banh hoi platter ($28), which is served along with lettuce, herbs, and nuoc cham. This seems to be a popular dish among those that frequent here. The beef was delicious and surprisingly super tender! Second dish we tried was the braised salmon clay pot ($23) that's served with rice. Salmon was cooked perfectly and the sauce was delicious. Definitely spoon some of the sauce over your rice! Portion-wise, I did wish there was more from both taking in consideration of the price. Total price came out to about over $60 before tips.

    Pandan waffle
    Camila Y.

    The hotpot was really good. The soup was flavorful and they give you plenty of vegetables and side dishes to cook yourself. The claypot with pork shoulder and egg was okay, but the pork was too dry, probably overcooked. The wings were delicious and give big pieces. Unfortunate the dessert portion was lacking. Pandan waffles came out cold, which was a bit disappointing. Also the espresso in the affogato was not hot or warm, so it was like just drinking coffee and eating ice cream separately instead of an affogato dessert. Overall, the hotpot and wings are the highlights, and I would definitely come back to try other dishes.

    Food
    Maria F.

    Amazing service, our server was very attentive and the food was delicious. It was my first time here and I enjoyed it so much!!

    Wei Y.

    Food 5/5 I ordered the Salmon Claypot and Small Hot Pot -- both were excellent. The salmon was well-seasoned, though the portion was surprisingly small. For the hot pot, the soup was very flavorful and delicious, quite different from other restaurants. Service 2/5 To be precise, I should say the restaurant's management was the real issue. There were only two waitresses, and they had to welcome customers, clean the tables, deliver dishes, and help customers check out. The restaurant wasn't even full when we arrived, yet we still waited at least 15 minutes just to get seated because the waitress too busy to clean tables. The wait time for the dishes was also unbelievably long. Checking out took even longer. It was clear the restaurant was extremely short-staffed, which seemed like a major management problem. Overall, the dining experience was disappointing, even though the food was good.

    Karen N.

    LOCATION: Blanding/Fruitvale PARKING: Lots WHAT WE ORDERED: * Bo Luc Lac Garlic Noodles ($22) - My least favorite dish of the three, but it was not bad! I wish it had more garlic. The bo luc lac was a little overcooked and tough for my liking. * Bo La Lot Banh Hoi ($27) - The nuoc cham that came with it was pretty light. I usually like to drench my food with nuoc cham, so I had to add a lot. The bo la lot was unexpectedly pretty yum! I love banh hoi so I'm glad I got to try it here. * Oxtail Lau ($28) - Light and tasty broth with a platter of fresh vegetables. It comes with ramen noodles, but you can sub it out with vermicelli. Pretty decent (but pricey) Vietnamese food in the East Bay. Bacogai has both a traditional and modern blend. I'm glad I got to finally try it, but I don't think I'll return regularly because I'm not used to such high prices at a Vietnamese restaurant. I'd recommend this to anyone who wants to try more homey and cozy Viet food!

    The fixings for our Lau Oxtail
    Patty P.

    Went to Bacogai on a Monday for my partner's birthday and it was a relaxed vibe. We had a reservation, and was seated quickly and had dedicated, supportive, helpful service the whole time. It was our first time trying hot pot and our server gave us a ton of information, recommendations, along with some suggestions on additional food to pair with the hotpot. We got the duck salad, which was savory, full of citrus, chunky due to the large shrimp chips, and was amazingly delicious. We also a salmon bowl, which I guess I didn't get a photo of but the salmon was so tender, rich, and memorable. Finally the hot pot, full of oxtail, large pieces, great tofu, mushrooms, and we followed the recs of when to put in certain items, was recommended to get extra broth if needed, and also if the burner goes out they can re-light it. Because it was my partner's birthday he did get a little treat, which was lovely. We will be back to try more food! Loved what we had and excited to try more.

    Ice cream and fried banana (wish it was bigger)
    Nikki M.

    Plenty of parking in this shopping center, not too busy either. This was a wonderful new spot that caught my attention for Alameda Restaurant week. When we asked staff how large the special was (whether it feeds 2 people or if it was single serving) they weren't able to answer the question well enough. We opted to order a la carte instead which was shareable among 4 people. We had to order 2 servings if the chicken wings because it only came with 4, but the rest was plate fulls. Deliciously seasoned, you can taste the ginger, fish sauce, and other umami elements. The salad was tangy and refreshing while the salmon was sweet and comforting. Will be returning!

    Hotpot
    Michelle L.

    What a surprise! Want hotpot on that day but didn't want crazy amount Chinese style or the Shabuya buffet type. Found this one because saw the review has the one person hotpot. The one person hotpot was exactly what I want and I added an additional Australian wagyu beef which was very tender. Just enough amount of the food and all the vegetables were very fresh. My son ordered the duck salad and the clay pot pork belly. Duck salad was a very refreshing taste. Lime sauce over the braised duck, it cane with shrimp crackers. Pot belly was very tender and plenty of sauce. Perfect to eat with steam rice Only one server but she was very friendly and handled the whole place very well. Clean environment with beautiful green walls which were very nice to use as the picture background . Will be back to try their other dishes.

    Tiffany M.

    Very delicious lunch. I ordered the mushroom and tofu clay pot. It came with a side of jasmine rice. I also had the vegetarian spring roll. The clay pot had the best tofu I've ever had. I mean marinated in some richness that complimented the mushrooms. The best. The only downfall to this establishment is service is a little slow and it's kind of dry in there although it's decorated pretty modern. Thank clay pot is a go to for sure.

    Garlic Shrimp Noods
    David C.

    First time picking up Bacogai to go, but won't be the last! We ordered a few items to share, and everything traveled really well for takeout. Got home 30 min later and still fresh, vibrant, flavorful, and didn't lose its luster on the drive. Shrimp Garlic Noodles: Chewy, garlicky, and 6 big plump shrimp. Flavorful but not overpowering. Definitely a staple dish when ordering for a group. Veggie Udon Hot Pot Kit: Broth packed separate so nothing gets soggy. Fresh veggies, fish balls, and noodles ready to build at home. You can definitely get 2 full meals from this dish. Shaking Beef Vermicelli Rolls: For me, this is a gold medal dish! Fun little noodle bundles and sliced beef organized perfectly for wrapping & dipping. Even when the beef is gone, I'm dipping all the scraps - no waste! Crispy Tofu Salad - Crunchy tofu over a fresh slaw with tangy dressing. Huge portion and saves well for a few days. Everything traveled perfectly, portions were big, and the flavors hit. Feels like restaurant dining, just in your kitchen. Big time stamp of approval!

    Banh Hoi and Wagyu

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    Love the Tom yum soup and shaking beef. Solid place with delicious food and great service. Definitely a local favorite.

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    Page 4 of 10

    Ask the Community - Bacogai

    Is there option for AYCE during lunch or dinner?

    No. This is not a AYCE hot pot place.

    In your banh hoi with lemongrass + mushroom should I as for no fish sauce to make vegan?

    Yes. Fish sauce on the side so you could ask them to just not provide it.

    What are your hours? We showed up today (Sunday) at 11:30 am. No one was there and lights were off. I tried calling your listed phone # around 11:45 am....no answer. So we left.

    Does the MAMA ROSE'S CRAB CHA GIO vegetarian vegan (no fish sauce, oyster sauce, and dairy free)?

    Yes, they have vegetarian version for Mama Rose's Cha Gio. Make sure to mention it with your server when ordering.

    Does the ramen noodles contain egg?

    Yes! It contains egg.

    What vegan options you have?

    They have mushrooms hotpot as vegan and Mama Rose's Egg rolls as vegetarian options Both are very well made and yummy.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Monkey King Pub & Grub

    Monkey King Pub & Grub

    3.5
    (1.5k reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    More of a fast food dine in or takeout and enjoy at the brewery next door spot. It feels like an…read moreindoor outdoor space and has an airy brewery vibe to it. Their specialty are wings but they have other dishes as well. We ordered the mango habanero wings (more sweet than spicy) with a side of tater tots. The tots came in a generous portion. Staff are friendly and kind. They gave big portions of gelato to kids who ordered.

    Monkey King used to be one of my absolute favorite spots. We would literally drive from Vallejo to…read moreAlameda just to eat there. Unfortunately, after my recent visit, I can honestly say it is not the same restaurant I fell in love with years ago. From the moment we walked in, everything felt cold. The atmosphere was cold, the service was cold, and the overall vibe was completely unwelcoming. Then came the food, which was the biggest disappointment of all. The dishes we ordered tasted nothing like the recipes I remember. I honestly found myself wondering if there are new owners because there is no way this is the same Monkey King from years ago. What made it even worse is that I chose this restaurant to celebrate my son's graduation. We waited around all day for them to open at 5 PM because I was excited to share a place that used to be one of my favorites. Instead, we left severely disappointed. Sadly, this visit was enough for me. I will never spend another dollar here, and that's something I never thought I would say about a restaurant I once loved so much. 1/5 Stars. What was once worth the drive is now a place I'll never return to. They also need to work on bringing all of your food to the table at once because in a very cold restaurant bringing out one dish at a time and it taking 20 minutes to bring out all of our food. Our food was cold by the time everything hit the table never again ever in life. Will I do this?

    Photos
    Baked mussel
    Baked mussel
    (L-R) disco fries, Korean wings, garlic noodles
    (L-R) disco fries, Korean wings, garlic noodles
    Garlic shrimp noodles

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    Garlic shrimp noodles
    Marugame Udon

    Marugame Udon

    4.1
    (191 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Vegan friendly

    Marugame Udon is such an easy, fast, and satisfying meal any time of day…read more There are so many options to choose from, but I always stick with my go-to: bukkake udon--simple noodles with soup, and it never disappoints. I love that you can now scoop as much tempura flakes and green onions as you want, which makes it even better. The tempura selection is huge, so you really can't go wrong no matter what you pick. Big fan of the self-serve tempura sauce and ginger too--it's nice being able to customize everything exactly how you like it. They've got plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors, which makes it convenient whether you're dining in or just grabbing a quick bite. Quick, customizable, and consistently good--definitely a solid go-to spot!

    3 and a half stars I had a very pleasant experience stopping…read moreby here for a bite! The space itself is bright, clean, and has a great atmosphere. I ordered the Cheese Katsu Tomatama Curry, and it was delicious. I absolutely love the heavy ceramic bowls they use--it really elevates the meal and keeps everything warm. Another huge plus is the self-serve station where you can get unlimited free green onions and tempura flakes to customize your bowl. My only real critique is the setup there: everyone has to use the same community utensil/tongs to grab the green onions, which feels a bit unsanitary. A different dispensing setup would be a great upgrade. As for the customer service, it is what it is, but it was really cool to watch the chef working through the steam, freshly making the noodles right in front of you.

    Photos
    Marugame Udon
    Marugame Udon
    Marugame Udon

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    Mekong Kitchen

    Mekong Kitchen

    4.3
    (85 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    This is a neighborhood Thai restaurant located right by the Marketplace on Park street. We came…read morejust as they opened and we had the place to ourselves for about 1/2 an hour. The decor gives a tropical vibe with lots of greenery and bistro lights. The food, which was amazing, came out quickly for the first 1/2 hour. Then as the place filled up, it took a while to get our dessert. So, if you're in a hurry, I suggest coming early. What we got: + Kids chicken wings - these are crispy wings and drums that have no sauce. The kids ate these up! + Angel wings - more chicken wings, but these are coated in chili sauce. + Curry puffs - these are fried pastry filled with curry potatoes. Kinda like a blend of samosa + empanada. + Phad ke Mao - flat noodles with veggies, chili sauce and basil. Optionally add protein. This was very delicious and one of my favorite dishes. + Broccoli stir-fry - you can optionally add protein. This was your typical broccoli beef (or other protein). + Yellow Curry (with chicken) - again protein is optional. This was really good. The curry was very flavorful with chunks of potatoes and sliced carrots. + Fried bananas and ice cream - the banana is deep fried with a light crispy coating. Was a nice way to end the meal. We enjoyed everything here, and best of all, the kids did too. A really nice family restaurant in a convenient location.

    I feel so bad because this experience would've been better had this restaurant staffed better. One…read moreperson working with multiple parties coming in. By time we sat down there was multiple big parties waiting. I ordered angel wings and the birds nest combo. My friend ordered pork belly stir fry. All the food that did come was good and flavorful. Unfortunately my birds nest never arrived even after I was told it was being cooked. The help finally arrived but by time that happened we were ready to leave. Tik Tok made this place popular. STAFF ACCORDINGLY!!!

    Photos
    Nice decor
    Nice decor
    Curry Puff
    Curry Puff
    Crab Rangoon

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    Crab Rangoon
    Understory

    Understory

    4.6
    (168 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    This review is for the popup team at this week's Queer Crush event at Alta Vina: we really enjoyed…read moreyour wonderful food, and your positive energy! We had the fried oyster mushrooms (twice, we came back for more!) and the Kapampangam paella, these were so delicious, and the presentation was wonderful -they looked beautiful even in pop-up format. And we lived meeting the folks at the popup, who took the time to tell us about Understory's mission - it reminded me I'd been in back when the restaurant was in Old Oakland, and I now can look forward to visiting your current location!

    This place ticks so many boxes for me, including a few that I didn't know I needed; delish food and…read moreFILIPINO food at that--tasty and with a unique fusion twist to some of the dishes that does not take away from their Pin@y roots but just enhances them, super friendly staff, QTPOC-centered, welcoming, clean, spacious, good music, close to my house and worker owned on top of all that!? I mean come on. Plus it's a vibrant hub for so much good community activity and activism that I just feel good spending my money here. It's not cheap but the portions are generous and the food is clearly made and served with so much love. Understory is an example of what the world could look like if we prioritized people and community care over big corporations and profit over all. Thank you Understory for showing us how beautiful this world can be!

    Photos
    Bar area and front door
    Bar area and front door
    Ube Waffles
    Ube Waffles
    Tocilog

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    Tocilog
    Burma Superstar

    Burma Superstar

    4.1
    (2.5k reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    The outdoor seating area and the mango salad are my favorites here....they really make the…read moreexperience stand out. I've visited twice now, and both times have been consistently pleasant. The service is fast and friendly, and the prices are very affordable. The only thing to keep in mind is parking, which can be a bit tricky depending on the time of day. Overall, definitely a spot I'd come back to! If you prefer to sit inside, that's always an option, but if the weather is nice and sunny, I highly recommend sitting outside for some fresh air. It really adds to the experience.

    Came here with my family for a recent graduation and the food did not disappoint. We started with…read morethe Platha & Dip, which came out hot and flaky with a rich curry dip that I could honestly have eaten on its own. The Burmese Samusas were crisp and golden, perfect with the sweet chili sauce on the side. But the standout for me was the Lotus Root Chips. They were light, crunchy, and came with a creamy dip that kept me reaching for more. Everything was fresh and full of flavor, and you can tell they put real care into each dish. The service was excellent too. Our server was friendly, attentive, and made great recommendations without ever rushing us. It really added to the whole experience. A couple of small things to note. The space is a little cramped, so it can feel tight when it is busy. And the price is on the higher side, so just go in knowing that. Those are the only reasons I am holding back from five stars. Would I come back? Absolutely. Just maybe for a special occasion when I am ready to treat myself. Highly recommend if you want something a little different and packed with flavor.

    Photos
    Statue
    Statue
    Garlic Noodles
    Garlic Noodles
    3/12/25 Exterior, outdoor seating.

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    3/12/25 Exterior, outdoor seating.
    Dragon Rouge Bistro Alameda

    Dragon Rouge Bistro Alameda

    3.7
    (1.2k reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    (4/5) Our surgery…read morecrew decided to invade Dragon Rouge in Alameda for a group dinner, and it turned into one of those meals where the food and the atmosphere both get their moment in the spotlight. We started with two plates of calamari for the table. They were fine--crispy enough, not bad at all--but nothing that made the table fall silent in amazement. Solid appetizer, just not the headliner. The real star of the night? The steak-wrapped mango. We ordered two plates and honestly could've ordered a third. Something about that sweet mango paired with savory steak just works. It's that sweet-meets-umami combo that makes you pause mid-bite and think, "Okay... that's actually really good." For my entrées I went a little wild and ordered both the steak clay pot and the salmon clay pot. I ate the steak there and took the salmon home for later. The steak clay pot was excellent--rich flavors, comforting, and exactly the kind of dish you want when you're sitting down with a big group and taking your time. The salmon clay pot, though, was just okay when I had it later. Maybe it's one of those dishes that really shines fresh out of the kitchen. Also, the portion felt a little small for the $20-ish price range. Where Dragon Rouge really pulls ahead is the setting. The views of the bay are great--you can see the bridge leading into Alameda, and it's apparently one that lifts for boats coming through. I didn't catch it opening while we were there, but even just watching the water and the lights around the bay added a cool vibe to the night. Another big plus: they were super accommodating for groups. We had a work dinner from surgery and they even let us bring in two cakes, which was really nice of them and made the whole night feel relaxed and celebratory. If I'm judging strictly on food, it's probably around a 3 out of 5. But add in the views, the group-friendly vibe, and the overall experience, and it easily climbs to a 4 out of 5. Great spot for big parties, work dinners, or just a relaxed night with a view of the bay. I'd definitely go back.

    Came here for a friend's birthday party. They have a nice outdoor patio which overlooks the river…read morebut the view isn't that great (yet). I wish they had some heat lamps as it can get cool at night. The staff were friendly and the decor was nice. The food was decidable mid for NorCal. Might be more what if have expected in the Midwest. The spices weren't that complex and recipes somewhat plain. With some better recipes and more attention paid to the food, this place could kick.

    Photos
    Buffet service
    Buffet service
    Nine Dragon Mekong Platter
    Nine Dragon Mekong Platter
    Crab Rangoon

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    Crab Rangoon
    Sidestreet Pho

    Sidestreet Pho

    3.9
    (1.1k reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$
    Women-owned & operated
    13 years in business

    Came here on a Saturday afternoon and got seating pretty quickly for a group pf three. The…read morerestaurant was fairly full when we went around 12:45pm. - Thai Iced Tea: large and sweet - BM Pho: I remember the dipping sauce being more olive pho last time I ordered this. This time, it was much more oily. Miscellaneous: - There's a parking lot next to the restaurant that can fit about 6-8 cars. Otherwise, parking is available via metered street parking - Indoor and outdoor seating available - Not good for large groups (maybe 6 max) - Ambiance is casual

    I've wanted to leave a 1 star review a few times now for Sidestreet Pho, but always chose not to…read morebecause I really liked their shaken beef plate until today. Ordered to go in person. As soon as I go in for the first bite I can tell instantly that they reheated old refrigerated rice. Are we rationing rice here? The waitress kept saying the order would take long, even the menu says expect extra wait, but it only took 5 mins. The cost of the meal was $26 including a $2 tip which I probably shouldn't have given because what did she do? Absolutely nothing. I was going to dine in until she said I had to go up to the register to order, where's the service there? so I said forget it.. if the waitress can't take my food order at the table, what's the point? Needless to say, food and now service is complete trash. Also, in my previous experience here, I thought the broth was too oily. The pho here gives me a headache actually where I couldn't finish times. I put it in the fridge hoping to want it later buthere's 2-3 inches of fat coagulation. I would say I eat pho 2-3 times a week and rice pretty much everyday, so my review is not to shame any restaurant but more so in disbelief about being served old and cold hard rice.

    Photos
    Outside
    Outside
    Mi hoanh thanh. Was okay. Lots of dumplings!
    Mi hoanh thanh. Was okay. Lots of dumplings!
    Shaken Beef Special (with crispy/chewy egg noodle)

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    Shaken Beef Special (with crispy/chewy egg noodle)
    Pho Nation

    Pho Nation

    3.9
    (181 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    Came here for a friend's birthday dinner celebration few weeks back. It was a first time for us. We…read morewere lucky to find nearby street parking. Upon walking in, it was very spacious. They even got a cute backdrop for photo ops. The celebrant had the private karaoke room. Nice roomy set up. Any available song to your choosing. Then by 9pm, there's a DJ setting up in the main room. Few of us got our groove on. Used the restroom once cause they had ran out of paper towels. Tried a few of their appetizers and they were good enough. Bartenders are attentive. Wasn't expecting all they had there. Pretty chill place for all that they provide.

    I really wanted to enjoy this place -- the menu looked great and we were excited to try it. My wife…read moreand I came in with high hopes and placed what I thought was a pretty straightforward order: I got the Combo 2 pho, my wife ordered the pork chop rice plate, and we shared some appetizers -- shrimp rolls, egg rolls, and pork belly. The appetizers came out and were decent enough, but that's where the positive experience ended for me. I sat there watching my wife eat her pork chop rice plate while I had nothing in front of me. No pho. I waited easily 20 to 30 minutes -- and if anything, that's a conservative estimate. Anyone who's ever been to a Vietnamese restaurant knows that pho is almost always one of the first things to hit the table. It's broth that's kept hot and ready. There's no reason it should lag behind a rice plate or take half an hour to arrive. What made it worse was the total lack of communication from our server. Not once did she come by to acknowledge the delay, offer an explanation, or even check in to let me know my food was on its way. I shouldn't have to flag someone down to ask where my meal is. A simple "I'm so sorry, your pho is coming right out" goes a long way -- that's just basic hospitality. Our server was a young woman who, frankly, seemed either undertrained or indifferent to the experience of her tables. I don't say that to be harsh -- I say it because it's fixable. Someone in management needs to invest in proper hospitality training, because attentiveness and communication are non-negotiable in the restaurant industry. I've dined at hundreds of restaurants over the years, from casual spots to fine dining, and the standard of keeping your guests informed is universal. I eventually left without ever receiving my pho. My wife finished her meal, we paid, and we walked out -- with me having eaten nothing but appetizers. That's simply unacceptable. I hope the management reads this and takes it seriously. The food concept is solid, but the service needs serious attention before I'd ever consider returning.

    Photos
    2/3/23 Interior
    2/3/23 Interior
    36. Pork Belly
    36. Pork Belly
    36. Pork Belly

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    36. Pork Belly

    Bacogai - hotpot - Updated June 2026

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