Cuu-Long II

 

45

115

sky i.

Honolulu, HI

I guess my wife and I are in the minority. Maybe it's because  our unsophisticated palates don't know how to appreciate Vietnamese cuisine, but we didn't think their pho merited the gushing reviews posted here. But then again some of the reviews here are more than a year old and a lot can happen in 12 months.

We particularly enjoyed the wonderful view of the homeless people vomiting and drunks falling over themselves on the sidewalk directly outside the restaurant. Lovely, just lovely. It was just what we needed to whet our appetite. Now, this is not an elitist rant because I'm not a stranger to poverty. In my younger days I lived at Kuhio Park Terrace for a couple of years. I just think the restaurant should think about decorating the windows to obscure the view while patrons are eating.

Aside from enjoying the glorious vista of drugged out bums, we thought the pho and summer roll tasted average to us, but not worth the trek to this part of downtown unless you happen to work or live near this area.

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Elite '08

50

205

Olivia D.

Honolulu, HI

For about ten years, I've refused to eat pho at any place other than To Chau, next door to Cuu Long. I just didn't think that any other place could possibly compare. I was wrong.

What prompted me to eat at Cuu Long instead were the constant lines, the rough service, and the long wait time at To Chau. Plus, To Chau changed their house chili sauce to an oily, tasteless disappointment. Their old chili sauce used to taste so wonderful . . .

The first thing I appreciated about Cuu Long is the friendly, polite service. The two young men who are always there are so welcoming. Plus, they were patient with my friends who'd never had Vietnamese food before and took the time to explain the ingredients to them. Because of the service, I am now a regular at Cuu Long.

What converted me was the quality of the pho. The broth is very flavorful and the rare steak, while smaller portionwise than To Chau, was tender and free of gristle. They charge a dollar if you ask for extras, such as sliced onions.

Prices are reasonable: $5.50 for a medium, $6.00 for a large, and only $7.00 for the super, which is a great deal if you can eat that much. Cuu Long has a full menu with appetizers, salads, other soups, rice plates, bun, and desserts. My friends recommend the bun and the fried rice. If you order takeout, they will have your order ready in an amazingly short time. I highly recommend Cuu Long.

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3

15

Tess E.

Honolulu, HI

if you are a pho addict, don't miss out on this place. i get the combination which so hits the spot!

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16

6

Ryan O.

Mililani, HI

Surrounded by other much-hyped pho restaurants, this second location of a popular Vietnamese eatery (the original is in the Pearl Kai Shopping Center) is, to me, a great Chinatown secret. Cuu-Long's pho is well regarded, but for some reason people would rather stand in line at a more "legendary" spot on the river than to come and relax at the only occasionally crowded and always comfortable Cuu-Long II on the corner.

The pho portions are generous (the "Super" bowl is just that), and the broth is just right.  Not at all oily, not too salty, flavored and seasoned just right.  The restaurant is open (no cramped clusters of tables) and clean and you can watch the many characters of Chinatown pass by outside.

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