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Category: Vietnamese [Edit]
Neighborhood: UptownArgyle (Red)
Mon-Tue., Thu-Sat. 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Sun. 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
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In the mood for pho and near Viet town? If so, this is definitely one of my favorite pho places in the area. My wife loves pho and introduced me to this corner place. I've come to use their lovely bowl of pho as the standard in which I compare all pho noodle bowls.
Unfortunately for the area, parking can be difficult and this place can also get really busy. Fortunately, the service and food comes out relatively quick. I must admit, it can be somewhat uncomfortable in here being that the table setup may have you seated very closely. Overall, they give you generous portions of all the sprouts, mint leaves, jalapenos you will need. They also have all the right sauces for your bowl. There have been too may times where restaurants have been stingy with either of those side ingredients. That is not an issue here.
This place is awesome during cold Chicago winters. A bowl of pho will hit the spot!
I think it's hilarious that white people keep coming back to this place, when every single other restaurant on Argyle is better. It's absolutely disgusting inside, and can you say, "monosodium glutamate"? Not only do they overcook their noodles, but they add so much msg to their pho, I don't know how they haven't been sued. If you get super thirsty/lightheaded/dizzy about five minutes after eating there... well there ya go.
Worst meal I've ever had, thank you Tank.
How I spent my Sunday early-evening:
- listening to Lady Gaga and a bunch of other randomly dancey top-40 "hits" that didn't really seem like "Vietnamese Restaurant Music" at all
- eating some seriously good Chicken Coconut Curry Soup
- covering some seriously inappropriate-for-life topics with a bunch of boys
- waiting for one of the Camo-clad servers to drop off my friend's fried rice with AMAZING CHINESE SAUSAGE
This was my second trip to Tank, and I think it surpassed the first one because I had NO IDEA WHAT I WAS DOING the first time and got one of those giant-ass noodle soups and didn't really have a clue how to eat it or deal with it or anything. I did better the second time around.
The menu is huge, varied, and mostly cheap.
And if you REALLY want, you can probably get cow penis soup.
Until tonight, I was a pho virgin. What the pho, right?
The way I see it, pho makes the world right. Let me break it down:
Scenario 1. You're hungover. Order a piping hot bowl of pho and a bubble tea of your choosing. Inhale. Chow down. Slurp. All better!
Scenario 2. You're sick. Start with your bowl of pho and add Sriracha to taste. Feel that burn? Yep, you can breathe again!
Scenario 3. You're feeling blah. Grab a window seat and get your pho on. The Uptown bustle combined with the aromatic broth is a strangely soothing combination. Trust me on this one! Adventures in solo dining have never been so lovely.
My choice? #44 (Pho Tai with sliced beef). The beef was full on flavor yet wasn't fatty, and they don't skimp on the meat. Or the noodles. Or the crunchy plate of sprouts, basil, jalapenos and lime. So huge, I ate for 20 minutes and made a 3/4 inch dent.
The staff is SO nice. One of the guys gave me trouble for abandoning my almost-full bowl of pho. If it wasn't for my manicure appointment immediately afterward, I would have lugged that bowl across town, on public transport and in the rain. Pho sure!
$6.95 for a mystical bowl of wholesomeness that can feed you for 3 days. Clearly, Tank is in the Feel Good Inc. business.
This is the place to go for hot bowl of aromatic pho despite the poor service. The broth is rich and tasty (a bit heavier than pho 777). I usually order the house special sans the brisket. The beef is not as tender as I would like but it's still pretty good. The tendon melts in your mouth and the tripe is just the right texture. If you prefer chicken, the chicken pho here is excellent and by far the best in the city. The menu is huge, and I have to say I have not tried much else there. The spring rolls and Vietnamese crepe were just as good as you would find elsewhere on Argyle. The shrimp eggrolls were a disappointment, however. The iced coffee was pre-mixed and a bit too sweet. If I am craving pho, Tank is my number one destination.
Awesome pho, awesome young coconuts to drink.
Be prepared to have a eat with strangers, as the table set up is a little janky, but I feel it adds to the feel of Tank.
The staff doesn't always speak fluent english, so things like splitting up a check could be hard.
All around a really good place.
Let's put it this way, it's a place for tourists. It's a Vietnamese restaurant, but Vietnamese people never eat there. I'm not even Viet, but know it's silly to wait for a table at Tank when Uptown is filled with restaurants that are at least 10x better. My white-washed, Asian, ex-gf liked it though.
Maybe I ordered the wrong thing, but my rice noodle soup with seafood was just mediocre. Sure, the spring rolls and the egg rolls were decent, but nothing extraordinary. And what's with the staff rushing the customers out the moment they put down the utensils??
Nevertheless, dinner at Tank satisfied my chilly, drizzly night craving for a brothy noodle dish. Had it not been for a comfortable car-ride to and from Uptown (a far, far away land from downtown via CTA), I probably would have regretted choosing to eat here that night.
I've heard about this place several times so after years i finally made it. Fortunately I got there a little after my friends so there was no waiting and my pho was already ordered and had just made its appearance on the table.
The pho was pretty standard- rare beef, tripe, soft tendon and meatballs. The flavor was good and it was enough to fill me up. I think they could have been a little more generous with the meat. On the bright side I don't think they use quite as much MSG here as I don't feel super thirsty yet. An extra large pho runs about $8 and they calculated 18% tip for our table, but we had 6 people. The servers came to ask how everything was but no luck with water refills.
On a side note, don't wear your favorite jacket (or anything you need to dry clean) there as it will inevitably smell like Vietnamese food by the time you leave... maybe that's why my dog was so happy to see me when I got home.
Hands down, Vietnamese food is my favorite cuisine. It's fresh, healthy, and super nutritious. Unlike most Asian cuisines, it is non oily and completely filling. I do not get hunger pangs an hour later.
We live right on the edge of the city and suburbia. There are no Vietnamese restaurants within 30+ minutes of where we live. There are nights that I fall into a deep depression thinking about the taste of Pho, lemon grass beef, and nuoc cham. Though it is only 10 miles away, I seldom have the patience to deal with traffic and parking meters.
My sister offered to babysit for us tonight. We had absolutely no plans and we were both craving Vietnamese. We decided to brave the circumstances and headed for Tank at 9p.m. There was absolutely no traffic or parking issues. Yay!!!!
Tank is not pretty to look at. Decor is not a priority here. You are immediately assaulted with the smell of Five spice and cinnamon. The windows are steamy, and you are immediately enveloped in a flood of warm air. I really didn't care, I was here to eat.
I almost cried looking at the menu. I really wanted to order everything. They have my favorite soup. Sup Mang Tay Cua. It is a crab and shrimp egg drop soup served with bamboo shoots. They also serve the best F**king Vietnamese Iced Coffee. I decided to behave and only order what I knew that I could finish. Number 83. Rice Vermicelli noodles served with a pork cutlet, lemon grass shrimps, beef and a spring roll. My husband ordered their Pho with everything in it; bible tripe, beef, fish ball, meat ball, and tendon.
The servings at Tank are huge! The Pho portion was enough to serve 3. It comes with a side of lime, fresh sprouts, jalapenos, Holy Basil, and mint? My noodles were generously sprinkled with crushed peanuts and came with a side of nuoc cham. I also add hoisin and chili paste. The two of us ate in complete silence. I could easily eat here everyday and die happy.
Service is what you would expect. It's fast and they were courteous, but do not come here with 5 star expectations. Dinner and 2 coffees totaled only $25.00! Super cheap!!
Tank was one of the first Vietnamese restaurants I visited in Chicago, and I thought it had the best pho until I visited Pho 888. I thought Tank served the best canh chua until I visited Cafe Hoang. But Tank has the greatest variety of Vietnamese food and it's the perfect place for a large group.
I love their gio cuon (spring rolls) and their banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches). And last night I fell in love with their bun rieu because it tasted exactly like my mom's (plus a few extra ingredients). Next time I go, I am definitely going to try their bun nam (so far, I've only tried Pho 888's).
Great food, if you're verrrrrry careful what you order. They have a liberal interpretation of the word "beef" - you can't assume it's the usual parts of the cow you eat.
Stick to the pho - I prefer the chicken pho because it's good, soothes the soul, and chicken looks like chicken - you can't be fooled. I went off the grid once, and ended up with very beefy stock with parts of cow I'd never seen before.
And you need to request cilantro, they won't give it to you otherwise.
Could it be because I was starving and in need of food to coat my stomach after a night of drinking that I find this restaurant really good?? I woke up at 8ish and immediately regretted drinking the night before and not eating after (usually helps me to prevent this hideous hangover).
I know the other restaurant that I always go to opens really late which doesn't help when you need food ASAP! Tank Noodle opens at 8:30am!!!! WHOOO HOOO!!! Thank you thank you for opening that early!
One thing I remember every time I walk by this restaurant is it is always packed!!! Always have a long ass line!! I used to wonder why *duh selle! * cuz maybe their Pho is good!
Thanks to some new friends, I had my first pho-dventure last night. Good things come to those who wait, me thinks. It was great - warm, soothing, spicy (might have something to do with the siracha I so generously squirted in) and beefy. Mmm. I can see why it's so highly addicting. I had a pretty innocuous variety with the standard sliced meat and a couple of extra little meatballs. I'd probably stick to the same thing next time, maybe bypassing the meatballs depending on my mood. Also, my friend and I split the banana sweetie cake that was doused in coconut milk and crushed peanuts. I'd highly recommend it.
Tank has provided some great lunchtime experiences that I shall cherish.
I was sick...Tank gave me Pho. I was bored....Tank gave me great people watching. I was hungry...Tank gave me delicious fresh spring rolls, perfect Bánh Mì or a wonderful Vermicelli Bowl (bun thit nuong).
My fondest memory was on a recent busy Sunday afternoon. I dropped in solo, after being sick all week. The food was hot, quick, delicious! Ambiance (if that's what you call it) was especially quirky and surreal...topped off by waitresses wearing Camouflage and HIP HOP bumpin' from the speakers. Tank proved to be exactly what I needed for my soul that day. Soup & Snoop!
It ain't the prettiest girl at the dance, but Tank is a 'ride or die' type of spot...there when you need it...except on Wednesday's when they're closed :).
I'm finding it tough to review Tank Noodle... it had some great Pho (some of the best I've had), but its also hard to recommend when even better Pho is just down the block at Pho 888.
Tank noodle will be better for large groups if that is what you need, its much bigger. It actually seems to be geared towards that, the majority of the tables are sized to fit about 8 people.
It looks like it also may have a better selection of non-Pho Vietnamese food, though I haven't yet had time to try any.
I guess its just awesome that in Uptown we have a bunch of options for great Pho.
Their Pho is very very good and I wish I only had their Pho and I would probably give Tank Noodle 5 stars but I also had their spring rolls and let me tell you that is the most disgusting thing that was ever presented to me on a plate. The clear transparent membrane is so not appetizing to me it is like eating a growing cocoon or placenta.
I was brave that day and I also tried their pennyworth shake that was good but still I can't get over that clear transparent membrane.
BEST CURE for hangover...Pho - which is a huge bowl of noodle soup that has thinly sliced beef, meatballs, tripe (optional), tendons (optional) and can be spiced with basil leaves, bean sprouts, lime and jalapenos. Simply Pho-nomenal!
This place serves very tasty pho dishes among other noodle delicacies (trust me, I have been to other places in other cities, and they don't compare!). The food here is VERY good and the service can be very expedient, but a tad slower on the weekends.
Also...as a sidenote, Tank Noodle has a VERY extensive menu, and some of the waiters/waitresses are not very fluent in English. The best way to order is by the dish's number on the menu...or just point at what you want on the menu.
Very crowded on the weekend...get there early or you will be waiting!
I have to admit it...a friend of mine and I are sooo addicted we try to go EVERY week to get our fix. Try it...you'd be craving for it as well like we do!
Unphokin' believable!! Me and Tank are now BFP... best friend phoever!!
I don't want to commit a faux pas so that's the last pho pun. Faux pas; pho pun... no? Not working for you? Eh, I tried.
Someday I'll eat something other than pho. I promise. Someday but just not today... or tomorrow... and maybe not next week. Why try to fix what isn't broken? Tank's pho is simply amazing. Love in a bowl. Hot, steamy, meaty love in a bowl. I am nearly drooling now just thinking about it and I just ate it last night for dinner!! I had it over the weekend too... and sometime last week... and will again in the near future.
Mind blowing broth, scrumptious meatballs, thin sliced beef, crispy sprouts, aromatic basil, hot peppers, soft noodles...
The service is typical for Asian restaurants, in my opinion. Hit or miss. Mostly I have had good experiences with service here but have had one or two lacking experiences. They service has never been rude but has sometimes been rather slow; however, once you place your order the food is delivered incredibly quick and piping hot!!
Tank is a definite HELLZ YEAH for those who love pho. For those who don't love pho, well, there's other stuff on the menu too so let me know how that goes.
Bye bye pho now!!
The Pho here - Five stars, hands down. Best Pho broth I've had in Chicago. Wow wow wow. I can't stop thinking about it. Yummmmmm.
The service - one star! Okay, I'm Asian so I understand what bad customer service is, but Tank took it to a level even I was uncomfortable with. Wow, the service made me want to never go there again, but the Pho is so good that I am sure to be back.
I love pho. I was obsessed with getting to Uptown for some pho last weekend and found (through yelp of course) Tank Noodle. Ooooh the chicken pho was sooo delicious and huge! The boy had the super sized beef pho with every part of the cow in it... they even have cow penis pho... he didn't want that one though! Anyway it was super good. I understand why Tank has such great ratings. The shrimp vietnamese spring rolls were fresh and were made quickly. They also have delicious tapioca pearl smoothies! I was so full that I almost puked, and we didn't even finish our pho! I am definitely coming back. It was worth the trip!
Dear Tank,
Your pho is the best hangover cure ever. Yummy beef balls, tripe, tendons, all those funky animal parts Americans usually hate make this the most hearty delicious food EVERRRR. I love drinking your broth is oodles of sirachia and lots of cilantro.
Dear Tank,
I wish I wasn't so intimated by the rest of your GINORMORUGE menu~!!! yes there are pictures but there's so much vietnamese and english writing everywhere. It would take over half an hour to just to read the menu and their descriptions.
You think you could make a list of Tank Favorites for me? I'd love to try more stuff...but I just can't decide!!!!!!!!!!!
A friend came in from the western suburbs and we were going to go to Agami, but with our luck, it was closed for lunch. WTF! this is the second time this has happened to me when trying to go here for sushi.
Well it worked in our favor. We walked over to Tank Noodle because it is one of those places, people talk about, and you pass by it all the time, but you never get the chance to actually go in. They have a giant menu of Pho, but we opted towards a more solid meal to prepare us for the extensive drinking that was about to partake.
I cant remember what the name of what we ordered was (menu item number eighty-something???), but I can describe it as pure joy and wonderful-ness. It was a bowl with steamed vermicelli, mixed greens, onions, bean sprouts,minced garlic, and thin slices of grilled pork. Holy cow. This was so damn good. The ingredients were really fresh, the meat was super flavorful, and the bill was only $17 for two people. The service time was short, but trying to flag down our waitress to get the check was the only down side. But really I can't blame her because this place was packed. I guess I'm not the only person who loves this place.
Hands down the best Pho in the city that I've tried thus far. Rich descendant broth, lean meat, and fresh crunchy bean sprouts. Need I say more? Well, ok then I will.....go to Pho Xe Tang when you're craving some delicious Pho!!
Contemplating a trip down south the next day*, I knew I'd need some sort of ethnic food for my last night in Chicago. As I stood on the corner of Argyle and Broadway, smelling Ban Li and Tank, I knew I made the right decision. Well, rather, my date for the night had made the right decision. It smelled incredible, and I felt so very lucky to be living in a city with such great dining options.
We ended up at Tank, me in need of some comfort food, pho being readily accessible. We ordered up some pork/shrimp spring rolls, which were promptly brought out to us...not bad (but could've used a little something extra, they were a bit bland). Since we were ravenous, we were greatful for the quick turnaround on the app.
My pho, with sliced beef, was hot (both in temperature and spice due to a mishap with the chili sauce that literally exploded into my bowl) and did the trick. I ate for what seemed like hours, yet still didn't make too much of a dent in my bowl. Deeeeelish. And perfect to comfort me in my time of need.
Add a couple of bubble teas (avocado, my fave, for me) and some of the best company around, it was a lovely meal on the cheap.
I'll be back when I'm in need of non-American food and to appreciate these very delicious area of the city.
*Yes, I spent my weekend eating fried things, fishing in a pond, trying on cowboy boots, and saying y'all.
A tip for when your bowl of beautiful pho arrives: Inhale.
Breathe in deeply before you start garnishing your soup with hot sauce or bean sprouts and enjoy that spicy, comforting aroma. I have many plans to return to Tank Noodle in the winter when the inevitable stuffiness of seasonal colds afflict me.
Not feeling feisty enough for tendon or tripe, I opted for the pho tai, #47 with sliced beef. It's true--you probably won't be able to consume all of this goodness at once. And at six bucks a pop, that's not a bad thing for tasty, cheap leftovers. I shared some fresh spring rolls with shrimp with my dining partner. They were decent, but a little heavy on the chewy factor and lacking in the meat department.
Finally, I opted for a sinfully sugary drink that my dentist would probably swipe from my lips had he been there--sugar cane, fresh lime juice and club soda. Mmmm... I could have ordered three of those. Next time I will opt for a bubble tea!
Wowza, two years since I've been "Tank'd."
Well much has changed, and much has stayed the same...in two years I've become a much more adventurous eater. In fact I make my way to Little Vietnam often enough to qualify as an official addict. However, I am generally swayed by familiarity (and banh mi) at Ba Le...this night was different.
Pho was in order. It works miracles. Tank is the place. And now I know that the plate that arrives with peppers, bean sprouts and basil goes INTO the soup (dude, its not a salad!)...and what to order. Amazing.
Tank Noodle is an excellent "starter" restaurant if you are unfamiliar with Vietnamese cuisine. The staff all speak very good English (or at least try), the menu is translated in full, and there are pictures on the menu.
Words on the menu to shy away from (if you're a newbie): "Tripe" and "cow's penis." Yep, probably an...acquired taste, I'd guess. You've been warned.
Bubble Tea: A whole robust menu, and perfectly molded little balls of dark tapioca swellness. (mmmm, nothing beats fresh, seriously). I opted for plum, which was probably an odd choice, and indeed it tastes like ground up Sweet Tarts. Not in a bad way, but if you want something a bit more "real" tasting, go for mango, strawberry, etc. About $4 a pop. Actually, this was the FIRST PLACE I ever had bubble tea (see previous review (4/26/2007), the date I became a BELIEVER.
Anyway, order some.
I had the 49: pho with meatballs. My favorite. It's literally enough for 3 meals. I'm no expert, but it tastes damn good to me...and for $7, well...you know. It's apparently a fabulous hangover cure. But, this night we just needed it to sit and be filling, soothing....it worked.
Total bill for two HUGE bowls o' pho + two bubble teas and one order of spring rolls: $27. It gets crowded, but tables flip fast and food is speedy. Service is efficient...and there is a reason this place is super popular: its gringo friendly + authentic enough for actual Vietnamese/Asian people to eat there. I find this to be a careful balance, and one that Tank hits well...
And now? I'm a food(ish) tutor at SOME ethnic cuisine, instead of the other way around...a lot changes if you let it, I suppose.
I like the vibe. I
I was all set to eat at Marigold, right down the street. I was with my roommate…
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No need to pile on here. Best Pho I have had in Chicago so far. The lady's vegetable soup was actually better then mine.
Service was good and the place is clean.
Tank is my new go-to pho spot.
I'm turning into a scary pho addict. I have been consuming it, at minimum, once a week. I now dream about tripe, meatballs and flank steak floating in broth.
Tank rocks. You walk in, order immediately and you're eating within 3 to 5 minutes. Even when it's busy! Their shrimp spring rolls (not fried) are incredible... so fresh and delicious.
The pho. Ah... the pho. Heaven in a bowl. I pour in fish sauce and add chili and it makes my nose and eyes run... but I love it.
I'm the worst. I've eaten here at minimum 15 times and I have yet to ever try anything besides #40. If it ain't broke, don't fix it, I suppose.
I had a huge craving for pho, and Tank Noodle did a good job of satisfying it. The menu is huge. Luckily I went in knowing exactly what I wanted, so I didn't need to examine the entire menu, but I could see how this could get overwhelming fast. I ordered #40, which had all sorts of beef in it -- tripe, tendon, meat balls, brisket, and flank. I made sure to have a side of Sriracha so I could dip the slices of meat in it while slurping up the noodles and broth. The bowls are huge here, and I was absolutely stuffed. I also ordered a cup of sugar cane juice, which didn't taste fresh to me, but what can you expect.
Service is lightning quick, so you can be in and out in no time. I never make it to Uptown, but was in the neighborhood since some friends had just moved to the area, and boy am I glad they did. This means the chances of me traveling up there just increased dramatically, and I'll probably be back to stuff my belly again.
Every once in a while, you get a huge craving for pho, so I asked around and Tank came up more than few times! So of course, I had to go and try it out!
The service is quick, restaurant is packd with people, but not uncomfortable and the food comes in large portions! the pho comes out steaming hot with a plate of veggies and optional hot sauce! The soup is flavorful and prices are very reasonable!
It was a satisfying meal and I will definitely be back for more!
So, my friends Justin and Teresa and I needed food after spending hours playing in the sand at nearby Foster Beach. They suggested Tank Noodle, and at first, I was apprehensive. Vietnamese food, particularly noodle soup, isn't known to be vegetarian-friendly. I thought, if they didn't have any main courses for me to eat, I can settle for an appetizer or smoothie.
I skimmed through the menu, and to my delight, there were vegetarian spring rolls and a small selection of vegetarian dishes. I had the the spring rolls ($3.95), which was absolutely tasty and refreshing. Minty, crunchy, and chewy. The accommodating hoisin sauce (with a large squirt of Sriracha) gives the simple appetizer more flavor. I had the egg noodle soup with mixed vegetables. I asked the waitress twice if the broth was vegetarian, not beef. She said yes. I'll take her word for it. The broth was flavorful, but not overwhelming. The vegetables (broccoli, carrots, green beans, etc) were still crisp (not in the "still raw" way). I much prefer egg noodles over rice noodles for noodle soup now. Not only is it easier to eat with its ramen-like texture, but it's a nice contrast to the soup. For $6.95, it is a bargain.
Tank Noodle is one of those rare Vietnamese restaurants that offer vegetarian-friendly fare, albeit pricier than the others. I'm not too fond of paying more than $8 for a noodle dish (stir-fried rice noodles and vegetables cost about $10.95). I can take my friends and family here, and not worry about starving.
PS: On busy days, they will seat you with strangers. I don't care about this, but if you prefer more privacy by having your own table, the wait will be longer.
(See pic)
Great delicious bowl of pho with pretty good strong iced coffee. Service is fast and friendly.
I am sure the fact that Tank Noodle is only a few steps away from my condo helps the rating...
...but besides that it is just THE place for delicious Pho and all sorts of other fantastic vietnamese food! I think I have tried almost every dish they offer in the last few years, and I have to say I was never disappointed. Everything is made with extremely fresh ingredients, the service is fast and nice, and it is one of the cleanest places I know.
I also recommend take-out...for some reason I think the servings are even bigger then.
5*****
Tank Noodle, you can pho me anytime you like. I was blown away by how tasty and inexpensive the pho was. This was the first Vietnamese restaurant that tasted authentic. The portion sizes were huge, there was no need to order anything else, plus they were not stingy on the beef. A dinner for two cost me 16 bucks, and that included tax and tip. I would gladly go here again!
I've always been seated right away even when it's incredibly busy (which is basically all the time). This place is fantastic though. There are a lot of items to choose from on the menu and they also have smoothies. I've only tried to Pho here though because I just can't get past how GOOD it is. I can honestly say that Tank's Pho is my favorite food in the world and I just can't explain the joy it brings me! I definitely recommend this place to food and Pho lovers all around! Plus it is so affordable.
A #44 with extra soft tendon, and I'm a happy man. I don't adulterate the broth, but I do make a little saucer with hoisin, house chili paste (no sriracha), a whole teaspoon of black pepper, some sugar, and a drizzle of fish sauce. Dipping the meats into this sauce and into your mouth just takes you back to Vietnam. Heaven or Hell, I'll take both.
Went in on some random Saturday on a whim because I remembered all the hype about pho somewhere on yelp.
I was kinda surprised by the setup, which reminded me of a mexican taqueria, what with the numbered tables and basket of silverwear on the table. All that was missing was that container full of carrots sitting in that weird liquid.
Luckily we were sat right away and began perusing the ENORMOUS MENU.
Now, I wanted to get the most classic meal here, the beef pho, but I've been on a health kick and a soup with virtually no vegetables and chunks of red meat didn't seem that "healthy."
So we started with some spring rolls which were PRETTY GOOD and about 5 minutes later our food arrived.
I ended up getting some kind of rice noodle soup with vegetables. It came with "chicken broth" which I thought meant, chicken in it.
Nope, just broth and veggies and noodles.
and honestly?
it was bland as hell.
Perhaps I should have gotten the egg noodles, perhaps I should have gotten beef chunks, but I learned the hard way, that trying to avoid saturated fat directly affects taste.
I ended up stealing one of my boyfriends pork dumplings to try to spice things up.
While I felt full afterwards, it was this odd liquid full feeling, like I had simply drank too much water, because that's basically what I did.
We hit up a grocery store afterwards and loaded up on desserts.
I'd like to give it another shot (those sandwiches look tasty) but for now, sorry Tank, I'm just not that into you.
Some scary sounding things on the daunting menu, but it was all good. As everyone else here is saying, the Pho is fantastic. I don't usually drink much of the broth in a noodle soup like this but it was just so good, so complex in flavor, I was drinking this like crazy. I got the extra large Pho, which is totally too big for a normal person. It had all kinds of unappetizing-sounding things floating in it like tendon and tripe, which turned out to be pretty good. Just close your eyes and give this stuff a try. Also had a sandwich, which was awesome. Next time I'll skip the spring rolls, but I'll be sure to get an iced coffee.
I'm Vietnamese, therefore I'm an expert, right? :) I have a bit of an "alternative" philosophy on Vietnamese restaurants (it probably applies to other ethnic restaurants too). You shouldn't expect to find "the best dish ABC ever" at any particular restaurant. At best, ethnic food can get close enough to mom's cooking. The rest depends on your own tastes... and your mom's. The real key to evaluating an ethnic restaurant, my mind, is how many good items they make and how consistent they are over many meals.
I've been to Pho Xe Tang many times. They have a very impressive menu, with around 100 items. Many of the items are pretty darn good. I've always had a good meal there. The pho is consistently good. That ranks this place pretty high on my Vietnamese restaurant list. If I had to take someone to a Vietnamese place for the first time, I'd probably take them to Tank.
That said, you can get a good bowl of pho at most of the restaurants on Argyle. Tank, 888, 777, Xe Lua, Tien Giang, Hai Yen... Pho is one of those dishes that requires you to cook for hours and hours. You have to keep on taste testing all the time - the flavor constantly changes. It's a delicate balance of beef bone juice, fish sauce, sugar, and water. Everyone's recipe is more or less the same. It's a matter of keeping the pot flavored over time and consistently delivering quality. If you think it's too salty, bland, or sweet, there are a bunch of condiments to choose from at the table. There's nothing wrong with doing that too; Vietnamese people understand that everyone flavors their pho a little differently. Once again, mom's pho is the best. Too bad your mom is different from my mom (I hope).
Tank has other good items on the menu. Among the noodle soups, they make good Bun Bo Hue and Hu Tieu. The appetizers, such as egg rolls and spring rolls are fine (hard to mess up at a restaurant, really). They have some funkier appetizers like Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancake) which are pretty darn good. I was a bit disappointed with the signature Vietnamese fish dish, Ca Kho To (Catfish in caramel sauce), though. The portions were tiny and not terribly tasty. Maybe they just get mostly pho and other soup requests so they don't have to make the rice / vermicelli dishes too good?
Tank can get a bit crowded. Even at off hours like 2-3pm, you'll see a lot of people there. It's a combination of Vietnamese and non-Vietnamese - a good sign of popularity. If you want a quieter place, you should go elsewhere on Argyle. The service may take a little getting used to, if you are too white-bred :) Sometimes you may have to share a table with strangers if it's crowded. If it's busy, you may have to flag down a waiter for requests, but the upside is that any of them will serve you. You also usually ask for the check or just go up to the cashier to pay. You'll see all these things in many Vietnamese restaurants.
At any rate, I enjoy going to Tank quite a bit. I like to eat at all the places in Argyle and actually don't have a favorite pho place. But I always enjoy my meal at Tank. Hopefully you will too!
Neighborhood: Uptown
Category: Vietnamese
Neighborhood: Uptown
Category: Vietnamese
Neighborhood: Uptown
Category: Chinese
Neighborhood: Uptown
Category: Vietnamese
Neighborhood: Uptown
Category: Vietnamese
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