Pho Republique
Boston, MA 02118-2009
Phone: (617) 262-0005
- Price:
- $$
- Cross Street:
- West Dedham Street
- Hours:
- Daily 5:30pm-1am
Editorial Review for Pho Republique – by Citysearch Editors
The Scene
Pho Republique's clubby, low-lit room is a study in Eastern chic. From the giant, graffiti-style Asian characters that line the walls to the scattered lanterns and elephant statues, everything about the place seamlessly tweaks traditional Vietnamese culture with an edgy approach. The small bar and its specialty concoctions (coconut martinis, tropical fruit scorpion bowls) serve as a magnet for neighborhood fashionistas.
The Food
After starting with a round of sociable appetizers (sashimi tuna spring rolls, diced chicken lettuce cups), many diners move on to the restaurant's gourmet take on Pho (aromatic beef broth, infused with star anise, ginger and cinnamon). Pho combinations include yellow wheat noodles with tofu and broccoli or jasmine rice with crispy duck. Other popular entrees include fiery "jungle" lamb curry and flavorful "skirts on fire" (grilled soy-marinated skirt steak). Among desserts, crispy banana and brown sugar spring rolls with ginger ice cream are hard to pass up.
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Insider Tips
When to GoWith the kitchen staying open until 12:30am nightly, this is one of the South End's best spots for late-night eats.
The ExtrasPho's upscale, offbeat creations are ideal for private events (the restaurant offers catering service).
Save MoneyA $2 bar menu, offered Mondays through Thursdays from 5:30pm-7:30pm, includes shrimp dumplings, veggie rangoons and candied garlic spare ribs.
User Reviews for Pho Republique
08/15/2008 Posted by jasinthebean
I have been to Pho Republique many times...How could I have not written a review until now? I <heart> this place. It is one of the few places my friends and I can all decide on with no problem. If you are a PR newbie, worry not...this review is for you. Drinks here are great, the bartenders can make anything you like including vodka bits and margaritas. But the food is what it's all about! A few things you have to have here- the fried tofu appetizer- so good! Crunchy on the outside, and smooth in the center. Also, the rangoon spring rolls are amazing. My 2 fave things are the candied spare ribs- they are so good they will freak you out. Try them with a dollop of hot sauce...Heaven! And of course, the pho! The beef pho is the best around-better than chinatown or 'little Saigon' on Dot ave by a mile! Great place to start a night out, cool environment and always have had friendly service here. Gets packed on the weekends, so be smart and make a reservation.
Pros: food, friendly service, nice bathrooms
Cons: gets packed on weekends, but is that really a con?
11/12/2007 Posted by scoozeme
Went here with a large group (10 people). We had made a reservation well in advance and arrived on time. We were not seated for 30 minutes, then were told that another large party was coming 2 hours later and that they would need the table. We disregarded the comment as a bad host who clearly did not know what he was doing. The food was fine, nothing special, but acceptable. You will do better at Union bar and grill just next door. As we were paying the bill, the host came back and essentially told us to hurry up because he needed the table. This is completely unacceptable. We had a reservation, we spent a lot of money and don't want to be rushed. I asked to speak to the manager and he did not care either. I would go elsewhere. Pho is a place for average food, terrible service and poor manners. STAY AWAY.
Pros: Ambiance
Cons: Food, service
3 out of 4 people found this review helpful
