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The Kansas City Pho Tour!

79 points · submitted Jan 2024 by u/Dudebug1 · Food and Drink · archived

We begin! Quick question for the crowd: Who is here following from the calzone tour?

We will be visiting 7 locations to get some pho today, rating them on a scale of 1-10 on an average of 3 ratings. Based on deliciousness, vibe, and uh well I guess that's it.

If your favorite place isn't on the tour today, do NOT panic! You may still have your place on a list that we will try a different day, but still feel free to recommend a location!

I'm joined once again by u/joemeister44 but now, first time joiner to the tour, my fiance u/therockstone.

First stop: Bun Mee Phan

82 comments · 85% upvoted · other discussions

comments

Read-only. Use the arrows to collapse threads.

natbuto 29 points · Jan 2024

Don’t forget Cafe Vie. I like their Pho

Tothoro 7 points · Jan 2024

Same, a pho tour without Cafe Vie isn't complete! Though I have no idea how any one man can eat seven bowls of pho without exploding.

therockstone 6 points · Jan 2024

So here’s the deal my good man. We cannot physically eat 7 bowls of pho in one day, so at every establishment we have been splitting one bowl of pho three ways. It got us kicked out of the first place lmao

Tothoro 9 points · Jan 2024

Makes sense, big brain plays here! Surprised they kicked you out though, it's not like you were sneaking someone food from a buffet or getting soda in a water cup; just splitting the food you paid phor.

Dudebug1 [OP] 6 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

"Paid phor" underrated comment

therockstone 4 points · Jan 2024

Yeah…. It was interesting. If you read u/Dudebug1 review on bun mee phan you can read the whole story

Dudebug1 [OP] 6 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

It's on our list! A different day. Stay tuned!

PerAsperaAdInfiri 2 points · Jan 2024

Their jjampong is fucking amazing

[deleted] 3 points · Jan 2024

fe Vie isn't complete! Though I have no idea how any one man can eat seven bowls of pho without exploding.

Jjampong at Ika Grill is 10x better.

Pho at Cafe Vie is gross; very fatty and tallowy broth. Pho Sai Gon is good, and Pho Vietnam, as is Bangkok Pavilion (for being a Thai place).

Dudebug1 [OP] 16 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

Scores are the average of 3 tasters.

Bun Mee Phan: 4.66

Mr Le's Sushi: 8.66

San's Sandwiches: 5.66

Pho Tuoi: 7

Xuyen: 4.33

Big Bowl Pho: 8.66

This is for users like u/cyberphlash . When we add more pho, we will post that list along with this together.

illhxc9 5 points · Jan 2024

Pho-nomenal! Thanks!

[deleted] 4 points · Jan 2024

How do you handle pre-existing bias or preference? Since u/therockstone had already stated Mr Le’s was the best prior to this tour. I’m seeing Mr. Le’s comes out on top again (in a tie!), which seemed too easy to predict. Doesn’t this reduce the objectivity of your tours?

Dudebug1 [OP] 4 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

It depends on your view of bias.

When I think of bias, I think of somebody I know working at that restaurant and making me food.

My fiance and I go to Mr. Le's all the time because..... they have incredibly good pho.

Handling pre-existing bias was the same as it was in the calzone tour, you just set your mind up differently. Understand that you like the place but put it aside for now, and give an honest to goodness rating.

Our friend who doesn't go there often still gave it an 8 or a 9.

Frankly, she can correct me if I'm wrong, UT u/therockstone and I do not want Mr. Le's to be the best pho in Kansas City. We had verbalozed high hopes for xuyen, (didnt work out) because we'd like to find a new, better place to buy pho so we aren't sick of our favorite. And we haven't even gone to the downtown places yet.

Ultimately, we are not being paid for this, and it actually does cost quite a bit of money, time, and energy to do it. If people come at us for having a poor list, assuming bias, or annoyed with the way I talk.... I don't really care. We are doing this for fun, just a goofy idea my friend and I started last year, and I doubt anyone is looking at us hoping to offer us a food critic position (would be sick, though).

Hope that answers your question.

[deleted] 3 points · Jan 2024

Thanks! Appreciate your time & agree with your sentiments. And continue to appreciate the leg work you all do on these tours! I meant to ask before you all started as I had run into two Pho posts back to back, and seen the Mr Le’s comment they made prior to the tour.

Bourgi 7 points · Jan 2024

As a Vietnamese person I could confirm with this list. Try Nguyen Pho and Grill next, my fav.of the city.

Dudebug1 [OP] 2 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

Thanks! I'll tell u/nastyn8dawg316 !

We are going there probably the next tour!! Hope you can see it!!

Futrel 14 points · Jan 2024

Based on the BMP review, it'd be nice for separate deliciousness/"vibe" scores. Unless I'm reading it wrong, vibe seemed pretty heavily weighted. I just want some good pho

therockstone 3 points · Jan 2024

The pho was just ok. 4.6/10 not based on vibe at all

Dudebug1 [OP] 2 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

That's a good point! We can do that-

Bun Mee Phan might be better if it's not eaten in a Tupperware container in the front of Toyota in Dollar General bowls. I voted it a 6 and the other 2 said 4. It's reasonably good. I've had worse today- but the vibes 100% skewed it.

uncre8tv 5 points · Jan 2024

Big Bowl is our go to because we live north. They can slip sometimes though.
Recently went to Sai Gon Pho down way south in OP and it was good. Self-serve basil and cilantro is win.

Dudebug1 [OP] 3 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

You sound smart- Big bowl kinda had the vibe to me of "this isn't crazy consistent".

I'm not sure we are going to Sai Gon in OP.... but self-serve does sound nice. We might add it on- I'll ask the crew later.

uncre8tv 3 points · Jan 2024

The pho is good 80% of the time, the Thai food is good 30% of the time, and the crab rangoon always hits.

icyleumas 6 points · Jan 2024

Are you getting the same bowl of pho every restaurant? I did this 5ish years ago over the course of half a year. I only got the standard beef pho with the sliced beef every time. Just wondering if you're consistent with trying the broth and everything. My fav's in the city are Vietnam Cafe, Pho Lan(I had it last year and tbh - it wasn't as good as I remember but still solid), and Cafe Vie.

Dudebug1 [OP] 4 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

You hit the nail on the head. Rare beef pho every time.

(I wish it was chicken. I have a bias, and understand it's less popular.)

Futrel 9 points · Jan 2024

Has the list been posted? Because I have opinions.

EDIT: Once again, doing God's work. TY

Dudebug1 [OP] 4 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

The list is posted! It's being added to as we go, feel free to stay tuned!

God himself is too afraid to do this work. We must.

Futrel 1 points · Jan 2024

Where's the list? Can't find it in your posts and neither of your cohorts are confident enough in their internet beings to have any posts visible on their profile.

If I missed it because I'm dum, that's expected

[Edited to remove excessive punctuation."?!?" changed to "?"]

Dudebug1 [OP] 4 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

Sorry! The list is the parent comment on THIS post. It's a review of every place.

At the end of the day we will have a long list of everywhere we went.

Futrel 3 points · Jan 2024

Ah, I meant a list of your planned stops for the day. Assumed that was implied. My bad.

Dudebug1 [OP] 5 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

Excuse me, I misunderstood.

Broken Rice (closed) Sans Sandwiches Pho Tuoi Big Bowl Pho Ban Mee Phan Xuyen Mr Les

Futrel 3 points · Jan 2024

Well, you're definitely going to need a "KC Pho Tour: Part 2" looks like. Thx for the list.

Dudebug1 [OP] 2 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

Part 2? We might end up doing 3-4!

JoeMeister44 1 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

Sorry daddy

Futrel 2 points · Jan 2024

You're a charmer

JoeMeister44 1 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

Nuh uh you started it!

a__nymous 3 points · Jan 2024

My pho tour only has one stop, Vietnam Cafe.

Dudebug1 [OP] 2 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

That was me with Mr. Le's. It's good to have your top dog.

[deleted] 3 points · Jan 2024

possessive psychotic hunt sulky domineering liquid airport serious point thumb

This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

og3k 3 points · Jan 2024

I loved the Calzone series!! Really looking forward to seeing your thoughts on Pho places since I mostly go to Nguyen Pho (river market) and Vietname Cafe (columbus park). I get sushi pretty regularly at Mr. Le's and already thinking another trip is in order. :).

edit: clearly some people in here that don't get the humor. I enjoyed the reviews.

Dudebug1 [OP] 3 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

I remember you! It sounds like you enjoy the top 2 rated places, so you may not find a new place you love, but DEFINITELY try Mr. Le's.

I'm glad someone else got the humor. I think people just got their knickers in a twist over the Bun Mee Phan awful service and mediocre food and made us bad guys.

We'll do better next month :)

brawl 2 points · Feb 2024 · Westport

I want to make sure I've got the facts straight:

On a Saturday afternoon you went to 7 restaurants, had 3 share people one dish and you have the audacity to talk about customer service and vibe?

You do realize you're starting off the interaction with the business horribly. You're taking a full table a full turn and ordering one entreè. you should be treated with contempt because it's the same respect you're giving the restaurant.

Futrel 2 points · Jan 2024

So far, for various reasons, Bun Mee Phan is first on my list to try.

therockstone 2 points · Jan 2024

Good luck man

Futrel 3 points · Jan 2024

Well, first off, I'll order three meals when three of us arrive.

Futrel 1 points · Jan 2024

OP: "KC PHO TOUR!"

[ventures as far as Gladstone]

Just giving shit but, cmon OP, it's just a "bit"... Kind of sounds like someone in the car wasn't in a great mood today.

Dudebug1 [OP] 6 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

We aren't just going to do one day. For our first day, we are doing the Gladstone pocket. Next tour we might do the crossroads pocket. You cant expect us to do all 18 places in one day haha.

Futrel -2 points · Jan 2024

I'd be curious if there's any good pho in the Crossroads. I can't think of any. Columbus Park or way south on the KS side. Gonna take some gas money.

Dudebug1 [OP] 5 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

Bro I told you we are going to do 3-4. Why would we waste time by going all around the city instead of just doing pockets?

I promise we will get there, but it won't be today.

gr8day82 1 points · Jan 2024

I enjoyed the calzone tour. And a Pho tour sounds so good. I'm following!

therockstone 1 points · Jan 2024

Glad to have you!

Dudebug1 [OP] -2 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

Bun Mee Phan! We went here due to Mr Le's being closed, but we are headed there now.

Let's talk rating. On a flat food critic level, this receives a 4.66/10 rating. Everything was fine, nothing was great. But let's talk more about business.

Im a businessman, I own a business, I often run another man's business, and many businessmen (and the ladies) will tell you that a business is a people business. "The customer is always right" "Make them happy"

These are common mantras around very successful businesses. Why? Because the customer is the reason they're allowed to operate.

When we entered Bun Mee Phan, the vibe was weird. Listed are the signs outside of the door. "NO SOLICITING, NO TRESPASSING, NO PUBLIC RESTROOM" does this sound like a business that loves people? What about when they pay in full for a bowl of pho, and then you refuse to give them 2 more bowls? Why? To save money? No, you would just clean them. Is it to protect them? Probably not. But when you refuse to let them bring in their own bowls???!!!

We know what you care about. The money. The fame. You don't care about the people.

I, and my colleagues highly recommend never visiting this establishment. We are not Karens, we didn't insult anyone, just don't go. Promise.

"When three people come in and order one bowl, we don't make money" yes you do. You sold a bowl of pho, we were just splitting it.

Awful customer service, whatever.

Mr Le's sushi next!

blacktoise 11 points · Jan 2024 · Shawnee

Op this reads rather neurotic. I feel like I lost all interest in your rating because you seem to be doing some odd presumptions of judgement based on your own personal specific preferences, rather than trying to view this in an objective sense

Dudebug1 [OP] 6 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

Mr Le's Sushi: This is the place that my fiance and I had our first date at- and we go here often. This will NOT be a biased review.

Mr Le's is a 8.66/10 . It's good pho and it's the cheapest I know. I accidentally guessed the wrong husband so I can never show my face there again.

The broth was hot (YMMV, we got there at open) noodles were fine but nothing to knock your socks off and everything else was great! We were in, and seated, and fed, and out in less than 30 minutes. This place is crazy underrated and I highly recommend it- it's so far my favorite.

Good friendly people, good vibes, they didn't yell at us for wanting to split a bowl of pho. That's a new one. And we're off!

San's Sandwiches next!

Dudebug1 [OP] 4 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

Sans: there's a lot to unpack here. Let's start with the rating. 5.66/10

A lot of this comes down to VALUE, which people wanted for our calzone tour. It's a fine sized bowl, but 19 dollars before tip. That removes 2 points in its own right.

I also enjoyed the taste the least, as I might have had most of the black pepper, and that was about all I could taste. The other two thought it was the best meat of the tour (so far) and the broth is very oily, which I do not prefer, but the other two didn't mind.

The noodles were PERFECT.

The staff was VERY ACCOMADATING AND NICE.

I definitely brought this rating down the most, without my vote it's a 6.5.

Onto Pho Tuoi!

Dudebug1 [OP] 5 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

Pho Tuoi: First off, big difference from Sans, only 2 doors down. The main difference? It was a full house- sans was nearly empty. Great vibes, some ponapean greetings on the wall that I appreciate (Kaselehlie!). Onto the score: 7/10.

The broth was the best of any. The meat was the worst of all. We got a small bowl and it was pretty bad value, but I've had both the medium and the large. GET A MEDIUM OR LARGE. it's worth it. Smalls are not. They also have the largest variety of sauces to add- not just Hoisin and Sriracha, but soy sauce and chilies too. Very strong performance, and extremely accommodating.

I also forgot who asked, but this place has vegan options!

Onto Xuyen!

Dudebug1 [OP] 4 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

Xuyen: this was a disappointment just because the inside is very cute and great vibes, once again very accommodating, which all have been except ONE SINGLE PLACE. Dang.

Anyway, the rating is a 4.33/10, the broth was super funky and I got some off-veggies. The noodles were great and the meat was fine in my bowl but the other two had chewy and gristle-y beef.

The lady was super nice though but this is a hole in the wall. Don't expect a fine dining experience if you go here, like the other places.

There's charm in hole-in-the-walls.

There's charm there.

Our final stop: Big Bowl Pho.

Dudebug1 [OP] 10 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

Big Bowl Pho: the most unique pho. Our rating? 8.66/10. u/joemeister44 gave it a 9.5

The noodles were incredible and the broth was fantastic, but it was the least uniform. The meat was the only thing that was kinda "eh", but the broth is the story here.

It felt like it wasn't pho. It was great, of course, but instead of being a meat broth, it was like a spice broth. Highly recommend giving this one a shot.

This concludes the KANSAS CITY PHO TOUR....Part 1.

We will be doing another next month, going more south, to the fan favorites.

For those who love Bun Mee Phan, let me clarify something. If you go in because you love this pho, you're probably going to have a great experience with the pho you enjoy. You're not gonna have any issue with the wait staff because you're making no special requests, okay? But for the record, we have issues with how the business operates, treats reviewers, and managers. They were not accommodating to us , when every other restaurant was with literally 0 issue. We will never go back but obviously you totally can. No need to take issue with us because we don't like your restaurant.

Thank you to everyone for joining us on this rainy day for a little vietnamese vacation, and we do hope you enjoyed an extra spicy version of a tour- This one being pho.

We do this for you. The biggest thanks to u/joemeister44 and u/therockstone for joining me on this adventure, and we are looking forward to doing it with you next month!

Dudebug1 [OP] 8 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

Side note: if you ever feel like you want to pee constantly for 8 hours, drink a ton of pho. I've never been more hydrated in my life.

nastyn8dawg316 10 points · Jan 2024

4.6 out of 10 for the pho here, buddy do you have tastebuds? You’ve got a shit opinion no need to pay attention to anymore of this thread.

dumbledoresdimwits 9 points · Jan 2024

You come across as an ass here, just to make sure you're aware of that. "The money. The fame. You don't care about the people"? They are running a business (to make money!) and don't need you bringing your own serving dishes in when there are health codes they have to follow. Call ahead if you're trying to do a thing like this and make sure they're okay with it.

Dudebug1 [OP] -4 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

I come across that way as a bit. You must not have been around for the calzone tour, it's kind of the joke.

utahphil 4 points · Jan 2024 · Lee's Summit

I’m here for it. Thank you.

Dudebug1 [OP] 3 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

UTAHPHIL! MY MAN!! glad to see you! Just need u/cyberphlash

cyberphlash 3 points · Jan 2024

Yo, you know I'm here for it! And of course, I must ask that you post a summary listing all the places and scores ranked. :)

Can't believe this fiance development either - worlds are colliding between your romance and food touring! What will happen to Independent George Dudebug1 and /u/joemeister44? And can anyone imagine little DudeStones running around this town? We're gonna need an update on that one...

Dudebug1 [OP] 2 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

This is the funniest comment so far easily.

Love you man. Best man???

We will get a list fs

Dudebug1 [OP] 2 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

Yes I agree they shouldn't have to let us bring in bowls.

They should give us some bowls. Have you ever asked for an extra plate or bowl anywhere and they say "no"? That's kinda crazy.

swagin13 5 points · Jan 2024

As a fan of local businesses and this one in particular, please refrain from telling others not to visit over one experience.

I can see where the customer is always right approach makes sense, but for three people to walk in, the expectation would be three meals being ordered and that is a loss of money from a conversion standpoint.

Getting extras bowls doesn’t seem like something they would refuse, but I get that inconvenience for you. However, to advocate against a patronage of a long standing local business is a bit too far, personally. Everyone has off days and this is a 4.6 rated restaurant on google for a reason.

Dudebug1 [OP] -1 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

It's poorly managed, is all. I don't want people to look at me, and then verbally say I'm wasting money by being in their establishment and giving patronage.

Refusing to give bowls AND refusing to let us bring in two bowls is crazy. They actively wanted us out of their restaurant and did any means necessary to kick us out.

If that's what you would like, then yes you can keep visiting.

We are three nobodies going around KC trying pho- no one is taking it this seriously, we aren't paid food critics. You don't have to stick around and watch.

Dudebug1 [OP] 2 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

They also threaten people who leave bad reviews, and tell people to never come back.

I've worked for 7 years and have never ever ever seen any business or establishment do that. That is insanity from a business model perspective.

JoeMeister44 -1 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

To be clear, we were nothing but kind to the woman taking our order, and the reason for ordering one bowl was explained. This is a Pho tour. We're visiting 7 different restaurants today alone. Splitting a bowl is a necessity, and the fact she refused to accommodate at all doesn't reflect well on the restaurant. I really hope this was an off day, because we felt let down.

[deleted] 6 points · Jan 2024

[deleted]

Dudebug1 [OP] 3 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

There was no one in the restaurant. Everyone else has been at least peaceful about us trying different food.

I'm not coming at you, and I don't want you to think I am. I'm disappointed in the business.

If you think they're a good business, go to the Google reviews, filter by 1 star, and read the RESPONSES from the OWNER.

It's baffling.

Futrel 5 points · Jan 2024

Ha. I just read the one star reviews and the responses. Pretty much the first three were where the customer, or their child, knocked their bowl on the floor then proceeded to give one star. I kind of enjoy the owner's replies tbh.

JoeMeister44 0 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

Wow, I'm sorry this offended you. And for taking up one table in a completely empty restaurant. And for expressing our disappointment at unprofessional behavior because of a simple request. I guess we were completely wrong for wanting to try it, period.

Go ahead and take a look at the owner's responses to less than stellar reviews on google. I totally understand not consenting to every request, and expressing a level of frustration...but you can't tell me these responses are professional. Please take a look.

Mindless_Eggplant_60 1 points · Feb 2024

Okay business man, open up a restaurant yourself and do the math. "The customer is always right“… macys motto… "in the terms of taste.“ it’s a fashion statement. You suck.

Mindless_Eggplant_60 1 points · Feb 2024

Shut the fuck up

[deleted] 0 points · Jan 2024

[deleted]

Dudebug1 [OP] -6 points · Jan 2024 · Calzone Master

You're not fit for a tour, then, nor a business. Enjoy your 9-5!

Saurefuchs -2 points · Jan 2024

Get a grip.

therockstone -7 points · Jan 2024

10 boos for Lipsynchforyourlife

therockstone -8 points · Jan 2024

10 boos for bun mee phan