Phong Lan Vietnamese Restaurant
216 8th St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401
Phong Lan Vietnamese Restaurant Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Cedar Rapids for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Cedar Rapids for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
216 8th St SE
Cedar Rapids, IA, 52401 - Phone (319) 365-5784
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Lonnie Z.
Had the pho with beef and meatballs. Seriously some of the best I have had (and I have had it all over the US). I didn't try anything else, but if their pho is indicative of the rest of their menu items, it will rock.
(4)Louise M.
This place was just ok for me. Saw some good reviews and it was only half a mile from my hotel. I decided to walk there. It was getting dark and at first I was a bit scared walking. However, there were no one outside at all. It was pretty much a dead city. The good guys and the bad guys apparently were all inside somewhere. Phong Lan is far from trendy or fancy. It looked like a restaurant in Asia when people decided to open one up in their house or garage. It totally reminded me of those places I used to go to when I was young growing up. A family would run it.. Mom and grandmother would be cooking, while the father would take order and man the cashier. The older kid would help serve and the younger kids would be around playing or watching TV. It brought me back to memory lane. I was disappointed with the egg rolls. I was expecting Vietnamese egg rolls with savory ground pork mixed with carrots and little vegetables and served with the Vietnamese sweet and sour fish sauce. This egg rolls had some meat but there was cabbage. It was also served with those manufactured red sweet and sour sauce. It didn't taste bad but it wasn't what I wanted. The pho had the most beautiful glistening effect on the broth. I took a slurp and it tasted ok. Just ok and they were pretty light with the meat. One thing I like however, they used slices of Thai Chili instead of Jalapeño. That rocked! I like my pho a bit spicy but Jalapeño didn't do it for me. I added Sriracha at times and it kinda ruined the broth. However, with Thai Chili, it got pretty hot gradually. It was pretty fantastic. I made it back safely to the hotel. I just got robbed my Vietnamese Egg Rolls but otherwise all is accounted for.
(3)Andrew O.
Egg rolls were very good. The Bun was exactly as described but I wish I had listened better. No fault of the restaurant but it was not something I'd do again. I'll go back and try the pho next time.
(3)Kristin H.
Food is lovely. Service is fine. Dining room is unremarkable and can be loud when the regulars or family members of owners are hanging around. I always start with the shrimp and pork spring rolls which come with a dark tasty dipping sauce. They are fresh and well rolled. I love the lemongrass sauced vermicelli bowls that come with fresh greens. S 13 is also a standby favorite and comes with rice and fresh veggies.
(4)Brandon G.
I travel the country for work and have had pho in so many places, including both coasts and places with large vietnamese populations. This pho was surprisingly delicious. I got the beef pho with shrimp spring rolls. For being in Eastern Iowa, I was pleasantly surprised. If I ever find myself back around these parts, I will return for sure. Great service from the man owning the place as well.
(4)Mark G.
Another good pho find. Loved the broth, nice flavor to it not much too fat had a great taste to it that went down easy. Noodles were good, could have used a few more though. The beef was cooked perfect and was of a good grade of beef. They do give smaller portions of basil and sprouts, which is alright for me since I don't use them all. They had these small cut up peppers that from now on I want. They were way better than the jalapeno slices in my opinion. Also had eggrolls as usual, pretty good with homemade sauce. Our drinks were the limeade drink, was good for the price, not overly sweet so you can adjust if needed and Denise got the passion fruit slushy which was really delicious. I really liked this place and will have to drive here for my pho since Iowa City/Coralville doesn't have a place yet. Worth the short drive for any pho fan that is "pho'ening phor phonomal pho" :)
(4)Lyn D.
Unassuming casual spot with wonderful Pho. I had the seafood pho, Mr had the beef. We both had the (and I'm spelling this wrong-sorry) cui gon rolls. Food was served quickly. The bowls of Pho were large and the broth was full of rice noodles and meat(or seafood). I recommend it highly!
(4)Gene D.
Possibly the worst pho that I've had. It was way too greasy. Broth just tasted off. Had to add a lot of hoisin and siracha to mask the flavors that threw everything off. Not enough meat either.
(2)Matt S.
For the price portion Are small! I got the pho is was ok broth was good but little meat and veggies condiments! This will b the last time come here unless changes are made. Don't me wrong i want to help small businesses but food and service needs to b on par with the prices they're charging!
(2)Kristin B.
I love this restaurant. It is clearly a family owned restaurant, as we frequently go here, and the owners' daughter is sometimes hanging around playing or watching cartoons. The same people are there to greet us every single time. The food is authentic and wonderful. The prices are good. They recently updated their menus, which they were due for. The service is friendly and the food always gets out to us SO fast!!! The bun is my favorite. I always ask them to add in shrimp egg rolls to my bun dish. They are are delicious!!! As for the review mentioning the portion sizes. The appetizers are small, but they're priced accordingly. Paying 3 bucks for 2 spring rolls doesn't equate to a rip off for me, especially when the main dish I order is huge.
(5)Patrick W.
My favorite place in Cedar Rapids. The Bun is delicious. The summer rolls are the perfect have the perfect balance of herbs. Eat here.
(5)Lane H.
After reading the reviews of Phong Lan, I decided that the husband and I were going to spend a childless Saturday by eating here. (Note on the kids; they love everything from sushi to succotash but they are getting expensive to feed) Both my husband and I have had some Vietnamese food. My roommate in college was Vietnamese and she cooked often. However we tend to prefer the spicier flavors of Thai. That being said, we went in knowing that this was not going to knock our socks off with heat or flavors. The main thing I would remark on was the portion size for the price. Both of us ordered an entree and we shared an appetizer. After we left, my husband said, "Now I need to eat lunch cause I'm still hungry." No he's not a glutton, the portion was just that small. Zin's must be rubbing off on them. We had the egg rolls. Sorry, but for two of that size I could have had more at just about any other oriental restaurant (everyone serves them because it's Iowa and that means eggrolls). I had the Combo Lemon Grass with rice. It was to have beef, pork, chicken and shrimp. I had a total of two shrimp. Bigger than the little salad ones, but not much larger than that. My husband's entree was a curry dish with combo meat as well. One shrimp. The meat in mine was very overcooked (hard and chewy). Flavors were good, but very underwhelming even for Vietnamese. Service was fine. Atmosphere was fine. I did feel a little uneasy about the chopsticks in the jar. Who sat at this table before. Did they play with them. Did some kid lick his and stick it back in? I know silverware can be dirty as well, but they usually don't leave the next groups place setting on the table while you dine. I'll be back. I will try the Pho and see if it lives up to the reviews. But for now, I'm not impressed.
(2)Chen K.
I ate there often when I lived in Cedar Rapids from 2003-2005 and this restaurant was an oasis of ethnic food in Eastern Iowa. I especially loved the lemongrass chicken and their pho, but everything tasted good and had a great homemade feel.
(5)Eric C.
Spring rolls were decent... But a little bit small. Combination pho was also decent, but broth was a little bland. Too much pepper was added, and the variety of meet added was disappointing. The passion fruit smoothie could also use significant improvement. They didn't have the traditional three-colored bean drink. Coming from Iowa City, not worth the trek to Cedar Rapids.
(2)Sarah R.
One of my favorite places to eat in cedar rapids! Never had a bad dish! The service is great very nice staff and you don't have to wait forever for your food.
(5)Katie W.
Love this place! It's local, it's delicious, it's a dive! My favorite! Family owned, which means there's probably going to be some kids running around, but the food makes you forget about it.
(5)Shirley W.
Cedar Rapids isn't good for much. Seriously. Phong lan's pho and business meetings are the only reasons I even bother stepping foot in the city of smells
(5)He And She I.
Exactly what I needed....hot pho, served quickly, and with a smile. This is one of my favorite stops in CR.
(4)Joe S.
Authentic, that sums up this place. Food is stellar, their S.19 bo bun hue (spicy beef soup) is my staple, had it many other places no one else even in big cities come close. People looking for Chinese (American) don't bother, if you want to travel to Vietnam without leaving Cedar Rapids you are at the right place.
(5)Aaron S.
Thank goodness for hot Pho!!! In the midwest Chineese and Thai are super common, Vietnamese not so much. Highly recommended, they have excellent service, and a huge menu. Do not miss this place if you're in CR. One other thing ... prices are awesome.
(5)Stacey P.
If your looking for a unique, delicious meal with a no frills atmosphere, this is the place. Great Pho, Great Spring rolls with delicious dipping sauce. We always see the same staff. 1 person runs the dining room. Service is quick & very friendly. And the lady in the kitchen seems to be having a good time. Be sure to look at the fish tank... There's a big one!!
(4)Amy J.
We love this place, the Pho is ridiculous!
(5)Fred O.
My family and I always go here when we need comfort food. Inexpensive, and the decor is very "hole-in-the-wall" and simple, but the pho is great, as are the fried rice dishes. Good yellow curry too! Service is fast, friendly, and accurate.
(4)Nicole G.
I was so surprised with the small portion , noodle soup - with so little noodle, maybe it's in Iowa , but still noodle cost is so low , so when I ask for more noodle , he went and charge for another $2 dollar!. Pho is really light almost flavorless , with so little beef.
(2)Thai D.
It's not the best pho I've had, but I grew up and live in major cities in the west coast. If we put the pho here in Seattle or So Cal, it wouldn't be all that great, but me and the band were on tour and in the middle of a long-ass drive from Kansas City to Madison, WI. This little pho spot in the middle of Iowa totally hit the spot, and I was certainly satisfied. Next time I'm passing through, I'll come back for more!
(3)Austin B.
Pho was good but I felt it was overpriced. Other Vietnamese restaurants I've been to give you huge bowls and tons of meat and vegetable, but I felt like this place was pretty skimpy in comparison. But, if you are in CR and you are dying for some pho, Phong Lan will scratch your itch.
(3)Cory C.
This place is so fresh and light. I love the vermicelli and the pho it is amazing! You have to try the spring rolls and crab meat rangoons too. The waiter is very funny and always puts a smile on my face not to mention how great the prices are also very good food quality
(5)Kristine D.
I love this place!! I fell in love with Vietnamese food living in Seattle and Dallas, and also visiting Vietnam. The food is always fresh and light while still being filling. I usually went once a week for Vietnamese food in Seattle. When I moved here, I found that there are more chain restaurants than you can shake a stick at. So I set out to find food that wasn't dictated by a corporate menu. And Phong Lan was a great find. The food is authentic and the menu varied. I love the spring rolls with peanut sauce and the bun cha is great. I only wish they would serve a little more fish sauce on the side like I had in Hanoi. The actual restaurant is general looking, which is fine with me. But if you're looking for a place with swank atmosphere, this isn't it. Just great food and good service. Oh, and I love that I brought a co-worker who is originally from Vietnam here and she liked it too!
(4)John P.
Being far from a variety of Vietnamese noodle houses, I was really happy to have found this place in Iowa. It has all the Pho, rice and vermicelli dishes typically found at Vietnamese restaurants. The owners of this joint are definitely Vietnamese as you can hear them talking loudly to each other in the kitchen, even from where I was sitting at the furthest part of the restaurant. They're friendly with the customers though. I'm almost sure that the patrons (majority Caucasian) are wondering about what the fight is back there. Their pho soup is acceptable, and has most the ingredients (except for brisket) their spring rolls aren't plump and that great though. They've got sauces and chopsticks at the table (which should be customarily wiped eventhough they look clean). They do have a fish sauce that is named "Cock" which I find funny. no vietnamese sandwiches though. Compared to other fusion or Asian places that serve pho in CRapids or Iowa City, I think this place is the most authentic. If I was critiquing it against other Vietnamese restaurants in CA, I'd give it 2.5 stars. But in Iowa???! This is soulfood yo.
(4)Keenan C.
My girlfriend and I will find excuses to visit this place even though it is around an hour away from where we live. The pork vermicelli is highly recommended.
(5)Ed F.
I guess I'm still acquiring a taste for Vietnamese. Not my first choice for Asian food, but it certainly is more healthful than Chinese food. Most of the dishes are too mild for my tastes. I've had the turkey curry twice which is described as spicy but it really isn't, even when I asked them to "make it spicy". They have a variety of sauces on the table or you can order a dish of chili paste to add some serious heat. The service is very friendly and like the other posters mentioned is a family business. I'll continue to support this business in hope that I will find something I really like here.
(3)Karlton K.
In a large city overrun by chain restaurants, Phong Lan is my favorite spot for a fresh and tasty meal. I used eat there frequently when I was working in downtown CR. While Phong Lan may not live up to some people's west coast big city standards, it's the best option for Vietnamese in this area. First off, Phong Lan is a dive with no atmosphere whatsoever. It's a little family- run restaurant off the beaten path, practically in an alley, in an area of CR that includes consignment furniture shops and a salvation army store. Parking is always an issue, so you may need to walk a block. But the food is the star, and that's why you should try it if you are interested in something extraordinary. My favorites are the "bun" ... Basically rice vermicelli noodles atop a bed of lettuce and cucumber, garnished with cilantro, basil, sprouts and crushed peanuts, topped with a meat of your choice. I've tried them all, and two of my faves are the shrimp and pork, and the spicy lemongrass chicken. Fresh, filling, and healthful, low in fats, and totally satisfying combinations of flavors and textures. I've tried the pho and other soups on the menu, as well as some of the rice dishes. A steaming hot bowl of pho on a cold winter's day, or a cool bowl of bun on a hot summer day ... Always something hits the spot. Phong Lan has a special place in my heart.
(5)Elias C.
Another great Vietnamese restaurant in Cedar Rapids. This small and not very atmospheric restaurant offers excellent Vietnamese foods. All of the dishes prepared are fresh and authentic. Phong Lan has been around a long time and I hope it survives. Its location is not the best. It has never been easy to get to nor to find nearby parking. It has also unfortunately been marred for far too long by continuous street construction. It takes some effort to get to it but your eating experience will be worth the effort. And as an after dinner treat you can shop next door at the Saigon Market.
(4)Desiree S.
This is Cedar Rapids saving grace. The tofu spring rolls are delicious. The best vietnamese restaurant in town!
(5)P D.
ugh, I used to really like this place. I used to go weekly, but over the past few years, it's simply gone downhill. The portions vary GREATLY depending on who's cooking/ their mood. It's very possible to go in for lunch, spend $10 and get half of a medium plate of food - about 1 1/2 cups of food. The other half of the plate is covered with lettuce or veg/ condiments. ? -so expect to get a burger after eating here... Lunch 'special' prices are not a bargain anymore. It used to be busy at lunch, no longer- probably due to the above. The recipes are slightly above average, bot often overcooked/ burned. So, no too many pluses for this place anymore unfortunately. Too many of their items are straight from a can. - Like Linds' (-another reviewer from 4/2011) coffee- go to the grocery next door and get this for $1, instead of spending twice that to have someone open a can for you...
(2)Larry H.
The pho "special" was not so special. Soup = tasteless noodles = taste like its been soaking for days. Folks, Pho noodles need to have some "bounce" in it. beef =old and tough I also had their egg rolls. I think it was a little better than your average Panda express egg rolls, but for a restaurant, it was also pretty disappointing. The best part about this experience? The friendly staff. I might give them a second chance when I try some vermicelli or BBQ pork with rice next time.
(2)Tim M.
I had the 8.0 which was excellent. It was recommended to me by a friend and it was my first time eating at a Vietnamese restaurant. I am glad that I was able to try it. It has been about 5 days and I am already wondering when I can go back. I think it will be soon.
(4)Carla P.
Pretty good Vietnamese food. Very affordable. My favorite are the vermicelli dishes and the spring roll. The only thing is that I am used to the meats being grilled and not too oily. It was a bit oily here. Although it is still good. Their parking is limited but parking is easy to find around the block.
(3)Jason U.
Oh yeah baby, a great place for pho and spring rolls when I'm traveling. Not the best ever but not bad at all. My Vietnamese iced coffee was pretty skimpy. Other than that totally worth a trip. I think the owner waited on me and he was very friendly.
(4)Anne P.
I know how Vietnamese food should taste because that's all I got the first 18 years of my existence. I must first point out that it's not labeled "Chinese" because it's nothing like it. Vietnamese food emphasizes freshness, so the dishes are typically seasoned with herbs like mint, basil, lemongrass and cilantro. If you're expecting flavor explosion, you're in the wrong area of the continent - Vietnam is not a city in China! That being said, Phong Lan is my go-to place when I'm missin' my mama's cooking. If you want the authentic Vietnamese experience complete with the screechy shouting in the kitchen and little Asian kids doing math at a table while their daddies drink beer and play cards at another table, you've come to the right (and only) place in CR. It's family run so don't expect fast service, but the food will come out hot and fresh. A note on the pho if you've never had it before - add hoisin sauce and sriracha hot sauce to flavor the broth to your tastes. I would question anyone who compares the food here to a Chinese place because that just screams ignorance. This is Vietnamese food, and this is how Vietnamese food should taste.
(5)Dan B.
As people mentioned, its a Vietnamese restaurant so don't go expecting it to be Chinese or Thai. Vietnamese is fresh, light, non-greasy food it's not typically spicy unless you make it that way with the little peppers or some Sriracha. I like to get the combination lemon grass under the "spicy entry" on the menu. I really like the shrimp egg rolls here! Shrimp wrapped in a piece of pork, wrapped in a eggroll wrapper and fried to deliciousness! Don't go for the atmosphere, go for an authentic meal with friendly service.
(4)Mitch L.
This place is so good and I miss it quite a bit. Their fried rice is to die for and their shrimp egg rolls are second to none. You can't leave without having an orange slush there too. The owner is always doting on the tables and checking up on how things are going with your meal.
(5)Lynn J.
Love the family atmosphere here and am always impressed that when I call with a carryout order that it's ready when I arrive. The chicken rice noodle soup is a favorite if I'm feeling under the weather, but the Phong Lan fried rice is another great comfort dish. Don't let the modest facade and decor cause you to drive by, give this restaurant a try and you'll fall in love.
(4)K S.
Great pho and the rest of the menu is pretty good. Big portions for the price. Parking for lunch is a mess, but well worth it. Walk a block and stop complaining already! Lunch service can be a little slow so put your order in with the drink order and you'll save some time. I kind of wish they didn't leave the chopsticks on the table in the holder so that no one can mess with them before you use them. A fresh set wrapped in a napkin would be more reassuring than a container full of them at the table.
(4)kurt s.
We came in around 1:30pm Sat, thinking maybe a lunch special but there didn't seem to be one. The food was in my opinion just mediocre. I ordered the large vegetables, combination of all seafoods and steamed rice, my wife ordered the regular portion of fried rice and chicken. Both our orders came on the same plate the size difference was undistinguishable, but the price wasn't. I 'd probably go back again just to make sure it wasnt an off day for the resturant.
(2)Jn K.
finally rating this place... i had lunch there back in 10/2011... it wasn't the worst..... for a price of $8 or $9 the portion of the noodle was very small. i missed eating pho so it did the job.... visiting from LA the portion was way less than the small bowls they serve in LA and for 8 or 9 dollars the price was over priced compared to the portion of noodles.... we had this one guy serve us... and i asked for more limes and some extra onions. he pointed that there is 1 slice of lime already on the table. i said i know but i want extra... and he gave me one tiny piece of lime.... i just hate it when restaurants are so stingy over limes and onions. how much are onions.. and limes.... and they have to be so stingy about limes and onions.... i asked for more onions... and i think the guy literally sat in the kitchen counting the layers of onions.... he gave me a total of 5 tiny layers of onions. it was alright but they are stingy over the noodles, onions, and limes.... the price was way over priced.... i'd probably not go there again.... i could probably find a buffet around this area for the price of one noodle dish... or any other asian restaurants.... where they are not stingy with simple things like limes and onions... and definitely be cheaper than what they charged me....
(1)Ken W.
I normally get one of the lemongrass dishes when there and I love it. The service can be a bit slow but normally this is not an issue. I've just seen them get overwhelmed with people a time or two. I'm not sure if this is authentic food or not but because is is not nearly as greasy as Chinese I am very fond of it.
(4)Todd B.
Very good Vietnamese food in a comfortable atmosphere. The service was friendly, and food came out quickly. I had the spicy chicken and rice, which was presented nicely and tasted great. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone wanting an authentic Vietnamese meal.
(4)