I was always told to start with something positive when you have bad news to give, so let's try this: The bathrooms are spectacularly presented and very clean and smell great. The garnishes for the pho here are consistently fresh and not dripping with water (those of you who eat a lot of Vietnamese food will know what I mean). Service is prompt if only slightly overzealous since they tend to be overstaffed. Free yummy hot tea and a carafe of lemon water at every table. Local beer on tap. Here's my beef (no pun intended): I already thought this place was subpar for Vietnamese food but went because I get intense cravings for pho and Mekong's has a mild semblance to the great pho I've been spoiled with in my life. Plus its $6 so whatever. But the past times I've gone, the beef in the pho has been sparse, and what little is in it is tough and overcooked. The time before last that I was here I asked for the beef as rare as possible, the server told me the beef was put in the soup rare, and of course it came out to me totally cooked through with not even a hint of pink. So, this last time I went I pulled a well-known trick that I've used when I know the meat doesn't come out as pink as I like. I asked the server if I could have the raw beef on the side. She looked at me quizzically and said she would have to ask the chef but it was cool, I got my beef and slightly oily pho and I was in heaven! For once the beef wasn't rubbery and gritty! I could for once enjoy that less than an half ounce of meat in the pho! Then the bill came. Printed out, it read "Small bowl of pho, no beef $6.00. Side of Raw Beef $2.00." What? Did you just charge me for less work you had to do? For those of you who don't know, beef pho is made by adding raw beef slices on top of rice noodles and pouring the hot broth over it all. Also, if you're going charge me for a side of beef, can you at least give me the extra that you took out? Or tell me first, for starters? I know it's only $2, and listen I'll throw down $100 for a great meal, but does anyone else see something fishy about this situation? I asked the server in case this was an honest mistake. She looked at me pleadingly and said that she had already argued a lot with the chef (who is also the owner by the way) about it and agreed it was ridiculous. So I asked to talk to him just in case there was something I was missing. I've worked in the restaurant business for almost 9 years as a server, at the worst places too (Cheesecake Factory, Red Lobster) to know to be polite and that the manger is always respectful and accommodating to customers who want to talk to them, and they listen more than they talk. FORGET THAT. This guy came out with a pissed off red face like he was having a case of bad gas and an allergy attack at the same time. Before I even got a chance to list my rehearsed, polite-as-possible concerns, he was yelling at me about he has to "re-slice and plate the beef" in order for it to come out raw (what...?) and how in a big city like Chicago I would be paying $9 for a bowl of pho so I should not be complaining (....?). I just wanted him to stop yelling at me so somehow *I* ended up apologizing to him to get him to stop... But really, this is no way for any owner treat someone with a concern, especially ones that have been getting a lot of friends to try the place. Anyway, regarding the food I've tried: None of the food here is authentic, all of it is "fusion" meaning watered-down/Americanized, which the girls at Elite Nails had told me before I even came here for the first time (the previous owners were actually from Vietnam and had more authentic dishes, but when their son, the current owner who I assume grew up here, took over, he changed the menu and made it "pan-asian"). The pho does not have tripe, tendon, meatballs, NOTHING except for that terribly sparse sprinkling of tough flank steak. If you want all that, I suggest you go to 3 Samurai (yes, the excellent sushi restaurant about a mile down on the same street, has lots of Vietnamese dishes during lunch because the owner/cook is also Vietnamese, but nice). My boyfriend had the banh xeo (called "Oriental Crepe"...) at Mekong and said it was soggy and disappointing. 3 Samurai has a great banh xeo at lunchtime that is crispy and has jicama inside, which is a pleasant twist to a traditionalist like me. I've also had the bbq beef with rice noodle (just say no - why is this on a plate? Why are there no rice noodles?) and crab rangoons (I've had better at China Star- they were less dry and 3 times cheaper). My friends have ordered the green curry and the crispy noodle, and other dishes that they've picked at and I've felt sorry for them for ordering. Iowa City, I know its the midwest but why can't we get a decent Vietnamese place around here? I mean just look at Saigon Cafe or Pho KC in Kansas City (both amazing places btw), where the beef is plenty and pink. Mekong, at least, thanks for the free tea and water.
(2)
Anthony B.
I enjoyed the food here very much and it was clean and the people where very friendly
(5)
Alex O.
Food was great, I'd give one extra star in the future if they updated their booths/interior. Food was awesome and plentiful. I had the Mekong Pad Thai and it was a mountain of deliciousness at a very affordable price. They have Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Thai food. I would recommend checking them out.
(4)
K S.
Just after nine on a Tuesday evening in July.and the sign reaffirms until 9:30pm. Wrong! I walk in and get met at the door. "You here for take out? We close the inside at nine for the kitchen to get cleaned up." I wont be back. Ever.
(1)
Alex P.
Being Vietnamese, there's this innate behavior to want Pho at least once a month...if not twice a month. After finding out Bobbalicious closed down over the summer, I needed to find a way to get my Pho on. Mekong does the trick and then some. Started the meal off with some Spring Rolls and the Chicken Wings, which were both great. Yes I said Chicken Wings, don't knock it till you try them. They're great! Then from there I moved onto the Beef Pho. Wow is the bowl huge! For 8.00, you honestly cannot go wrong. Put some bean sprouts, a squirt of hoisin and sriracha, and a splash of lime and you're ready to dive in. Fantastic Pho and I'll be coming back again real soon.
(5)
Mary F.
Mekong is okay Vietnamese food for Iowa City but is definitely subpar compared to areas with more Asian restaurants. Beef pho: The pho is okay, nothing spectacular. This place is one of the few options for pho in Iowa City. The noodles are always cooked well, but the broth is a bit lacking, as well as the meat. Usually there are only 5-7 pieces of meat per bowl, and the meat more tough than tender. The size is huge, as pho usually is in restaurants. I often split a large bowl with a friend. Mekong eggrolls: These are decently good. There are 4 eggrolls, each on a bed of rice noodles and a lettuce leaf, with fish sauce (?) for dipping. There is a pleasant mix of crunchy and soft textures from the eggroll shells and soft noodles and lettuce. Mekong chicken wings: This was okay. The sauce and chicken were decent, but not great. I wouldn't come here just for the wings. The decor and ambiance is nice, with a modern fusion vibe. The service is decent as well. Free hot tea!
(3)
Mark G.
First review is for the pho, it is good pho in my opinion. It was not fatty, not bland, and not missing anything as far as flavor goes. Since this has many mixed reviews just wanted to lay it out. I would say it's more of a lighter flavor broth with some flavor. The portions were huge for $8. You will be full pho sure. The veggies were fresh and they give you tons of jalapeños. Overall a 4 for the pho. 2nd review is for the other two times I've been here. I has a stir fry dish and a Thai dish awhile ago, they were just okay. The flavor was alright but didn't wow me. This is fusion place so they have a variety of dishes. A 3 for their dish offerings. I will return back for the pho, I enjoyed it and happy to have such large portions available.
(3)
Cheryl H.
Liked the complex flavors of the Lemon Grass Chicken and especially the wonderful Tamarind Soup. Take out worked out quite well.
(4)
Nicole D.
Overall a great meal! We were just passing through Iowa and I was not expecting much but was pleasantly surprised. We tried 3 different kinds of soup (2 Pho) and all were delicious even my children thought they were great. The small size was large and I could only finish half of the large. My husband loved his basil chicken. The only dish we didn't love were the dumplings. Service was also excellent.
(4)
Andy B.
I have eaten here many times, have tried many dishes, and have never had a bad meal here. It is consistently good each time and good no matter what I have ordered. Mekong provides a very different eating exerience than the Chinese counter services that reviewers often compare it to. Namely, Mekong is sit-down, and they serve more Asian cuisines other than Chinese, including Vietnamese and Thai. I do not often like Chinese food in general, but find the fresh flavors of the stirfrys and the other dishes to be vibrant and quite tasty. The vegetarian options are plentiful, and you can choose those without tofu if you like. The soups are large, even the small sizes, while the entree items are large, but not overwhelming. The Twice-Cooked Pork, Braised Chicken, and Curries are all go-to items for me. The service is quite good, and the food does not take long to be served. The full bar is stocked with many beer, wine, and cocktail options, and ice water and hot tea are complimentary. Mekong allows you to eat standard American Chinese fare such as eggrolls, lo-mein, and Sweet-and-Sour Chicken, but also gives you the chance to try something new such as Lemongrass Chicken and BBQ Beef with Steamed Rice Noodle. For lunch, Mekong offers combination plates with Eggroll, Rangoon, Rice, and a main dish. If you are looking for a nice meal that you know will taste good day in and day out, is clean, and comforting, then try Mekong for your next Asian cuisine meal.
(4)
Tiffany D.
I like the Pho and the rice roll very much. But I just come this restaurant for those, and I am not try others. Once I try the fried rice, but I do not like it, just for personal reason. The restaurant is good.
(4)
Maya M.
Last time I was there, I found hair in my food. Also my boyfriend ate there and he got pretty sick, he was throwing up all night. Beside that I feel almost all the food tastes the same.
(1)
Alex D.
Let me start by saying I am heavily biased. I have eaten at Mekong on and off for almost 20 years (they had an old location in Coralville). I will agree that it's not 100% authentic Vietnamese food, but it's still good food. The ingredients are fresh and all prepared in house. The family that owns the restaurant is very nice and incredibly hard working. The Mekong egg rolls, the curry shrimp, the pho and their steamed dumplings are my go to's and have been for years. If you're on the fence and haven't been, you will be pleased if you're just looking for a good solid meal. If you expecting to close your eyes and be whisked to Hanoi then you might want to reconsider.
(5)
Anna H.
Can I give this more stars? Hands down the best. I've never been disappointed in the food, service or prices. I've followed this place from one location to the next and will never give up the opportunity to go.
(5)
Carla P.
This is really more a fusion restaurant. It's not that authentic but really good food. Their dishes are fresh and clean. Their restaurant is kept clean and service is good and friendly.
(4)
Leslie S.
Reading all the reviews, I was hesitant to go here, but I really wanted pho. Judging by the reviews, I thought this place was going to be some weird sketchy building. I decide to go, and it looks very nice. Long story short, I really like this place and don't know why reviews are so low. It looks very sanitary and very nicely decorated. We were given tea and water, which I always like tea. I just got a dumpling, spring roll and a GIANT BOWL of pho and shared with someone. There were a couple little things that I couldn't quite give it 5 stars, like where we were seated was SO dark, it was almost hard to read the menu. I know some restaurants keep it a little dark for ambience, but it was pretty dark. Service, although good, was a touch slow. And pho, although good to me, didn't seem quite as authentic or elaborate (I had to ask for some sauces, and the sides that you put into pho seemed limited) compared to other places I've had it at. But regardless, I think it is a great place, I enjoyed the pho, and I will go here again and again.
(4)
Sarah G.
I went to Mekong for lunch and ordered beef broccoli from the lunch menu. What I liked was that the server brought us tea and water right away without our having to ask. Nice touch. The ambiance was decent. As in many other Asian restaurants there was a film of oil that seemed to cover everything. At least here I was able to ignore it. The crab rangoon was fine. The egg roll was very good. They serve the sauces in a trio of jars they bring to your table, which sort of grosses me out. Who knows when it was last cleaned, refilled, or who else used it? The sweet and sour sauce had an odd texture, like they added corn starch to it or something. The beef broccoli was unremarkable. The sauce lacked flavor, like the combination of ingredients was off. I will never, ever order it again and wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I wouldn't recommend anyone go for the Chinese here, even if it is just for lunch. I'm still going to try the Vietnamese menu for dinner sometime and I'll post more then.
(2)
Emily D.
Trying the only pho I could find in Iowa City... Pro tip: don't come here for the pho. Maybe they do something else well, but the broth was thin and boring and had nothing but filet-- which is a nice texture, but flavorless. Bean sprouts looked... aged... And they didn't being anything but hoisin/sriracha out with the pho. Saw another guy as I walked out with chili garlic and other sauces, so apparently you have to ask. The spring rolls had just two teeny tiny shrimp and the peanut sauce was practically flavorless. Overall... don't come here for the pho.
(1)
Paul H.
Mekong needs a serious menu overhaul. It could be so much better! Drop the awful chinese and thai food, and stick to vietnamese, where they are actually quite good. Seriously, I don't get why they don't just focus on Vietnamese food. Their pho is pretty good. But they do not have any of the bun (vermicelli) dishes that are so fantastic in good veitnamese restaurants. Instead they have chinese and thai dishes that are greasy and underseasoned. It's frustrating because they have some good dishes, but they have some really terrible food also. Also it is very poorly run, with inconsistent hours and large variation in food quality. Service is hit and miss, often times over or understaffed. Lunch specials are hit and miss. The good thing is they always bring tea and water. I only like two of the dishes on the lunch menu however, chicken with sweet basil and the hot braised chicken. The currries are really terrible, and they should just drop them from the menu. Also, avoid any of the shrimp dishes, they just taste wrong. Duck was way too fatty, etc. Dinner, again a couple great dishes (Roasted Chicken with Sweet Basil - yum), but just too many really bad ones that you worry each time you order something new. PLEASE, focus on vietnamese food, and try to run the restaurant a little more consistently. If you do go, order off the vietnamese section of the menu.
(1)
Tom C.
Americanized version of pho that is actually quite tasty. If you want Authentic pho (rare beef, tripe and meatballs) go to three samurai. The Pho here just has beef that is cooked all the way through. Solid egg rolls, they come to the table nice and crispy. My mom loves the broccoli and beef and the cashew chicken, Both of which had plenty of veggies and weren't greasy at all. I'd go 3.75 stars if I could. Waitstaff has always been friendly checked In a couple of times During our meals. Prices at lunch are very reasonable and portions generous. Tc
(3)
Earl B.
It tasted like the kitchen knew less about cooking than the wait staff.
(1)
TJ L.
We love the Hot & Sour Soup!! It is addictive!! Mekong is a wonderful restaurant with great staff. The service is always attentive and friendly. One of our favorite dishes is the chicken with snow peas. We see many other patrons enjoying the various soups on the menu with great delight, but we like the Hot & Sour Soup so much that we can't get ourselves to try the others. The ambiance is very pleasant. We love the music because it provides a nice background but does not interfere with conversation. We dine here as often as we can!!
(5)
Rebecca C.
I've been here a couple of times for lunch. The lunch menu offers good value with several entrees, side crab Rangoon and spring roll with complimentary hot tea and water for under $8... I have yet to have a bad meal. Staff has always been courteous and attentive. It's a fav lunch spot.
(4)
Helen M.
I was incredibly disappointed by the attempted Vietnamese food here. I tried three dishes, yeah I eat a lot, that's not the point. The Pho was wrong in every sense, the broth was deplorable and smelled rather old, the noodles weren't the correct kind, and the dish was presented with a sad looking plate of greens which looked past their prime as well. Spring rolls, which are one of the true delights of Vietnamese cuisine were prepared with the cheapest looking grocery store salad mix, stale noodles, and a peanut sauce that was devoid of character or flavor, and most likely ready-made. This establishment makes me lament for the people who haven't experienced truly good Vietnamese food. The words 'war crimes' come to mind in regard to their rendition of this cuisine.
(1)
Megan K.
My husband and I eat out a lot and have very few places we constantly return to, but this is one of those places. I'm not saying every menu item is out of this world, but there are certain things that are seriously ridiculous. Example: Mekong Eggroll. Sometimes, we just get a double order (8 egg rolls) and soup. It's a deep fried, thin egg roll filled with...? heaven?...and wrapped in noodles and fresh butter lettuce. So crunchy and the fresh taste of the lettuce balances the deep fried roll. The sauce that comes with it is excellent too. 90% of the time we get appetizers (the wings and pork bun are also worth getting) and hot and sour soup. The hot and sour soup is very different here than anywhere else, but it's the best tasting I've ever had. Other soup are also great - but they do REALLY skimp on the chicken in sizzling rice. Entrees are hit or miss. We had pad thai and pork and shrimp over fried noodles last night and absolutely loved both. Verdict: I will go here again and again for the appetizers and soups. If I try some more good entrees, I'll be sure to update.
(4)
W Q.
If you're an American born Iowan and never left Iowa, you will probably rave about this place. If you're looking for anything authentic this place is a joke. The pho is terrible. The service is terrible. I have no idea why this place is in business. If you're looking for good authentic pho, try Three Samurai. Mekong is a joke.
(1)
Jonathan B.
Mekong is probably the best pan-asian joint in IC. Probably the best place to get Pho in Iowa City though I always stick with the beef version - the chicken (pho-ga) is hit and miss. The chicken with coconut cream is flavorful. All of the apps are tasty and the soups are good. Definitely a good place to start if you're in IC and looking for something Chinese/Vietnamese.
(4)
Larisa B.
We always order the same three things: Pho gà Spring rolls Barbeque wings I've never tried anything else on their menu. The aforementioned three are perfect, in my opinion. The pho gà is absolutely delicious. The broth is flavorful and delicate.
(3)
Jennifer W.
The pho broth wasn't as flavorful as I'm used to, and I grew up on the very traditional pho in Little Saigon in Los Angeles. My boyfriend had a chicken dish that we loved, and their shrimp spring rolls were fab. The pho broth is my only complaint, but it's a pretty essential item so I give Mekong 3 stars.
(3)
Jay H.
Iowa City (like so much of the Midwest) suffers from a multitude of horrible Chinese restaurants. Thankfully, Mekong is an exception. The quality, flavor, and price of the food are all very good. Their menu includes Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese offerings - all of which are far, far, far better than anything you can buy at *any* of the Chinese take-out places in Iowa City. It is clear from the moment you walk in the door, that the folks at Mekong take cleanliness seriously - for in all the times I have visited for lunch or for dinner, the dining area has always been in excellent condition. The service has always been prompt and friendly. You can't go wrong with the Pho - indeed, the entire Vietnamese section of the menu is great, and their Pad Thai is also quite good. In summary, Mekong without question offers the best Chinese and southeast Asian cuisine within 200 miles of Iowa City. My only complaint is the parking: their parking lot may not be as bad as the downtown postal office in Iowa City (the worst parking lot in existence), but it's pretty cramped.
(4)
Anette G.
we loved it! the food are not salty at all and just right to your palate. the waitress that served us is very attentive. we would definitely come back if we can!!!
(5)
David C.
Excellent chicken wings, but have had a bad experience with stir fry.
(3)
Jennifer K.
Didn't ever expect a vietnamese restaurant in IC! Was pleasantly surprised by the food and the interior (modern, chic). The pho was comparable to So Cal, and even the main entrees were really good! They have Chinese and Vietnamese food. Plus, have a wide selection of wine as well. Definitely recommend for pho-cravers
(4)
Stephanie K.
The best in town.
(4)
Luis G.
We have been Mekong customers for over fifteen years. The food has always been excellent and the staff very friendly. Yes, when there is a crowd it can be a bit slow, enjoy the tea it is worth the wait.
(4)
Priscilla J.
Mekong is and has been our favorite for many years. BEEz H. took the words right out of my mouth. I totally agree with everything he said. I love a family-run establishment that prepares all the fresh vegetables and consequently all the dishes. Thank you for the great food.
(5)
Janine M.
Appetizer: Mekong Rolls, Dumpling Entree: Mango Shrimp with Thai Basil On our second visit here we again enjoyed the mekong roll which was as good as the first time, the wrap of lettuce give it a tasty crunch. The dumpling has both pork and chinese sausage was served steamed. The wrap was thick and fluffy which was different but pretty tasty. I ordered a special for that night the Mango Shrimp with Thai Basil. Usually it is served with sno peas the the kitchen was out of this and was replaced with brocolli. The dish was pretty good but could have had a bit more flavor. The shrimp and mango chunks were generous but I prefer the taste of medium sized shrimp over the larger variety. Service was prompt and friendly. Another enjoyable meal at Mekong!
(4)
Sandra A.
These two reviews had me all excited. I called my boyfriend screaming, "There's real Vietnamese in IC!" We excitedly went. And then again, when we wanted to make sure our impressions were right. Here's my summation: Decent pho. Not great pho (and there is SUCH a difference between the former and the latter). Yes, while the very presence of pho is shocking in IC, I do not think this means we need to lie to ourselves. This is not anything I'd pay money for in a community with more than one Vietnamese restaurant, but if you have a pho itch to scratch, go for it. The interior is shockingly pleasant. The service is really hit or miss. The guy we had last time was a dud. I've waitressed for years; this guy is not cut out for the job. I've waitressed for years; I know it's not really the restaurant's fault if one hiree sucks. The nail in the coffin: the second time we went, I made a huge mistake in ordering pad thai. Pad frickin thai. What I was given was not even in the ballpark of pad thai. It was something of a Chinese stir fry, onion-laden, salty, brash, not the slightly sweet thing I've had dozens of times in all sorts of restaurants around the country. How do you mess up pad thai? I guess the logical answer is that they're not a Thai restaurant. It was my fault for ordering it, then. My big question: Why have Thai on your menu, if you suck at it? Why not just have what you're good at? (Why are Asian restaurants around here obsessed with mastering three or four cuisines?)
(2)
Samantha C.
I go here regularly and the food and staff never disappoint. Delicious!
(5)
SJ F.
When I mention to locals that I'm headed to the Mekong for dinner, they often give me a strange look. It see and says, "Where's that" It seems to be a best kept secret in the Iowa City area, which is a shame. The food is spectacular here! The service is fantastic, and often the wait staff is American, for those of you who are shy with a waiter or waitress with limited English or thick accents. The place is quiet and simple with quick and considerate staff. Often when eating there with friends, we will share one entree, as portions are considerable.
(5)
Erin V.
THE WORST MEAL OF MY LIFE!!! No joke, this was the most disgusting meal I have ever had. I consider my husband and I foodies who love to travel and eat great food. Having traveled all over Asia I am pretty confident in saying that whoever designed the menu and cooks this food has never been trained in Asian cuisine and what ingredients go in Thai, Vietnamese, or Chinese food. My biggest issue with this restaurant is that the items they list on their menu are not even close to the authentic recipes or flavors you would get anywhere else. We didn't order anything too complicated or advanced for any regular hole in the wall Asian restaurant to be able to prepare. To start, we ordered Thai ice tea and crab rangoon. My Thai ice tea looked like dirty water with absolutely no flavor and skim milk poured on top...my lemon water had more flavor. I felt like I was drinking someone else's left over ice tea where the ice had melted and they threw it into a new glass and served it to me. The crab rangoon...well, it didn't have one piece of crab..not one. We laughed because it was stuffed with old cream cheese that tasted like it had been left in the fridge a little too long and absorbed the rest of the fridge flavors..so gross. But those items were probably the highlight of the night compared to the Tom Yum soup, Phad Thai and a Viet. beef salad. We couldn't even eat the soup...it was so horrible that our two year old who loves Tom Yum, said yuck and spit it out, no joke. The Phad Thai, hmmm, the main flavor ingredient...that would be soy sauce...who puts soy sauce in Phad Thai????? Throw in some bok choy, oyster sauce and carrots...and you get the most tasteless and inauthentic Phad Thai I ever ate. Then onto their beef noodle salad...can you say grey meat? My beef was literally grey...with some peanuts on top and under the meat....overcooked rice noodles, again, no flavor. So, all in all, save yourself some money, avoid this place like the plague and if you really want what their cooking, go eat some dirt in your back yard..it would probably have more flavor and would at least be authentic to what dirt is supposed to taste like.
(1)
tembi b.
I've only been once so I think I'll have to come back a few times to experience more of the menu. I enjoyed the food. We had a coconut chicken dish and a noodle dish. I definitely could have handled more heat, and did ask for some chili sauce to add. The flavors were nice though, as was the space. The service was friendly and attentive. I'm hoping we get to come back soon. We got takeout here last night and it was delicious! The person on the phone was very helpful when I told him we needed to avoid peanuts. We had a BBQ beef dish that came with a very interesting sauce. We also had a spicy shrimp dish that was very nice. Again - this place doesn't serve really spicy food. I'm probably more inclined to be forgiving about that now that I have kiddos. I'd give another 1/2 star if I could. Oh! I forgot, the potstickers were not what we expected - more like buns, but very nice!
(3)
Jennifer T.
Mekong can be okay if you have a desperate need for pho due to a cold or something. But honestly the food is not that good. It's too much of a mish mash of different types of cuisines without doing any of them very well.
(3)
Sidney T.
I've eaten twice at Mekong now and overall feel pretty postive. The decor is very dark but beautiful. It was a quiet and warm, welcoming atmosphere. I wouldn't mind visiting for a casual dinner or even having a more formal dining experience. The food was exceptional the first time but slightly above average the second time. I suspect it was simply what I chose the second time. The staff was very friendly and willing to explain dishes. Service was very quick on both occasions. It is now my oriental restaurant of choice in Iowa City.
(4)
Q L.
I can't even begin to describe the food. Tom Yum more more like Canh Chua without any flavor. The spring rolls didn't have any basil and too much lettuce. The best part about the dinner was the duck. Very moist and well seasoned.
(2)
Traffic S.
Mekong is a place to go back again and again. The staff is friendly and remember us from visit to visit. I love the salted shrimp and the Pad Thai, and many of the other dishes. Those Spring Rolls are the coolest things I have eaten anywhere. The Pho is Pho as it should be and the ambiance is nice but not too nice, just enough niceness to feel clean and fresh, but not enough to stop you from stopping in spur of the moment.
(5)
S J.
This place is very clean, contemporary, with great food and service. It has Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai and Vegetarian selections, so it is always fun for my husband and I to explore the menu. It is a small place, and could maybe use some noise-absorbtion decor, but the customers that come here are usually pretty well-mannered. Service was attentive and friendly. The Pad Thai could use some more "kick", but everything else is very satisfying. It's a regular dining place for me. Beware of the size of the soup! One large bowl can easily be split between 2-3 people.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch, Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes
The popularity of Chinese food in America can be adjudicated by the appearance of China Town in many major cities in the United State of America. The popular trend of ordering or opting for Chinese take away food isn't unknown in America. Chinese take away food comes to rescue when you're too tired from work or too exhausted to cook. No one can resist the temptation of eating spicy noodles, shrimp, chicken, beef or pork cooked in the sweet and spicy sauce. The cooking method of authentic Chinese food is a lot different compared to what is served in America.
Generally, Chinese use dark meat small bones and organs to cook dishes but this changes when you are eating American-Chinese fusion food prepared using white boneless meat cooked with broccoli, carrots and onions. Back in China, the food is less spicy and oily as they favor steaming and braising method for cooking the most popular dishes. So, if you have a taste for authentic Chinese food, then try finding a real Chinese restaurant in the city. You can also try the most popular fusion Chinese food like Pecking Duck, Chicken Feet, Hot Pot, Shrimp Dumpling Soup, Mapo Tofu, Wontons, Chop Suey, Egg Rolls and not to forget Fortune Cookies.
There are not many restaurants in America serving authentic Chinese food. A little research on Restaurant Listings directory can help you locate the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Chinese cuisine is continuously evolving, and you can find a variety of dishes categorized as the food for lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant, vegan, vegetarian, and diabetic friendly. So, if you have a group of friends with different taste patterns, save the hassle and visit the nearest Chinese restaurant in your city.
Ellen L.
I was always told to start with something positive when you have bad news to give, so let's try this: The bathrooms are spectacularly presented and very clean and smell great. The garnishes for the pho here are consistently fresh and not dripping with water (those of you who eat a lot of Vietnamese food will know what I mean). Service is prompt if only slightly overzealous since they tend to be overstaffed. Free yummy hot tea and a carafe of lemon water at every table. Local beer on tap. Here's my beef (no pun intended): I already thought this place was subpar for Vietnamese food but went because I get intense cravings for pho and Mekong's has a mild semblance to the great pho I've been spoiled with in my life. Plus its $6 so whatever. But the past times I've gone, the beef in the pho has been sparse, and what little is in it is tough and overcooked. The time before last that I was here I asked for the beef as rare as possible, the server told me the beef was put in the soup rare, and of course it came out to me totally cooked through with not even a hint of pink. So, this last time I went I pulled a well-known trick that I've used when I know the meat doesn't come out as pink as I like. I asked the server if I could have the raw beef on the side. She looked at me quizzically and said she would have to ask the chef but it was cool, I got my beef and slightly oily pho and I was in heaven! For once the beef wasn't rubbery and gritty! I could for once enjoy that less than an half ounce of meat in the pho! Then the bill came. Printed out, it read "Small bowl of pho, no beef $6.00. Side of Raw Beef $2.00." What? Did you just charge me for less work you had to do? For those of you who don't know, beef pho is made by adding raw beef slices on top of rice noodles and pouring the hot broth over it all. Also, if you're going charge me for a side of beef, can you at least give me the extra that you took out? Or tell me first, for starters? I know it's only $2, and listen I'll throw down $100 for a great meal, but does anyone else see something fishy about this situation? I asked the server in case this was an honest mistake. She looked at me pleadingly and said that she had already argued a lot with the chef (who is also the owner by the way) about it and agreed it was ridiculous. So I asked to talk to him just in case there was something I was missing. I've worked in the restaurant business for almost 9 years as a server, at the worst places too (Cheesecake Factory, Red Lobster) to know to be polite and that the manger is always respectful and accommodating to customers who want to talk to them, and they listen more than they talk. FORGET THAT. This guy came out with a pissed off red face like he was having a case of bad gas and an allergy attack at the same time. Before I even got a chance to list my rehearsed, polite-as-possible concerns, he was yelling at me about he has to "re-slice and plate the beef" in order for it to come out raw (what...?) and how in a big city like Chicago I would be paying $9 for a bowl of pho so I should not be complaining (....?). I just wanted him to stop yelling at me so somehow *I* ended up apologizing to him to get him to stop... But really, this is no way for any owner treat someone with a concern, especially ones that have been getting a lot of friends to try the place. Anyway, regarding the food I've tried: None of the food here is authentic, all of it is "fusion" meaning watered-down/Americanized, which the girls at Elite Nails had told me before I even came here for the first time (the previous owners were actually from Vietnam and had more authentic dishes, but when their son, the current owner who I assume grew up here, took over, he changed the menu and made it "pan-asian"). The pho does not have tripe, tendon, meatballs, NOTHING except for that terribly sparse sprinkling of tough flank steak. If you want all that, I suggest you go to 3 Samurai (yes, the excellent sushi restaurant about a mile down on the same street, has lots of Vietnamese dishes during lunch because the owner/cook is also Vietnamese, but nice). My boyfriend had the banh xeo (called "Oriental Crepe"...) at Mekong and said it was soggy and disappointing. 3 Samurai has a great banh xeo at lunchtime that is crispy and has jicama inside, which is a pleasant twist to a traditionalist like me. I've also had the bbq beef with rice noodle (just say no - why is this on a plate? Why are there no rice noodles?) and crab rangoons (I've had better at China Star- they were less dry and 3 times cheaper). My friends have ordered the green curry and the crispy noodle, and other dishes that they've picked at and I've felt sorry for them for ordering. Iowa City, I know its the midwest but why can't we get a decent Vietnamese place around here? I mean just look at Saigon Cafe or Pho KC in Kansas City (both amazing places btw), where the beef is plenty and pink. Mekong, at least, thanks for the free tea and water.
(2)Anthony B.
I enjoyed the food here very much and it was clean and the people where very friendly
(5)Alex O.
Food was great, I'd give one extra star in the future if they updated their booths/interior. Food was awesome and plentiful. I had the Mekong Pad Thai and it was a mountain of deliciousness at a very affordable price. They have Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Thai food. I would recommend checking them out.
(4)K S.
Just after nine on a Tuesday evening in July.and the sign reaffirms until 9:30pm. Wrong! I walk in and get met at the door. "You here for take out? We close the inside at nine for the kitchen to get cleaned up." I wont be back. Ever.
(1)Alex P.
Being Vietnamese, there's this innate behavior to want Pho at least once a month...if not twice a month. After finding out Bobbalicious closed down over the summer, I needed to find a way to get my Pho on. Mekong does the trick and then some. Started the meal off with some Spring Rolls and the Chicken Wings, which were both great. Yes I said Chicken Wings, don't knock it till you try them. They're great! Then from there I moved onto the Beef Pho. Wow is the bowl huge! For 8.00, you honestly cannot go wrong. Put some bean sprouts, a squirt of hoisin and sriracha, and a splash of lime and you're ready to dive in. Fantastic Pho and I'll be coming back again real soon.
(5)Mary F.
Mekong is okay Vietnamese food for Iowa City but is definitely subpar compared to areas with more Asian restaurants. Beef pho: The pho is okay, nothing spectacular. This place is one of the few options for pho in Iowa City. The noodles are always cooked well, but the broth is a bit lacking, as well as the meat. Usually there are only 5-7 pieces of meat per bowl, and the meat more tough than tender. The size is huge, as pho usually is in restaurants. I often split a large bowl with a friend. Mekong eggrolls: These are decently good. There are 4 eggrolls, each on a bed of rice noodles and a lettuce leaf, with fish sauce (?) for dipping. There is a pleasant mix of crunchy and soft textures from the eggroll shells and soft noodles and lettuce. Mekong chicken wings: This was okay. The sauce and chicken were decent, but not great. I wouldn't come here just for the wings. The decor and ambiance is nice, with a modern fusion vibe. The service is decent as well. Free hot tea!
(3)Mark G.
First review is for the pho, it is good pho in my opinion. It was not fatty, not bland, and not missing anything as far as flavor goes. Since this has many mixed reviews just wanted to lay it out. I would say it's more of a lighter flavor broth with some flavor. The portions were huge for $8. You will be full pho sure. The veggies were fresh and they give you tons of jalapeños. Overall a 4 for the pho. 2nd review is for the other two times I've been here. I has a stir fry dish and a Thai dish awhile ago, they were just okay. The flavor was alright but didn't wow me. This is fusion place so they have a variety of dishes. A 3 for their dish offerings. I will return back for the pho, I enjoyed it and happy to have such large portions available.
(3)Cheryl H.
Liked the complex flavors of the Lemon Grass Chicken and especially the wonderful Tamarind Soup. Take out worked out quite well.
(4)Nicole D.
Overall a great meal! We were just passing through Iowa and I was not expecting much but was pleasantly surprised. We tried 3 different kinds of soup (2 Pho) and all were delicious even my children thought they were great. The small size was large and I could only finish half of the large. My husband loved his basil chicken. The only dish we didn't love were the dumplings. Service was also excellent.
(4)Andy B.
I have eaten here many times, have tried many dishes, and have never had a bad meal here. It is consistently good each time and good no matter what I have ordered. Mekong provides a very different eating exerience than the Chinese counter services that reviewers often compare it to. Namely, Mekong is sit-down, and they serve more Asian cuisines other than Chinese, including Vietnamese and Thai. I do not often like Chinese food in general, but find the fresh flavors of the stirfrys and the other dishes to be vibrant and quite tasty. The vegetarian options are plentiful, and you can choose those without tofu if you like. The soups are large, even the small sizes, while the entree items are large, but not overwhelming. The Twice-Cooked Pork, Braised Chicken, and Curries are all go-to items for me. The service is quite good, and the food does not take long to be served. The full bar is stocked with many beer, wine, and cocktail options, and ice water and hot tea are complimentary. Mekong allows you to eat standard American Chinese fare such as eggrolls, lo-mein, and Sweet-and-Sour Chicken, but also gives you the chance to try something new such as Lemongrass Chicken and BBQ Beef with Steamed Rice Noodle. For lunch, Mekong offers combination plates with Eggroll, Rangoon, Rice, and a main dish. If you are looking for a nice meal that you know will taste good day in and day out, is clean, and comforting, then try Mekong for your next Asian cuisine meal.
(4)Tiffany D.
I like the Pho and the rice roll very much. But I just come this restaurant for those, and I am not try others. Once I try the fried rice, but I do not like it, just for personal reason. The restaurant is good.
(4)Maya M.
Last time I was there, I found hair in my food. Also my boyfriend ate there and he got pretty sick, he was throwing up all night. Beside that I feel almost all the food tastes the same.
(1)Alex D.
Let me start by saying I am heavily biased. I have eaten at Mekong on and off for almost 20 years (they had an old location in Coralville). I will agree that it's not 100% authentic Vietnamese food, but it's still good food. The ingredients are fresh and all prepared in house. The family that owns the restaurant is very nice and incredibly hard working. The Mekong egg rolls, the curry shrimp, the pho and their steamed dumplings are my go to's and have been for years. If you're on the fence and haven't been, you will be pleased if you're just looking for a good solid meal. If you expecting to close your eyes and be whisked to Hanoi then you might want to reconsider.
(5)Anna H.
Can I give this more stars? Hands down the best. I've never been disappointed in the food, service or prices. I've followed this place from one location to the next and will never give up the opportunity to go.
(5)Carla P.
This is really more a fusion restaurant. It's not that authentic but really good food. Their dishes are fresh and clean. Their restaurant is kept clean and service is good and friendly.
(4)Leslie S.
Reading all the reviews, I was hesitant to go here, but I really wanted pho. Judging by the reviews, I thought this place was going to be some weird sketchy building. I decide to go, and it looks very nice. Long story short, I really like this place and don't know why reviews are so low. It looks very sanitary and very nicely decorated. We were given tea and water, which I always like tea. I just got a dumpling, spring roll and a GIANT BOWL of pho and shared with someone. There were a couple little things that I couldn't quite give it 5 stars, like where we were seated was SO dark, it was almost hard to read the menu. I know some restaurants keep it a little dark for ambience, but it was pretty dark. Service, although good, was a touch slow. And pho, although good to me, didn't seem quite as authentic or elaborate (I had to ask for some sauces, and the sides that you put into pho seemed limited) compared to other places I've had it at. But regardless, I think it is a great place, I enjoyed the pho, and I will go here again and again.
(4)Sarah G.
I went to Mekong for lunch and ordered beef broccoli from the lunch menu. What I liked was that the server brought us tea and water right away without our having to ask. Nice touch. The ambiance was decent. As in many other Asian restaurants there was a film of oil that seemed to cover everything. At least here I was able to ignore it. The crab rangoon was fine. The egg roll was very good. They serve the sauces in a trio of jars they bring to your table, which sort of grosses me out. Who knows when it was last cleaned, refilled, or who else used it? The sweet and sour sauce had an odd texture, like they added corn starch to it or something. The beef broccoli was unremarkable. The sauce lacked flavor, like the combination of ingredients was off. I will never, ever order it again and wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I wouldn't recommend anyone go for the Chinese here, even if it is just for lunch. I'm still going to try the Vietnamese menu for dinner sometime and I'll post more then.
(2)Emily D.
Trying the only pho I could find in Iowa City... Pro tip: don't come here for the pho. Maybe they do something else well, but the broth was thin and boring and had nothing but filet-- which is a nice texture, but flavorless. Bean sprouts looked... aged... And they didn't being anything but hoisin/sriracha out with the pho. Saw another guy as I walked out with chili garlic and other sauces, so apparently you have to ask. The spring rolls had just two teeny tiny shrimp and the peanut sauce was practically flavorless. Overall... don't come here for the pho.
(1)Paul H.
Mekong needs a serious menu overhaul. It could be so much better! Drop the awful chinese and thai food, and stick to vietnamese, where they are actually quite good. Seriously, I don't get why they don't just focus on Vietnamese food. Their pho is pretty good. But they do not have any of the bun (vermicelli) dishes that are so fantastic in good veitnamese restaurants. Instead they have chinese and thai dishes that are greasy and underseasoned. It's frustrating because they have some good dishes, but they have some really terrible food also. Also it is very poorly run, with inconsistent hours and large variation in food quality. Service is hit and miss, often times over or understaffed. Lunch specials are hit and miss. The good thing is they always bring tea and water. I only like two of the dishes on the lunch menu however, chicken with sweet basil and the hot braised chicken. The currries are really terrible, and they should just drop them from the menu. Also, avoid any of the shrimp dishes, they just taste wrong. Duck was way too fatty, etc. Dinner, again a couple great dishes (Roasted Chicken with Sweet Basil - yum), but just too many really bad ones that you worry each time you order something new. PLEASE, focus on vietnamese food, and try to run the restaurant a little more consistently. If you do go, order off the vietnamese section of the menu.
(1)Tom C.
Americanized version of pho that is actually quite tasty. If you want Authentic pho (rare beef, tripe and meatballs) go to three samurai. The Pho here just has beef that is cooked all the way through. Solid egg rolls, they come to the table nice and crispy. My mom loves the broccoli and beef and the cashew chicken, Both of which had plenty of veggies and weren't greasy at all. I'd go 3.75 stars if I could. Waitstaff has always been friendly checked In a couple of times During our meals. Prices at lunch are very reasonable and portions generous. Tc
(3)Earl B.
It tasted like the kitchen knew less about cooking than the wait staff.
(1)TJ L.
We love the Hot & Sour Soup!! It is addictive!! Mekong is a wonderful restaurant with great staff. The service is always attentive and friendly. One of our favorite dishes is the chicken with snow peas. We see many other patrons enjoying the various soups on the menu with great delight, but we like the Hot & Sour Soup so much that we can't get ourselves to try the others. The ambiance is very pleasant. We love the music because it provides a nice background but does not interfere with conversation. We dine here as often as we can!!
(5)Rebecca C.
I've been here a couple of times for lunch. The lunch menu offers good value with several entrees, side crab Rangoon and spring roll with complimentary hot tea and water for under $8... I have yet to have a bad meal. Staff has always been courteous and attentive. It's a fav lunch spot.
(4)Helen M.
I was incredibly disappointed by the attempted Vietnamese food here. I tried three dishes, yeah I eat a lot, that's not the point. The Pho was wrong in every sense, the broth was deplorable and smelled rather old, the noodles weren't the correct kind, and the dish was presented with a sad looking plate of greens which looked past their prime as well. Spring rolls, which are one of the true delights of Vietnamese cuisine were prepared with the cheapest looking grocery store salad mix, stale noodles, and a peanut sauce that was devoid of character or flavor, and most likely ready-made. This establishment makes me lament for the people who haven't experienced truly good Vietnamese food. The words 'war crimes' come to mind in regard to their rendition of this cuisine.
(1)Megan K.
My husband and I eat out a lot and have very few places we constantly return to, but this is one of those places. I'm not saying every menu item is out of this world, but there are certain things that are seriously ridiculous. Example: Mekong Eggroll. Sometimes, we just get a double order (8 egg rolls) and soup. It's a deep fried, thin egg roll filled with...? heaven?...and wrapped in noodles and fresh butter lettuce. So crunchy and the fresh taste of the lettuce balances the deep fried roll. The sauce that comes with it is excellent too. 90% of the time we get appetizers (the wings and pork bun are also worth getting) and hot and sour soup. The hot and sour soup is very different here than anywhere else, but it's the best tasting I've ever had. Other soup are also great - but they do REALLY skimp on the chicken in sizzling rice. Entrees are hit or miss. We had pad thai and pork and shrimp over fried noodles last night and absolutely loved both. Verdict: I will go here again and again for the appetizers and soups. If I try some more good entrees, I'll be sure to update.
(4)W Q.
If you're an American born Iowan and never left Iowa, you will probably rave about this place. If you're looking for anything authentic this place is a joke. The pho is terrible. The service is terrible. I have no idea why this place is in business. If you're looking for good authentic pho, try Three Samurai. Mekong is a joke.
(1)Jonathan B.
Mekong is probably the best pan-asian joint in IC. Probably the best place to get Pho in Iowa City though I always stick with the beef version - the chicken (pho-ga) is hit and miss. The chicken with coconut cream is flavorful. All of the apps are tasty and the soups are good. Definitely a good place to start if you're in IC and looking for something Chinese/Vietnamese.
(4)Larisa B.
We always order the same three things: Pho gà Spring rolls Barbeque wings I've never tried anything else on their menu. The aforementioned three are perfect, in my opinion. The pho gà is absolutely delicious. The broth is flavorful and delicate.
(3)Jennifer W.
The pho broth wasn't as flavorful as I'm used to, and I grew up on the very traditional pho in Little Saigon in Los Angeles. My boyfriend had a chicken dish that we loved, and their shrimp spring rolls were fab. The pho broth is my only complaint, but it's a pretty essential item so I give Mekong 3 stars.
(3)Jay H.
Iowa City (like so much of the Midwest) suffers from a multitude of horrible Chinese restaurants. Thankfully, Mekong is an exception. The quality, flavor, and price of the food are all very good. Their menu includes Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese offerings - all of which are far, far, far better than anything you can buy at *any* of the Chinese take-out places in Iowa City. It is clear from the moment you walk in the door, that the folks at Mekong take cleanliness seriously - for in all the times I have visited for lunch or for dinner, the dining area has always been in excellent condition. The service has always been prompt and friendly. You can't go wrong with the Pho - indeed, the entire Vietnamese section of the menu is great, and their Pad Thai is also quite good. In summary, Mekong without question offers the best Chinese and southeast Asian cuisine within 200 miles of Iowa City. My only complaint is the parking: their parking lot may not be as bad as the downtown postal office in Iowa City (the worst parking lot in existence), but it's pretty cramped.
(4)Anette G.
we loved it! the food are not salty at all and just right to your palate. the waitress that served us is very attentive. we would definitely come back if we can!!!
(5)David C.
Excellent chicken wings, but have had a bad experience with stir fry.
(3)Jennifer K.
Didn't ever expect a vietnamese restaurant in IC! Was pleasantly surprised by the food and the interior (modern, chic). The pho was comparable to So Cal, and even the main entrees were really good! They have Chinese and Vietnamese food. Plus, have a wide selection of wine as well. Definitely recommend for pho-cravers
(4)Stephanie K.
The best in town.
(4)Luis G.
We have been Mekong customers for over fifteen years. The food has always been excellent and the staff very friendly. Yes, when there is a crowd it can be a bit slow, enjoy the tea it is worth the wait.
(4)Priscilla J.
Mekong is and has been our favorite for many years. BEEz H. took the words right out of my mouth. I totally agree with everything he said. I love a family-run establishment that prepares all the fresh vegetables and consequently all the dishes. Thank you for the great food.
(5)Janine M.
Appetizer: Mekong Rolls, Dumpling Entree: Mango Shrimp with Thai Basil On our second visit here we again enjoyed the mekong roll which was as good as the first time, the wrap of lettuce give it a tasty crunch. The dumpling has both pork and chinese sausage was served steamed. The wrap was thick and fluffy which was different but pretty tasty. I ordered a special for that night the Mango Shrimp with Thai Basil. Usually it is served with sno peas the the kitchen was out of this and was replaced with brocolli. The dish was pretty good but could have had a bit more flavor. The shrimp and mango chunks were generous but I prefer the taste of medium sized shrimp over the larger variety. Service was prompt and friendly. Another enjoyable meal at Mekong!
(4)Sandra A.
These two reviews had me all excited. I called my boyfriend screaming, "There's real Vietnamese in IC!" We excitedly went. And then again, when we wanted to make sure our impressions were right. Here's my summation: Decent pho. Not great pho (and there is SUCH a difference between the former and the latter). Yes, while the very presence of pho is shocking in IC, I do not think this means we need to lie to ourselves. This is not anything I'd pay money for in a community with more than one Vietnamese restaurant, but if you have a pho itch to scratch, go for it. The interior is shockingly pleasant. The service is really hit or miss. The guy we had last time was a dud. I've waitressed for years; this guy is not cut out for the job. I've waitressed for years; I know it's not really the restaurant's fault if one hiree sucks. The nail in the coffin: the second time we went, I made a huge mistake in ordering pad thai. Pad frickin thai. What I was given was not even in the ballpark of pad thai. It was something of a Chinese stir fry, onion-laden, salty, brash, not the slightly sweet thing I've had dozens of times in all sorts of restaurants around the country. How do you mess up pad thai? I guess the logical answer is that they're not a Thai restaurant. It was my fault for ordering it, then. My big question: Why have Thai on your menu, if you suck at it? Why not just have what you're good at? (Why are Asian restaurants around here obsessed with mastering three or four cuisines?)
(2)Samantha C.
I go here regularly and the food and staff never disappoint. Delicious!
(5)SJ F.
When I mention to locals that I'm headed to the Mekong for dinner, they often give me a strange look. It see and says, "Where's that" It seems to be a best kept secret in the Iowa City area, which is a shame. The food is spectacular here! The service is fantastic, and often the wait staff is American, for those of you who are shy with a waiter or waitress with limited English or thick accents. The place is quiet and simple with quick and considerate staff. Often when eating there with friends, we will share one entree, as portions are considerable.
(5)Erin V.
THE WORST MEAL OF MY LIFE!!! No joke, this was the most disgusting meal I have ever had. I consider my husband and I foodies who love to travel and eat great food. Having traveled all over Asia I am pretty confident in saying that whoever designed the menu and cooks this food has never been trained in Asian cuisine and what ingredients go in Thai, Vietnamese, or Chinese food. My biggest issue with this restaurant is that the items they list on their menu are not even close to the authentic recipes or flavors you would get anywhere else. We didn't order anything too complicated or advanced for any regular hole in the wall Asian restaurant to be able to prepare. To start, we ordered Thai ice tea and crab rangoon. My Thai ice tea looked like dirty water with absolutely no flavor and skim milk poured on top...my lemon water had more flavor. I felt like I was drinking someone else's left over ice tea where the ice had melted and they threw it into a new glass and served it to me. The crab rangoon...well, it didn't have one piece of crab..not one. We laughed because it was stuffed with old cream cheese that tasted like it had been left in the fridge a little too long and absorbed the rest of the fridge flavors..so gross. But those items were probably the highlight of the night compared to the Tom Yum soup, Phad Thai and a Viet. beef salad. We couldn't even eat the soup...it was so horrible that our two year old who loves Tom Yum, said yuck and spit it out, no joke. The Phad Thai, hmmm, the main flavor ingredient...that would be soy sauce...who puts soy sauce in Phad Thai????? Throw in some bok choy, oyster sauce and carrots...and you get the most tasteless and inauthentic Phad Thai I ever ate. Then onto their beef noodle salad...can you say grey meat? My beef was literally grey...with some peanuts on top and under the meat....overcooked rice noodles, again, no flavor. So, all in all, save yourself some money, avoid this place like the plague and if you really want what their cooking, go eat some dirt in your back yard..it would probably have more flavor and would at least be authentic to what dirt is supposed to taste like.
(1)tembi b.
I've only been once so I think I'll have to come back a few times to experience more of the menu. I enjoyed the food. We had a coconut chicken dish and a noodle dish. I definitely could have handled more heat, and did ask for some chili sauce to add. The flavors were nice though, as was the space. The service was friendly and attentive. I'm hoping we get to come back soon. We got takeout here last night and it was delicious! The person on the phone was very helpful when I told him we needed to avoid peanuts. We had a BBQ beef dish that came with a very interesting sauce. We also had a spicy shrimp dish that was very nice. Again - this place doesn't serve really spicy food. I'm probably more inclined to be forgiving about that now that I have kiddos. I'd give another 1/2 star if I could. Oh! I forgot, the potstickers were not what we expected - more like buns, but very nice!
(3)Jennifer T.
Mekong can be okay if you have a desperate need for pho due to a cold or something. But honestly the food is not that good. It's too much of a mish mash of different types of cuisines without doing any of them very well.
(3)Sidney T.
I've eaten twice at Mekong now and overall feel pretty postive. The decor is very dark but beautiful. It was a quiet and warm, welcoming atmosphere. I wouldn't mind visiting for a casual dinner or even having a more formal dining experience. The food was exceptional the first time but slightly above average the second time. I suspect it was simply what I chose the second time. The staff was very friendly and willing to explain dishes. Service was very quick on both occasions. It is now my oriental restaurant of choice in Iowa City.
(4)Q L.
I can't even begin to describe the food. Tom Yum more more like Canh Chua without any flavor. The spring rolls didn't have any basil and too much lettuce. The best part about the dinner was the duck. Very moist and well seasoned.
(2)Traffic S.
Mekong is a place to go back again and again. The staff is friendly and remember us from visit to visit. I love the salted shrimp and the Pad Thai, and many of the other dishes. Those Spring Rolls are the coolest things I have eaten anywhere. The Pho is Pho as it should be and the ambiance is nice but not too nice, just enough niceness to feel clean and fresh, but not enough to stop you from stopping in spur of the moment.
(5)S J.
This place is very clean, contemporary, with great food and service. It has Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai and Vegetarian selections, so it is always fun for my husband and I to explore the menu. It is a small place, and could maybe use some noise-absorbtion decor, but the customers that come here are usually pretty well-mannered. Service was attentive and friendly. The Pad Thai could use some more "kick", but everything else is very satisfying. It's a regular dining place for me. Beware of the size of the soup! One large bowl can easily be split between 2-3 people.
(4)