I had stopped going to Yen when it was under the previous owners due to the slow service and the length of time it took to get our food at lunch. After hearing that there's new owners, I decided to stop in and check out their menu. Pho Yen has quite an extensive selection of dishes. The one that caught my eye was their pork and ginger porridge. I don't know of any other Mobile restaurant that has this dish on their menu. So I ordered that and spring rolls (not fried) to bring home. My mom always cooked me porridge when I got sick. It's the Asian equivalent to the American chicken soup for colds. The food was ready to go in less than ten minutes. Awesome! Even after an hour's drive, the porridge was still hot and did not need reheating. The savory porridge was just as wonderful as mom's, with plenty of ginger! The spring rolls were good but would have been better if eaten at the restaurant because the soft spring roll skin will dry out. The accompanying peanut sauce was very good; rich peanut flavor, creamy & a little spicy. With this initial sampling of their food & ready time, I think I'm going to be a regular at Pho Yen! 6/16/15 - I rounded up several people at the office to place our first delivery order (minimum $40), called in at 10:40am and got it at 11:30am as arranged. We ordered menu items #112, #400, #603, #612, #961. ALL THUMBS UP!!
(5)
Ian G.
Wow, this place is great. It looks kinda divey from the outside but the interior has a great Vietnamese atmosphere. The menu is extensive with something for everyone, I'm a huge pho fan and I was definitely in the right place. Mom got a huge vermicelli bowl that looked amazing and my dad got short ribs that were falling off the bone tender. I am definitely going back and telling everyone about this place
(5)
Angie K.
My family just tried the food here on our vacation, the food is very delicious, Services is fast and the owner was very nice. Can't ask for more from this small town. 2 thumbs up. Thank you.
(5)
Amy M.
We love this place! Lots of choices, everything is made fresh to order, and the owners love children. The new owners are great and take great price in making sure that their customers have a wonderful experience every time
(5)
Ashley K.
Pho Yen!! I took my wife's parents to lunch on a Sunday afternoon. This place is amazing! The staff is very friendly and keep a super clean restaurant. We all had something different and every dish was freshly made to order. I have attached a soup I ordered, the wonton seafood soup. Yummy!! Anyway please go and check this place out! They really know what's up!
(5)
Oliya D.
Hidden secret! Don't let the location scare you. Found by accident. Was greeted immediately. Ordered quickly, Good food! Will come back!
(5)
Jamie H.
I love Vietnamese food. Seriously. I could eat the stuff all.day .long. The place on Azalea Rd almost killed my enthusiasm for it. I put up with that place because it was the closest to my house. However, it's worth the drive to Yen! Professional service. Great food. Noise volume inside is reasonable. They grow some of the herbs used in their entrees right outside :) :) :) You can call in your order. Check out their website for their up-to-date menu and call from your smartphone! It's true, the neighborhood is sketchy. Don't hold that against them! Suck it up and eat!
(4)
Teresa R.
The only time I've ever had better Vietnamese food than Yen's has been in top notch Asian fusion restaurants in New York or San Francisco. And I paid 5 times the price for those meals. The service is not great - but that is SOOOO easy to overlook. This is a Ma and Pa shop. Actually Pa passed away a few years ago - and Ma is trying to keep it going. So if you go - be patient - she's doing her best and she KNOWS HOW TO COOK!!!!! Hanoi Beef Noodle Soup, Summer Rolls, Combination Vermicelli, Vietnamese Combination Slaw (don't let the jellyfish scare you).....they are all fresh, homemade, and what you might expect to be served in a Vietnamese home where Mamma cooks with no recipes. THIS IS GOOD STUFF!
(4)
Max H.
This is one of the best Vietnamese restaurants on the coast. It's in a sort of commercial-industrial area where nobody would really be looking for food, but that makes it all the better when you find it. Their pho is excellent, but everything else I've had on the menu is as well. Service is good, and you'll leave relaxed, full, and happy.
(5)
Won B.
I would give this 6 stars if I could. DELICIOUS food, even better service. Owner even offered to give me a ride since he saw that I took a taxi to come here. Cmon, that is just wonderful. I will absolutely come back here anytime im in mobile. A+
(5)
Jeovany V.
Where do I start the summer rolls were awesome and the peanut sauce was spicy and very flavorful. I ordered the special pho and it was delish. Better than a lot of pho places I've ate at in California. I definitely recommend it.
(5)
Ed L.
I am currently doing a 50 States Pho Challenge, which would mean having a bowl of Pho in each of the 50 States. With that said, I searched yelp after completing the 2014 First Light marathon in Mobile and a bowl of Pho would be an excellent meal for recovering these legs and the reward for completing another marathon. Yen restaurant was the closest one from downtown Mobile, so my friend and I read the reviews before deciding on coming here. With a name like Yen and the category Vietnamese, you would figure that its a Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine mixture restaurant. Not uncommon, but still it was interesting when we drove up and found this place. While it was a Sunday afternoon, the surrounding area was pretty much dead. The experience was good and so glad to be sitting down and eating Pho after knocking off a pair of marathons over the weekend in the Deep South. Yen Restaurant is located on Holcombre Avenue in Mobile, AL. While 3.6 miles away from downtown Mobile, we had to catch the I-10 and exit out before reaching the destination. The neighborhood that Yen restaurant sits in would probably be as close to residential as you could find. Although I may be a bit shady, it was residential. The restaurant had its own private parking lot, which was awesome and almost empty. We stepped into the restaurant and it was empty. I would have guessed that the cars we saw was the employees. We arrived here about 4pm and definitely needed some good food. Yen restaurant accepts credit cards, which is always welcomed with me. My friend and I sat near the entrance. It wasn't too hard to notice that the restaurant was decorated with many hanging Chinese lanterns. Totally overkill, don't you think? The ambiance was very quiet and nice. We were winding down from the weekend's activities and just needed that quiet time to adjust and get back to reality, even though we were still on vacation travel mode. I ordered the Pho special, aka Pho Bac Diet, along with the summer rolls. That classic combination can't be beat! With that said, it was pretty good after all that craziness that I did. Overall, it was good to be here, even if this place is off the beaten path. Recommended if you are in the neighborhood and need Vietnamese (or Chinese food). Support local! B
(4)
Usalinh P.
Ok first of all i recommend ordering in advance so by the time you get there your food should be ready. The food is freshly made which is why it taste awhile for you to get your food. Poor grandma in the back makes the food with love. Only place i would go for vietnamese food if im not having it at home. There is this one dish that has fried noodles on the bottom in the shape of a bird nest with mixed veggies, pork, chicken, squid. My favorite!
(5)
Tammy O.
If you are looking for excellent Vietnamese food look no further. The location is a little off the beaten path - we think it is a hidden treasure. From the great service to the food - we felt at home. And trust me, if an Asian person eats there it's the bomb!!!!
(5)
Scott W.
Great return visit to Yen! I have waited many a month to return to Mobile and I was rewarded with a delicious dinner. The sign out front said something about being closed soon for remodeling. The inside has been changed already since my last visit and the menu is brand new but still consists of all the old menu options and then some. I didn't get all that adventurous this time but no matter....I started with the beef summer rolls. The were extremely fresh, packed with lots of fresh herbs, rice noodles, and veggies. You get 3 on a plate with a delicious peanut sauce on the side for around $4.00. Deal! I had the combo noodle soup, chicken stock variety with chicken, pork, calamari, and shrimp. I ordered the medium bowl for I believe $8.00...it was HUGE! They served it with a plate of bean sprouts, green hot peppers (not sure what type they were) lots of cilantro, and a lime. The owner suggested adding some straight soy sauce and Sriracha hot sauce...great tip! It spiced it up nicely and added even more flavors to the mix. I have eaten here 3 times, I will most likely go back tomorrow night to try something totally different. It looks like they are really trying to make things nicer with the renovation scheduled and the nice new menu. Great job Yen....yet again.
(4)
Laura V.
Went to visit yesterday while vacationing with the family! We are Vietnamese, so when I first came in and saw a man who wasn't Vietnamese, my first thought was "oh no, the food won't be authentic." Boy, was I wrong! The man spoke fluent Vietnamese--very impressed. The food was pretty good. We tried the canh chua (their hot and sour soup), calamari, goi cuon (spring rolls), and various other dishes. The environment was simple and all right. Admittedly, all the dishes (except for the canh chua), my parents could make better, but I was impressed by the good service. Our server was very attentive. If we visit the gulf shores again, we will be coming by here again when we pass.
(4)
Frank F.
What a shame! My friend took me to Yens for my first time less than a year ago and what an experience. I admit I had never heard of pho and didn't know what to expect, but the authentic cooking blew my mind and took my taste buds for a wild ride. After about 4 months the original owners sold the business to some new folks who updated the decor revamped the menu. The first time we went after the changes, we were disappointed by the quality of the food. It seems like every time we go back now we just leave disappointed. The worst part about Yens now is the service, the guy there is really annoying when he is trying to be funny. The last few times have almost been comical, one time they had an anime movie playing really loud on the tv, another time he had techno rap music playing very loud. In fact when one family walked in, after we had been there for awhile, and asked for him to change the music. I hate that this place has changed for the worse and I wrote this review to also let the owner (assuming he reads his yelp reviews) know that we will not be eating at your establishment any more. P.s. Bring back Mr. David
(2)
Lucy B.
Possibly my favorite restaurant in Mobile. My family and I have been coming here for years and our love only grows. Sure, it's in a sketchy area. Sure, you don't come here for the ambiance. But it's a local business making delicious, authentic, affordable Vietnamese food. I don't think I've had anything bad here (except maybe the porridge.. not for me), and all most other reviews focus on the pho, but I do have some favorites that may help guide newcomers to the extensive menu. 1. Vermicelli with stir fried protein (I like the pork): Great mix of warm meat, chewy noodles, crunchy vegetables. 2. Summer rolls: I try them every where I see them but these are the best I've had. 3. Shrimp and pork crepe 4. Pork stuffed fried tofu: sounds weird but tastes amazing 5. Combination fried rice: a big mountain of tasty fried rice with some unusual additions that make it amazing. I've also tried and enjoyed the ginger chicken, the curry, the Vietnamese iced coffee, and many others but my memory is failing me. Another note.. a local restaurant reviewer recommended the Xao Lan, a curry appetizer. While it was good - and fun to try, it didn't make the glowing top of the list as suggested.
Such a fantastic find in little Mobile! Seriously, everything on the menu is great. I've tried many of their menu items but I keep returning to the Banh Xeo. I'm hooked. It's like a savory crepe you eat with fresh mint and lettuce and it's somehow melting-ly awesome and super fresh at the same time.
(4)
Rosa L.
Pho was delicious and manager was great. He was really helpful and the service was awesome. Delicious. I love it here.
(4)
Sarah C.
My husband and I recently moved to the Mobile area and have been looking for great places to eat. I have been using yelp to lead us in the right direction.... And believe me when I say it did this time. Yens was really really good. We both had sliced beef and beef meatball soup that was soooooo good I could eat it and eat it and eat it. Nom nom nom. We also got duck and a half of Cornish hen that was fried then glazed with a spicy sweet sauce. Wowzers! We highly recommend this place. The only downfall was the location...... Not the best place in Mobile to be, but just lock your doors and you should be fine lol!
(5)
zzZZzz Z.
Look. This place is a bit of a dive and the neighborhood isn't beautiful. Sometimes there aren't any cars outside and you aren't sure if it's open. Let's get all of that out of the way first. Push through the questions going through your head (ignore the outside) and go inside!!! AMAZING VIETNAMESE FOOD. I have eaten at every Vietnamese place I could find for miles around and this is the BEST. Pensacola has a couple but they don't compare. You won't be disappointed. Yen is run by an elderly Vietnamese woman. She's the real deal. I plan to support her often so I can continue to have more great Vietnamese good. The pho is COMFORTING my soul. Ignore the complainers who don't appreciate this gem that we are privileged to have in our area.
(5)
Ray Q.
Thai peppers Jalapeño 1/4 lemon not lime Can drinks Ambieance Spring rolls fresh Bo Vien meatballs are sliced instead of halved or whole like most other Vietnamese restaurants. Still a good PHO soup and a good meal. Slow service and located in a side of town that makes you want to pack a gun.
(3)
Kay P.
Really like this place! Pros: consistently good food, unique offerings, personable and friendly service, huge selections on the menu, open on Sundays and most Holidays, good value for your $$ (massive portions of yummy food; we usually get take out and get 2 or 3 meals out of one dish). Cons: None for me, but I could see some folks *might* be bothered by the speed of service or the location of the restaurant, if they are used to getting really convenient locations or receiving their food & service super fast. But this is not a fast food or chain restaurant, and they do get busy during lunch and dinner rush. The manager gentleman is very nice and helpful. Some of our favorites are Julienne Pork Special with Pork Riblettes, Summer Rolls, Hanoi Beef Pho Noodle Soup, "Roll Your Own" marinated grilled chicken & vermicelli noodles in rice paper wraps and Crab Rangoons. Vietnamese coffee, Thai Tea and Fried Banana dessert are also wonderful!
(4)
Hoa K.
This place has food that is more authentic than the other place! It looks scary on the outside but good food inside! Try for yourself! I'm a visitor from Houston, TX! I love their Crab Wonton for under $4! No place can you get it that cheap!
(5)
Angie B.
Visited Yen on Tuesday around 3pm, the neighborhood was sketchy at best and the building looked closed down. No cars in the parking lot except one. We were the only ones there do it was a bit strange. Ordered seafood spring rolls which were excellent. My friend tried to order vegetarian pho and it took a little explaining on how to make it since the do not carry seafood broth, only chicken or beef. My beef pho was really tasty ( I had the appetizer portion since it was my first time eating this), I was full leaving. I took some chicken and veggie stir fry to go and it was pretty good. Server kept our water glasses full. Besides it being super quiet and empty I think it was a good find. Felt like I might be in the twilight zone for a bit, but we left happy.
(3)
Zehra H.
I frequent this restaurant at least once a week. The Combination Beef Vermicelli and the Fried Shrimp (with incredible sauce) are to DIE for! Truly, this is one of my favorite restaurants in Mobile.
(5)
Meagan P.
We all yen for Yen! If you can find this place, it's well worth it and Mobile doesn't have many hidden secrets when it comes to good food. If, by chance, you are in a hurry (which a good southern is never) then you may want to dine here another time. The service isn't very speedy but why should it be? Sit back and enjoy an authentic Vietnamese drink or a tasty beer from their menu. Crunch on some of the shrimp crisps apps, which are these kind of pork rind consistency, but are so good! I've never eaten anything bad on this menu and I highly recommend the crepe! If you're a vegetarian or a meat eater, you'll find all you could ever want with spices and herbs in perfect harmony. So, on a lazy Sunday head to Yen, which is just about the only Mobile restaurant open on Sunday anyway! Cheers!
(4)
Jamie B.
My favorite Vietnamese restaurant in the U.S. My Korean roommates in college introduced me to Yen Kim Le and his wonderful restaurant. I quickly became an addict of the roast duck, and the amazing jasmine/ginger based sauce that accompanies the rice. I'm also fond of the hot pot for two and the cornish game hen. What I love about this place is its unassuming nature. It's a little tricky to find, and if you don't know it's there... you might drive right by. It's a family business, so the service, food, and cleanliness is always consistent. In the decade I've been going there, I've never had a bad experience. The best thing about this place is the food. Nothing is too greasy, and everything tastes exceptionally fresh. You can gorge yourself here, and not walk away feeling sick because the food is just exceptional quality. And it's not just your standard fare - I find that there is a good unique take on a number of dishes. I've mentioned the sauce for the rice: I just can't find anything that tastes that good anywhere else. I now live 1500 miles away, but still make a point to go once a year, even if I'm only passing through Mobile. So forget the chains and the all-you-can-eat China Buffet. You MUST go to Yen Restaurant - help support this wonderful family business that seriously makes the best food in Mobile.
(5)
Tina M.
Being the only ones in the restaurant at 7pm on a Saturday night, I was a little nervous. However, we had a good experience, so yay! Many good things to say about Yen. Firstly, the food was fresh and delicious. We ordered Pho with brisket/meatballs and one of their house specialties. It was Veggies, calamari, beef, chicken and shrimp over rice noodles with a garlicky sauce. The flavors of both dishes were super tasty and we ate all of it. Service was prompt (no one else in the restaurant ). The restaurant was clean. I assume people either forgot about Yen because of it's tucked away location, or the steamy months of summer don't bring cravings of hot soup. Either way, I hope they don't shut down because this is the best Vietnamese restaurant in Mobile.
(4)
Michael S.
This place will fool you. It's in a lousy neighborhood and the building is nothing special. Don't judge a book by it's cover though. It's clean and well laid out on the inside and the staff is friendly. I don't remember exactly what the name of what I ate was but it was delicious. This place is a new Vietnamese favorite.
(4)
Mary C.
Go ahead, Mobile didn't know you'd have it in ya' to have such good Vietnamese food! What a yummy little find! We really, really enjoyed the do it yourself wrap entree- fun and delicious! We also enjoyed the pho- it was legit. The main server is not Mr. Personality Plus, but if you ask questions he's helpful. Nice find in good ole' Mobile.
(4)
Jenn G.
Yep, the secret is out. I love Vietnamese food and I am allergic to shellfish and (gasp) fish sauce. I was so happy to find this 'off the beaten path' restaurant on my last visit to Mobile, thanks to my favorite dining partner. They have a traditional menu, although it has little vegetarian options. They were, however, very accommodating to me and made me a delicious meal (that did not kill me). My favorite meat eater was happy with the Pho and accoutrements. There are also copious Yuenglings, which makes this girl quite happy. If you can make it to this part of town, I highly recommend a meal here.
(4)
Rebecca T.
+ couldn't believe how delicious and spot on the food was here! Friends and I were driving back to NC from NOLA and needed to get some food and this place hit the spot! Coming from the yay area, I feel like I know my pho. + pretty easy to get to from I-95
(4)
Joel F.
Good pho....but the portion was disappointing...thus expensive. It was the smallest "Large" bowl of pho that I've ever seen. I was able to finish it lickity split and was craving more. And to add to my dismay, it cost $10. That's before tip. Not to be cheap, I'm not, but I've always seen pho as an inexpensive and delicious meal. Turtle tower in SF is pretty cheap and that's some good pho. Appleton pho and Phoenix pho....all good pho...and maybe I can squeeze in another pho. I usually am able to crawl out of a good restaurant stuffed to the gills, having dropped a sawbuck (and that's with a healthy tip on a $8 bowl of soup). Oh well, it's probably the best place in Mobile. I'm just glad that I can get my fix. I'll pay if I have to :D I wanted to give it a 3, but It couldn't be that low.
(4)
Amy W.
This place is the BEST. Portions are huge. Everything is always fresh and delicious. Food is also VERY consistent. Do yourself a favor and order the Summer Rolls as your appetizer. You will not be sorry. My family and I have been eating here for years and have never been disappointed.
(5)
Garrett M.
I had wonderful Vietnamese in Seattle recently, and a friend there told me to check out Yen's because she remembered it from when she lived in Mobile years ago. I then read the reviews on here and wanted to try it. It's in one of the ratty parts of Mobile which I like. It had a really pleasant atmosphere (I got there at 10:56am before the doors opened). I ordered spring rolls that were ok, shrimp crackers that were interesting, a beef and chicken dish with fried noodles that was ok, and a shrimp and pork crepe (like a thin egg omelet with corn and bean sprouts) that was in between bland and disgusting - I only had one bite. All in all, I would recommend this place to those wanting something more interesting than the same old crap. And they seemed to have lots and lots of dishes that I didn't get to try that sounded good. I'm uploading three pictures from my iPhone.
(3)
Derek H.
Yen equals Yum. This is the best restaurant in between New Orleans to Jacksonville. You must put Yen on your bucket list...yes, you read it right...
(5)
Marcia S.
Stop # 4 Pho yeah!!!!!!!! We were under the impression that there was no pho in Mobile, but we were wrong! Hidden away is Yen Restaurant and it is delicious. As usual I had pho with beef balls and rare steak. The broth was perfect! My husband had a vermicelli bowl (as usual) and he enjoyed his meal as well. I can honestly say that Yen can stand up to any Pho we had in the bay area.
(4)
Joshua S.
Love this place! The soups are the best!
(5)
jd h.
I have eaten in Vietnamese restaurants all over the country, and this one does not merit the high rating shown here on TripAdvisor. The neighborhood is questionable -- some may feel a bit uncomfortable. However the menu is solid and complete. I elected the roll-your-own shrimp spring rolls (enough for two). Of the 20 tables on a Tuesday night, 7-8 were occupied by diners and 5-6 were left un-bused. The initial seating and order taking were fast but it took them forever to get me my food. It is good Viet food, but not very good or excellent.
(3)
Abigail K.
Okay - this place doesn't look like much from the outside. In fact, when I accidentally drove by it the first time, I considered just driving on. But I am so very glad I doubled back. Yen is very clean on the inside, with an extremely gracious staff. Agree with the other reviews - the pho is fantastic. Should've just ordered the big bowl - but I ordered a "sampler" pho as a starter. I ordered the grilled chicken vermicelli bowl as my entree. It wasn't the best I've had (the meat in particular was disappointing - more breaded/fried than grilled), but the veggies were fresh and the dish was seasoned well. And it was ridiculously cheap. $15 for pho, vermicelli bowl, and sweet tea (yay, Alabama!)
(4)
Angel E.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed this restaurant before me - I literally stumbled upon it here on yelp, read your reviews and decided to check it out. The neighborhood was somewhat out of the way but hey -- it's right next door to another Mobile "institution" - the Tiny Diny ! The service (what service?) was very slow, almost nonexistent, however the hostess-waitress-cashier was just a kid and she did have her hands full so we tipped her graciously. The food was definitely worth the wait!! Home made, fresh and tasty; we ordered curry with shrimp and vermicelli with egg rolls and shared; both dishes were equally delicious and my friend and I can't wait to go back and try other things on the menu! Whoever the chef is - I hope that person lives a long happy life cooking that wonderful food and making decent money !
(4)
Nga T.
We stumbled on this place when traveling back to Houston and it was not worth it at all. The place is dark and gloomy, waiter was nice but the food was awful. Got the rice platter dish and the "spring roll' which was an eggroll, was greasy and tasteless. Hubby got the pho and had to eat it because we were so hungry from our drive. Giving 2 stars for the service and lemonade!
(2)
David P.
The pearl of Mobile's Vietnamese Cuisine scene. Tucked away in an undesirable part of town, Yen is a best kept secret. The humble exterior of the restaurant does not tell of the specialties that you will not find anywhere else in town. From seafood hot pots, to hot skillet, to different types of noodle bowls. Yen has dishes that represent the 3 different regions of Vietnam. Yen has the best consistent Pho in Moble, hands down. Do expect a wait when at Yen. There are only 3 cooks, including the owner, and everything is cooked from scratch. The wait is well worth the homemade flavors of each dish. Also, Yen is the only restaurant in town that serves Vietnamese yogurt. Best yogurt in town, I have to say.
(4)
Tiffany B.
I go here only for the food. If you're looking for environment, this is not for you. It looks like a little house in the ghetto. Their pho is mediocre but it's better compared to Taste of Vietnam. One thing I do like about this restaurant is, they marinade their Shrimp and Beef Grill on the Table BBQ wraps (Nuong Vi) and the dipping sauce is delish. A bit stingy on the sides that come along with the wrap. We always have to order extra, and don't be surprised if they charge you for extra lettuce. Besides that, it's pretty good.
(3)
Brett L.
This place is awesome. The pho is every bit as good as what I used to get when I lived in the San Francisco bay area (although the bowls aren't quite as big). I have enjoyed everything I have eaten there. Highly underrated restaurant. It never seems busy, but somehow they stay open. They are closed on Mondays though and sometimes take long vacations.
(5)
cindy w.
I'm Chinese-Vietnamese and I endorse this restaurant. Snarkiness aside, my brother staged his rehearsal dinner here and my out-of-state family (including me) flew into town. Of course, we are picky about our Vietnamese food. However, my brother did us right. The stir-fried beef, pho, Vietnamese porkchop, etc. did a decent job, especially considering Mobile doesn't have too many options for Vietnamese food. I also liked how they served thai tea (that's so california!). The place is really isolated and tucked away but for the price, I think we got a fair deal.
(4)
jess m.
Ate here again a few weeks ago, and service has much improved. I got the spring rolls, which was accompanied with a great mildly spiced peanut sauce; stir fried egg noodles with tofu and chicken, also very good. The tofu was soft yet crispy. For dessert, they did not have the yogurt, so I got fried bananas; which was a plate of small sliced bananas rolled in crispy egg roll wrap. Overall, my experience was much better!
(4)
W O.
I don't get why people love this place so much...the food isn't too bad, but the service is slow as hell! If you wanna starve to death, then please go here! Plus, when you order pho, their veggies are not even fresh...they're all wrinkly and old! Maybe most people around here don't know what "good" is, but it's whatever...good luck!
(2)
mitch m.
This place is great. It really would make it in DC or San Francisco Bay Area. Excellent menu. Awesome taste. Very cheap. Extremely friendly service. I love this place. Duck soup is very tasty. Nice roast duck in a really nice broth. Elphaba had the rice porridge or zook with chicken and seafood. Very nice but a tiny bit oily. But good and we liked that the Vietnamese style is a bit different from the Chinese style. Kinda weird neighborhood. You wouldn't necessarily find Yen without Yelp. Closed Mondays.
(5)
Evan C.
The Pho was really good. There was a great variety of other Vietnamese dishes.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Suely C.
I had stopped going to Yen when it was under the previous owners due to the slow service and the length of time it took to get our food at lunch. After hearing that there's new owners, I decided to stop in and check out their menu. Pho Yen has quite an extensive selection of dishes. The one that caught my eye was their pork and ginger porridge. I don't know of any other Mobile restaurant that has this dish on their menu. So I ordered that and spring rolls (not fried) to bring home. My mom always cooked me porridge when I got sick. It's the Asian equivalent to the American chicken soup for colds. The food was ready to go in less than ten minutes. Awesome! Even after an hour's drive, the porridge was still hot and did not need reheating. The savory porridge was just as wonderful as mom's, with plenty of ginger! The spring rolls were good but would have been better if eaten at the restaurant because the soft spring roll skin will dry out. The accompanying peanut sauce was very good; rich peanut flavor, creamy & a little spicy. With this initial sampling of their food & ready time, I think I'm going to be a regular at Pho Yen! 6/16/15 - I rounded up several people at the office to place our first delivery order (minimum $40), called in at 10:40am and got it at 11:30am as arranged. We ordered menu items #112, #400, #603, #612, #961. ALL THUMBS UP!!
(5)Ian G.
Wow, this place is great. It looks kinda divey from the outside but the interior has a great Vietnamese atmosphere. The menu is extensive with something for everyone, I'm a huge pho fan and I was definitely in the right place. Mom got a huge vermicelli bowl that looked amazing and my dad got short ribs that were falling off the bone tender. I am definitely going back and telling everyone about this place
(5)Angie K.
My family just tried the food here on our vacation, the food is very delicious, Services is fast and the owner was very nice. Can't ask for more from this small town. 2 thumbs up. Thank you.
(5)Amy M.
We love this place! Lots of choices, everything is made fresh to order, and the owners love children. The new owners are great and take great price in making sure that their customers have a wonderful experience every time
(5)Ashley K.
Pho Yen!! I took my wife's parents to lunch on a Sunday afternoon. This place is amazing! The staff is very friendly and keep a super clean restaurant. We all had something different and every dish was freshly made to order. I have attached a soup I ordered, the wonton seafood soup. Yummy!! Anyway please go and check this place out! They really know what's up!
(5)Oliya D.
Hidden secret! Don't let the location scare you. Found by accident. Was greeted immediately. Ordered quickly, Good food! Will come back!
(5)Jamie H.
I love Vietnamese food. Seriously. I could eat the stuff all.day .long. The place on Azalea Rd almost killed my enthusiasm for it. I put up with that place because it was the closest to my house. However, it's worth the drive to Yen! Professional service. Great food. Noise volume inside is reasonable. They grow some of the herbs used in their entrees right outside :) :) :) You can call in your order. Check out their website for their up-to-date menu and call from your smartphone! It's true, the neighborhood is sketchy. Don't hold that against them! Suck it up and eat!
(4)Teresa R.
The only time I've ever had better Vietnamese food than Yen's has been in top notch Asian fusion restaurants in New York or San Francisco. And I paid 5 times the price for those meals. The service is not great - but that is SOOOO easy to overlook. This is a Ma and Pa shop. Actually Pa passed away a few years ago - and Ma is trying to keep it going. So if you go - be patient - she's doing her best and she KNOWS HOW TO COOK!!!!! Hanoi Beef Noodle Soup, Summer Rolls, Combination Vermicelli, Vietnamese Combination Slaw (don't let the jellyfish scare you).....they are all fresh, homemade, and what you might expect to be served in a Vietnamese home where Mamma cooks with no recipes. THIS IS GOOD STUFF!
(4)Max H.
This is one of the best Vietnamese restaurants on the coast. It's in a sort of commercial-industrial area where nobody would really be looking for food, but that makes it all the better when you find it. Their pho is excellent, but everything else I've had on the menu is as well. Service is good, and you'll leave relaxed, full, and happy.
(5)Won B.
I would give this 6 stars if I could. DELICIOUS food, even better service. Owner even offered to give me a ride since he saw that I took a taxi to come here. Cmon, that is just wonderful. I will absolutely come back here anytime im in mobile. A+
(5)Jeovany V.
Where do I start the summer rolls were awesome and the peanut sauce was spicy and very flavorful. I ordered the special pho and it was delish. Better than a lot of pho places I've ate at in California. I definitely recommend it.
(5)Ed L.
I am currently doing a 50 States Pho Challenge, which would mean having a bowl of Pho in each of the 50 States. With that said, I searched yelp after completing the 2014 First Light marathon in Mobile and a bowl of Pho would be an excellent meal for recovering these legs and the reward for completing another marathon. Yen restaurant was the closest one from downtown Mobile, so my friend and I read the reviews before deciding on coming here. With a name like Yen and the category Vietnamese, you would figure that its a Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine mixture restaurant. Not uncommon, but still it was interesting when we drove up and found this place. While it was a Sunday afternoon, the surrounding area was pretty much dead. The experience was good and so glad to be sitting down and eating Pho after knocking off a pair of marathons over the weekend in the Deep South. Yen Restaurant is located on Holcombre Avenue in Mobile, AL. While 3.6 miles away from downtown Mobile, we had to catch the I-10 and exit out before reaching the destination. The neighborhood that Yen restaurant sits in would probably be as close to residential as you could find. Although I may be a bit shady, it was residential. The restaurant had its own private parking lot, which was awesome and almost empty. We stepped into the restaurant and it was empty. I would have guessed that the cars we saw was the employees. We arrived here about 4pm and definitely needed some good food. Yen restaurant accepts credit cards, which is always welcomed with me. My friend and I sat near the entrance. It wasn't too hard to notice that the restaurant was decorated with many hanging Chinese lanterns. Totally overkill, don't you think? The ambiance was very quiet and nice. We were winding down from the weekend's activities and just needed that quiet time to adjust and get back to reality, even though we were still on vacation travel mode. I ordered the Pho special, aka Pho Bac Diet, along with the summer rolls. That classic combination can't be beat! With that said, it was pretty good after all that craziness that I did. Overall, it was good to be here, even if this place is off the beaten path. Recommended if you are in the neighborhood and need Vietnamese (or Chinese food). Support local! B
(4)Usalinh P.
Ok first of all i recommend ordering in advance so by the time you get there your food should be ready. The food is freshly made which is why it taste awhile for you to get your food. Poor grandma in the back makes the food with love. Only place i would go for vietnamese food if im not having it at home. There is this one dish that has fried noodles on the bottom in the shape of a bird nest with mixed veggies, pork, chicken, squid. My favorite!
(5)Tammy O.
If you are looking for excellent Vietnamese food look no further. The location is a little off the beaten path - we think it is a hidden treasure. From the great service to the food - we felt at home. And trust me, if an Asian person eats there it's the bomb!!!!
(5)Scott W.
Great return visit to Yen! I have waited many a month to return to Mobile and I was rewarded with a delicious dinner. The sign out front said something about being closed soon for remodeling. The inside has been changed already since my last visit and the menu is brand new but still consists of all the old menu options and then some. I didn't get all that adventurous this time but no matter....I started with the beef summer rolls. The were extremely fresh, packed with lots of fresh herbs, rice noodles, and veggies. You get 3 on a plate with a delicious peanut sauce on the side for around $4.00. Deal! I had the combo noodle soup, chicken stock variety with chicken, pork, calamari, and shrimp. I ordered the medium bowl for I believe $8.00...it was HUGE! They served it with a plate of bean sprouts, green hot peppers (not sure what type they were) lots of cilantro, and a lime. The owner suggested adding some straight soy sauce and Sriracha hot sauce...great tip! It spiced it up nicely and added even more flavors to the mix. I have eaten here 3 times, I will most likely go back tomorrow night to try something totally different. It looks like they are really trying to make things nicer with the renovation scheduled and the nice new menu. Great job Yen....yet again.
(4)Laura V.
Went to visit yesterday while vacationing with the family! We are Vietnamese, so when I first came in and saw a man who wasn't Vietnamese, my first thought was "oh no, the food won't be authentic." Boy, was I wrong! The man spoke fluent Vietnamese--very impressed. The food was pretty good. We tried the canh chua (their hot and sour soup), calamari, goi cuon (spring rolls), and various other dishes. The environment was simple and all right. Admittedly, all the dishes (except for the canh chua), my parents could make better, but I was impressed by the good service. Our server was very attentive. If we visit the gulf shores again, we will be coming by here again when we pass.
(4)Frank F.
What a shame! My friend took me to Yens for my first time less than a year ago and what an experience. I admit I had never heard of pho and didn't know what to expect, but the authentic cooking blew my mind and took my taste buds for a wild ride. After about 4 months the original owners sold the business to some new folks who updated the decor revamped the menu. The first time we went after the changes, we were disappointed by the quality of the food. It seems like every time we go back now we just leave disappointed. The worst part about Yens now is the service, the guy there is really annoying when he is trying to be funny. The last few times have almost been comical, one time they had an anime movie playing really loud on the tv, another time he had techno rap music playing very loud. In fact when one family walked in, after we had been there for awhile, and asked for him to change the music. I hate that this place has changed for the worse and I wrote this review to also let the owner (assuming he reads his yelp reviews) know that we will not be eating at your establishment any more. P.s. Bring back Mr. David
(2)Lucy B.
Possibly my favorite restaurant in Mobile. My family and I have been coming here for years and our love only grows. Sure, it's in a sketchy area. Sure, you don't come here for the ambiance. But it's a local business making delicious, authentic, affordable Vietnamese food. I don't think I've had anything bad here (except maybe the porridge.. not for me), and all most other reviews focus on the pho, but I do have some favorites that may help guide newcomers to the extensive menu. 1. Vermicelli with stir fried protein (I like the pork): Great mix of warm meat, chewy noodles, crunchy vegetables. 2. Summer rolls: I try them every where I see them but these are the best I've had. 3. Shrimp and pork crepe 4. Pork stuffed fried tofu: sounds weird but tastes amazing 5. Combination fried rice: a big mountain of tasty fried rice with some unusual additions that make it amazing. I've also tried and enjoyed the ginger chicken, the curry, the Vietnamese iced coffee, and many others but my memory is failing me. Another note.. a local restaurant reviewer recommended the Xao Lan, a curry appetizer. While it was good - and fun to try, it didn't make the glowing top of the list as suggested.
(5)Luli D.
Wow love yen. My fiancé and I enjoy the beef pho and the pork and egg plate nom nom. Great prices, food, and people. At least 1 a week we eat lunch or dinner here.
(5)Erin G.
Such a fantastic find in little Mobile! Seriously, everything on the menu is great. I've tried many of their menu items but I keep returning to the Banh Xeo. I'm hooked. It's like a savory crepe you eat with fresh mint and lettuce and it's somehow melting-ly awesome and super fresh at the same time.
(4)Rosa L.
Pho was delicious and manager was great. He was really helpful and the service was awesome. Delicious. I love it here.
(4)Sarah C.
My husband and I recently moved to the Mobile area and have been looking for great places to eat. I have been using yelp to lead us in the right direction.... And believe me when I say it did this time. Yens was really really good. We both had sliced beef and beef meatball soup that was soooooo good I could eat it and eat it and eat it. Nom nom nom. We also got duck and a half of Cornish hen that was fried then glazed with a spicy sweet sauce. Wowzers! We highly recommend this place. The only downfall was the location...... Not the best place in Mobile to be, but just lock your doors and you should be fine lol!
(5)zzZZzz Z.
Look. This place is a bit of a dive and the neighborhood isn't beautiful. Sometimes there aren't any cars outside and you aren't sure if it's open. Let's get all of that out of the way first. Push through the questions going through your head (ignore the outside) and go inside!!! AMAZING VIETNAMESE FOOD. I have eaten at every Vietnamese place I could find for miles around and this is the BEST. Pensacola has a couple but they don't compare. You won't be disappointed. Yen is run by an elderly Vietnamese woman. She's the real deal. I plan to support her often so I can continue to have more great Vietnamese good. The pho is COMFORTING my soul. Ignore the complainers who don't appreciate this gem that we are privileged to have in our area.
(5)Ray Q.
Thai peppers Jalapeño 1/4 lemon not lime Can drinks Ambieance Spring rolls fresh Bo Vien meatballs are sliced instead of halved or whole like most other Vietnamese restaurants. Still a good PHO soup and a good meal. Slow service and located in a side of town that makes you want to pack a gun.
(3)Kay P.
Really like this place! Pros: consistently good food, unique offerings, personable and friendly service, huge selections on the menu, open on Sundays and most Holidays, good value for your $$ (massive portions of yummy food; we usually get take out and get 2 or 3 meals out of one dish). Cons: None for me, but I could see some folks *might* be bothered by the speed of service or the location of the restaurant, if they are used to getting really convenient locations or receiving their food & service super fast. But this is not a fast food or chain restaurant, and they do get busy during lunch and dinner rush. The manager gentleman is very nice and helpful. Some of our favorites are Julienne Pork Special with Pork Riblettes, Summer Rolls, Hanoi Beef Pho Noodle Soup, "Roll Your Own" marinated grilled chicken & vermicelli noodles in rice paper wraps and Crab Rangoons. Vietnamese coffee, Thai Tea and Fried Banana dessert are also wonderful!
(4)Hoa K.
This place has food that is more authentic than the other place! It looks scary on the outside but good food inside! Try for yourself! I'm a visitor from Houston, TX! I love their Crab Wonton for under $4! No place can you get it that cheap!
(5)Angie B.
Visited Yen on Tuesday around 3pm, the neighborhood was sketchy at best and the building looked closed down. No cars in the parking lot except one. We were the only ones there do it was a bit strange. Ordered seafood spring rolls which were excellent. My friend tried to order vegetarian pho and it took a little explaining on how to make it since the do not carry seafood broth, only chicken or beef. My beef pho was really tasty ( I had the appetizer portion since it was my first time eating this), I was full leaving. I took some chicken and veggie stir fry to go and it was pretty good. Server kept our water glasses full. Besides it being super quiet and empty I think it was a good find. Felt like I might be in the twilight zone for a bit, but we left happy.
(3)Zehra H.
I frequent this restaurant at least once a week. The Combination Beef Vermicelli and the Fried Shrimp (with incredible sauce) are to DIE for! Truly, this is one of my favorite restaurants in Mobile.
(5)Meagan P.
We all yen for Yen! If you can find this place, it's well worth it and Mobile doesn't have many hidden secrets when it comes to good food. If, by chance, you are in a hurry (which a good southern is never) then you may want to dine here another time. The service isn't very speedy but why should it be? Sit back and enjoy an authentic Vietnamese drink or a tasty beer from their menu. Crunch on some of the shrimp crisps apps, which are these kind of pork rind consistency, but are so good! I've never eaten anything bad on this menu and I highly recommend the crepe! If you're a vegetarian or a meat eater, you'll find all you could ever want with spices and herbs in perfect harmony. So, on a lazy Sunday head to Yen, which is just about the only Mobile restaurant open on Sunday anyway! Cheers!
(4)Jamie B.
My favorite Vietnamese restaurant in the U.S. My Korean roommates in college introduced me to Yen Kim Le and his wonderful restaurant. I quickly became an addict of the roast duck, and the amazing jasmine/ginger based sauce that accompanies the rice. I'm also fond of the hot pot for two and the cornish game hen. What I love about this place is its unassuming nature. It's a little tricky to find, and if you don't know it's there... you might drive right by. It's a family business, so the service, food, and cleanliness is always consistent. In the decade I've been going there, I've never had a bad experience. The best thing about this place is the food. Nothing is too greasy, and everything tastes exceptionally fresh. You can gorge yourself here, and not walk away feeling sick because the food is just exceptional quality. And it's not just your standard fare - I find that there is a good unique take on a number of dishes. I've mentioned the sauce for the rice: I just can't find anything that tastes that good anywhere else. I now live 1500 miles away, but still make a point to go once a year, even if I'm only passing through Mobile. So forget the chains and the all-you-can-eat China Buffet. You MUST go to Yen Restaurant - help support this wonderful family business that seriously makes the best food in Mobile.
(5)Tina M.
Being the only ones in the restaurant at 7pm on a Saturday night, I was a little nervous. However, we had a good experience, so yay! Many good things to say about Yen. Firstly, the food was fresh and delicious. We ordered Pho with brisket/meatballs and one of their house specialties. It was Veggies, calamari, beef, chicken and shrimp over rice noodles with a garlicky sauce. The flavors of both dishes were super tasty and we ate all of it. Service was prompt (no one else in the restaurant ). The restaurant was clean. I assume people either forgot about Yen because of it's tucked away location, or the steamy months of summer don't bring cravings of hot soup. Either way, I hope they don't shut down because this is the best Vietnamese restaurant in Mobile.
(4)Michael S.
This place will fool you. It's in a lousy neighborhood and the building is nothing special. Don't judge a book by it's cover though. It's clean and well laid out on the inside and the staff is friendly. I don't remember exactly what the name of what I ate was but it was delicious. This place is a new Vietnamese favorite.
(4)Mary C.
Go ahead, Mobile didn't know you'd have it in ya' to have such good Vietnamese food! What a yummy little find! We really, really enjoyed the do it yourself wrap entree- fun and delicious! We also enjoyed the pho- it was legit. The main server is not Mr. Personality Plus, but if you ask questions he's helpful. Nice find in good ole' Mobile.
(4)Jenn G.
Yep, the secret is out. I love Vietnamese food and I am allergic to shellfish and (gasp) fish sauce. I was so happy to find this 'off the beaten path' restaurant on my last visit to Mobile, thanks to my favorite dining partner. They have a traditional menu, although it has little vegetarian options. They were, however, very accommodating to me and made me a delicious meal (that did not kill me). My favorite meat eater was happy with the Pho and accoutrements. There are also copious Yuenglings, which makes this girl quite happy. If you can make it to this part of town, I highly recommend a meal here.
(4)Rebecca T.
+ couldn't believe how delicious and spot on the food was here! Friends and I were driving back to NC from NOLA and needed to get some food and this place hit the spot! Coming from the yay area, I feel like I know my pho. + pretty easy to get to from I-95
(4)Joel F.
Good pho....but the portion was disappointing...thus expensive. It was the smallest "Large" bowl of pho that I've ever seen. I was able to finish it lickity split and was craving more. And to add to my dismay, it cost $10. That's before tip. Not to be cheap, I'm not, but I've always seen pho as an inexpensive and delicious meal. Turtle tower in SF is pretty cheap and that's some good pho. Appleton pho and Phoenix pho....all good pho...and maybe I can squeeze in another pho. I usually am able to crawl out of a good restaurant stuffed to the gills, having dropped a sawbuck (and that's with a healthy tip on a $8 bowl of soup). Oh well, it's probably the best place in Mobile. I'm just glad that I can get my fix. I'll pay if I have to :D I wanted to give it a 3, but It couldn't be that low.
(4)Amy W.
This place is the BEST. Portions are huge. Everything is always fresh and delicious. Food is also VERY consistent. Do yourself a favor and order the Summer Rolls as your appetizer. You will not be sorry. My family and I have been eating here for years and have never been disappointed.
(5)Garrett M.
I had wonderful Vietnamese in Seattle recently, and a friend there told me to check out Yen's because she remembered it from when she lived in Mobile years ago. I then read the reviews on here and wanted to try it. It's in one of the ratty parts of Mobile which I like. It had a really pleasant atmosphere (I got there at 10:56am before the doors opened). I ordered spring rolls that were ok, shrimp crackers that were interesting, a beef and chicken dish with fried noodles that was ok, and a shrimp and pork crepe (like a thin egg omelet with corn and bean sprouts) that was in between bland and disgusting - I only had one bite. All in all, I would recommend this place to those wanting something more interesting than the same old crap. And they seemed to have lots and lots of dishes that I didn't get to try that sounded good. I'm uploading three pictures from my iPhone.
(3)Derek H.
Yen equals Yum. This is the best restaurant in between New Orleans to Jacksonville. You must put Yen on your bucket list...yes, you read it right...
(5)Marcia S.
Stop # 4 Pho yeah!!!!!!!! We were under the impression that there was no pho in Mobile, but we were wrong! Hidden away is Yen Restaurant and it is delicious. As usual I had pho with beef balls and rare steak. The broth was perfect! My husband had a vermicelli bowl (as usual) and he enjoyed his meal as well. I can honestly say that Yen can stand up to any Pho we had in the bay area.
(4)Joshua S.
Love this place! The soups are the best!
(5)jd h.
I have eaten in Vietnamese restaurants all over the country, and this one does not merit the high rating shown here on TripAdvisor. The neighborhood is questionable -- some may feel a bit uncomfortable. However the menu is solid and complete. I elected the roll-your-own shrimp spring rolls (enough for two). Of the 20 tables on a Tuesday night, 7-8 were occupied by diners and 5-6 were left un-bused. The initial seating and order taking were fast but it took them forever to get me my food. It is good Viet food, but not very good or excellent.
(3)Abigail K.
Okay - this place doesn't look like much from the outside. In fact, when I accidentally drove by it the first time, I considered just driving on. But I am so very glad I doubled back. Yen is very clean on the inside, with an extremely gracious staff. Agree with the other reviews - the pho is fantastic. Should've just ordered the big bowl - but I ordered a "sampler" pho as a starter. I ordered the grilled chicken vermicelli bowl as my entree. It wasn't the best I've had (the meat in particular was disappointing - more breaded/fried than grilled), but the veggies were fresh and the dish was seasoned well. And it was ridiculously cheap. $15 for pho, vermicelli bowl, and sweet tea (yay, Alabama!)
(4)Angel E.
Thanks to everyone who reviewed this restaurant before me - I literally stumbled upon it here on yelp, read your reviews and decided to check it out. The neighborhood was somewhat out of the way but hey -- it's right next door to another Mobile "institution" - the Tiny Diny ! The service (what service?) was very slow, almost nonexistent, however the hostess-waitress-cashier was just a kid and she did have her hands full so we tipped her graciously. The food was definitely worth the wait!! Home made, fresh and tasty; we ordered curry with shrimp and vermicelli with egg rolls and shared; both dishes were equally delicious and my friend and I can't wait to go back and try other things on the menu! Whoever the chef is - I hope that person lives a long happy life cooking that wonderful food and making decent money !
(4)Nga T.
We stumbled on this place when traveling back to Houston and it was not worth it at all. The place is dark and gloomy, waiter was nice but the food was awful. Got the rice platter dish and the "spring roll' which was an eggroll, was greasy and tasteless. Hubby got the pho and had to eat it because we were so hungry from our drive. Giving 2 stars for the service and lemonade!
(2)David P.
The pearl of Mobile's Vietnamese Cuisine scene. Tucked away in an undesirable part of town, Yen is a best kept secret. The humble exterior of the restaurant does not tell of the specialties that you will not find anywhere else in town. From seafood hot pots, to hot skillet, to different types of noodle bowls. Yen has dishes that represent the 3 different regions of Vietnam. Yen has the best consistent Pho in Moble, hands down. Do expect a wait when at Yen. There are only 3 cooks, including the owner, and everything is cooked from scratch. The wait is well worth the homemade flavors of each dish. Also, Yen is the only restaurant in town that serves Vietnamese yogurt. Best yogurt in town, I have to say.
(4)Tiffany B.
I go here only for the food. If you're looking for environment, this is not for you. It looks like a little house in the ghetto. Their pho is mediocre but it's better compared to Taste of Vietnam. One thing I do like about this restaurant is, they marinade their Shrimp and Beef Grill on the Table BBQ wraps (Nuong Vi) and the dipping sauce is delish. A bit stingy on the sides that come along with the wrap. We always have to order extra, and don't be surprised if they charge you for extra lettuce. Besides that, it's pretty good.
(3)Brett L.
This place is awesome. The pho is every bit as good as what I used to get when I lived in the San Francisco bay area (although the bowls aren't quite as big). I have enjoyed everything I have eaten there. Highly underrated restaurant. It never seems busy, but somehow they stay open. They are closed on Mondays though and sometimes take long vacations.
(5)cindy w.
I'm Chinese-Vietnamese and I endorse this restaurant. Snarkiness aside, my brother staged his rehearsal dinner here and my out-of-state family (including me) flew into town. Of course, we are picky about our Vietnamese food. However, my brother did us right. The stir-fried beef, pho, Vietnamese porkchop, etc. did a decent job, especially considering Mobile doesn't have too many options for Vietnamese food. I also liked how they served thai tea (that's so california!). The place is really isolated and tucked away but for the price, I think we got a fair deal.
(4)jess m.
Ate here again a few weeks ago, and service has much improved. I got the spring rolls, which was accompanied with a great mildly spiced peanut sauce; stir fried egg noodles with tofu and chicken, also very good. The tofu was soft yet crispy. For dessert, they did not have the yogurt, so I got fried bananas; which was a plate of small sliced bananas rolled in crispy egg roll wrap. Overall, my experience was much better!
(4)W O.
I don't get why people love this place so much...the food isn't too bad, but the service is slow as hell! If you wanna starve to death, then please go here! Plus, when you order pho, their veggies are not even fresh...they're all wrinkly and old! Maybe most people around here don't know what "good" is, but it's whatever...good luck!
(2)mitch m.
This place is great. It really would make it in DC or San Francisco Bay Area. Excellent menu. Awesome taste. Very cheap. Extremely friendly service. I love this place. Duck soup is very tasty. Nice roast duck in a really nice broth. Elphaba had the rice porridge or zook with chicken and seafood. Very nice but a tiny bit oily. But good and we liked that the Vietnamese style is a bit different from the Chinese style. Kinda weird neighborhood. You wouldn't necessarily find Yen without Yelp. Closed Mondays.
(5)Evan C.
The Pho was really good. There was a great variety of other Vietnamese dishes.
(3)