There is so much great pho over here on the Westbank, we’re practically swimming in it, but pity the poor slob who needs a bowl after 6pm . . . even on the weekends! Do they have a thing against late-ish night diners? Do we smell funny? My theory is they rake it in at lunch and don’t need to stay open later. Whatever the cause, this odd closing hour forced John and I to seek farther, dive deeper, and that’s how we discovered Pho Kim Loan.
Way out on Lapalco Blvd. in yet another strip mall that’s seen better days (haven’t they all?), Pho Kim Loan is one of those rare gems that stays open a little longer . . . till 7pm. I know, it’s not a huge difference, but it was just enough time for John and I to slide in on a weeknight after work at 6:15pm.
We both got a small bowl of pho tai and shared a plate of fried eggrolls. The service was fast and friendly, and the broth was hot, aromatic, and just a little bit different from the bowl I’ve slurped at Pho Bang or TDPho, or any other I’ve ever had the pleasure of consuming. This one was less star anise and cinnamon, more beef, pepper, and fish sauce.
We liked it and will return, especially on the hour or half hour. If you’ve been recently, you’ll know what I mean.
