Pho 24 (Norcross)

The Pho scene in Atlanta was scarce once but now it can be had all over Buford Highway or anywhere that the Orientals habitat. People always ask me who has the best Pho and since I'm part of the tribe, I usually tell them they're all about the same pretty much nowadays. There's a couple that may still be a little bit better but the consistency is... Well, not consistent. But who gives a shit... Pho is hangover grub. And we all know that when you're hungover as fuck, taste and complexity of the flavors of the broth is not first on your agenda. Filling that drunk ass gut of yours is.

So, this is the second location of the Pho 24 on Buford Hwy that took over the short lived Cao Dao spot (which also entertained Bamboo Grill and Hot Pot, Pho Pasteur, Pho Tan Tan, et al). That space has been the kiss of death for Pho restos and Pho 24 may be it's next victim since their food was nothing to write home about. But how is this location in Norcross doing? Let's take a bite shall we?

Banh Mi (Grilled Pork) - The grilled pork had a funky look to it, not the standard issued one we're all used to. It was too moist, no evidence that it was grilled. The bread was a little too hard like it was a couple days old. The Do Chua- pickled carrots/daikon needed a little more kick, they were bland. And they left out the jalapenos... WTF! Not that it woulda helped much. If you're still fucked up, it'll do.

Pho (Dac Biet) - One look at the broth and it was suspect. One taste of the broth and suspicions confirmed. Not as instant as So Ba but tasted like a mix of home brewed and cubed. It didn't have that stickiness to it that only the collagen from the oxtails can provide. A middling example of the standard ATL Pho but it'll hit the spot for the FUBAR'd. They do give you a hefty portion of meat though.


Cha Gio - Crispy and hot. Nothing better than fresh outta da fryer. The filler was passable.


Hu Tiu Ap Chao - I don't even know if this is a real dish but supposedly, the owner/chef's fav... Pan fried noodles cut up in wedges like a pizza and a bunch of crap dumped in the middle. You got squid, beef, shrimp, veggies and chicken (menu said pork but who's gonna know) like in a bad American-Chino Happy Family combo meal. It was amateurish at best... But a drunkard's best friend.

The service was sporadic and the language barrier could be a problem for some... But if you speak drunkenese and point your dirty nose picking fingaz at the pics, it's all good. This place ain't gonna win any awards but for cheap, fill yer belly grub... It'll do its biznaz and then you can do yours in their bathroom.

Splash.

1 Star.

1210 Rockbridge Road

Atlanta, GA 30093

(678) 380-1550
http://www.pho24atlanta.com/