Absolutely Phobulous in Encino?

[CarlieInLA]

I just drove by a big sign that said Absolutely Phobulous on a building on Ventura Blvd, near Haskell. Does anyone have any info on whether this is opening up soon?

[CarlieInLA]

Well, we live right near here so for accesability it can't be beat, I drove by it again and its definately open, so we may give it a try on a weeknight when we need a quick easy meal. Thanks for the recs though, I will definately have to try them out.

[Eat2LiveLife]

I just stopped by this place and it was great! I love how the place is so hip and the staff actually speaks english. I've been to the one in La Cienaga because I work there and now I have my very own AbPho in Encino (where I live). These guys are definitely doing something right!

[Debbie W]

I guess I'm not looking for hip when I eat pho. How does the food compare to Pho So 1 at Sepulveda and Victory? Prices?

[CarlieInLA]

Here is their online Menu, although they do not yet mention the Encino location on their website. I have some friends that have gone and said it was very good, considering we don't have that many options in Sherman Oaks/Encino area for good vietnamese. I am going to give it a try soon.

http://www.abpho.com/menu%20(appeti_r...

[Das Ubergeek]

Holy PRICES, Batman!

I'm sure that I'm spoiled -- I live within easy striking distance of Little Saigon -- but SIX DOLLARS for a $2 banh mi? $7.25 for a $4.50 bowl of pho, and no choices of beef cuts?? $10 for a rice plate with cha, lap xuong and suon... which would be half that price at Com Tam Thuan Kieu (not that it's in that Valley, but still...) and maybe $6.50 at Pho So 1.

It reminds me of a late-but-not-lamented place in Studio City called Saigon Annie's... a nicer decor, but the same service and very, very expensive food. If it's really better than the holes-in-the-wall in the poorer reaches of the Valley, I'll consider it next time I'm in Encino, but otherwise I'll still drive to Pho So 1 on Victory and Sepulveda, or on Sherman Way and Reseda Blvd., and eat the same type of food in less savoury surroundings for much, much cheaper.

[Eat2LiveLife]

I have to say that the price is a bit more than the usual Pho. Don't get me wrong, I grew up eating at Pho So 1 in Reseda, but it really doesn't taste as good as it used to...The Pho at Phobulous is great! The meat is high quality meat, you can taste it! I guess it goes back to the cliche, you get what you pay for. I'd rather pay an extra buck or two to eat better quality food, friendly service, and...well, just a better atmosphere.

[pezworld]

Yeah, kinda like Indochine in Pasadena (Colorado near Lake), a short walk from my company's Pasadena offices. $5ish banh mi (serviceable but not excellent). But it caters to the local non-Vietnamese office people, and their food is quite edible when you don't want to drive.

[Eat2LiveLife]

The food is good, clean, and quality. Price is, of course more expensive, but worth it. I'd rather pay more to avoid an MSG overdose.

[wilafur]

don't bother, the location on la cienaga is medicore (assuming the encino locale is a new branch). since you are in encino, hope over to van nuys for great pho at pho so 1 or pho 999.

[Das Ubergeek]

What he said. Or if you're closer to Reseda, there's the same places on Reseda and Shermanway.

[SauceSupreme]

Agreed. I like both Pho So 1 spots, though I've found the Reseda one to be less crowded. I end up going to the Van Nuys location most often since 99 Ranch is next door, allowing me to hit two birds with one stone. Also, it's closer to the freeway.

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Pho So 1
6450 Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 91411

Pho So 1
7231 Reseda Blvd, Reseda, CA 91335

[Sgee]

I don't recomment the one on reseda, it's filthy and has a C rating to prove it.

[wizardx]

I went last week to the Reseda one (my usual bi weekly stopover) and they had a B... but who cares anyway, it is awesome Pho!