Pho Red Chopsticks

I had a late night phở craving, and Red Chopsticks came to the rescue since my regular place closes by nine. Bonus points for it being really close by.
I got the beef broth with rare beef and the egg rolls. I liked the addition of the jalapenos to the traditional bean sprouts, basil and lime. The broth was pretty tasty and the beef was nice and tender, but some of the noodles seemed undercooked, but maybe that’s because I got take out. The eggrolls were good as well. Overall a decent meal.
The guy running the front/​register was super nice. He made me some delicious tea drink while I waited and even opened the door for me on the way out. So, three stars for the food, plus one for the good service.

Overall I thought the Phở was good, but not not as fabulous as some of the other reviewers make it out to be.
The atmosphere is nice and it has a modern feel although I was thrown off by some of the art. How does a vintage ad, a picture of the Eiffel tower and a picture of NYC tie in with Phở? I guess they are going for an ‘international’ feel.
I have been here twice and the service seems to be hit or miss.

I’m totally a fan of their Phở. I really love the flank Phở and I order it «medium spicy» and its perfect everytime. I’ve tried their noodle dishes, potstickers, kimchi pancake and their bbq pork special and they’re good but the Phở is what I love. In fact, I crave it. In fact, I’m craving it right now. The bf likes the fried rice, but the Phở is where its at. The broth is really flavorful, very clean tasting (I’ve had phở elsewhere that was so fatty and gross I couldn’t eat it), and the perfect amount of garnish comes along with it. Complimentary kimchi upon request– yum! The staff here is super nice and very inviting. Everytime I go I can’t understand why Chomp would be packed and this place not crowded. But that’s good for me because I get really quick service and can feed the Phở craving ASAP!
Tips: Excellent for takeout or dine in, I think they’re closed on Thursdays (or is it Tuesdays?), the small Phở is very filling, their frappes are pretty good, love the thai iced tea with cream, strange décor and usually not very busy but don’t let that sway you!
Yay for Red Chopsticks!

Great fast service. Delicious food.

Phở has been a dish that has taken a while for me to love. I know so many people in the food world, rave on, so how come I never get the craving? I just didn’t get it, understand it yet. Well, somewhere along the countless trips to Garden Grove & various South Bay outings, I fell in love with phở. It was like a happy-​ending arranged marriage, after a while, I came around. I crave, the healthy broth & vegetables. The clean, pure flavors. The gluten-​free noodles. ;)
My girlfriend & I found this place in downtown Fullerton (which seems to be getting better by the second! Now they just need a good Japanese place). I loved immediately that Phở Red is open late on weekends, need more non-​fast food eateries open late! Speaking of fast food, phở is notoriously speedy, it was here, but not Garden Grove time. I should also mention, this is a Korean phở place, & they advertise that as such.
Awesome menu! They offer a beef broth & a chicken/​seafood broth. My chicken phở was great! The broth made from chicken & seafood was the highlight. You shouldn’t drink up the phở broth down to an empty bowl, too much sodium, but I did not care! Definitely will return, I think this weekend…

Nice clean space with red walls and a drum set area in the middle of the room. Not sure if they have a band come in at night but at 7:30 pm on Saturday night, they didn’t have one.
I ordered the stir fried rice noodles… i thought maybe kinda like pad see-​ew style. It was the right kind of flat noodle but no gravy. I was a little disappointed that there was only 4 pcs of shrimp and a few veggies in my noodles. It was ok and I did eat it all… i liked the chewiness of the noodle although it lacked a type of sauce. It was a small plate and I was able to finish it all on my own. I usually have left overs but this is a dish really only made for one.
My hubby got the large spicy phở. The broth was pretty ok and meat was enough. He liked it and I thought it was also ok.
I dont think we will be back to this place any time soon. Its a real simple menu, not the type you see in a lot of vietnamese restaurants. But if you are in the area, especially if youre hungry and in need of sustenance after drinking all night in DTF, this place opens late and you can get your fix of vietnamese food… oh and they do have korean meats here too.

Three and a half stars.
Korean/​Vietnamese fusion? I would have never gone to a place like this, but at 10pm in Downtown Fullerton, there aren’t many options for Asian food.
I kept my expectations low. And I was definitely shocked. Fantastic service AND decent food. Our server (owner?) gave us free honey green tea! Not too sweet, and very refreshing. He checked on our table several times and even gave us a sample of his «secret spicy» sauce. They won me over with the free tea. Service really does make a difference.
I ordered the spring rolls (3 pieces for $ 7) — fresh, minty, and yummy dipping sauce! It would’ve been better if the skin was less tough. Perfect snack to fill my tummy before a night of drinking in DTF! My boyfriend tried their potstickers and said they were good too. Overall, we were pleasantly surprised with our last minute decision to stop here. A little on the pricey side for this type of food, but service earned it that extra half of a star.

I have to update…
So I went to red chopsticks two times in a row… and the first time I went, my friends and I fell in LOVE. We ordered the rare steak phở and got it spicy «number 2″ and the broth was EXQUISITE! It was very different from the NORMAL phở. It seemed to have a lot of spicy chili oil but it was delicious!
We also ordered the noodle plate which seemed like it was pad see ew but… there was something missing and that I have to say NOPE… it was NO GO. stick with the phở my Unilocalers… stick with the phở.
The service was TOP NOTCH, they told us about their VIP TEXTING which gives you a free drink when you sign up and it sends you deals through text and we all got ourselves some free slush! :D I was a delighted little girl haha… too happy.
Well anyway thinking about the day before, my friend and I were on a phở streak so we decided to go for the spicy phở once again. It was the same people working as the day before. We ordered THE SAME EXACT PHO with the SAME EXACT SPICY choice and it came out like … PHO WITH SRIRACHA!!! WHAT THE F$%#%?!? So, we called the waiter thinking they must’ve gotten our order wrong. He looked a little confused and went back to the kitchen… I did feel bad for making him hold the HOT PHO and taking it back and forth but when he came back… it just had MORE SRIRACHA!.. I seriously wanted to show him the picture that we took the day before and ask…“did you chef change within 24hours?» but… oh well… inconsistency…that’s the only word I could think of.
We also ordered the kimchi fried rice (yes I’m freaking korean) hahah but it was DELICIOUS! The rice was kind of on the dry side but I like my rice a little undercooked, not so much that it’s …crunchy but yeahh :)
So I was debating whether to give this place a 3 or a 4 but the workers are sooo darn nice I had to bump them up a little bit. I don’t know if we’ll ever get to order the same phở that we did on our first visit but in hopes of ordering that phở again I’m going to go again.
TRUST me you MUST MUST MUST try that spicy phở… if it doesn’t look like

this… THAT AIN’T THE PHO I’M TALKING ABOUT! If you read my review and ordered the SAME THING but you got a phở with sriracha in it… then don’t think I’m crazy just think the chef in the back is having a bad day haha: D
I’d say the food portions are a bit pricey for what they offer but the phở is worth it! Just don’t get their noodle plate thingy… THAT was not worth $ 8.
The phở ranges from $ 6.50(S) and $ 7.50(L) they PILE on the noodle but not much on the soup but they do give you a LOT more meat than the VERY first time I went to this place so that’s a plus :) I guess this place did get better than the first time but definitely it’s as bad as a LOT of the reviews.
Another note… it’s FREAKING PHO what more do you want?! If you’re hungover this might taste like… HEAVEN in a BOWL! :)

Eh… if you’re into Korean style phở, maybe you’ll like this place. They have the clean broth you’d see at a lot of the Korean phở places. Even though I’m more of an authentic style person, I came here because there aren’t many choices for phở in the area.
I understand they’re in downtown Fullerton and all, but their large phở is definitely not worth $ 7.50. First of all, it’s not even that large. It’s regular at best compared to other places; I know because I rarely finish a bowl of phở but I did here! Meat was pretty disappointing. I got the #1 combo and quickly noticed these few pieces of long stringy pieces of meat that wasn’t even cut up; I wanted to ask for scissors! Especially annoying was the fact there was only 1 piece of tendon and just couple pieces of rare steak…
For the price they charge, I expected much more. But what I got was much less than other phở places. I think I felt hungrier after finishing my large bowl. Taste wise they are no higher than 2 stars; how the heck do they have a 4 star rating on Unilocal

Great food! Friendly staff too. We dig their kimchee pancake.

My husband and I love this place! The spicy potstickers are amazing. The fried rice, curry rice, or the phở are all great too!
The staff is also always super friendly :)

I was very excited that another Asian joint opened in downtown Fullerton as we badly need more authentic Korean and Chinese restaurants in North OC. However, this one was an unusual hybrid of Korean and Vietnamese. On the whole, I’m rather skeptical of these «Jack of all trades and Master of None» establishments.
Since I was with my family, we practically ordered one of everything to sample, Korean BBQ Kalbi (Beef Short Ribs), Phở, Combo Fried Rice, Soft Tofu & Seafood Spicy Soup (Soondubu), and Pot Stickers. I placed them in order of preference, the first being the best and the last item being the worst. The Phở had a pretty decent broth for a fusion place, but I would not come back just for it. The Soondubu was watered down and no one ate the pot stickers.
Overall the meal was satisfying, however, only one thing stood out, the Korean BBQ Ribs. It was perfectly marinated and cooked, so we licked every rib clean and even ate all the onions on the hot plate.
Service was enthusiastic and décor was updated. My conclusion, this place is a «Jack of all trades and Master of one»!

— Locale Destination —
It’s on E Commonwealth Ave and Pomona Ave in Fullerton, in front of «CHOMPS».
Décor is pretty simple in red. It’s a bit weird formation — there’s a counter where you can eat (only a few seatings) at the entrance, couch by the entrance door for ???, and seating area with tables. Chairs are very cheap and weak — my BFF leaned on it and broke it as if it were used for comedy show… (I’m not kidding) So please don’t lean on it — unless you wanna get a laugh out of it ;p
It’s run by Asian. Very friendly service.
— Gluttony Expedition —
Sundobu: The lightest one I’ve ever had. Soup was a bit sweet with body. Medium spicy wasn’t so spicy. Ok
Rare steak phở: The broth got a body, a bit stinky and sweet. It’s a bit different from the ones in little Saigon. Not bad.
Lychee slushy: The chunkiest slushy ever. I liked the flavor but ¹⁄₅ of the slushy couldn’t be eaten. ;(
— Conqueror’s Deduction —
Decent but nothing so outstanding. «iPho» is way better.

After driving by this place twice daily since they’ve been open I finally decided to try this restaurant. At first I wasn’t sure about the fusion of Korean and Vietnamese, but after the meal I am a fan. The service was really great, once this place gets more popular I see the small space making it difficult to get a table, but for now it was nice and cozy.
Highlights of our meal included the Kimchi pancake, fried egg noodles with mushrooms and the beef Korean BBQ.
I highly recommend this place!

Whaaaat? A place that serves Vietnamese food AND Korean food? SIGN ME UP!
I ventured over to Red Chopsticks on a Wednesday during lunch time, and the place was fairly empty. Hopefully business picks up, though, because the food was delicious. My boyfriend got the combo fried rice, and it was rich, slightly buttery, and oh-​so-​yummy. I opted for the tofu hot pot, which was also very tasty. I like that they give you trimmings on the side, such as kimchi, cucumbers, etc. I think they’re unlimited, because the waiter came by and asked if we’d like a refill.
I’d like to try their BBQ plates, but I’m a little turned off by the prices (in the $ 14-​$ 15 range per plate). I’m sure the taste is out of this world, though… so perhaps after payday. ;)
I loved the inside décor (very clean and mod) and the upbeat music that was playing. The ambiance was great. I’d recommend giving this place a try! And bonus… they have boba!

Probably the nicest phở restaurant i’ve been to in my life!
If you tell me we’re eating phở, i automatically assume we’re going to walk into a dirty restaurant… but not this place! this place is soooo clean!!! Non-​questionable utensils, new tables/​appliances/​décor, AND the phở still tastes legit! I never knew such a place could exist! I don’t know why this place is so empty because it’s good, clean, and still cheap!
This place is korean-​owned, so you can order some korean bbq/​side dishes as well! AND, they have a phở challenge! Definitely not your ordinary phở restaurant!

I like it!
It is all about phở for me! I could eat it everyday and sometimes I do.
I was driving down Commonwealth and saw a sign Red Chopsticks. This place is easy to pass by, tucked between Classic Barber and Chomps (do not accidentally go into Chomps you will be sorry, but that is for another review). The sign did not give me any clue as to what this place was. As soon as I got home I jumped on Unilocal to find out.
Turns out this place is a Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese restaurant. Come on how cool is that? I really like the vibe in this place, the music is a little loud (or maybe I am getting a little old) but I like that is not traditional Asian restaurant. People that work there are super helpful and friendly.
On to the food:
I have been there now, twice. The first time I ordered the Phở, and it was good. Great? no, but way better then most places around Fullerton. But Saigon Noodle House is much better for Phở. A jar of french fried onions is on the tables, I am telling you they could make just about anything delicious. Forgot bacon, FRENCH FRIED ONIONS are it! Shake it on anything. Heck I was just eating them right out the jar!
Second time, I had the curry noodles and my wife had the curry rice. This is where this place shines. The curry is awesome. I ordered my extra spicy, and it was incredible. Only made better by the addition oooooooooooooof FRENCH FRIED ONIONS! Next time I would order the curry rice, instead of the noodles.
I have also had the spring rolls here. FANTASTIC! No grey piece of pork in the middle like some of the phở places. And made fresh so the wonton skin is not rubbery. Nice sprig of mint, rounds out all the flavors. Peanut sauce was thick, dark and rich! Winner Winner.
I have not tried some of the Korean dishes, but I have seen them at other tables and they look really tasty.
By the way, they do have red chopsticks there.

I strayed and cheated on you, Phở Olivia. Phở Red Chopsticks is newer, younger, and I can’t lie… yummier. I’m sorry.
Situated right across from Chomps, it can be easily missed. I arrived during the lunch hour and the restaurant was empty. I look over at Chomps and it was a full house. I hope this place doesn’t suck.
Atmosphere:
The walls are red as well as their chopsticks. It has a very young vibe that’s perfect for the Cal State Fullerton-​ers to come for some phở.
Food:
They serve Korean food with the bulgolgi and pancake, Vietnamese food with the phở and vermicelli, and Chinese food with the pot stickers. There’s some fusion going on too with the vermicelli and bulgolgi. I just had 2 items there:
Pot stickers: These were great. Very garlicky and it had a soy sauce/​green onion sauce to dip it in. I also dip it in sriracha for a spicy kick.
Phở dac biet: The way I determine if the phở is good is the broth. Taste test: it passed! It was full body in flavor and wasn’t too sweet. Phở Olivia isn’t as full body in flavor as this.
I was pretty satisfied with this lunch. I thought everything tasted very good. I look over Chomps and thought… you guys have no idea how much better Phở Red Chopsticks is. Like SO much better. (I’m not a fan of Chomps whatsoever sorry.)
To Asian patrons: the phở is legit here.
To non-​Asian patrons: this is how phở should taste like.

It was only a matter of time, I guess, for a Korean /​Phở fusion restaurant. And at least for our family, it’s a perfect combo that satisfies our often divergent cravings. The most interesting option is the ability to choose phở among traditional, kimchee, miso and spicy broths. It definitely gives a twist to the traditional phở. We also tried the Kalbi BBQ. Fairly standard at a reasonable price. Wife had the tofu hotpot, which was also good.
On an early Sunday evening, we were one of two tables occupied. I hope their business picks up because Red Chopsticks offers many of the options that we normally have to choose between.

I tried their phở and fried rice. They were good! Their fried rice was better than most Chinese restaurant I went to. They even give you filtered water instead of tap… extra point! And try their pistachio frap!!! Soooo good! Def. will be coming back!