Date Night - Week 20: Pho Kim 88

At the suggestion from some colleagues, Jeremy and I ventured over to Pho Kim 88, a Vietnamese and Japanese BYOB at 4100 Library Rd. 

The exterior of the restaurant is unassuming, located in the plaza with TRM Cycles just past the intersection with Connor Road. Through the doors, however, Pho Kim is nothing ordinary — the flatscreen televisions, sushi bar, combined Asian and Pittsburgh ornaments, and neon-pink color scheme are at once busy and charming.

The sign on the door advertizes bubble teas, and not having had one in years, I ordered the mango. It was delicious, but with the whipped cream and sweetness, I might save it next time for a dessert instead of at the beginning of the meal. 

The meal options are far more varied than expected; I anticipated sushi and a few meals, but the sushi options don’t come close to outnumbering the other Japanese, Vietnamese and Thai dishes served.

I’m a sucker for Pad Thai and ordered mine with tofu ($10), which was sliced thin and stir-fried. The noodles were thicker than I’ve had with the dish before, but they were well prepared and served alongside various sliced veggies, bean sprouts and peanuts, and covered in a flavorful, traditional peanut sauce. The dish also came with a salad with Asian dressings and a bowl of miso soup; the helping was plentiful and the leftovers were lunch for the next two days!

Jeremy had one of the dinner entrée specials — a teriyaki steak and scallions combo, served with a breaded shrimp appetizer, salad, vegetable, and steamed rice ($18).  He cleared his plate, and — while he loved the dish overall — was particularly pleased with the steamed vegetables and the breaded shrimp. 

The menu is extensive and appealing — I’ll return for the Japanese Vegetable Delight with miso soup and tofu appetizer ($16) and Jeremy’s curious to try the sushi. 

Has anyone had sushi at Pho Kim 88?  Any suggestions for Thai places nearby? Tell us in the comments box below.