Thursday, April 25, 2013

Pho Mai Closing (For Now)

In case you haven't heard, Pho Mai, the Vietnamese restaurant that's been a staple of dining in the North End for a decade, is closing.

Signs posted in the restaurant thank their patrons and say that the owners are seeking a new location to reopen the business.  Sunday, April 28th is apparently the last day to get a bowl of hearty soup at the current location.

A new Vietnamese restaurant, Lan Chi's, opened in the neighborhood recently, but that doesn't seem likely to have played a role.  As multiple online reviews attest, Pho Mai built a loyal following offering good food for an affordable price in a friendly, no-frills ambiance.  (Scuttlebutt is that a bank is taking over the building where Pho currently rents and wants it tenant-free for some reason... but that's just hearsay.)

One less eatery in Middletown may not seem like a big deal.  But personally, I think it's a shame to lose a place like Pho.  It attracts a mix of hungry locals, out-of-towners, and Wesleyan students--just what the North End needs.  Also, I find the food delicious and the  BYOB restaurant a good buy.  The family who runs the place makes sure the service is friendly and efficient.  I hope they find a new location in town.

Meanwhile, if you want to get a last (or first) taste of one the city's fine restaurants, you have a few days.  Cash only - they don't take credit cards.




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7 comments:

  1. JudyKApril 25, 2013 at 1:01 PM

    Yes, this is sad news. It's a great place for a quick and delicious bowl of Pho or noodles. Hope they return soon!

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  2. AnonymousApril 25, 2013 at 7:22 PM

    i just ate there last week and the food is as delicious as when the first opened. The owner is so nice too. I really hope that they will find a new space in Middletown!

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  3. Anne-Marie CannataApril 30, 2013 at 2:41 AM

    Pho Mai was a great place to eat! Our performers would go there more than any other place for a meal before a show, as well as lots of patrons and me too! Sorry to see them go! At least Lan Chi is good - just not as affordable. With the pay the musicians get here, they need all the help they can get - and Pho Mai fit the bill. All the best to them! Thanks for many good meals!

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  4. AnonymousJune 8, 2013 at 10:38 PM

    This was one of the best Pho places in the state. I really hope they open in a new location.

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  5. AnonymousJuly 29, 2013 at 10:45 AM

    We just discovered last night that they were gone. My 6 yr old son actually cried...

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  6. AnonymousJanuary 23, 2014 at 11:38 AM

    Are there any updates? Does anyone know if they are going to reopen?

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  7. AnonymousMarch 17, 2015 at 8:41 AM

    Did they ever re-open anywhere? I loved this place!!

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