Review 1: Pho Vinh Tin - Waterloo

Pho Vinh Tin is a restaurant in University Plaza (170 University Avenue, Waterloo, Ontario - near the University of Waterloo/Wilfrid Laurier University). I go there occasionally for a quick afternoon snack (usually 005, 109 X-Large, 116 Large). This restaurant has a particular way of welcoming patrons: starting with a fake door, pungeant smell of gas leaks and dirty looks. Once settled at table 12, I plug my laptop to the secret socket behind the plant. Further dirty looks are given as the owner throws me a dried up pen, a greasy duotang and corner of lined paper. At this point don't worry, you didn't do anything wrong to deserve cold tea and more dirty looks.

I used to get a grimy metallic teapot of cold tea, but maybe they saw me disinfect my utensils with it? Either way, I am not served tea anymore. So, I use 5 to 10 napkins instead. I order the usual and bring the order on a piece of paper back to the counter where I can hear the microwave hard at work. Usually, the food is decent when you're hungry but don't count on the bean sprouts with your pho. You could, however, expect little surprises in your dish; mine came in the form of a clear plastic pellet. The food is usually cold and as you go more and more often, the quantity of food served seems to decrease.

When it's time to pay, gather up your pennies if you will and throw it all away... as tip. Do not look back as you leave.

Ratings:
Food 2.5/5
Service 1/5
Atmosphere 1.5/5
Going back? Yes, no other alternatives

The Bottom Line
Good place to go when you're hungry, however avoid eye contact with the restaurants personnel and don't look around too much, that place makes you feel wrong. And don't forget to clean the utensils, they smell like bleach. Here's the Official Food Inspection Report, you might want to check it out.