Pho Ao Sen

200 International in Oakland


Why I like it:
- Reminds of me of Hawaii, relaxed, calm, and bustling.
- Nicely priced - lunch today for 2 was $18 including tip.
- Broken rice plate with pork, egg, shrimp. So satisfying. Something about broken rice -- flavorful. Family feeling atmosphere.
- Pho Tai -- broth deeper than others. Like a big dark red wine. A plate with the usual bean sprouts, Asian basil, and jalapeno, but also something that look liked Dandelion leaves.
- Love the interior -- the light that comes in through the windows, the greenery from outside. Big square windows, wood ceiling, nice mid-century proportions, and pleasantly undesigned.
- Also like the back parking lot, the door to it, the tables outside.

Only been there during the day. Not sure what it would be like at night. 14th street turns into International, and it's suprising far-close from the Oakland Library area and the lake. Seems far, but then you take the sweeping right 14th exit, and it's right there on your left at the corner of 2nd street and International. Look for the free-standing building with bushes all around it.