Pho & other classic Vietnamese dishes are served at this old-school institution in a strip mall.
Nina Schneider
Than Binh is a long-standing local Vietnamese spot that’s clearly been around for years; and it shows! The first thing you’ll notice is how worn and grimy everything feels. The outdoor seating consists of old Costco plastic tables and chairs, darkened with age and use. Inside, the furniture is so dated that the tables seem permanently coated in a layer of grease; they’re sticky to the touch no matter how many times they’re wiped. I’ll spare you the details about the bathroom: it’s not a pleasant sight.
As you can see in the photos, presentation isn’t their strong suit; the dishes often look hastily thrown together. Yet, surprisingly, the food tastes good… if you can get past the overall cleanliness issues.
What really bothered me, was the extra charge for an additional lettuce leaf!
Bottom line: Until this place gets a serious cleaning and renovation, you’re better off ordering takeout.
… moreCharlotte Lamm
OMFG. OXTAIL PHO?????? So good and GENEROUS portion of oxtail. And the wings were PHENOM. GREAT prices. Easy five star win. And open on Xmas Eve it’s a Xmas miracle
… moreBrian Nguyen
This is a solid Vietnamese restaurant in South OC. Everything about it is very traditional, the menu and food would be just the same in Vietnam. Got the Pho Tai and Oxtail Pho. Oxtail was nicely braised, the Pho Tai beef a bit overdone. Broth was good. Get the large for $1 more, the portions are huge.
To some previous posters that reflected on the higher prices, or humble furniture, welcome to South OC, the rent is too damn high.
… moreMichael Sandler
Prob one of the better Vietnamese places in Lake Forest area. Been coming here for years and they never disappoint. They always take good care of me and make sure I get extra onions and veggies and sprouts for my Pho. There is a reason this place has been here for so long and is still always busy. A classic place.
… moreSteve Kim
First and foremost… this place was near packed both times we’ve eaten there. And that was TWICE in two days! YES… this place is THAT GOOD! Now for my review of the food. As for the pho, the broth was delicious. NOT just salty; like many other places I’ve tried. And just the right hint of lemongrass (not overpowering). I tried the 2 item BUN today. Grilled pork and egg rolls. With a side of oxtail. Let me start with the grilled pork. It was not overcook (still tender). And I think the egg rolls had vermacelli and meat in it (VS. Just vegetables). It tasted more like a Korean man-doo. Now for the oxtail! I almost DON’T want to let you all know how dang good it is. I’m gonna leave it at that! I’m guessing this place is a family run establishment. The service is first class. The prices? You must come see for yourself. And the portions?
Again, come see for yourself! My family and I have decided to try to dine here at LEAST once a week. Again, “YES, THIS PLACE IS THAT GOOD”…..
+
… moreWindi Brenner
This place is great. The food was refreshing. I’ve never had pho before, they had plane option which allowed me to have the experience without having to have meat or tofu. I am picky. I finished everything I could fit in my stomach. We got there late right before closing but they served us with a smile and never made us feel rushed. The ac had an issue but they resolved and accommodated us with grace and efficiency. I feel like I’m definitely going to be looking for that bowl of pho again until I find a place that will provide the same authentic quality. 9.5 overall because of the ac issue but I wouldn’t let that hold you back. 10/10 recommend the food and service.
… moreAhacool Kim
The Vietnamese food at Thanh Binh 2 is reasonably priced, diverse, and delicious.
Unlike other places, the portion sizes come in three options: S, M, and L, which is great.
However, it was a bit uncomfortable when they brought the card machine directly to the table for payment, including tipping.
On the positive side, they provided ample napkins on the table.
… moreAnna Huang
To be frank, this place has you paying a premium price for below average food. The reviews and ratings are from what I ended up experiencing this evening. We had a table of 6 with varied dishes ordered. Both my husband and I had some variation of the vermecelli bowl and shared a plate of their every si popular calamari. Calamari was raved, and honestly, just fried battered calamari with a vinegar-pepper dipping sauce. Nothing special? But with a price tag of $21, it’s definitely not worth it. The $17 vermecelli bowl was the worst entree I’ve had in a while. Chose to go with pork and an eggroll, immediately smelling and tasting the old oil from the fry of the eggroll. Leaving a disgusting greasy aftertaste in the whole bowl. The pork slices were scarce and flavorless. Also very skimpy on how much nuoc mam was given. As terrible as the food was, the service was fast and friendly. I can’t tell if we came on an off night, but the space was pretty busy the whole time we were there. Wouldn’t come again, don’t recommend.
… moreJ C
Highly recommend! Service was great and the food is top shelf with amazing taste. Serving size will feed the whole group.
… moreDj Esp
Our go to Vietnamese food, all meat fried rice, calamari rings and the oxtail soup always hits the spot. Mother and daughter brunch dates go to, service is always great too- friendliest worker, will check on you every empty plate they pass by. Ambience is homey
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