Golden Deer Vietnamese Restaurant

I just have to say I miss this place so much. My favorite phở in the city. Fresh ingredients and Sam was just like a friend. And I think it was the best fried rice ever. Since hes gone I have to go to Ben tre in south sf to find some phở I can get down with. His BBQ pork garlic noodles were to DIE for.

CLOSED, replaced by a new Thai restaurant.
One of the few restaurants open late on Clement street. Not very clean inside and always empty. Much better dining options elsewhere.

Golden Deer will be closing its doors forever at the end of this month =(
Please come in a support the owner before he disappears forever! He’s honestly the sweetest man ever and he runs this place on his own.
My brother started eating here 9 years ago… and then my older sister… then me. and my little sister. He’s seen us through disastrous dates and even worst late night eating binges.
End of an era =(

I went there the other night because they were open late and I wanted phở and I have yet to see roaches here. I got phở tai and imperial rolls and he got combination fried rice.
My phở broth was a little bland. Sriracha helped a little. Basil would have helped, but they DIDN’T HAVE ANY. I really think that they should ALWAYS TELL YOU if they don’t have something that usually comes with a dish. That way, you know, you can ORDER SOMETHING ELSE if you think that ingredient is THAT important. I really wanted to send it back actually, but I barely ate anything the entire day, so I ate it. I can’t say it’s the worst phở I’ve had, but it was certainly one of the most disappointing.
The egg rolls were kind of average. It had a weird aftertaste though. Couldn’t really pinpoint what it was, but I don’t think I’d get it again.
I tried some of his fried rice. That was a little too salty, too, but aside from that, it was pretty good. He liked it. The only thing is the portion was a smaller than I remember it.
As for the service. It was decent. The guy wasn’t a brown noser, but he was nice.

I wish I could give zero stars! Worst Vietnamese food EVER!!! We came in around 3pm on a Sunday. The place was completely empty, which is usually a bad sign, but it was cold and we were hungry. I also figured we might have *cross fingers* missed the lunch rush and it was still too early for dinner.
We ordered phở dac biet and bun bo hue. Let me start with the worst first.
Their bun bo hue was NOT bun bo hue at ALL. Essentially, it was a bowl of phở with spicy «broth» and let me tell you, the broth was flavorless, oily, and should not be called broth. Who makes bun bo hue with phở noodles and rare steak!!! At this point, I am fuming at being completely LIED to by their false advertising. Please stop calling whatever that was bun bo hue because it clearly was not.
Their phở dac biet should’ve had tendon, tripe, flank, brisket, etc. A few strings of what I think was tripe and a few pieces of rare steak in a watered down «broth» was what came out. A can of beef broth would’ve tasted better than what was in that bowl. I’ve had so-​so phở before in SF so yes, I have adjusted my expectations given my expertise of Vietnamese cuisine.
What makes me such the expert you ask? Lucky me, I know what the good stuff tastes like straight from Little Saigon in Westminster, CA and recently, from the motherland. I’ve had phở in Saigon and a bowl of bun bo hue in Hue. I’ve also had amazing phở and bun bo hue in socal, so NO you don’t have to be IN Vietnam to get authentic and quality food.
I will NEVER eat here again. NEVER! Worst lackluster Vietnamese food in all of my experiences. I’ve tried quite a few Vietnamese restaurants in San Francisco and have learned to adjust my expectations, but I will not lower my standards any further for this place.
I’m sure the owner is very nice and Golden Deer probably gets higher ratings for being open so late, but if you’re looking for decent (not even good) phở or bun bo hue then this is not the place for you.
I can’t believe they’ve been passing this stuff off as phở and bun bo since 1987. What a huge disappointment.

We’ve developed a relatively steady streak patronizing Golden Deer. The owner knows us, it’s a guaranteed open-​late restaurant, and of course a cheap alternative to other phở places with their «eat this gut-​busting bowl of phở in 5 minutes» gimmicks. To top it off, Sam (didn’t know that was his name until looking at the other Unilocal) is such a small name for a man with big dreams to keep the late-​night Vietnamese dishes coming to anyone who gets a craving. He’s really the sweetest guy in the world. Upon coming here after a long hiatus, he told me and my boyfriend that he missed seeing us and that we should stop cooking at home so that we can go to the restaurant to have him cook for us. I just might take him up on that…
The broth has always been pretty consistent and complete with lots of noodles but my only complaint is he holds back on the meat that’s supposed to come with the soup. Most recently I ordered a seafood soup and while the broth was great, there were just two pieces of shrimp, two shrimp balls and some chicken (where’d that come from?) The menu-​promised ground imitation crab was nowhere to be found. I was a little saddened by this but at the same time the portion ended up being perfect. And with two bowls of soup coming to $ 13, Golden Deer will continue being our comfort food haven on Clement Street.

The owner is super friendly. Excellent customer service! He does everything in the restaurant. He’s the cook, cashier, server, and busboy. This place is opened late, which is great if you are craving late night phở. He’s open from 11am to 12am monday thru thursdays and open until 2am on weekends. He remembers his customers, and will stay open a little later if you call ahead and let him know that you are on your way.
Anyway, I got phở with rare streak and beefballs, it was good. The soup base was light. It’s different than Kevin’s Noodle House, where I am dying of thirst everytime I finish eating one of their phở bowls. YUMMMMM, can’t go wrong with phở!
Seriously, the owner is very friendly and an extremely hardworker.

I’ve been coming here ever since college (6 years) & it never does me wrong. Although a hole-​in-​the-​wall, the phở is what keeps me coming back for more. The soup base is very tasty & the noodles are always just right.
I always also get either the fried egg rolls or the shrimp spring rolls which goes great with a nice hot bowl of phở.
And another plus– the owner will remember you so when you come back next time, he’ll already know what you want to order!

Bland with a side of lukewarm water, the broth is.
I remember when my friends liked to eat here for the «scenery» (cue the cute girls that worked here at the time)
I’d always dread hearing «Golden Deer» after being reared on the good stuff in the Tenderloin. Well… I was a passenger (and not vocal enough it seems) so we’d end up here on occasion eating the saddest phở ever.
Is it noodles in a broth with meat? yes.
Is it warming on a cold foggy night? if you eat enough of it, yes. It’s probably more effective just pouring it over yourself.
Sorry folks, I disagree with the 5 star ratings. Maybe if I was used to top ramen, I’d love this place. Then again. I made a mean ramen. I think it’d be pretty close.
It’s open late (1star), and I guess some people like the staff (uh… a generous 2^nd star?).
You’ve been warned … (scrolls down to see all the other reviews). many times.

Yeah, dude. I don’t think I’ll be coming back here.
One thing that should have made me get up and leave was the dirty teapot were given at the beginning of the meal. After that I noticed all the dishes and bowls had spots on them too. The bbq pork we got tasted funny and my stomach felt funny after 30 minutes in the car. Let’s just say I was glad I was headed home :).
The only bonus star is for being open till 12am weekdays. That’s the only reason I came by to try it.
Nice cook/​waiter just the cleanness of the place and dishes needs to upgraded.

I found the perfect place to breakup with your girlfriend.
The place is quiet since they have no customers, so she can’t cause a scene.
Note to Unilocal,Create a new rating system, an option that includes «Should Not Exist»
Last night, after wedding rehearsal the groom choose Golden Deer in the foggy clement streets.
One peak, not a good sign.
8pm, not one lost soul.
We entered, taking up the entire place.
Known as the Vietnam national dish, I ordered the beef noodle soup.
The soup base plays center stage, and this failed so bad.
When made right, (Bodega Bistro, PPQ, Phở Garden) the palate welcome a mix of sweet and savory tones. Star anise is a main ingredient.
Instead, a watered down broth that was over salted simply tasted like salt water. Imagine sinking your head beneath the Pacific Ocean.
So here I was, after two hours after rehearsal, being greeted by crap food.
My friend ordered the shrimp/​crab noodle soup. The soup base tasted flat, again no flavor tones. Simply, watered down.
Phở takes numerous bones and a great spice mix to make the broth sing, much more harmonize.
Another dish that missed badly try their over syrupy grilled beef.
Let me save you the grief, money, + time by introducing you to real phở.
Being in the industry all my life, I also have never seen such a poor operation. We had over 10 people and the food was slow, since they appear to only have one cook.
The place is dilapidated.
Ambiance: great for break up
Service: don’t remember getting any
Food: pay my $ 10 + I can make you better phở
note: My top Phở place
Northern Phở
+ Turutle Tower
Southern Phở
+ PPQ
+ Bodega Bistro

Their phở is the bomb biggity. It’s under $ 6 and the broth is tasty. Sometimes the broth in phở can be kinda funky, but this is just right. It’s open late, and the waiter/​guy at the desk is always nice. I’ve also had the bbq pork rice plate which was super good. I wanna try the garlic noodles, i hear they’re good too. It’s never packed, which i find strange, and your food comes out fast. The only thing that sucks is that there is a $ 20 minimum for atm/​credit cards, but the waiter let me slide one time. He’s so nice. It’s one of my favorite places to eat!
5 stars! mmmmmm
Oh, one more thing… i wish they would refill my water more, but what the hell, it’s still the bomb.

This place is AMAZING… And this is why:
1. It is cheap
2. It’s fast
3. Open late
4. It tastes so good. The rare steak phở is delicious and I also like the chicken salad which is light and tasty
5. SAM, Sam is the owner and is so sweet and funny
Enjoy this diamond in the rough :)

After having phở in the South Bay, I was tentative to eat phở ever again in the city. It’s like why mess with that perception in your head in how a certain dish is supposed to taste and look like only to have a low quality version take place of that high quality version and then it’s just not the same anymore.
It’s like the equivalent of downgrading your car from a BMW M3 to a (gasp) Ford Pinto. It’s just wack.
There just isn’t anything behind this broth, no star anise/​cinnamon flavor, no depth, and complexity — no flavor. They might’ve well used the oriental spice packet from some instant ramen packet and some water instead.
I even had their house special, Bun Bo Hue and it was pretty weak as well.
Even the bean sprouts and basil were semi-​browning but at least the service was friendly.

Basic phở joint with some extras. Open late (hence the additional star). The phở broth was tasty and not overly salty or greasy. However, the bo tai chanh (rare beef salad) was prepared in a way I have never seen before– the rare slices were not pre-​marinated, so they were completely raw sitting in a sweet/​tart vinegary sauce instead of the standard fish sauce/​lime/​chili mixture. There were also thin strips of boiled tripe on top with crushed peanuts! It was indeed a concoction… nothing I would order again, but the surprise was interesting. Do not order the three bean drink (wrongly named Halo Halo with signs all over the restaurant)! It was super thin and the beans tasted slightly rotten. I couldn’t even finish it!
So bottom line— simple phở at cheap prices late night. Stick to the standard fare and you’ll be okay.

The first time I was told I was going to be eating at a restaurant named «Golden Deer» the red flag went up. I came here was a few years ago around.10:30pm on some random Thursday or Friday? Very empty inside — maybe one other table of people. For whatever reason we got seated by the door (yes, my memory is that good) and it was f’n cold that night. The waiter brought us tea and some dirty ass menus *shudders* I think I used a napkin to flip the pages.
I remember the menu not being very typical — a lot of the things you’d usually see on the menu weren’t there, but there were also a lot of things you usually don’t see. No, no deer. Being as boring as I am, I ordered beef ball phở. The broth was mediocre, less beef and more msg. Sriracha cures everything. I hate it when I get a big bowl thats 60% broth, 35% noodles and 5% meat. I left hungry none the less.

After an evening of moving the last remnants of KT’s South Bay abode to a cozy apartment room in the City last night, a little bit of hunger and a lotta bit of not wanting to say «bye» just yet prompted a casual meal… something as comfortable as phở just sounded right.
The little place, surprisingly open till 2am Fri-​Sat-​Sun, was empty at 10:30pm, but still we went in. As we opened the door — I’m sure we rattled the owner awake — we were greeted and asked to sit wherever we liked as the headset wearing fellow brought us menus, a pot of tea, and a beer (Halida, a light, crisp Vietnamese beer).
The hand-​written menu of noodle soups and rice plates provide a plentiful listing of things to curb a late night/​cold evening/​post-​drankytime hunger. And though KT opted for the #3 (brisket, flank, tendon) and I with the #24(chicken, shrimp, fishball) — both safe bets — the house «specialty» BBQ pork with Garlic noodles sounds good…
Sub-​par phở, but I’m sure it’ll seem fantastic at 1:30am after drinks and dance…
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Coming from San Jose, I’ve gotta say that this place falls a little to the left on the bell curve of good phở-​ness, but if it means spending a little more time chatting away with a dear friend, then that’s alright by me…

Went to Golden Deer around 5pm and the place was empty due to the early dinner. I was impressed that the guy behind the counter (I assume the owner?) was manning the place completely by himself. My sister and I weren’t in the mood to eat phở, so we just had the rice plates and tapioca drinks.
The coconut tapioca drink was very coconut-​y (pretty yummy); the red bean tapioca was a bit too sweet for me, but it still hit the spot for my craving. Food was good and fresh; the only thing I can say was not so impressive was the fact that it took the guy awhile to finally give us our check… for a moment, it seemed like he disappeared from the restaurant, and we were wondering if we were completely alone in the restaurant. Hmm.

Owner Sam is very cool and can be quite social when there aren’t too many customers at his Golden Deer Restaurant. During my most recent visit he talked to me about the style of living in Vietnam and he gave me a bit of insight into Vietnam’s culinary background.
Sam is especially proud of his garlic noodles, which he compares to the pastas of Italy. Having never been to Italy myself I can’t really comment, but for my taste buds it’s darn good.
I had his special BBQ Pork with Garlic Noodles and the noodles by themselves were fabulous. The pork was lean and tender, thinly sliced and cooked up with an Asian-​style sweet barbecue glaze. I found the pork rather salty though. The long strands of vermicelli were cooked just slightly longer than al dente, seasoned perfectly with lots of minced garlic.
3.5 stars!

It was 1:30 in the morning and I thought I had struck gold or uncovered a buried treasure when I found this place. A late night phở place relatively close to my house — I had hit the freakin’ jackpot!
I ordered #1 of course. The ultimate bowl of phở with all things beef in it. It was a substantial bowl of phở with all the right things in it except it was missing one important ingredient: TENDON. I am a tendon lover and I was deeply disappointed in the absence of it.
The waiter is very nice and seems to be an adorable old grampy.
If I’m ever craving for phở in the middle of the night again I’ll know where to go.