New Boise restaurant to have ‘Vegan’ name, shaking beef on menu. Karaoke, too?
If An Nguyen has his way, Boise will sing the praises of his latest Asian restaurant — maybe even into a microphone.
Nguyen, who owns popular North End restaurant 208 Pho & Vegan, plans to open a second, larger location this spring at 8675 W. Franklin Road. The space used to be regional chain Rumbi Island Grill.
Nguyen’s new Vietnamese restaurant will be nearly three times bigger than the original 208 Pho & Vegan at 808 W. Fort St. — around 2,700 square feet.
Nguyen thinks karaoke might be a fun weekend addition in the room.
“Friday night, Saturday night, we can do some music there,” he says. “You know, people get together after a long week.”
Since opening four years ago, 208 Pho & Vegan has developed a strong neighborhood following — occasionally too strong. At peak hours, he admits, the cozy space is “too small for people to come in.”
The restaurant dips its chopsticks into two culinary worlds by serving authentic, slow-simmered pho, but also targeting a vegetarian crowd.
“The business is growing very good,” Ngueyen says. “We have a good name and people like our food.”
The Franklin Road restaurant will keep the 208 Pho & Vegan name, but offer an expanded Vietnamese menu. As always, diners will be able to grab a signature bowl of 208 Pho, which includes rare steak, well-done brisket and flank tenderloin. Or select from one of the many vegan options. Or snack on appetizers such as crispy egg rolls and fresh spring rolls.
Choices beyond the normal 208 menu will include spicy grilled squid, clay pot fish, stir-fry veggies with tofu, and sweet and sour soup.
Another popular Asian comfort food that will be served? Shaking beef, named for the cooking technique of agitating the pan while browning the cubed steak.
Nguyen hopes to have the new 208 Pho & Vegan restaurant open by early April, he says.
And don’t worry, shy karaoke singers: Beer and wine will be available, he promises.
This story was originally published February 26, 2020 at 12:33 PM.