Presentation on Map Reviews Nearby

Houakhong Restaurant in Merced

4.2 (119) 85 E 13th St, Merced, CA 95341, United States

Categories

Thai restaurant
Restaurant

Location on the map

Merced, Merced County, California, US

Phone: +1 209-722-5541

Opening hours

Monday:10 AM–8:30 PM
Tuesday:10 AM–8:30 PM
Wednesday:10 AM–8:30 PM
Thursday:10 AM–8:30 PM
Friday:10 AM–8:30 PM
Saturday:10 AM–8:30 PM
Sunday:10 AM–8:30 PM

Edit info

Total reviews rating 4.2

119 Reviews for Houakhong Restaurant 2024:

Review №1

2023-12-03 15:51:09

Convenient location near 99 entrance ramps in a building that could be mistaken for a residence. Fast service, extremely generous portion (i got a $12.95 noodle soup that lasted 5 meals!). A busy restaurant, most patrons seem to be Thai and spoke their language with the staff. I take this as a sure sign of good authentic food. The atmosphere is basic, no frills, lo-heeled, 1980s wood paneling and linoleum wood grain tables (which seat 4)and floors. The cook came out of the kitchen to ask how I liked my soup. It was perfectly on the spicy side. If you want your food mild you should ask for it that way in advance. The menu is relatively simple with ingredient descriptions of the dishes. It was easy for me to choose exactly what I was in the mood to eat.

Review №2

2022-09-27 07:19:42

I have been going to Houa Khong for years. Ive always loved them. Excellent food. My go-to for SouthEast Asian food. Theyve been in business 30+ years!My favorite is their spicy basil wings! There are no wings like them! If you dont mind some spice, order these with a side of sticky rice, you wont regret it! Their pork egg rolls are another favorite. The pho is good, and other plates are yummy too. Ive never had something from Houa Khong that I didnt like!😋

Review №3

2023-09-29 04:30:14

PLANT BASED OPINION: VERY CLEAN restaurant. Easy pastking. I came for veggie PHO but its not available. End up getting beef broth with veggies ad veggie spring rolls. Tasty but not many options. The broccoli was delicious. A little upset that the Pho didnt come with Basil or mint after I specifically asked but maybe it was a miscommunication.

Review №4

2023-07-31 18:23:00

Real real food. Get you some wings and papaya 🔥

Review №5

2023-05-30 00:41:23

We live in Monterey and often pass through Merced on the way to the Sierras. We have traveled to Thailand and MUST SAY the food in this place is the most authentic we have had in the states. Delicious and fresh! Wonderfully spiced. Great service. A MUST if you are hungry for a delicious meal!

Review №6

2022-11-30 19:27:49

Soo yummy!!! Family restaurants opened right at 10 made our food so fast!! Cant wait to go again try different food

Review №7

2020-09-03 22:25:57

I was 16 I move back my born Merced. My dad take me there, so I learn how make it cookie by stick rice to collect hot meat then I eat it it was so awesome first time. That when I love being come here order same everyday. My first time to buy this when I visit here today before leave back home at Nevada

Review №8

2019-12-21 03:09:48

Wonderful place to eat some yummy food. Staff was great. It was very late but they still waited for us to arrive and served us with wonderful food. We had a big group but they still was patient and accept us late. Please stop by and support this small family owned business.

Review №9

2023-01-24 11:05:42

Updated again in Jan 2023. (At bottom) Ordered raw laab. They gave molded cabbage. Rice cracker had hair in it. I actually seen bugs in my pho noodle there a couple times and I never said anything and just scooped it out and ate the food and still have tip, but today she also gave a attitude to my grandpa for just asking for his receipt. They dont wear hair nets when they cook, so food usually comes with hair and tables usually not fully cleaned and she scoops ice without gloves or anything after doing what she does. One time there was a live fly swimming in my sons Thai tea. I wouldnt recommend the place unless you dont mind some hair and uncleaned tables when being served....I recently went back and thought things was different for the new year, but it wasnt. Found hair in my food again and I did noticed they didnt wear any hair net and the cashier lady grad the jalapeno peppers with her bare fingers and put them in the glass jar for me to get from and I kept and hearing coughing from the kitchen and when I left, I realized no one but me was wearing mask and it was only me and my child, besides all worker!... I will never go again. I almost threw up watching her put her fingers in the jar! And all that coughing!All this good reviews must be fake reviews from their own family!... I cant believe this resto is still open with them always having hair in food and coughing with no mask and touching sauce with fingers after working with money!. This is ridiculous!

Review №10

2022-12-21 00:51:50

Absolutely loved this place! my first time trying new food & i did not know what i wanted. told the the lady to pick for me if she would & she brought out some fantastic food & i experienced great customer service as well.

Review №11

2023-02-25 14:56:31

The food was okay, I went to dine in with some friends awhile ago. The lady at the register didnt accept my 8$ tip when the bill came out to 40$. She kept insisting I tip her more like $8 is more than the 15% of the bill. That was my last time going there. 😐

Review №12

2018-10-07 02:22:06

Love hole in the wall places. Authentic Southeast Asian cuisine. Love their kasoy and beef larb. Discovered this place by word of mouth.

Review №13

2022-10-11 01:22:05

I think this place has the best Pho in the Central Valley. The great customer service makes eating at the restaurant more enjoyable. The tendon is the best Ive ever had and the chicken broth is great with the Beef and seafood combination...

Review №14

2023-06-16 06:12:26

I love this place it a good place to go get some good pho and more just love the pho here

Review №15

2022-10-12 01:02:24

I had been going to this place for years. I love the food. The ladies in the kitchen were nice and greeted when you arrived. I stopped going because customer service had attitude when you ordered more food. Recently, customer service asked for tip and we said no. She threw tantrum at us. No more this place for me unless they hired new customer service.

Review №16

2019-10-11 20:40:21

Love the Pho!!! Great service and good portions

Review №17

2022-03-10 07:23:37

My first impression is that I did not want to eat here because of how bad it looked and its location. The place is runneddown, it is in need of a desperate remodeling. The place look like it might fall apart any second. The restaurant smell and has bad lighting. It looks like a old drug house that been turned in a restaurant.Food is okay. I had better at other places. We order appetizers, but they gave our meal first and appetizers last.Only 3 workers, 2 cooks and 1 host/waiter. The people there were friendly.I probably wont come back. Place doesnt look clean and sanitary.

Review №18

2023-06-07 03:17:16

The best food in Merced! Great people! Great service! Great prices!

Review №19

2023-02-26 01:24:40

The food was amazing. my Favorite is the Satay. The chicken is so juicy and the sauce is sweet they go perfectly together.

Review №20

2022-10-27 00:50:08

Went in for dinner there wasnt any post on the wall stating that if u dine in is a automatic charge of 15%. Went to paid for my food and the waitress expected to be tip (forced) not that I dont tip but they should be glad that people are going there to eat. It was rude for the waitress to ask for tips. Not going back

Review №21

2022-03-15 18:47:13

This place is a diamond in the rough. You may not think it by looking at the building from the street but it is one of the best places I have ever eaten. Excellent food, friendly staff, clean environment. I can’t wait to go back!

Review №22

2021-07-11 04:28:23

This is the best place, aside from Mr. Lees, for egg rolls, chicken soup (love the noodles), broccoli beef and rice... ironically we were waiting for the waiter to come with our orders when the quake and tremors hit. Our waiter was hilarious; ah, thats nothing, those ladies back there hollering and panicking. I told them, that was just a little quake. When Im back there doing the cooking I usually have this place rocking and rolling!

Review №23

2021-07-08 02:25:04

All the time I’ve been there was good service and great food. But this time I was disappointed when I call in for cook laap and was given raw laap. When I ask for cook laap they just took my raw laap to cook it with all the fresh herbs in it. So I pretty much got a stir fried ground beef with cooked herbs. That’s not okay. Maybe they should have someone who is capable of taking order over the phone.

Review №24

2022-07-21 23:39:37

The place looks old and need an update but the food is good . we were on a road trip and we were tired of burguers and pizza .I order a green curry and it was deliciuos. My family plates were fine.

Review №25

2020-02-26 14:33:24

When Im in town this is my go to restuarant for beef larb, deep fried tilapia, sticky rice and thai tea. The food taste great and the flavor is consistent. I dont go during their rush hours because they dont have enough staff to handle the volume. The waitress/cashier person is very friendly and accommodating since my two girls are picky eaters. I didnt give them a 5 star because my recent visit made me aware that either the prices have changed and it wasnt updated on the menu or I accidentally paid someone elses tab of $82. Please pay close attention to your tab to avoid mix ups because I was already on the freeway I didnt go back to question it but it still bothered me.

Review №26

2022-06-25 01:30:41

Terrible service. Food tasted old and its really ghetto inside. Dont recommend eating here because of rude customer service. Save your time and money by going somewhere else.

Review №27

2023-05-12 07:44:11

Great service however food did not meet the expectation.

Review №28

2021-08-24 05:53:33

Been loving the food here for around 20 years until today 🤢🤢🤮🤮 chow mein was gross the shrimp n chicken that was supposed to be fresh had a foul odor n tasted so nasty. Maybe they changed their cook? Idk but food is gross.

Review №29

2023-07-06 18:37:32

Hidden gem. Very kind and experienced workers.

Review №30

2022-12-20 00:44:35

Super authentic Thai food with a very nice vibe. Very good food, one of the best Thai spots in town, hands down.

Review №31

2015-11-15 20:45:07

Weve gone a four times, and each time it got worse. This last time was the absolute worst service I have ever received. When we came in there was a party of 12 and us (2 and child). Right after we ordered an appetizer the large party received their food, so they werent really holding anything up for us.We ordered our food and a hot tea. The foot came in a timely manner, but the hot tea took 40 minutes. We never received a refill on our waters, and waited about twenty minutes for our server to come back so we could get boxes. There was a lot of noise coming from the front room, so I figured they were busy. I eventually went to the front to ask for a few boxes, and I was right they were busy. The two servers were busy chatting loudly with some guy who brought in KFC. I asked for boxes and went to pack up. My husband went to ask for a to go cup for his hot tea, and the server rolled her eyes at him.When I asked for a manager, it was made clear there was none. I proceeded to tell the servers about how awful their service was, and how unhappy I was. Ive been in the restaurant business since I was knee high, and this is not how you handle an upset customer. She laughed at me, and when I told her I would not be coming back she told me, Thats fine.To be clear, I dont expect a lot. I expect to see my server at least once or twice during the meal, to see other tables bussed (not left piled high with dirty dishes for an hour), and when there is an issue to see it acknowledged. I didnt even wanna refund, I wanted them to acknowledge their rudeness and apologize (at the very least).Never coming back, and with service like that Im surprised its still open.

Review №32

2019-09-03 01:27:12

My family just had lunch there. The service was excellent and the food was good. We ordered the seafood green curry, chicken chowmein, and orange chicken with egg rolls. We had no complaints about anything and we went home very full.

Review №33

2020-02-05 17:22:57

Laotian/Hmong flair in their Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese dishes. Asian food for the area. If recommend any larb/pad ka pow type dishes, soup dishes like their pho or seafood spicy dish. Dont expect much service. If you fine in a large group, I recommend ordering when you are ready vs group because the kitchen probably cant handle 1 large order.

Review №34

2022-11-11 21:30:34

I love this hole in the wall place. Been around since I was a kid. I hope they stay in business forever!

Review №35

2020-01-03 01:50:54

Been going here for a long time, I love it and my family does as well. Its a favorite place we can come and enjoy a good meal, with good service and have a good time.

Review №36

2020-01-19 08:42:00

Been coming here for years. Always a stop when I visit Merced. The beef larb is delicious. The combo pho has good broth and plenty of meat and seafood.

Review №37

2021-12-16 00:29:38

EXCELLENT, AUTHENTIC, DELICIOUS!!!Spring rolls & soups are fantasticfriendly staff, reasonable pricingworld class cuisine locally!

Review №38

2021-04-15 01:42:51

Combo soup wasnt hot as temperature wise...after mixing the green leaves, bean sprouts and the rest of the spices...soup was just warm

Review №39

2020-11-14 21:19:57

Pretty good pho, normal prices, just location is odd but didnt bother me. Over all if your looking for good pho this is good!

Review №40

2020-08-08 22:04:09

Delicious and always on time. My fathers favorite place to order papaya and beef lamb. Highly recommended.

Review №41

2018-09-26 10:24:27

I must give 2 stars, because I have only been there once 2 days ago. However i hated the PHO. It taste like they boiled the water in San Francisco to make this .. no

Review №42

2019-06-17 22:09:12

This place is served with exceptional custumer service, they serve the delicious food hot never warm or cold.I never wait too long and people friendly.The place is always clean.:) I definetly recommend this place for any occassion.

Review №43

2022-06-22 22:51:59

There was food was dusting and there was cockroach in my stick rice plate and blows. This place should get shut down.

Review №44

2021-12-03 17:38:23

Outstanding food and service. Really enjoyed the meal and staff. Recommend to everyone.

Review №45

2020-08-26 01:50:02

Too long to wait for food plus the place is HOT, talk about trying to conserve power. Doubt they have AC here. Plus food lacked flavor, too plain.

Review №46

2021-10-29 16:58:43

A friend of mine took me to this place to try out some duck n sticky rice n to say its the best i ever had.

Review №47

2021-07-30 20:56:31

This place isnt very clean. There was hair in my food.im so grossed out.. would not ever recommend this place to anyone..

Review №48

2019-01-04 02:56:29

Best place to get pho after a hangover. Highly recommend Spicy beef larb and Phat Kimow beef ... This is my favorite place to go in Merced.

Review №49

2022-08-24 20:16:20

Food was okay. Overpriced for what it was. Extremely out dated. Server asked for a tip.

Review №50

2016-07-09 23:05:15

I loved it everything we ordered was great !!! I sure will be back.Im not from here but it was great place to eat.Great service.

Review №51

2018-01-10 23:41:16

The best place to eat a bowl of pho. The staff is so nice and theyre very much a family oriented place.

Review №52

2017-12-07 18:56:58

This restaurant serves soup combination packed with vitamins the brother the soup is awesome environment is great and I recommend a must 100% I endorsed this message.

Review №53

2017-05-01 19:49:33

Good food, a little dirty, 1 service get over loaded when busy. Good for a lunch but would take guests to impress

Review №54

2017-12-28 21:12:12

Do not....do not...do not eat here! They have already been reported to the Health Department! Small parking lot and it smells like trash outsider. OMG! Save your self the trouble and just go to McDonalds!

Review №55

2016-11-28 04:02:41

Food was okay but service is pretty bad. If you dont mind waiting a lot and not having the server check up on you, food is arguably worth it.

Review №56

2018-04-18 17:26:22

Amazing food... everyone gets the same server. So if its packed, you might have to wait awhile.

Review №57

2021-04-29 01:04:59

Need to watch out and what yall bring to the customer. In pls! Wear a hair net. So there wont any hair and it.

Review №58

2019-10-15 05:41:10

Personally, my favorite place to get Asian food here in Merced. It is truly a hidden gem! ❤️

Review №59

2016-02-19 07:03:06

Im from out of town. My parents owns rental properties in Merced. I love to come eat at this place.

Review №60

2021-12-08 01:32:08

I rate this noodle house a 10 its better than tk noodles in gilroy

Review №61

2019-01-11 15:59:25

Always get big plates and get bloated but healthy if you eat a lot everything handmadeEct.

Review №62

2016-11-19 13:31:30

Yummy yummy yummy! Very nice and welcoming staff. All the food is delicious.

Review №63

2017-12-22 02:35:32

Best pho in Merced and in the top 1% of California. Extra noodles are great

Review №64

2019-05-15 21:21:26

Delicious food and great service, love mom and pop restaurants

Review №65

2016-08-06 23:55:27

Some of the best Thai food I have had. Fresh and delicious.

Review №66

2019-04-01 23:11:22

Excellent Pho. The broth was very tasty and well prepared

Review №67

2018-03-07 15:41:01

The restaurant looks and feels like a home and good is absolutely fantastic.

Review №68

2018-07-18 07:57:52

Pho noodles are bomb ASF the waiter real funny guy good character

Review №69

2017-09-03 04:21:04

The food is great! The service could use some improvement.

Review №70

2021-07-31 21:05:09

Great place to eat out locally in Merced, CA.

Review №71

2020-01-13 15:50:02

This hidden gem makes the best Pho in Merced!!

Review №72

2019-02-03 03:38:38

Very good food. Love the place.

Review №73

2020-12-26 05:08:14

The soup is good, especially if it is hot! I forgot what’s it called.

Review №74

2019-01-13 23:41:12

Best pho Ive ever had

Review №75

2018-11-02 02:04:22

I love this place . i go Any time i can!

Review №76

2021-01-01 21:11:12

Very bad experience here.. Guy was rude over the phone and in person. Really need to check this dude...

Review №77

2021-07-10 04:58:20

Best fried chicken wings and sticky rice

Review №78

2017-07-25 22:21:24

If you love Thai food, this is the place to go

Review №79

2022-11-30 03:49:08

Best little jewel in town.

Review №80

2019-03-13 19:15:44

My new favorite place for pho

Review №81

2017-07-07 08:28:46

Really delicious food. Im a regular. 😊

Review №82

2017-05-05 19:09:26

Best place! love there food!

Review №83

2021-10-13 03:36:23

Best Thai food in Merced.

Review №84

2017-11-20 21:36:50

Good food, great staff.

Review №85

2021-03-17 04:45:31

Love their Combination Pho!!

Review №86

2019-03-03 04:59:56

This is, by far, the best Thai restaurant in Merced

Review №87

2021-03-08 02:18:39

Great service love the food

Review №88

2017-05-20 20:49:35

Best Thai food in town!

Review №89

2020-10-27 03:39:17

Good food not good service

Review №90

2018-01-09 06:01:58

The food is always fresh

Review №91

2018-08-22 05:47:32

Delicious fresh authentic food!

Review №92

2016-11-22 16:23:28

Love the Pho its to die for

Review №93

2018-02-13 04:23:33

Good place for pho!

Review №94

2023-03-14 00:06:59

☹️

Review №95

2019-09-27 22:58:45

Excellent Food and Service

Review №96

2020-06-03 00:07:39

Good food, good price

Review №97

2017-12-16 18:09:35

Delicious hidden treasure of Merced!

Review №98

2021-11-14 22:41:13

The food was delicious...

Review №99

2019-07-08 05:33:26

What a rip off the lady is a crook

Review №100

2017-01-28 16:01:07

Best price for Merced.

Review №101

2018-06-07 19:24:47

All I can say is omgoodness!!!!

Review №102

2019-12-27 23:54:33

They need to renew the place.

Review №103

2021-03-28 03:50:58

Excellent Authentic Food

Review №104

2020-08-25 20:41:37

Love the pho!

Review №105

2018-01-25 17:07:26

Very good food

Review №106

2018-02-08 09:38:04

Leave with a fu)) tummy

Review №107

2019-04-12 04:09:04

Good food!

Review №108

2018-03-02 21:56:22

#13 nuff said

Review №109

2017-12-13 20:49:11

Greater food!

Review №110

2018-04-15 03:13:05

Awesome

Review №111

2021-01-01 21:12:08

Service was horrible

Review №112

2018-05-29 23:58:56

Food is ok

Review №113

2017-07-06 06:14:37

Its authentic..

Review №114

2018-06-10 15:29:01

Quick bite

Review №115

2021-09-19 00:53:40

Good food.

Review №116

2018-09-08 20:46:02

I live behind this restaurant but Ive only been there once because the menu is in the owners language, thats what I think because I didnt understand anything, unless they put it in English to understand it a bit

Review №117

2021-10-12 10:36:51

The little house... best food in the whole world... the best pho Ive ever eaten

Review №118

2019-11-04 05:53:44

The nuros are very good and the staff are very friendly and all the food is very tasty

Review №119

2019-05-17 04:16:43

Best pad thai