Note: I judge Vietnamese places on four things: pho, spring rolls, peanut dipping sauce and avocado shakes.
Vietnam Grille just didn't impress me on any level. For such a highly regarded Vietnamese joint, I expected a lot more. The spring rolls were on the the smaller side. While the fillings were fresh, they were missing something. The peanut sauce was overly sweet and not that peanuty. The pho was severely over spiced and much too fragrant. The star anise was an overpowering flavor in the broth. The pieces of flank steak weren't the beautifully, paper thin slices that I've had at every other Vietnamese place. The tendon was undercooked and too chewy... Definitely not my fave. The avocado smoothie was no where to be found on the menu... One of the things I love about Vietnamese food is how much food you get for the price. I thought that Vietnam Grille's prices were on the higher end of what I'm accustomed to seeing.
The positives... The service was fine and the parking was plentiful.
Needless to say, I'll be continuing my search for my go-to Vietnamese joint in Charlotte.