There seems to be two different restaurants. If you go before the "late night" specials start at 8:00 there is great service and it isn't very crowded. If you go at 8, everyone seems frenzied but never really attending to anyone.
There is a decently large menu which is nice if you want to try pho and other dishes with someone who isn't quite as adventurous and don't like to try ethnic foods.
I've tried the pho and the vermecelli and been pleased with both. Portion sizes are huge, tasty and filling.
If you get take out and want sauce (hoision or rooster) make sure that they include it in your bag before you leave. Pho isn't very tasty without those sauces.
It is a great value to go after 8 when all items are half off, but it is insane in the restaurant. It is cramped with students from Pitt and you will likely have to wait for a table. But the price/value is worth the wait.