Walking up to Sage Bar, we were unsure if we had come to the correct restaurant. It's definitely more "bar" than "Vietnamese."
We double-checked the address on the Groupon (Rural & Chandler) and then dove into three entrees and an appetizer. My brother in law saw the white servers and the non-Vietnamese atmosphere and adeptly ordered a burger. I shared a pho bo and stir fry beef dish with rice. Pho Bo was okay. The broth was very sweet in the Southern Viet style. Beef slices were neither plentiful or scarce. I don't usually eat that many noodles, but I found the serving to be skimpy. They used the pho cut of beef (eye of round) in the stir fry which was very strange. It was served with a sweet soy sauce concoction and we asked for nuoc cham (fish dipping sauce) and we were given a viscous and strangely sweet sauce. I've never seen a Vietnamese person serve such a thing. Plus they added an extra charge on the bill for the sauce, wtf.
The tofu appetizer was overpriced and not worth it. I'm gonna have to buy a $1.30 box of tofu from Lee Lee to erase that dish from my memory.
I'm not sure what atmosphere the owners are going for. This place gives me a weird feeling in my tummy. Flat screens everywhere for sports fans. Seems like if you're a single guy who enjoys Americanized/fusion food and often dines alone then this is the place for you. If you''re looking for a gastronomic experience you will be underwhelmed.
I won't be coming back to Sage for any Viet food. If I ever return, I'll stick to the American foods on the menu. Hopefully they won't charge me extra if I want some ketchup.