As I live nearby, I have often wondered why Balo was perpetually empty despite having a pretty nice location on 8th st.
As it turns out, it's because it really is just bad food. I stopped in on a whim when dinner plans cancelled and I had nothing to eat, and man it was just so painfully boring.
If bland flavours and uninspired cooking interests you, stop in. Otherwise, there are so many good Vietnamese places in that vicinity that deserve a visit.