This past June, a new Vietnamese-American fusion restaurant opened on Crowell Road in the Campus Vista Center, across the street from Cal State Stanislaus- Pho Americana. It has since become one of the most popular Asian food places, earning four out of five stars on Yelp.

The joint caters to both vegetarians and carnivores alike. Its menu, albeit short, is very diverse, containing not only pho, a popular Vietnamese soup, but cold noodle bowls with or without meat, Banh Mi sandwiches, french fries, Vietnamese and American side dishes, and boba drinks, a popular Thai beverage containing milk tea and tapioca pearls.

Not only is the food phenomenal and authentic tasting, but the service is excellent, the portions are huge, and the atmosphere is relaxed yet vibrant. It appeared this is a regular lunchtime study spot for college students on their break between classes. I placed my to-go order, a bowl of chicken pho, and it was done and packaged in just minutes.

Brett Kee, the owner of Pho Americana, formerly was a dining vendor for CSUS. Pho was his most popular dish by far.

When he decided to open Pho Americana, he envisioned a nontraditional restaurant where people who weren’t necessarily accustomed to the Vietnamese cuisine could feel comfortable and venture outside of their comfort zone without wandering too far or feeling intimidated. He also hoped to bring college students and regular citizens fresh food that was both genuinely Vietnamese yet familiarly American and comforting.

If you’re looking for a relaxing place to study or chat with friends while chowing down on some delicious eats, Pho Americana is the place to be.