What's happened to Secreto??? Used to be a restaurant with high aspirations, and a legacy of the Richardsons New Mexico cuisine and Jamie Santoro cooking -- now half a step from a dive bar nowhere near Flavor Town. Booths replaced by high-top bar tables, menu with no idea of what it's trying to be (elephant garlic platter as an entree??), and indifferent service that kept us waiting 20 minutes (it was Monday night and there were only 5 tables occupied - what was rushing you so much that you dropped the drink on the table with no eye contact, didn't bring requested water, then delivered soup and main course simultaneously?). The "tortilla" soup was tasty, though without a actual tortilla in sight, and earns the second star; the rest wasn't poison but was totally lacking in New Mexico seasonings and spices. With Los Dos across the street I'm afraid there's no reason ever to come back. Adios, pobrecitos.

negative

If it is not allowed for people to park in the handicap parking lot, why is it okay for people to sit on a handicap seats.. And there are tons of open seats out there...

positive

My coworker and I stopped by Pho Real once to check it out as a viable lunch option. We took a look at the prices and decided on a state salary, it wasn't. Our office later decided to have a holiday luncheon there, so we finally got to experience it. Compared to other lunch options, other Charlotte Asian restaurants, and other Vietnamese restaurants I'd been to, Pho Real was mediocre. We expected for the price it would be a lot better, but were glad the office was picking up the tab. I ordered something spicy and while it definitely was spicy, that's all it was. There was no other flavor other than the taste of hot burning my mouth. So, no, I probably wouldn't go back to Pho Real. Unless someone wants to take me there for another office party and pick up the tab.

negative

The food is good BUT BEWARE of the conniving ways they use to get more money out your visit. First, when the bill is brought to you there will be a service charge of 15% added to your check, after tax, even if there is only one or two in your party. This is NOT disclosed on the menu or anywhere else in the establishment. And, if you pay by credit card, the customer copy nor the merchant copy will reflect that they have included this "service fee" Second, I knew of this little scheme when I visited there so I was prepared and gave the additional "tip" as cash. But, lo and behold, when I received my credit card statement they had added an additional amount to my bill AFTER I left. I called to question and was told that if the tip is not adequate they add more!! WHAT???? When I told him I left the tip on the table he said he didn't know that but "now you know how we do things." I have filed a complaint with the BBB. I hope this review will make others more attentive to their bill and credit card statements.
negative