Dish & Drink KC: Family dinner at Pho Tuoi and a sense of belonging at Gaels Public House & Sports
Pho Tuoi // Photo By Tiffany Watts
Pho Tuoi
Every once in a while, cooking at home can just feel like too much. So, my family and I decided to ditch our kitchen at home and get some comfort food at Pho Tuoi, where they’re not just serving soup, they’re serving a slice of Vietnamese tradition. With recipes passed down through generations, you’re getting the real deal here.
Since we were in the mood for something to snack on while we swapped stories and shared laughs, we started with Crab Rangoon—because, let’s be real, who can resist those crispy wontons stuffed with creamy goodness? Paired with a sweet dipping sauce that turned them from delicious to downright addictive, they disappeared in no time. Honestly, I can’t blame anyone—once you take a bite, they’re gone before you even realize it.
When it was time to order entrees, my girlfriend and I went straight for the pho.
I chose the medium Chicken Pho, for a steaming bowl of rice noodles, tender chicken, and deliciously flavorful broth. She opted for the Beef Pho, which comes with slices of steak served raw. Both bowls came with a side of fresh bean sprouts, jalapeños, lime, and basil—basically a build-your-own pho bar. Of course, we loaded ours up with hoisin, chili sauce, and pepper. If you couldn’t tell, we’re a spice-loving family.
The Chicken Pho was an absolute standout, with a broth that’s rich and comforting, yet light enough to let the flavors shine. It was a warm, savory hug in a bowl, with tender chicken and rice noodles swimming in a broth that had the perfect balance of depth and freshness. The addition of fresh bean sprouts, basil, jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime brought a burst of freshness and a bit of heat, making each bite really hit the spot. The flavors melded together beautifully, creating a dish that was both satisfying and vibrant with every slurp.
Pho Tuoi // Photo By Tiffany Watts
The beef pho was delicious too. The broth has a deep, aromatic base that gives off a savory richness without being overwhelming. The thinly sliced steak, served raw, gently cooks in the steaming hot broth, turning tender and flavorful as it soaks in the spices. The rice noodles are soft but have a slight chew, giving each bite a satisfying texture.
While we were all about the pho, my daughter had her own plans. Not in the mood for soup, she opted for the Stir-Fried Noodles with Chicken. The dish was a hit—tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a savory sauce that tied it all together in every bite. She shared a little, and let me tell you, it was a tasty choice.
Not to mention, Pho Tuoi’s vibe is just as cozy and comforting as its food. The restaurant is spacious yet intimate, with booths that are great for both big groups and smaller parties like ours. Plus you can’t go wrong with staff that’s super friendly and quick on their feet. They truly made family dinner “pho-nomenal.”
Pho Tuoi is located at 6559 N Oak Trafficway, Gladstone, MO 64118.
Gaels Public House Sports // Photo By Tiffany Watts
Gaels Public House & Sports
Kansas City has no shortage of great places to eat and drink, but Gaels Public House & Sports feels like something more. It’s not just about what’s on your plate or in your glass—though both are fantastic—it’s about being in the kind of place where you can walk in and immediately feel like you belong. That’s the magic of this queer-owned gem, created by owners who clearly understand the value of good food, good fun, and a good vibe.
Since I’ve only popped in a few times for fun and drinks, I was excited to spend my Wednesday night catching up with friends in a space that’s unapologetically inclusive.
Lucky for us, the timing was perfect. All Day Happy Hour was in full swing, and the room hummed with the sound of Music Bingo hosted by the ever-delightful Sasha Blake. While others dove into their bingo cards, we stuck to our strengths—eating, laughing, and preparing for karaoke. We’re a crew with exactly one friend brave enough to sing, so the rest of us focused on perfecting our roles as enthusiastic backup dancers and professional vibe enhancers.
While the conversation flowed, we ordered and dug in. I started with their Pub-Style Wings tossed in hot buffalo sauce because wings are my personal litmus test for bar food. Gaels nailed it. They were crispy, just spicy enough, and perfectly complemented by golden fries that became even better when dipped in the extra buffalo sauce.
Gaels Public House Sports // Photo By Tiffany Watts
My friends made some solid choices, too. The cheese pizza was a straightforward masterpiece, with a crispy crust and gooey, golden cheese that seemed to ooze nostalgia with every bite. Another friend ordered the Wagyu beef burger with pub cheese, and let me tell you—it looked like the kind of burger that makes you rethink all other burgers. Juicy, rich, and elevated by that creamy pub cheese, it appeared to be the definition of bar food done right.
Of course, no night out is complete without dessert, and Gaels’ Mum’s Apple Crumb did not disappoint. Think warm, caramel-coated Granny Smith apples topped with a buttery oat crumble, finished with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the mix. It was one of those desserts that makes you pause mid-bite just to soak in how good it is.
As karaoke got underway and our friend took the stage to belt out a couple of oldie-but-goodies, I couldn’t help but soak in the moment. Even as the crowd thinned later in the evening, the room was still alive with laughter, music, and a sense of community that lingered long after the songs ended. The Wednesday night vibe was unmatched and definitely felt like an evening done right.
Gaels Public House and Sports is located at 5424 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64110.
