Investigating the Menu: Oolong Asian Cuisine

Oolong might be one of my new favorite spots downtown. It's right by Jubeck Brewery and only a few blocks from the library. I'd passed by it a few times and seen it's sign while walking around at the farmers market, but for some reason, I'd failed to go to this hidden gem of a eatery.

I decided to investigate their menu one day and found out they sold pho. My brother lives in Ames, studying hard and getting on the deans list (learned it all from me), and he was very cruelly raving to me about an awesome pho place downtown. He said it was one of the best things he ever had. I knew I had to try this dish out one day but never was able to. I had no idea there was any place in DBQ that sold pho. It was time to investigate further.

Went there with my buddy and it might just be the best place to catch up with friends. It's a smaller establishment, but they make up for it with amble seating. A good amount of booths and tables, with a fun little bar table in the middle of the small dining area. Everything about it screamed cozy dining, the booths being pretty comfortable, the nice calm music playing throughout, not to mention the absolutely spirit-warming food. It's the perfect place to chit-chat over a large bowl of pho or ramen. It's not huge, like I wouldn't recommend bringing the entire extended family here for dinner. It's not a bad amount of space though, comfortable and cozy.

When I went the first time, we were seated at a booth and had enough time to look over the menu and order. The staff are very nice there, as well as very attentive if you need something. I order the pho and it comes in a beautiful and massive bowl with a side plate of mint and fresh lime, as well as chopsticks and a pho spoon. It smelled delicious and I was astonished at the portion size.

Attempting to scoop as many different things in one scoop was challenging, (on my second visit I learned that's what the chopsticks are for) but I managed to get a good amount of noodles and broth. Taking a bite, I knew I was going to become obsessed with it. There are only three other foods in town that I am obsessed with. Those being, the arepitas from @papi's, the chicken korma from Swagat, and the chocolate chip scones from the Millwork Bakery. Oolong's pho has now been added to that list.

The broth is excellent, with the beef flavor enhancing and complimenting all the components of the dish. The mix-ins are amazing as well, the beef perfectly soft and the noodles delicious. There's one mix-in, I'm fairly certain it's the bean sprouts, that I absolutely love. They're always perfectly crunchy no matter how long my leftovers sit in the fridge. I love how they complete the entire experience of the dish, texturally.

I could sing the praises of this dish forever. Cannot stress enough how large this bowl was, either. It's an extremely good portion for $15. All their pho and ramen come in the same massive bowl. They offer plastic takeout containers in case you can't finish. As someone who's a sucker for good tupperware, it's pretty solid.

Their drink menu isn't a whole lot for non-alcoholic beverages, there's a limeade drink that I wasn't super fond of, but they have the usual beverages, including a nice selection of hot tea. However, if you want to try any Asian alcohol, here's the place to go. I haven't tried any myself because I'm usually the one driving, but it's a sizeable amount of variety. 

Final thoughts

If a friend came in from out of town and asked where a good place to eat is, I'd say Oolong. Everything about the atmosphere is just begging for friends to get together and chat. It's so inviting I'm surprised I hadn't visited sooner. The staff is wonderful and the food is incredible, what's not to love?

Ratings

Space: 9/10

Service: 10/10

Price: 9/10

Food: 10/10

Drinks: 8/10

FINAL RATING: 9.2 /10

*Never sponsored, just my opinion*