Pho Republique (CLOSED)

Lanterns and gongs, Buddhas and dragons, red neon and bamboo: this pan-Asian place has atmosphere in spades, evoking sultry nights in Old Saigon - or at least the young Boston bar-hopper's idea thereof. The staff are equally colorful, for better or worse, but can certainly mix a devastating drink. What the kitchen sends out is slightly more tame - the kung pao won't wow, nor the curry cause shudders - but the pupu platter, studded with sticky-sweet spare ribs and cheesy shrimp rangoon, is many a canoodling couple's delight.