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Thanh Tam II
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Thanh Tam II
8.0
Long-running Mission standby turning out classic pho, rice plates, and vermicelli at wallet-friendly prices. Service is brisk, portions are fair, and the menu is deep enough for repeat visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở đặc biệt (house combo), Cơm tấm sườn (grilled pork over broken rice), Gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls)
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Deep menu and fair prices from a neighborhood fixture.
Who should go: Pho fans and value seekers
When to visit: Late lunch 1:30–3 pm for fastest service
What to order: House combo pho; grilled pork rice; fresh rolls
Insider tip: Ask for extra herbs and chili to customize your broth.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Valencia or side streets; meters until 6 pm, limited after-dinner spaces.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed — standard Mission attire like jeans and hoodies fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is easy during the day, a bit louder during dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours; tables turn quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; walk-ins are easily seated.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several noodle soups and rice plates can be made meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — some vermicelli and tofu dishes can be adapted; ask to skip fish sauce.
Gluten-free options: Partial — rice-based dishes and pho are suitable, but soy sauce and hoisin may contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date values comfort over atmosphere — it’s more functional than romantic, better for casual hangs.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are the norm here. Even during rush hours, turnover is quick enough that waits are short.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly with simple noodle dishes and quick service, though space is a bit tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Quick, authentic Vietnamese comfort food at very fair prices — a dependable Mission go-to.
Skip if: You’re looking for ambiance, craft cocktails, or a modern dining experience — this is old-school and no-frills.
Thanh Tam II
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Long-running Mission standby for straight-ahead bowls with clean broths and generous herb plates. Fast counter-style pacing and a broad menu make it a reliable weeknight pho stop on Valencia.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở đặc biệt (house beef combo), Phở gà (chicken), Bún bò Huế (spicy)
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Classic, no-frills pho with quick service on Valencia.
Who should go: Casual pho fans and weeknight diners
When to visit: Early dinner before the 6–7 pm rush
What to order: House combo pho; chicken pho; spicy bún bò Huế
Insider tip: Ask for extra herbs and lime—no charge with pho bowls.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Valencia and adjacent cross streets; tends to fill up after 6pm, so arrive early or use a rideshare on weekends.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodies, jeans, and sneakers are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours; conversation is easy at weekday lunches but louder during dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes typical during prime hours; quick turnover helps.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian pho and tofu stir-fry options available.
Vegan options: Limited—vegan pho can be made on request, but broth is not always fully plant-based.
Gluten-free options: Rice noodles are gluten-free, but sauces may contain soy; best to ask before ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—it's quick-service and casual, better suited for low-key meals or shared comfort food outings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only, and tables turn quickly even when full.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—spacious enough for families with kids; portions are shareable and service is fast for short attention spans.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and cleaner broths than many nearby pho spots, with consistent quality at a fair price.
Skip if: You’re seeking elevated ambiance or craft cocktails—this is purely about quick, satisfying pho.
Thanh Tam II
8.0
Long-running Mission fixture (since 1991) offering a sprawling menu from pho to grilled BBQ rice plates. Friendly service and fair pricing make it a dependable sit-down option on Valencia.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Pork over Rice (com suon), Pho Dac Biet, Grilled Chicken Banh Mi
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Decades-old spot with a massive, affordable menu and quick pacing.
Who should go: Families and mixed-taste groups
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner to avoid peak Valencia crowds
What to order: Com suon; pho dac biet; banh mi
Insider tip: BBQ rice plates are sizable—add an imperial roll to share.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking on Valencia and 20th; nearby paid lots after 6pm are your best bet.
Dress code: Casual—jeans and T-shirts are fine; neighborhood-friendly vibe.
Noise level: Moderate; lively conversation but still easy to chat across the table.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak hours; larger groups may wait longer.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except for larger parties around 12:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—full section with tofu, veggie pho, and stir-fried noodles.
Vegan options: Moderate—several dishes can be made vegan on request (no fish sauce).
Gluten-free options: Yes—pho and rice dishes are naturally gluten-free; confirm with staff about sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s better for casual comfort than romance—great if your date appreciates hearty Vietnamese food in a friendly, no-pretense setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Evenings can fill fast but turnover is quick; staff often accommodates groups efficiently.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—spacious seating, quick service, and mild dishes like grilled pork or chicken pho make it great for families with kids.
Best For
Better for: Thanh Tam II excels at breadth and speed—faster service and larger menu than smaller pho houses nearby.
Skip if: If you’re seeking trendy ambiance or craft cocktails, opt for a newer Vietnamese bistro along Valencia instead.
Thanh Tam II
7.7
Compact Valencia Street counter-service spot for classic pho, bun bowls, and rice plates at wallet-friendly prices. It’s a practical lunch or low-key dinner move before a neighborhood stroll.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở Đặc Biệt, Bún Thịt Nướng Chả Giò, Lemongrass Pork Chop Rice
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Straightforward Mission fixture delivering the Vietnamese essentials at fair prices.
Who should go: Budget-minded pho fans
When to visit: Lunch before 12:30 for fastest service
What to order: Pho special; bun with imperial roll; pork chop rice
Insider tip: Cash moves faster at peak; seats turn quickly.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Valencia can be tough during peak hours; best luck on side streets before 6pm. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; jeans and T-shirts are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate—conversations are possible, but the small room fills quickly during lunch rush.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for a table at peak times; often faster for small parties.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait before 12:30pm; expect 5–10 minutes after the rush starts.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian pho, bun bowls, and tofu rice plates are available.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify pho or bun bowls with tofu and veggies, but broths are meat-based.
Gluten-free options: Yes—pho and rice dishes avoid gluten, but cross-contact isn’t managed in a separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—this is a functional, budget-friendly spot with quick turnover rather than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t taken. Tables turn quickly, so you’ll usually get seated within minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families bring kids here often; high chairs aren’t guaranteed, but the casual vibe works for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Faster, cheaper pho and rice plates than trendier Mission spots.
Skip if: You’re looking for ambiance, cocktails, or modern Vietnamese takes—try Hem or Mau instead.