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Pho Vietnam
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Pho Vietnam
7.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Casual Polk Street spot for straightforward beef and chicken pho at wallet-friendly prices. A dependable option for quick solo meals or takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở tái (rare steak), Phở gà, Meatball pho
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Straightforward, affordable bowls served fast on Polk.
Who should go: Budget-minded pho fans
When to visit: Mid-afternoon to skip the dinner crunch
What to order: Rare steak pho; chicken pho; meatball pho
Insider tip: Call ahead; takeout is usually ready in 10–15 minutes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking on Polk and side streets; metered spots turn over but can be scarce during peak dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is possible at most tables, though peak hours bring more background chatter.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes; rarely a long wait since turnover is quick.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; food arrives within 10 minutes of ordering.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—occasionally a veggie pho or tofu option is available, but not a major focus.
Vegan options: Minimal—can request vegetable broth, but customization is needed.
Gluten-free options: Broth and rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, but no separate prep area for strict needs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more functional and budget-friendly than atmospheric. Better for casual meals than romantic outings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t taken here; tables turn quickly, so walk-ins are fine.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle hot soup bowls; no special kids’ menu or booster seats.
Best For
Better for: Fast, budget pho takeout or solo dining without frills.
Skip if: You’re looking for a polished sit-down experience or a broad Vietnamese menu.
Pho Vietnam
7.9
Classic Polk Street pho shop turning out generously portioned bowls and crisp imperial rolls. It’s a straightforward, reliable stop when you want a steaming broth and quick service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở đặc biệt (house special pho), Bún bò Huế (spicy beef noodle soup), Chả giò (imperial rolls)
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Uncomplicated pho and noodles with dependable portions and speed.
Who should go: Pho loyalists and weeknight diners
When to visit: Early lunch or after 8pm for faster seating
What to order: Phở đặc biệt; bún bò Huế; chả giò
Insider tip: Broth leans rich—ask for extra herbs and lime to brighten.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Polk can be tight during peak hours; look for spots on side streets after 7pm when restrictions ease.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate—conversations are easy at most tables, though it gets lively during weekend dinners.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes at peak hours, often faster for small groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick turnover makes it easy to grab a table.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian pho and tofu options available.
Vegan options: Limited—pho chay and a couple of sides can be made vegan with substitutions.
Gluten-free options: Yes—pho and rice plates are naturally gluten-free; confirm sauces if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal first date—it's more of a casual comfort spot than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t needed. Walk-ins are the norm and usually quick outside of weekend peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common here. High chairs are limited, but the menu works well for kids who enjoy noodles or rice plates.
Best For
Better for: Fast, no-frills pho with hearty portions when you want something reliable and filling.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale ambiance, craft cocktails, or a polished date-night environment.