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Phở Saigon Noodle & Grill
Master Critic Review
Phở Saigon Noodle & Grill
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Casual, family-run pho specialist drawing Downtown workers and convention-goers for hearty bowls and quick lunches. The focus is on deeply flavored broths, straightforward toppings, and efficient service rather than décor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Combination Pho (Pho Dac Biet), Slices of Chicken Breast Noodle Soup, Phoritto
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A long-running, family-operated DTLA pho shop known for straightforward, flavorful bowls and fast lunch service.
Who should go: Downtown workers, convention attendees, pho-focused lunch seekers.
When to visit: Weekday early lunch before the convention rush hits.
What to order: Combination pho, chicken pho, and the phoritto for something different.
Insider tip: Arrive before noon on weekdays to snag parking and avoid a wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is the norm—metered spots on South Park side streets, with availability best before noon. Nearby paid lots exist but can feel pricey for a quick pho stop.
Dress code: Completely casual. Come as you are—office attire, gym clothes, or jeans all blend in.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush; easy conversation at most other times.
Weekend wait: Light to moderate flow—typically under 10 minutes for a table since pho isn’t a prime dinner crowd magnet here.
Weekday lunch: Arrive before noon for no wait; after 12:15pm expect 5–15 minutes, especially on convention days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few options, including veggie pho with tofu and vegetables.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetable pho can be made vegan if you confirm no fish sauce in the broth; toppings are easily adjusted.
Gluten-free options: Rice noodles are naturally gluten-free and broths are generally safe, but cross-contact is possible in a small kitchen—best to ask when ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for low-pressure, casual meetups than a romantic first date. It’s quick, relaxed, and tasty—but not the place for ambiance or lingering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations, and turnover is fast. Just avoid the peak noon window if you're on a schedule.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—casual, spacious seating and fast service are good for families. Best for kids comfortable with noodle soups; no dedicated kids’ menu but portions can be shared.
Best For
Better for: Consistent, deeply flavored broth, fast service, and affordable downtown meals without fuss.
Skip if: You want ornate décor, fusion-style pho, long lingering meals, or a wide selection of non-pho dishes.