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Pho 39
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Pho 39
7.8
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Pho 39 is a cozy Midtown pho shop just south of Bryant Park, focusing on straightforward bowls of beef broth, noodles, and classic Vietnamese sides. Office workers and commuters use it as a reliable, no-fuss spot to warm up with pho, banh mi, and spring rolls between meetings or trains.
Must-Try Dishes:
Flank & Brisket Pho, Grilled Chicken Banh Mi, Duck Spring Rolls
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: A central Bryant Park pho shop built around classic broths and quick service.
Who should go: Midtown workers craving a fast, warming bowl of pho.
When to visit: Weekday lunches before noon or after 1:30pm.
What to order: Flank & Brisket Pho, grilled chicken banh mi, duck spring rolls.
Insider tip: Ask for extra herbs and lime to brighten the broth without extra charge.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce near Bryant Park; expect metered spots to be limited during business hours. Closest reliable option is nearby commercial garages along 40th–42nd Street.
Dress code: Very casual—office attire, jeans, and winter layers are all appropriate.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch hours; still workable for solo diners or quick conversations.
Weekend wait: Typically minimal waits since the shop is lunch-focused; 5–10 minutes at most.
Weekday lunch: Can spike to 10–20 minutes between 12pm and 1:15pm due to office crowds.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian pho, tofu banh mi, and vegetable spring rolls are usually available.
Vegan options: Limited—broth bases are meat-forward, but a couple of tofu/vegetable dishes may work if verified with staff.
Gluten-free options: Partially—rice noodles and some pho bowls are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce–based marinades may contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the goal is casual and low-pressure. The setting is functional rather than atmospheric, better suited to quick meals than extended conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's a walk-in casual shop with fast turnover, though expect a short queue during peak lunch hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy noodles; limited space and quick-service format may not accommodate strollers easily.
Best For
Better for: A fast, warming bowl of pho near Bryant Park with reliably consistent broth and quick turnaround.
Skip if: You want regional Vietnamese specialties, atmosphere-driven dining, or a long, sit-down meal.
Pho 39
8.1
A Midtown pho stop that’s built for repeatability: clear, aromatic broth, generous portions, and a menu that stays focused on comfort-forward Vietnamese staples. The best move is a classic beef bowl (flank/brisket) and one crisp starter—keep the order tight and it delivers exactly what you came for.
Must-Try Dishes:
Flank & brisket pho, Pork spring rolls, Fried catfish
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Straight-ahead pho in the Garment District with a broth-first focus.
Who should go: Midtown workers and travelers craving a reliable pho bowl
When to visit: Weekday lunch before the post-noon rush
What to order: Flank & brisket pho, pork spring rolls, one small side
Insider tip: Order the pho as the anchor—add only one starter to stay broth-forward.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; paid garages nearby are the most reliable option. No valet.
Dress code: Casual and practical—jeans, workwear, and coats are all fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy to hold a conversation, especially off-peak.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak hours; shorter if dining solo.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before noon; brief line possible 12:15–1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian pho and vegetable-forward starters are available.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetarian pho can be ordered without animal products, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes—pho uses rice noodles; confirm sauces and starters if you’re sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for low-pressure, casual dates—comfortable, unfussy, and quick, but not designed for lingering romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm, especially for solo diners or small parties.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like noodles and soup; no special kids’ menu, but the space is calm and accommodating.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, broth-forward pho with fast turnaround—ideal for repeat lunches and solo meals.
Skip if: You want a full Vietnamese spread, trendy atmosphere, or a long, social dinner—choose a larger, more menu-diverse spot instead.