0 Followers
Pho Cafe
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Pho Cafe
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Opened in 2018 on Cermak, Pho Cafe is a straightforward Chinatown pho shop where house special bowls, rare beef and meatball combinations, and bun bo hue anchor an affordable menu. Service and ambiance are simple, but it’s a practical move when you want a quick, filling Vietnamese meal near the Red Line.
Must-Try Dishes:
House special pho, Rare beef and meatball pho, Fresh spring rolls with peanut sauce
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 6
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: High-volume, budget-friendly pho stop steps from Cermak–Chinatown.
Who should go: Budget-minded pho fans prioritizing location and speed.
When to visit: Off-peak afternoons or early evenings for fastest service.
What to order: House special pho, rare beef and meatball pho, spring rolls.
Insider tip: Use validated Chinatown lot parking if street spots are tight and confirm hours before a late visit.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking along Cermak and nearby residential blocks; Chinatown paid lots are available within a short walk and are the most reliable option during peak hours.
Dress code: Very casual — come as you are; streetwear and jeans are fully appropriate.
Noise level: Low to moderate — generally easy to hold a conversation except during busy weekend meal rushes.
Weekend wait: Often minimal; brief 5–15 minute waits during peak mealtimes.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with fast table turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options — vegetable pho and tofu-based dishes may be available; confirm broth type before ordering.
Vegan options: Limited — selections depend on broth and sauce ingredients; ask staff to verify fish sauce usage.
Gluten-free options: Partially — rice noodles are gluten-free, but broths, hoisin, and marinades may contain gluten; cross-contact not guaranteed.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual, low-key meals — it’s practical and affordable, but the setting is simple rather than atmospheric.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only, and seating typically turns over quickly even during busy periods.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — informal setting with quick service and simple noodle dishes; best for school-age kids who can handle hot soup bowls.
Best For
Better for: Quick, inexpensive pho near the Red Line when convenience and speed matter more than ambiance.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale dining, broad regional Vietnamese menus, or specialty dishes beyond core pho and noodle offerings.
Pho Cafe
8.7
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Pho Cafe is a dedicated Vietnamese noodle shop off Cermak where big, steaming bowls of pho and bun bo hue are the main draw. Locals treat it as the go-to, no-frills option when they want focused broth and generous portions without leaving Chinatown.
Must-Try Dishes:
House Special Pho, Bun Bo Hue, Seafood Rice Noodle Soup
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: A focused pho shop where broth, noodles, and herbs stay front and center.
Who should go: Pho traditionalists who care most about broth depth.
When to visit: Weeknight dinners before the peak Cermak rush.
What to order: House Special Pho, Bun Bo Hue, fresh spring rolls.
Insider tip: Ask for extra herbs and lime if you like to customize your bowl.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Cermak and nearby side streets; usually manageable on weeknights but can be tight during weekend dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; everyday wear and winter layers are common.
Noise level: Low to moderate — generally quiet enough for conversation, especially at off-peak times.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak hours; faster turnover due to quick-service pacing.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with occasional short queue during nearby office lunch windows.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — some vegetable pho and tofu/spring roll options depending on availability.
Vegan options: Very limited — broths are typically beef-based; ask staff about vegetable broth before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, but broths and sauces may contain wheat-based seasonings; cross-contamination likely in shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both pho lovers who value casual comfort over ambiance — the space is simple and functional, more about the bowl than the setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only, with steady turnover; arrive slightly before meal peaks to avoid short waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids comfortable with noodles and soups; limited space and no dedicated kids menu, but portions are shareable.
Best For
Better for: Focused, deeply flavored pho with generous portions and quick, no-nonsense service at a strong value point.
Skip if: You want a stylish dining room, broad Vietnamese menu variety, or dedicated vegetarian/vegan broth options.