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Golden Star Vietnamese Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Golden Star Vietnamese Restaurant
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
No-frills Chinatown staple serving pho, bun bo hue, and rice plates at wallet-friendly prices. Locals lean on hearty bowls, fast service, and a central spot just off Portsmouth Square.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bun Bo Hue, Pho Tai, Imperial Rolls
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Chinatown’s longtime go-to for affordable, comforting Vietnamese noodle soups.
Who should go: Pho seekers near Portsmouth Square
When to visit: Weekday lunch hours for shortest line
What to order: Bun bo hue, pho tai, imperial rolls
Insider tip: Cash moves quicker; grab a park bench at Portsmouth Square.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Washington and Clay is limited; Portsmouth Square Garage ($5/hr) is the most reliable nearby option.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are in everyday wear or light layers for the fog.
Noise level: Moderate; the small dining room hums with chatter but conversation remains easy.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during peak dinner rush, especially around 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before noon; fills quickly after 12:15pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian pho and tofu rice plates are available upon request.
Vegan options: Limited—some noodle soups can be modified, but broths are typically meat-based.
Gluten-free options: Yes—rice noodles and rice plates are naturally gluten-free, though soy sauce contains gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for romance—it’s more of a comfort-food pit stop than a vibe-driven experience, but great for casual conversation over pho.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations accepted or needed; tables turn fast thanks to quick service.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple dishes, quick turnaround, and casual setting work well for families with older kids.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable pho and bun bo hue in the Chinatown corridor; ideal for solo diners or small groups on a budget.
Skip if: You’re seeking ambiance, cocktails, or elevated plating—opt for spots like Mau or PPQ for a sit-down Vietnamese dinner.
Golden Star Vietnamese Restaurant
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Cash-only Chinatown mainstay serving deeply flavored pho with brisk service in a simple, counter-style space. Locals come for reliable bowls like five-spice chicken pho and classic beef selections without the wait or frills.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở Đặc Biệt (house beef combo), Five-Spice Chicken Phở, Bún Bò Huế (spicy noodle soup)
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: No-nonsense pho with standout five-spice chicken broth at wallet-friendly prices.
Who should go: Pho fans seeking fast, affordable bowls
When to visit: Late lunch after 1:30pm for shortest wait
What to order: Phở đặc biệt; five-spice chicken phở; iced Vietnamese coffee
Insider tip: It’s cash-only—bring bills to skip nearby ATM fees.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking nearby; best bet is the Portsmouth Square garage a 3-minute walk away.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are; jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear are common.
Noise level: Moderate—small dining room with quick turnover, but you can still hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak hours; turnover is fairly quick.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait after 1:30pm; expect a brief line at peak noon hour.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian pho and tofu options are available.
Vegan options: Limited—broth is meat-based, but can request vegetable noodle plates without animal protein.
Gluten-free options: Some rice noodle dishes are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact in broth prep is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s a fast, no-frills setting with counter service. Better for a casual meal than a romantic outing.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t taken. Expect to walk in and be seated quickly once a table opens.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple seating and quick service make it easy for families. No high chairs, so best for kids who can sit at a regular table.
Best For
Better for: Faster service, lower prices, and straightforward pho compared to fancier sit-down Vietnamese spots in the city.
Skip if: You want a leisurely, atmospheric meal or a wide-ranging Vietnamese menu beyond pho and a few sides.
Golden Star Vietnamese Restaurant
8.4
Chinatown stalwart serving fragrant pho, rice plates, and crisp rolls in a compact room just off Portsmouth Square. Locals come for steady broths, speedy service, and fair prices at lunchtime.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Combination Pho, Grilled Pork Chop Rice Plate, Imperial Rolls
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Old-school Chinatown pho shop with reliably clean, aromatic broths.
Who should go: Pho fans seeking a low-key, fast lunch
When to visit: Weekdays before noon to skip the rush
What to order: Combo beef pho; pork chop rice; imperial rolls
Insider tip: Cash moves faster here—bring bills for a quicker checkout.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot; limited metered street parking nearby and Portsmouth Square Garage within a 3-minute walk.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, tees, and everyday wear are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch; generally quiet enough for conversation off-peak.
Weekend wait: Typically no wait; dinner traffic is light.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes around noon; earlier or later seating is immediate.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian pho and tofu rice plates available.
Vegan options: Limited—pho with vegetable broth and some stir-fried veggie dishes can be made vegan.
Gluten-free options: Yes—pho with rice noodles and most rice plates are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—it’s more of a casual, quick spot than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—no reservations are taken; seating is first-come, first-served and tables turn quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families with kids often dine here, though space is tight and there are no high chairs or kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Faster service and more wallet-friendly pho than trendier Vietnamese restaurants downtown.
Skip if: Skip if you’re looking for upscale ambiance, cocktails, or a leisurely dining experience.