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Pho 2000
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Pho 2000
8.0
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Family Friendly Favorites
Classic Little Saigon stop for brisk, beefy phở and quick counter-side service. Bowls arrive hot with assertive aromatics and a generous herb plate.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở đặc biệt (combination), Phở tái nạm, Gỏi cuốn (spring rolls)
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Straightforward, beef-forward phở served fast in Little Saigon.
Who should go: Phở traditionalists on a budget
When to visit: Late breakfast or early lunch for fastest service
What to order: Phở đặc biệt, phở tái nạm, spring rolls
Insider tip: Add a squeeze of lime and a dab of hoisin-chili for balance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Larkin and surrounding blocks; spaces turn over quickly mid-morning but are scarce after noon.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; hoodies and jeans common among regulars.
Noise level: Moderate — expect clattering bowls and lively lunchtime chatter but still possible to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak dinner rush, tables flip fast.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before noon; brief queue during 12–1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — offers vegetarian phở with tofu and vegetables.
Vegan options: Limited — broth bases are mostly beef; tofu dishes can be modified upon request.
Gluten-free options: Yes — rice noodles and plain broths are naturally gluten-free, but sauces may contain soy; ask to skip hoisin.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your idea of a date is relaxed and no-frills — quick service, bright lights, and hearty bowls rather than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — no reservations accepted, but turnover is quick and counter seating helps solo diners or pairs find spots easily.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — family-friendly with simple menu, booster seats, and mild broth options kids can enjoy.
Best For
Better for: Fast, authentic, no-nonsense phở at budget pricing — perfect for regulars or a quick comfort fix.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale décor, leisurely service, or fusion-style Vietnamese dishes.
Pho 2000
8.2
Little Saigon standby known for clean, beef-forward broths and quick service. Regulars come for consistent bowls, generous cuts, and reliable late lunch/dinner hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở đặc biệt (house combo), Rare steak & brisket, Phở gà (chicken)
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Balanced northern-leaning broths with generous beef cuts.
Who should go: Pho traditionalists and weekday lunch regulars
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner to avoid peak
What to order: Phở đặc biệt; rare steak & brisket; chicken pho
Insider tip: Ask for extra herbs and lime—they’re happy to oblige.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in the Tenderloin is limited and competitive, especially evenings. Paid garages are a few blocks away on Larkin and Geary.
Dress code: Completely casual—jeans, tees, and everyday wear are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate—conversation is possible, but expect some background buzz during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak, often faster if solo.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; tables turn quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—vegetarian pho available but not extensive.
Vegan options: Minimal—broths are beef or chicken-based, but simple veg sides can be ordered.
Gluten-free options: Rice noodles are naturally gluten-free; confirm sauces if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it’s more of a casual, functional pho stop than a romantic setting. Better for a quick, low-key meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Pho 2000 doesn’t take reservations, but tables usually turn quickly and walk-ins are the norm.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle noodles and soup. No special kids’ menu or high chairs, so it’s less suited for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Pho 2000 is stronger on consistency, speed, and clean northern-style broth than many nearby spots.
Skip if: If you want a full-service, cocktail-friendly experience, you’re better off at newer pho restaurants with expanded menus.
Pho 2000
8.4
Neighborhood pho shop on Polk serving straightforward southern-style bowls and staple rice and vermicelli plates. Portions are solid and service is quick even during dinner rush.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở tái nạm gân, Bò kho (beef stew) with noodles, Bún thịt nướng
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Dependable Polk Street pho with quick-turn tables.
Who should go: Casual dinner crowds on Polk
When to visit: Early dinner 5–6:30pm
What to order: Pho tai nam gan, bo kho, bun thit nuong
Insider tip: Ask for a side of lime and chile to tune the broth.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly metered street parking on Polk and nearby side streets; gets competitive after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, t-shirts, and everyday wear are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate—steady hum of conversation but you can carry on without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak 6–8pm window.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even at noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian pho and tofu-based rice/vermicelli plates available.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetarian pho can be made vegan if you request no fish sauce.
Gluten-free options: Yes—pho rice noodles are naturally gluten-free; ask staff to avoid soy sauce in sides.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups than a romantic first date—fast service and bright lighting make it practical but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Pho 2000 is walk-in only; expect a short wait at peak hours but turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common; high chairs are available and portions are easy to share with kids 5+.
Best For
Better for: Quick, no-frills pho service and consistently solid broth on Polk.
Skip if: Skip if you’re seeking upscale ambiance, cocktails, or a long, linger-over dinner.