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ZipPicks Awards

Best Cheap Eats Vietnamese in SoMa Best Pho in SoMa

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Pho de Nguyen 7.9
SOMA
Compact SoMa spot focused on robust, aromatic broths and a broad noodle-soup lineup, from oxtail pho to bun bò Huế. Efficient service makes it a reliable weeknight or post-work bowl.
Must-Try Dishes: Oxtail Pho, Bun Bo Hue, Grilled Pork Vermicelli
Scores:
Value: 7.9 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 8.3 Atmosphere: 6.9 Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Bold, beefy broths with specialty options like oxtail.
Who should go: Pho fans who want variety
When to visit: Weeknights after 7pm for easier seating
What to order: Oxtail pho; bun bò Huế; pork vermicelli
Insider tip: Add a side of bone marrow broth if available for extra depth.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited metered street parking nearby; garages on Mission and 5th are more reliable after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, tees, and work clothes are all fine.
Noise level: Moderate—busy hum during peak hours but quiet enough for conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during peak dinner rush, faster after 8pm.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes at most, often immediate seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian pho and tofu vermicelli options are available.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetarian pho can be made vegan if requested without egg or fish sauce.
Gluten-free options: Yes—rice noodle dishes are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauce use in marinades may limit some items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual meal than a romantic setting—efficient service and hearty soups keep it informal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they don’t take reservations. Arrive after the early rush for faster seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—booths and high chairs available, and kids tend to enjoy the simple noodle soups.
Best For
Better for: A wider variety of noodle soups (oxtail, bun bò Huế, pork vermicelli) than many SoMa competitors.
Skip if: If you want a quiet, drawn-out dining experience—this spot is efficient and turnover-focused.

Hours

MondayClosed
Tuesday10am - 8pm
Wednesday10am - 8pm
Thursday10am - 8pm
Friday10am - 8pm
Saturday10am - 8pm
Sunday10am - 8pm