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Pho Grand
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Pho Grand
8.2
Pho Grand is a longstanding Chinatown favorite where a sprawling menu covers multiple pho styles, fried appetizers, and rice dishes in a no-frills, always-busy room. With hundreds of reviews and steady traffic, it’s a go-to when you want a reliable bowl of beef noodle soup near the bridge.
Must-Try Dishes:
House pho with mixed beef cuts, Summer rolls with shrimp and herbs, Curry chicken over rice
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A high-traffic pho specialist with a big menu and fast kitchen.
Who should go: Pho fans wanting lots of variation and steady execution
When to visit: Weeknights or off-peak lunch to skip the longest waits
What to order: House pho, summer rolls, curry chicken over rice
Insider tip: If you’re with a group, mix one or two non-pho dishes into the order—the kitchen handles volume well.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Grand Street and adjacent blocks is limited; expect meter hunting or plan for nearby paid garages on Chrystie or Bowery.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodies, jeans, and everyday wear fit right into the Chinatown pho-house energy.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours; conversations are doable but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes during prime hours, especially for groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, even for small groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including vegetarian pho, tofu dishes, and veggie spring rolls.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetarian pho can be customized but broth may not be fully vegan; ask staff.
Gluten-free options: Pho with rice noodles works for many gluten-sensitive diners, but soy sauce–based items may contain gluten.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves casual, no-frills noodle shops. The space is busy and functional, not romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Pho Grand is walk-in only and tables turn quickly. Arrive off-peak for the smoothest experience.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with kids who like noodles and rice dishes; high chairs are limited and strollers can be tricky during rush hours.
Best For
Better for: A large, varied pho menu served fast in a Chinatown location ideal for groups who want reliable Vietnamese classics.
Skip if: You want a quieter room, modern plating, or chef-driven Vietnamese; consider LES/Little Italy options instead.
Pho Grand
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Pho Grand is a longtime Chinatown standby where big, beefy bowls of pho anchor a huge Vietnamese menu. Since the early 2000s, locals have used it as a reliable spot for no-frills service, generous portions, and consistently satisfying broth-centric meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Big Bowl Combination Pho (brisket, tripe, tendon, eye of round), Fresh Eye of Round and Brisket Pho, Shrimp Summer Roll
Scores:
Value: 9.1
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Large-format beef pho and classic Vietnamese plates at true budget prices.
Who should go: Pho fans who value big portions over decor.
When to visit: Weekday lunches or early dinners to avoid peak crowds.
What to order: Big Bowl combination pho, eye of round and brisket pho, shrimp summer rolls.
Insider tip: Ask for extra herbs and lime to brighten the broth if you like it punchier.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Grand Street and adjacent blocks is limited; meters open up more frequently before 6pm. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; anything from jeans to everyday wear fits the no-frills dining room.
Noise level: Moderate—steady chatter and clatter, but you can still hold a conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes depending on peak Chinatown foot traffic.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, even during the lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—pho chay and several vegetable-based appetizers are available.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable dishes can be made vegan, but broths are generally meat-based.
Gluten-free options: Partially—rice noodles and many dishes are naturally gluten-free, but the kitchen does not operate a dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates casual, no-frills spots. The focus is on generous pho rather than ambiance, so it works better for comfort-food bonding than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—Pho Grand is walk-in friendly and has quick table turnover. Even during busier hours, waits are usually short.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—large tables, fast service, and mild broth options make it easy for families with kids of most ages. High chairs are sometimes available but not guaranteed.
Best For
Better for: Bigger portions and broader Vietnamese menu range than many nearby pho shops; great for budget-friendly group meals.
Skip if: You want elevated décor, craft cocktails, or trend-driven pho variations—other LES and Chinatown spots cater more to modern or chef-driven experiences.