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Pho Huong Viet
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Pho Huong Viet
8.3
Family-run spot serving clear, aromatic broths and Northern-leaning noodle bowls that punch above the strip-mall setting. Locals come for dependable pho, crisp spring rolls, and portions that still feel fair for the price.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Ga (chicken pho), Bun Cha Hanoi, Cha Gio (fried spring rolls)
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Clean, deeply seasoned broths and Hanoi-style touches rarely found nearby.
Who should go: Pho traditionalists and neighborhood regulars
When to visit: Early dinner or late lunch to avoid peak waits
What to order: Pho ga, bun cha, cha gio
Insider tip: Ask for extra herbs and lime—staff happily obliges without upcharge.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Geary and adjacent residential blocks; generally manageable before 6:30pm but fills fast on weekends.
Dress code: Casual—hoodies, jeans, and sneakers all fit right in with the family crowd.
Noise level: Low to moderate—conversation-friendly even during peak dinner hours, with gentle clatter from the open kitchen.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak dinner hours; quick turnover keeps lines moving.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait before 12:30pm; easy seating for solo diners and pairs.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian pho and fresh rolls are available upon request.
Vegan options: Limited—can modify tofu and veggie noodle soups, but broths are typically meat-based.
Gluten-free options: Yes—rice noodles and sauces can accommodate gluten-free diners; communicate needs clearly.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date values comfort food over atmosphere. It’s casual, no-frills, and more about great soup than mood lighting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only. Arrive early evenings or off-peak hours for near-instant seating; small groups move fastest.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely—high chairs available, fast service, and mild options for younger kids. Family groups are common on weekends.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Northern-style pho with cleaner broths and generous herb plates than most Richmond competitors.
Skip if: You’re seeking upscale ambiance or cocktails—this is a simple, family-run pho house focused purely on flavor.
Pho Huong Viet
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Neighborhood pho house known for clean, aromatic broths and generous herb plates. Locals lean on it for reliable bowls, bun plates, and quick, attentive service on the west Geary corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở đặc biệt (beef combo), Bún thịt nướng (grilled pork vermicelli), Gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls)
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Broths are balanced and herb-forward with steady execution.
Who should go: Pho loyalists and noodle-soup regulars
When to visit: Early dinner or late lunch for shortest waits
What to order: Beef combo pho; grilled pork vermicelli; fresh rolls
Insider tip: Ask for extra thai basil and sawtooth herb if you love greens.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking along Geary and 19th Ave; availability improves after 7pm but can be tight during lunch rush.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are; jeans and hoodies are common.
Noise level: Moderate during peak hours; still easy to hold a conversation at smaller tables.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak between 6–7:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; service moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian pho, tofu vermicelli, and spring rolls available.
Vegan options: Limited—vegan pho broth and tofu dishes possible upon request, but fish sauce used in some condiments.
Gluten-free options: Rice noodles are gluten-free, but soy and sauces may contain traces—no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both casual eaters—it’s quick, unfussy, and comfortable, but not romantic or quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only; turnover is fast and tables open frequently even at dinner.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—staff are accommodating, high chairs available, and menu has mild options suitable for children.
Best For
Better for: Pho Huong Viet outperforms nearby pho shops for broth clarity and speed of service—great when you want consistent, balanced flavor without a long wait.
Skip if: Skip if you’re seeking upscale ambience, fusion dishes, or a bar scene—this is strictly comfort pho done efficiently.
Pho Huong Viet
8.3
Rich, clean Hanoi-leaning broths and well-cut beef make this Geary stalwart a go-to for straightforward, satisfying bowls. Service is efficient, portions are generous, and the soup holds up whether you dine in or take out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở đặc biệt (beef combo), Chicken phở with ginger-scallion accents, Beef tendon & tripe add-ons
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Clear, balanced northern-style broth with precise beef slicing.
Who should go: Pho traditionalists and weeknight regulars
When to visit: Early dinner Tue–Thu to avoid peak lines
What to order: Phở đặc biệt; chicken phở; beef tendon add-on
Insider tip: Ask for thicker Hanoi-style noodles if you prefer extra chew.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Geary and 22nd Avenue; generally available before 6pm but fills up during dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual — comfortable attire is perfectly fine; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate — lively at peak hours but still possible to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during dinner rush, especially on Sundays.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating even at noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — offers a vegetable phở with tofu and veggie broth.
Vegan options: Limited — broth may contain fish sauce, but some customizations possible upon request.
Gluten-free options: Partially — rice noodles are gluten-free, but soy sauce and hoisin contain gluten unless avoided.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves authentic, casual Vietnamese food — it’s more about comfort and flavor than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they don’t take reservations, but turnover is fast; even during peak hours, waits are usually under 20 minutes.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — welcoming to families with high chairs available; mild broth options work well for younger diners.
Best For
Better for: Broth clarity and beef quality surpass most neighborhood pho shops; ideal for purists who prefer Hanoi-style balance over Saigon sweetness.
Skip if: You prefer modern décor, craft drinks, or expanded Vietnamese fusion menus — this is a traditional, no-frills phở house.
Pho Huong Viet
8.4
Northern-leaning pho house known for clean, aromatic broths and straightforward rice and vermicelli plates. Locals come for reliable bowls and quick, friendly service in a simple dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Special Beef Pho, Bun Cha (grilled pork & vermicelli), Crab Spring Rolls
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Northern-style broths with steady execution and loyal neighborhood following.
Who should go: Pho devotees and casual weeknight diners
When to visit: Weeknights or off-peak lunch for shortest waits
What to order: Special beef pho; bun cha; crab spring rolls
Insider tip: Ask for the Northern-style herb setup—basil isn’t standard here.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Geary or 19th Avenue; usually manageable at off-peak hours but fills quickly during dinner rush.
Dress code: Casual; neighborhood attire is fine—no need to dress up.
Noise level: Low to moderate; easy for conversation even during busy lunch hours.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes at peak hours; seating turns over quickly.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; immediate seating common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but present—try tofu pho or vegetarian rice plates.
Vegan options: Few options; some dishes can be modified if you ask for no fish sauce or meat broth.
Gluten-free options: Most pho and rice dishes are naturally gluten-free, but verify sauces if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual comfort than romance; ideal if you both appreciate authentic pho and low-key neighborhood dining.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins only, and tables turn fast even during busy hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes; simple menu, quick service, and high chairs available make it suitable for families with children.
Best For
Better for: Authentic, clean Northern-style broths and consistency in quality at an affordable price.
Skip if: You want a trendy atmosphere or modern takes on pho—this is a classic, no-frills spot.