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Pho Queen
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Pho Queen
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
Neighborhood Vietnamese spot for clean broths, balanced bowls, and quick counter pacing. Locals lean on reliable pho, tidy vermicelli plates, and straightforward banh mi.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Tai (rare beef), Grilled Pork Banh Mi, Bun Thit Nuong (grilled pork vermicelli)
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Balanced broths and a broad, well-executed core menu.
Who should go: Pho fans and families wanting fast, dependable bowls
When to visit: Weeknights 6–7:30pm for steady kitchen rhythm
What to order: Pho Tai, Grilled Pork Banh Mi, Bun Thit Nuong
Insider tip: Ask for extra herbs and lime to brighten the broth.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot parking in the small retail strip; typically open spots except peak lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; most guests come in everyday wear or work attire.
Noise level: Low to moderate – calm enough for easy conversation even during dinner rushes.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during prime hours if takeout orders stack up.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; tables turn quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – tofu pho and vegetable vermicelli options are well-executed.
Vegan options: Limited – vegetable pho and spring rolls available but sauces may contain fish.
Gluten-free options: Yes – rice noodles and most soups are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual comfort than romance – the focus is on food quality and speed, not ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – walk-ins are the norm and tables turn fast, even at dinner.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – family-friendly with quick service and flexible dishes; high chairs available.
Best For
Better for: Clean, balanced pho and speedy service make it ideal for quick comfort dining.
Skip if: You’re seeking cocktails, romantic lighting, or upscale presentation – this is a casual eatery.
Pho Queen
8.0
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Neighborhood Vietnamese spot serving straightforward bowls of beef and chicken pho alongside vermicelli and bánh mì. Locals lean on clean, steady broths and quick counter-style service for an easy lunch on the Santa Rita corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở Đặc Biệt (house beef combo), Phở Tái Bò Viên (rare steak & meatballs), Bún Thịt Nướng (grilled pork vermicelli)
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Reliable, no-frills pho with speedy counter service and fair prices.
Who should go: Casual lunchers and weeknight noodle seekers
When to visit: Weekdays 11:15–1:00 or after 6:30
What to order: Phở đặc biệt, tái bò viên, bún thịt nướng
Insider tip: Ask for extra herbs and a side of bone broth for richer flavor.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface lot with Meadow Plaza; plenty of free spaces except during lunch rush.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are in jeans or workwear.
Noise level: Low to moderate; conversation-friendly even during busy lunch hours.
Weekend wait: Usually no wait; quick turnover due to counter service.
Weekday lunch: Occasional short line around noon, but tables open quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian pho and tofu vermicelli are available.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize pho with veggie broth and tofu but sauces may contain fish.
Gluten-free options: Rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, but soy sauces and marinades are not guaranteed GF.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re both into casual noodle spots—relaxed, clean, but not a romantic atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t taken, and turnover is fast enough to find seating most times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—plenty of families, high chairs available, and portions can be shared or customized for younger eaters.
Best For
Better for: Quicker service and more consistent broth than most local pho spots; ideal for weekday lunches.
Skip if: You’re looking for elaborate ambiance, cocktails, or specialty regional dishes beyond basic pho and vermicelli.
Pho Queen
8.1
Neighborhood pho shop known for clean, aromatic broths and a broad menu that covers vermicelli bowls and rice plates. Locals use it for reliable, fast lunches and casual family dinners along the Santa Rita corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Phở đặc biệt (beef combo), Bún thịt nướng (grilled pork vermicelli), Shrimp & pork spring rolls
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Balanced, aromatic pho broth with a menu that travels well for takeout.
Who should go: Pho fans and casual family diners
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7pm or late lunch after 1:30pm
What to order: Phở đặc biệt, bún thịt nướng, shrimp & pork spring rolls
Insider tip: Ask for extra herbs and lime; they’ll happily provide on request.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared surface lot in Valley Plaza with ample free parking directly in front of the restaurant.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—comfortable attire is perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush but conversational in the evenings.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak hours; seating turns over quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait except during the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—pho chay and tofu-based vermicelli bowls available.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetable pho and spring rolls can be modified on request.
Gluten-free options: Yes—rice noodles and most dishes are naturally gluten-free; soy sauce not used heavily.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for casual comfort—better for low-key get-to-know-you meals than romantic ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are standard; reservations aren’t typically needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—staff are accommodating with kids, portions are sharable, and high chairs are available.
Best For
Better for: Cleaner broth and faster service than many local pho spots in Pleasanton.
Skip if: You’re seeking a high-end Vietnamese dining experience or cocktail program—this is a casual, family-style shop.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday10am - 8pm
Wednesday10am - 8pm
Thursday10am - 8pm
Friday10am - 8:30pm
Saturday10am - 8:30pm
Sunday10am - 8pm