0 Followers
Pho Tan
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Pho Tan
8.3
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Pho Tan is a long-running Vietnamese spot on Northern Boulevard whose menu also includes a solid roster of Thai-style curries, stir-fries, and noodle dishes. It’s a practical choice when a group wants comforting Southeast Asian food at value pricing, including Thai standards alongside big bowls of pho.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Thai, Thai Green Curry with Chicken, Thai Basil Fried Rice
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A Vietnamese-led menu with dependable Thai staples at everyday prices.
Who should go: Groups craving pho plus classic Thai comfort dishes
When to visit: Casual weeknight dinners or relaxed weekend lunches
What to order: Pad Thai, green curry with chicken, Thai basil fried rice
Insider tip: Pair a Thai main with a shared bowl of pho to sample both sides of the menu without overspending.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Northern Boulevard is possible but can be tight during peak dinner hours; nearby side streets usually open up after 7pm. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed; come as you are—jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear all fit the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate; you can hold a conversation comfortably even during busy periods, though larger groups may raise the overall volume.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes for small groups; larger parties may wait 30+ minutes during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even for groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—most Thai-style curries and stir-fries can be made vegetarian, and several pho and noodle dishes offer tofu or vegetable bases.
Vegan options: Moderate—some curries and stir-fries can be prepared vegan, but confirm fish sauce usage with the kitchen.
Gluten-free options: Solid options—pho is naturally gluten-free, and several stir-fries can be adjusted; soy sauce substitutions may be available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for a casual, low-pressure first date where comfort food is the focus. The room isn’t fancy, but the warm service and approachable menu create an easy atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations are rarely necessary. Weeknight walk-ins are easy, and even on weekends waits are generally short for small groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-friendly dishes, spacious seating, and mild noodle and rice options make it ideal for kids ages 5 and up.
Best For
Better for: Pho Tan excels when mixed-group dining is the priority—its ability to cover both Vietnamese comfort classics and Thai staples at low prices makes it more versatile than single-focus Thai spots.
Skip if: Skip it if you’re seeking highly specialized Thai cooking or a polished dining room; choose a dedicated Thai restaurant for more regional depth or date-night ambiance.
Pho Tan
8.2
Pho Tan is a Vietnamese and Thai sit-down spot on Northern Boulevard where a long menu of pho, banh mi, curries, and grilled meats draws both neighborhood regulars and delivery orders. Bowls lean large and flexible, trading fine-tuned subtlety for crowd-pleasing flavors and quick execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
House Special Combo Big Bowl Pho, Rare Ribeye Pho, Grilled Pork Chop Rice Vermicelli
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Casual Vietnamese-Thai hybrid with a big pho and grill menu.
Who should go: Groups wanting flexible bowls, banh mi, and stir-fries.
When to visit: Weeknights for shorter waits and hotter bowls.
What to order: House combo pho, rare ribeye pho, grilled pork chop.
Insider tip: Share appetizers, then split one big bowl and a rice plate.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Northern Blvd and nearby side streets is generally available but can be tight during peak dinner hours; no dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are; diners range from families to takeout regulars.
Noise level: Moderate with steady turnover—conversation is easy at smaller tables, slightly louder during weekend dinners.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes depending on group size; larger parties may wait longer.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, especially before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian pho, tofu stir-fries, and vegetable sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—veg pho without fish sauce and tofu dishes can be adapted.
Gluten-free options: Pho broth and rice noodles are naturally gluten-free; avoid soy-sauce-based stir-fries.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a relaxed, low-pressure meal. It’s casual, friendly, and fast, but not an ambiance-driven date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations are rarely needed. Walk-ins are the norm, though small waits can happen during peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-friendly with spacious tables, mild broth options, and quick service. Best for kids 5+ who are comfortable with noodle soups and shared plates.
Best For
Better for: Large, customizable pho bowls and a broad Vietnamese-Thai menu that works well for mixed-taste groups.
Skip if: You’re seeking ultra-refined pho, specialty broths, or a quieter, mood-driven dining room—other Flushing shops fit that niche better.