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Phodega
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Phodega
8.5
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Trendy Table Hotspots
Opened in 2019 by co-owners Nathan Hoops and Anthony Ngo, Phodega is an Asian-American noodle and snack shop where Vietnamese pho and Hainan-style chicken rice anchor a tight, bodega-inspired menu. Locals use it as a go-to for deeply flavored broth, comforting rice plates, and playful creations like the Viet Dip, with shelves of Asian snacks turning a quick meal into a full-on corner-store stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Bo (Beef Pho), Hainan Style Chicken Rice, Viet Dip Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Vietnamese American pho-and-bodega hybrid where bowls and snacks share the spotlight.
Who should go: Diners craving comforting pho and chicken rice in Wicker Park.
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner before peak delivery rush.
What to order: Pho Bo, Hainan Style Chicken Rice, Viet Dip Sandwich.
Insider tip: Order at the counter, then browse the bodega shelves for Asian snacks while you wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only — metered on main streets and limited side-street availability, especially evenings
Dress code: Casual — hoodies, jeans, and sneakers are totally fine
Noise level: Moderate — you can hold a conversation but it can get lively during peak hours
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak times, especially for dine-in
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — there are meat-free noodle and rice options plus sides
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be made vegan but confirm ingredients at the counter
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-leaning options (like pho without hoisin/soy), but no dedicated prep space
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — if your date appreciates casual, cozy spots with great food. It’s more relaxed and playful than romantic or formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service and walk-in only. Seating is first-come, first-served, and tables turn fairly quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual vibe, quick service, and comforting dishes make it easy for families, though there’s no dedicated kids’ menu.
Best For
Better for: Deeply flavored pho, comforting rice plates, and a fun bodega-meets-noodle-shop vibe you won’t find elsewhere
Skip if: You want white-tablecloth dining, super-quiet meals, or an extensive full-service restaurant menu
Phodega
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Trendy Table Hotspots
Phodega is a counter-service Vietnamese cafe and market in Wicker Park where deeply beefy bowls of pho share space with Hainan-style chicken rice, banh mi, and corner-store snacks. Locals treat it as the neighborhood’s go-to pho stop when they want a big, satisfying bowl in a casual, bodega-like setting with the option to linger at a table or grab takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pho Bo (beef pho), Hainan Chicken Rice, Viet Dip sandwich with pho jus
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 6.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A bodega-style Vietnamese counter spot focused on creative, generously portioned pho and chicken rice.
Who should go: Pho fans wanting casual bowls and Viet-influenced comfort food.
When to visit: Weeknights or cold days when a steaming pho bowl comforts.
What to order: Pho Bo, Hainan Chicken Rice, Viet Dip sandwich with pho jus.
Insider tip: On busy nights, consider takeout or the patio in warmer weather to avoid the tight indoor space.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking; can be limited during peak evenings on Milwaukee Ave
Dress code: Very casual — hoodies, jeans, sneakers all appropriate
Noise level: Moderate — conversation is easy at most tables but can buzz during rushes
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak hours depending on weather and traffic
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal or no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options — check for vegetarian banh mi and customizable bowls
Vegan options: Limited — a few items may be customized but verify ingredients
Gluten-free options: Pho can often work for gluten avoidance; confirm sauces and toppings with staff
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, low-pressure dates — it’s relaxed, affordable, and the food arrives quickly. Not ideal if you want something formal or intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service and walk-in only. At peak times you may need to wait a few minutes for a table to open up.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple dishes and relaxed seating make it approachable for families, though space is limited and it may feel tight with strollers during rush hours.
Best For
Better for: A casual, modern take on Vietnamese comfort food with standout pho and chicken rice in a cool-but-laid-back setting.
Skip if: You want full-service dining, alcohol service, or a very quiet, lingering dinner atmosphere.