Pho Van Restaurant
6477 Baltimore National Pike, Catonsville, MD, 21228
Pho Van Restaurant Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Catonsville for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Catonsville for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Catonsville for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
6477 Baltimore National Pike
Catonsville, MD, 21228 - Phone (410) 455-6000
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :9:00 am - 8:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : No
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : No
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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Caroline K.
SURROUNDING: The asian grocery stores are down the street, so you can get your shopping done after eating. This place is in a shopping center and has plenty of parking. SERVICE: Cash only! FOOD: I had pho tai. This place has solid broth- it's not too greasy, maybe a little salty, but good. They also give lots of MEAT and lots of green onions. Expect a balanced bite of meat, noodle, green onions, sprouts, and onions in every bite. PRICE: ~9/small BOTTOM LINE: For you meat lovers, this is the place for pho. NOTE: I have eaten at a lot of pho places, and this is the ONLY time I have ever drank all of the broth. Not sure if MSG had something to do with it, but it was delicious.
(4)Nathan I.
Lunch was delicious and the servers were extremely helpful! The food was prepared and served beautifully, and the atmosphere was very welcoming. I definitely recommend to anyone who wants affordable and delicious pho in the area!
(5)Yimei W.
Ok, my qualifications as a pho connoisseur aren't impressive but hey, I've eaten at least 50 bowls of pho in my lifetime maybe? My usual places for pho: Pho Dat Thanh, An Loi, or Mekong Delta. I've also had Pho 75 in Rockville & College Park, as well as Pho 95 in Ritchie Plaza and Pho Pasteur in Catonsville. That's my pho resume right there. Pho Van had a good broth, really hit the spot. I don't know what it was, but I didn't want my pho experience to end and seriously considered ordering another bowl when I was down to the last few noodles. The two male owners watched me slurp down every last bit of that broth. I didn't know I could feel that way about pho, haha. They have standard pho bowls and also a pretty long list of special beverages. The bathroom was simple but clean, which made me feel secure about my food. It's not too busy too, so you can come here and quietly bury your face in a bowl of pho without the fear of running into someone you know, haha.
(5)Brooke T.
Altight, I decided to try this place out after seeing rave reviews from fellow Yelpers. A stop to the BoA for cash and I'm on my way. Located in the same shopping center as the Pet Smart and Babies R Us completely unnoticeable from the street. The interior is unassuming nothing really going on there, not many folk upon entry. Now, the pho, I got the #12 which basically had beef beef and more beef. I got the large, seemed like a good idea at the time and carried it out on home. First things first it was crap ton of food, a plethora of beef and what appeared to be an endless supply of noodles. Here in lies my problem, it was unremarkable, the broth didn't taste like much, nor did the beef. I was soo disappointed. So much so, I didn't want to finish it. I'm not sure if this was an off night or maybe I got the wrong thing, either way it just wasn't for me. I'll be going back to my pho home up the road....le sigh.
(2)Carly S.
This was extremely good! This was my first time trying pho and I was pleasantly surprised. I went with a group of friends from work and we were seated right away with water at our table and menus in our hand. The menu was very easy to read, with so many options to chose from! I ended up getting the Pho #9 in a large bowl. The #9 has well done flank steak, brisket and skirt steak. Getting the large bowl ended up being my only mistake. I figured I could finish it all easily, but they give such a heaping portion that I had to stop halfway! The food was at our table in around 10 minute and each bowl was filled to the brim with meat, noodles and broth. Quite delicious! I would gladly come back!
(5)Fran F.
Did a 60 mile radius pho tour this past winter. Place is clean, pho is delicious, meatier than the others, and is served FAST. There are two popular pho restaurants closer to my house. Pho Van is the one we keep going back to. Highly recommend if you're craving a giant bowl of pho.
(5)Matthew T.
I've been going to this place for over ten years and I'm 25. Food is consistent and really nothing to complain about. Bun bo hue is really good here. Solid place.
(4)Boss M.
"I'm back" Had to try Vietnam's famous Bún Bò Huê Some people call this dish their last meal on Earth. It's a spicy lemongrass beef noodle soup, razor thin beef slices, Vietnamese ham & pork hock with some extra stuff floating around that I didn't recognize and didn't ask. I threw in some mint, bean sprouts, jalapeños, hot spices, fish paste, red cabbage, & Sriracha. Drank my go to French drip black coffee w/condensed milk ova ice. Deliciously spicy and can't wait to come back. You have NO idea how big this bowl is!
(5)Serena T.
Traveling from NYC and came across this place from some locals. This place is delicious!!!! I was telling my husband that it's even better then the one near where we live. It's definitely a place that I would refer anyone too!
(5)Chris D.
I only recently discoveredthis place but it has quickly become my favorite place to eat,it's worth going just for iced coffee.
(5)Dillon P.
This Vietnamese restaurant has excellent food. The food is taste, warm, and filling, all for a cheap price. The seats and tables are cheap, but quality food and cheap prices out rule that. There was one server who had a language barrier and could not understand our request. The main server however helped us, and our needs were satisfied. Overall, a great place for authentic Vietnamese food.
(4)Stefanie C.
Recently moved to the area from the west coast, big fan of pho for a while now, I was happy to see lots of Pho restaurants in the area. This is by far the best one iv tried out of around 10 different places here in Maryland. Broth is delicious, meat portions are fair.
(5)Carrie O.
This was the last pho holdout for me and Sweet Husband Mine - we've been to Pho #1, Pho Pasteur, Pho Saigon, Pho Dat Thanh, Mekong Delta, etc., etc., but this was our first time here. And what is it that they say - you should save the best for last? I think we did. Pho Van is one of those places where you think you've missed it - it's very unassuming, tucked away in some little strip mall that's honestly seen better days. I thought we actually had the wrong place, since we saw the Chinese restaurant next to it and were like, "Did they go out of business?" But, no, my friends - not only have they not gone out of business, but they were absolutely PACKED when we did go in. We actually had trouble finding a table, and we were soon to find out why. We were actually greeted and seated - I've never experienced a level of service this friendly when going to any Viet place, it's just not something I run across. I was pleasantly shocked. We ordered two small pho - 17 for me (flank and brisket, I think, not sure) and 12 (chicken?) for Sweet Husband Mine, as well as an order of rolls (which I get at every pho place, to test out). It didn't take long for them to bring out two piping hot, steaming bowls of goodness, and the rolls came right after. I can easily say that Pho Van's version has, so far, been the best in the Baltimore area. The broth-to-noodle ratio was perfect, but what really stood out here was the amount of meat. There was a LOT of meat in that dish, so much that it nearly crowded out everything else. (Mind you, I'm not complaining.) The broth was nearly perfect - I didn't need to doctor it up too much - and it was just a perfect mix of textures and flavors. SHM's chicken pho had pieces of meat that were bigger than his entire spoon - this is one generous place when it comes to the add-ins, certainly more so than anywhere else. Plenty of sprouts and lime, too, which just enhanced the flavor! I'm very glad that we got the small bowls - the large one is SO large that I don't see how it can be consumed by a human being. We were wide-eyed seeing the larges come out of the kitchen. WOW. The rolls were okay, certainly better than in many places I've had. Mekong Delta, however, still holds the title for the "best rolls" in town. Pho Van certainly has a good roll, for sure, though. The touch of sriacha in the peanut sauce actually was a very pleasant surprise for me - I enjoyed it and I'll probably do it on my own from now on. If you don't get anything else here, get the pho. We'll definitely come back to try the quail (I didn't know they even offered it until I read prior Yelp reviews) and other dishes that they offer. Unless I just stick with pho. Which I probably will. It's that good. Cash only, of course, as others have mentioned. This should really knock it downward to 4.5 stars, but the pho is SO damned good that I can forgive having to visit an ATM. Go now. Thank me later.
(5)Maureen I.
OMG.....this place rules!! There broth alone is just tantalizing to my taste buds. Such a light fare with explosion of flavors. Its easy to miss... seek out this lil gem of a place you trually wont be sorry.....the Green Papaya salad is a great. Make sure to bring cash you wont need much though its very inexpensive. Staff is friendly and welcoming....gonna miss it when its time to go. Best Vietnamese rest. ever!!
(5)Larry H.
Pho Van is a tiny little place tucked away in the back of a strip mall, not really visible from the main thoroughfare of Baltimore National Pike. On the inside there's no grand decor scheme that's going to transport you to Viet Nam. Just simple tables and chairs in a relatively small space. But if you love Pho, this little place should be on your list of places to try. When I ordered the Pho here I looked for the one that had the most meat ingredients listed. What I got was an awesome little symphony of textures and flavors that was further accentuated by the generous portion of fresh Basil Leaves, Bean Sprouts, and Jalapeno slices provided along side. If you want red walls and elegantly drawn Chinese pictograms, hit the Chinese place right next door. But if you're more interested in the Pho than the decor, then Pho Van is definitely worth a visit. NOTE - Pho Van is a CASH ONLY restaurant... They don't take Plastic !
(4)Nikki Z.
This is the best pho in the area. The broth is flavorful and clean. I've been a fan since they first opened! I've been to other pho restaurants and I always leave not as satisfied or sluggish (because of MSG) Their iced coffee is a must, as well. If we're feeling hungry, we'll also order the tasty spring rolls and summer rolls, which is always fresh. Service is quick, although sometimes it may be very busy and can be overwhelming to the servers; but they get the food out quick.
(5)Tony P.
A typical spartan pho shop with a limited menu but what they deliver is a very good bowl of beef pho. And dare I say it.. it's probably better than nearby Pho Pasteur. The broth is beefy, savory with prominent anise. the cuts of meats are decent. The noodles are not clumpy or broken and the garnishes are good. Though the bean sprouts was a bit withered. They also offer a good papaya salad appetizer and roasted quail that is quite excellent. Combine it with a refreshing cafe sua da (ice coffee with condensed milk) and you've got yourself an outstanding lunch.
(4)Josh R.
This place has excellent beef pho but that's about it. Avoid the summer rolls because they're just full of pre shredded iceberg lettuce, the friend spring roll was mealy and just icky tasting. Stick with the pho and you'll be happy. This place is a cash only place, but I feel that the prices are far cheaper than pho 1 or pho Saigon. No credit card
(4)ginger R.
We drive 45 minutes each way to eat Pho soups at this fabulous little restaurant. The Pho is the best we've had and we've gone to most of them. Service is fast and the soup is absolutely delicious! Best of all, the desserts are just as good. I love the rice pudding with black eyed peas and coconut milk. I always buy extra to take home with me, but all of them are delicious and it's hard to pick just one. I can't say enough about their pho soups. They are outstanding!! As authentic as it gets in Maryland.
(5)Tunaidi A.
I am beginning to think that this is one of the best, if not THE best, Vietnamese restaurant I've been to. I enjoy Vietnamese food and I used to believe that it didn't matter which Vietnamese restaurant I went to. I thought they were all the same, between okay to pretty good. I also thought that all pho noodles tasted pretty similar. Pho Van Restaurant proved me wrong. It was like a big slap in the face. The pho here is fantastic and that doesn't even begin to describe it. Their bowls have so much more meat than noodles. The meat is perfect too. I also like how their pho menu allows for all sorts of meat varieties (steak, brisket, flank, tripe, etc.) as well as how they are cooked (well done, regular, etc.) and also whether you want them fatter or not (I personally like fatty meats, but that's just me). Better yet, the raw vegetables that go with the pho are fresh! On top of that, there is evidence that they are thoroughly washed. The bean sprout roots are also plucked. Wow! In addition, the egg rolls are amazing. They are not your normal egg rolls. The filling is cooked just right, while the shell is fried perfectly. In addition, the Vietnamese coffee seemed superior than others. Finally, the service here is top notch. Quick is also an understatement. It's lightning speed, super attentive, and extremely friendly. I might just have to make Pho Van Restaurant my go-to place for Vietnamese food now. I still need to try more things on their menu. I highly recommend this place.
(5)Quintin P.
Don't bother reading other reviews. The Pho is the best in Maryland. Cash only like most , service is fast, and taste is like you're eating in Vietnam from street food vendor. Take it from an Asian, this place is outstanding 5 stars!
(5)Nikki G.
This pho restaurant is a serious dive, but the pho broth is the best I have tasted in the area. Note: They are the kind of restaurant that closes its doors way before they actually close at 8PM like some other Asian restaurants. It is CASH ONLY. I am pretty sure there is an ATM in the Cici's pizza next door.
(4)Starr C.
The last time I was here was also the second (first under new management and name), and I had two objectives: (1) Eat a delicious bowl of pho, please! (2) Make it back in time to watch Once Upon a Time XD I live less than 10 minutes away and we made it at about 7:40. I needed to be in and out in 10 minutes. I was worried about how quickly I could eat the pho (I don't eat very fast...) but I had NOTHING to worry about as far as the crazy speed. The pho was out so fast and it was SO GOOD. Objectives achieved. Head back home with a belly full of delicious omnomnomiful pho and just in time to watch some Sunday night television. Yay. (Also, I was really fascinated with the paintings they had. Scenes from Vietnam featuring beautiful Vietnamese women? Interesting.) Can't wake to come back and truly enjoy the experience.
(4)Joe Nam D.
I run a social network of hundreds of Vietnamese people and we eat a lot of pho in a lot of different locales in the DC area- Northern Virginia, DC, and the Maryland suburbs of DC. It's strange but Pho Van near humble Baltimore with a fraction of the Viet population of DC has the best pho in the DMV. The broth is clean, full bodied, beefy, and savory. MSG level is neither too much nor too little- it's just right. Meat is sufficient, bean sprouts and herbs are fresh. Noodles are okay as well but you just can't get enough of that broth. I can eat it without hoisin and chili sauce. It's that good. Everything else is just alright. They're really just there for variety's sake. Papaya salad with beef jerky is nice but a little too sweet and salty. Quails are yummy but could be more tender. Rice dishes are respectable but not outstanding. The desserts could be fresher but that's because those don't have much turnover. In sum, go for the pho. It's the best you can get unless you travel to Philly, Cali, or Vietnam.
(5)Adam K.
One of my favorite Pho places! Just make sure you have cash! Appetizers - Try the quail; the delicious glaze makes it oh-so-succulent. It you're uncomfortable with the fact that your food was a living animal, I'd suggest not getting this since it came with the claws still attached to the leg... P.S. most quail bones are edible if you can take the crunch. Don't bother with the spring roll. I know it's common to fill a rice wrap with more rice à la vermicelli noodles, but I found it to be overkill and especially boring since the next biggest filling was shredded lettuce. Where are the bean sprouts, man? Shrimp was the one good filling, bettered only by the side of yummy hoisin sauce. GET THE PHO. I've gotten a variety of their phos and have yet to be disappointed. What does Pho Van have over most other pho places? For one, MEAT. This is one of the meatiest phos I've ever had and they somehow manage not to overdo it! They also give a ton of bean sprouts, which I totally load up on, and Thai basil, so eat your heart out. For take out, they give a little mix of hoisin and sriracha, but for those dining in, tall bottles of each stand at each table ready for folks like me who love sauce. Service is friendly and courteous. The menu has all items numbered, which once led to some confusion when I ordered my appetizers by number. Since the entrees are also numbered (but start over at number 1), a number three could be a bowl of pho or a spring roll!! When I accidentally ordered 5 bowls of pho last time, the lady in the restaurant cried "what an unfortunate miscommunication!" She said "it's not MY fault!" When she saw my dejected look, she followed "Not YOUR fault either; it's the MENU'S fault!" HA, adorable. But just make sure you're clear when ordering on the phone. She apologized, took the extra soups back and ordered up our appetizers - no charge. In a word: Pho-nomenal.
(4)Chris P.
Semi frequent customer and am always satisfied. Best pho around in my opinion. When you have a spoonful of the soup from the noodles you can taste each different flavor in it from sweet to spicy to a fresh flavor. The texture of the noodles are smooth. Service is quick, fast, and comes for low cost. Simple menu although it would help if they added visuals. Either way I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)Minna W.
If they only stayed open later and accepted plastic, I think I could give the full 5 stars, but alas, I must go with 4.5. My boyfriend and I were pleasantly surprised with our pho meal here. Not only did we eat delicious pho (the meat to noodle ratio totally surpasses that of any other nearby pho places), but we also got our own personal viewing of an action movie (read: there was a 3-car accident in the parking lot of the strip mall). They gave a very modest amount of sprouts (unlike other places), so we didn't feel bad about not using all of the sprouts. The garden rolls weren't cut in half, but they were still tasty and a good way to start our meal. The broth is flavorful and the different meats were all tender and plentiful. We would definitely go back!
(4)Rebecca L.
The Pho is AWESOME!!!!!!! I always get one to take home :)
(5)Lauren S.
Yes indeed, it is cash only! I ordered soup with no meat (don't judge me) and it was delicious. Plenty of noodles and broth, with entry of condiments. The spring egg rolls weren't bad either, but I'd probably not order them again. With my soup, egg rolls and soda my bill was $12, but you get a lot of food. I wound up sharing it with a friend of mine, who also loved it.
(5)Ian M.
First off, Pho Van is cash only and closes early at 8pm on a weekday. These aren't bad things (although 'cash only' should go the way of the dinosaur), but must be known before dining. To put it in very simple words, Pho Van serves my favorite pho in the area. The broth is flavorful, the ingredients are good quality, and the service staff is always very friendly. If I had to list one bad thing about Pho Van (and it's a nit pick), it's that they add a dollop of sriracha to the peanut sauce for their spring rolls. I understand that people may like it hot, but sriracha is available at every table and I'd like it if they left the choice to add it at the table and not served that way. A tiny nit for an awesome place.
(5)Blake C.
I'm a Pho Ho I eat it all the time and make it all the time This place is a solid #2 in the area Pho Pasteur is #1 I will say this place gives you more meat But, Pho Pasteur has better broth, better noodles, meat just as good but maybe just 15% less And another thing I think it's do damn cheap when people don't take credit cards. It's 2% per transaction
(4)Andrea L.
Love this place. The broth in the pho is tasty; the meat, plentiful. Service has always been friendly. Try the marinated quail! Tender, juicy, and delicious. It can sometimes take a little while to get to the table but is well worth the wait. My bf and I make the trip here from Severna Park when we can and are never disappointed.
(5)Patapsco M.
Great pho, got exactly what I ordered very quickly. Basil was a bit wilted, causing the one star deduction. But I'll be back!
(4)Staxx O.
Customer Service from the staff was fantastic! Granted, it was a slow night so it was easier for them to focus on us, but we still felt well taken care of. The communication from the staff about what's in the meal etc was great too. Sometimes I felt like the owner anticipated our questions and answered them politely before we even asked! Food was amazing, fresh, and came out fast! I'm new to Vietnamese so maybe my opinion is poorly weighted, but this place was amazing. We ate our fill without feeling disgusting. Their sprouts that come with the soup are delicious. Eggs rolls also amazing. To top it all off, our meal with an app and waters came out under $20.00! For dinner!? Maybe that explains them setting up next to a cat clinic...
(5)Wendy M.
"God, someone give me some water, I just drank all the pho broth..." That's what you're going to be saying after you eat here. Pho Van is just a small place in the middle of a pretty depressing looking strip. However, there's usually about 3-4 people inside eating so I figured it couldn't be that bad. In fact, it was pretty average as far as pho places go. When my boyfriend and I arrived, we were greeted by this lady that didn't really acknowledge us. But who goes to pho places for service anyway? Both of us got the pho that had everything in it, and the bowls came out in about 5 minutes (it came out way before our appetizer, which came out about 15 minutes after we were done eating and when we were having mutinous thoughts of cancelling our order). We both got small, which was gigantic and more than enough for your average person. WAY too much MSG in the broth. I find that I can't fully enjoy the flavor of the pho unless I have it in conjunction with the broth, so as you can imagine my body was completely confused later when all I wanted was to pee and drink water at the same time. I wish pho places would actually take the time to make real bone broth, the kind that's white, light, and requires no MSG or headaches. We had the quail for an appetizer, which I will admit was quite good (a little on the salty side, and it comes with a side of salt...geez, you really want me to die of hypertension don't you?). The smaller size was perfect for two people to share - each of us got half a quail, which sounds like a lot, but was probably the size of half a robin that you see outside. If you're disturbed by eating strange food, don't get the quail. I had a pretty emotional moment when I realized what I thought was the thigh of the bird was actually the chest - poor cute little quail bird :( you were yummy though, thanks. All in all, your average pho place. Taciturn service that fulfills all minimum requirements but doesn't make you feel super loved/welcomed. Paradoxical food that fills you with liquid and makes you crave water. Spoons/chopsticks/glasses/bowls of questionable sanitary standards. Just meh.
(3)David C.
I come here probably about once a week with some coworkers. It's really the only place I can eat pho at now. A good amount of meat is given per order. They will leave the meat uncooked for you raw meat fans. The broth is also flavorful and not water downed tasting. I like they also steam the sprouts for us now that we are regulars. Friendly staff that knows our orders now and service is as good as it'll get at a pho place!
(4)Kay P.
Had the vermicelli with scrimp ...very tasty and light... Chicken pho was good too!
(4)Todd M.
I love good pho. Probably pronounce it wrong, but love it anyway. I ordered a small and MAN that's a lot of food. FAST service. VERY classic Phunky Pho Atmosphere, meaning: lean on designer decor (which is a good sign that good pho is in store). Lotsa noodles, lotsa meat and veg, AWESOME broth (the basis for good pho-you could pour this over a sock, a clean one preferred, and it would taste great), lotsa bean sprouts, and VERY fresh and plentiful oriental basil. All of the essential sauces were on the table too: hoisin, sriracha, fish sauce, soy and more. My son, a big eater, HAD to order a large and ran out of gas half way through! AWESOME deal. Probably the best food deal in our neighborhood!
(5)YourStomach S.
This is the king of all strip-mall Pho noodle restaurants! Go there now if you crave Pho noodle soup. You won't be dissappointed. It's really not the kind of place you'd hit for ambience. In fact, it's almost like a cafeteria, but they put out an awesome food product and they do it really quick. Go in, sit down at a table of your choice, and the server will drop off some menus. Place your order, and wait for a few short moments while your GangNam style noodle soup dish is prepared and swiftly transported to your table. Be sure to remember that you must visit the cash register counter in the far back of the dining room before leaving so you can pay for exquisite meal. I got the number 15 large! Again, it's not about the setting at Pho Van, it's all about the taste, and your stomach is begging you to go there now! YourStomachSays: Get good Pho for lunch or dinner at Pho Van in a shopping center on Route 40 and be happy!
(5)Chery S.
Pho Van presents to you... a solid bowl of delicious pho. I've had better, I've had worse, and over all this place is, like I said, a pretty solid choice when you're craving pho. I had the Pho Tai Nam as per usual and was a little surprised when I found tripe in mine also. Maybe they added it in for fun but I promptly fished it out and set it aside. Not a big tripe fan. The broth was flavorful and good, the meat was good, and the portions were reasonable for the price as well. DO REMEMBER: this place is cash only, and there is no ATM inside the store. Which resulted in me paying using many dollar coins and quarters. Sorry... I'll remember next time!
(3)Yaka H.
Went back recently and noticed that they changed their name to Pho Van. The menu, pricing, interior, and people are the same though.
(4)Melissa D.
This was the first pho place that my husband and I have been to together. Definitely a great atmosphere and service is awesome :-)
(4)Stephanie L.
YUM YUM YUM!!! This is my favorite place to go and get pho (my second is Pho #1 due to location but they are very inconsistent). My first experience with Pho is the restaurant in Silver Springs, next to Hechinger's (a LONG time ago). This The portions are big, the broth hot, and the taste is just GREAT! They are also very quick. I always get pho with raw beef and meatballs and have never been disappointed. If you are not a pho person and just going along with your friends, the fried spring rolls and the grilled pork with rice are also delicious. Their menu may not be as extensive as some places, but the food that they do serve tastes wonderful.
(5)Phuong T.
I came here because of the many good reviews, unfortunately after my experience I will not be coming back. When my boyfriend and I came in, we were not acknowledged, when we were given our waters and menu the lady was rude. She made no eye contact and didn't even greet us. I said ok, maybe the service isn't that great but maybe the taste of pho will compensate. Wrong... This restaurant did not even smell like pho, instead it had this odd smell that bothered us. This place wasn't very sanitary. I always wipe my spoons and chopsticks because I dont understand why restaurants always point the end we put our mouths in at the bottom where it can collect water if not dried properly and form mildew. The chopsticks did not look clean and when I pulled out a pair there was a wet piece of cilantro stuck at the bottom of my chopstick, gross.... I cringed and pretended like I never saw that. I understand its not that big of a deal but that should not have happened, its not like it was a small piece either... When she came to take our orders, she made eye contact with me and turned her head to look into space or something, neglecting my bf and his order. Taste...the taste was a little different from many of the pho I've had, not sure what it was. Yes, they do give you a lot of meat for the price but a large seemed like a small, and a small seemed like it barely had any noodles. My bf and I ordered drinks, I had a longan drink while he had a lemonade ice tea. My glass was full while his was less than 2/3s full, his glass also had this weird stain around it. We did not even touch the beansprouts because they were browning like they had been left our for hours. We had asked for a small dipping bowl and she just kept forgetting, mind you we went on a Wednesday evening and there was barely anyone there. A couple of sips and bites and we were ready to leave and go to Pho Saigon about 5 minutes away for some real pho. Of course, we endured and paid like civilized people but that was definitely the first and last time. I think we will just stick with Pho Saigon from now on.
(1)Sarah Rachael W.
Absolutely love Pho Van. The owners are delightful. My family and I usually eat there once a week. I get a large #17 (chicken). The soup is like a warm hug. Pho broth is undeniably amazing and Pho Van serves it up right. *Cash only
(4)Mike J.
Had the chicken pho...very tasty.
(4)Dan A.
I came in here late one night somewhat randomly. I wasn't expecting much given the location (in a dying strip mall) and the rather dingy look of the restaurant but I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by the pho here. The broth here was very flavorful... In fact, it probably is one of the best ones I've had in the area. The pho had a good amount of meat, which was pretty good as well. The spring rolls here were pretty underwhelming though. I probably wouldn't order that next time. But yeah, don't let the location or dinginess discourage you from coming here. This is some really good pho! Just remember it is cash only!
(4)Eric L.
Ignoring ambiance and judging this restaurant for what it is... a hole in the wall Vietnamese restaurant specializing in pho, this place gets 5 stars. I've had pho from Vancouver to NY and in my opinion, this was some of the best that I've had. The broth was possibly the best I ever had. It was both rich and tasty and very unique. The service was lightning fast. I had a 2nd bowl of pho after devouring the first (no shame in having a good appetite) and it came out in 5 minutes tops. The Vietnamese coffee here is also really good and is brewed right in front of you. Not too bitter, not overly sweet. If I have any complaint at all about the pho here it is that the meat was not as perfect as could be to the excellent broth that it accompanies. Also, the spring rolls were nothing to write home about. Also, they close pretty early everyday (8 pm) which prevented me from visiting again several times. Still, the pho here was simply amazing and totally unexpected given this restaurant's location (in a shopping center, close by a gamestop).
(5)Brad S.
For the Pho purists, this pho can't be beat, however nothing else was up to par as other Pho restaurants in the area are. Limited menu. The spring rolls ere just ok as are the spring rolls. The peanut sauce is ok. The service is overall sub par but the time it took for the food to come out was excellent. All in all excellent if all you want is pho. If you want to go off the beaten path.....you may be disappointed.
(4)Hansoo J.
The restaurant is located in a nondescript strip mall on route 40 in Catonsville. The area has seen an increase in the number of Vietnamese restaurants over the past couple of years, but this place is head and shoulders above the rest. The color of the pho broth here is a bit more muddled than elsewhere. The darker color must somehow be related to the deeper and richer flavor. The broth possesses a deeply satisfying beef flavor that satisfies you to your inner-most being. The owls are nearly overflowing with the combination broth, noodles, and heaping amounts of beef flank, tendon, and tripe. Given the most excellent nature of the pho, I was a bit disappointed with the shrimp summer rolls. They were mostly filled with shredded iceberg lettuce and 4 steamed shrimp. They really could have benefited from some bean sprouts, carrots, onion, or cilantro. however, the peanut sauce that accompanied it was excellent, popping with crushed peanuts. It's also worth noting that they do not take credit cards and they close at 8:00 on weekdays. All in all, some of the best pho that I have ever tasted. I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a warm, satisfying meal.
(4)Mike L.
Located in a shopping center on the National Pike, not far from 695. Was roughly half full when we arrived on a Sunday afternoon. As soon as we sat down, we had 2 complementary glasses of water at our table and within minutes our order had been taken. The generous portions of pho arrived within 5 minutes of being ordered (the young waiter was very helpful with menu as well). For someone who enjoys waiting for food about as much as a root canal, this was a major win! The pho was excellent. I'm not an expert on pho, but based on the 5 or so places I've had it from, I would grade this towards the top. On the other hand, if bad pho exists, I've certainly never had it. Excellent service, excellent food. I'll definitely be coming back and would recommend to anyone.
(4)Eric K.
Coach E thinks that this pho will warm your soul. Coach E was thrilled with the succulent meat, tangy onions, and piping hot soup that warms the inner self and makes you feel so good inside. Coach E loves the broth here much more than the broth anywhere else and could eat here any day. Also the water for some reason tastes like the water of Mt. Fiji. Coach E was also satisfied with the service because it was super speedy. However, the spring rolls were tiny for $3.25. Coach E devoured them in less than 30 seconds, literally. The ratio of vegetables is okay, but the quality of the vegetables leaves much to be desired. Basically, ice berg lettuce is the dominant taste, even though the peanut sauce is a good compliment. Overall though, Coach E thinks that this place is pho-nominal.
(4)Alfred K.
The interior was a lot cleaner than usual pho places. The broth tasted thin and less grimy than the norm. Gave a lot more noodles than other places. The servers were very impatient and somewhat rude though. The spring rolls did not taste very fresh and was small. The peanut sauce that went with it was very sweet, in a good way, but not enough in quantity.
(4)I O.
Stopped here while working to grab some Pho, and was skeptical, it was cold at the time, myself and another collegue said why not, and boy was I impressed! Delicious!
(4)Daniel P.
This place is literally built around a kitchen that makes good pho. It's a no-frills, straight up pho restaurant. Like other reviews said, it is cash only. I'm pretty purist when it comes to pho- i don't like adding any hoisin or even siracha, so i can taste the broth. This broth definitely is flavorful and you can taste the authenticity and love that goes into this pho. The spring rolls are forgettable, and vermicelli as well. I would say if you come here, forget about frills and get the delicious pho!!
(4)Nhu P.
BEST PHO IN THE BALTIMORE, COLUMBIA, SILVER SPRING AREA!!! FINALLYYYYYYYY!!! Broth is rich, consistent, and tasty!!! Everything tastes fresh and is on point when it comes to the pho! Their manager/owner is very nice, and since this is our go to spot, pretty much knows our order as soon as we seat. I come here about twice a week now from columbia because everything in columbia is horrible now... Oh and btw, they are a cash only venue so bring your cash! :)
(5)Colleen R.
My favorite Pho place in the state of Maryland so far. Granted, have not been to them ALL yet, but I consider myself somewhat of a Pho Connoisseur, so that's saying something at least. Broth is the BEST I've had, toppings are on point, staff is wonderful (especially because they remember me!) In the winter you will find me there at least weekly. Summer not so much, but I don't crave hot things when it's so hot out. Only thing I find a bit inconvenient is that it's CASH ONLY. Hopefully will change someday. But overall LOVE it!!
(5)Edward L.
When I used to live in Catonsville with my brother, we'd head on over to Pho Nam for dinner a couple of times a week (he would also go there for lunch several times a week with coworkers). This was my first experience with pho and so far has been one of the best. Their broth is delicious and flavorful. Varied selection of beef cuts which is good; I like choices. The french press coffee they serve is delicious, too. The decor is nothing to write home about. Just a bunch of cafeteria-style tables with chairs. An excellent place to go for eating, not so much for atmosphere. Bowls are served with bean sprouts, onions, limes, and basil on the side. I've never tried their other dishes such as the rice but friends have all commented on how good they were. One downside: cash only. The owner is really nice. My brother brought her so many lunchtime customers that she would sometimes send him home with extra food for dinner. I frequent An Loi now since I live closer to them now but occasionally make the trip up to Rt40 for Pho Nam.
(4)Craig H.
Wow, what awesome pho do they make here. I am a fan of trying new foods and have been eating here ever since I got turned onto Pho a few years ago. This place is probally the best I been to around me and there are 4 places in the immediate area. They are a cash only restaurant that caters to many locals. The pho is awesome, the broth is very rich and meats are thinly cut and are delicious. You get the traditional toppings but it really is the broth that makes the dish. You can also get other side orders like their Garden Rolls, which are unfried egg roll casings with lettuce and shrimp inside. They come up a peanut sauce which is awesome. Try this place and you will not be disappointed. Pros: Plenty of Seating Great Prices ( $8 for large bowl of Pho) Quick Service Cons: Cash Only Cafeteria like inside $.50 charge for take out Verdict: This is my go to Pho joint as I have been there twice this week. For the price you can't beat the deal and you get tons of food, which is always a plus.
(4)Lana D.
I love me a good, piping hot bowl of pho. I decided to check out Pho Van since I was already in the area and after some reading some Yelp reviews. Pho Van did not disappoint. I ordered a small bowl, along with an order of summmer rolls. The soup was 'oh-so-yummy'. The rolls were nice and fresh. The peanut sauce that came with the rolls took me over the edge...it was warm..almost like they just made a fresh batch...just for me. I should've asked for a container of the sauce to take home. :-). The service was prompt and very friendly. If I didn't live so far...this would definitely be on my list of regulars...but I will definitely make my way back out there for more Pho and rolls.
(4)TH N.
The broth is good. This place is probably the best pho place around Baltimore/Ellicott City/Columbia area. The taste is authentic enough to a Vietnamese person who grew up in Vietnam. I also tried their rice dishes, which I don't recommend. Pho is good, but other dishes are just so so.
(4)Michelle B.
You never forget your first love! This is the first place I've ever had pho... and It's still in my top places!
(5)Geoff Y.
This place is very reminiscent of those cheap, greasy Chinese food places you find in strip malls and suburban areas outside of major cities. The spartan furniture, slightly tacky-feeling utensils with condiments at each table, the savory, MSG-smell in the air, it's all here. However, this isn't like all those other places that serve up faux-(no pun intended) authentic food. I imagine this is as close to the real deal as you'll get without going to Vietnam. As others have mentioned, the broth is what makes this pho stand out above the rest. When the bowl is laid in front of you, it doesn't have that customary oily and salty smell you'd come to expect. There's very little oil, and it's actually a clear broth, with all the goodies sitting in the middle. Once you mix everything together, that's when it goes from good to great. They provide all the ingredients in ample quantity, along with a massive plate of bean sprouts, mint leaves (I think), and lime to add at your pleasure. There must have been a good half pound of noodles along with copious amounts of all sorts of meat hidden in the bowl. Just add your vegetation, mix, and go to town. You won't come up for air until you're done. We had an order of spring rolls and egg rolls to go along with everything, but those were largely just for a change in texture than anything else. The pho is the star of the show here. One note: I'd advise against drinking all the broth since, as good as it is, you don't know everything that went into making it. Better off being safe than sorry. Oh and the beverages might seem interesting, but they looked a little scary in their pre-made glory in the fridge. I'm getting hungry again just thinking about it.
(5)Nathan C.
CASH ONLY. Above par Pho restaurant in Catonsville. It's in the shopping center with the Babies Backwards R Us, and easy to miss if you don't know it's there. Let's get right to the food. The pho is tasty and generously portioned. The summer rolls are good, as are the fried spring rolls. Four stars all the way. The staff is awesome. My lunch buddy has a Vietnamese wife and so he speaks a few words. I think that got us bonus points or something; the server was really cool and fast with our bowls of happy steamy goodness. Now I haven't been to a lot of pho restaurants, but they did something here I thought was cool. I love the Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk. They give you the cup with the little metal doohickey on top, which is pretty standard. They also give you a thermos full of hot water so you can keep making cups until you're so jittery you can't see straight. Hooray! This is one of those restaurants that manages to be dirty and clean at the same time. The decor is basically nonexistent and the walls are showing their age, but the tables, chairs, and utensils are spotless.
(4)Carter L.
The best Pho HANDS DOWN! As previous reviewers have commented, the service is FAST! Great lunch spot!
(5)Ness O.
I really love this place. We found Pho Van shortly after moving to the suburbs surrounding Baltimore, so we're not quite local-- it's about a 20 minute drive. My fiance and I moved from an area that had a lot of Pho and were missing it, so we tried to find a place near us, and this is one of the places we tried. It's so excellent that we still come by regularly despite the distance. We'll drive down there for some lunch, and any time we're going to be in the area/driving in that direction, we'll take a detour to get some Pho. Of all the Pho I've had, this is probably my favorite place. And, of course, it's pho so it's both fast and affordable. We've had the egg rolls once, and those were pretty good, but otherwise all I can comment on is the pho.
(5)Special K.
The broth is very clean tasting. It's not as flavorful, but it doesn't seem to be loaded with MSG either. The meat was tender and tasty, perhaps some of the best that we've ever had.
(4)Nick W.
The broth is especially tasty and the portions are the usual humongous as expected from a pho restaurant. I didn't find the meat to be especially fatty as other posters said. Overall a great place for a quick bite! As a large is only 40 cents more than a small there's no point in getting a regular bowl.
(4)Lucy X.
The pho here is decent. Nothing too special. Idk, it might be just me but of the four different pho restaurants I've been to in MD so far, I haven't really tasted a bowl of pho at one particular place that was noticeably superior than the rest. They all pretty much taste similar to me. I think the only variations amongst them are the service, price, and the dessert menu. Both the service and price here are good. But as for the desserts, I thought they could be better. Not that they tasted bad or anything, but the quality seemed only mediocre. One of the desserts we ordered, although tasted pretty good, came in a small plastic cup :( The only real bad thing here was the bubble tea. The tapioca balls were mushy and separated, which is the worst possible thing that could happen to a delicious cup of bubble tea! So yea, that was disappointing. But whenever you're in need of a big bowl of comforting pho around Baltimore, I'll still give it to this place.
(4)Bryan L.
This was my 1st pho experience in Baltimore. It was very enjoyable. I took my mother because she has never experienced Pho, and now im sure she will be a regular. The broth was very gooD
(4)Sophia L.
The fried spring rolls are pretty good here. Pho is decent. And the rice dishes are just okay. However, the service is pleasant and quick. The interior could use some remodeling.
(4)Evelyn C.
Technically, a 4.5 star rating, but this is definitely my favorite pho place. Pros: Absolutely delicious pho broth. The meat is sliced thinly, but don't worry, they give you plenty. The tendon is superb here. They cook it to death so it's so fabulously tender. The pho always comes out quickly and very hot. Also, the price per bowl is very reasonable. Cons: Yes, it's cash only, but you just have to plan ahead. The spring rolls are a hit or miss. The first time I had them, they were amazing. The filling flavorful and had a great balance between the meat and veggies. The second time I got them, they had just come out of the fryer and were way too greasy. I felt like the skimped on the filling the second time too. Overall...it is still my favorite pho place. The broth and perfect noodle to soup ratio as well as the thinly sliced but generously portioned meat makes this place the best.
(5)Truc P.
My favorite pho restaurant in Baltimore. What else is there to say? I just wished they were open later.
(5)Michelle G.
Bring cash! Broth is very flavorful and friendly service.
(5)Kristen M.
I will go out of my way home after work to pick up some pho from this place. I have had it several times and it's one of my favorite places for pho. I haven't had any problems with quality and the broth is rich and satisfying. The prices are fair, too. I haven't had much else here, except for the summer rolls that were not the best. Stick with the pho, and you'll be happy!
(4)Nam P.
Vermicelli was excellent. Che Ba Mau needs improvement.
(4)Emily P.
Favorite pho restaurant in Baltimore area. Broth is richer than most other places I've tried without having that thick layer of oil like most other places have nearby.
(4)Jessada W.
This is best pho in baltimore. The place is very simple, nothing fancy at all, and they only accept cash (but there's an atm nearby). But the pho is amazing! I highly recommend getting extra onions for $.50, one time I went and realized something was lacking- the onions. The garden rolls are a bit disappointing with too much iceberg lettuce, instead of mint or basil. The egg rolls are great though. Another thing for the adventurous is the iced salty plum beverage. The menu is quite short and to the point but on the bright side the service is lightning fast and their pho is amazing.
(5)Jen L.
This place has the BEST vermicelli noodle dishes (bun) that I've ever had! Most people come here to eat the pho noodle soup, but I always come here for the bun. I usually don't eat a lot of meat, but when I order these dishes, I always end up eating all the meat. There is an extremely generous portion of plump, juicy, tender and succulent meat (I usually get chicken). It definitely has the best vermicelli noodle dish in the Catonsville/Ellicott City area. In fact, of the many many Vietnamese places I've eaten at around the country, I have yet to find a restaurant that will top the bun that I've had here!
(5)jen p.
I visited this place for a late lunch w my family on a Friday afternoon. My mom, aunt, uncle, and cousin ordered bowls of pho while i decided i wanted a shrimp and beef vermicelli... the pho came first so i had a few spoons of my moms soup. When my vermicelli came out i put in the sauce and proceeded to mix it. Ate maybe 3 at max scoops (with chopstick) and found a piece of hair nicely mixed in w my food. Ewwwwww!! I called over the lady (dont know if shes the owner/management/worker) and tried to be discreet in telling her there was a piece of hair in my food. She stares at me.. then at my food.. She asks something that sounded like "no shrimp?!" And walks away.... no apology.. no explanation.. NOTHING! i kept calm and had a few more spoons of my moms soup. My whole family asking what happened w my food... etc etc . They finish eating and the waiter brings me what looks like a half bowl of little bit of vermicelli. Lots of veggies. And a couple pieces of shrimp. I told the waiter that i do not want it but he just smiles telling me to just have it. I dont eat it but the rest of my family takes a chopstick just for a taste. I walk up to the counter to pay and yes they charge me for the shrimp and beef vermicelli which i ended up never having.. i tell the waiter who is now the cashier that i will not pay for it. He calls the lady who just walked away after discovering the hair and she starts yelling at me. REALLY?!?!?!?! she proceeds to tell me "ok ok." and she still charges me for it! i tell her that im not stupid and i know that she charged me. she says that i need to pay atleast half so i agreed but i didnt leave tip. I know thats bad but i am pretty disappointed w the service, rude attitude, and no apology.... Not to mention the hair found in my food!!!! Pho wasnt bad tasting.. but definitely NEVER going back.
(1)Laurie W.
Some of the best Pho we've had in Maryland !!! Rich and flavorful and a ton of meat! The pickled onions added the perfect crunch to this comforting bowl of tummy love. Cash only and fast. We will go again.
(5)Mahmud F.
Been to 3 Pho places in MD and this takes the cake. I love tendon and there's no better served tendons than Pho Nam. Fast service too, I always eat in for some reason. The only thing I don't like is the cash only option and the fact I don't know what kind of meat is in the rolls. The environment could be better with more cushioned seats and better temperature management but that's no big deal.
(5)Andrew K.
For pho places close to baltimore, this place is pretty good and has been around for many years providing me good, cheap pho. The soup isn't as thick as I like and they don't put as much meat as I would like but it helps to satisfy me when I have a craving for pho. If you compare to some of the crappy pho places that have opened up recently in Baltimore, this place is very good. The lemongrass chicken or pork over rice is pretty good. Another added plus is it's one of the cleaner pho places. The spring rolls are pretty good too.
(4)Den F.
Pho is my comfort food and there are not many pho places in the Baltimore area. I really like the soup at Pho Nam. They are pretty consistent here, but one time I came and the broth was really oily without much taste which was kinda disappointing. The other million times were good :) They also have rice and vermicelli dishes with grilled meats, which take longer than pho to cook, but are also pretty good.
(4)Max L.
the best pho in the area, hands down. its essentially become a weekly tradition to get pho and froyo at tutti frutti for some friends and me, with the pho being the variable based on when we end up going. pho nam closes at 8pm, hence the less than perfect rating. however, ive determined the equation for a delicious night = pho nam + tutti frutti. its all about the broth. its well thought out... not sweet, not too salty, just right. the pho always piping hot and quickly served, with a good helping of tender meat. the service is always welcoming and friendly. i havent tried any of the other entrees as the pho is just too good, but the spring rolls arent anything to rave about from what i remember. cash only... but that can be expected as most of the delicious hole in the wall places are.
(4)B'more f.
Good Pho in the Baltimore are, if you don't want to drive up to Rockville or Bethesda.Flavor full broth and fresh ingredients. Service sometimes can be slow as it is usually one person handling all the orders and serving. The small size bowl usually is enough for 1 person.Get the large bowl if you preparing to split between two. Also has very good quail appetiser and papaya salad. CASH ONLY.No exceptions. Plenty of parking as it is in a strip mall.
(4)A. C.
(01/05/2009) I think they have the best pho in the greater Baltimore area. The broth is what makes it; clear, beefy, spicy (as in fragrant with star anise). The place is pretty divey, dishes are cheap, and the portions are huge. Comes with plenty of garnish: bean sprouts, limes, basil, jalapenos. There's not much else to the menu, but really, you came here for noodles and soup. We tried the summer rolls anyway; plain specimens, not very spectacular. Stick to the mixed beef pho (I like the #1 with a little brisket, tripe and tendon); can't go wrong.
(5)Steve Y.
Best pho broth i've had in lot of bmore area. Spring rolls were good but not as breath taking as the broth.
(4)Kathy M.
This is the best Pho place in the Baltimore/Ellicott City area! You haven't had real Pho in this area until you visit Pho Van. We go here once a week for the delicious Pho. The bonus is the friendly service and relaxed atmosphere. The Pho itself is amazing. Aromatic, rich and flavorful, it is served to order very quickly. The fixings are always fresh and green, and the only other thing I add is the rooster sauce. We've been visiting so frequently that the staff knows us well, and they are always kind to the kids as well. If you're not in the mood for Pho, definitely try the pork and noodles, fresh garden rolls and the crispy rolls. All very good. The only reason this place doesn't get 5 stars is that it isn't the cleanest place. Floor is a bit dirty and looks like the whole place could use a good scrub. Other than that, I highly recommend.
(4)Sandy L.
I wrote a review awhile back on Baltimore Pho (Pronounced Fuh) and how much it sucked... I was all sad that there were no good pho places in Baltimore. Like many others, pho is a comfort for me. Thanks to Yelp I checked out this place, and I'm totally satisfied! Looks like all the other pho restaurants, with the full menu. I love their meatballs, but not their crispy spring rolls (soggy city). And most importantly, their pho is good! Not the best, but definitely good. I see people are starting to compare this place to Pho #1 just up the street. I've been there too and didn't like it much, I thought their broth was kinda bland- not worth the drive since I live in the city. But this place is!! ** FYI its cash only at this place - I keep forgetting, and keep having to pay the extra charges for the ATM. =( Bring cash!!
(4)Mick K.
NEVER AGAIN! The food was horrible from start to finish. The chicken was so rubbery that my kids made a joke of it by seeing how many times it bounces on the table. The lemon grass chicken and beef looked like someone crapped on the plate and served it with rice. The only thing that was edible was the rice. The place was so dirty that I felt like I was actually in Vietnam. I love authentic food but I don't want to feel like I'm at a road side tent in Ho Chi Minh City. I had to use the restroom, I actually went out the restaurant and went the gas station which was much cleaner. We ordered egg rolls and took a generous bit to savor the taste. Unfortunately, they were raw from inside. The waiter took the egg rolls put his finger inside all of the egg rolls to confirm if we were speaking the truth. He proceeded to the kitchen and returned four minutes later with the same egg rolls that he dug his finger into. He said, sorry for the mistake, the chef warmed them up for you. ARE YOU SERIOUS? If you want to lose weight by getting food poison, be my guest. Like I said, NEVER AGAIN! The health inspector needs to check out this place.
(1)Munchin' M.
I've been coming here before the change in ownership. This is another place that reminds me of Pho back home (SF Bay Area). I think the new ownership has made some nice improvements with a slight expansion of the menu. The service is fast, the food is delicious, and the ingredients are fresh. Then only thing I'd suggest is to add vietnamese sandwiches to the menu. I miss a good vietnamese sandwich.
(4)Brig T.
Living with the God of Pho has made me become a bit of a Pho snob myself. And this place isn't all that good. The meat was incredibly fatty - in fact there were big chunks of solid fat in my bowl. The broth was pretty good - and didnt leave me sleepy like MSG laden pho does. That was the high point though. Beyond that, there is not much worth mentioning... mostly because the place was so unmemorable. Oh - make sure you stop by on ATM on the way - cash only.
(2)Scott P.
Solid vietnamese staples. The broth is nice and much less salty than elsewhere, which doesn't rock my socks because I like a little MSG up in my soup. But it was really tasty. AND they keep it real enough to throw some tendon and tripe up in that mess. That's been rare lately. And the tendon was really good. Buttery soft and delicious. They do what they do, and they do it well. The waitstaff is pleasant, and the only reason that I have any apprehension at all about giving this place 4 stars is because of their limited menu. But that can be forgiven since they do what they do so well. The location is a little hidden, and the place definitely isn't pretty. But the basil was fresh, the limes were juicy, thebean sprouts were crisp, the broth was pleasant, they onions were plentiful, the meats were nommy, the trip was delicious, the tendon was buttery, the coffee was perky, and there's just not a good reason to give it less than four stars.
(4)Garth O.
I agree with the sentiments of many of the other reviewers - good soup, sprouts, basil, etc... cash only, decor okay. I would like to add that the Vietnamese coffee is amazing and is made hot on the spot.
(4)Susan E.
Tie between An Loi and Pho Nam for best pho in the Ellicott City / Columbia area. An Loi has a little better atmosphere, if you can say that. Both are pretty minimal.
(3)Mike W.
Wow, there's two pho places in B'more? And I've eaten at both of them? And they're on the same road just a mile or so away from each other? This place is pretty good. I got my regular pho ga and egg rolls. The chicken was tender and the broth was authentic, unlike this place I had pho in NYC that I can't find on here but would get a one-star because it tasted like Campbell's chicken noodle soup. But that's for another time. I'll find them yet! Clean, fresh basil and sprouts. Quick, quick service. I'd go back next time I'm around.
(4)CJ W.
lacking in choices and sanitation. some of my friends (non vietnamese) absolutely love this place so take this review with a grain of salt. i won't fight or fuss too much if you drag me here though because they've got some of my favorite childhood desserts. if variety, atmosphere, and cleanliness are priorities, then don't worry, there are other pho places nearby, but if you like cheap and fast, venture into this hidden little reminder of eating under a tin roof in ca mau. authentic? yes. very much so. then again i once watched my uncle swallow a beating turtle heart in saigon. authenticity is a quality with limits.
(2)Alan D.
This place gets 3 stars and not for the decor. Dirty and rundown looking, but hey, every pho place is like that. The soup is marginally better then pho nam, not alot but i pick this place over pho nam. Thats if your solely judging on soup. Other then that not a bad place for lunch. Again i've had better pho then this
(3)Steve W.
This is not a place for snobbish people who have to have the waiter bring you the check (cash at the register only) or cloth napkins or extensive exotic menus. Pho Nam cooks up the best lemongrass chicken and by far the best Pho on the east coast. I moved to Baltimore from San Francisco where there is a large Vietnamese community. I have been shocked and disappointed with what restaurants try to pass off as good ethnic food in Baltimore. I can't remember how I found this place but it qualifies as the ONLY place worthy of taking out of town guests to for good food. This place is about Pho and Noodles. The spring rolls are worth fighting over. The lemongrass dishes can't be beaten. We just tried Mekong Delta, winner of the best Vietnamese restaurant from the Baltimore Sun and also the Baltimore City Paper last night. They are a lot close to our home but are hardly a comparison to Pho Nam. Friends that we have introduced Pho Nam to have all agreed. If you feel adventurous it is on the Baltimore National Pike on traffic light past Rolling Rd kinda behind a McDonalds in a strip mall. If it means anything to you, most of the customers appear to be asian. Nuff said. You be the judge.
(5)Jeanie P.
Hands down, the best pho in the area! My husband and I eat at Pho Nam at least twice a week. Our favorites, beef pho, garden rolls, and the grilled lemongrass chicken with rice. The servers know us and are friendly. Atmosphere? Who cares? The food is amazing! If I'm getting a cold or feel a little bit run down, I stop in for pho and walk out rejuvenated! Amazing stuff!
(5)T N.
I'm Vietnamese and have tried pretty much all the other Pho places in this area and although homemade is always the best, theirs is the best around comparatively. The Bun Bo Hue is my favorite and Pho takes second place. They are a cash only restaurant so be prepared. But, the service is quick if you need to grab a quick lunch and go.
(5)Danny H.
Very good pho restaurant tucked on Rt 40 in the office depot shopping center. Their #1 is pretty much on par with VN1 in College Park.....rich broth, good flavorful meat but sometimes it is a bit inconsistent with dryness. Last time the bean sprouts did not look very fresh. But the broth is what you're paying for. Delicious. Oh, cash only....but if you have been to any pho place you'll already know that.
(4)Janice L.
The pho is good to me. Not the best. But it will be my spot for now while I'm chilling in Maryland. Houston is home and viet is the way I was born. Be sure to add sriracha and hoisin sauce please! Before you say you don't like pho learn how to eat it right! Their spring rolls were not that good to me. Pho is I say a 6/10. Service is slow. Small store and looks family owned and that's why their always short staffed. Had to go up to the counter to ask for things plenty of times.
(3)William C.
This review is based on a grilled pork dish i had with rice. For $8-9, it consisted of a very, very thin slice of pork that was no thicker than 1 centimeter, and it was no bigger than my hand. I understand the restaurant needs to be profitable to continue running, but that was a complete rip off, especially when the rest of the dish didn't offer much. I'll just stick to ordering their Pho from now on.
(2)Tim H.
This place has some of the best pho I have ever had in the area. The bowl is filled to the brim with flavorful goodness at it's best. I had the pho tai chin and the amount of meat and noodles was great! They don't skimp on the ingredients that's for sure! The limes, basil, bean sprouts and jalapeños were fresh and crisp, and the broth was flavorful but not over powering. The summer and spring rolls were tasty too. If you want to try some good pho and are in the area you should give this place a try. Thank you for reading my review. This is based off of my person experience and opinion.
(5)Patrick B.
quick run for some Pho Tai. Very small place but the food was solid.
(3)MG N.
The only place i go for pho! Definitely recommend this place. It's not a fancy place but the food is delicious. Bring cash because they don't take cards.
(5)Dee D.
This place is in a shopping center which threw us off when looking for it. So pay attention. It was super fast service and the server who I think may be the owner was very friendly. Pho was basic Pho. Chicken was white meat and chunky. Vegetables were fresh which is important with Pho.. We also,had the papaya salad which was tasty and egg rolls. (I think it was a spring roll but it was crunchy so it won me over, very little meat but decent) Only giving this a 4 star because Pho Saigon really has my Pho heart.
(4)Jason F.
Located in a once prominent shopping center, Pho Van delivers excellent pho in an efficient, no frills manner. Tried the #12 and #5 with summer rolls and a coffee with bubbles. Summer rolls were good and had a good peanut sauce. Maybe not as good as Pho Saigon's summer rolls, but certainly enjoyable. The main difference between Pho Van and other pho places is I felt they gave you more meat and noodles. Also, their price for a large bowl was cheaper. Double win. Broth was tasty and I will keep them in my rotation for pho places. Cash only.
(4)