4. Restaurants

Pho Big Bowl

2248 NW Market St, Seattle, WA, 98107
  • (206) 588-1249
  • Store is closed

Pho Big Bowl Menu

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  • Eugene C.

    I can't even tell this is MSG-free pho. Oh so good :) Very good service too.

    (5)

  • Will W.

    Its a really nice pho restaurant! Yummy and very large! Oh yah! Worthy!

    (5)

  • Jason W.

    Excellent meal for the money and the owners are really nice! The broth was tasty and hot and service was super quick. We have already been twice this week!

    (5)

  • MaiLinh N.

    Wow! Great place. Quick service. Menu is already at the table under the glass- best advertising ever cause you'll read the menu while you wait and drool over everything - including the low prices! We came here 30 before closing and got the shrimp spring rolls for an appetizer- so delicious. They use the fried wonton paper inside to add crunch- perfect. I got a vermicelli bowl with grilled pork and an egg roll. Very delicious. Lots of lettuce, cilantro and basil mixed in with sprouts, pickled daikon and carrot. It was a lot of food- I couldn't eat it all. That was under $8 and the medium pho my boyfriend got was $5.90. Apparently vermicelli bowls come with a soft drink or mango pudding- I forgot to order one! We were both very pleased with our meal. I have been hunting for a good vermicelli bowl in Seattle since I moved 2 years ago here and I may have found it here! This was the best bowl I've had yet.

    (4)

  • delaney m.

    Visiting Seattle and shooting in the Ballard area. Boy and I picked up Pho so we could go home and watch Ghostbusters. The Pho was really, really good. It travelled so well. They packaged everything perfectly and the broth was not too salty, but deep and complex. 100% will be back when I'm back in Seattle!

    (4)

  • Maria L.

    We came here because of the great Yelp reviews. We were regulars at Bamboo on Cap Hill before we moved to Ballard, and this place was almost just as good! When we walked in, we were a little confused as to if we were supposed to seat ourselves or we would be seated. Turns out you seat yourself. We both ordered chicken Pho and it was on point. Only complaint? The chicken was a little overdone. We also ordered the egg rolls which were fabulous. Nice quick in and out place and cheap, too. Glad we have our go to neighborhood pho place!

    (4)

  • Grace A.

    Pho Big Bowl is one of my favorite pho places in the greater Seattle area. Cheap prices, great pho, and they have vegetarian options! I always order the Small Vegetarian Pho and it's plenty of food! The veggie comes with tofu (fresh or fried), onions, carrots, broccoli, and mushrooms. I've always gotten my food to-go so I can't speak for the service in the restaurant, but they've always been friendly over the phone and when I pay at the counter. Plus, you always get a free can of soda.

    (5)

  • Christian S.

    This place is honestly really good. Feels authentic. Nice atmosphere. Great service. Very affordable. I like that they use no MSG, although it might be better with just a tad... meh. Regardless, it's a great place, but didn't blow my mind.

    (4)

  • Bruno B.

    Let me start off by saying as always we are vegetarians so this is a review on their veggie pho and spring rolls. The service is, as always very quick, get your food and never hear from them again... Well until you have to go up and pay the bill, which is fine but a quick how's everything would be nice after they serve their food. The spring roll is good but the best part is that peanut dipping sauce served with peanuts on top, the pho is another story, we ordered it with less noodles and extra veggies (for an extra $1.85... EACH) what do you get? Extra carrots that's it and the noodles just about the same. The broth is tasteless and we need to put a lot of their teriyaki sauce to taste well, anything. I know as vegetarians we are very used to being treated like second class culinary citizens but geez put a little bit of effort in their vegetarian food. Will we be coming back you might ask and even if you don't, f-it, I'll tell you anyway... Not in a while ... As our search for good veggie pho continues in a town known for it. It's like bad Mexican food in Phoenix... It's all over the place but nothing good.

    (2)

  • Quinn D.

    Blah to the seafood pho. The shrimp and calamari were over cooked and very pale as they floated in sweet broth. Glad I ordered extra limes. My to go order of banh mi was pretty good for cold and almost forgotten. The waiter was so bored, he stepped out for a smoke. He came in and did not go straight back to wash his hands. I know he did not prepare my food. He just took the order.

    (3)

  • Lu Y.

    I'm basically a Ballard lunch connoisseur. I don't really want to give big bowl 4 stars but I have to. I just keep coming back for more! I've been to big bowl more times than I can count. Here's the deal: 1. If you dine-in, you can get in and out of there in 30 minutes. Their service is fast. 2. The broth, I'm a big fan of the veggie but the beef/chicken is awesome as well. It is a clear broth, so no hoisin sauce, but I'm pretty sure it has a ton of sugar in it which is why it's so addicting. I also think it has sugar because I spilled it once at home and it was so ridiculously sticky. 3. The veggie pho. The vegetables are perfectly cooked, perfect amount of crunchy. 4. The tofu. BUYER BEWARE, there was period of time where my tofu was sour. Meaning, it was bad. So watch out. But it still didn't stop me from coming back. 5. I hate pre-cut fruit. The limes that come with your pho are pre-cut so they are dry around the edges. Ew. But whatever. 6. The basil. One of the people I got pho with had a little mold on the basil. Still didn't stop me from coming back though. Advice: do not try to make modifications to your pho. They will likely mess it up. Which is fine for me because I just get the veggie pho every time.

    (4)

  • Benjamin J.

    nice staff, family run, good food, comes out quickly and of high quality. Portions are massive so the value is high. love the fried spring rolls and the chicken noodle soup. good work Pho Big Bowl! we'll be back.

    (5)

  • Brian L.

    Here comes the snobbery. I have high Pho standards. That's what comes from having a Vietnamese Mom. Sorry guys. To start off, I will say this place is definitely good. I have had much worse pho in other locations and this is certainly not anything to scoff about. I think it's really popular because of location and the majority of dinners are non-Vietnamese and frankly don't know any better. I think my two main issues were the beef and the broth. The beef was a little chewy and on the thick side. The real stuff is cut paper thin and served very rare. The broth does the work, but I guess this is a safety thing and restaurants don't want to get sued by serving raw product. But it makes a world of difference. The broth was good, but I found it a little on the weak side. The flavors are hiding, but a good broth to me punches you in the face with a strong flavor. I didn't experience that. The bahn mi sandwich was just average. It's actually hard to find a good bahn mi but when you do find one you'll taste the difference. I personally think Than Brothers just down the street (and other locations around Seattleland) is much much better.

    (3)

  • Caleb M.

    I came in with a group for late night pho. They were very accommodating and had no problem offering separate checks. The shrimp fresh spring rolls were great served with a wonderful peanut sauce. I don't usually go for fried spring rolls but the spring rolls here are good. They are much better than the greasy ones I've had elsewhere. Their pho isn't my favorite but it is good. I wasn't a fan of their banh mi. It was dry and just not great. I look forward to coming back and trying one of their vermicelli bowls. They offered a soft drink or mango pudding along with the meal. I enjoyed the pudding and it was a nice touch.

    (3)

  • Alla C.

    My go to pho place in Ballard. Service is quick, and food is tasty, especially for the price.

    (5)

  • Mallory M.

    The food at this place is a solid 3 stars & the customer service is about a 1.5 I've been here twice now and will return again just beware of a few things. As soon as I say down my waiter walked up to me and pulled out his booklet to take my order - I had just taken my seat I wasn't at all ready to order. That made things feel a bit rushed for me. Im not a big meat eater and this place offers a pretty good selection of vegetarian options. I Decided to get the vegetarian vermicelli bowl with fish sauce instead of soy. The woman who brought my food out just placed it on the table and turned away. Not a word, not a glance. The bowl was full of lettuce and a little bit of noodles and 2 veggie egg rolls. The produce was pretty fresh but I did see some brown spots on a few pieces of lettuce which I had to remove. I wish they would have added more ingredients like carrots and cucumber and more crushed peanuts! I mean after all it's a veggie bowl I would like something other than lettuce. The egg rolls were pretty good but a little on the greasy side. If they would put a little more effort into their customer service and stop being so skimpy with the ingredients they could be a 4/5 star establishment! It is cheap but you pay for the portion you receive - also like many other reviews have stated I was not offered the free drink as promised.... even though I wouldn't have wanted it anyway you shouldn't advertise for a product that you will not give.

    (3)

  • Llubani H.

    Constant goodness. Quality in every bowl! the service is fast they are very friendly. Very affordable.

    (5)

  • Akira W.

    Service was incredibly fast, which I understand when you just order pho. However, I have to rank this a 2 star for the following reasons: 1. The broth was just not very good. It's a bit on the bland side. 2. Pho usually comes with bean sprouts, lime, basil, and a slice of jalapeño. These were not fresh at all. The lime was incredibly dry and the sprouts were on the verge of decomposition. 3. Every single piece of meat was in clumps, which indicates that they were all thrown in there together and most likely frozen. 4. The meat portion was sparse to say the least. I'm used to having plenty of meat in my pho without a double meat portion. This place gave 2 slices of each type of meat (tendon, tripe, steak, flank, etc). Not enough meat for me (although I probably wouldn't have eaten the meat anyway given the quality). Try other places a few blocks down. The pho at Monkey Bridge is worth a try.

    (2)

  • May X.

    First of all, I would like to point out the food isn't bad but the service was just whacky. The host/waitress lady asked my boyfriend and I if we were ready to order when we haven't even had the chance to settle down and look at the menu thoroughly. I then told her that we needed a couple of minutes to decide. She comes back less than a minute later and asks again, and we still weren't ready. And for the third time, she comes back less than minute to asked if we were ready to order so we did - the another round she asks if we were ready to order for which she had already forgotten she had taken our order. It was just the constant rushing of her trying to get us to order that made me feel uneasy. Not only that but I had ordered extra meat and let me tell you they are stingy with their meat. Definitely not worth an extra almost $2 because you get ripped off. Also most people here say that they get a free mango pudding and soda but we sure didn't get that. Absolutely disappointing service and stingy people with their food.

    (1)

  • irina t.

    Mediocre food, ordered a vermicelli bowl with shrimp. There were probably 5 shrimps. Wouldn't come back. Average at best.

    (2)

  • Christina N.

    Take this from a Vietnamese person...their soup is pretty damn good! Most soups have a pretty salty base but not this place, it's very tasty. Service is very speedy but maybe not the friendliest...always annoying when they give you a hard time for paying with a card. The portions are pretty generous; I ordered a small and still left very full! My friend got a small with extra noodles and she could barely finish.

    (4)

  • Gabby K.

    Excellent pho here, best one so far! Options for vegan folks too. When you crave vietnamese - that's the place to go :)

    (5)

  • George I.

    My goto place for a bowl of pho. My favorites are the seafood pho and the tripe pho. I usually ask them to steam the sprouts and put some extra vegetables inside my soup and they always did to the point now they just do it this way without telling them.

    (5)

  • Melody P.

    I came here around 3PM in the afternoon because I felt a bit sick and thought noodle soup would be something really good. I was driving around and finally decided to just pay for parking. I ordered veggie egg rolls and seafood noodle soup. Big order of egg rolls... I tried really hard to finish... I loved it! The broth of the soup was clean and clear. The flavor didn't pop until I squeeze in the lime juice. There are a lot of items other than just noodle soup. I would like to try different food here soon in the future!

    (4)

  • Cheryl W.

    We like this place much better than the place across the street! Free soda is a bonus :)

    (4)

  • Jeff W.

    Chicken (#19) was like cardboard and overlooked. (Precooked, microwaved). The cook delivered the food and was a bit of a mess. Too many other Pho shops in town to come here again. Always cook fresh and have the servers bring out the food.

    (2)

  • Eric J.

    I can't stop eating here! This is the best Pho in Seattle, in my opinion. This place has the nicest owners. I run into people all the time the love this place as well. NO MSG.....=) It is so great that they can pull of the best soup, free of MSG. Me

    (5)

  • Tali H.

    Pretty standard, yummy pho for a good price! The spring rolls are delicious. And heck yeah, free soda!

    (4)

  • Damon F.

    Super awesome! Best pho in town. Consistent, great food quality. Staff is really nice. Everything I have tried I have loved. Have been here roughly 50 times and have never been unhappy with anything. Going there today actually!

    (5)

  • Willy M.

    Went to this place recently, checked it out for the first time. Read the good reviews of this place thought I'd check it out. FYI: Its right next door to La Isla and a teriyaki joint. We ordered the shrimp spring rolls, came with delicious peanut sauce that was warmed up......never had it that way, but it was very good. 4 good size shrimp rolls. We had the pho and the noodle bowl. Both we equally delicious and would come back to eat more. They have small, medium and large and a super gigantic one for like $19.95. haha! You can probably wear the bowl as a hat after you are done. We got the medium size and it was pretty filling. I definitely could've taken down the large. Each entree comes with a free soda or a mango jelly thing. We got one of each. Its basically a can of soda and a mini little ramikan(sp) of mango jelly dessert. We walked over to Hot Cakes up the street for the real dessert. haha! One thing I didnt realize was I should've checked our bill. I think our total was like $18.50 or something. When I already left, I realized that seemed kind of high. They may have charged us for something or actually charged us for the dessert/soda. I dont know, whatever, my bad for not checking. But next time I will. Prices seem to be very reasonable in general when perusing the menu. A recommend for a good pho joint. There were people in there and others doing take out, so that's a good sign. Funny that I saw the waitress burp out loud as she was coming out of the kitchen. Guess she was having dinner at the same time I was. haha! Happy Pho'n!!!

    (3)

  • Howard R.

    Tried this place out this afternoon. It was just ok. Seating is all tables of 4, tables are a bit over crowded and cluttered with lots of chopsticks bowls spoons and many other accoutrement. Menu is under the glass tables. The service here is great just to older people running the front and then the cooks in the back. I went with the veggie pho and to be honest it was just ok. The noodles tasted average the broth was pretty much tasting of just salt and the amount of vegetables was skimp with only broccoli carrots and mushrooms. The side of bean sprouts looked old and not fresh at all. Definitely not the best pho in seattle or maybe even in ballard. For the price, though, it's not too bad. Plenty of parking just a few blocks away by the library.

    (2)

  • Andy M.

    It's pho! Hard to do wrong as far as I know. The prices are great. The medium $5.90 bowl that will more than fill you up. One of us got a banh mi that was just okay - I would recommend sticking to the pho. Great bargain lunch or dinner place, regardless.

    (4)

  • Micah A.

    This review is soon to become proud member number two of my pho queue. Hahahaha puns are hilarious. The dillio with the Pho Big Bowl was that it was recommended by a buddy that said I would like it more than Pho Thy Thy, which I found unlikely since Pho Thy Thy not only has a funny name when you say it fast, but is also heaven in a bowl. As usual when I have a review that I didn't well plan with interesting stories of some neato shenanigans, I'll break it down into subtitled categories. Food Pho Big Bowl tasted quite a bit like Pho, but also in a big bowl. Veggie Pho (Pho Chay) has only moderate flavor in any location since the broth is essentially water and the noodles are noodles. The tofu was not as good as Thy Thy, and the broth had a slightly bland aftertaste that was fine while I was eating it, but lingered on my tongue for a long time after I was done eating it. Whatever, it's Pho. Service This is my impression of the service at every Pho restaurant in the United States, using nothing but punctuation: #...?../......................;. Although this place may have been a little more : than it was ;. Setting It looks like every other pho restaurant, but it was clean and had a great deal of space, so kudos to the big bowl for being big. Price The prices here were about what you'd expect from a pho place, but still a little bit on the low side which is a plus. There was also a "Big Bowl" for 19.95 which actually seems a little overpriced but who cares since it would be cool and cool things are worth a little bit of a bump. Overview Unremarkable but still good deserves 4 stars. It's everything you expect it to be, and nothing else. The pho was phine. Can't really punish them for being exactly what everyone should expect them to be. Chances are every Pho place I visit is going to get the same review. Great.

    (4)

  • jazmine s.

    Best Pho ever! Fresh rolls and other items are all pretty good too!

    (5)

  • Sanobia H.

    Yummy! my new favorite pho place for sure. The best perk is that their broth is not full of poisonous MSG. They are a lot more clean that other popular pho places in the city and the staff are much more welcoming. They also sell much more than just pho. Next time I will stop in and try one of their delicious looking Vietnamese sandwiches.Another bonus is free soda.

    (5)

  • Johnny W.

    In the months since this place has opened, I've passed by numerous times thinking, "the pho here must be terrible. I mean come on, they have flashing neon lights!" So I was a bit surprised when I saw an average score of 4 stars on Yelp. Having been craving pho for the last couple days, I decided to risk a chance eating here last night. The verdict? I was about to give them a three, until I realized that, as I was leaving, I wasn't the least bit satisfied, despite being incredibly full. In fact, my exact thought was wanting to ingest a spoonful of salt - which says a lot about what I think of the pho here. Portions here are massive (even a medium was a bit much for me), ingredients are pretty fresh, and prices are good. Unfortunately though, the pho is bland enough that it leaves you feeling unsatisfied at the end of the meal. But hey, if you're hungry, it's late, and don't have much to spend (or are a poor college student), they're nice folks, you get a free drink or mango pudding (a decent dessert, actually), and just might be worth a shot. Just make sure you get a spoonful of broth with each bite, and it just might be a-okay.

    (2)

  • Anne O.

    Pho Big Bowl never disappoints - the absolutely best thing is that they are MSG free! I have yet to find another pho place that is MSG free. Broth is amazing - ALWAYS hot, and I add the veggies and soft tofu to my #3 (round eye) to make it even better. The fresh rolls are also the best - always crisp ROMAINE (not iceberg) lettuce, green basil and cilantro, fresh shrimp and an added crispy fried doughnut inside makes it a must try. A lightly sweetened peanut sauce on the side sweetens the deal. I go here weekly - David the owner and his sister always welcome me with a smile.

    (5)

  • Emma N.

    My favorite is the #7..noodle soup with brisket and well done flank. Only $4.95 for a small (which fills me plenty), such a good deal!

    (5)

  • Ashley F.

    Delicious! There are not a lot of pho places that offer fully vegetarian pho (most broth is beef based), so my husband and I had resigned ourselves to Than Brothers being our only option. Thanks to the helpful hint from a Ballard local, we decided to try Pho Big Bowl. The service was quick and friendly, and although there were quite a few customers also enjoying lunch, the overall ambiance was quiet and laid back. We each ordered vegetarian pho and opted for the fried tofu (though we loved that there was also a choice for fresh), and we also ordered vegetarian spring rolls. The pho was piping hot, very fresh and fully satisfying. I appreciated how fresh the vegetables were, and the broth was much tastier than the vegetarian broth at Than Brothers. The real highlight, and the piece that made it a 5 star experience, was the spring rolls. They were so fresh, crunchy and delicious - and you can't beat the warm peanut dipping sauce. To top it all off, we each wanted a cup of hot tea since the weather outside was chilly and windy, and they happily obliged. The total check for two orders of Pho, tea (on the house) and spring rolls? Well under $20. We will definitely be back!

    (5)

  • Shamema S.

    Big Bowl is my go-to place when I just don't have the energy to make a meal. And for $5-7, it's cheaper than just about any meal I can make myself, anyway. It's 100% delicious. They have actual veggie pho with veggie broth. And the waitress knows my order. Plus they're open every day. Every single day. From 10 to 10. Pho for breakfast? Why yes, I think I will, thank you.

    (5)

  • Ella V.

    Not too shabby. Id go back. It was quick, clean, and did its job. We ordered Chicken Pho which was okay. I really liked the fresh veggie rolls the best, though. It had yummy satay sauce to dip your yummy veggie roll into. I even liked it so much that I spoon fed the left over peanut sauce into my pie hole. Take that, you guys. There's a super big bowl for 20 bucks that I think could feel a whole Irish Catholic family, if need be.

    (4)

  • L R.

    Two words: NO MSG...OK, so maybe that's more than two words, technically. We had a friend visiting who is allergic to MSG's and she ate here several times during her stay. The pho is delicious and the service is quick. My only beef with them is that you have to get a side order of extra meat to make it seem like enough (yes, pun intended).

    (4)

  • Holly G.

    Actually, I dunno if it's "Woohoo! As good as it gets"...because, I've never had Pho bepho. The closest I got to having authentic Vietnamese Cuisine was when the French bailed-out of the war they started in "Indo China"; back in 1949...and left it to us to be stupid enough to give it a go! I was in Paris, in 1971, and the city was overrun with Vietnamese Restaurants. I thought... "Hey! Previews of coming attractions for the U. S. A." So...NOW...I drive around my hometown, Seattle, and it's a tour of Thai Restaurant, Starbucks, Pho Restaurant, Starbucks, Thai Restaurant, Starbucks...Pho Restaurant...Starbucks...Pho Restaurant...ad infinitum. G R O A N I decided to try whatever Pho is...? Since I live in Ballard, I read the reviews on YELP. I decided to give Pho Big Bowl a shot. It's a nice and a bright place. Not any actual "character"...pretty stark. Everything you need is on the table...chopsticks, plastic Asian-style spoons. condiments, salt and pepper, napkins, enema bags...I mean everything! The server arrived immediately...with a plate of bean sprouts, fresh Thai Basil, and Jalapenos. I have no idea if the Jalapenos were Thai Jalapenos , or if that's a typical Pho enhancement. She made a point of having no eye contact. Strange. Everything they put in Pho is a vast array of stuff. Some of it is stuff we throw in the dumpster...like Tripe. I went the "safe route" and ordered the Chicken Noodle...hoping it was not going to be like Campbell's. I ordered the Medium Bowl,,,and it was BIG. BIG enough to feed a family of four...for a WEEK! The challenge is...how the hell do I consume this...??? I added a couple spoons of the red pepper sauce (LOVE IT!), tore up the basil leaves, and threw in the bean sprouts. Wow! This is a real meal! (I'm frightened because it's SO HUGE!!! Daunting!!!) I'm pretty adept with Chopsticks (they have the Chinese Blunt-end plastic ones) so, my plan was to use the chopsticks to load the spoon with noodles and dip the spoon into the broth. Good plan...except the noodles are more than a meter long and my arms couldn't raise them that high. I was hoping no one was watching...and I was sitting in a window seat. "Hi. I'm here for your amusement..." My darling server never returned to see how I was doing...so I was on my own. It was some tasty soup and not too salty. I managed to figure out how to consume it (NO! I'm NOT telling how I did it ...) and I was in a total sweat by the time I finally finished. So much liquid!!! I surmised that "the cutest server ever" was never going to return for the check...so I went back to pay. Still...no eye contact. (Boo hoo!) I gave her my Credit Card...using both hands. That did it! She looked at me and smiled. She returned the slip for me to sign...with both hands and I received it with both hands. We were communicating. SIGH! On the way out, I saw a guy eating(?) his noodles. He had a huge wad of them in his chopsticks and was just chowing down on them...and making some interesting sounds while he devoured his Pho...and he had the HUMONGOUS BOWL! I guess that's how you do it. His date watched in amazement and was not amused. It's a really nice place. Buon appetito! Addendum. I've returned 3 times. It's consistently great. The Spring Rolls are a meal in themselves and the best I've ever had. I tried The Monkey Bridge...which is "supposed" to be great. It sucked and was the most unsanitary experience I've ever witnessed in a restaurant. I actually reported them to the Health Dept. They only have one size of soup bowl...(large?), give 1/3 the amount of bean sprouts and basil...the broth is watery and bland, and their hot sauce is in some plastic ketchup type bottle that isn't even labeled. That's just the beginning of how BAD that place is...

    (4)

  • Tim M.

    This is one of the essential Pho places to go to because of the price and amount they give you. The service is always good and I always pass up a free soda for a free mango pudding. During the winter I practically live here while I'm sick. I also recommend this place because they are one of the few Pho places that doesn't add MSG to their soup. MSG makes me feel high and stupid tired, so its good that I don't need a coffee to cancel that side-effect. I used to go to pho than brothers a few blocks down until I heard bad things about them from a friend. Ever they opened I have been going here.

    (5)

  • Darbie M.

    I love Pho Big Bowl. I go t least once a week! The staff there are so nice, and they always know what I want! They're quick and the prices are awesome, you even get a free soft drink! I love this pho restaurant, I refuse to go anywhere else! The location is great too, and there's lots of tables. It's good for kids and adults alike, IT's just great!

    (5)

  • Amy H.

    Broth, best I've tasted. Layered, with depth of flavor. I twice tried to get the last drop! Service is American- style friendly; in some pho places, there's a cultural disconnect, and we misread cues that aren't meant to offend. Soda comes with your pho, for under $5! Clean, nice, delicious place! I now go here nearly every Monday night for takeout. Consistent and nice.

    (5)

  • Christine Z.

    +1 STAR for being around the corner from my house. I love the convenience! +1 STAR for having A friendly staff. Even though we've only done takeout here, the people are pleasant and have always greeted us with a smile. +1 STAR for serving yummy pho! I've

    (4)

  • John Paul S.

    I'm a theatre person and I have acted at the Ballard Underground a lot - which is just down the street from here. This place costs less than many fast food places, but the pho here is delicious and delivered very quickly. I would come to eat here before nearly every rehearsal and performance. Both servers recognized me every time and knew my regular order every time. I will always think fondly of this place. A very comfortable, clean environment where I could eat and center myself before going on stage. Plus, pho is very good for your throat and voice! I highly recommend Pho Big Bowl and will definitely return here if I ever end up doing a show in Ballard again!

    (5)

  • Tony G.

    It was alright, nothing to write home about. And yes, I do write home about food. Had the chicken pho, which was ok. The chicken seemed to be a tad bit dry but the broth was pretty good. They also give you a free soda which is a plus (hence, making 3 three star rating into a 4 star) and a big ass bowl for $20. That bowl is so big you can swim in it. That bowl is so big it can't wear an X jacket cause helicopters kept landing on its back. That bowl is so big it uses a jungle gym for a walker. That bowl is so big it has to buy clothes by the acre. That bowl is so big when it stands up the sun goes out. Zipzap Zubidy Bop!

    (4)

  • Janet B.

    I love this place! The pho is fantastic and tastes so much more authentic than these "pho chains". I won't lie, the broth is what makes it so good!

    (5)

  • Howie R.

    My sister and I both got a bowl of chicken pho and we shared the shrimp spring rolls. The pho was honestly the best pho I've ever had. Nothing too different from other good pho I've had on the Ave, but this just tasted fresh and clean. The shrimp spring rolls were great too. Good vibes, reasonable price, and nice customer service.

    (5)

  • Terri L.

    Within walking distance, reasonable prices, NO MSG, yummy Pho, and spring rolls! I love Pho Big Bowl!!! This has been my go-to place for a while now and from all the reviews, I'm not the only one. The soup is clean, flavorful and not overly salted. There is a good portion of meat with your bowl of noodle soup, and you can always add more. Might I note that it's surprisingly hard to find decent spring rolls (not fried) in the city, and Pho Big Bowl does not disappoint with theirs. One order comes with four large spring rolls, filled with shrimp, rice noodles, mint, lettuce, and the crunchy stick! The crunchy stick (I think it's a fried rice wrapper) is the key to a good spring roll, and the warm peanut sauce to boot! I've been known to come in solely for the spring rolls. The restaurant is clean, the staff is super friendly, and I have never had a bad experience here. Free soda or mango pudding with your order is a nice little treat. There are always customers in here, so you know that this place is good. I'm waiting to see someone take on the Big Bowl Challenge.

    (5)

  • Elizabeth T.

    After eating here twice I can safely say I like them more than Pho Than Brothers, even though the latter has been my favorite cheap food place for the last year. The broth here is simply more flavorful, and that I think is a defining difference. They also have a ridiculous super bowl size for 19.95 that is twice my head size. I'd very much like to see a single person finish that bowl! I would've given it 5 stars, except I've been spoiled by free cream puffs and they do not even make cream puffs here ....oh well.

    (4)

  • Jimmy N.

    This is one of the few pho places where a large bowl means "pretty friggin large." The banh mi (pork of course) is delicious. The spring rolls have a fried stick of rice paper in them that give them an interesting texture. Definitely a game changer. A good, cheap meal...with free soda.

    (5)

  • Claudio F.

    Wow! Seattle has many choices for pho, with all of the usual stereotypes - overly salty, reduced broth, gristly meat, and rude or non-existant service. Big bowl stands out because it has none of these: the staff is friendly, the soup is always fresh and tasty. Vegetarian friendly, too. They've recently added banh mi sandwiches and vermicelli salad bowls to the mix, and everything from the grill is delicious!

    (5)

  • Laura L.

    This is one of my go to Pho places in the city. Go here! Free soda, and the best value in town. Extensive non-pho menu as well.

    (5)

  • Diana E.

    A coworker comes here at least once per week so I had to give it a try today. It was pretty dang tasty! The Big Bowl is aptly named; I ordered a medium and couldn't even finish all the beef in the bowl. The soup is fresh & tasty and there's a good ratio of beef to noodles to broth. You can also order extras of anything (like if you want extra noodles in your soup - I think it costs less than $1) - a great plan because my medium bowl would have easily been two full meals if I'd had just a few more noodles. You also get a can of soda included in your lunch special - nice touch! Right on Market St - easy walking distance from pretty much anywhere in Ballard. Do yourself a favor & stop by!

    (4)

  • C K.

    Love this place! Consistently delicious and inexpensive pho. Also always get their chrysanthemum tea.

    (4)

  • Sharon C.

    great, fresh, cheap. DELICIOUS.

    (5)

  • Andy B.

    Delicious and fresh and an easy neighborhood go to place for comfort food. Spring rolls are good, the broth is not too salty, and the service is quick. During the winter, we go way too often, but its tough too beat, even in a city full of Vietnamese places.

    (4)

  • erica r.

    I've tried the veggie pho here once. It is very good and the prices are definitely great. However, the pho just isn't quite as good as Than Brothers. But, it's nice that they have other things than just pho on the menu -- maybe next time I'll give the bahn mi a shot.

    (4)

  • Meshel H.

    Delicious pho. We eat here at least a couple times a week. Pretty friendly service for a pho place, no MSG, and a free can of soda. The spring rolls are tasty, the egg rolls are just okay. But for me, its the pho that is important. Parking can be difficult, and we sometimes have to walk quite a ways, but its worth it. Much better than the unfriendly service at Than Bros down the street. And they seem to always be open (Christmas, New Years, etc.)

    (5)

  • Amara D.

    You get your choice of 5 (or was it 6?!) portion sizes. A medium is what I would generally call standard in the world of pho. Then there is the BIG BOWL, I can hardly believe anyone would even attempt to eat that thing as it is Super Big. The meal was tasty! The meatball pho was excellent from the broth to the well executed floating ingredients. My guy got the thinly cut beef and his meal (especially the broth) was also very nice. There was also a big plate of the usual suspect add-ons: lime, basil, bean shoots, and peppers. Also as a thank you for choosing the restaurant you also get your choice or free mango pudding or soda. ("Pro-tip": It would turn out that if you can wait the small pudding is a great way to end the meal!) If you do not go the soda route it is also worthwhile to note that there are a number of hot tea options... You will not run low on liquids at this establishment! This is a really clean restaurant too, the interior is freshly painted (with a green I really enjoyed) and, in standard Ballard fashion, there are high-chairs for the kids. Lastly, I would like to note that they were open late on a Sunday which is how I ended up there and I really think it was worth the long drive from downtown. Tasty, Clean, and with Great Prices that have Free Perks attached, I'm a fan.

    (5)

  • Elaine K.

    Meh. The pho was only 'ok'. Not as flavorful as I would've liked. The upside is that this restaurant is almost always pretty empty so there wouldn't be a wait to be seated.

    (3)

  • Rachel C.

    This is our go-to Pho spot, we eat here at least once a week. It's super cheap, quick, and delicious! It's everything a good Pho place should be, and the broth is fabulous. I always get the tofu pho, which is great, and recently they've started doing the "Pho Big Bowl roll", a spring roll with fake meat and some crunchy yumminess that is really tasty. Plus you get a coke or a mango pudding free with any bowl of pho, which is always nice.

    (4)

  • Ning S.

    I love the sandwich! The pho is a bit above the average though. Still recommend this place. AND a free soda does come with any order of any variety of pho.

    (4)

  • Darcy H.

    I hate it when 3-stars feels like a put-down. But really, Pho Big Bowl is fine. If I lived super close, this might be my spot. But otherwise, it's just your basic no complaints, okay flavor, service is fine, food arrives hot, bathroom is clean, kind of place. They can't all be Green Leaf.

    (3)

  • Allison F.

    Pho Big Bowl was one of the first pho places I tried when I moved to Seattle. I loved it the first time and it has remained my favorite pho spot ever since. I've tried the pho tai, pho ga, and pho chay and all are equally amazing. The ingredients are fresh, and broth is hot and flavorful, and the noodles are are served in the perfect portion (I can also tell they're cooked to order because they are never stuck together in a giant heap at the bottom of my bowl). The service is extremely fast, and no matter how busy the restaurant gets I am always able to find a seat.

    (5)

  • Tracy C.

    No cream puff needed. Phat pho with stay-hot broth, thick noodles that don't get mushy, and tender beef makes this place a staple of mine. I don't even get the free drink or mango pudding -- no room! I can't even phinish my pho! Totally beats Than Brothers and all the others. Best bet for pho in all of Ballard!

    (5)

  • Kelly M.

    The flavor of this Pho broth is the best we have had from Pho shops in Seattle. The quality of the beef and the way it's sliced on the eye of round is wonderful. Very clean, spartan place, excellent service... we will become regulars and are craving their Pho like crazy.

    (5)

  • Melly B.

    This is my favorite pho place! Quick, friendly service, great pho, great prices, and you even get a free soft drink with your order. They have a variety of sizes from small to the "big bowl" which is way more than one person could eat. Also, their veggie spring rolls are amazing. If you like pho, you have to try Pho Big bowl.

    (5)

  • Michelle F.

    I am a pho fanatic. Phonatic. Needless to say, I eat a LOT of pho. I am forever seeking the best bowl around. Pho Big Bowl was pretty good! I can't say it's the best pho. But what you can expect is: - Good broth - A hefty serving of meat (my hunny couldn't even finish all his beef (and apparently the meatballs are good, though I can't bring myself to eating those weird little processed things)). - Plenty of basil and beansprouts - Hoisen, and both Sri Racha (cock sauce) as well as the chili flakes in chili oil (my favorite! it adds a unique flavor you can only really get with this accoutrement). - A fair price - Fast service My only complaint was that the noodles weren't quite there. But that's more of a personal preference on what kind of noodles I like, and how hot the broth is when it goes in (i.e. how much saltiness is able to absorb into the noodles before it's served). Overall, win. I would totally go back. And for any serious piggies, they offer a "Pho Big Bowl" which is probably two or three times the size of an XL for $20. It is so insanely big that even I couldn't comprehend anyone ordering it. Ever. Not even the Man vs Food guy.

    (4)

  • Brenda X.

    Best pho and spring rolls in the city. No MSG. What more could you ask for?

    (5)

  • May N.

    We were thrilled to see that a new Pho establishment had opened up near our house to compete with Than Brothers down the street. Needless to say, we decided to stop by to give them a try. Their Pho was pretty decent. (My standards are high since I'm a Vietnamese who has had more than my fair share of Pho in Vietnam as well as in Little Saigon.) Although the service was friendly, our waiter made too many mistakes with our order. First, we had asked for soft drinks to go with our meal (as part of their special promo) but the waiter brought us 2 mango puddings. We ended up ordering 2 soft drinks as a result. (They were 80 cents each so it wasn't a big deal.) Then our Pho came and I had ordered #6 and ended up getting a #1 and my husband ordered a #15 and ended up getting a #14. (We noticed the missing ingredients.) That was a bit of a disappointment but we finished our Pho anyway. I really would like to give Pho Big Bowl a better rating but our first visit was less than stellar. However, we hope to return again in the future and perhaps our experience will improve the next time around.

    (2)

  • Megan R.

    I dare you to eat the big bowl... DOUBLE DARE YOU! But really has anyone ever ordered that thing? The place is clean, never busy and the staff is always friendly. Its pretty comparable to Than Brothers down the street. The broth is tasty! The only thing I would say is that they don't give you as much meat as other places, so if you like your Pho meaty - get extra! The spring rolls are a great way to start out the meal, and hey - who is gonna argue with a free soda?

    (4)

  • Lisa C.

    It's convenient, it's affordable, it's mediocre. The depth of flavor of the broth wasn't there. The meat all looked the same. There just wasn't anything special about the pho to make me want to come back here. The redeeming qualities: very nice service, though we finally had to get up and tell them we wanted to pay and leave, and the lemonade is actually made from lemons and tastes great. Won't be going back.

    (2)

  • agirleats R.

    This place is my staple. I can seriously say I eat here once a week. They have some of the best veggie pho I have ever allowed to cross my lips. Also, their fresh rolls are fantastic. Always quick and friendly service. Love the new little dessert option for us non-pop drinkers. Very happy to have Pho Big Bowl so close to my home. This place is everything a Pho restaurant should be.

    (5)

  • Britt R.

    5 stars. It makes the best pho I have ever had, in my life. We sometimes go 3 times a week!

    (5)

  • Danielle H.

    I've been three times this week! Wonderful veggie pho with LOTS of veggies and tofu. Mushroom, broccoli, carrot, etc. So there is a bunch going on. Clean, but almost too clean where it smells like cleaning products in there, which keeps me from giving 5 stars. If you are looking for cream puff, go elsewhere, but they offer a free soda or mango pudding option at big bowl. I love the staff- they are friendly and cheerful always. Weekly staple!

    (4)

  • Sara S.

    Friendly staff, no mirror lined walls or fluorescent lights. They even refill your water!! As a former Than Bros regular, I've made the switch to Big Bowl. You get more broth, a variety of veggies, and a free pop at a cheaper price than what you get across the street. They are super nice and even gave me the cool plastic spoons to take home with my to-go order for free when I asked if I could buy them. :o) Yum yum yum. My favorite place. Pho-sho.

    (5)

  • kim h.

    i friggin love this place! the broth is fantastic. super sweet staff. super fast. no msg! derlicious!

    (5)

  • Jocelyn H.

    Service is great, food is yummy, even the veggie tofu. But we really go here for the spring rolls, they are the best here! For an added bonus it comes with a free soda!

    (5)

  • chris d.

    Here I was, thinking that Than Brothers was the only decent pho place in Ballard. I kept going there, watching the cleanliness of the place and friendliness of the staff decline each time I visited. But I kept telling myself it was worth it for the pho and the cream puff. Then I tried Big Bowl. Who knew that there was a clean, tastefully decorated restaurant, with staff that wasn't rude to customers just down the street? Add to this the fact that the pho is WAY better than the aforementioned restaurant, and you got yourself a winner. Add to this the restrooms (which are actually IN the restaurant - no holding onto a grubby key attached to a mustard bottle!) are private and well-kept.. Well, that's a grand slam. Do yourself a favor and go to Big Bowl. You might miss the cream puff, but believe me, it's worth leaving behind.

    (5)

  • Christopher M.

    Pretty boring Bowl. Inattentive staff. Slow service. Limited menu.

    (2)

  • Calvin M.

    Big bowl of Pho for $6.45. And it came with a soda or mango jello. Good portions and the Pho was above average. Three spring rolls for $4 and they were very good size. It was good value and good quality. The only knock on this place is that they have a limited selection of food item. Otherwise great place to eat. I'll be going back.

    (4)

  • lydia g.

    The pho here warms the soul on a cold day. I have been here three times within a two week period-- every time my pho has been excellent. I have only tried the small vegetarian pho, which is loaded with lots of fresh veggies. I suppose I should branch out and try something else, but the veggie pho is just so dang good. I am quite curious about the extra large size, because the small is a hearty portion that fills me up.

    (4)

  • Patrick W.

    Local to Ballard, they feature a bowl of Pho so big you could drown in. Great for Take out. It is clean, well lit and a nice place to eat in as well. No fish tanks but you always get a free soda with every order. The people who work there are very nice. I visit every week or so.

    (4)

  • Megan S.

    I think I'm one of the few that were actually excited to see Pho Big Bowl move onto Market Street. Right next to Ann's...ouch! Well, Ann's pho sux and Than Bros are jerks and I'm an avid pho fan so I was tremendously happy to see this move into my neighborhood. The veggie pho actually has veggies in it! Yay! And I thought the fried tofu was pretty darn good too--more sweet than I've had. There wasn't as much quantity-wise, but you always get full off pho so not a deal breaker. The boyfriend got the meatball pho and I sampled a bit (I'm not a vege, just like veges) and I was pleasantly surprised at the taste. I thought they were better than most. The broth is about the same as Than Bros--not much flavor on its own, but just add your basil, hot stuff and lime and you're good to go. We also tried the spring rolls which were heavenly! Sure, they don't have the cute lil' cream puff, but that's just fluff anyway. Good deal. I will most definitely be back.

    (4)

  • Daniel J.

    Best chicken pho I've had.

    (5)

  • Pony C.

    I'm going to say the pho is a 3. If I want good pho I go to other places but as my neighborhood pho place it's pretty decent. Service is quick and friendly and their prices are very good. The free soda is a definite plus. It's comparable to Than Bros but I feel like Big Bowl is a much better value. Also, I feel like I get more noodles at Big Bowl. Every time I go to Than Bros I have to order extra noodles - not so at Big Bowl. That gets it the fourth star.

    (4)

  • Abby W.

    This Pho place is so good and the price is even better. Quick, clean, and cheap! Much better than Pho Than Bros down the street. Ick!

    (4)

  • Jon S.

    I absolutely love this place. I have been to about fifty pho joints throughout Seattle and this is still one of my favorites. The people are extremely friendly and nice and the pho is consistent and great. Pho big bowl is one of the few places that can get me out of bed when I'm really hungover.

    (4)

  • Nolan H.

    Their pho is just as good if not better than Than Brothers. The broth is very tasty and the quality of meat is on par with the finest pho establishments in Seattle. These guys get four stars for the addition of a free soda with every bowl of pho. It might not seem like much to most, but a free soda goes a long way with this guy. 4 stars, Pho Big Bowl. You earned it for going the extra mile.

    (4)

  • Darcy P.

    Completely delicious. Big portions, great flavors, and super cheap. This is one of the best takeout options in Ballard. I always get the vegetarian, and it never disappoints with satisfying flavorfulness. The spring rolls are fantastic, just like the ones we always get at Tamarind Tree only a lot cheaper.

    (5)

  • Heather B.

    My favorite Pho in Seattle! Delicious vegetarian option with hearty veggies and a very flavorful broth (lots of cilantro, onions, and no MSG). Yum!

    (5)

  • Jeff S.

    Seattle has an ample supply of pho joints, but Pho BB is really nice to have in the neighborhood. I think people underestimate the complexity and labor that goes into making the broth, whether meat stock or veggie. The veggie pho here is really nice, noodles were cooked just right. Very friendly family service. Try it.

    (4)

  • Kelly H.

    Quick! Friendly! Delicious! And its ALWAYS the Grand Opening which means free soda or mango pudding! The portions are huge, the service is prompt and friendly. They do not have seafood pho but they did add shrimp to my veggie pho on request. You can also add extra broth, or noodles, or whatever you want. Extremely affordable! The decor is tacky, which even adds to its charm. I love this place!

    (4)

  • Jessica C.

    My husband and I just moved to Seattle. In two weeks, we have been to Pho Big Bowl twice! We did try another pho place just to have a comparison...conclusion, we decided Pho Big Bowl is the better option! The fresh spring rolls have generous amount of noodles and prawns. The peanut dipping sauce is served warm, different from other pho places. They will serve you more dipping sauce (warm!) if you need. The pho soup is clear yet flavorful. Not greasy at all. This place serves only pho noodles, they do not serve other viet dishes like the pork chop with rice stuff. Staff are efficient and friendly.

    (4)

  • Stan F.

    Here is a statistical summary of our experience at Pho Big Bowl in Ballard: 1) Portion size---Huge! (5 stars) 2) Beef Pho--Broth above average beefy-rich with star anise (4 stars), Beef quality (3 stars) 3) Free soda or mango pudding--(5 stars) 4) Vegetarian Pho--wife had this and she liked a lot (4.5 stars)...really low cal, especially when have the noodles on the side and add as much or little as needed...We do prefer soft tofu to fried tofu...Broth is lite. 5) Hours---They stay open late (5 stars) Overall score: 4.41

    (4)

  • Armen S.

    I'm not a pho expert, so I'm not going to throw down 5 stars - I just don't know enough. But this place is great. Instant friendly service, clean and bright, large portions (I was hungry, and a small was just fine), delicious broth, fresh toppings on the side (basil, sprouts), and inexpensive. I'll be back here. PS Gotta love the permanent Grand Opening sign. :)

    (4)

  • Danielle L.

    I love this place. Veggie Pho is fantastic. It is always fresh, quick, clean, and inviting. I have brought others here and now they are hooked like I am. I give the nice couple who runs Pho Big Bowl a lot of credit for making me dream of their delicious broth, crisp veggies and slurpy noodles! I love it. I think I might get some today.

    (4)

  • Meerim I.

    Finally, the perfect pho that is not loaded with MSG and oil. The chicken is soft, not dried out like most places, the perfect combo of noodles and broth. The broth is always piping hot. It's a family run place, clean, simple and great service. Prices are great too. The best vegetarian spring rolls with warm peanut dipping sauce. The greens for the soup are always fresh and plenty.

    (5)

  • Gina N.

    Super friendly workers, of course after they brought the food they don't bother me because I'm enjoying the food, no one wants to be bothered while slurping it down! Quick service. The atmosphere was nice, not too noisy. The restaurant was very soothing and pretty to look at. I love how their bathrooms are so spacey and CLEAN. It's pretty nice in there too. The pho was great! The Small bowl was even too much for me! There was plenty of flavor. I've been here a lot of times and they always get my order right. What I love about this place is the free soda or mango pudding. I LOVE the mango pudding!! It's so tasty. They have the best spring rolls and sauce. I get it all the time. I would definitely recommend that. Out of all of the pho restaurants I've been to, this one would definitely be the best one. & I've been to A LOT (being Vietnamese and all), I would not settle for any other pho restaurants but this one. All of the other pho restaurants taste weird ever since I've discovered Pho Big Bowl's pho. The owner is really nice too, I ate here late one day and I saw him ask a homeless that was hanging out on the side walk if he wanted anything to eat. He gave him freshly made spring rolls AND $20, that's super generous! I come here so often, they always greet me by my name and they already know what I'm going to order.

    (5)

  • Corey G.

    Pro: HUGE PORTIONS! Cheap prices. Plenty of sides/fix-ins. Free soda. Delicious pho. Con: Parking (it's Ballard...), no endless fix-ins (like "Time For Pho" in Magnolia). Pho Big Bowl has a great selection for portion sizes. You can get their Ultra Jumbo bowl, which could probably feed 4 hungry people; it's crazy. They also give you a free soda or mango pudding, but I always snag the Coke. Great broth, always piping hot.

    (4)

  • Allison C.

    Oh my god this place is awesome. Their lemonade is homemade and DELICIOUS. The pho is totally great, though the brisket is better than the rare steak. It's all gravy here. I moved here less than a month ago and could not be happier to frequent this pho-eria.

    (5)

  • Elisa C.

    For the vegetarians out there: the pho comes with ample fresh broccoli, mushrooms, and carrots, all cooked al dente, their colors still gleaming brightly (and the broth is vegetarian too). The spring rolls can be prepared with tofu instead of shrimp upon request and are very tasty, with dipping sauce bearing a pleasing hint of coconut. They also offer a choice of fried or fresh tofu. And the prices are cheap. Aside from the food, the service is attentive and friendly. The decor and lighting are a little too new and stiff (they did just open), but earthy tones of the walls offsets that a bit. Bye-bye Than Bros.

    (4)

  • Lisa N.

    Since my last visit to the Ballard Than Brothers was disappointing, I decided to try Pho Big Bowl despite its awkward FOB-alicious name (seriously, can you read it without hearing a middle-aged Vietnamese man's voice in your head? Try it). Upon walking in I figured out immediately why they chose that name-- for $19.95 you actually order the big bowl, and let me tell you-- it's HUGE. Like a few litres at least. Since I didn't want to be rolled out of there like Violet Beauregarde I went with a simple small bowl. One thing I don't understand about Seattle pho places is the belief that filling up a bowl to the brim with broth and throwing in a small handful of noodles is going to make eating an easy task. I won't complain, however, since my bowl was satisfactory and came with enough beef to keep me happy. The broth was tastier than most of the rest, but it wasn't complex enough to make it into my favourites list (although I'm biased since my mother makes the best pho ever. EVER). Lastly, and this is perhaps my favourite aspect of Big Bowl, instead of the typical free cream puff (another Seattle pho thing-- I've never seen this anywhere else), they offer a free soda or a free mango pudding with your meal!

    (4)

  • Meghan G.

    While in Seattle I discovered pho. Something that is not on every street corner in the fine city of Baltimore so I had never known how awesome it could be on any given occasion. After spending some time in Seatown and stopping by every place with the word "pho" in the name until I had noodled myself out, I have found big bowl is simply the best. Whether I eat in or carry out, they always take about 5 minutes to get your food to you and they give you every possibly fixing you could want. The veggie pho with fresh tofu is my personal favorite, but other options I have tried here never disappointed. In addition to their cheap prices they offer you a free soda or mango pudding with you meal. The couple that owns the place is super sweet and always appreciative of your business. I wish they would open a location in Baltimore, that way my rainy day lunches would be complete.

    (5)

  • christopher r.

    Our first venture to this newer Pho restaurant was disappointing. They managed to get both our orders wrong, both for the soup and the drinks. Service was lackadaisical at best even though there were only four tables seated. The soup itself was, well, "meh". It lacked sufficient herb and spice seasoning but was too salty. The meat, condiments, and veggie add-ins were of decent quality, but nothing exceptional. In a crowded field, Big Bowl fails to make an impression other than, "nah, let's go somewhere else."

    (2)

  • Anastasia M.

    I love trying out Pho Ga in different Pho places. So, when I was in the area, Sunday night, looking for something open. There is was, on Yelp. I called in my order, and it was ready by the time I got there. Their Pho is great. With a hint of cinnamon and fresh ingredients. One of good Pho places around.

    (4)

  • M K.

    Still awesomeness, and the mango pudding is back!

    (5)

  • Nancy L.

    I have been a fan since the day they opened their doors. Love that they have free soda or choice of a desert that is so mango yummy. My favorite is the veggie Pho that has great flavor and lots of veggies. Dave , Duke and the crew are so friendly and quick with the food. As I have been a avid Pho eater this is by far my favorite and it is conveniently located right in Ballard.

    (4)

  • Nathan R.

    Great pho and cheap!!! Very nice, respectful staff and quick service!

    (5)

  • ash w.

    I wasn't too sure about Pho Big Bowl moving into Ballard, right next to Ann's and down the street from Than Bros. I tried it any way and was very pleasantly surprised! The Pho was delicious, I love that they have more than Pho on their menu and the service was extremely friendly! I've been going to Than Bros for quite some time but it lacks a few things I look for in a restaurant; friendly service, good menu, clean establishment. The only thing they have the Big Bowl doesn't are those yummy cream puffs. I'll definitely be back to Pho Big Bowl.

    (4)

  • Ginger N.

    The veggie pho comes with fresh or fried tofu - nice to have the choice! There are a nice assortment of veggies - broccoli, carrot, mushroom, onion and of course the condiments too. Free beverage or pudding. Great friendly service. Spring rolls are excellent. A favorite Ballard restaurant. Excellent value for the money.

    (5)

  • Brent T.

    I joined Yelp specifically so I can write a review about this place. My friend and I would go to a different pho shop once a week in search for the "best" pho. We've visited shops from Lynwood to Tacoma. We believed we've found our favorite place in Ballard. If you are a pho lover who enjoys great broth, this is your place! The broth is tasty and not oily. And for you vegetable pho lovers, they actually use vegetable broth, not beef or chicken broth like the others! Plus, the restaurant is really clean, largely because every employee who works there is part of the family. They take great pride in their work. They are relatively new and located further down on Market Street. They also offer free soft drinks. Anyways, they are definitely worth a try. Much much better than Tran Bros, you will see!

    (5)

  • Heather L.

    Yuuum! Fresh, warm, delicious! I have never been so impressed by pho before. And the yummy, refreshing mango pudding - heavenly. Highly recommended.

    (4)

  • Ashley T.

    The free soda or mango pudding is a nice touch but I was most excited about the different size pho bowls. I can never finish a normal sized bowl so I got the small here and it was perfect. Tasty too. I also loved the shrimp spring rolls. There was something crunchy in there which was great and the peanut sauce was warm. Very good!

    (4)

  • Gary C.

    If you like yourself a big bowl of really good Pho at a great price head here. The food is great but not exceptional and the inside is clean and well kept. Service is FAST. Best deal for good Pho in town.

    (4)

  • Brandy B.

    I love this place I love this place I love this place... I started to give them 4 stars but I can't think of one thing I don't like about this place- so 5 it is! Granted I'm a pho and spring rolls kind of gal. Now if you're a Seattleite you probably love pho and Than Brothers is an easy option for any meal or in-between meal of the day (who can resist their cream puffs?) and their mellow broth is perfect for doctoring yourself. BUT if you really want to get past the plain and have more then this is the place to come. I mean both places are on the same street and I find myself here 3 times more often than I do at Than. Big Bowl's pho is good, and we know there are a few good pho places out there (and a lot of bad ones) but Pho Big Bowl has a few things that put their pho over the top on the good list: No msg anywhere, some specifics below on the pho and AMAZING SPRING ROLLS. But these crunchy (I just learned fried wanton) *delicious* spring rolls that come with one of the best peanut sauces I've ever tasted and if you have that friend or are that friend who considers themselves the "connoisseur" of pho (and it might just be me) then I am the connoisseur of peanut sauce and spring rolls. Their pho tai is good, the broth has a nice flavor that isn't overpowered by scents that well don't belong. They don't skimp on any garnishes (I can actually hold the lime in my dainty fingers!) and the meat is rare and yummy when it comes out! Oh almost forgot to mention, they come back around through the restaurant and "glance-check" on you- fill your water if you need it- grab you a box (for that time where you may have ordered the moon when you came in by yourself because you were starving...) So the main points: Best Spring rolls hands down. One of the best peanut sauces I've had (and I could live on spring rolls and peanut sauce). Pho Tai is very good, flavorful but mellow msg-free broth, with good soup proportions and garnishes. (no major floral overtones in the broth- I'm not into that, but if that's what you want seek else where.) Pretty quick service and friendly people. And as others have mentioned free pop or pudding Oh! One con: Their fresh lemonade wasn't as sweet and lemon-y as I'm used to at Vietnamese restaurants it felt like it was just lacking something. Not terrible, still okay just not great or anything.

    (5)

  • Dennis M.

    Best bowl of Pho that I have had in Seattle outside of Jackson Street in the Int'l District. We had medium sized bowls with flank, brisket and tendon. Perfect ratio of meat, noodles and broth. The noodles were cooked perfectly and were fresh. The broth had a deep flavor that the other Pho shops in Ballard are missing. It's clear that they use lots of meat and bones to extract this flavor into the broth. We had a side of egg rolls that were tasty and traditional Vietnamese filling. The only thing we still need to try is the Vietnamese coffee before giving this place the trifecta of happiness. Also the prices were very reasonable for a restaurant on Market Street. We left with two full bellies for less than $20. Go and visit when you need a little warmth and love for the belly. Pho Big Bowl is currently open 7 days a week from 10am to 11pm. Did I mention they have a gallon+ sized bowl of Pho for $19.95? I can see Man vs. Food paying a visit to this establishment in the near future.

    (4)

  • Ken Y.

    Have enjoyed their veggie pho a few times now, and their mango pudding is a nice touch--fruity flavor and not overly sweet. Last time I was at Big Bowl, my eyes were bigger than my stomach, and I ordered some tofu salad rolls, too. Sure, they offered the usual rice-paper wrapperful of flavors and textures, but they had an extra magical crispiness from the deep-fried sticks of rolled rice paper (I think?) wrapped inside. Brilliant touch! Pleasant service, too...

    (5)

  • Irene P.

    Inexpensive, quick, delicious, generous portions--it's so good, the only improvement they could make would be to be in my kitchen. Just plain wonderful.

    (5)

  • Makoto L.

    If you are looking for an affordable msg high this is the place to go. The broth is good, but not great. Lots of flavor but the kind that gives you the shakes. I went on a cold windy wet Seattle afternoon and it was served far too hot. I gave it a stir, blow, and as much time as it took for them to bring me my big bowl and still burnt my mouth. I will give them credit for an ample amount of meat for a medium, but I much prefer the cream puffs at Than's than the mango pudding.

    (2)

  • Scotty T.

    PHO. simple(usually) tasty(hopefully) warm(great in the cold). BIG BOWL PHO does not mess with these constants in culinary law. More or less a non-descript eatery, its not "fancy" or upscale but isnt a msuty hole either. its also well kept, and CLEAN which is nice. BIG BOWL PHO delivers where it counts: Flavor. Broth is good and not overly salty, portions are VERY filling, and VERY reasonable($). Seriously, my Medium could easily be a Large anywhere else, and good lord who could order (and finish) their XL bowl?? no way! LOL Good amounts of meat included, nice balanced portion of noodles to broth, and with extra meat(also, GREAT prices -- .80? that would be $3 in So-Cal) it was very decent meal. 3 of us had the #4(brisket and round steak) and 2 of us had the #10(brisket, round steak and flank). We also tried the egg rolls, which were very decent -- crispy outside, not "soggy" with grease, piping hot inside with good amounts of shrimp/pork/veggies all ground together. the "usual" sides are all ready on your table and ready to go: bean sprount, fresh herbs and limes. want extra? wait staff was very accomodating and very friendly. only down side of course is it's right on Market street, so parking is always a challenge. This is very close to my dad's Marina though, and my next trip back to Seattle I'd plan on stopping in again, maybe trying the spring rolls in addition another PHO offering.

    (4)

  • Dan K.

    9:30 and all of the pho places I like best are closed. Out of desperation, I gave Big Bowl a try and wow. They really outperform their bare-bones interior look. Great broth that just tastes clean and meat cuts that aren't very fatty. To top it off, you get a free mango custard which is really great to end the meal with. I might actually default to this new place!

    (4)

  • Ellie N.

    I love Pho Big Bowl! Tasty pho, very clean dinning area and wonderful owners. This is my go-to place when I need my pho-fix.

    (5)

  • A'dje D.

    This place is amazing!!! The prices are sooooo reasonable and they give you a good portion. The Medium bowl is only around 5 bucks and its the standard size for pho most everywhere else. Plus, they give you a free pop or pudding with your order. I will definitely be coming back on a regular basis when i'm up in ballard.

    (5)

  • Agnes K.

    Broke in the big bowl!! Four people, could have fed eight! Twenty dollar bill. After the Ballard art walk, Pho Big Bowl was one of a few restaurants open after 9pm or open without a 40 minute wait. We'd been drinking wine on the art walk, which may have led to the choice of ordering the gallon+ big bowl of Pho. It was HUGE.....gallon+ seems about right. What a deal for four people to leave so full (and able to eat only about 2/3 of it) and for the bill to come out to $20. The wait staff (a friendly bunch) were pretty excited about the big bowl; apparently we are the first group to have dared order this monstrous bowl. They said they have the bowl available only because of the restaurant's name! The pho itself was average to good; not over- or underwhelming. It's not a pho place I would go out of my way to seek out but if I was in the Ballard area and was hungry again and wanted something warm and quick, I would definitely pop in again for the big bowl. Though, for four people, if you really want to share, two x-large bowls would have been plenty big and the cost would have been closer to $14, an even cheaper option for four people!

    (3)

  • Eugene C.

    This is the place I come when I am in Ballard and pho than brothers is too busy or if I feel like having chicken pho. It is good, cheap, and a bowl of pho comes with a free soda or mango pudding. The beef pho is good but not as good as pho than in my opinion. Their chiken pho is better than pho than brothers, because they use real shredded chicken, not the deli meat. Service is fast and friendly.

    (3)

  • Genuine Chief P.

    Why ruin the good taste of Pho' by having a soda instead of water?

    (4)

  • J J.

    It is very much like a typical pho restaurant, but their food is msg-free and you can tell the difference. Their soup tastes cleaner.

    (4)

  • S B.

    Good, reliable Pho!

    (4)

  • Peter K.

    My buddy told me about this place and it's generous portions, I wasn't disappointed. And the pho was good too! Medium was about 6 bucks and it came with a drink. Didn't finish it because of how much was given. Will eat there again.

    (4)

  • Beth O.

    Having been to a good number of pho restaurants in the Seattle area now, I can safely say that Pho Big Bowl is solid. Good prices, decent meat, tasty broth, and the bonus of a soda/mango dessert is a plus too. The small family-owned Pho Bac in the International District (accept no imitators) is still the best, but Pho Big Bowl is a great second choice (especially since they're open later).

    (4)

  • Alex M.

    Pho Big Bowl is AMAZING! I was recently introduced to this fantastic spot in the Ballard neighborhood and will be a return customer for as long as they are around. The portions are great for the prices (about 5.95 for a medium which is very filling, and $1 more for extra meat if you come hunger like I tend to).The waitstaff is also extremely friendly and the food comes very quickly if you happen to be in a rush. The pho is not the only thing to try,either, this place has some of the most amazing spring rolls(fresh not fried) that I have ever tasted and the peanut sace that comes with is delicious! Bottom line is that if you are looking for pho in Ballard, dont even think about the Than brothers, treat yourself right and head to Pho Big Bowl.

    (5)

  • elizabeth L.

    Move over Than Brothers! This pho is so yummy, the broth is not to salty and the mango pudding is a nice finish. I also love that pho is not the only thing on the menu. Their fresh rolls are delicious and a great value for the price. Everyone that works there is really friendly and makes going to Than Brothers feel like a trip to the soup nazi.

    (5)

  • Seth L.

    The soup flavor is alright. I have had better, and worse (within walking distance of this place). The meats are fine. The service is quick and to the point. The price isn't bad. It's actually a rather stable and dependable place for some pho, but I wouldn't say it's fantastic.

    (3)

  • Hunter O.

    so first off let me say i am not a pho fan...i came home sick on day and the wife made me eat pho for lunch..guess what i found at big bowl pho.. i found out that pho is not so bad.. there broth was good and the meat was good and the noodles where good. i am still not huge pho lover but this place sure opened my eyes to what good pho can taste like.

    (4)

  • Rita V.

    What can I say? Being a resident of Ballard, I only have two real choices when it comes to local pho: Than Brothers and Big Bowl. After hearing only bad things about Than Brothers from every person I know, I decided to wait until Big Bowl opened and see what they had to offer. The verdict? I LOVE PHO BIG BOWL! Their veggie pho is awesome; so full of veggies! I always get it with fried tofu, and 9 times out of 10, its totally perfect. Even on an occasional off day, its still damn good. My absolute favorite menu item? Spring Rolls! Holy crap, those spring rolls are delicious! Honestly, I'm sort of spoiled by them now...I have a hard time appreciating spring rolls at other pho joints because of how stinking good Big Bowl's are. And to top it all off, I love everyone that works there. Whenever my boyfriend and I come in, they greet us by name, remember our regular orders, ask how we are, treat us as if they want to know us. They're all totally awesome. The service is fast, the food is affordable (as with most pho places), and I love the atmosphere. All in all, GO TO BIG BOWL! Update! Pho Big Bowl is now MSG-free! Hooray!

    (5)

  • Jen B.

    Very good prices for what you get! The meat and tendon were great, but the broth could have been more flavorful. Definitely a better atmosphere than Than Brothers, but not quite as tasty.

    (3)

  • J. P. K.

    The broth was HOT and it stayed hot till the end of the meal!

    (5)

  • Zak M.

    This place rocks. From the day it opened, this is by far the best pho in Seattle - it just tastes fresher. If you would rather get lured in with a free stale weird eclair thing, go to any other pho place. If you want super fresh delicious pho that is super cheap, then go here. And get a free soda!

    (5)

  • Groundresonance C.

    Delicious MSG-free Pho. Yes, you read that correctly: MSG-free! Fast, friendly service and free soft drink or mango pudding with every bowl. This place is becoming a habit.

    (5)

  • E M.

    not the best pho i ever had, but the broth was good.

    (3)

  • Willow R.

    As a vegan with very little time to cook recently, this place is an absolute staple. It's my go-to neighborhood place when I want something yummy, inexpensive, warming (particularly when I'm feeling a little under the weather), and simple. Love it!!

    (5)

  • Tu M.

    loooooooooooooooove you, pho big bowl!!! :-) here are some reasons why i love this place: -delicious pho -cheap prices!! -NO MSG (according to their sign and printed materials) -seriously delicious spring rolls (with crispy sticks in them, yumm) -nice service -clean restaurant -free soda or pudding dessert with pho -open late (10pm) oh and if you're a giant, they have the "big bowl" option for you, as well.

    (5)

  • Alon L.

    Standard fare for pho, especially considering that there are dozens within a 2 mile radius of Pho Big Bowl. The broth is good and the portions - nice. The decor is quite clean, a plus compared to most pho places in the area (i.e., Than Brothers, which is a bit on the dirty side). But, meh, if you're eating pho, you shouldn't expect an immaculate restaurant. So, the cleanliness here is a nice bonus. Prices - cheap, as expected. I'd go back if I was on Market Street and had a taste for pho. Overall, the broth at Than Brothers is a little better, but sometimes it's nice to switch things up a bit.

    (3)

  • Sheena H.

    The prices are good but the broth had zero flavor, i kept adding more sauce but there was never a good flavor. it was actually so bad it was the first time i couldn't eat a bowl of pho. very disapppointing. and the egg rolls, do not eat those they were disgusting.

    (2)

  • Anyong N.

    The food is fresh, portions are generous and this place keeps the menu in their wheelhouse. That is to say, this place serves pho and little else. There is free mango pudding too. It is a bit bland, as far as I know pho to go, so make sure you use the chili bits/oil in your soup.

    (3)

  • Greg P.

    I have been Pho addict for 10 years now, after being introduced to it by a Vietnamese friend. I have eaten Pho in Houston, Austin, Dallas, Seattle, Tacoma, etc. I had reluctantly settled on Than Brothers, as it is close and fairly consistent, albeit with bad service, disgusting bathrooms, but with the obligatory cream puff that my wife always enjoys. We were on our way to another lunch at the usually crowded Than Brothers, when we spied the grand opening of Pho Big Bowl and decided to give them a try. The immediate differences - clean, friendly service and a larger menu. We were especially hungry and decided to start wit the fried egg rolls. They arrived within a 5 minutes - huge, hot, crisp, and obviously freshly made with delicious, lean, meaty filling. We were afraid that we'd ruined our appetite, so when the Pho came, we thought we'd literally bitten off more than we could chew. I was wrong. The Pho was literally, some of the best I have ever tasted. Rich, hearty, not-too-salty or oily broth, perfectly cooked, generous portions of lean flank (not completely raw, a tint of pink), meatballs without bits of gristle, perfectly cooked noodles and the basil was perfectly fresh as well. Service with a smile, clean bathrooms, free pop or mango pudding, great prices...I have a new home. I am disowning my Than Brothers for Pho Big Bowl!

    (4)

  • N. S.

    pros: clean, cheap, fast and friendly service, tasty pho, awesome fresh rolls, great hours, free soda, free dessert, you don't smell like pho when you leave, lots of seating cons: parking recommend: the pho, fresh rolls

    (5)

  • Danielle K.

    Pho Big Bowl has seduced me from Than Brothers. Why? #1) Friendly service. I was beginning to expect rude yet quick service from pho places, but apparently this isn't the case. I get pho quite often, and even after being a regular customer at Than Bros. I was never treated like a 'regular' customer. This place has been a great place to go ever since they opened. They remember me - their service is quick, their pho I think is a lot better than Than Bros., a lot more flavorful, and a lot more veggies (carrots, broccoli, onions, shrooms). You also get free sodas or mango pudding with your order. Only thing that would make them even more complete: the pastry puff. Sadly, these are not offered here, but I don't really mind. Great atmosphere, lots of room. Open til 11!

    (5)

  • Ele M.

    Well, here I am, reviewing another pho shop, instead of going to lunch like I planned. After this, stomach, I promise. Pho Big Bowl on Market Street: it BLOWS Than Bros out of the water! A creme puff versus a delicious bowl of pho AND free soda? The choice is obvious. This ties (or maybe even beats) Pho of Aurora in cheap and tasty eats, and it is, hands-down, in a cleaner and nicer building, neighborhood, area.... Go there, now. Eat.

    (5)

  • Adam M.

    Big Bowl is a great alternative to the lack luster Pho establishments in Ballard. The soup's about as good as you'll find outside the Intl Dist. The staff was very friendly. The restaurant is very clean (which might be in part because it's brand new) and had a pleasant atmosphere. All in all a great addition to the neighborhood. I'm sure I'll be finding myself there more and more.

    (4)

  • Kristine A.

    Not a lot of pho places gives you free soda w/ an order, so thats a plus. One of the best pho places I've been to. Food is good and place is clean. I love that they put that fried eggroll wrapper in the spring rolls. My son loved the mango pudding they have too.

    (5)

  • Michelle B.

    I have to say, I'm oddly picky about Pho. Even though there are about a million Pho restaurants in Seattle, I'm a strong believer that no two are alike (even if they share the same name) and I have only found 2 or 3 that I actually enjoy eat at. Pho Big Bowl has made this list. First of all, although I usually order take out, this place is CLEAN! I have never been to Pho restaurant with such a welcoming interior. Usually I avoid eating in at all cost and this place as changed my perspective on that. Second, their broth is solid, which I think is the key to a good bowl of Pho. I hate it when it's too nutmeg-y. Lastly, in addition to their acceptance of credit cards and free soda with every meal, I really appreciate their hours. With hours of 10a-10p Mon-Sun, I can stumble in here for a bowl of awesomeness before stumbling home. Let's face it, there really is nothing more comforting than a big bowl of chicken Pho after an exhausting day of Sunday Funday drinking. Thanks Big Bowl, for being you!

    (4)

  • Jason G.

    I just tried this place out based on the reviews here. Having been to quite a few pho places around seattle, this one lands right in the center. It's basically a bowl of pho and/or a very large bowl of pho. The broth to me is king and it just doesn't do anything for me here. Seems a bit heavy on the cardamon like they are trying to give it some sort of taste, but just can't quite figure it out. I will say that the place is very clean and nice which rounded my 2.5 stars up to 3. I don't think I'll be back, if I'm in Ballard, I'd go to Monkey Bridge for Pho.

    (3)

  • Kal A.

    this place is solid. so glad there's a better option than than bros.

    (4)

  • kooly k.

    $4.85 for a small (but very filling) bowl of Pho and a free drink to boot... how can you not love this place? The broth is near-perfect - not oily, not overly salty, just loaded with delicious beef flavor. The round steak was nice and lean and the noodles were excellent. Top it off with very friendly service and this is my new favorite Pho restaurant.

    (5)

  • Jerry L.

    The food is ok, and the prices are competitive with Than Bros just down the street. The two main people who work there are very nice. It's a nice alternative if you don't want to crowd in at Than Bros or simply don't want to walk over there. Not sure if I prefer the soda/mango pudding vs the cream puff...

    (3)

  • Mo N.

    Loved it! Great food, huge portions, friendly staff, super clean inside and unbeatable prices! Fresh ingredients made all the difference compared to the others nearby. Will definitely go back soon!

    (5)

  • V G.

    I'm a huge fan of Than Bros- go there at least 3-5 times a month. I like this Pho just as much and the restaurant is a bit cleaner and the staff is extremely friendly. I would definitely recommend Big Bowl and will continue to eat at both restaurants. I would also highly recommend Big Bowl to anyone who really like extra veggies, like carrots and broccoli in any of the Pho- Big Bowl has it!

    (5)

  • Charles M.

    Good sized pho for cheap! I work in the Ballard area and I always make sure I stop by whenever I get the chance :)

    (4)

  • Ally-Marie B.

    So glad I came here!!!! I needed a place to have lunch and catch up with a friend. We were in the mood for Pho and it had to be in Ballard. (I find that I'm coming here more often, and I like it) This place is AFFORDABLE. $7 for a medium Pho, the broth is incredibly tasty, not bland at all! They gave me a huge helping of brisket and flank (all time favorite), the noodles were only the slightest bit too soft however, but there was plenty of basil and sprouts. The service was quick even though it was a holiday and it was packed. Overall it's some of the best Pho I've had in Seattle.

    (4)

  • Brandon C.

    Tldr; place sucks, not authentic, feels really lazy. A lot of things wrong with this place. When the quality of food is bad, restaurant owners tend to do some gimmicky thing to attract customers. This place does "free drink" and an option for super size. Not only did the waitress not seat me quickly, she failed to offer me a free drink. So much for the "free drink with any purchase." The pho actually took quite a while to make, well over 5 minutes. Authentic pho is served quickly with steaming hot broth; this place failed to do so. Furthermore, I noticed the guy from the back bringing bowls of pho to the front mixed up a few of the orders in the other tables, not a good sign. When the waitress gave me my plate of garnishes, I noticed that the lime slice had a clear brown line around the surface where it was cut. This means the lime is old, dry, and just really nasty. The garnishes were not fresh, and after a long wait, I was not amazed by my plain bowl of pho either. There were quite a few things wrong with this bowl of pho. I ordered fifteen extra large, and I expected more meat like any other place would offer with larger bowl sizes. Instead, they add more noodles and reduce your portions for meat. Why. What made me laugh a bit at this low quality pho place is the chunk of beef in my bowl. It was not at all sliced up. I uploaded a picture of it on Yelp. You slice the raw beef thinly so it cooks perfectly in the really hot broth. Instead, these guys just took the lazy route and dropped a piece of beef into my bowl. Thanks, I guess. When I eat pho, I like tendon, which is really nice and fat. I ordered an extra large bowl including tendon and tripe along with the other cuts of beef. Although I found a decent amount of tripe, I could not find a single piece of tendon. Talk about false advertising. The place overall just felt really lazy, and I noticed quite a few people going in and out to get to-go food. To-go pho is bad because the broth gets cold and everything becomes really bad. I bused over an hour to get here, and when I finally got my food, I was not impressed. I feel sorry for the people in this community that think this place serves good pho. I mean, the first warning sign is that there is no real Vietnamese community in the area. Ultimately, I rate this place a 1.5/5. Sucks

    (1)

  • Marguerite C.

    For the price and speed, you can't beat the Pho Big Bowl for lunch! Delicious veggie pho(a 6.5 out of 10 for sure) and a mentality toward speediness.

    (4)

  • Niki H.

    3.5 stars. The prices here are really good and they do a pretty good job of keeping the place clean. That being said, the broth is occasionally bland, that is true. We also find the chicken to be consistently rubbery and inedible. So far I've tried the Chicken Pho, the Seafood Pho and the Tofu Pho. Out of all of them, I like the Tofu Pho the best. I also enjoyed their spring rolls. The staff is usually quite pleasant. There might be tastier Pho places out there but this place has its charm.

    (3)

  • Corinne P.

    Meh, I've had better. The flavor wasn't really there for me. I had the tendon and beef one. I think there was tendon in the pho. If it were, then it was cut into tiny little pieces. The meat was chewy... just wasn't a fan of it. The broth was ok. I mean, it needed sauce and chili peppers into it. I also had one slice of jalenpo. Which was pathetic. Will I go back? Nahhh I can find a better pho place.

    (2)

  • Sue Z.

    One of the best bowls of veggie pho I've ever had in the region. As a vegetarian, I can't speak for the regular beef pho. All I know is that it's tough to get a great bowl of veggie pho. Either they don't have veggie broth or it's watered down. Most often, there are few fresh veggies. Here I got it all and the price is so right! The service was fantastic and fast, fast, fast. This is my new go-to spot for pho when I'm near the neighborhood.

    (5)

  • Carla W.

    worst vietnamese coffee ever! so bitter it was undrinkable even though it was supposed to have condensed milk in it, not to mention it came in a small cup that was only 1/2 full! when i objected, they refused to do anything whatsoever!

    (1)

  • Vince N.

    I am a fan of this place. The bowls of pho are big and the huge one looks ridiculous. The fact that there is no MSG in the food warrants a prized 4 stars from me. I have had better pho, but I think for it's location and the intent of no MSG I will give this place a higher rating. There is more love going into the food here than the place across the street. The service is great and the overall experience makes it worth coming back here. Pho Big Bowl, I like you enough to go back.

    (4)

  • Dom C.

    This pho will not disappoint. Veggie and meat broth available. Large amounts of fresh veggies for the veggie pho. NO MSG! Customer service is amazing and food comes out super quick. Their spring rolls are the gem of the menu, coming with a side of the best peanut sauce I've ever had. I'm a big road tripper, and in the last 2 years I have had nothing but 4 - 5 star pho in cities all over the country - Portland, San Francisco, Berkley, L.A., Austin, Denver, Chicago, New York, and many more. Without question, nothing I've had comes close to the what Big Bowl puts out. TREAT YOURSELF!

    (5)

  • Fidel P.

    My current addiction I have the number 18! I liked the taste of the pork, the freshness of the veggies and the not so fishy taste of the fish sauce. I can eat this every meal! i also have had there shrimp spring rolls and they are great too, very fresh ingredients. The inside is clean and organized and surprisingly spacious considering it is on the main drag in Ballard. Meals come quick which is great especially if you are starving. i highly recommend this place. Super awesome!

    (5)

  • Carla B.

    This was my 2nd time in for veggie pho'. I ordered the medium this time because the first time I ordered a small and the portion was not satisfying. The veggie broth was not very flavorful, nor were the other ingredients. If I am desperate for pho' I will be back but it's doubtful.

    (3)

  • Xibee M.

    Ok listen up: I have had the best pho in Oakland CA in the 90s which was the best place for it back then, with a large, legit Vietnamese community, and I know and love my pho. I know a good pho and this is on the way there but not quite. There are definitely better places for pho in Seattle, but this is a good medium place, because it is: A) in Ballard on the main drag where you might already be; B) Large and clean and presentable C) has good amount of food for the money (much less than Monkey Bridge), as well as mini-treats like shot-size mango pudding, and D) the broth is legitimately homey (although on the thin side). The key to ANY pho is the broth and whether it is legitimate home-made stock recipe, full flavored, etc. or whether it is msg'd, faked, thin, or overly spiced. Than Bros is on the same level with this place, although I prefer this because the broth is more delicately real, and less spiced than Than Bros, which has a clove-y taste. Downside is, they are both too watery - they should leave the broth stronger. To get REAL pho broth you must go to Pho Ba in the ID. But you might not want to brave the traffic and parking madness. The meat quality here was good, not superlative but fine. The broth could be better. The atmosphere was nice. Ingredients were fresh. Cafe Sua Da was good coffee tasting but could have been a tad sweeter. Tiny complimentary mango pudding/jelly was a nice touch. My feeling is that many pho places struggle a bit to keep their profits up and thinning their soup and being a bit skimpy with the condensed milk is what they feel they must do to keep things profitable. BIG BOWL OWNERS: DON'T DO IT!! This place is ALMOST great. If they would change that one aspect. Don't skimp and you'll be fine.

    (4)

  • Liane W.

    I am a Pho-natic. :) We live in Ballard and I'm always dragging my family to this place. I give this place 4 stars because it may not be THE BEST pho I've ever had, but they have never let me down in their consistency of delivering the same tasty food and friendly and efficient service every time I come by. Rain or shine, we are here at least once every two weeks. They're fast, dependable, and the food is always fresh. I've never had a bad bowl of noodles here. And when you're dining with two small children, being fast and dependable are paramount to a palatable dining experience. I usually get their veggie tofu pho (best veggie pho that I've tried in Seattle). The veggie broth is full-bodied and has a hint of sweetness to it. Service is standard: quick and friendly. It helps that you have a (free!) small mango custard dessert waiting for you at the end of your meal.

    (4)

  • Stormy C.

    Wonderful restaurant!!! This place has been my favorite for at least 3 years now. I always love coming here, the wait for meals are not long at all and they're always pleasing, not to mention the prices, very affordable. The workers are also very welcoming and always make me feel at home when I'm here, I'll be sure to keep coming in and I'll definitely be bringing friends too!

    (5)

  • Jesse P.

    "Do you know what you want?" she asked. Then I told her. Soon after, a Big Bland looking Bowl of Pho hit the table. The man who had just brought it was already walking away. There was just beef, noodles, and broth in the bowl, nothing else. I added all of my necessary accompaniments. The rare, and well done beef were nice though in short supply. Noodles were good, once dislodged. The broth wasn't fully developed, and tasted as it looked. The place was full. I overheard someone order extra beef, and I wished that I had. However, by the time I got to the bottom of the bowl, I was feeling good about it. I ordered some Pho Ga to-go which was graciously put together for me. My wife, who had a cold, said it was tasty, and was thankful for it. So, overall it was A-OK.

    (3)

  • Laleh J.

    I think this place is A-ok. I have to agree with a few other reviewers here that the broth was kind of bland, and I had to add a lot of different sauces to get it they way I wanted it, and even then, it was just missing so many of the spices that I'm usually used to in pho broth. The spring rolls were good but had some fried things in them as well that made you feel heavy after you ate them. I like all the different size options, but the bland broth here will make me stick to my usual Pho Viet Anh in Lower Queen Anne.

    (3)

  • Joseph L.

    This pho is crazy sweet and not in a good way at all. I expect some sweetness in the broth but it tastes like they dumped a ton of cinnamon and sugar into the broth. The prices and sizes weren't too bad though. The service was lacking and I never got a refill for my water. If I was in the area I might come back if someone else was paying but I definitely wouldn't go out of my way to eat here again.

    (3)

  • Nathan B.

    Pros: Veggies were incredibly fresh. The price was well worth it. The inside environment is very cool, it would be a fun place to sit down with a couple people and have a meal. Order was taken quick, and food got out to me quick. Cons: The lady who sat me, took my order, and took my payment was downright mean. I was planning to sit and enjoy my meal in the restaurant, but she was shooting daggers with her eyes and I did not want to spend my lunch break around someone who seemed so aggressively unhappy. Maybe she was just having a bad day, but she is the sole reason this place did not score a 4 or higher. I order the vegetarian spring rolls, which were probably about a 4 out of 5. She told me that the other spring rolls, the ones with meat, were better, for what it's worth. Better options in the area include El Camion ("taco truck"), Mr. Gyro, and the Monkey Bridge. All of the above places offer superior food and service.

    (3)

  • Vivian D.

    The Pho ok. The soup not so special but they very clean and very nice service. I like the tea here also. In Seattle area have many Vietnamese restaurant but you can come here if you want to try the good food. I like here and I will be back. 4 star just for now

    (4)

  • Andrew B.

    Right on Market in Ballard with all of the other more well known pho places. Best veggie pho in Ballard. They don't skimp on the veggies when they cut out the meat. Most places just don't put in meat rather than actually adding more veggies. Big points for this. Super cheap and I've never had to wait for a table.

    (4)

  • Yoda B.

    I feel like I can write a pretty balanced review of this establishment. I have gone here now about 30 times, and I honestly like it more than any other pho place I have visited here. They have always had outstanding food, and almost always have outstanding customer service, especially for a pho restaurant. I'm used to going to Than Bros on the Ave, but I work in Ballard, and after giving their Ballard branch a few tries I gave up. Still craving my pho fix, I decided to try the place that I walked by all the time- Pho Big Bowl. Although the name did not impress me, it looked really nice inside, and they had a good menu. I always order Veggie pho, and I like that they can verify their pho is actually vegetarian. After going there once, I just never even bothered with Than Brothers again unless in the U District. Perks: The environment is really clean, much cleaner than most pho places I have eaten at in Seattle. The food is the best- I don't feel like the broth is too salty. The people who work there are really nice and also offer water refills (which is also uncommon at Seattle pho establishments). Best spring rolls EVER! These are so good, sometimes I go just for the rolls, which is weird since I usually love pho more than anything! This is a great place for groups and children, since they have not only every type of pho, but also a huge selection of other items in case you have someone with you who is a picky eater or feels like something besides noodle soup. They are quick with to- go orders, and when I have my dog with me, they will even let me pay them and then wait outside with my dog, then come take the food out to me on the sidewalk- that is awesome customer service. This is my Seattle pho place, and I barely think of going to another place unless I'm really far away.

    (5)

  • Doug C.

    I have been here over 6 times in the past three months. Soooo good! Great options, super fast, great flavor...and super cheap! A staple in Ballard!

    (5)

  • Debbie H.

    Loved the eye round steak noodle bowl. I had the small bowl and it was plenty. So full.

    (5)

  • Sara L.

    The BEST pho! Fast, delicious and cheap. In the winter I eat here at least once a week and always order the veggie pho, sometimes ordering a banh mi to split. There is nothing better on a cold and rainy Seattle day. All of the employees are friendly and if you call in for a take-out order it's ready in five minutes!

    (5)

  • Eric H.

    Where's the Beef? My wife and I were walking by and saw how busy it was, so we decided to try it. I've eaten a lot of pho in the Seattle area and this was really disappointing. Five sizes including the ridiculous $20 "Big Bowl," but the sizes are deceptive. Lots of mediocre watered-down broth but very few other ingredients. We both ordered #7, with well done brisket and flank, and it had a small amount of noodles and a few scraps of meat with quite a bit of fat. Maybe two full slices with a bunch of crumbs. And what's with lemon instead of limes? We didn't get the "free" soda either. If you're hungry, go for the large bowl. After finishing the medium bowl, I left hungry. Better yet, go elsewhere. I doubt we'll ever be back since there are plenty of other better options in this neighborhood. One good thing, at least it wasn't expensive.

    (2)

  • Chalker S.

    Great food and amazing prices! I ate here several times a week when I lived in Ballard. Their veggie broth is great!

    (5)

  • Luisa I.

    This has been our go to spot for 3 or 4 years. We used to go to Than Brothers but this place is cleaner and they have fresh sprig rolls and egg rolls, and friendly staff. Free drinks too!

    (5)

  • Kate N.

    If I could give ZERO stars, I would have. Undoubtably the least impressive pho I've ever consumed. Read the reviews and saw that it had good ratings, specifically calling out how delicious the broth was and boy, was this big disappointment bowl. About the only thing that this place has going for it is the prices. You can get two "medium" bowls of pho for $12 and they actually have a $20 "trough" of pho that you can order. That's were the "pro's" end. Oh, if you can't have MSG they swear they're MSG free, besides the meatballs...those DO have MSG so don't order those. Most pho places have at least a basic level of customer service, and most actually make you feel like they're happy your eating at their establishment. Not Pho Big Bowl. The waitress was incredibly rude and seemed inconvenienced by our presence. Not a great way to start a meal. Once we decided what to order, the pho cam pretty quickly but at first "sip", hindsight says I we should have gotten up and left. The broth is salty and flavorful and the chicken pho BARELY had any chicken. They did seem to get the "no mushrooms" part of the tofu pho. Conclusion: I wish I would have walked out instead of actually consuming this pho. Pro Poor college student pricing Ample seating MSG Free (if you need to be, I prefer the pho flavored with MSG so that also goes on the con list) Con No MSG (broth was awful!) Flavor and quality are lacking Broth is salty Chicken pho had barely any chicken Terrible customer service

    (1)

  • Joel C.

    This is our favorite Phó place in town. Cheap, extremely fast, delicious, and friendly service to boot. We just about always get the vegetarian Phó, small size, with extra noodles. That's enough to fill me up, but if I'm extra hungry, I get the vegetarian fresh spring rolls, which come with a sweet peanut dipping sauce and are also delicious. They offer a free soft drink or mango pudding with every meal, you just have to request which you want. It's a great place to grab a quick, relatively healthy dinner for 2 for about $20.

    (5)

  • Clint W.

    I finally made it here, curious about the big bowl. I knew there was a pho place on Market street, but I'd never stopped in. Its by La Isla and that's probably when I saw it. There's a large open area with a number of tables spread out and getting seated, ordering and getting my food all happened in a split second. I had a couple of spring rolls with shrimp and they had that long crunchy thing in it. I don't know why, but I'm not a fan of those. My large bowl of pho was indeed large. The broth just okay, nothing special, with regard to different flavors. Fixins were fresh, including an entire half of a lime. A bit of poking....the broth wasn't piping hot, so that the meat took awhile to cook. I had some grayness going on for awhile. Another notch to add to my pho list!

    (3)

  • Tami G.

    Mediocre. Large bowl with small amount of ingredients. It says they don't use MsG but if you are gluten free I would NOT eat here. I got really sick for two days after eating their veggie pho. I will not be eating here ever again. Also- the lady who worked there doesn't speak any English so if you have any questions- forget about it.

    (2)

  • Julie P.

    The best veggie pho in town! I love that they give you choice of a free soda or mango pudding when you dine in...I always get the mango pudding =) There regular pho is good too and I look forward to trying some rice dishes but the pho is so great that I always get it.Super friendly and fast service too.

    (5)

  • Caetano G.

    Spring rolls are really good, but pho has no msg. I demand a chemical food additive that will make me eat until my stomach self combusts! What is this madness? Riperino in peperino

    (3)

  • Heather H.

    Food gluttons will feel especially welcome here because the big bowl special is party size! For $20.00 you can get yourself a few gallons of pho. Seriously. Aside from gawking at the big bowl there are normal human sized portions available with perks such as no MSG, thorough labeling and even specified vegetarian options. Yay for picky folks like me! The fresh spring rolls had several options of choosing between tofu, pork, and shrimp. All the pho smelled fresh, perfect broth and noodles. Bottom line: Cheap, super fresh, spot-on staff, with the added bonus of gigantic portions.

    (5)

  • Mac O.

    This is our favorite close by pho place. We absolutely LOVE the spring rolls and beef noodle soup. Reason why it's not a 5 star: The seafood soup can use some improvement. The carpet can use a good shampoo.

    (4)

  • Teresita C.

    So I've been living in Ballard for 3 years and until recently I've been a lazy, lazy slug, and never went beyond Than Brothers to get my pho. Boy, was I WRONG. Pho Big Bowl is much better than the Brothers and very inexpensive. The service is prompt and kind and you get a free drink with each order. I'm not much into soda but it's a nice addition if you swing that way. We've become repeat customers and will probably stay that way. Good job, you big bowl of love!

    (4)

  • Harin G.

    Is there ever a day that wouldn't be fitting to go to Pho Big Bowl? *It's cold, let's go to Big Bowl. *It's such a nice day, I don't want to cook. Let's go to Big Bowl. *I had an awesome day! Let's celebrate with Big Bowl. *I had a tough day, a big bowl of Pho from Big Bowl would cheer me up. *Have you ever been to Big Bowl? It's the best Pho, let's go! *You love Big Bowl too? We should go together! .....picking up on my love for the economical yet uberly delicious Big Bowl?? Their egg rolls, spring rolls as apps are amazing and I appreciate that I can enjoy their pho without feeling like I need to drink all of the water in Lake Union to offset my salt intake. It's delicious and simple and althought I don't think a little MSG will hurt anyone, I really appreciate that they don't use it and it still takes as amazing as it does. I've only lived here 2 months and I have been here easily 10 times. Don't take just my word for it; listen to your belly and go eat here, it will thank you.

    (5)

  • Jason T.

    Great value! Huge portions and free soda or mango pudding with every meal. Great quick stop for a lunch or dinner on the cheap (which is hard to find in Ballard).

    (4)

  • Beverly B.

    Super good food, super cheap, super service and super teas....all around goodness! The spring rolls and all the Pho has been spectacular, and the servers/family remember us and know what we get.

    (5)

  • Kodi C.

    My husband and I go here almost every week since we moved here a few months ago. We love it - they're friendly, fast and it always tastes yummy!

    (5)

  • Martin C.

    Best Pho in Seattle. Cheap price but excellent Pho. No MSG. XL was only $6.95 plus free soft drink or free homemade mango pudding. Definitely coming back. Plus, they take Visa.

    (5)

  • Cindy L.

    This place was OK, not amazing. The broth was fine -- a but sweet for my taste and not really meaty enough, but not horrible. The meat (tai) however is supposed to be super thin, which it was, but its not supposed to stick together to each other and totally be dried up. I didn't even bother finishing all of it because it was so chewy and not in a good way.

    (3)

  • Emma Luvr T.

    Can you handle the "Big Bowl"? It's deliciousness and affordability will blow you away! I have been eating at Big Bowl since they opened. Was very glad to see an alternative to the "other" pho place in Ballard - I think y'all know who I mean... *cough* creampuffs. Big Bowl is always fast, friendly, and tasty. I also appreciate that Big Bowl has added other items to the menu (such as one of our favorites, "bun," a delicious noodle salad dish with sliced springrolls and/or meat on top). The fresh springrolls are also great. Super healthy, not fried. Prices are a measly $4 or so for the small size pho, large is closer to $6 last I checked. For these prices and quality of food, the Big Bowl cannot be beat!

    (5)

  • Ryan W.

    Came here on a recommendation and left feeling.. "meh.." I'm pretty picky when it comes to noodles and Pho happens to be one of my favorite dishes. The prices are very reasonable and the serving size is satisfying, however the flavoring was a major let down. I ordered a #13 which has everything except tendon.The broth was extremely bland and lacked flavor! I had to rely on generous amounts of sriracha and hoisin sauce to get me through the bowl. The beef was also chewy and tough. One other minor flaw was their skimpy amount of onion and green onions in the bowl. Those elements are key in adding more layers of flavor in pho and as minor as those ingredients may appear, it was a misstep in my opinion. Another thing worth noting, I came with my wife and as the two of us starting dressing our bowls with the sprouts, basil and lime, noticed there was only one big piece of jalapeno. No thinly sliced pieces for more than one person? I could have asked for more but that lack of attention to detail added to my disappointment. The one thing positive I can say about our experience was that the service was very fast.

    (2)

  • Aaron R.

    I was disappointed in this restaurant, primarily because of the food. The setting was typical of a pho restaurant, plain but clean. The service was fast and friendly but what was brought was pretty mediocre. The spring rolls were fine but the peanut sauce was bland and runny. The broth of the steak pho I got was also bland, which is unforgivable, tho the steak was thinly cut and plentiful. They didn't have sweet fish sauce either!

    (2)

  • Aram H.

    I'm a huge noodle fan. I have tried a lot of different Pho places in Seattle and this is the best so far. The broth was very flavorful and the beef meat was really tender as well. I loved their hot honey tea and fresh spring rolls. The most amazing part is the price. The hot honey tea was a $1. This shows how reasonable the prices r in this restaurant. Yummy ;)

    (5)

  • Pete M.

    I first discovered Pho Big Bowl while living in Magnolia and crossing the bridge in search of some good food, and did I find it. the pho never disappoints and the shrimp rolls have literally been in my dreams. my mother in law loves this place as well my wife and several friends I've introduced big bowl to. too awesome for words.

    (5)

  • Michael A.

    Pho queue, is what i want to stand in to get to this place! So good, so delicious, so amazing, I want it now. Seriously great Pho, great service and a free coke to boot. I'm off to get mine now.

    (5)

  • Seattle L.

    I wish there were 6 stars on Yelp for my favorite pho of all time. I hope to always live in close proximity of this place. Incomparable broth, unbelievable veggies, lovely staff.

    (5)

  • Lynne T.

    I don't know how the other people came up with such great reviews. I tried the place and it was a disaster! First, we were pointed to a table to sit when we arrived. Table was dirty with food stuck on it so my husband wiped it with napkins he had with him. The waitress could see my husband wiping the table but did not offer to come wipe it for us. That's fine. We ordered pho with the tendon and a BBQ pork with vermicelli. However, another waitress delivered the BbQ chicken with vermicelli and when I told her it's the wrong one because I ordered pork, SHE WAS SO RUDE and told me "no, you ordered chicken". She was arguing with me what I ordered! How on earth does she know what I ordered when she wasn't the waitress who took my order?! She could have said, let me check with the other waitress and I would have not been upset. But I was so upset when she went and got the paper that list down our order and said repeatedly, "look, it says chicken" and I replied, "I wasn't the one who wrote the order." She finally went to ask the other waitress and realized the waitress had written down the wrong order. When the other waitress delivered my BBQ pork order, she said "I'm sorry". I think the waitress who was arguing with me should have come in to apologize! BBQ pork was so dry. Tendon was not tendon but it was fat. Pho soup is nothing special. In short, don't come to this place! If food and service are not good, why would you come?

    (1)

  • Andrew S.

    Always friendly service! Very fast, excellent fresh spring rolls with great crunch, and warm peanut sauce. Pho broth is pretty clean, always consistent, great selection of meats. Vermicelli bowls and grilled sandwiches are awesome as well.

    (5)

  • Andrew K.

    I needed a quick, light lunch, and this place delivered! Admittedly, I did not actually get the pho, but an order of the pork spring rolls. The rolls, and the peanut sauce were delicious. Based on my visit, food portions are pretty good for the money here, which is another plus. The place was clean and presentable, the service friendly, and my order out within minutes. Overall, it was a positive experience, and there's a good chance I'll be back to give the pho a try the next time I'm in Ballard, and happen to be craving some!

    (4)

  • Lea A.

    I was really excited to go to Pho Big Bowl because of the high reviews and the variety of soup sizes you can get. Because, yeah, sometimes Small and Large isn't enough, and I'm charmed by the "Man vs Food" feel of their largest bowl. However, if you're a pho connoseiur, this may not be your place. I prefer my broth more on the savory side and theirs has a sweeter disposition and not much else. It didn't have the depth of flavour I expect from pho. Additionally, I'm not sure it really was much value for money as the larger bowl my husband had vs my medium one seemed to be mostly extra broth instead of noodles and meat. He didn't finish his bowl, which is a rare occurrence when we eat noodle soup. It gets a couple of stars for their novelty bowls and cleanliness.

    (2)

  • Mike S.

    No m.s.g. is great, I appreciate it. What turned me off was the broth, they add sugar to it, never had broth like that nor do I care to again, it was also lacking flavor, spice and herb. Not impressed.

    (2)

  • Myra A.

    I came in here today with a pho craving. Their broth is great (most important part of pho!) but the brisket wasn't tender, though it wasn't horribly tough either. I've actually come here before over a year ago and had the same experience but didn't return because I lived in Green Lake. Now a Ballard resident, I will probably be a regular due to proximity, not because the pho is phantastic. I also had their bahn mi, which was also okay. I prefer the flakiness of the bread Ann's Teriyaki (adjacent to Pho Big Bowl) and the flavor of the bahn mi innards at Ann's but I like the bread to meat/veggie ratio at Pho Big Bowl instead . All in all, Pho Big Bowl is quite alright on the pho restaurant spectrum.

    (3)

  • Jessica B.

    It's so hard to find decent vegetarian pho and this place does it spectacularly! It's all in the broth. As an omnivore, I hate me a bland veggie broth- but this broth is full bodied and flavorful! I recommend getting the fresh tofu (the fried gets a bit soggy), and I get extra noodles because I always need more carbs. The veggies are nice and crisp and you can make it as spicy as you want. Plus you get a free can of soda! I usually pay $1 to get a honey chrysanthemum tea. And then I pay $2 to get the french coffee with condensed milk at the end. Yuuuuuuuum!!!! I love beverages... The pho comes in all sizes. I can never finish a medium, small is perfect for me (with extra noodles) and I'm a big eater.

    (5)

  • Jamie K.

    I'm the kind of person that gets the same thing every time I go out. It's not that I don't like to try new things, it just that when I find something I like, I feel loyal to it. Fortunately that is not a problem when eating at a pho restaurant! The veggie pho here is incredible. Really, truly, the best I've had anywhere. I know pho traditionally has meat, so what I'm getting isn't the most authentically Vietnamese, but damn they do a good job! Also, their banh mi and spring rolls are really good too. The spring rolls have this crunchy thing inside that I'm sure is full of crack because it's so addictive. 10-stars.

    (5)

  • A.J. S.

    Big is right!! A small bowl was plenty. Cheap and filling, no doubt. Came out quickly with mango jelly pudding to finish! Nice work. Can't complain. Maybe I'm doing it wrong, but overall, I am not pho-natic about pho. It's broth, it's noodles, it's meat....and I guess that's it. Kinda bland. Any soup where you have to add 2 pounds of additions and hot sauce to it I question how amazing it is to begin with. It's definitely a place to return if I'm hungover or sick, this would hit the spot.

    (3)

  • Heather F.

    We eat there quite a bit for lunch and we always leave full and happy! They also offer a veggie broth for the veggie Pho. There is something there for everybody. I recommend trying them out!

    (5)

  • Kristin M.

    Amazing, wonderful, delicious. I eat here almost once a week and it never disappoints.

    (5)

  • Rozzie M.

    Clean, inexpensive and quick. I am very particular about my chicken and Pho Big Bowl's is up to par, nice white meat and seldom scary bits (veins etc.). Service is always quick and you get a free soda or dessert with your meal.

    (5)

  • Jay L.

    Each of their sizes are probably one size more than most pho restaurants. A small here is a medium elsewhere. Great pho and good value for the $!!!

    (4)

  • Peg C.

    I've been eating at Pho Big Bowl since they opened. The food is good, fast, fresh and a great price. My hubby and I eat here at least 2-3 times a month. My favorites are the grilled chicken and grilled pork spring (fresh) rolls.

    (4)

  • Jeremy S.

    Big Bowl Pho is by far the best Pho in Ballard. The location is clean, the staff is extremely friendly, and the Pho is always well-executed. The fact that they provide a complimentary soda with each meal just adds to the great experience. Generous portions, reasonably priced, and very quick out of the kitchen. I visit Big Bowl Pho at least twice a week. Very much worth a trip to check it out.

    (5)

  • Cathy N.

    I'm Vietnamese AND a chef. This place is terrible. Leaving out MSG does not mean it has to be flavorless. My daughter order the egg rolls and gagged. Said she felt sick the rest of the night. I would rather consume MSG and suffer the headaches and dry mouth the come with it than eat here ever again. The service was fine, but who cares about that? If the food is good, service can be crappy and people will still go there. The converse is NOT the case. Go to Than Bros and put up with the meh service instead.

    (1)

  • Dave B.

    Go here if you experience the following moods: dejected, depressed, melancholy, sorrowful, dismal, blue, down, gloomy, glum, forlorn, low... It will make you: cheerful, delighted, glad, pleased, elated, thrilled, smile, humor, assured, sure, certain, positive, safe, stable, balanced, grounded, brave, proud Free soda always for life!

    (5)

  • Thy T.

    After spending 2 hours walking around in Discovery Park, we were cold and starving. Pho just sounded so good to us and being Viet, it was more like comfort food. When we arrived to the place, we didn't realized that there were only a few more minutes before closing time. We'd decided to ask the owner anyways if they would allow us in and they did! We all ordered pho (small & medium) which came out to be a decent size for us. I don't know why I keep ordering pho tai gan which is the one that has the tendon in the broth. There was like one small piece of tendon at the bottom of my soup. So far, I haven't found a place that serves superb pho tai gan besides my mom's pho so I wasn't too disappointed. Ordering pho tai should be just the same as pho tai gan. Overall, I thought the pricing was cheap (compared to back home) and the service was good.

    (4)

  • Crystal D.

    BEST spring rolls. I get the "big Bowl roll" and it is out of this world. The vermicelli noodle bowls are also my favorite. I'm so stuck on those two items that I have yet to try their Pho and I'll just bring someone with me who prefers soup so that I can sample without having to give up my two favorite dishes! If I could eat here everyday, I would.

    (5)

  • Eileen D.

    This is my favorite pho place in Ballard. I only get chicken or veggie so I can't comment on the other meat, but it's delicious and I've never found a bad bit in my chicken (which can sometimes happen). I like this place just as much as Than Brothers. One thing that's nice is they have additional appetizers, if you want something else besides pho.

    (5)

  • Rea F.

    This place ROCKS! No MSG in anything. The food is great and consistent. The service is great. I think it's a family operation. We go there often and will continue to do so. Best pho in town.

    (5)

  • Justin L.

    +1 they know me here +1 the big bowl is not a lie +1 best pho in town (well in Ballard...blah blah blah city limits) +1 mango pudding +1 real chilli paste +1 to spring rolls which contain fried wanton (so good) +1 great prices +1 enough space for my regul

    (5)

  • Tyler L.

    I've eaten a lot of pho in my day and this place wins my vote for sure. It's all about the broth (in my opinion)...and this place has good veggie broth! The portions are large, lots of rice noodles and the basil, jalapenos etc. are super fresh.... and you can't beat getting a free soda with your order...it's in the neighborhood and a regular stop now for sure.

    (4)

  • Jared T.

    This is my favorite pho place. Good pricing, fast service, good fresh pho, pop comes with the meal. My only knock on it used to be that they didn't have the Vietnamese sandwiches, which they now have. And they're good too!

    (5)

  • Brian L.

    This is the best Pho I've had and for the price it can't get any better. The ambiance is quiet and unremarkable, which in the end is much better than loud and distracting. On a rainy Sunday in Ballard this is the only place you'll find me eating.

    (5)

  • Derek P.

    If you're getting that cold weather I need a bowl of pho feeling OR, you're interested in a belly warming bowl of soup for a great price, check out Pho Big Bowl. My immediate take-away was how friendly and polite the staff was. Despite the place being packed, we never felt hurried or got the impression the woman helping us was rushed to help the next table. My girlfriend and I each had small bowl (which looked almost like mediums) + crispy fried eggrolls. The broth was delicious. We didn't get a chance to try anything else on the menu but I did make sure to accept the free soda. Strong flavors without the MSG. Which is always good.

    (5)

  • David H.

    Fast, Cheap, Good - any 2 of the above, so they say. Pho Big Bowl is all three (well, 2 and 3/4, but round up). OK, there are degrees of "good." But when you consider time and money involved, it's pretty freakin good. I mean, it's the cost and speed of chain fast food, but way, way better. Vegs are good and fresh, servings are big to immense with lots of size options. OK, so it's not high end decor, or four-star service. I've never gotten "unfriendly".

    (5)

  • Vishwesh G.

    Only 4 b/c they have very limited vegan option. But all 5 stars plus bonus star from me for veggie spring roll and veggie pho. Veggie soup is the most wonderful soup I tested in recent times I love it !!!!!!!

    (4)

  • Diane T.

    Not the best pho in the world, but definitely a solid 3 stars. Sometimes it's great; sometimes it's a little watered down. The service is quick and prompt, and the atmosphere is casual like most pho places. They've recently expanded their menu to include banh mi and vermicelli noodles..a definite plus for variety! I also like that you get a complimentary soda and that their pho is msg free!

    (3)

  • Mary N.

    Cheap, yummy, and fast. I come about 2 times a month. Service is simple and the place in mom and pop run.

    (4)

  • Kristine N.

    This place is soooo good! Used to be a Than brother fan but for some reason felt like they changed the broth. Decided to give this place a shot and haven't been disappointed. I always get the veggie pho. I also LOVE their tofu fresh rolls!!

    (4)

  • V V.

    Pho Big Bowl is my go to spot on a cold rainy night in Ballard. Fast, fresh and no MSG! We typically get two medium bowls and with tip it's usually around $15.00, you just can't beat this for a cheap eat.

    (4)

  • Montie M.

    Decent enough. The problem being, that decent doesn't really cut it in Seattle since there are ten pho joints on every block. Big Bowl is certainly correct. It was huge. They also used the most meat I've ever encountered in town. The broth was decent, but you could tell that they didn't use MSG as it was blander than many I've had. Free soda... yay? Who has soda with pho anyway?

    (3)

  • Eve T.

    Coming from Colorado, I think I was spoiled by REALLY GOOD pho. Any pho I've had in Seattle has been quite disappointing. I think I might have to give up on my pho-scouting adventures of Seattle. The broth here was bland and only lukewarm, making the end of the meal a bit cool. Blegh to cold pho. The eggroll bun (cold noodle dish) didn't even come with real authentic Vietnamese eggrolls! It was a Chinese eggroll stuffed with Viet eggroll ingredients. Some positives: good portion, great prices, friendly staff, free soda/mango pudding, clean atmosphere. But, obviously, those say nothing about the quality of the food.

    (2)

  • Abby V.

    It was my last night in Seattle and it had been rainy and gloomy all day so pho was so appropriate. Ordered a small pho tai and pork spring rolls and it really reminded me of home. The broth was good but I've had better. The pork spring rolls were yummy tho. Very fresh and the peanut sauce was excellent. They give free mango pudding to each customer so don't forget to ask about it.

    (3)

  • Joe B.

    I had to compare. I had to see if the broth was as good. You know who I'm talking about. Yes, the rude ones. Was Pho Big Bowl as good? Well my fellow Yelpers, it is! First off, the interior is really very nice. Almost classy. Two tone paint, nice tables, serviceable chairs. Even their shrine is better looking than you-know-who. Service? Friendly and efficient. Pho? I judge the broth. If I didn't know better I would have said that they went across the street and got it from the competition. Almost exactly the same. I also think I got more meat from Big Bowl. Not only that, I got a free can of soda for the price of a bowl. I love that! The only thing I didn't get was a cream puff. None to be had at PBB but that's OK with me. The ones they serve across the street just aren't nearly as good as they used to be. To sum up: Pho is good! Service is good! Space is good! Free soda is good! All is good! Give them a try, they are as good if not a bit better than whos-its.

    (5)

  • A U.

    Best pho that we've tried so far (we've tried Pho Than, Lucky's, Pho Cyclo, Fremont 1am). - Broth is excellent - Fresh veggie rolls (the non-fried ones) with crispy noodles are awesome - They provide chili oil which is a nice alternative/complement to Sriracha (it adds heat but doesn't change the flavor of the pho) - Very fast service

    (5)

  • David M.

    We thought the broth was too sweet. They're open early (10AM) and you get free icecream or coke with your pho.

    (3)

  • Nikki K.

    It didn't knock my sox off, but it was okay. I'm a big believer in trying things more than once, especially for a place you get take out, you should try an in house dining experience as well. I heart Pho in a big way. The portions are HUGE! The broth was tasty, which is what makes or breaks a good Pho.

    (3)

  • Stephanie M.

    One thing I forgot to mention in my previous review was that with every bowl you can choose either a free soda or free mango pudding. :) Also, their spring rolls are delicious!

    (4)

  • Christine Y.

    I actually didn't get pho here--I had a lovely mug of peppermint tea while the starving people I was with ate pho. I know, I know, what am I doing writing a review for them when I didn't have their food?! Well, I wanted to let the world know that they are a great establishment that allows customers to come in a little before closing and stay half an hour later without so much as informing us it was well past closing and pressuring us to leave. It was only when I returned from their restroom and saw the two ladies had their purses at the desk and were standing doing nothing that I realized we might be cutting into their night. Good people, clean place, decent food?

    (3)

  • Annette V.

    Simple little joint with a no frills menu. Pho is the main item on the menu and you can get it in the usual variety of ways and sizes. All orders come with a free can of soda which is a nice bonus! The veggies were fresh and plentiful and I liked that they were not stingy with the limes. The best part is they claim they are MSG free and I believe them since I didn't get the msg headache I normally do afterwards. I was shocked at how reasonable the prices were, especially since you can't get a bowl of pho that cheap in Portland!! Will definitely be back when I am in town!

    (4)

  • Nathan R.

    3.5 stars. I like to say, "Pho Big Bowl"- it's fun to say. Say it. Aloud. Right now. Say it. I'll wait. Ok- wasn't that fun? Answer: yes. It's pho, it's a big bowl..a big decent bowl of pho. Nothing great- but I'd come back again. Don't get the mango pudding- though, just a heads up. Weird texture- should have gotten the free drink instead. I just wish all pho places gave you a cream puff afterward...my only gripe. Nice decor inside- and a good location. Come on in and get a big bowl. Which, by the way- the bowls live up to the name. I think the large at PBB would be an extra large everyone else...so apply the Converse rules and order a size down. Pho Big Bowl. Pho: Big Bowl. Pho, Big Bowl. Fun.

    (3)

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Map

Opening Hours

  • Mon :10:00 am - 10

Specialities

  • Takes Reservations : No
    Delivery : No
    Take-out : Yes
    Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
    Good For : Lunch
    Parking : Street
    Bike Parking : Yes
    Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
    Good for Kids : Yes
    Good for Groups : Yes
    Attire : Casual
    Ambience : Casual
    Noise Level : Quiet
    Alcohol : No
    Outdoor Seating : No
    Wi-Fi : No
    Has TV : No
    Waiter Service : Yes
    Caters : No

Pho Big Bowl

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